The contract negotiations went unexpectedly smoothly, almost too smoothly.
After Keiko had explained every clause in detail, Shingo used the excuse of smoking to take Keiko out of the office temporarily, leaving time and space for them to discuss.
According to Rin, this was the best contract she had ever seen; she really couldn't find anything to be dissatisfied with.
At the very least, the other party had basically met all the requirements they valued most.
Furthermore, Keiko's explanation of each clause was very thorough, and they carefully reviewed the contract a few more times, confirming that the other party really didn't seem to have hidden any traps.
"How is your consideration going?"
After a while, Shingo and Keiko returned.
Watching them carefully check the contract over and over, Shingo said with a chuckle, "Please rest assured, Being is a major company after all; there's no need for us to use those underhanded tactics."
Hard to say.
Hearing him say this, Akira remained unmoved.
Although he didn't have much personal experience in his past life, the number of publicly reported examples online was already countless.
Never mind large companies; even at the national level, there is no shortage of instances where underhanded tactics are used.
The world is just one giant makeshift operation; the era of blindly worshipping authority passed long ago!
What's more, this is a company in the entertainment industry, and there is no need to explain what that industry is really like.
However, what surprised him was that Rin handled this quite well too.
Upon hearing this, she nodded gently and said, "Indeed."
"But after all, we are newcomers signing a contract for the first time. If we don't understand the situation clearly, we will always feel a bit uneasy."
She's got skills!
"That is true."
Shingo showed an appreciative look and nodded, "Especially as newcomers, being cautious is a good thing. I hope you can keep that up."
However, the truth was exactly as he said; they hadn't used any tricks on this contract, and they had indeed provided the highest-tier treatment for newcomers.
After all, this signing was a decision made by the big boss, Daiko, personally. Who would dare to play any tricks on this?
Even if the other party wasn't satisfied with such a contract and wanted to push for more, he would still have to ask the boss for instructions before making any decisions.
Fortunately, neither of these two newcomers was that type of person.
And that said, he himself was in full support of Daiko's decision this time.
Because he had also listened to the demos of "Marigold" and "Snow Flower," he also felt the quality was excellent, and the female vocals were very captivating.
One side had strong creative ability, the other had excellent singing skills, and at the same time, both of them looked outstanding... In his view, this duo had the potential to become huge hits.
However, the market is the hardest thing to grasp.
Some people who look like they could be hits never actually make it in their entire lives; while others who don't look like they could ever be hits might suddenly explode in popularity overnight.
Who can say for sure?
In short, after confirming again and again that there were indeed no issues with the contract, Akira and Rin chose to sign it on the spot.
Is it a success just like that?
Looking at her own name on the contract, Rin's expression was a bit dazed.
The goal that she previously thought was difficult to achieve had now been suddenly and easily realized; such a huge contrast even made her feel it was a bit unreal for a moment.
Regarding this, Akira felt it was okay.
Although he was a bit skeptical at first, after confirming that there were no problems with the contract, he quickly accepted the current situation.
After all, he had already experienced the script of 'being treated at a super-newcomer level because of being valued' once last month.
Regardless, "Marigold" and "snow flower" were masterpieces that had already stood the test of the market in his past life.
Furthermore, they were the representative works of top female singers from two different eras, old and new; their value goes without saying.
Under these circumstances, it was only natural to be valued by the other party.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Shingo finally breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.
If he hadn't managed to sign these two, he would have had a hard time answering to his superiors.
Putting away the signed contract belonging to the company, he couldn't help but smile and say, "Then, welcome both of you to the Being family."
"From now on, I look forward to working with you both."
"Not at all, the pleasure is ours."
Akira smiled and nodded in response, and Rin followed with a gentle nod, saying, "I look forward to working with you."
Although it seemed like both sides were just exchanging pleasantries, and in reality they were, what Shingo said wasn't just pleasantries.
Because the A&R department is responsible not only for signing new artists but also for production coordination and artist development, especially since they would need to deal with them for the upcoming single production.
Even right now, they needed to start discussing a serious matter.
Shingo said to the two, "Since the positioning of the song 'Marigold' is a summer love song, there is no doubt that now is the best time to release it."
"If we miss it, I'm afraid we'll have to shelve it until next year."
"Therefore, I hope this song can be produced as soon as possible and the release planned. Can we have it finished by the end of August at the latest?"
"No problem."
After hearing this, the two exchanged a look, and Akira agreed immediately.
The arrangement for "Marigold" was not complex, so this amount of time was more than enough for them.
"Very good."
Seeing them agree so readily, Shingo showed a satisfied smile and continued, "Then, the arrangements for the recording studio will be sent to you via email as soon as possible, and an 『editor』 will be arranged to coordinate with you."
"Do you have any requirements for the 『editor』?"
The 『editor』 is similar to a manager, but not as comprehensive as a full manager; they are mainly responsible for managing the artist's schedule and creative coordination, similar to the work of a manga editor.
Regarding this, Rin thought for a moment and said, "I hope you can arrange a female editor for us."
After all, according to the agreement between her and Akira, she would be the only one participating in most of the upcoming activities, so a male editor would be too inconvenient.
Furthermore, apart from Akira, she didn't like other strange men being around her often.
"I understand."
Shingo nodded; these were the temporary arrangements.
More detailed arrangements would need to be decided through meeting discussions.
"Well then, that's it for now."
With that, Shingo walked them to the office door.
However, just as the two were about to leave with Keiko, Shingo suddenly spoke up and called out to him.
"By the way, Mochizuki-kun. May I ask you a question?"
"What question?"
Akira was a bit puzzled upon hearing this; seeing this, the other party smiled and asked, "I just want to know, what was your original intention for creating?"
"The original intention for creating?"
Akira raised an eyebrow, then said honestly, "Nothing much, I just wanted to make money."
...
"'Just wanted to make money,' huh?"
Hearing the news brought back by Shingo, Daiko muttered, "But that is actually the hardest thing, kid."
Oh well.
Since the choice has been made, let him see how far this pair of newcomers can go.