Chapter 26

"Are you going to be my agent?"

The sudden request from the girl opposite made Lin Zai suspect that his ears were playing tricks on him.

"I do have this idea now. I invited you out this afternoon to discuss the feasibility of this matter."

Liu Mengmeng was straightforward, her style was clear and bold.

Looking at the business card Liu Mengmeng had just given him and then at her eyes, which were as lively as a fox's, Lin Zai instantly felt that this girl was different.

She had taken off her fashionable white-framed glasses and replaced them with black-framed ones that made her look more professionally mature.

Liu Mengmeng was dressed very properly and appropriately that afternoon.

She wore a high-quality white silk shirt, paired with a versatile black women's suit, and below that, a professional black skirt, stockings, and high heels, giving her a professional woman's demeanor.

However, her face was full of vitality, small like a palm, with a pointed chin and large eyes, making her look less like a professional woman compared to Sun Yuzhen.

Her appearance made her look much younger than her actual age, around twenty-one or twenty-two.

For such a young girl to want to be his agent, Lin Zai found it a bit absurd.

Looking at the position on the business card, this girl was Ma Xiaodong's assistant.

Ma Xiaodong had some grudges against him.

This girl suddenly came to say she wanted to be his agent.

Was there something fishy going on?

Silently staring into Liu Mengmeng's eyes, Lin Zai tried to read something from her gaze.

Liu Mengmeng did not avoid his cautious gaze and also tried to read something from Lin Zai's deep, mature eyes.

"May I ask, Miss Liu, what is your zodiac sign?"

"I am a monkey."

Lin Zai nodded, calculating in his mind that Liu Mengmeng should have been born in 1980, making her 27 years old this year. She didn't look 27 at all.

Knowing that Lin Zai was asking about her zodiac sign to indirectly inquire about her age, Liu Mengmeng introduced herself: "I started working in this industry before I graduated from university. I have been working in this circle for more than seven years, with relatively rich work experience and a fairly extensive network of contacts. When I first entered the industry, I worked as an assistant to an agent. Although I have been working as Ma Director's music assistant in recent years, I often interact with artists' agents and have a good understanding of the agent circle. I believe I have the ability to handle the job of an agent."

"Have we met before?"

"I met you in person for the first time yesterday afternoon, but I have heard your songs before."

"Then you should know about some of the impulsive things I did in the past. To put it bluntly, I was a ticking bomb in the industry, having hurt many people. Now I am full of stains and have long been out of the limelight. Even if I make a comeback, the road will be tough. Why would you want to take on someone like me?"

"Because I was moved by your music. This might sound too sentimental, and you might not believe it, but it's the truth. I have some understanding of your past, but not deeply. I think the past is the past. Who hasn't been young and impulsive? Through our brief interaction yesterday afternoon, I personally feel that you are ready for change and a comeback. After so long in the shadows, the sharpness in you has been polished into maturity. You are full of potential for a comeback. Being your agent will be a challenging job. Although it's risky, the rewards are substantial. I'm not young anymore, and if I don't take a risk in this industry now, I might not have the enthusiasm to do so in the future."

Liu Mengmeng spoke very frankly, and her small flattery made Lin Zai feel quite comfortable.

In his previous life, Lin Zai was an artist, and he had been managed by an agent. However, the agent who managed him had several artists under his belt, and he was one of the less popular ones, so he wasn't given much attention.

At that time, he had to handle many of his own work arrangements, which was very tiring and not very effective.

He had thought that if he had had a good management team at the time, his career might have taken a turn for the better.

The role of an agent and the team behind an artist is crucial to the artist's career development, and this role is no less important than the artist themselves.

Lin Zai was very clear about the importance of an agent, so he wouldn't easily entrust this important job to this unfamiliar girl.

Moreover, this girl was Ma Xiaodong's assistant, and there was a possibility that she was here to trap him.

However, this girl's ability to communicate and her bold and meticulous personality did show potential for being an agent.

A successful celebrity agent, besides having a wide network of contacts, must also have good personal qualities and a suitable personality.

A good agent must be proactive, have a thick skin, and be good at interacting and communicating with performance organizers, manufacturers, investors, production units, etc., to actively seek out valuable work opportunities for the artist.

