Mu Feng was not someone who idled around; serving as a judge was preposterous and a sheer waste of time, something he would absolutely not participate in.
However, since Cheng Xiao from his company was going to participate, he wouldn't mind being a judge.
As he pondered, Zhang Yilin, on the other end of the line, hastily added, "Mr. Mu, if you are willing, you could absolutely let your artists participate. That way, the artists get exposure, and you gain publicity, right?"
"Since President Zhang has said so, I agree. This music competition should require a significant investment. If you need it, I can invest some funds!"
Mu Feng said it casually, but it hit the mark perfectly with the other party.
"We need it, yes. If possible, could you invest ten million?"
Zhang Yilin on the other end of the line was so excited he was teary-eyed. He never expected that by simply inviting some heavyweight judges, he could also secure an investment.
Mu Feng felt extremely awkward. Ten million was no small sum, but since he had already made the offer, he felt obligated to follow through.
"Give me your account number later, and I'll have the company's finance department transfer it!" He thought that this company wasn't originally his, but since it had been transferred to his name, the money was as good as spent, and he felt no heartache.
After hanging up the phone, Cheng Xiao covered her mouth and said, "What? Mr. Mu, you invested a whole ten million?"
"Yes, it's necessary to invest. The organizers need to make money. Besides, with the investment, the resources you get will be greater, won't they? I heard these competitions are often scripted. I just hope the director writes a good script!"
Mu Feng never believed that singing competitions were truly based on genuine talent; it was all driven by capital.
And now, Mu Feng had finally become the kind of person he used to despise.
The "China New Voice" singing competition was scheduled to begin in five days.
The competition featured artists from a hundred domestic brokerage and entertainment companies, many of which had invested in the event.
Of course, Mu Feng's investment accounted for ninety percent of all investors, making him the ultimate patron.
Time passed quickly, and five days flew by.
During these days, Cheng Xiao had been practicing songs in the company's practice room.
She had only one goal: to win first place and not let down Mu Feng's trust in her. This was her primary motivation.
Meanwhile, Mu Feng was unaware that the greatest danger of his life was approaching.
That afternoon, Mu Feng and his entourage arrived at the photography base provided by the association, preparing for the first round of the singing competition.
They arrived at the base entrance in the company's bus, but as they were about to enter, they were stopped by security guards at the entrance.
The security guard scanned everyone and said, "Miss Cheng can enter, but other company personnel are not allowed. I apologize!"
Mu Feng's assistant hurriedly explained, "This is the boss of our Shengyuan Entertainment Company. He is allowed to enter because he is a judge here!"
After all, there was a rule for singing competitions that company personnel were not allowed inside. Mu Feng didn't say anything, as he believed in following the rules.
One of the security guards looked him up and down and frowned, "Are you sure? What kind of boss is this? I think you're trying to get in to cheat for her!"
This was because the competition involved original song creation, requiring contestants to live in dormitories within the base.
If company personnel, such as professional musicians, were present, it would be unfair to other contestants.
Mu Feng stepped forward, pulled out an identification badge provided by the association, and said with a smile, "I am indeed a judge. Please take a look at my identification!"
The security guard glanced at the badge dismissively and said, "The big boss of the brokerage company doesn't look like you. Get lost, get lost, or we'll have to use force!"
Just then, a young man in a suit with slicked-back hair walked in and barked, "What's going on? Why all the noise?"
The security guard quickly explained, "Young Master Zhang, this fellow claims to be a judge here. I saw through his deception, and he's making a scene!"
"First of all, I must clarify that I am not impersonating anyone, and I was speaking very politely to you just now!" Mu Feng rubbed his nose.
Young Master Zhang sized him up, "A judge? You know, our judges are either well-known industry big shots or teachers with profound attainments in singing. What makes you, a young man, qualified to be a judge here?"
"But that is indeed the case. This identification badge was issued by you. Can't you tell?" Mu Feng suppressed his anger and handed the badge over again.
Young Master Zhang took the badge casually, glanced at it without even looking, and directly tore it to shreds.
"Mr. Mu, why don't we just withdraw? These people are so disrespectful to you. I think this competition is just like this!"
Cheng Xiao was absolutely loyal to Mu Feng. Seeing him being so humiliated, she was furious and immediately wanted to withdraw from the competition.
Young Master Zhang chuckled, "Withdraw? You can withdraw if you want? Everything is arranged. If even one person is missing, filming will be impossible!"
Mu Feng waved his hand, "Alright, let's not dwell on this topic. You tore up my identification badge, which greatly displeases me!"
He said disdainfully, "Kid, whether you're displeased or not, is this competition solely funded by you? If it were, I'd even grovel at your feet!"
"Although it's not solely funded, it's pretty much the same, as my investment accounts for seventy to eighty percent of this competition!"
Mu Feng was not joking. He had even stated a lower percentage. The actual proportion was even higher.
Upon hearing this, both Young Master Zhang and the security guards burst into laughter.
Many artists were also watching from the sidelines, mostly there to spectate.
Young Master Zhang chuckled and said, "Kid, you're really exaggerating. Do you know what seventy to eighty percent means? If you withdraw your investment, this competition might even drop a significant notch!"
Mu Feng stretched lazily and said, "You've reminded me. Since we're not welcome, we'll withdraw our investment!"
He naturally wouldn't try to curry favor with unappreciative people. He would absolutely not do such a thankless task.
"Withdraw? Stop pretending! I want to see how capable you are!" At this moment, Young Master Zhang did not realize he had stepped on a mine.
Mu Feng ignored him and took out his phone to call Zhang Yilin, the vice president of the association.
"Oh, Mr. Mu! Have you arrived? I'm currently preparing your resting room!"
Having the vice president personally prepare a room was already a tremendous honor.
And the ten million investment provided by Mu Feng was definitely enough for such treatment.
"I say, President Zhang, we will not be participating. Also, I've decided to withdraw the ten million investment. Please transfer it back!" Mu Feng's tone was filled with reproach.
Zhang Yilin immediately understood the underlying meaning and was so startled he almost lost his soul.