Fang Zhao did not know that the engineers at Fiery Bird were talking about him. He was standing in his office on the 50th floor, looking out the window.
Every five minutes, an image of Polar Light would appear on the skyscrapers in the distance. Recently, Polar Light's figure could be seen everywhere in Yanzhou. Billboards, floating holographic screens on skyscrapers, motion and static posters. Besides the joint advertising campaigns by Silver Wing and Fiery Bird, there were also Yanzhou advertisements by Su Feng's Four Elephants. It seemed that overnight, Polar Light had exploded in popularity.
At a press conference for Polar Light's film, which Silver Wing had invested in, the media had inquired about Polar Light's endorsement. A spokesperson had "accidentally" revealed that Polar Light's endorsement fee for "Four Elephants" was 10 million a year. Many people's first reaction to this was disbelief.
Hype!
Definitely hype!
If it was Fiery Bird who had offered such a high price, they would have believed it. But other companies, especially one that was not considered famous, had actually offered such a high price. How could they believe it? Based on the endorsement fee alone, Polar Light was already Yanzhou's number one virtual idol. Even if he did not have enough works, did not have enough background, and did not have as many fans as the other two popular virtual idols, who asked Polar Light to be so lucky? Who asked the person behind him to be so capable? He had started making big news upon his debut and was now a hot topic.
But Four Elephants had really spent so much money to get Polar Light to endorse? Were they an idiot?!
Four Elephants' Yanzhou representative immediately jumped out: Sorry, I am the idiot you are all talking about.
Even though people said that, more people admired Four Elephants for grasping the opportunity and leeching off the popularity of "Battle of the Century." There was still some time before the release of "Battle of the Century," the game that was the focus of the world's attention, so people started to think about it.
Silver Wing and Fiery Bird had joined forces to promote Polar Light. Now, anyone in Yanzhou who went online or went out would have an impression of Polar Light. This was also the reason for the sudden increase in sales of Four Elephants in Yanzhou. As for the Four Elephants brand, it had leaped from "some brand in Muzhou" to a "well-known brand."
Fang Zhao did not understand the sales market, but he could understand the changes from what he saw and heard on a daily basis.
People in the virtual idol department had been standing tall recently. Every time they went out, they would receive many envious looks and compliments.
"One endorsement is 10 million. 10 endorsements would be 100 million! Twenty endorsements would be 200 million! "
As Zu Wen counted, he felt his mind getting more and more confused. "Are … are we going to be rich?" They didn't have that much money, but overtime pay and bonuses would increase, right?
"I sent it a long time ago." Song Miao rolled her eyes at him. "Didn't you check your account?"
"I really don't have any." Zu Wen, who was nestled on the sofa in the department hall, changed his position and checked the funds in his account.
"Hiss …" After a sharp intake of breath, Zu We held his head with both hands as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"I, I, I … this, this …"
Their salaries were already considered to be rather high in the company, and they also received quite a bit of overtime. Most importantly, there was still the bonus. Looking at the number of zeros at the end, Zu Wen once again deeply felt that his choice to be lazy and stay in the virtual projects department was the right one!
"This, this, this … this is all because of Boss's good leadership!" Flattery was a must! Without Fang Zhao's approval, would they have received so much overtime pay and bonuses? If it were other leaders who liked to deduct their employees' wages, they would not be treated so well.
The others in the department nodded in agreement.
Ever since Fang Zhao had arrived, Silver Wing's virtual projects department had been on the rise. They didn't know what would happen in the future, but they knew that as long as they followed Fang Zhao, their future would be limitless. Didn't you see how one trip to Muzhou had brought in a 10 million endorsement? Even the dog's value had risen!
Speaking of Muzhou …
"Boss, when can we go to Muzhou to watch the finals?" Zu Wen asked. This was the second time he had brought it up since Fang Zhao had returned.
The others in the department also looked at Fang Zhao with anticipation.
During the most intense period of publicity, they had all worked overtime to complete the assigned tasks. Now, the workload wasn't that heavy, and there were other departments to share the workload, so they were more relaxed.
