"Mr. Zhou, I can understand your feelings. When something happens to a company employee, we too feel guilty and distressed. For such matters, we need to sit down and discuss them properly to find a solution. This isn't the right place for such discussions. Let's find a nearby hotel, have a good talk, and try to resolve this issue. What do you think?"
Mr. Qian is quite competent in speaking and handling affairs.
Even when Zhou Can made a scene and cursed, he still spoke courteously.
"There's nothing to discuss! We have only one demand—termination of the contract."
Zhou Can's attitude was extremely firm.
"Terminating the contract is fine, but you need to follow the contract! The company has invested astronomical figures in Qianqian's training, packaging, promotion, and other fees over the years. To terminate the contract, this amount would normally be partly compensated by the artist. Considering her special circumstances, after consulting with the company's senior management and speaking highly of Qianqian, the company agreed not to pursue that portion of the breach of contract fee."
Mr. Qian's eloquence is truly remarkable.
He could even make a dead person seem alive.
Zhou Can didn't point it out; he just sneered inwardly.
"Mr. Zhou, I believe you are also a reasonable person. Our company recently spent a huge sum and mobilized a lot of staff to produce a music album for Qianqian, which hasn't made a penny back yet! Originally, if you hadn't offended Mr. Zhao that night, the album might have been sold... Alas! Never mind, let's not bring up the past."
Mr. Qian sighed and shook his head repeatedly.
He was playing the sympathy card in front of Zhou Can.
Unfortunately, Zhou Can was not swayed.
"The company's request is not high; just have Qianqian buy out that album. Then we can part on good terms."
Circling back, the Beihai Langxing Company insists on this matter unfailingly.
"Five million is too expensive, we can't afford it."
Zhou Can had Zhou Qianqian perform an act for days, waiting for this negotiation.
He wasn't in a hurry.
Now that Qianqian threatens suicide every day, Beihai Langxing Company must be the anxious one.
Seeing Mr. Qian's earnest and pleading manner tells it all.
"From your tone, it sounds like you agree to buy the album! This shows you are an understanding person. Let's find a place to discuss this properly, shall we?"
Mr. Qian glanced around, as there were too many people around; he didn't want to discuss it here.
Zhou Can was half-pushed, half-pulled by Mr. Qian and a woman named Wu Jialin to a nearby hotel where a room was booked.
Both parties sat down to properly discuss the matter.
"Mr. Zhou, please have some water!"
Wu Jialin brought some water and handed a bottle to Zhou Can.
The woman was dressed in a low-cut top and mini skirt, which made Zhou Can dare not look too much.
It was too eye-catching.
"Mr. Qian, to be frank, are you the final decision maker on this matter?"
Zhou Can looked at Mr. Qian.
"First, tell us what your psychological price is."
Mr. Qian's eyes narrowed slightly.
Zhou Can stated a price without blinking.
"Are you joking internationally!? These days, which company doesn't spend at least ten million to produce a music album? Mr. Zhou, if you really want to resolve this, you need to show some sincerity."
Mr. Qian almost vomited blood when he heard the offer.
But he still didn't lose his temper.
This man was highly shrewd.
Polite and smiling on the face, courteous in speech. For the sake of profit, he could be unscrupulous.
Just like that night, getting Su Qianqian drunk and sending her to Mr. Zhao, just to strike a deal with him.
"Don't even mention ten million; even the five million you suggested is impossible for me. Not only do I need to show sincerity, but your side also needs to make concessions. You've seen my girlfriend's situation; who knows when she might be gone. By then, you wouldn't be able to sell that album for a penny."
Zhou Can's meaning was clear.
He was willing to spend money to buy the album for Qianqian's sake.
If she's gone, he wouldn't be the big loser.
Indeed, this was a weak point for Beihai Langxing Company.
The desperate are feared by the ruthless.
Su Qianqian cared nothing for her own life, and the company's tactics were useless against her.
"Mr. Zhou does make some valid points. Alright, our company will make a concession. Let's settle at 4.5 million to buy out the album in one payment. That's the lowest price we can accept."
Mr. Qian gritted his teeth, making a bold decision with a pained expression.
Zhou Can had already learned from Li Lao about the cost of the album; how could he believe Mr. Qian's bluff?
After much back-and-forth haggling and tussling.
They finally negotiated the price down to 1.6 million.
They really couldn't lower it anymore.
This price was the limit given by President Gui, who wasn't present, after talking on the phone.
Eventually, Zhou Can indicated he would sell his house to raise the money to buy the album.
With this, the negotiations were essentially concluded.
Both parties should be satisfied with the result.
Beihai Langxing would lose two to three hundred thousand, but that was unavoidable. On one hand, Su Qianqian's resolute suicide threats scared the upper management of Beihai Langxing Company. If someone died, the consequences would be severe. On the other hand, they feared making no return at all from their investment. If Su Qianqian indeed committed suicide, the album would be hardtosell even for ten thousand.
Better to cash in now while this 'foolishly in love' young man was willing to pay.
The next day, Beihai Langxing proactively called to inquire about Zhou Can's fundraising progress.
They seemed really anxious.
Zhou Can went to the bank to process the mortgage.