Chapter 073: Endorsement

Let us set this matter aside for now.

After chatting for a while, the two turned their attention back to the origin of the issue—the promotional campaign for “Rise Up, Stars.” Perhaps in an attempt to stoke the flames of publicity, when Song Wan was attacked and questioned online, the official account merely made a brief statement in her defense and offered no further explanation.

Aside from a few guests who didn’t even have social media accounts, Gao Xiang scrolled through the others’ profiles and discovered that none of them had made any public clarifications either.

“It seems the official account coordinated this publicity stunt and asked them not to respond,” Gao Xiang said calmly.

Gao Xiang never suspected that the others ignored the issue because Song Wan was young or beneath their attention. To have reached their current status, they must possess both intelligence and emotional savvy. Song Wan, after all, would be working alongside them for a considerable time. For future harmony on set, they wouldn’t simply turn a blind eye to her predicament. Moreover, standing up for Song Wan would earn them a reputation for “caring for the younger generation”—an effortless gesture with clear benefits. Who would object to that?

To put it bluntly, even if not for Song Wan herself, out of respect for Imperial Entertainment, which she solely represented, they would never risk offending her. The attitude Jin Youqian displayed when he posted about her spoke volumes. While they might not curry favor, they certainly wouldn’t antagonize her.

Yet, none of them explained on her behalf. Why? Aside from interference by the production team, Gao Xiang could think of no other reason.

Coincidentally, Song Wan thought the same. Watching the escalating online drama, she wasn’t bothered, but still couldn’t help but ask, “Should we ask the director what’s going on?”

Gao Xiang replied indifferently, “What else could it be? Riding the wave for publicity, of course.”

“But the production team didn’t even give us a call…”

Ding-a-ling—

Gao Xiang raised an eyebrow. “See? Speak of the devil and he appears.”

As they expected, the director called to ask Song Wan to cooperate with the promotion and apologized for acting first and informing her afterward.

Then, as if a dam had burst, the other guests called one after another to explain. The first, of course, were Guo Feng and Zheng Fang, who were closest to Song Wan, followed by Wu Jin and then Li Fan and the others.

When all the calls were done, Song Wan looked calmly at Gao Xiang.

“Not bad,” Gao Xiang gave a thumbs up. “But I wonder, do you truly not care, or do you care but are just good at controlling your emotions?”

“I care,” Song Wan smiled, “but I know it’s just the way this industry works.”

There was no need to worry about the truth of their words, nor to value the fleeting camaraderie of a mere two or three days of filming. It simply wasn’t that deep or reliable.

Every time she spoke with Song Wan, Gao Xiang silently rejoiced that her first artist after joining Imperial Entertainment was Song Wan.

—

With the artists themselves speaking up, and doing so with such apparent sincerity—as if they truly cherished Song Wan, the youngest “little sister” on the show—fans of the other guests quickly fell silent.

In the end, only Jin Youqian’s fans persisted, relentlessly cursing her—even after Jin himself spoke up for Song Wan. They deluded themselves into believing Song Wan was simply clinging to a powerful backer, painting her as a seductive, scheming vixen.

Song Wan, however, simply laughed at the spectacle.

Your beloved idol is already mine—what can you do about it?

Narrowing her eyes, she mused, “I really look forward to announcing our marriage someday and watching those rabid haters get their faces slapped.”

She thought she’d have to wait to see those keyboard warriors eat their words, but not long after their last meeting, Jin Youqian stirred up trouble again—

Jin Youqian V: It’s true, Song Wan is a seductive vixen, but she has what it takes. You lot leap around all day—do any of you have the qualifications to be a seductive vixen? Let’s be real, do you even have the face for it?

Netizens: …

—“Seductive vixen” is an insult, right? So why, when my idol says it, do I suddenly want to be one?

—Wasn’t he serious when he said that? Why do I hear such deep affection in his words…?

—So this is the type he likes? I quietly take out a mirror for self-examination… I have to admit, he spoke the truth—I really don’t have what it takes to be a seductive vixen!

—Is my idol really that shallow? Please, someone wake me up! Tell me that “to be his woman, you must have the face of a seductive vixen” is just my imagination!

…

For the first time in my life, I realize the focus of the phrase “seductive vixen” isn’t on “vixen” but on “seductive.”

I have let down the people and the Party—my looks are too plain to ever be a seductive vixen, what a shame.

Comparing myself to Song Wan’s beauty, I quietly ask, which cosmetic surgery clinic can make me look like her?

Weren’t we promised a national sweetheart with a genius mind, stellar background, and pure innocence could become the nation’s wife? Now you tell me all it takes is a face?

…

With a single remark, Jin Youqian sent shockwaves through the internet—everyone was dumbfounded.

Did he just imply he’s attracted to Song Wan’s looks?

Madam Jin wondered the same. She picked up her phone and quietly poked Jin Youqian on social media: “Son, are you interested in Miss Song Wan? Why?”

Jin Youqian V: She’s beautiful!

Yes, he was that blunt, that genuine, that unpretentious. And—so very shallow.

Staring at his phone, a mischievous smile played on Jin Youqian’s lips: So what? If you have the guts, come and hit me!

Bang—

Song Wan, caught off guard, dropped her phone right onto her nose. “Ow, that hurts…”

—

No one expected that what began as routine publicity for an ordinary variety show would eventually cause such a sensation.

“Rise Up, Stars” received an unprecedented surge of attention.

With the show airing the very next evening, it was clear that countless viewers would be glued to their screens, eager to see what the fuss was about.

