Chapter 147: The Starting Lineup Is Complete!

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After noting down the scheduled times with the various singers, Chen Qi glanced outside at the sky, which had not yet fully darkened, and then contacted the relevant equipment suppliers. The most crucial of these were the sound and lighting providers. The recording studio had supplied all their contact information, and these were very professional teams. After arranging to have dinner together, Chen Qi made some preparations and then got ready to leave.

At that moment, Deputy Director Wang sent someone over with a contract sample. She also asked the messenger to pass along a message saying she would have her venue and staff ready within two days.

"Alright, got it, thank you," Chen Qi said as he took the contract from the courier and hurriedly hailed a taxi.

On the way to the restaurant, he carefully reviewed the contract sample sent by Deputy Director Wang. There were no major issues; the terms matched those they had discussed at noon.

More than an hour later, nearing eight o’clock, he met with the equipment suppliers at a restaurant. After briefly introducing his project, he handed them the hand-drawn site layout he had created a few days earlier.

He requested the highest-grade sound equipment and the most dazzling lighting effects. Once assured they could deliver the results he envisioned, Chen Qi detailed his specific requirements.

They should rent as much as possible; only purchase equipment if it absolutely could not be rented. Time was tight — after signing the contract and paying a deposit, all equipment must be delivered within three days. Installation and tuning must be completed within ten days of delivery, ready for operation.

Furthermore, once the equipment was in use, at least two technicians must be stationed on site at all times. Any equipment malfunctions must be resolved within half an hour, or penalties would apply.

After articulating each demand clearly, Chen Qi handed them a printed list of the requirements.

The two suppliers looked at each other, somewhat stunned.

It wasn’t the demands themselves that surprised them—after all, Chen Qi’s requests were for expensive, top-tier equipment and strict conditions they could understand. What shocked them was Chen Qi himself and the scale of the order.

They hadn’t expected such a large deal. More importantly, the young man before them looked youthful, yet his demeanor and speech betrayed a wealth of experience.

Honestly, they hadn’t heard of Chen Qi before. They had only looked up his information online after receiving his call. The details they found were impressive, but nothing compared to the shock of hearing that this project was in collaboration with Jingcheng Satellite TV.

Hearing it was a partnership with Jingcheng Satellite TV completely changed their perception of him.

Jingcheng Satellite TV!

One of the top-ranked satellite channels nationwide!

And judging by his tone, he was the project leader?

With the prestige of Jingcheng Satellite TV attached, these two suppliers unconsciously raised their estimation of him.

Such a young man leading such a major project—it seemed his future was limitless!

“Alright, no problem. We can accept all these conditions,” the two suppliers said after carefully reviewing Chen Qi’s requirements.

Though the timeline was tight, it was not impossible. By adding more personnel and working overtime, the ten-day completion deadline was achievable.

Chen Qi nodded and said, “If that’s all settled, please provide me with a quote as soon as possible.”

“Sure!”

Both suppliers answered promptly, promising to have the quotes ready by noon the next day.

Chen Qi glanced at them and straightforwardly told them he was the project lead and that they should quote their best prices.

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Moreover, he shamelessly admitted that he had already contacted several other suppliers and was currently making final comparisons.

“Understood!”

Both suppliers nodded in acknowledgment and hurried off to prepare.

This was a big deal!

Affected by the downturn in the music market, their entire supply chain had taken a hit. They didn’t want to miss such a large order.

Nor did they want to miss out on Chen Qi himself.

To take on such a major project at such a young age meant that if cooperation went well, future opportunities would surely follow.

This was a wealthy client—they had to provide excellent service!

So neither of them entertained any distracting thoughts; their only focus was to offer a competitive quote and secure the contract.

After the two suppliers left, Chen Qi also departed from the restaurant and took a taxi back to his rented apartment.

After tidying up some documents related to the band and musicians, he finally collapsed into a tired sleep.

The next day.

Chen Qi woke early and began preparing for meetings with the singers.

It was awkward; so far none of the singers had accepted his invitation.

