Xie Bing then asked, "Chairman Jiang, do you have any further instructions regarding the guild?"
Jiang Cheng thought for a moment and said, "Push the guild project forward. The live-streaming industry is brutally competitive; we can't fall behind. Keep an eye out for promising newcomers—sign them and train them into our company's Streamers."
Shen Zheng and Xie Bing exchanged glances, both wearing troubled expressions.
Clearly, the assignment felt thorny.
Poaching sounds easy, but doing it is hard.
Especially when you're targeting top Streamers—how do you lure them away?
Even if you succeed, the price is astronomical.
And monetizing them afterward is another headache.
Live streaming is hot, but only Live Streaming Platform and HuZhi have truly made it work.
Can fan tips on those platforms really cover the buy-out fees and penalties?
Xie Bing spoke up at once: "Chairman Jiang, the budget for building the streaming guild is running low."
Jiang Cheng didn't haggle. "I'll have Xingchen Investment wire you a few hundred million. If we're doing this, we go big. Audit the major guilds, target their top Streamers, open talks—pay the penalties, double the signing fees. No small-time moves. Understood?"
"You two handle it; don't hesitate. If it's tough, drop their cut below ten percent. That share should be irresistible."
Hearing this, Shen Zheng and Xie Bing looked relieved.
Given equal offers, many stars wouldn't risk a jump.
They know switching platforms is risky.
But surrendering an extra ten percent of revenue is a colossal sweetener.
"Thank you for the guidance, Chairman Jiang. We understand."
Ten minutes later, after outlining the tasks, Jiang Cheng stretched and turned to Little Crispy and Liu Yuning.
He spoke with polished courtesy, "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Before Little Crispy could reply, Liu Yuning hastily said, "No, no, we haven't waited long—the coffee's great."
Jiang Cheng smiled but didn't engage him; holding the upper hand, he felt no rush.
He looked at Little Crispy, eyes appraising.
"Have you decided?"
She nodded instantly. "O—Chairman Jiang, I'm sure. It's an honor to join your company."
Excitement and anticipation filled her voice.
Her cute face even wore a flattering smile.
Watching her bob like a chick pecking rice, Jiang Cheng chuckled inwardly; his plan was working.
Making them cool their heels had tempered their egos and made them treasure the opportunity.
"Any special requests for the contract?" he asked gently.
Already overwhelmed, Little Crispy dared not ask for anything.
She shook her head cautiously. "Just one thing—my current contract hasn't ended; could the company pay the penalty?"
"Sure. Talk it over with those two later; they'll tailor an offer. Sign if it suits you."
"Yes, President Jiang!" she answered, beaming.
Deal struck in two sentences, Jiang Cheng stood. "Chat with them, then. I have business—I'll head out first."
She showed no resentment as he turned to leave.
She'd once thought he fancied her.
Now she realized a company full of bigger, hotter Internet Celebrities left no reason for him to notice her.
She'd abandoned that idea.
Liu Yuning, however, sprang up anxiously.
"Chairman Jiang, excuse me—may I have a word?"
Jiang Cheng, knowing what he wanted, stopped. "Go ahead."
Afraid Jiang Cheng didn't recognize him, Liu Yuning introduced himself. "I'm an Internet Celebrity too—one of the Modeng Brothers."
He bowed like a job applicant.
"We have over two million TikTok followers; could we join your company?"
Jiang Cheng smiled slightly. "I have some impression—a team of several guys?"
Liu Yuning nodded quickly. "Yes, exactly."
"You're decent; the rest I barely recall."
"They're actually quite good musically," Liu Yuning hurried to say.
"Background props? A music app could replace them."
The remark left Liu Yuning awkward.
After all, the Modeng Brothers would split and go solo.
He'd once said on stream he'd done his duty and would still toss them gigs.
Though he'd long considered solo flight, he couldn't voice it.
Unsure of Jiang Cheng's thoughts, he answered formally, "President Jiang, you may not know our situation. We came together through a love of music; each of us has a unique style and talent."
Jiang Cheng smiled. "I understand, yet I must weigh the company's interests and growth."
To the public, only Liu Yuning stood out in the Modeng Brothers.
The other two seemed redundant.
The group's income relied on Liu Yuning's fame.
In that climate, even deep brotherhood eroded when profits were sliced.
Liu Yuning felt helpless and distressed.
He knew his success owed much to the Modeng Brothers, yet he also saw their relations growing thorny.
He had no idea how to face his brothers or handle their bond.