As a popular contestant on the show and an artist under Zhu Zhengchu's label, Xiang Yutang soon caught the attention of many endorsers. Normally, these matters would be decided by the agent, but due to Xiang Yutang's special status, Zhu Zhengchu made the decisions for her endorsements.
"Only this much for the endorsement fee?" Zhu Zhengchu flipped through the list of endorsement prices and tossed the brochure onto the table.
Gu Jiacai said seriously, "Brother Zhu, for a newbie who hasn't even made her debut yet, this is already a substantial amount. They've doubled the price for Yutang out of respect for you. You can't expect them to offer the same amount as your endorsement fee." Zhu Zhengchu's endorsement fees were in the tens of millions, but he was a top - tier star, while Xiang Yutang hadn't even debuted.
Zhu Zhengchu leaned back in his boss's chair, deep in thought.
Gu Jiacai spoke up again, "So, Brother Zhu, do you mean to decline all of them, or...?"
Zhu Zhengchu thought for a moment. "Wasn't there a rose brand that approached me for an endorsement a few days ago?"
"Yes, but you thought it was too troublesome at that time..." In fact, Zhu Zhengchu had disliked the fact that the female actress proposed by the brand wasn't good - looking.
"Contact them and tell them that I'll take the job if they're okay with me bringing my own female endorser."
Gu Jiacai asked cautiously, "Who's the female endorser?"
"Xiang Yutang. Who else could it be?"
"Brother Zhu, I'm afraid this isn't a good idea." Gu Jiacai looked troubled. "There have already been some rumors about the two of you. If she gets to shoot an advertisement with you before her debut, if this gets out..." It wouldn't affect Zhu Zhengchu much, but it might have an impact on Xiang Yutang.
"Go and communicate with them first to see what they say. I have my own plans."
"Alright." After all, Zhu Zhengchu was the boss, and Gu Jiacai couldn't argue with him.
The rose brand was more than willing to have Zhu Zhengchu as their endorser. They didn't mind at all that he would bring his own leading actress; they'd even accept a whole team if he wanted.
However, they were pushing for a tight schedule. Valentine's Day was approaching, and if they could release the advertisement in time, they were sure to have a big sales boost.
Zhu Zhengchu went to talk to Xiang Yutang about this that evening, eager to see the little girl's reaction.
"Shoot an advertisement? I can shoot an advertisement!" Xiang Yutang was overjoyed.
Seeing her happy, Zhu Zhengchu was also in a good mood.
"Little girl, I got this endorsement for you. How are you going to thank me?"
Xiang Yutang thought for a while. "How about I sing a song to thank you?"
Zhu Zhengchu smiled and said, "Repaying kindness with ingratitude isn't nice, is it?" Although he liked this girl a bit, he'd rather pass on her singing.
Xiang Yutang pouted unhappily. "Then I'll treat you to dinner later."
"Forget about you treating me. Just be a good girl and listen to me when you're with me. Don't run around. There will be a lot of people on the recording set, and there are many paparazzi. It won't look good if you get photographed. Also, don't tell anyone about this advertisement, not even Zhuo Ziyu."
"Not even Ziyu? I promise she won't tell anyone."
Zhu Zhengchu thought for a moment. "Don't say anything for now. We'll make an official announcement tomorrow. You have to hold it in tonight."
"What if I can't hold it in?" Xiang Yutang looked at him innocently.
Zhu Zhengchu said wickedly, "If you can't hold it in, you'll never be allowed to sing again!"
Xiang Yutang: ".... You're so mean!"
"It's all for your own good. Be a good girl."
Because of Zhu Zhengchu's threat about never being able to sing again, Xiang Yutang really managed to keep it a secret from Zhuo Ziyu for the whole night, but her欲言又止look was so obvious.
"Tangtang, if you have something to tell me, just say it." Zhuo Ziyu looked at her with a complicated expression.
Xiang Yutang was so frustrated that she buried her head in the quilt. "I have nothing to say! Not a single word!"
Zhuo Ziyu had no idea what was going on with her, but it was almost time for the recording, so she just grabbed Xiang Yutang and rushed out.
Today, Zhu Zhengchu was the mentor hosting the recording. Everyone was quite surprised because although Zhu Zhengchu was a mentor, he rarely hosted the recordings. The girls on - site blushed a little when they saw his handsome face up close.
Zhu Zhengchu held a stack of cards in his hand and looked at the contestants with a smile in his eyes, but it was just a professional smile. He only smiled sincerely when he looked at Xiang Yutang.
Xiang Yutang noticed his smile and asked Zhuo Ziyu, "Do you think he looks like the kind of person in novels who has a smile that's three - parts disdain, three - parts arrogance, and four - parts nonchalance?"
Zhuo Ziyu: ".... You know, he really does have that kind of feeling."
Zhu Zhengchu had no idea what the little girl was saying about him. When he saw that everyone was present, he started hosting.
"Today's task is quite simple. First, I have some good news to share. Those who perform well on the show will all have the chance to get advertisement endorsements. Contestant Xiang Yutang, in particular, has already received an endorsement from a rose brand due to her outstanding performance."
Whether they were envious or jealous, everyone started to clap.
Zhuo Ziyu glanced at Xiang Yutang. Seeing that her reaction was normal, she more or less guessed what was going on, but she didn't ask her here.
"Don't be envious. There will also be a six - person mini - advertisement recording. As long as you perform well from now on, you'll all have the chance to participate. There will be more advertisements waiting for you in the future."
"Next, here's the second thing. The first round of the stage performance is over. After a short break, we're about to face a new round of challenges."
The contestants were a bit nervous. They had to start performing again. They hoped they could get a dance track suitable for them.
Zhu Zhengchu clicked on the big screen behind him. "Please take a look at the songs for our next performance. There are ten of them."
Xiang Yutang turned to Zhuo Ziyu and asked, "What shall we choose this time?"
"Let's take a look first."
The styles of the songs this time were similar to last time. There were still elegant ancient - style songs and hot, explosive dance tracks.
After looking at the songs, everyone had an idea of what they wanted, but they didn't know who would be the first to choose this time. Would it still be the person with the highest ranking?
Zhu Zhengchu shook the cards in his hand.
"Let's add a bit of excitement this time. I have sixty - six cards in my hand. Only eleven of them have numbers on them, from one to eleven. Those who pick a numbered card can choose their teammates in order. If you pick a blank card, you'll have to wait to be chosen. This is fair, right?"
"Great!" The contestants were extremely excited. Although this didn't guarantee that they would be the first to choose, at least they had a chance.
"Then sit still. I'll come around to distribute the cards."
Zhu Zhengchu was like a kindergarten teacher, distributing cards to each girl without stopping. He just moved on after giving the card.
He stopped in front of Xiang Yutang.
"Do you hope to get a blank card or a numbered one?"