Chapter 024: Tickets at Ten Times the Price

The next morning, in Jiufeng’s office.

Zhang Lei was plagued with a headache and seething with anger as he watched the torrent of online discussions about last night’s events. Ninety-nine percent of the comments were scathing criticisms of Jiufeng—sometimes pairing Jiufeng and Le Xiaotian together for a collective lashing.

However, with Le Xiaotian’s recent surge in popularity, fewer people dared to openly berate him. Still, no one could fathom why Le Xiaotian had simply refused to perform last night. Even with just a handful of audience members—dozens, or even a single person—an artist should take the stage regardless! How could he lack even the most basic professional standards? Only performing to a full house? Who did he think he was?

Alas, Zhang Lei blamed his own greed and kindness for not having drawn up a compensation agreement. In high-end concert halls, there simply weren’t clauses for such compensation. The real problem, though, was Le Xiaotian’s outrageous conduct. As a prestigious venue, tickets sold could never be refunded—not a matter of money, but of reputation.

Since last night, Zhang Lei had been working nonstop, through the night. The boss had sent word: if this mess wasn’t handled, he’d be forced to resign. After decades of early mornings and late nights, finally graduating from a renowned university and working his way up, he had just managed to secure his position at Jiufeng. Now, a lifetime of effort threatened to collapse in a single day. With the boss ahead and Zhang Hao behind, he felt cursed.

If only Le Xiaotian had performed last night—none of this would have happened. Zhang Hao wouldn’t be hounding him, and the boss wouldn’t be demanding his resignation. Le Xiaotian, you’ve ruined me!

In his fury, Zhang Lei tore apart his mouse and smashed it onto the floor with a loud crash, shattering it into pieces.

“Ha, losing your temper so early in the morning—bad for your health, you know,” came Le Xiaotian’s voice from the doorway.

As Zhang Lei turned to see who had entered, the words he’d prepared to confront Le Xiaotian died on his lips.

Today, Le Xiaotian was dressed in jeans and a cotton short-sleeved shirt, with a black leather jacket draped over his shoulders, smiling brightly. But it wasn’t him who caught Zhang Lei’s attention—it was the stunning woman beside him.

Was that really President Sun by his side? Good heavens, they looked rather close. Could it be that President Sun’s inquiry about last night’s performance was really all about Le Xiaotian? What was going on?

With this thought, Zhang Lei forced a smile. “President Sun, please, have a seat.”

Watching President Sun receive far gentler treatment than himself, Le Xiaotian couldn’t help but inwardly mock Zhang Lei’s opportunism. How transparent!

He led her to the sofa, then handed Zhang Lei a Zhonghua cigarette. “Come on, old Zhang, sit down—let’s talk.”

Taking a seat in the single armchair and lighting the cigarette, Zhang Lei was once again reminded of his precarious future.

After a deep breath, his tone was relatively calm: “Brother Le, you really put me in a terrible spot. Why didn’t you perform last night?”

When the secretary brought in water, Le Xiaotian finally spoke with a smile, “Let the past be past. I’m here today to discuss tonight’s performance with you.”

Let the past be past? Easy for him to say! Still, with President Sun sitting quietly beside them, Zhang Lei suppressed his indignation and, with a hint of hope, asked, “President Sun, are you here today because the situation has been resolved?”

Sun Yuzhen didn’t answer. Since confirming her relationship with Le Xiaotian last night, her intellect seemed to be slipping away—after all, she was in love. Her presence today was mostly to show support.

Just then, Le Xiaotian, having finished his water, grinned. “Old Zhang, since I’ve brought your president here, there’s no need to beat around the bush. I know exactly what happened last night.”

It was clear now—President Sun and Le Xiaotian were definitely involved. The look of affection in her eyes couldn’t be mistaken. How had Le Xiaotian managed to win over President Sun? Many influential figures had tried and failed, but he, only twenty-three, though not burly, was certainly robust and full of energy.

Yet President Sun wasn’t so shallow; perhaps it was his talent? Yes, that must be it.

Shaking off the disappointment that “even the goddess’s man is no good,” Zhang Lei returned to his own predicament.

He took a deep breath and tentatively asked, “Since you understand my difficulties, may I ask what you propose regarding ticket sales? Are you planning to offer a free make-up performance tonight?”

Le Xiaotian gently shook his index finger and smiled, “A make-up performance? Let’s not joke. I’m here to discuss ticket prices. I want the price for the 398 seats in the Second Solo Hall to be ten times higher than yesterday. In other words, if the average price was 500 yesterday, today it must be 5,000. Finalize the exact amount for me—I’ll handle the sales myself.”

What? Ten times? Unbelievable!

Stunned, Zhang Lei began to panic. “Brother, to be frank, if there’s no sabotage, you could easily fill the Second Solo Hall given your abilities. But even so, selling tickets at ten times the price will be tough. Perhaps you should reconsider?”

Le Xiaotian snorted and leaned back into the sofa, his gaze contemptuous. “Are you doubting my abilities? Do you know why you’ve stayed at this mediocre position for so many years? Vision, perspective—those are everything. The art of orchestration is the supreme principle of the universe. Clearly, you haven’t studied hard enough.”

Being criticized face-to-face by Le Xiaotian, who hadn’t even gone to university, and facing the loss of his job—and possibly even his livelihood—Zhang Lei was infuriated. “I advise you not to overestimate yourself, lest you bring humiliation upon yourself.”

Le Xiaotian burst into laughter, nearly to tears. “I rose from nothing, toiling at society’s lowest rungs for years. You want to challenge me on these matters? I might understand them far better than you. Besides, a full house at ten times the price should solve your urgent problems, no? You need to learn to seize opportunities.”

Burned once, Zhang Lei had learned his lesson. Yesterday’s greed had landed him in this mess. Now, he kept silent.

Le Xiaotian, reading his expression, stubbed out his cigarette, took a sip of water, and delivered his trump card: “Perhaps I was too harsh, and you didn’t like it. Let’s make it practical. If I fail to sell all 398 tickets today, the copyrights for all ten pieces on my program will be yours. Does that settle it?”

At this, Sun Yuzhen finally lost her composure.

Those ten pieces were worth a fortune—and he was offering them as collateral? That must require immense confidence.

Husband, are you out of your mind? She pinched Le Xiaotian’s back.

Feeling his wife’s subtle gesture, Le Xiaotian squeezed her hand, conveying reassurance.

Zhang Lei’s eyes lit up. If the tickets didn’t sell, he’d get all the copyrights!

After last night’s research, he knew Le Xiaotian’s works were genuine originals. Any one of them, managed well, could easily remain popular for years, bringing incalculable profits.

Just days ago, “Xiaotian’s Request Line” on Tianlai Online had already shown its value, with strong public response.

If he really obtained the copyrights, there’d be nothing to fear—he could open his own concert hall, no need for this job.

Was Zhang Hao so untouchable? With the copyrights, he could leave—what could they do? Worst case, he’d go abroad!

Excited, he declared, “Alright, I’ll set the ticket price right away!”

Now, he fervently hoped Le Xiaotian would fail to sell out the tickets.