"I will mention it to the boss. Today, we have another batch of assignments. You all can settle the matters at hand first." Fang Zhao tidied up his things. "After work, you are free to make your own arrangements."
"Got it!"
Although that was the reply, no one left. Working hours and after-work hours didn't affect them much. What they wanted to do now was to complete all the work at hand so that they could relax and go out to play.
After leaving the company, Fang Zhao went to Xue Jing's residence. Xue Jing had already returned to Yanzhou to rest. Previously, after the global lecture tour, Fang Zhao had hurriedly left because he had matters to attend to in Muzhou and Xue Jing had many meetings to attend. Now that he was back, Fang Zhao had to thank this old man. After all, it was Xue Jing who had given him this chance. If it had been anyone else, they might not have put in so much effort.
As Fang Zhao's driver and bodyguard, Zuo Yu naturally tagged along.
Xue Jing was very happy about Fang Zhao's arrival. "I was just talking about you, and here you are. Have you eaten dinner? "
"Yes, I have."
"Young people have big appetites. Come, accompany this old man for a meal." Xue Jing beckoned Fang Zhao over.
Fang Zhao was astonished to discover that Xue Jing had a guest. It was Fiery Bird's sound effects department head, Hua Li, whom he had contacted before.
"Old Xue can be considered my teacher. We have always been in contact. Today, I came to visit some old friends in Yanzhou and also dropped by to visit Old Xue. I didn't expect to run into you," Hua Li said.
Xue Jing was very happy today. Probably because he had drunk a little, he was especially talkative. The assistant didn't let Xue Jing drink too much, but this small amount was enough to arouse Xue Jing's spirits.
"… I also didn't expect that at my age, I would take on a book editing assignment that no one would want to take on, and it would lead to another wave of learning craze. I heard that many colleges and universities have added related courses. Yesterday, I received a call from a few former students saying that their chance had come again …"
Xue Jing spoke energetically. Fang Zhao and Hua Li listened at the side, occasionally responding. However, Xue Jing was getting on in years. Even though he was in high spirits, he couldn't talk for too long. Soon, he got tired and fell asleep.
Fang Zhao and Hua Li moved Xue Jing back to his room. After tidying up the place, Fang Zhao and Hua Li left. Because Hua Li had come from Huangzhou, he didn't fly his own flying transport or bring anyone else. Fang Zhao let Zuo Yu drive Hua Li to his hotel first.
When they were almost at the hotel, Hua Li asked, "Are you busy? Why don't we have another drink? "
Fang Zhao guessed that Hua Li had something else to say, but it wasn't convenient to mention it in front of Xue Jing, so he agreed.
Hua Li chose a restaurant near the hotel. He knew the boss there.
Zuo Yu also found a chair outside and sat down. He didn't go in to listen.
"There were some things I didn't say at Old Xue's. Fang Zhao." Hua Li put away the smile on his face. "Have you considered your future?"
Fang Zhao was a little surprised by Hua Li's sudden question. "What do you mean?"
"Do you intend to stay at Silver Wing forever? I won't hide it from you. When I was at Old Xue's place, the old man told me that he hoped that you could put all your efforts into music and not bother with Silver Wing's virtual reality projects and the like. But … "Hua Li's tone changed." I actually hope that you can come into contact with more things and experience more. Only then will you have inspiration and create better works. "
Fang Zhao swirled the cup in his hand and didn't say anything, waiting for the rest of the sentence.
Hua Li glanced at Fang Zhao. This kid was still the same. He couldn't see any reaction to his words. He paused and continued, "If you feel that your limitations are too big, you can study at Huangzhou Music Academy whenever you have free time. The advanced classes there are better than those at Qi 'an Academy of Music. You can learn more there. There are many people globally who are adept at combining symphonic and electronic music styles. You can learn from their strengths and make up for your shortcomings. Getting to know more people will be good for your future."
Study?
