Chapter 63

The manager of Jingcheng Beer, Sun, is actually a vice president, but he is a rather arrogant guy. The general manager, who is the leader, rarely gets involved in Jingcheng Beer's affairs, as he is just a figurehead.

When Ye Ming and Fang Fang were finally allowed to enter, Manager Sun was chatting and laughing with a middle-aged man. Ye Ming didn't know who this man was, but the person next to the middle-aged man was Liu Hanmin.

Suddenly, the atmosphere became intense, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder.

It's said that enemies never meet without a fight. Liu Hanmin immediately spotted Ye Ming, and his eyes turned red. Being kicked out of the "Empress Dowager's Pearl" production was the greatest humiliation of his life, and he blamed it all on Ye Ming.

If it weren't for Ye Ming, how could he have ended up in such a situation?

He couldn't provoke Qiongyao, even though she personally ordered his replacement. However, he still vented his anger on Ye Ming.

Now, seeing Ye Ming, Liu Hanmin naturally wouldn't let this opportunity to show off pass: "Who's this? The big star Ye Ming? Too bad, you want the endorsement for Jingcheng Beer, don't you? In the end, they chose me. You didn't even get a chance to audition."

Just as Ye Ming was about to say something, Fang Fang suddenly became furious: "Manager Sun, what do you mean? Do you think we Yonghua are easy to bully? You promised us an audition."

Manager Sun, of course, wasn't afraid of such a small threat. He said helplessly, "Miss Fang, there's really nothing I can do. This matter is complicated. Mr. Liu has already been cast in a major production that will air on the national channel, so it's only natural that we chose him. To be honest, in terms of potential, Mr. Ye is clearly not as good as Mr. Liu. I can only apologize."

Liu Hanmin, along with his agent, stood up arrogantly: "Ye Ming, didn't expect this, did you? I also have my day. This time, I luckily got a major role. Your 'Empress Dowager's Pearl' is just a small production, nothing to brag about."

At that moment, Liu Hanmin looked very confident and smug, as if he had already trampled Ye Ming underfoot.

Manager Sun also chimed in: "Yes, our company also believes in Mr. Liu's potential, which is why we chose him as our spokesperson."

Ye Ming thought for a moment and looked at Liu Hanmin with some doubt: "A national channel production, so confident? Among the productions planned for next year, the one with such confidence should be Guo Ye's period drama, right? But I heard it's not ready yet. Will it really start filming next year?"

Liu Hanmin was taken aback for a moment, showing a look of shock and helplessness: "You actually got the news? That's highly confidential. Our company only got the information because we have a partnership with Guo Ye. But even if you got the news, what can you do? You won't get a role in Guo Ye's production."

The two engaged in a fierce exchange, neither willing to back down, but in the end, Liu Hanmin left with a smug smile.

After they came out, Fang Fang, puzzled, said: "What makes Liu Hanmin so confident that Jingcheng Beer chose him? Who is this Guo Ye?"

It's not that Ye Ming had forgotten about this, but it seemed this shouldn't have happened at this time.

But since it had happened, Ye Ming had to face it bravely. He looked at the deep blue sky, thinking that the weather in the future Jingcheng was rarely this good.

Ye Ming sighed, "Guo Ye, Guo Baochang. Just think about how powerful he is. If my guess is correct, his period drama 'The Grand Mansion' will start filming next year."

As a manager, Fang Fang had done her research. She frowned and said, "That doesn't seem right. I've heard about Director Guo's production. It was supposed to start filming several times but was always delayed due to various issues. Could it really start next year?"

Although she didn't want to believe it, Ye Ming nodded, "Given Liu Hanmin's arrogance, it seems it will start next year."

The butterfly effect had finally begun to take effect.

Ye Ming thought for a moment and said, "Sister Fang, do you think our company can secure a spot for me in that production?"

This was not something a manager could answer. Fang Fang hesitated and said, "We need to ask Brother Fei or see how President Huang operates. Don't worry, President Huang has his ways. Since our company has this information, there will definitely be some action."

