Chapter 52: Remember to Reimburse My Travel Expenses
Chen Hao’s primary purpose for coming here was to sign a contract with Doudou Entertainment Co., Ltd., becoming an officially contracted streamer for Doubi Streaming.
As he had previously mentioned, while his current gift revenue from the livestream was already quite substantial, it wasn’t a sustainable long-term strategy. Even bosses would only send gifts based on their mood, available time, and spare cash—after all, no one’s money grows on trees.
Therefore, the stable signing bonus was exactly what Chen Hao urgently needed. With a guaranteed income stream, his confidence would naturally soar.
“This is the place!”
“What an impressive building!”
After exiting the ride-hailing car, Chen Hao gazed up at the towering structure and exclaimed in awe.
Doudou Entertainment Co., Ltd. had risen rapidly on the back of its Doubi Streaming platform, becoming a dominant force in the livestreaming industry.
Although several other major streaming companies existed, none could match Doudou Entertainment’s sheer scale.
Securing a contract with such a powerhouse—especially a lucrative one—meant Chen Hao would never have to worry about promotional resources in the future.
Based on Chen Hao’s current popularity, follower count, and gift revenue on Doubi Streaming, he definitely met the criteria for a top-tier streamer, making it highly likely he would receive a signing bonus exceeding one million.
“Suisui, to be honest, Papa’s actually a bit nervous!”
Chen Hao admitted his nervousness. This was a major contract, the biggest he had ever signed, and his heart couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anxiety.
“Papa, don’t worry! With Suisui here, this is just small potatoes!”
Suisui once again showed her precocious side, reassuring Chen Hao not to be nervous, insisting it was just a minor matter.
As they entered the skyscraper, they were met with a flurry of activity: people hurrying to and fro, absorbed in their own tasks, completely oblivious to Chen Hao and Suisui.
“What business do you have here?”
Just as Chen Hao was about to pull out his phone to call the contract manager, a voice rang out beside him.
Turning, he saw a man in a security guard uniform. Likely noticing them as strangers, the guard had approached out of professional duty to inquire.
“Actually, we’re here to… Wait, are you Xue Xiaoban?”
Chen Hao’s expression shifted to shock as he recognized the man’s face. Wasn’t this the spirited young man from the convenience store? How did he end up as a security guard for Doudou Entertainment Co., Ltd.? This makes no sense!
“Oh, you know Xue Xiaoban?”
“I’m so sorry, I’m not Xue Xiaoban. My name is Xue Xiaban, he’s my cousin. We look a bit alike, so people often get us mixed up.”
Xue Xiaban clarified his identity, explaining that he wasn’t Xue Xiaoban but that they were relatives.
“……”
“Uh, is there a difference?”
This was Chen Hao’s genuine thought. He genuinely doubted if they were the same person; their tone and expression were practically identical.
However, since the man had clarified their relationship, Chen Hao didn’t press the matter further. He said, “We’re here today for an appointment. We’re planning to sign a contract with your company to become contracted streamers on your platform.”
“Oh, you’re looking for the contract manager? Please follow me!”
As a security guard with professional ethics, Xue Xiaban led Chen Hao and Suisui to the front desk and explained the situation.
After a short wait, a woman in business attire approached them. She addressed Chen Hao, “Hello, Mr. Chen Hao? I’m Li Meng, the contract manager. Please follow me.”
With Li Meng leading the way, they moved smoothly through the building to a conference room on an upper floor.
After a brief exchange confirming Chen Hao’s identity, Li Meng handed him a contract detailing the terms of the agreement.
Chen Hao took it and carefully read through it. Before coming, he had done considerable research on streamer contracts to avoid being taken advantage of. Contracts required careful scrutiny; they often contained hidden traps that could unknowingly sell you out.
As he read, Chen Hao’s brow furrowed, and his expression gradually darkened.
After patiently reviewing the entire contract, he exhaled deeply, mentally preparing how to voice his concerns.
“Finished reading? Any questions? If not, you can sign here to become an officially contracted streamer with our company!” Li Meng, ever patient, waited quietly for Chen Hao to finish reading before producing a pen and gesturing for him to sign.
“Questions? Plenty. So no rush on signing!” Chen Hao refused the pen, glaring at Li Meng. Holding up a page of the contract, he demanded, “How is this clause any different from a slavery contract? Is this standard for all contracted streamers at Doudou Entertainment Co., Ltd.?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t disclose that information,” Li Meng replied with practiced formality.
“Fine, I’ll let the 10 million yuan penalty slide, but these restrictions are excessive! I could accidentally breach the contract at any moment—are you trying to set me up?”
“As a contracted streamer, you’re naturally expected to adhere to certain rules. I hope you understand.”
“Understand? Understand your ass!”
“Leaving aside the previous clauses for now, what’s this signing bonus? A 100,000 yuan annual salary? And only one-tenth paid upfront, with the rest contingent on renewing after a full year of streaming?”
Chen Hao pointed to the final clause regarding the signing bonus and payment terms—the part he found most incomprehensible.
During their earlier phone conversation, Li Meng had implied that his signing bonus would be substantial, at least 500,000 yuan, with even a million yuan not out of the question.
Moreover, Chen Hao had done his research. Given his and Suisui’s current follower count and average viewership, streamers at their level typically commanded annual salaries starting at a million yuan. Why was he being offered only 100,000 yuan? It felt like an insult!
“This is the company’s policy. Considering you’re a newly signed streamer, we can’t offer an excessively high starting salary.”
“Of course, the price is negotiable. I believe that after you stream on our platform for a year, your signing fee for the second year will naturally be much higher.”
Li Meng maintained her formulaic expression, her words lacking substance. Chen Hao felt like he was being brushed off.
“…Are you serious?” Chen Hao asked, his face darkening as he stared intently into Li Meng’s eyes.
“Absolutely. This is a decision the company made after careful consideration.” Li Meng’s tone was firm and unequivocal.
Chen Hao took a deep breath, stood up, and walked out with Suisui without a backward glance.
“Mr. Chen, what’s wrong? Is there a problem?”
“You know exactly what the problem is. If your company isn’t serious, then there’s nothing more to discuss. Goodbye…”
“Oh, almost forgot—remember to reimburse my travel expenses. I have phone records to prove it!”
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