Cont(r)act

Miaoyi herself wasn't entirely sure if she needed a fresh perspective on her fame and status. Despite her relatively short journey in the electronic music industry, the envelope she held in her hand bore the insignia of Riot Games—a signal of her rising acclaim. In this burgeoning chapter of her career, she found herself at a crossroads, where the undeniable allure of success intertwined with the threads of her artistic integrity.

On top of that, her recently released single had not only been a triumph musically but had also garnered remarkable commercial success, boasting a first-week sales figure that boasted an impressive string of eight digits. This achievement was an exclamation mark punctuating her presence on the global music stage.

Sure, she might still be warming up on the grand global electronic music stage, much like a new star on the horizon. Even if her ranking on the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list stood at a respectable number 100, and even if she proudly held the title of "First Female DJ in the Top 100," a question lingered: What footprints had she imprinted on her homeland, where her journey began?

Well, as with any topic, opinions varied...

Nevertheless, the "K/DA Project" contract, a document of potential and possibilities, was a canvas upon which Miaoyi had been invited to paint her mark. To her, the decision to embrace or decline the contract was but a minor note in her symphony of accomplishments. At this juncture, the allure of the contract's terms wasn't the decisive factor. She had already etched her place in the electronic music arena, achieving a remarkable milestone of 20 million sales within the inaugural week of her latest creation—a promising omen of continued ascendancy.

And when it came to originality and innovation, she stood far from wanting.

However, the true gem embedded within this contractual proposition wasn't merely about monetary gains. It was the link it forged with the mega-popular game League of Legends, and the prestigious halo this association carried. By stepping onto this stage, Miaoyi would interlace her artistic identity with the game's world.

In the grand tapestry of artists and creators, there might indeed be those who hungered for this contract with a fervour akin to starved wanderers seeking sustenance—individuals like Song Ziyin and her compatriots in the girl-group realm. However, Miaoyi stood as a distinct presence—a maestro of electronic music and a virtuoso DJ.

It was this distinction that led Miaoyi not to hastily slam the door on the contract but instead to accept it with a trace of hesitation. After all, would reading the contents of the contract be that big of an issue?

These thoughts swirled within Miaoyi's mind like a meticulously crafted cocktail, each element harmonizing with the other. Eventually, after saying her farewells, Miaoyi and Qiuying made their way back to the hotel, the contract nestled securely in Miaoyi's grip.

As if orchestrated by fate itself, Bilibili's call chimed in at the punctual hour of 8:00 PM, precisely when the two were settling down for a quiet dinner. Miaoyi's phone vibrated with urgency, a reminder that the world around her was in perfect sync, each entity awaiting its designated cue.

With a touch, Miaoyi answered the call, enabling the speakerphone function. She and Qiuying cozied up on the living room couch, the anticipation palpable.

"Hello?" Miaoyi's voice carried a warmth that transcended technology, reaching out to bridge the electronic gap.

"Hello, may I speak with Teacher TMY?" A male voice, brimming with respect and enthusiasm, emanated from the other end.

"Yes, speaking," Miaoyi responded, her tone a blend of confidence and approachability.

"Ah, greetings, Teacher TMY. The honour is truly mine. My name is Zhang, and I serve as a team lead at Bilibili's Shanghai headquarters. Feel free to call me Xiaozhang. I'm deeply thankful for your time and the opportunity to engage. I must also extend my heartfelt congratulations on the astounding success of your latest single, surpassing 20 million in first-week sales. It's only fitting to offer my sincere salutations. I must admit, I'm rather excited... Well, maybe a touch more than just 'rather.'"

The words flowed forth from Xiaozhang like a cascading river, leaving Miaoyi momentarily taken aback by the torrential excitement.

The fervour in his voice was akin to a young fan meeting their idol for the first time—a passion that reached across technology's barriers. Encountering such wholehearted admiration, Miaoyi found herself pleasantly surprised. She exchanged pleasantries with Xiaozhang, skillfully guiding the conversation back to its purpose, gently putting a pause on any potential fan-oriented Q&A session.

"Let's bring our focus in, Xiaozhang. Let's delve into the core of our discussion."

"Oh, my apologies, Teacher TMY. I might have gotten carried away there, almost like a... um, fervent enthusiast. Let's hone in on the reason behind our contact." Xiaozhang's laughter danced through the line as he adjusted the tempo.

And so, the conversation evolved, Miaoyi swaying it toward the essence of the matter at hand.

"Word has it that the K/DA Project is the catalyst for our conversation. And indeed, I now hold the contract in my grasp." Miaoyi's casual twirl of the envelope encapsulated the confidence that underscored her words.

While the directness of her approach might appear forward, it was a necessity—an unfiltered exchange at the heart of the hour.

"Absolutely accurate. As Ms. Song likely informed you, this initiative is spearheaded by Riot Games, aimed at crafting a female idol group complete with tailored visuals and melodies for the array of female champions within the 'League of Legends game. Our role at Bilibili involves overseeing various aspects within the Chinese region, which has led us to collaborate with you." Xiaozhang concisely encapsulated the project's essence.

While the fanboy enthusiasm persisted in Xiaozhang's tone, it gracefully dissipated as he delved into the substantial subject matter. He showcased a level of professionalism that did justice to the occasion.

As the discussion progressed, Miaoyi's previously gathered information seamlessly aligned with the narrative presented by Xiaozhang. Each detail emphasized the undeniable fact: the envelope she held was indeed the vessel of the "K/DA Project."

In a nutshell, Xiaozhang elaborated that Miaoyi wasn't being beckoned to join the ranks of the girl group. Her distinctive profile didn't harmonize with that mould. Instead, a different proposition awaited her—a proposition that beckoned her as the sole conductor orchestrating the debut masterpiece of K/DA, and steering the ship as a whole.

To put it simply, Riot Games wished for the inaugural track of the virtual girl group K/DA to reverberate as an electronic music marvel, a creation embodying Miaoyi's artistic essence.

"So now it comes to the question, why me?" With clarity cast upon the purpose, Miaoyi posed her most probing question. "As far as I understand, this endeavour isn't limited to the Chinese boundary. The globe houses a plethora of electronic music virtuosos. Why did you find a match in my corner?"

"Because you currently stand as the lone female DJ carving her trajectory within the esteemed Top 100 DJs of the world. Not to mention your laurel as a producer whose creations reign supreme, amassing over 20 million units in sales for your musical marvels." Xiaozhang's response flowed seamlessly, a testament to his preparedness. "Furthermore, your musical style weaves splendidly into this venture. The House and Future Bass genres you've skillfully woven have resonated profoundly with fans, making them a natural fit for this endeavour. When your name was presented to Riot Games HQ through the avenue of Bilibili, it received an enthusiastic green light."

Miaoyi: "..."

"What are your thoughts? Does it resonate with you?" Xiaozhang's inquiry took on a touch of anticipation, the edge of anxiety softly discernible as he added, "You are the embodiment of the envisioned ideal. While there may be other luminaries within the Top 100 DJs who would find this enticing, their resonance might not be as resonant. Otherwise, the project wouldn't have remained in stasis for three years, and Riot Games' terms stand as generously favourable. If you harbour any reasonable requests, chances are they'll be embraced."

"Hmm, the prospect of immersing myself in this project has me pondering..." An epiphany flashed within Miaoyi's consciousness, a spark igniting her gaze. "However, I've got a condition. If my condition isn't met, we can put a lid on this project. Let it chill in the cooler for a while."