If the show proved to be of high quality, and managed to retain most of these curious viewers, it was certain that future ratings would be spectacular.

Director Yang could barely contain his joy. He showered Song Wan with praise, and even boasted about her when consulting with sponsors. When pressed further, he cheerfully added, “Maybe Song Wan brings a storm of buzz wherever she goes? Look how many fans she’s amassed in such a short time! And every time her work is released, it sets off a flurry of discussion… I really think she’s a lucky star.”

Though he said it in passing, those listening took it to heart. In any industry, luck—intangible though it may be—is always coveted.

The show’s sponsor stroked his chin. “Wang Dong, how much time is left on the current ambassador’s contract?”

The man addressed as Wang Dong was briefly taken aback and looked to his boss—wasn’t this something his boss usually ignored?

Though puzzled, he replied, “It expires at the end of this month.”

“And has the next ambassador been confirmed?”

“Not yet. The shareholders in charge of selecting candidates each have their favorites. The evaluation is ongoing, but we should have a decision by month’s end.”

“Who are the candidates?”

“Wang Fan, Zhou Qile, Xi He, and Liu Yang. For now, Liu Yang is the frontrunner.”

These were all top artists currently enjoying the height of their careers, but each had a different image, making it difficult to choose. That’s why the decision had dragged on.

The man smiled, arching an eyebrow. “Ah, Song Wan’s luck really is remarkable.”

Wang Dong faltered. “Boss…”

“I was thinking if the next ambassador had already signed, we’d have to give up on her. But look at that—fate seems to be on her side, keeping the spot open just for her.”

Wang Dong’s eyes widened. “Boss, you mean…”

“Notify everyone—the ambassador for this season will be Song Wan,” the man said decisively, leaving no room for doubt.

But Wang Dong couldn’t help but advise, “But Song Wan is still only a second-tier artist…”

“So what?” The man was unconcerned. “Her luck alone makes up for that. Besides, at the rate she’s rising, she could reach first-tier within a few months. By then, we might not be able to get her at all.”

But would the other shareholders agree…?

The man noticed Wang Dong’s hesitation and smiled reassuringly. “Don’t forget who’s behind Imperial Entertainment. They’ll agree.”

Although it wasn’t Song Wan’s background that mattered to him, it would certainly help persuade the other shareholders quickly.

—

The man’s company, though not as dominant as Jin Youqian’s Pinnacle International, was still a household name in China.

Originally, they thought signing Song Wan as the new ambassador would be a sure thing. Yet when they came with a contract in hand, Gao Xiang flatly refused.

“Song Wan isn’t in a rush to accept endorsements right now,” Gao Xiang said coolly, making no effort to hide her dissatisfaction with the contract terms. “Perhaps you’re unaware, but Song Wan has a major villain role in the completed film ‘Dream of Splendor,’ which was directed by Director Qian. She’s also been cast as one of the leads in Director Zhao Qing’s upcoming film, and there’s the soon-to-air ‘Rise Up, Stars’…”

Wang Dong, who had come in person to negotiate, was stunned. He had no idea Song Wan had quietly amassed such impressive resources.

“To put it simply, when ‘Rise Up, Stars’ airs, Song Wan’s popularity will skyrocket—she could reach first-tier status temporarily. The release of ‘Dream of Splendor’ will solidify her position, and if word gets out that she’s starring in Director Zhao Qing’s next film, her place at the top will be unshakeable,” Gao Xiang stated calmly, her pride thinly veiled.

Wang Dong broke out in a cold sweat. He knew Gao Xiang spoke the truth, and as the country’s top manager, her opinion was hard to refute.

He realized the facts were clear.

Seeing Wang Dong’s resolve begin to falter, Gao Xiang pressed her advantage: “So, do you think we should sign a contract that’s clearly based on terms for a second-tier artist?”

Unless you’re willing to amend the contract to first-tier standards, there’s nothing to discuss.

Gao Xiang’s gaze bore into him, radiating authority.

Wang Dong nearly agreed to upgrade the contract on the spot but restrained himself. “I’m sorry, Miss Gao. This is too important a decision—I can’t make it alone.” He wiped sweat from his brow. “I’ll have to call my boss.”

A flicker of surprise passed through Gao Xiang’s eyes, but she quickly composed herself. “Of course.”

Indeed, few who rose to the position of executive assistant were simple characters.

Oblivious to Gao Xiang’s assessment, Wang Dong stepped aside and, hand trembling, dialed his boss. “President Ji, Song Wan’s manager isn’t satisfied with our offer.”

“Oh?”

“She says Song Wan must be given first-tier treatment.” Wang Dong’s voice was tinged with bitterness as he recounted the conversation in detail.

He felt he’d bungled the task and wondered what his boss would think.

To his surprise, the response was a soft chuckle, followed by reassurance: “I’d forgotten Song Wan’s manager was Gao Xiang.”

Wang Dong lowered his head, clutching the phone tightly.

“It’s fine. Gao Xiang is notoriously tough and sharp. Agree to her terms—if her demands aren’t excessive, accept them all.”

Wang Dong hesitated. “Boss, isn’t that a bit…”

“Gao Xiang never acts without reason. If she’s this confident, she must have her reasons. And if Song Wan really does reach first-tier soon, remember who’s backing her. When she’s in that position, Jin Youqian may not allow her to endorse for any other company.”

After all, Pinnacle International’s business spans every sector—internationally renowned. Granting their artists a few endorsements is nothing to them.

Wang Dong understood at once and agreed without hesitation.