But that wasn’t a problem. The fact that they agreed to meet meant they were at least interested in participating. Chen Qi was confident he could persuade them.

Around nine in the morning, while still on the road, Chen Qi received the quotes from the two equipment suppliers from the previous day.

Unfamiliar with such pricing, he forwarded the quotes to Xu Man for her advice.

After all, Xu Man had organized concerts before and should understand pricing to some extent.

Shortly after sending the quotes, Xu Man called him.

“You’re crazy! Do you really need equipment this good for a show?” Her tone was incredulous.

She was shocked by the equipment list Chen Qi had sent.

She thought Chen Qi was completely inexperienced!

This wasn’t just producing a show—it was burning money!

Was it really necessary?

Have you ever seen a TV station use equipment this high-end for a program?

“I told you before, this isn’t an ordinary show,” Chen Qi replied, pressed for time and unwilling to explain much. He just urged her to help review the quotes quickly.

“I’ve never used equipment this good…” Xu Man responded helplessly.

Without experience with such top-tier gear, she couldn’t help much.

“Do you know anyone in the business?” Chen Qi asked.

Xu Man thought for a moment and said, “Send me a blank list without prices, and I’ll ask some suppliers I’ve worked with to give you a rough quote.”

Chen Qi asked for the supplier’s name and confirmed it was different from the two he had contacted before, then sent over the blank list.

More than half an hour later, Xu Man called back.

Her supplier’s quote was over 20% higher than the ones Chen Qi had received.

“Alright, got it, thanks,” Chen Qi said after hanging up. He immediately called the two equipment suppliers and asked them to come later to sign the contract.

The most important thing was that equipment preparation could now begin.

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After handling this, Chen Qi turned his full attention to meeting with the singers.

He was busy all day.

Throughout the day, he devoted all his energy to negotiating with the singers.

During these discussions, he showed great sincerity and worked hard to persuade them with a blend of emotional appeal and reason.

“Our show uses top-tier equipment with a professional team. Even the band and musicians are well-known in the industry. The entire program is accompanied live.”

“There’s no rigging! The competition is fair, just, and transparent—no tricks, no unfair treatment. Everyone competes solely based on talent.”

“I can’t say if this will revive the music scene, but your market value will definitely recover. After participating, your worth will even rise significantly.”

Encouraged and persuaded by Chen Qi’s efforts, the singers became tempted.

Yet, worried about the elimination rounds, they hesitated to commit immediately.

In the end, Chen Qi had to play his trump card—offer more money!

There’s nothing money can’t solve. If there is, then offer even more!

As the old saying goes, “A heavy reward will surely find a brave man.” It still holds true.

Chen Qi’s initial budget had some room for increase; now, by fully leveraging that margin, the singers found it hard to resist.

Under this strong financial incentive, the singers gradually gave in.

After staring at Chen Qi for a moment, they took a deep breath, gritted their teeth as if going to battle, and accepted.

They would join the show!

Eliminations, embarrassment—it no longer mattered.

Thus, within a single day, Chen Qi successfully met with five singers. Two wanted to think it over, but three had already agreed and signed contracts.

At this point, nearly half of the initial lineup was secured.

Tomorrow, he would meet with singers arriving from other cities to Jingcheng, and the initial lineup would almost be complete.

After confirming the singers, Chen Qi contacted the bands and musicians recommended by the recording studio and some introduced by Xu Man.

Compared to the singers, these bands and musicians responded more readily. Having not received many big gigs lately, they quickly accepted Chen Qi’s rates.

Chen Qi arranged for them to come to the studio tomorrow to sign contracts.

Amidst this hectic preparation, two days passed in a flash.

After great effort, Chen Qi successfully signed six singers.

Only one spot remained to complete the initial lineup.

No one from the previously contacted list was willing to join now. With the live show scheduled soon at Jingcheng Satellite TV, Chen Qi had no time to negotiate with other singers.

After some hesitation, he decided to leave that last spot open for now.

If other singers still considering the offer agreed to join later, that would be best. If not...

He was a singer himself, after all.

At worst, he would step in himself.