Gold-tier contracts lasted five years, silver-tier ten, and bronze-tier fifteen, while contracts for unsigned artists had no fixed term and could be terminated by the company at any time.
Wang Zhongding had ostensibly offered a silver-tier contract but extended the duration to fifteen years, clearly treating Jiang Ling as a third-tier artist and demanding a contract of servitude.
Afterward, Wang Zhongding rambled on about various clauses in the silver-tier contract, each designed to maximize the exploitation of the artist's value.
In her past life, Jiang Ling had entered the entertainment industry relatively early. Back then, China's film and television industry was just beginning to advance, and such unscrupulous practices were not yet prevalent.
By the time massive capital became involved in the industry, she had already achieved widespread fame, won numerous awards, and no longer needed to endure such restrictions.
As for the body she had transmigrated into, her debut was more unconventional. Everyone considered her to be the pre-determined daughter-in-law of the Shen family's young master, and thus, no one dared to oppress her excessively.
Therefore, in both her past and present lives, Jiang Ling had never been deeply involved in such matters.
She knew that management companies heavily exploited their artists, but she had never imagined it to be to this extent, almost like sucking the very marrow from their bones.
They wanted to use a contract disguised as a silver-tier agreement, which was essentially a third-tier artist's terms, to lock down her life for the next fifteen years.
It had to be said, this maneuver was truly audacious and utterly disgusting.
Jiang Ling took a deep breath and asked, "The contract you mentioned, is it truly the treatment for a second-tier artist?"
Upon hearing her question, Wang Zhongding fell silent.
When "Tian Long" aired, he had already sensed Jiang Ling's potential.
However, he feared her acting skills might be a mere flash in the pan, reverting to her previous unwatchable performance.
Zhao Hede's phenomenal popularity further solidified his hope of Jiang Ling's return to her peak.
Therefore, he had to sign her into Zhuyue Entertainment at the minimal cost.
"Miss Jiang, I am naturally offering you a silver-tier contract as a second-tier artist. However, given your past unsavory incidents, the company must take that into consideration. The cost of an artist's scandal is too high now, so I hope you can understand our company's position. If you join Zhuyue Entertainment, I can guarantee that your treatment will be no less than what you received at Huohua. If you can maintain your current state and diligently work on every project, a gold-tier contract will be within reach."
Seeing Jiang Ling's indecision, Wang Zhongding mistook it for her inability to let go of the glory of being a top-tier celebrity.
The most tragic thing in life is not never having it, but having it and then losing it.
It was akin to a young lady who had lived a life of opulence and luxury since childhood, accustomed to a life of wealth, suddenly facing bankruptcy and falling into despair, eating coarse food and vegetables daily. How could she not long for the good old days?
Therefore, at the end of his speech, he emphasized the words 'gold-tier.'
However, he was unaware that Huohua Media had discovered Jiang Ling's potential even earlier.
Even before the role of Zhao Hede became a widespread sensation, Zheng Yueshan and Wang Tian had planned to offer her the same treatment as a top-tier celebrity to win her back.
Jiang Ling had not even agreed to the terms of a first-tier gold-tier contract, so how could she fall for his empty promises here?
Seeing Jiang Ling still hesitating, Wang Zhongding grew anxious.
"Miss Jiang, besides our company, no one in the industry can offer you such favorable terms. Actors also rely on their youth. I have seen too many artists of your age and similar appearance; over ninety percent are fleeting stars who eventually disappear into obscurity, leaving no trace. Do not dwell on short-term gains or losses. Focus on the long term; working diligently is the right path."