Chapter 74: The 80 Million Copyright Fee

Once again, he sat down at the negotiating table with Battle King.

This time, Su Bai attended the negotiation in person.

The representative from Battle King was still Wang Lin, the same woman as last time—a poised beauty with glasses, whose entire presence was crisp and efficient.

Her pristine white blouse accentuated her voluptuous figure, and her long, shapely legs, elegantly crossed, exuded an unparalleled confidence with every gesture.

To have attained the position of division head at such a young age spoke volumes about her abilities.

Wang Lin was the first to raise her hand, smiling as she addressed Su Bai. “Meeting you in person, President Su, you’re even more handsome than on video!”

Su Bai replied with a smile, “Miss Wang, you’re also very beautiful. Even just sitting there quietly, your charm shines through.”

Hearing this, Wang Lin’s eyes sparkled with genuine delight.

“Oh? How do I compare to that goddess who sang with you?” she teased.

Su Bai was immediately caught off guard, unsure how to answer.

“You each have your unique qualities. Miss Wang, you possess a commanding presence that creates a distinct and powerful allure,” he replied. “It’s something Miss Yang Mengke doesn’t have.”

He spoke sincerely, not merely to flatter.

Perhaps because she’d spent years in a position of authority, Wang Lin radiated an undeniable aura, which, combined with her striking figure, gave her an unmistakable magnetism.

“How much do you think would be appropriate for the commercial rights to ‘The Lone Brave’?” Wang Lin quickly shifted to the crux of the negotiation—the price.

Su Bai paused, then smoothly responded, “What does Miss Wang think is appropriate?”

“As long as it’s within our expected range, we’re open to negotiation,” she said. “Tengfei Group is a renowned conglomerate in the country. I’m well aware of how beneficial a partnership with your group would be for Tiancheng Entertainment. So, for me, the collaboration matters far more than the price.”

Wang Lin felt a surge of satisfaction at his words.

Last time, during negotiations with Song Liang, the conversation had been polite and reasonable on the surface. Yet both sides were scheming—Wang Lin eager to lower the price, Song Liang intent on raising it. They both knew this was the essence of negotiation, but it left a sense of distance, as if they were cooperating for its own sake.

But with just a single sentence, Su Bai had drawn much closer to Wang Lin—emphasizing the importance of their partnership over the specifics of the deal. How pleasant that sounded!

Wang Lin’s expectations for this negotiation were set at one hundred million. If the price exceeded that, she would need to report back to the company and seek approval. Anything below, she had full authority to finalize.

“How about this, President Su,” Wang Lin proposed, “when you were at the lowest point of your reputation, our offer was thirty million. But since then, you’ve appeared on CCTV, restoring your reputation, and you’ve become the spokesperson for the Palace Museum’s cultural campaign. Now, we can offer your company eighty million. In return, we want lifetime usage rights for ‘Battle King’ the mobile game. Of course, if our next game also needs your song as its anthem, we’ll pay separately.”

In quoting her price, Wang Lin left Su Bai ample room to negotiate. In her view, even if he countered, a difference of twenty million was more than enough. Besides, eighty million was already a generous offer.

“Very well! It’s settled,” Su Bai replied.

Wang Lin, holding her glass, froze in disbelief, staring at Su Bai as if she’d misheard.

It was settled? No haggling? Had he just handed her a two-million performance bonus?

She knew that for anything under a hundred million, her team split the savings with the company. With Su Bai’s easy agreement, her team had just earned a net profit of ten million—and she would take the largest share.

For a moment, Wang Lin felt almost dazed.

After a pause, she realized she might have lost her composure and quickly said, “President Su, you’re truly decisive. I never imagined this collaboration would go so smoothly! Now I understand why so many women adore you. Even I’m starting to like you a little—such decisiveness, such charisma!”

Su Bai looked at Wang Lin with a cheerful smile.

He knew he could have driven the price up by several more million, but he had no intention to do so. Eighty million already exceeded his initial expectations.

He was never short of good songs. But to gain the friendship of a rising star within a major conglomerate—that, to Su Bai, was rarer and more valuable than composing a hit song.

To spend a few million, or even ten million, to earn Wang Lin’s goodwill was a deal more than worth making.

“Heh, for me, the partnership with Miss Wang matters far more than the price itself,” Su Bai said.

His words made Wang Lin’s heart flutter. A moment ago, he’d emphasized working with Tengfei Group; now, it had become about working with her personally. Could it be he was interested in her? But hadn’t he just sung a love song to that girl Yang Mengke? Was he already looking to jump ship?

People always say that the entertainment industry is open-minded and chaotic. Wang Lin now understood—had he been corrupted so quickly, having just entered the industry?

As she pondered this, Wang Lin looked at Su Bai again, her eyes losing their former luster. No matter how talented or charming he was, if his character was questionable, she would lose all interest.

Still, as a seasoned veteran of the business world, Wang Lin showed no sign of her inner thoughts. She simply said, “Shall we sign the contract, President Su?”

Though her emotional shift was subtle, Su Bai noticed it. He was slightly puzzled—just a moment ago, she’d been cheerful, and now she seemed so aloof. Her emotional control was impressive.

But since he didn’t know Wang Lin well, he refrained from making any judgments.

Once the contract was signed, Su Bai smiled and said, “I look forward to our next collaboration.”

When Su Bai extended his hand again, Wang Lin hesitated briefly before taking it—her grip light as a dragonfly skimming water, released almost instantly.

She replied with a smile, “I look forward to it as well.”