Furious, Yang Ruoqian closed his video platform, switching back to his messaging app. His college group chat was abuzz, with the topic being predominantly about that "coupon" link.
Who wouldn't want a free meal? Almost everyone in the group had fallen for Shao I-qi's scam.
Yang Ruoqian couldn't stand the smug look on Shao I-qi's face, so he lashed out at him, before asking, "Who made this video? Isn't that a bit too much?"
They had been roommates in college and were on good terms, so their conversation was naturally informal.
Shao I-qi retorted, "I did. What's wrong with it? I merely reposted it! I drove a lot of traffic to that streamer's channel, and I had my fun. It's a win-win situation, get it?"
Oh, great! So, my biggest obstacle in business turns out to be my college buddy! It's a win-win, huh? You and Huang Rushi won, but what about me? I'm left with absolutely nothing!
At this moment, Yang Ruoqian wished he could grab Shao I-qi out of the screen and give him a good beating.
Other classmates, also victims of the scam, made light-hearted jokes condemning Shao I-qi. However, their primary concern was the upcoming reunion.
Gu Jiwen asked, "So, are you really treating us to a meal?"
Shao I-qi replied, "Of course! Next Saturday, I'll host you all at the city's most upscale riverside restaurant."
Perfect! I'll get back at you next Saturday.
Yang Ruoqian muttered to himself, exited the group chat, and saw a message from Chang Zhiqing, "Are you going to the reunion?"
Of course, he had to go. He had to teach Shao I-qi a lesson and show him what real-life anti-fraud looks like.
"Why? What's up?"
Chang Zhiqing promptly replied, "I'm going too."
"They didn't invite you. Is it okay to gatecrash?"
Chang Zhiqing responded quickly, "I'll pay for myself. They know me; why shouldn't I go?"
True. During college, Chang Zhiqing often visited Yang Ruoqian. Over time, they became familiar with each other.
"Alright, let's go together."
Just as Yang Ruoqian sent the message, an unknown number called, taking over his chat window.
Who's calling at 5:30 PM, during off-hours? A telemarketer, perhaps? Why can't these car dealerships keep customer data private?
After some thought, Yang Ruoqian answered, asking somewhat rudely, "Hello? Who is this?"
If the caller began with an insurance pitch, he'd hang up immediately.
However, a confident female voice on the other end replied, "Is this Mr. Yang of Xplendi? I'm Yu Xiaoran, the Operations Manager at Tianyue Media. May I have a few minutes of your time?"
Xplendi? Tianyue Media?
Yang Ruoqian recalled applying to a streaming platform to establish a guild. It wasn't approved until now.
Tianyue Media was where Zhu Qifeng, the security guard, previously worked. Why were they reaching out?
Thinking of Zhu Qifeng?
After a moment, Yang Ruoqian cautiously replied, "I am Yang Ruoqian of Xplendi, but we haven't been approved on the streaming platform yet."
"The approval has come through. You'll be notified tomorrow," Yu Xiaoran said nonchalantly. "I'm calling to discuss the transfer of your guild's streamer, 'Yun Nai', Ms. Gao."
Well, that was unexpected!
But then again, this was a typical move from a large corporation. Their capabilities were evident.
In any case, Yang Ruoqian didn't want to let go of Gao Naiyun. He deflected, "You should ask Gao Naiyun directly."
Yu Xiaoran waited for Yang Ruoqian to finish before calmly replying, "We just spoke with Ms. Gao Naiyun. She referred us to you."
Caught off guard, Yang Ruoqian was momentarily speechless.
Yu Xiaoran had anticipated that the other party would dodge the issue. After all, they were a small guild, and they had finally cultivated a streamer who could bring in substantial revenue. Why would they let her go so easily?
For a streamer to transfer between guilds, both the streamer and the current guild must agree. Unless the streamer chooses to abandon their current streaming account and start a new one, or take a break from streaming for six months to automatically end the contract with the guild, the streamer cannot change guilds if either party disagrees.
If they tried to change unilaterally, they'd have to pay a hefty breach of contract fee or what's termed a "transfer fee." This fee has trapped many streamers.
In Yu Xiaoran's view, to retain "Yun Nai", Xplendi guild must have offered a very high salary and set a significant breach of contract fee. And "Yun Nai", to monopolize the entire guild's resources, would choose to stay with Xplendi.
However, being a listed company, Tianyue Media has abundant resources, more than enough to overshadow a small guild like Xplendi.
So, convincing the streamer is straightforward.
The biggest challenge now was how to persuade Yang Ruoqian, the one on the phone with her.
The answer was simple: money.
Yu Xiaoran got straight to the point, "How much is the breach of contract fee in your agreement with 'Yun Nai'? If it's within 1.5 million yuan, Tianyue Media is willing to pay in full."
It was clear that this money would go to the corporate account. Due to the strong intervention of the system, Yang Ruoqian wouldn't personally receive a dime.
Furthermore, Yang Ruoqian always respected artists and wouldn't make decisions unilaterally. If Gao Naiyun wanted to pursue other opportunities, he wouldn't stop her. But if she wanted to stay, he wouldn't force her out either.
Yang Ruoqian sighed, "Ms. Yu, thank you for your proposal. But I suggest you finalize things with Gao Naiyun before coming to me."
There's no need to beat around the bush if they couldn't agree on the price.
Yu Xiaoran was working overtime and had many tasks piled up, which made her somewhat impatient.
1.5 million yuan wasn't the final offer from Tianyue Media. But instead of hanging up because the price wasn't right, why not quote a price?
But Yu, who saw a lot of potential in "Yun Nai's" future earnings and respected Yang Ruoqian for discovering such a talent, patiently continued, "Mr. Yang, perhaps you misunderstood. What I meant was..."
Yang Ruoqian sighed, cutting her off, "Ms. Yu, I understand perfectly what you're saying. It's you who doesn't get my point."
"Pardon?" Yu Xiaoran, often hailed as a formidable woman, was genuinely perplexed.
"There is no breach of contract fee in Gao Naiyun's agreement with our company," Yang Ruoqian said with a chuckle. "Also, a friendly reminder: our company operates from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please try not to call my employees about work after hours. Have a pleasant day. Goodbye."