Chapter 25 Chapter 25

"Mr. Wang, would it be convenient for us to meet and chat these days? We at Jiyue are currently looking for a brand spokesperson, and we are very interested in Chu Xi." Yu Wanya directly stated her purpose.

The smile on Wang Yang's face froze for a moment.

Brand endorsement? Chu Xi? ?

The sudden combination of these two things made Wang Yang's brain crash a little.

Jiyue is a top national brand, and when they look for spokespeople, they only consider artists with high popularity and national recognition.

How could such an opportunity fall to a small artist like Chu Xi?

Wang Yang thought he had misheard and asked again, "You want Chu Xi to be your brand spokesperson?"

"That's right. I'm still in Linhai City. I'm on a flight this afternoon. If Mr. Wang has time, can we meet in the evening to discuss it in detail?" Yu Wanya continued.

Wang Yang was even more confused. After coming to his senses, he quickly nodded and agreed, "Okay, let's talk about it when we meet."

After hanging up the phone, the smile on Wang Yang's face immediately disappeared.

With a tense expression, he turned to glance at his assistant, "Go check what Chu Xi has been doing lately!"

She is quite capable as she was able to connect with Yu Wanya of the Jiyue brand.

…

In the evening, night falls.

Wang Yang dressed up and walked into the French restaurant where he had an appointment with Yu Wanya.

Before coming, he even had his hair done. He didn't have much hair to begin with, but now it was all neatly combed behind his forehead and sprayed with hairspray. Under the light, it looked very shiny.

"Director Yu, long time no see." Wang Yang immediately raised his glass to toast Yu Wanya, but Yu Wanya stopped him as soon as he raised the glass.

"Don't be so polite, let's get down to business." Yu Wanya smiled politely at Wang Yang.

Wang Yang paused with his wine glass hanging in the air, "Yes, yes, let's talk business." He smiled, then pulled out a chair and sat down.

After being in the circle for so many years, he has also heard about Yu Wanya's negotiation ability.

Wang Yang rubbed his hands, with a smile on his face, and was about to make an offer.

Yu Wanya turned around and pulled out a stack of endorsement contracts from her bag, handing them to Wang Yang. "This is the contract I asked the company's legal department to rush out. The specific terms are all written in it. Mr. Wang, please take a look and see if you have any comments. If you do, we can discuss it further."

Wang Yang was stunned.

The contracts are ready?

This was too quick, he didn't even have to come out to negotiate.

Wang Yang opened the contract and took a quick glance at it with some doubt.

About a few minutes later, Wang Yang's heart was shocked again.

Although the terms of this contract are not the best in the industry, they are already very good compared to Chu Xi's current status.

"Mr. Wang, you've read the contract. The endorsement period is six months. During this period, we will continue to monitor Chu Xi's performance in the shooting events. If she can maintain this performance, we will renew the contract next time, and it will be a five-year extension."

"Of course, the endorsement fee is indeed not high. After all, Chu Xi's current national popularity is not that high. We gave this price after a comprehensive evaluation." Yu Wanya explained patiently.

When Wang Yang heard this, he was even more surprised.

Judging from what Yu Wanya said, she might be planning to renew the contract with Chu Xi later?

But his contract with Chu Xi only has three months left.

If the contract is renewed, it will be a huge sum of money! If Chu Xi runs away, wouldn’t it mean that he will have nothing to do with her.

wrong.

Wang Yang suddenly realized something. What competition did Yu Wanya talk about just now?

Shooting competition??

"Director Yu, what do you mean by Chu Xi's performance in the shooting event?"

Yu Wanya was also stunned by this. "Mr. Wang, don't you know? Chu Xi just won the women's 10-meter air pistol championship at the National Shooting Championships this morning."

Wang Yang: “?”

Yu Wanya continued, "This collaboration is mainly because we value Chu Xi's potential in shooting. However, I really didn't expect that Wang's company is not only training artists, but also professional athletes. It's quite surprising."

Wang Yang: “???”

Wait, what athlete?

…

When coming out of the restaurant, Wang Yang got into the car with the unsigned endorsement contract in his hand, looking confused.

The assistant leaned forward, his expression somewhat subtle. "Boss Wang, I just checked. It seems Chu Xi recently went out of town to participate in a shooting competition and won the championship this morning."

