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Chapter 15 - CHAPTER 15 – A Bet

CHAPTER 15 – A Bet

"Oh, please do ask."

"With the quality of songs you have, why not go to other labels for a more profitable deal?"

"Oh, that's simple—freedom. Freedom to control what I sing and when I sing. Freedom not to be bossed around or toyed with like a puppet, like the industry does with newbie artists. I don't want to become someone's cash cow. I just want to sing and enjoy doing it."

Valery was stunned at his answer. At first, it confused her, but after a moment of reflection, she realized what Dayo said made sense—something most artists failed to understand.

"So, Mrs. Valery, you can call your lawyer and let's sign the agreement."

Valery nodded, made a few quick calls, and minutes later, her lawyer walked in. He reviewed the contract Dayo brought, gave her the go-ahead, and she signed over 85% of the label for $300,000. The lawyer then drafted the bet agreement.

Within a week the contract was signed and Dayo now owned 85% of the label.

With everything set, they moved to the recording studio. There, Dayo met the label's producer—a man in his late forties—and an artist from the label.

"So, this is Dayo, the new biggest shareholder of Van Label—now JD Label. He's also an artist and a producer."

She began the introductions. "This is Wayne, our chief producer. He handles all the artists' work and owns 3% of the label. And next to him is Lois, one of our four artists. We're currently working on her first album."

Dayo smiled and approached Wayne. "I've heard of you and your work."

Wayne gave a polite but guarded smile. "Oh, really?"

He studied Dayo. Wayne had seen his videos and couldn't deny the young man's talent, but the fact that Dayo believed he could outperform him was almost insulting to his decades of production experience.

Dayo understood Wayne's feelings. If the roles were reversed—if someone claimed they were a better producer than him—he would feel the same way. So he didn't take it personally.

His gaze then shifted to Lois. She had blonde hair, fair skin, and a gaze that lingered on him, somewhat provocative. He simply smiled and assessed her potential.

[Lois]

Status: Local Star

Singing Level: C+

Writing Level: D-

Acting Skill: E+

Visual: C+

Instrument Levels:

Guitar: C+

Piano: C-

Potential: B+

Skills: [Harmony] – Ability to blend and sing well with others

Dayo nodded to himself. Valery's artist scouting was indeed sharp—none of them were below a B- in potential. Even if they couldn't become global superstars, they could still reach household-name status in various countries. It was a strong foundation.

"So, the rule is simple. Since we're preparing for Lois' album, I have a song I think would suit her. We'll both take one week each to arrange the song with Lois. At the end of the two weeks, we'll have all the producers and artists vote on which version sounds better. You can go first."

Wayne nodded. "Very well. It sounds fair. I just hope you don't end up regretting this."

Dayo ignored the provocation and turned to Lois. "Clear your schedule for the next two weeks. You'll be busy, and I don't tolerate lateness or laziness."

Lois felt a strange mix of annoyance and respect. She was older than him, but he was her boss now, so she swallowed her pride. "Yes."

Dayo nodded and left the room.

"He's definitely going to lose," Lois said, watching him go.

"Yeah, seems likely. He acts all high and mighty. Why did you accept him as a boss? I understand we were almost bankrupt, but why him?" Wayne asked, looking at Valery.

"Well, for many reasons. Here's one…" She handed Wayne a sheet containing lyrics and a music score.

Wayne glanced at it, initially unimpressed—until his eyes widened in shock. "Th… this is amazing. How can someone so young come up with this?"

"That's exactly what I thought when I saw it. So, do you still have a problem with me handing him a large part of the shares?"

Wayne sighed. Deep down, he knew these songs, if given to established singers, could top the charts for at least two weeks. In fact, he felt giving some of them to Lois was a bit of a waste—not because she couldn't sing them, but because the full potential might not be realized.

"Make sure you study the lyrics and sound carefully. This song is a rare opportunity," Wayne said, his tone cold and serious.

Lois, who still hadn't seen the lyrics, was thrilled. If Wayne and Valery were reacting like this, the song had to be special.

"No problem, Wayne. I won't disappoint you."

From a young age, Lois had been told she had a beautiful voice. She sang in church choirs, school bands, and later online. All she wanted was fame. While she could sing, she couldn't compose, so she stuck to covering other people's songs—until Valery signed her. Her first single hadn't exploded like she dreamed, but it made her a local star, recognizable by at least one in ten people in New York.

Now, with this song in her hands, she felt this might be her big break.

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