The Liu Mengmeng in front of him was proactive enough.

Just one meeting, and she dared to propose being his agent, which was not something an ordinary person could do.

This also indirectly showed that this girl had a keen sense and a unique perspective.

If she weren't Ma Xiaodong's assistant, Lin Zai might have seriously considered her proposal.

Liu Mengmeng continued: "Of course, what I just said is from my perspective. If I can be your agent, there will be many benefits for you as well. You have been away from the entertainment industry for some time, and I have been working in the industry for many years, so I am more familiar with its development. I can help you re-establish connections within the industry. I will also work hard to improve your image and relationships within the industry. You just need to focus on your music, and I will handle the rest. I can help you find more work opportunities. I have close ties with the artist management company under our Oriental TV station. If you are willing to sign with our Oriental TV station's management company, I can help you negotiate the most favorable management contract. If you are interested in other management companies, I can also help you negotiate for the best contract. In short, any ideas you have about your career development, I will listen to them carefully and do my best to implement them. When necessary, I will offer my professional advice."

Lin Zai smiled and said, "What you said is very moving, and I can feel your sincerity. I thank you for your attention. But now, you don't know me, and I don't know you. It's too early to talk about the agent job."

"You are right. I am suggesting this idea now so that you can consider it, and I will also consider it. We can cooperate after both of us have thought it through. This is a responsible attitude. But I must say, I really admire your talent. I hope we can try working together first, so that we can feel each other's sincerity and see if this is feasible."

"What do you mean by trying to work together?"

"Since I am still working as an assistant to the director, I can't suddenly quit my job in the short term. At least until the end of the 'Strongest Singer' program, I can't leave my current job. You know, Director Ma is the music director of this program, and if I suddenly quit now, it would be unfair to him."

Lin Zai nodded, showing understanding. But in his heart, he still had some doubts about this girl's motives. Was she really sent by Ma Xiaodong to set a trap for him?

"During the production of 'Strongest Singer,' I will be working with Director Ma, and I can definitely help you in some ways, so I won't quit in the next six months. While doing this job, I can start helping you find some work opportunities, and we can try working together. During this trial period, if we can build a good rapport and work well together, and if we see each other's sincerity and ability, then after 'Strongest Singer' ends, we can discuss a comprehensive agent cooperation. If we don't work well together during this period and find that we are not a good fit, then we can part ways amicably."

"I agree with your idea. I am willing to try working with you."

Without hesitation, Lin Zai accepted Liu Mengmeng's invitation.

He was currently lacking work opportunities, and if Liu Mengmeng could introduce him to some work, it would be exactly what he needed.

Regardless of whether it was a trap, he would try it first.

Unexpectedly, Lin Zai was so willing, and Liu Mengmeng's lips curved into a sweet smile, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"Likewise, I also thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Since Liu Mengmeng was so honest, Lin Zai decided to be equally honest: "I am currently lacking work opportunities. I have been out of the industry for too long, and many people have forgotten about me. Finding work opportunities is not easy. If you can help me find music-related work, I will cherish it very much."

"What kind of work are you most hoping to find now? Performance? Creation?"

"As long as it's related to music, I will do it. No matter how big or small the job, as long as it pays, I will do it."

Liu Mengmeng was slightly surprised, not expecting Lin Zai to be so humble and straightforward.

Actually, this was exactly what Liu Mengmeng wanted to see.

Some artists, despite not being very famous, have a very high attitude and are unwilling to take slightly inferior jobs, which is the easiest way to miss opportunities.

In this industry, opportunities always favor those who work hard.

If Lin Zai is willing to take any job, that would be the best. Because any job might bring them unexpected surprises.

However, now that Lin Zai was just saying this, Liu Mengmeng needed to observe whether he would actually do it.

To quit her current stable job and take the risk of being Lin Zai's agent, Liu Mengmeng needed to observe Lin Zai's character and work attitude.

Lin Zai's talent was undeniable. To stand out in the golden age of popular music and become famous across the country, this was not something an ordinary person could do.

Having witnessed Lin Zai's musical talent firsthand, Liu Mengmeng was absolutely confident in this. This was the reason for her inner impulse.