Wang Yang raised his hand to interrupt him, "Don't say anymore, I already know."

After saying that, he closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples with a headache.

This endorsement contract will only be valid after Chu Xi signs it personally.

Before that, let him digest the fact that Chu Xi won the championship.

…

At the same time, the news of Chu Xi's victory spread in a small range within the sports circle.

Not many people in China pay attention to sports competitions. In addition, the National Shooting Championship is only a domestic-level competition, so it attracts even less attention.

Only a small number of sports enthusiasts pay attention to such games.

[I've checked the information, and Chu Xi was really just an entertainer before, with no competition experience at all. She even participated in an archery competition on a variety show a while ago and won the championship. It seems like she might really be a shooting prodigy.]

[Oh my god! The national team should quickly recruit him. He might be an Olympic champion!]

I don't think we should have too high hopes. After all, this is Chu Xi's first time competing. If she loses her composure later on, it's hard to say for sure.

In addition, some of Chu Xi's loyal fans accumulated through variety shows are also excitedly discussing in the fan group.

Just saw the sports news! It turns out Sister Xi disappeared these past few days to participate in a shooting competition. Oh my god, how many more skills does Sister Xi have hidden that I don't even know about.

[I heard that Sister Xi and the company are having some unpleasant issues regarding contract renewal recently?]

This wicked company should terminate the contract immediately! Sister Xi has been at this crappy company for three years and has no good resources. Now that Sister Xi has gained some popularity, the company wants to suppress her. How wicked!

[By the way, I looked up the competition Sister Xi participated in. It seems like a lot of athletes from the provincial team also participated. It must be a pretty professional competition. What exactly is Sister Xi planning to do? Is she going to become an athlete?]

…

While many people were puzzled by Chu Xi's behavior, she had already received her medals and comfortably lay down on the bed to rest.

She has been extremely nervous these days for the competition. Outsiders may not notice anything, but after all, it is her first time to participate in a formal competition in this world. Of course, it is fake if she doesn't feel any fluctuation in her heart.

Chu Xi slowly exhaled the foul air that was stuck in his chest, spread his arms, nestled in the soft bed, and looked calmly at the gold medal he had just won.

I originally participated in this competition to fulfill my dream. Now that I have the gold medal, I can relax.

She took the gold medal and examined it carefully, wondering if there were any manufacturing defects on this year's gold medal.

Because a similar incident had happened before, it was reported to the organizer of the competition, and she was given a new one.

"Buzz..." The cell phone on the bedside table suddenly vibrated, interrupting Chu Xi's actions.

She stood up, picked up her phone, and saw that the caller ID was Hu Yanming.

She answered the phone.

"Sister! Did you win the championship in that competition?!" Hu Yanming's surprised voice came from the other side of the phone.

Chu Xi: "Well, I'll be back tomorrow afternoon."

"That's perfect. I have something to tell you. Sister, do you remember Director Yu from the Jiyue brand who filmed our endorsement promotional video last time? It seems she watched your final match today and then went to Wang Yang to discuss an endorsement partnership with you. Now Wang Yang called me and asked me to contact you to go to the company to sign the contract."

Chu Xi hesitated for a moment, frowned slightly, and said, "Let's talk about it when we get back."

"Okay, sister, remember to send me the flight information. I will pick you up at the airport tomorrow." Hu Yanming reminded.

Chu Xi: "Okay."

After hanging up the phone, Chu Xi took a screenshot of the flight information and sent it to Hu Yanming.

She put down her phone, carefully checked the gold medal to make sure it was in good condition, and then carefully put the medal back into the box.

Chu Xi lay down again, covered herself with the quilt, and prepared to fall asleep peacefully.

…

When I woke up the next morning, the sun was shining brightly outside, and the melodious chirping of birds could be heard from outside the window from time to time.

Chu Xi changed into sportswear, did morning exercises, put on a sun hat and went out.

She heard Wang Xingwen mention that the final of the 10-meter women's air rifle was held this morning. Jiang Wannan had advanced as the first in the qualifying round yesterday, so he specially invited her to watch the game.

Chu Xi had just finished the competition and had nothing to do, so he agreed.