Adjusting her emotions, Fang Fang quickly said, "Actually, at this moment, we should focus on the Jiankangbao sports drink. I'm very good friends with their marketing manager, Yuemei, which is why you have a chance to get their attention. However, this is a top domestic brand and a giant in the beverage industry. No matter what, you need to give it your all. This time, you're not facing a second-rate star like Liu Hanmin, but a true top-tier star. I heard your opponent is... "

At that moment, Fang Fang's phone rang. Seeing the number, she smiled and answered, "Sister, don't worry, we're ready. We'll definitely go this afternoon. Don't worry, don't worry. You can trust me. I've handled many big cases in Hongcheng. My artists won't let you down. Okay, that's it."

At the Jiankangbao headquarters in Jingcheng, in a spacious hall, a tall, beautiful woman with long black hair, wearing a black business suit and gold-rimmed glasses, looked coldly at the middle-aged woman in front of her and put down her documents: "Lucy, what you're asking for is very difficult. Three years, 800,000 yuan for endorsement, and six promotional events. This doesn't align with our interests."

Lucy was unimpressed: "Manager Yuemei, to be honest, Mr. Zhen Zhidan's goal is to work with international top brands like Coca-Cola and Nike. Domestic brands are not really on his radar. This is already a friendly price. If it doesn't work, that's fine. We won't force it. We have our own team, and the production will be in Hongcheng, with a production cost of 200,000 yuan. Don't forget that Mr. Zhen Zhidan is very busy, and agreeing to this is already a favor to you."

To be honest, at that time, Zhen Zhidan was at most a top-tier star in Hongcheng, but not the top of the top.

Cheng Long, Li Lianjie, and others were at the peak of their careers, and Zhou Runfa had even entered Hollywood. Among the top stars, Zhen Zhidan was not even in the top tier.

Therefore, Yuemei was indeed in a difficult position. Accepting the offer wasn't very cost-effective, but rejecting it would be hard to explain to headquarters, which had already issued an order to finalize this deal before the World Cup, or her position would be in jeopardy.

However, Zhen Zhidan's arrogance was indeed impressive. He didn't come in person but sent his agent. Was this a sign of disrespect towards Jiankangbao?

Yuemei suppressed her anger and said, "We will consider it and give you a response as soon as possible."

Lucy, clearly impatient, stood up and waved her hand: "Forget it. This isn't a big deal. If you can't make the decision, why were you sent here? Remember, we need a response by the Spring Festival. Otherwise, Mr. Zhen Zhidan's schedule might not be available, and it will be a regret."

After Lucy left, a young assistant walked over and said, "Sister Yuemei, why do we have to put up with this? He's just a star. Look at how arrogant they are. 800,000 yuan for three years, and 200,000 yuan for production costs. They think they can shoot ads themselves and treat us like this?"

Yuemei rubbed her forehead and said helplessly, "Little Li, you don't understand. Headquarters has already given the order to finalize this deal by the Spring Festival. The ad must be fully produced before the New Year and launched in the market after the New Year. We don't have much time. This isn't as simple as you think."

The assistant checked the records and said, "Isn't there another star coming later? We can see if they're suitable. If so, we can forget about Zhen Zhidan."

Yuemei knew what her assistant meant, but Ye Ming was just a familiar face, a newcomer, and couldn't compare to Zhen Zhidan.

The reason they agreed to let Ye Ming audition was just to give her friend a face.

It was almost impossible to replace Zhen Zhidan, and Yuemei was sure that headquarters would choose Zhen Zhidan.

When Ye Ming entered, he curiously asked, "Sister Fang, you didn't finish explaining. Who is our opponent? So mysterious, making you look like you're facing a formidable enemy."

Fang Fang walked quickly and said, "Who? Zhen Zhidan. In terms of fame and influence, he's far ahead of you. How could I not be worried?"

Zhen Zhidan was also a very powerful action star. Ye Ming knew he wasn't at the same level and said worriedly, "Sister Fang, you really think I can compete with Mr. Zhen Zhidan? He's a top-tier star, an A-list artist with influence across the region. Competing with him for the endorsement, are you trying to make me look bad?"

