Hearing Liang Xiaoyuan's words, Shen Tong's spirits lifted. She felt a renewed sense of confidence: "Liang Xiaoyuan, from now on, let's compete fairly! I won't hold back against you!"
"Holding back? That should be my line," Liang Xiaoyuan replied with a smile. He knew Shen Tong was not one to give up easily, and her determination excited him.
After finishing their meal, Liang Xiaoyuan and Shen Tong drove back to the company.
Shen Tong immediately started brainstorming ways to help Chen Xiaoyong secure the album deal. Xia Zixuan wanted to hear their arguments that afternoon. Shen Tong's efforts were not only for her work but also to ensure she didn't disappoint Liang Xiaoyuan.
Comparing the two, Xie Sangyan undoubtedly had more experience in singing and had built a solid fan base over the years. Meanwhile, Chen Xiaoyong had gained a lot of attention and fans recently through scandalous news, although these followers were likely temporary.
After careful consideration, Shen Tong finally devised a compelling plan to justify why Chen Xiaoyong deserved the album deal. She had just finished drafting her proposal when someone informed her that Xia Zixuan wanted to see her in his office. Xia Zixuan's efficiency was unmatched.
"I listened to both Chen Xiaoyong and Xie Sangyan's recordings," Xia Zixuan began without commenting on their singing skills. "Now, I want both managers to tell me who is more suitable for the album."
This was not a talent show. Xia Zixuan was looking for someone who could make money for the company. The most important thing now was a solid reason and a good plan.
"Actually, both Chen Xiaoyong and Xie Sangyan have similar singing abilities. However, Xie Sangyan has more experience. Plus, she already has a loyal fan base. If we give her this opportunity, we can almost predict the album's sales. It might not be a huge profit, but there's no risk," Liang Xiaoyuan confidently presented his case.
Xia Zixuan nodded, "That certainly eliminates any risk."
"Mr. Xia, as a businessman, you should know that profit often comes with risk," Shen Tong interjected.
"Yes, risk and reward are usually proportional," Xia Zixuan acknowledged.
"So, no risk means no chance for higher rewards. While giving the album to Chen Xiaoyong might be riskier, it also means we could gain more," Shen Tong argued.
Liang Xiaoyuan glanced at Shen Tong with an approving look. It was clear that she had strong reasoning. Shen Tong smiled back, signaling that she wouldn't disappoint him.
Xia Zixuan turned to Liang Xiaoyuan, "Mr. Liang, do you think Shen Tong has a point?"
"She does," Liang Xiaoyuan agreed, but then shifted his tone. "However, in business, having a point doesn't always mean it's feasible."
Xia Zixuan, intrigued, adjusted his coffee cup and straightened his suit, signaling Liang Xiaoyuan to continue.
Seeing Xia Zixuan's interest, Liang Xiaoyuan elaborated, "As Shen Tong said, risk brings potential for greater rewards. However, it's important to note the word 'potential.' There's a 50% chance of unexpected gains, but there's also a 50% chance of unexpected losses. In business, we aim for certainty, not unknown challenges."
Xia Zixuan nodded in approval, clearly pleased with both Liang Xiaoyuan and Shen Tong's arguments.
Shen Tong was surprised at how easily Liang Xiaoyuan found a flaw in her reasoning. As a new manager, she still had much to learn.
"Shen Tong, do you have a stronger argument to prove that Chen Xiaoyong is more suitable for this album than Xie Sangyan?" Xia Zixuan prompted her to speak.
Shen Tong paused, then said, "Risk and reward go hand in hand. If we always fear failure, we'll never move forward."
"Success is great, but what about the costs of failure? In every endeavor, responsibility is key. If you only consider the best-case scenario, who will bear the consequences of failure?" Liang Xiaoyuan questioned.
Shen Tong felt a wave of frustration but understood that Liang Xiaoyuan was pushing her to improve. Determined not to let him down, she replied, "More profit means more risk. Playing it safe will keep us stagnant. While Xie Sangyan's album carries no risk, the returns are also limited."
"How can you be sure that Chen Xiaoyong's returns will outweigh the risks?" Xia Zixuan asked pointedly.
Shen Tong thought for a moment, then confidently said, "Chen Xiaoyong's fan base has skyrocketed due to her recent scandal with Chen Jianle. In this industry, it's crucial to strike while the iron is hot. Additionally, she's about to star in a new drama funded by the company. This would simultaneously promote an artist, an album, and a new show. Calculating the costs of separate promotions, this combined strategy is cost-effective and minimizes losses."
Impressed, Xia Zixuan clapped, "Excellent, no wonder I chose you."
Liang Xiaoyuan nodded in agreement, acknowledging Shen Tong's solid argument.
Seeing Xia Zixuan and Liang Xiaoyuan's approval, Shen Tong felt immense joy. She had proven her capability without relying on their help.
Xia Zixuan asked, "Mr. Liang, any further comments?"
"No, Shen Tong's reasoning is sound. I hope she maximizes the album's profit," Liang Xiaoyuan said, genuinely happy for Shen Tong. Xie Sangyan missing this opportunity wouldn't affect her much, and this had shown Shen Tong's growth.
"Then it's decided. Xie Sangyan's album will be postponed," Xia Zixuan concluded, revealing that he had always planned this.
Shen Tong couldn't help but admire Xia Zixuan's strategic thinking.