But if Lin Zai's work attitude was not good and his character was questionable, Liu Mengmeng would definitely not be his agent.

She wanted to try working with Lin Zai to observe his work attitude and ability, and also to let Lin Zai observe her work attitude and ability.

Seeing that Lin Zai had lowered his attitude, Liu Mengmeng decisively took out a file from her bag and said to Lin Zai, "There is a work opportunity now. I wonder if you are willing to take it."

"What kind of work?"

Lin Zai's eyes brightened slightly, looking a bit like a hungry wolf seeing meat.

"Before I tell you about this work, I hope you can keep it confidential. If you are not willing to take it, please don't spread the news."

"No problem, I can keep it confidential."

"Alright, then I will tell you. A senior in our station's music department took on a job to create a theme song for a TV drama last week. He has too many things on his plate and can't find the time to do this theme song. So, he privately asked me and another colleague to help find a ghostwriter to do the song."

"I can take this job, I can do it."

"No, let me finish. I believe you have the ability to do this theme song. But this job is anonymous. Even if you do it, the final credit will go to the senior. You will only be a ghostwriter and receive a fee. Are you willing to take this job?"

For a newcomer in the industry, this kind of job would definitely be taken, but for a veteran like Lin Zai, it would be a bit beneath his status to take it.

But Liu Mengmeng still wanted to see if Lin Zai could really lower his attitude and start over.

If Lin Zai had this determination, his future comeback would be very promising.

Lin Zai thought for a few seconds and asked, "How much is the fee for this job?"

"If it is used, the senior will give 5000 yuan as a fee. Since I am introducing this job to you, according to the agent's rules, I will take 20%—1000 yuan, and you will get 4000 yuan. If you do it and the senior is not satisfied and doesn't use it, then you won't get any money."

Liu Mengmeng was very clear about the money, and Lin Zai appreciated her attitude.

In this industry, a song doesn't sell for much. Even for experienced songwriters, a song might only sell for about 10,000 yuan.

The senior offering 5000 yuan was quite high.

Lin Zai decided to take the job. Not being credited was fine; earning money was the main goal.

"I will take this job."

Lin Zai firmly told Liu Mengmeng.

A hint of joy appeared in her eyes, and she confirmed, "Are you really willing to take it?"

"In the future, when we work together, don't ask such unnecessary questions. If I say I will take it, I definitely will."

"Alright, I understand. The materials for the TV drama and the requirements for the theme song are in this file."

Liu Mengmeng handed the file to Lin Zai, intending to remind him not to let the materials leak out.

But considering Lin Zai's firm attitude, she didn't say it.

If Lin Zai leaked the information, they wouldn't need to work together in the future. She believed Lin Zai understood this.

Lin Zai took out the documents from the file and, upon seeing the title, a confident smile appeared on his lips.

The TV drama he was commissioned to write the theme song for was the historical drama "Bao Qingtian: Seven Heroes and Five Righteous Men"!

This theme song was too easy to write!

He didn't even need to think much; he could just use "Kaifeng Has Bao Qingtian"!

Liu Mengmeng told Lin Zai, "The deadline for this job is tight. I have another colleague looking for a friend to do it. If you decide to do it, I hope you can finish it as soon as possible, preferably within a week."

"I don't need a week; I will give you a demo tomorrow."

"Tomorrow... tomorrow?"

Liu Mengmeng stuttered, unsure if she had heard correctly.

"If it goes quickly, I can give it to you tonight."

"Ah?"

Liu Mengmeng was surprised. She still remembered Lin Zai's quick work during his interview yesterday. She didn't expect him to be so fast again!

"Rest assured, I won't do it hastily. This is our first collaboration, and I will definitely give you a satisfactory piece. I hope you will introduce more such work opportunities to me in the future."

"Alright, alright, I will wait for your work."

Liu Mengmeng was deeply moved. This man seemed even more talented and daring than she had imagined!

If he could write songs this quickly, his future would be very bright!

She just didn't know how his quick work would turn out, hoping it would be as good as the song he sang during his interview.

Liu Mengmeng was very much looking forward to Lin Zai's theme song.