Although Ye Ming was confident, in this situation, he knew he couldn't compare to Zhen Zhidan, at least not now. Maybe after "Empress Dowager's Pearl," he could compete, but not now.

Fang Fang snorted and said, "Of course, I know that. But I have my reasons. Actually, Zhen Zhidan isn't very interested in this case. Domestic top brands are considered low-grade in Hongcheng. This is your chance. However, even so, it depends on whether you can impress Jiankangbao."

Because Zhen Zhidan wasn't very interested, this was indeed Ye Ming's chance.

Seeing Yuemei, Fang Fang hugged her and said, "Sister, I've missed you so much. Have you missed me? Look, you've lost weight. Take care of yourself, or I'll be heartbroken."

Yuemei pushed Fang Fang away and said, "You're always joking. Old classmate, I'm not trying to discourage you, but your chances are slim. Although Zhen Zhidan's conditions are quite harsh, your artist still has a gap compared to him, and you have to admit that."

Fang Fang immediately became a shrewd manager, sitting straight and saying, "I know that, but I believe in our artist's potential. Sister, what's the focus of your ad campaign? Can you give me a hint?"

Yuemei shook her head, "That's a trade secret. We won't reveal it until you sign the contract."

Fang Fang got upset and stood up, "Sister, you're playing hardball with me. Do you think I can't do anything about it? Give me back the instant noodles I've given you over the years, or I won't be nice."

As classmates and close friends, Fang Fang knew how to deal with Yuemei.

Yuemei, who was also familiar with Fang Fang, looked at her helplessly and waved her hand, "Little Li, you can go out for a moment."

The assistant left, knowing that her boss needed to discuss private matters.

Yuemei thought for a moment and said, "Actually, this time, we're doing a campaign to coincide with the World Cup to boost our influence. It's a tight schedule, and I was assigned to screen some actors. Now, there are two candidates: Mr. Zhen Zhidan, who I won't elaborate on, and your artist, Ye Ming. It's not because of favoritism. Ye Ming wasn't initially considered, but his excellent performance in 'A World of Fantasy' impressed the leadership, giving him a chance. You should know that, right?"

Fang Fang nodded, "That's true. I know this very well. Our Ye Ming has potential. Don't worry, if you choose him, you'll make a fortune."

Making a fortune, of course, meant getting rich.

But knowing Fang Fang's ability to bluff, Yuemei said, "The chances of choosing you are slim. To be honest, Zhen Zhidan's conditions are 800,000 yuan for three years, six events, and 200,000 yuan for production costs. That's quite harsh."

Fang Fang snorted, "What do you mean harsh? That's highway robbery. Sister, our Ye Ming isn't very famous, but his fees are low. Three years, 500,000 yuan, and he can attend events as long as they don't conflict with his schedule."

Yuemei shook her head, "It's not about the money. Although Zhen Zhidan's conditions are harsh, the headquarters prefers him due to his influence. His image also fits our product. Your artist is a long shot. I can only give you a chance. Three years, 300,000 yuan, 100,000 yuan per year, and he must be available for events. That's the best I can offer."

Fang Fang hesitated, finding the conditions quite harsh. She was about to say something, but Ye Ming interrupted, "300,000 yuan for three years, no. I won't sign for three years. One year, if you're sincere, one year for 150,000 yuan, three events. That's my maximum concession. If we renew, it will depend on the situation, but I'll give you the right of first refusal."

This made Ye Ming sound like a top-tier star.

Yuemei, surprised by Ye Ming's boldness, said, "Impossible. You're not Zhen Zhidan. You don't have the right to such conditions. If it weren't for Fang Fang, you wouldn't even be on our radar. You're a third-rate artist, and you're making demands?"

Ye Ming confidently said, "I'm not very famous now, but I have my cards. I'll have a spot in this year's Spring Festival Gala. After the gala, if you want to find me, it won't be at this price."

The Spring Festival Gala was a must for Ye Ming. He had absolute confidence, and with the connection from the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, he believed he could make it to the Spring Festival Gala without much difficulty.