Chapter 57: Low Wages (Third Update—Seeking Monthly Votes)

Deng Qin shifted the topic, turning to He Luo, who was idly passing the time. “If both Teacher Gabe and He Luoluo sign with Splendid Era, the company will immediately begin preparations for He Luoluo’s debut album.”

He Luo was somewhat tempted, but he didn’t voice his opinion; he would leave everything to his best friend.

Bundled sales... Li He gave the shameless one a reassuring glance and smiled, “I am myself, and He Luo is He Luo. With He Luo’s current popularity, any company he signs with will prepare a debut album for him.”

If, after signing He Luo, the company suppressed his release and delayed his album, his popularity would wane and his fans would drift away.

That’s not something a signing company would ever want.

Are you really a college student? You sound more like a seasoned veteran of the workplace... Deng Qin, feeling the situation was tricky, said, “If Teacher Gabe has any demands, Splendid Era can certainly accommodate them.”

Li He spoke directly, “A three-year contract.”

“Three years.” Deng Qin was a little shocked.

It wasn’t that she was surprised Gabe would ask for a three-year contract, but rather that Director Liu Kang had guessed correctly.

Earlier, when she went out to make a call, Liu Kang had said Gabe might care more about the contract duration.

His final answer: a three-year contract was acceptable.

Deng Qin had been stunned by this answer.

Three-year contracts were far too lenient. Years ago, some companies signed their artists for three years, but as more and more artists became overnight sensations, their first move was to terminate their contracts. The three-year deal faded into obscurity.

But thinking it over, Deng Qin felt at ease.

Neither Gabe nor He Luoluo needed the company to invest resources to boost their fame or popularity. The whole process from debut to stardom could be skipped; Splendid Era wouldn’t lose out.

Besides, Liu Kang had said that Gabe had the talent to be both a master composer and lyricist—a rare combination. The company’s willingness to offer such terms wasn’t surprising.

After a brief hesitation, Deng Qin agreed.

Li He wasn’t surprised by the outcome, but he was impressed by Splendid Era’s boldness.

Deng Qin agreed on the spot, without seeking higher approval, indicating the company had anticipated his request and was prepared to accept it.

Jiang Qi and He Xier, watching from the side, were dumbfounded.

A three-year contract...

The company actually agreed to sign Teacher Gabe on a three-year contract... Jiang Qi’s red lips parted in disbelief, drawing a sharp breath.

Quick to react, He Xier beamed, “Li He, it looks like we’ll not only be classmates, but colleagues as well.”

She emphasized the word “classmates,” hinting at how close she was to her good friend.

Realizing what had happened, Jiang Qi silently cursed herself for letting her friend seize the opportunity first.

Deng Qin, eager now, asked, “Teacher Gabe, when can we sign the contract?”

Being able to sign Gabe was something she’d never dared dream of before coming here.

Signing artists was typically handled by company specialists; she was just a manager, not someone who negotiates or signs talent.

This time, she’d been thrown into the deep end, but it turned out well—Gabe agreed to sign with Splendid Era.

“Anytime,” Li He replied, glancing at the shameless one.

Since the terms were settled, there was no need to delay.

Deng Qin was elated. She called Xiao Wang, the driver, to print the contract, then reconsidered and decided to go print it herself, striding out in black heels.

As Deng Qin was about to leave the private room, Li He suddenly called out, “Sister Qin, what’s the salary for a Level 3 composer-lyricist?”

“The salary isn’t high, only twelve thousand,” Deng Qin explained. “The real income for composers and lyricists comes from song royalties. The split for Level 3 is forty-sixty.”

“The company takes sixty, leaving forty percent to be divided between the songwriter and singer. The precise split depends on their respective levels.”

Li He nodded in understanding.

Deng Qin smiled slightly and left to print the contract.

She actually had a contract prepared, but some of Li He’s demands required amendments, so she needed to print a new one.

He Luo looked to his best friend, excited, “Once we finish our exams, do we report to Splendid Era’s headquarters in Qingcheng?”

Li He nodded, “Yes.”

“I’ll go with Sister Qin to Qingcheng. I should finish recording in time for the exams, and after that, we can report together,” He Xier said with gentle, smiling eyes.

“Teacher Gabe, let me know when you come to Qingcheng. I’ll pick you up at the airport,” Jiang Qi, legs crossed in black lace stockings, offered. Not a trace of excess flesh showed.

He Xier shook her head, “No need. I’ll have my assistant pick up all three of us. Sister Qi will probably be busy then.”

After singing “Fate’s Bridge,” He Xier was officially debuting and could now have an assistant.

Their relationship is so good... Li He thought in admiration.

They’re all so enthusiastic... He Luo was full of anticipation for life at the company.

Soon, the capable manager Deng Qin returned with the contract.

Li He took the contract and read it carefully; there were more clauses this time, and he was especially meticulous.

Whenever he didn’t understand something, he checked his phone or called the free legal hotline for advice.

He Luo mimicked him, checking his phone, making calls, and consulting his best friend.

Deng Qin was used to this, patiently waiting.

Jiang Qi and her good friend He Xier competed quietly, neither willing to admit defeat.

An hour later.

Li He rubbed his eyes—he’d read two contracts today and his eyes were exhausted.

After rubbing them for a dozen seconds, he signed the contract.

Deng Qin signed both contracts herself and handed one to Li He.

Ten minutes later, He Luo finally finished his thorough review of the contract; finding no loopholes, he signed.

From this moment,

Gabe and He Luoluo were officially signed to Splendid Era Entertainment.

“Welcome, Teacher Gabe and Luoluo, to Splendid Era Entertainment,” Deng Qin said, nearly bursting with joy.

With Gabe signed, Jiang Qi felt much more secure, her emotions almost slipping out of control.

I’m going to be colleagues with the handsome and talented Teacher Gabe... The starstruck assistant’s eyes sparkled, and she decided to become Gabe’s fan from now on.

After some more conversation, Li He and He Luo returned to campus.

Deng Qin, Jiang Qi, and He Xier took a late-night flight back to Qingcheng.

“It feels like a dream—I actually signed with a company,” He Luo laughed dazedly.

“You didn’t just sign with a company,” Li He teased. “You signed with the same company as your sister.”

“Get lost.”

At that, He Luo grew irritated.

Even as they parted, He Xier gave him strange looks, as if she had the urge to kick him.

He Luo stayed close to his best friend, not daring to let He Xier approach.

Back at the dormitory, their three studious roommates hadn’t returned yet.

Li He took a shower, and afterward suddenly realized he hadn’t drawn lots in a long time.

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PS. Posted first, will revise later