Xiao Hai finished watching Lin Chudong's lecture and immediately broke out in a cold sweat.
Da Fei's level far surpassed their legal department, not to mention adding Professor Zhang to the mix.
After Lin Chudong returned, Xiao Hai stood in the office and said politely.
"Da Fei, can we settle this? Fifty million is indeed not a small sum, let's discuss it."
"Zhilin is a traffic star, maybe we can cooperate with him in the future? How about this, I'll let Zhilin act in a movie for you for free, and then the compensation..."
Before Xiao Hai could finish, Lin Chudong immediately said.
"Do I need him to act in my movies? Look at how terrible his acting is, anyway?"
"Fifty million, not a penny less. I'll add twenty million for every week of delay. Go prepare yourselves, we'll see each other again at the second trial."
Initially, Li Zhilin was desperate to get The Beginning taken down, and Lin Chudong was very passive. Now, the situation was reversed. Lin Chudong was no longer in a hurry to get it back online.
Because even if it went back online now, sales wouldn't reach the previous peak. The time when he could earn twenty million a week was gone.
He was still demanding compensation from Li Zhilin at this price, so the longer it dragged on, the better. They didn't want to pay? Fine, just drag it out.
Seeing Lin Chudong so confident, Xiao Hai quickly called the big boss.
Li Zhilin was just a small shareholder in the company; he wouldn't be personally responsible for all the compensation. It would be the big boss who had to pay most of it.
After a long phone call, the final decision was to pay them the money as Lin Chudong requested.
After Lin Chudong withdrew the lawsuit, the compensation would be paid within three months.
This result was expected by Lin Chudong.
"You guys draw up a written contract for the compensation, or an IOU, to avoid any financial disputes later on. Professor Zhang, you draft one."
"Besides that, have Li Zhilin publicly apologize and release an apology video. That way, The Beginning can continue to be available."
Xiao Hai and the boss discussed it, and the conditions weren't excessive. They agreed. They took the contract back, the boss signed it personally, and Xiao Hai delivered it back in person. This finally brought the matter to a close.
That evening, Li Zhilin posted on Weibo, standing in front of the camera to offer a solemn apology.
"Due to my own incorrect judgment, I reposted rumors, which caused a very negative impact on Liangyin Media. I hereby offer a public apology. I'm sorry. I also apologize to my fans; such things will not happen again in the future..."
Although Li Zhilin was extremely unwilling, he didn't dare to show any temper after being scolded by the big boss.
After all, he had to pay fifty million, which wasn't a small sum!
The apology video was released, and everyone was shocked.
Li Zhilin actually bowed his head!
Such a top-tier artist actually apologized to Da Fei!
This is simply too outrageous!
"I told you not to mess with Outlaw, you see, so what if it's Li Zhilin?"
"Here's a reminder for Sister Zhang, don't pull any more shady deals in the future, lest you get targeted by Da Fei."
"You guys should think about Da Fei Band now. Da Fei was fired, and they didn't pay him according to labor laws, and they don't have the copyright either. Shen Jianbin might end up going in too."
"Shen Jianbin is trembling in fear..."
"The Beginning is online again, finally I can watch it!"
"They also released some behind-the-scenes footage, go check it out!"
"..."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as The Beginning was back online.
Liang Yin said, "This lawsuit might be even more profitable than we initially expected, right?"
If all the money came through now, they'd already have 110 million. The Beginning would also generate income soon, not a huge amount, but maybe 10 or 20 million. They were making a killing.
Of course, this was all thanks to Da Fei's expertise in law.
Otherwise, they'd be completely clueless, afraid to ask for compensation, and worried about wasting time on the lawsuit. In the end, they might have suffered a huge loss.
"Yeah, we made a bit more, all thanks to Li Zhilin."
"But that dog Li Zhilin is definitely going to wait until the last day to pay the compensation. Probably after the new year."
Just when everyone was relieved, Shen Jianbin suddenly appeared at the door.
Liang Yin was taken aback. "President Shen is here?"
Shen Jianbin smiled slightly, walked in, and sat down in their hall, looking at the scenery outside the window.
"The view is pretty good from here."
Lin Chudong said, "President Shen came to guide us?"
Shen Jianbin said, "I don't have the skills to guide you, haha."
"You left in too much of a hurry before you resigned, and there's a contract I forgot to have you sign. Take a look at this."
Shen Jianbin took out a contract and placed it on the table.
"About the previous contract, it wasn't very standard. Most of Da Fei Band's songs have your lyrics and music, so there's no reason you shouldn't have the copyright. I've thought it over, and since we're like brothers, let's re-sign this copyright agreement."