After breakfast, Chu Xi came to the entrance of the competition venue and saw Wang Xingwen and the shooting team members.

"Junior sister, come here, here." One of the tall and thin male team members waved at Chu Xi.

Chu Xi walked towards their location.

"Did you have a good rest?" Wang Xingwen looked at Chu Xi and asked with concern.

Chu Xi nodded and said, "Hmm," "The finals should start soon, right?"

"Yes, come in first." Wang Xingwen turned around and led the team into the venue.

Shooting competitions do not require on-site coaching, so Wang Xingwen and his teammates usually watch the game directly from the audience seats.

After Chu Xi and his friends found a good seat, they sat down one after another.

At this time, Jiang Wannan and a group of contestants had already entered the venue and began their pre-match preparations.

Chu Xi leaned against the back of the chair, his eyes slightly lowered, falling on Jiang Wannan in the arena.

The contestants all wore shooting uniforms specially designed for air rifle and rifle players.

"Junior sister, will you come back with us this time?" The team member sitting next to Chu Xi suddenly came over and whispered in a low voice.

Chu Xi retracted his gaze and turned his head, "I'll leave this afternoon."

"So when do you plan to report to the team?" the team member asked curiously, his eyes full of anticipation.

Chu Xi thought about it and answered truthfully: "I haven't passed the tryout yet. I will report to the team after I pass the tryout."

"Huh?" The team member was stunned. "You still need a tryout?"

I've already won the championship and my results are better than theirs, so why do I need a tryout?

"Yeah." After Chu Xi replied, he continued to look at the competition field.

In the final, Jiang Wannan also performed well. Except for some mistakes in the last two shots, she was very stable afterwards.

But what’s a pity is that I don’t know if it was because of nervousness or what happened, but the last two shots both fell into the ninth ring.

In the end, he lost to another player by 0.2 rings and only got second place.

Jiang Wannan put down her gun and thanked the audience. She lowered her head and was obviously a little depressed.

Chu Xi withdrew his gaze and looked at Wang Xingwen.

At this moment, Wang Xingwen's expression was also very solemn.

"Her last two shots were a bit too intense." Chu Xi said calmly.

As a shooting athlete, Chu Xi knows too well why the athletes make mistakes.

Wang Xingwen sighed softly, "Well, isn't it almost time for the national team trials? She's putting too much pressure on herself. This kid has only been on the provincial team for a little over a year, so she still lacks some competition experience."

Shooting events undoubtedly put the greatest test on the athletes' mentality.

Even the slightest fluctuation can cause a shooting error.

Chu Xi lowered her head, pursed her lips, and fell silent.

Everyone has emotions, and tension is inevitable.

But for shooters, they can't be nervous.

"Everyone, be happy. When Wannan comes out, there's no need to comfort her. The important thing is to congratulate her for winning the silver medal." Wang Xingwen lowered his voice and instructed the team members around him.

"Understood." The team members were used to this kind of thing and quickly adjusted themselves.

After the game, Jiang Wannan walked out of the competition venue slowly with her head down.

Wang Xingwen walked straight up to her and stopped, then raised his hand and patted her shoulder with a smile on his face. "Well done! You won another silver medal for our shooting team. Let's celebrate when we get back."

Jiang Wannan slowly raised her head, tears welling up in her eyes, "Coach, I'm sorry..."

"Why are you saying sorry for taking the silver medal? Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You have no problem with your ability. You can win it again next time." Wang Xingwen held her shoulders with both hands and looked at her firmly.

"Yes." Jiang Wannan nodded, holding back tears, "I can win it back."

Chu Xi stood by and watched the two people talking, as if he saw his former self.

In the past, she also took one step at a time like this.

It took me losing so many games to develop my current mentality.

She lowered her head, pursed her lips, and stood aside without saying anything.

At this time, Jiang Wannan does not need any comfort. She needs to think it through on her own so that she can grow quickly.

In the afternoon, after Chu Xi finished his meal, he returned to the dormitory to pack his luggage and prepare to leave.

When I was about to leave with my luggage, I happened to meet Jiang Wannan coming down the stairs.

She seemed to be in a much better mood than before.

Chu Xi greeted her: "I'm going to the airport this afternoon. See you in Kyoto."

Jiang Wannan was a little surprised. "You're going back alone? I thought you were going with the team. Then be careful."

