Chapter 55 New Developments of the Company

Shi Shi's company has a considerable turnover, but it has very few employees—less than ten in total. Today is the company's first meeting. Song Ming is in charge, and Shi Shi is seated at the head of the table.

Shi Shi disliked endless chatter. In her view, meetings were for solving problems, not wasting time. She went straight to the point: "I plan to take on this project with Min Ling and Min Lian. I don't mean writing the songs, but also the album production."

Everyone looked at each other. Apart from the receptionist, none of them were not veterans of the workplace who had been poached by Song Ming and put to immediate use.

"Let's put the equipment aside for now, we don't have enough manpower." The speaker was Professor Shi's student, recommended by his teacher. Wu Yinglei is very capable, but he has a major weakness—his emotional intelligence is extremely low. He was full of ambition when he first graduated. In just a few years, he's been worn down like an old man.

He knew everything about album production. Since graduation, he'd been working as an assistant to a top producer. Like today, it was the first time Shi Shi was holding a meeting as the big boss. Even newbies knew not to start on their own, but Wu Yinglei still volunteered. If it weren't for Professor Shi's encouragement, he probably would have gone back to his hometown to work at his father's supermarket.

Wu Yinglei naturally knew that Shi Shi was his mentor's daughter, but precisely because of this, he didn't want to waste his time. It was better to know the other person's true character directly; otherwise, disagreements might arise after working together for a long time, damaging their relationship.

Shi Shi looked at this seemingly honest and dull man and found it hard to believe that he was the "god" her father had described.

Too mediocre, the kind that would evaporate instantly in a crowd. But she wasn't judging by appearances. She knew she needed to demonstrate real ability to manage her subordinates. If she couldn't command such a small company effectively, what was the point of her working there?

"I know that producing an album involves many stages, from initial planning and music recording to post-production. Don't be afraid of encountering problems; there are always more solutions than problems. How will you know if it will work if you don't try? Even if we don't succeed in taking on this me&me project this time, we'll gain experience and build a foundation so we can take on other projects in the future."

Hearing Shi Shi's words, everyone assumed it was preparation for future studio projects and didn't press them, which relieved them. Only Song Ming had the most contact with Shi Shi. Subconsciously, she felt that Shi Shi was serious.

Hearing Shi Shi say this, Wu Yinglei nodded in satisfaction. It was good that the boss wasn't a complete novice; an outsider couldn't do this job.

"Let's all talk about where to start." This time, it was Shi Shi who spoke. Although she was asking everyone, Wu Yinglei knew she was referring to him. He was the only one among them who had worked in album production for six years.

He wasn't one to beat around the bush; he simply opened his notebook and began writing as he spoke: "Before production begins, the theme must be determined. The client's wishes are paramount."

Song Ming: "The theme is 'Girl's Thoughts,' and they want to establish their queen status in the hearts of teenage idols. Besides, they are only 16 years old, and this youthful style can be used for several years. It's impossible to change the theme."

"This core theme can be about love, growth, or even subtly reflect social issues. It should permeate the entire album's songwriting, lyrics, and overall style. Do they have a particular preference?"

The person who spoke this time was somewhat unexpected. It was an administrative staff member named Eckani. Shi Shi's company was really too small. The administrative staff actually wore many hats; she was not only in logistics but also in clerical and human resources. Seemingly feeling a little embarrassed that everyone was looking at her, she smoothed a stray hair behind her ear to ease her nervousness.

Shi Shi gave Song Ming a good look and asked, "Did the other party mention this?"

"They came to us to write songs, specifically songs about first love and unrequited love—songs that will appeal to young men and women. Your track record speaks for itself; we have a lot of influence!" Song Ming said this with great confidence, exuding the aura of a big sister. Who could blame her for having such a powerful boss! Anyone who dared to utter a word would be met with her retort with four words—"The track record is verifiable!"

“Since we have the advantage in songwriting or selection, we really have a good chance of winning this deal!” Econnie excitedly rubbed her fingers together.

Wu Yinglei, however, was not as optimistic as her.

There's no doubt that my boss is a highly inspired songwriter, but such people have one drawback: their thinking can jump around wildly. Simply put, her singles might quickly hit the market and become instant bestsellers. But albums are different. Albums require a sufficient number of songs, typically 8-12. It's crucial to ensure a certain consistency in style and melody between the songs, while also allowing each track to have its own unique character.

He wasn't disappointed that his boss hadn't finished writing the piece yet, but instead moved on to the next question:

"Boss, are you planning to be the producer yourself?"

Seeing Shi Shi nod, Wu Yinglei felt a pang of anxiety. The executive producer would be responsible for coordinating the entire album's production, including song arrangement and recording supervision. How could someone without experience working on a production team possibly succeed? He was genuinely afraid of encountering another incompetent leader; otherwise, why would he be working here as a composer? It was his previous job that had terrified him! No rewards whatsoever, and after the album's release, his name didn't even appear in the staff list. He was the first to be made a scapegoat!

Shi Shi didn't give him a chance to dwell on the issue. Whether she was a mule or a horse, she'd have to be put to the test. Although she wasn't exactly an equine, right? We'd see what she was capable of once she showed off.

"Our biggest challenge right now is hiring professional recording engineers, musicians, and equipment, as well as renovating the recording studio. We also need to hire a graphic designer for the album cover in advance."

Everyone readily agreed. Compared to the first two—recording engineers and musicians—the subsequent issues of decorating the recording studio and buying equipment were actually the simplest.

Shi Shi couldn't help but sigh, "Being in charge of the household is not easy. You have to spend money before you even start earning any."

Song Ming: "After the meeting, I contacted headhunters to recruit experienced professionals."

Wu Yinglei spoke up: "I can do sound engineering, as long as you trust me."

What kind of talk is that! No wonder Professor Shi, who already has low emotional intelligence, commented that his emotional intelligence was even lower! What does "trust you" even mean?! This is work, not some kind of江湖义气 (a code of honor among friends) relationship. However, since Professor Shi considers him an expert, he must have some skill. After all, Professor Shi is a very demanding teacher.

"You can give it a try. See if you can handle it." The implication is that if you can, then do it; if you can't, then stay put.

Wu Yinglei, of course, didn't understand the implication. He nodded excitedly and said, "I'm sure I can handle it."

It's just a matter of whether there will be another chance; his remaining emotional intelligence revived. He didn't voice the fact that he might not be able to close the deal.