"I'll authorize the cover song copyright to you, but the other commercial copyrights will still be mine. What do you think?"
"Don't worry, it's free, no money involved."
Shen Jianbin pulled out a contract like this, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
What's going on, why is he so eager to give away the copyright?
Professor Zhang walked out, "Let me see the contract."
Everyone realized what was happening when Professor Zhang picked up the contract.
So, Shen Jianbin is scared? Da Fei's recent reputation as the Outlaw has gone viral. Shen Jianbin's actions back then were actually quite illegal.
Although three years had passed, who knew if Da Fei, with his abilities, might produce evidence?
If he were to sue Shen Jianbin and claim tens of millions, Shen Jianbin would be stunned.
Professor Zhang nodded, "There's no problem with this contract."
Lin Chudong smiled faintly, "What, are you afraid I'll sue you?"
Shen Jianbin said, "Haha, what a joke. We're like brothers; how could you sue me? I just feel that what I did before wasn't quite right."
"Right, you can also use the stage name Da Fei for promotion in the future. After all, everyone calls you that. I've written it in the contract; you can use it with confidence."
Lin Chudong rubbed his chin, thought for a moment, and said.
"Add another clause for me. Besides the cover song rights, I also want the game authorization for the songs. If you feel it's a loss, I can pay copyright fees."
Shen Jianbin was stunned, "You're making a game?"
"No, give me a friend."
"Oh, forget it then, it's yours. Game authorization doesn't cost much anyway."
"Alright, let's sign."
Lin Chudong carefully reviewed the contract. There were no issues. Both parties signed. Lin Chudong was no longer the newbie he once was; he was a legal expert. No loopholes in the contract could escape his notice.
After signing, Shen Jianbin left.
Everyone looked at each other, "Was Shen Jianbin really scared?"
Professor Zhang said, "Probably. Listening to Da Fei talk about what happened before, Shen Jianbin's actions were indeed inappropriate. If pursued, compensation could be demanded."
Lin Chudong nodded, "It's good that he returned it himself now. He's a cautious person, which saves me from having to act."
...
Lin Chudong was just about to go to sleep when his phone suddenly rang.
"It's Yao Qiang. I'll be in Modu later, are you going to host me?"
"Why are you telling me now? Airport or the high-speed rail station?"
"High-speed rail station. I can't afford a plane ticket."
"Alright, I'll go pick you up now."
Twenty minutes later, Yao Qiang, looking travel-worn, got into Lin Chudong's car.
"This GLS is luxurious, huh? I heard Lin Qiqi bought it for you?"
"Yeah, a gift from a rich woman. What are you doing in Modu? Going back to the orphanage?"
Yao Qiang shook his head, lying on the chair, looking tired.
"I can't face going back. I came to Modu to talk about an acquisition. There's a boss in Modu who's interested in my company, and I want to sell it to him."
Lin Chudong frowned. "What's wrong? Not making money? I'll transfer 700,000 to you later, your share."
Yao Qiang was stunned. "700,000 is a lot. TV dramas are really profitable. But it's not enough for anything. I lost money on two games in a row, I can't keep going."
Lin Chudong said, "I was thinking of cooperating with you. How much are you selling your company for?"
"A little over three million. I have both the Wen Wang Wen and ICP licenses. The computers don't matter much, not that expensive. There are two games currently running, and the income and maintenance costs are currently breaking even. I don't want to invest more. That boss is meeting me tonight. I asked for 3.5 million, and I guess we can settle for a little over 3 million."
"Most of those three million is for the servers. I bought the servers myself back then and put them in a data center for hosting. I got a little carried away, thinking of making it bigger and stronger, but the income couldn't cover the expenses."
Lin Chudong thought for a moment, "What kind of games are those two?"
"Cutting monsters to level up, one slash for 999, they don't even dare advertise that anymore. It's almost over."
Lin Chudong nodded. Those two games were indeed worthless. According to Yao Qiang, his three million yuan basically covered the cost of the server equipment and the licenses, with the two games thrown in as a bonus.
"Wait for me a moment, I'm going somewhere."
Lin Chudong drove his car to the building where Liang Yin lived.
He didn't bother to call ahead, just went straight upstairs and knocked on her door.
After a few knocks, the door opened, and Liang Yin stood there in a nightgown.
"Da Fei? What are you doing here?"
Lin Chudong walked inside, saying,
"You just opened the door like that? Aren't you afraid of bad guys?"
Liang Yin said, "Can the bad guys beat me?"