Fang Zhao knew from his memory that there was indeed an advanced class at Huangzhou Music Academy organized by the International Music Association. Many great masters of the music industry had studied there. It was a gilded process, and you could get to know many people in the industry and expand your network. Those who could go there were top talents from all over the world.
"Given your current works and the combined recommendation of Ming Cang and Old Xue, you can definitely get into the youth advanced classes there," Hua Li said.
"You've been there too?" Fang Zhao asked.
"I've been there. My company recommended me. I'm not a creative talent. My strength lies in my hearing. I was recruited to Fiery Bird very early on and was arranged to further my studies. After I returned, I was promoted to deputy team leader within two years. After that, I was promoted to team leader, and I've been there ever since. " Hua Li hadn't composed in a long time. "I was in the same batch as Ming Cang in the advanced classes, but because of his son, Ming Cang's career was delayed for more than 10 years.
"Of course, this is just my suggestion as a senior in the industry. It's fine if you don't want to go. You can even switch careers in the future. I know many people who switch careers from music production to the film and television industry because it's easier to gain popularity, earn more money, and have a higher reputation.
The memories of the Internet can be very long, so long that they can still remember us after we're dead. It can also be very short, so short that one moment you're popular all over the world, the next moment you're forgotten. Especially for people like you who compose behind the scenes, it's even easier to forget. Back then, I also took the route of signing a contract with a company. After that, I focused on composing. Later on, when I became famous, I left the company and started on my own. Later on, I wasn't satisfied with my fame, and my physical condition wasn't bad, so I switched to the film and television industry and became a movie star. I didn't expect that I would do so well, acting and singing. But not everyone can take that route. His talent in acting doesn't lose out to his composing. "
As he spoke, Hua Li glanced at Fang Zhao and shook his head. "But you can't do it. You're like me. You look passable but not outstanding enough."
Fang Zhao: "…"
"Furthermore, you're not suited for the film and television industry. I can tell just by looking at you. You're too calm, your emotions don't fluctuate much, and your expressions aren't rich enough. Compared to those drama buffs, you'll be crushed. In terms of acting talent, you can't even compare to me. "
Fang Zhao: "…"
Hua Li laughed heartily. "Actually, after saying so much, I came looking for you today to help someone pass on a message."
As he spoke, Hua Li fished out 10 business cards from his pocket and spread them out in a fan shape in front of Fang Zhao. "I brought these for a few friends and classmates. They said that if you ever want to leave Silver Wing and Yanzhou, you can consider them. Some of these people have their own companies, while others have established private studios. They have a bit of fame and specialize in producing music for blockbusters and large-scale video games. They have more money and more freedom."
Therefore, Hua Li had come looking for Fang Zhao alone today to help someone poach him.
Before leaving, Hua Li, acting as a senior in the industry, told Fang Zhao seriously, "You might not know, but there are a few young musicians in their teens in Huangzhou who are preparing to embark on a global lecture tour. They come from musical families and studied at top music schools since young. Their talent is astonishing, and they have already won quite a few professional awards. Those old fellows at the top have a higher opinion of them. There's also a seven-year-old kid in Lazhou who has set up an orchestra and is acting as a conductor. Yesterday, he announced the details of the concert season.
"In the New Era, the path of music is actually not wide. There are many competitors, and a batch of geniuses appear every year. Don't look at how those companies are treating you very well because of the Polar Light incident. Many are still vying to rope you in, but one day, your inspiration will dry up and you won't be able to create any stunning works. When you encounter certain situations where your talent is limited, you will be surpassed by those who come after you. There will also be a huge gap in the treatment you receive. There are many examples of young geniuses meeting miserable endings.
"From the perspective of reality, I hope that you can do something that interests you. The world is very big, so you should see more and experience more new things. Although I don't compose anymore, I know one thing. Inspiration will frequently visit you when you are emotionally active. Don't be limited by music, and don't hate it. "
After he finished speaking, Hua Li glanced at Fang Zhao. Seeing that Fang Zhao was seriously pondering something, he asked, "Do you have any other questions?"
"When will the game consoles be delivered?" Fang Zhao asked.
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