"Okay." Chu Xi nodded. She thought about it, suddenly stopped, and took out a red teddy bear from her backpack.

This is the one she caught in the arcade last time.

Chu Xi handed the red bear to Jiang Wannan, "This is for you. I caught it while playing claw machine."

Jiang Wannan was stunned for a moment, then a smile suddenly spread across her face. She took the bear generously and said, "Thank you."

Jiang Wannan smiled as she walked Chu Xi out of the training base. After saying goodbye to her, she turned and left.

Chu Xi turned around and walked towards the roadside dragging her suitcase alone.

After a bumpy journey, Chu Xi's flight landed safely in Kyoto Province that night.

As soon as she left the airport, she saw Hu Yanming standing at the airport entrance, smiling and waving at her, "Sister, this way!"

Chu Xi walked towards him with the suitcase.

Hu Yanming took her suitcase and followed her out. "Sister, go home and rest tonight. Then tomorrow morning, we'll go to the company to discuss the endorsement contract with Wang Yang."

Chu Xi was also tired. She yawned and nodded in agreement, "Okay."

When I got home, it was already early morning.

Chu Xi simply washed up, then lay down on the bed, closed his eyes and prepared to fall asleep.

She rented this apartment by herself. It is not large, but it is decorated very warmly. There is a potted green ivy full of vitality on the balcony, an aromatherapy humidifier is placed at the head of the bed, and a faint orange scent floats in the air.

Chu Xi gradually fell asleep peacefully.

The next morning, Hu Yanming took Chu Xi to Starlight Entertainment.

It was still the same meeting room, but Wang Yang's attitude and behavior had changed drastically.

"Oh, Chu Xi is here. Come and sit down." Wang Yang pulled out a chair for Chu Xi with a smile on his face, and bent down to invite Chu Xi to sit down.

Even Hu Yanming benefited from it.

"Xiao Hu, you sit down too. You must have been very busy recently. Do you want black tea or green tea? I'll make it for you." After moving the chairs, Wang Yang turned around and started to make tea for the two of them. He looked so attentive that he seemed like a completely different person.

Chu Xi and Hu Yanming looked at each other, both of them remained silent, intending to wait and see what would happen.

After a while, Wang Yang brewed the tea and poured a cup for Chu Xi and Hu Yanming respectively. "Come, try the Tieguanyin tea I just bought recently."

Chu Xi glanced at the tea on the table without moving, but looked up at Wang Yang, "Mr. Wang, what's the matter with you? Just tell me directly."

Wang Yang rubbed his hands, chuckled, and pulled out a chair to sit down across from Chu Xi. "Look, you should remember Director Yu from the Jiyue brand, right? She was very optimistic about your performance in the shooting competition... and after my constant recommendation and persuasion, I finally managed to get her to offer you an endorsement."

"The contract has been negotiated and the terms are very good. Now, all that's left is your signature." As he said that, Wang Yang took the contract up with a smile and put it on the table.

Chu Xi folded his hands together and placed them on his knees. He did not touch the contract, but looked up at Wang Yang with a very cold expression.

"I can sign you as an endorsement agent, but I have a few conditions."

Wang Yang quickly raised his hand to signal Chu Xi, "Tell me, as long as it's not excessive, I will try my best to satisfy you."

Chu Xi: "The company has been in arrears with my basic salary and some benefits over the years. I hope the company can compensate me in full according to the standards."

"There's also some of Hu Yanming's bonuses and daily reimbursements. The company must have overlooked them for quite some time. I hope we can make up for it as well."

"Also, I hope the company won't interfere with my schedule or arrangements in the future. I have my own plans."

Wang Yang's expression was almost tense.

If it weren't for the fact that the endorsement fee was quite high and could give the company a lot of profit, how could he allow Chu Xi to step on him like this!

"Okay, I can promise you all of this. But I'll add one more thing: you must renew your contract with the company for another five years." Wang Yang's face sank, and his mean face appeared again.

Chu Xi was unmoved, "If you don't agree, forget it."

After saying that, she stood up without any hesitation, turned around and walked out.

When Wang Yang saw this, he immediately shouted at her, "Alright! As long as you sign the endorsement contract first, I'll agree to all the conditions you proposed!"