Lin Chudong was taken aback, "That's true..."
Liang Yin was a wrestler; the average person wouldn't stand a chance against her, and two or three people couldn't get close to her.
"I'm here to talk to you about making games."
"I have a childhood friend whose game company lost money. They have an empty shell of a subsidiary with some servers and employees. I want to acquire it for three million."
Liang Yin was stunned, "Is such a small amount of money worth you making a trip? You could have just sent me a WeChat message."
Lin Chudong chuckled, "Alright, alright. Now we're rich. Back when you started the company, your entire net worth was only three million. Now three million is small change."
Liang Yin giggled, "That's right! Da Fei, you've got the skills. Of course, your Boss Liang also has good taste."
Liang Yin propped herself up on the sofa with both hands. Her loose pajamas were a little revealing, and Lin Chudong didn't dare to linger.
"I'll take care of the game company matters myself. He's waiting for me downstairs."
"Mm, I trust you, Da Fei. You seem to have a nosebleed? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, fine. I've just been eating too well lately, you know, supplements."
After going downstairs, Lin Chudong got back into the car.
"I discussed it with my partner, and I'm going to take over your company."
Yao Qiang was stunned for a moment. "Why are you taking over my company? You're really going to make games?"
"Yeah, I have some money, and it's just sitting there. I'll make a game."
Yao Qiang frowned. "We're brothers from childhood. I don't want to screw you over. The gaming industry is in a slump right now. The hack-and-slash leveling is too competitive; it's hard to do well."
Lin Chudong said, "I'm not doing hack-and-slash leveling either. I'm just asking you, if I invest, are you willing to do it?"
Yao Qiang was stunned for a few seconds. "Of course I'll do it! Why wouldn't I do it if I have a boss investing? How do you plan to handle the company acquisition?"
Lin Chudong said, "I'll acquire your company and directly establish a gaming department within my company. You'll be in charge. Your company is valued at 3.5 million, I'll give you 2 million, and the rest will be your shares. I'll invest the subsequent funds."
"You provide the technology, I provide the money. You get 30% of the gaming department's profits, and the rest goes to the company."
Yao Qiang said, "Are you serious? Do you have a plan? I'm afraid I'll lose your money."
Lin Chudong said, "Of course, I do. Let's go. You can come to my company first."
The two arrived at the company, and Lin Chudong took out a piece of paper and a pen.
He then began to draw rapidly, sketching out several graphics with a few simple strokes.
Yao Qiang was stunned, "You can draw? When did you learn?"
"I taught myself a couple of years ago."
Seeing what Lin Chudong had drawn, Yao Qiang frowned.
"What is this stuff? A game interface?"
"Yes."
"Have you ever played the drums?"
"No."
"I'll show you."
Lin Chudong played a song and taught Yao Qiang how to drum. After a while of learning the drums, he could also play some beats.
"Is it fun?"
Yao Qiang nodded. "It's a bit interesting, but the threshold is a bit high. It's not easy to learn."
Lin Chudong pointed at the arrows he had drawn. "What if, instead of playing the drums, you press the directional keys?"
Yao Qiang seemed to have a sudden realization, but soon frowned.
"You're saying... a music game?"
"To be precise, a rhythm game."
Yao Qiang fell into thought. "There aren't many of these types of games in China right now. There are a few overseas, but they're generally not very effective and don't make much money. If it's a competitive game, what are the charging items?"
"Skins and advertisements."
Lin Chudong pointed at the game interface he'd drawn and said, "Along with the music, there will be corresponding drum beats. The up arrow represents the bass drum, the down arrow represents the snare drum, and so on."
"As long as you press the keys correctly, the character you control will dance. If you make a mistake, the dancing will stop."
"Playing it feels similar to the exhilaration you got from playing the drum kit just now, and it's easy to pick up."
A glint appeared in Yao Qiang's eyes. He suddenly felt that this plan of Lin Chudong's was quite interesting.
"This game is going to cost a lot, isn't it?"
Lin Chudong said, "Definitely. There are two major expenses. The first is the music copyright. Luckily, your big brother is in this business, so you don't have to worry about that. Getting a hundred or eighty songs shouldn't be a problem."
"The second is the art design. I'll recruit people tomorrow. We'll offer a lot of money to hire top-notch art designers for your game department, and they'll take orders from you."
"Planning, funding… I'll take care of everything. You're responsible for production and operation. Do you think it'll work?"
Yao Qiang examined the drawing very carefully.
"It'll work."
"Let's give it a name first. What should we call this game?"
Lin Chudong said, "Audition."
-----------------------
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