From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Blah blah blah, singing in harmony, flowing smoothly, a seamless and perfect collaboration.

Mike was very satisfied with the effect. He believed they could impress Anson; the Warner Records brand, coupled with the sincerity of a personal visit, certainly carried enough weight.

But Dustin noticed Anson's "quietness." Listening attentively was a good thing, allowing them to express all their intentions according to plan. However, remaining so quiet throughout, without interrupting or interjecting, was slightly unsettling—especially for Anson.

Dustin was a producer, and he always believed that music was a person's color. Whether it was the creator or the performer, they could imbue music with a unique texture. To some extent, that was the color of the soul.

Of course, excluding bubblegum pop.

Dustin admired Anson, and the most important reason was the freedom and unrestrainedness conveyed in his melodies and performances, which reminded him of Kurt Cobain.

The most wonderful thing was that Kurt Cobain was rebellious, dark, and broken, with a destructive instinct hidden in his free soul; however, Anson didn't have that. His music concealed a golden transparency and lightness, a clarity and wisdom.

Of course, maybe Dustin was just overthinking, and illusions are free. But Dustin believed in his judgment, which was why he insisted they should sign the band.

If Dustin's judgment was correct, then Anson's reaction was abnormal.

But Dustin wasn't in a hurry to speak. He wanted to observe Anson's response and verify his judgment.

Then—

Anson spoke.

Maintaining patience, maintaining focus, until Dustin and Mike finished their presentation, ensuring that the two representatives had fully expressed their intentions, Anson gently raised his chin, his gaze earnest.

"So, let me summarize the situation."

"Warner Records believes that our band's performance does bring some novelty, different from the mainstream music on the market, which is very interesting."

"But at the same time, this also means that independent music may not be able to enter the mainstream market, and the sales prospects are worrying."

"Of course, the buzz from 'The Tonight Show' is a positive factor, but how much of that traffic can actually be converted into sales, and how long it can last, are all unknowns."

"You think it's worth trying, Warner Records hasn't refused, but also expresses great risk and limited interest, giving you certain authority. You decided to personally come and talk to me, to test the waters."

"So, after meeting, you refuse to discuss numbers, but instead try to move me with emotion, hoping that I, like other down-and-out artists, will be overjoyed by Warner Records' appreciation and respect, and agree without hesitation."

"But once the album production begins, the power is no longer in our hands, because you can't possibly guarantee our creative control in black and white. The royalties may also be mostly taken by Warner Records, and we become an experiment for the record company, not only distorting our musical colors but also very likely remaining poor and destitute, returning to square one after going around in circles."

"Or even worse."

"As for your careers, they shouldn't be too negatively affected. You continue to look for the next singer, discover the next genius. After all, in the entertainment industry, there is no shortage of daydreamers, right?"

"This, is this the reason you came in person?"

Warner Records is interested, but with limited interest. Compared to interest, worry and opposition prevail—

Cello and rock? A band mainly using instruments? Actors dabbling in bands as a hobby? Musicians rising from talk shows?

All sorts of things, on the surface, seem full of gimmicks, but at the turn of the millennium, they are full of countless uncertainties. The current music market is showing a slow decline, with record sales declining across the board.

At the beginning of last year, Virgin Records, under EMI, one of the world's five major record companies, underwent personnel changes, eventually terminating its contract with Mariah Carey after only a year, resulting in Virgin Records paying $28 million in compensation. This is also a snapshot of the sluggish music market.

Even giants like Warner Records must be more cautious.

Perhaps Dustin and Mike are the ones who are truly interested, so they broke the norm and came in person. Behind this unusual move, there are obviously more hidden circumstances.

And Anson is just making a small prediction and inference.

Finally, Mike found his voice and was about to offer an explanation.

This time, he was interrupted by Dustin, "Haha, hahaha."

Bursting into laughter!

Dustin didn't give him any face, looking at Mike and laughing heartily, "You've been exposed, with nothing left. Haha, you should see your expression."

Mike: … …

Dustin, "What did I just say to you? We shouldn't play tricks, we should tell the truth, that's the only way to build trust."

"Besides, we've already come to visit in person, why worry about face? Being sincere, less routine, isn't that good?"

Rapid-fire, like a sudden storm.

Dustin directly revealed all of Mike's cards, and Mike really felt like he had lost the will to live.

A breath stuck in his chest, but in the end, Mike exhaled a long breath. He and Dustin were old friends, knowing each other for more than just a day or two. Since he chose to come with Dustin to discuss business, he should have been prepared for this.

Now, it's okay.

Mike quickly adjusted his mindset, looking at Anson, but still unable to control his curiosity, "… …God, how did you see through it?"

"I mean, our acting shouldn't be that clumsy, right?"

"I really should review my negotiating skills."

Sincerity is also loveliness.

Anson smiled wryly. In fact, the very act of Warner Records visiting in person was unusual. He didn't think that record companies needed to visit in person—

Conner and the others, any one of them, would rush to Los Angeles as soon as they received a call from 'The Tonight Show'; so imagine, Warner Records only needed a phone call, and they would be willing to rush to their door like moths to a flame.

Even if Warner Records was very sincere, it wasn't necessary, really not necessary.

But, not exposing what you see through, that's how the small boat of friendship won't capsize.

Anson revealed a smile, giving a truthful and reasonable answer, "You are indeed not the first record company to call. Obviously, we already have a preliminary understanding of our situation."

So that's how it is!