The contract renewal can be postponed, but once the endorsement is signed now, the money will be directly deposited into the bank.

We can't lose the benefits in front of us.

Chu Xi then turned around and said, "As you promised me just now, let's sign a supplementary agreement separately."

Wang Yang's face fell even more. He clenched his teeth, stared at Chu Xi, and squeezed out a word from between his teeth, "Okay!"

When the contract was officially signed, Chu Xi was stunned when he saw that the endorsement fee was three million.

However, she soon discovered that there was a supplementary agreement in the terms: [During the endorsement period, the spokesperson cannot collaborate with other competing brands at the same time. In the sports category, the spokesperson must give priority to advertising cooperation with the Jiyue brand.]

This is equivalent to buying out all of Chu Xi's endorsement collaborations in the sports category.

Three million is indeed not a lot.

Compared to her current fame, this condition is reasonable.

Although there were some unfair terms, Chu Xi could still accept it as the contract was only for half a year.

She picked up the pen and signed the contract.

Seeing this scene, Wang Yang felt relieved.

Of course, after seeing that Chu Xi did have potential, his attitude towards Chu Xi also improved a little. "Don't worry, the company that deserves you will not treat you unfairly. I will arrange a driver and a special car for you this afternoon."

"After the company's finance department has finalized the figures, they will transfer your salary and notice fees for the past few months."

After leaving Starlight Entertainment, Hu Yanming felt proud and relieved. "Sister, you didn't see Wang Yang's face. He was so angry when he heard you wanted to sign the supplementary agreement. But he didn't dare to get angry with you, so he had to endure it."

Chu Xi opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat. "The finance department should be able to reimburse your expenses from a while ago. Let's put off the contract renewal for now. It will expire in three months, and Wang Yang can't do anything about it."

"Okay, and thank you for thinking about me." Hu Yanming felt warm in his heart.

After getting in the car, Hu Yanming was planning to continue discussing future career plans with Chu Xi.

Chu Xi spoke first: "I'm going to the shooting team to report for tryouts tomorrow. You don't have to accompany me all the time during this period. Just treat it as a holiday and rest."

Hu Yanming: “?”

Damn! I almost forgot I had to participate in the Olympics.

Hu Yanming's hand on the steering wheel paused for two seconds, then he coughed softly, "Sister, we both won the championship, isn't this sports dream fulfilled?"

"Not really." Chu Xi shook his head.

As long as the athletes can reach the top, there is no one who does not dream of winning the Olympic championship.

Hu Yanming's head started to hurt again.

He knew that Sister Xi would definitely say again that her goal was to participate in the Olympics.

Yes! Sister Xi did win the championship, but that's still a far cry from the Olympics.

There are only a few places to participate in the Olympics every year, and the national team is divided into the first and second teams, which add up to dozens or even hundreds of people.

Competing with so many masters for those few spots is even more difficult than winning the championship.

Moreover, it is unbelievable that someone who has been an entertainer for so many years suddenly says that he wants to participate in the Olympics!

Even if it were to be told to the sky, this matter was still too outrageous.

Hu Yanming took a deep breath, calmed himself, and tried to persuade her gently, "Sister, I've checked everything. To participate in the Olympics, you have to join the national team and accumulate Olympic points through playing in competitions to have a chance to qualify for the Olympics."

"Look, there are only two years left before the Olympics, and you haven't even made the national team yet. Isn't it too late?"

Chu Xi pursed her lips and explained to him, "Actually, you can also qualify for the Olympics by participating in international competitions like the World Cup or World Championships. It's just a bit more difficult. You need to be in the top three and break the national shooting record at the same time to get extra points and secure an Olympic spot."

Hu Yanming: “?”

To get into the top three in an international competition, you also have to break the national shooting record?

"Sister, you don't mean..."

Chu Xi raised his head, his eyes full of seriousness.

"I know you're going to say this is hard to do. But I want to give it a try."

It was because she knew that there was no time left to proceed step by step that she had to speed up her pace and was unwilling to waste every day.

It's not that she hasn't won the top three in international competitions. On the contrary, she has won it too many times.

Breaking the national shooting competition record was something she had never done before.

So, she has to give it a try.

Isn’t the original intention of sports competition to surpass oneself again and again?