Chapter 109 Part 2
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Chapter 109, Part 2: The Fall of Chu Yuanqing (2)
“Does this mean the endorsement we’ve received is for products under a brand?” Kirimi Miyuki blinked uncertainly, her tone carrying a trace of doubt. She turned her gaze to the suited woman sitting across from her and added, “We can ask Miss Lin for clarification.”
The woman smiled politely in response. Gently, she pushed two cups of lemon tea garnished with mint leaves across the table. Introducing herself, she said,
“I’m Lin Jiu, the brand’s representative assigned to collaborate with you both.”
From her sleek bag, Lin Jiu retrieved two thick contract files, placing them in front of the two women. She continued,
“Since neither of you are backed by financial agencies, Dazzling Stage will assume full responsibility for this partnership.”
“Simply put, this isn’t a traditional endorsement. You’ll only need to complete some straightforward tasks and film an advertisement for our brand. The contract clearly details the payment and responsibilities for your reference.”
Lin Jiu then added, “Miss Chu, would you kindly remove your mask?”
Hearing this, Chu Yuanqing hesitated briefly but complied. She removed her sunglasses and mask, revealing her face. While she thought little of the gesture, curiosity lingered about how Miyuki had instantly recognized her.
Lin Jiu studied Chu Yuanqing intently, as though admiring a masterpiece on display. Her gaze betrayed her astonishment. As a professional clothing designer, Lin Jiu felt an irresistible urge to craft garments specifically for such an exquisite figure.
Beside Chu Yuanqing, Kirimi Miyuki, an idol considered stunning by most, seemed to pale in comparison. The contrast was stark—like comparing a mortal to a goddess. No wonder Dazzling Stage was willing to invest so heavily in Chu Yuanqing, even securing three simultaneous endorsements.
Lin Jiu finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with admiration,
“Miss Chu, your image aligns perfectly with our brand’s vision. Honestly, even without an introduction from Dazzling Stage, I’d be eager to work with someone of your caliber.”
Chu Yuanqing, caught slightly off guard, responded politely, a faint blush tinging her cheeks. Turning her focus to the contract, she began skimming through its contents.
The primary clause stood out: after endorsing the products, she would be prohibited from using similar competing items in public. Beyond that, the terms were surprisingly flexible. There was no obligation for in-person appearances, promotional campaigns, or even social events. Usage rights for her likeness were restricted strictly to advertisements.
This leniency was unusual. Endorsement deals often demanded long-term commitments or specific promotional efforts. But here, everything seemed designed to accommodate her convenience.
Having little experience with endorsements, Chu Yuanqing trusted Dazzling Stage wouldn’t deceive her. Skipping over the exhaustive legal jargon, she turned to the product descriptions.
Her heart sank.
“Please, let it not be something strange like swimsuits or sanitary pads,” she thought, bracing herself.
The first item was surprisingly normal: a unique necklace from a niche Chinese jewelry brand. Made from high-quality materials, its silver design resembled a Möbius strip—a sleek and elegant concept. Its craftsmanship and Italian-inspired aesthetics screamed affordable luxury, though its affordability was relative.
She sighed in relief. But then her eyes landed on the second product.
A black electric guitar.
The rebellious, edgy design clashed sharply with the sophistication of the necklace. Confused, she glanced at Lin Jiu for an explanation.
Lin Jiu calmly elaborated,
“According to Dazzling Stage, this guitar is part of the mysterious reward promised by Dream Weaver Rabbit during the competition. Today, we’re fulfilling that promise. In total, you’ll be endorsing three products.”
Dream Weaver Rabbit?
Chu Yuanqing blinked, recalling the enigmatic mascot’s promise after her first performance. Back then, she’d thought little of it. But this extravagant reward seemed… excessive.
Her thoughts spiraled. Filming ads for three products in just a few days? Wouldn’t that mean an immense workload? Still, an endorsement was better than no endorsement.
Shrugging off her doubts, Chu Yuanqing skimmed the guitar’s details before moving to the third product.
Beside her, Miyuki’s lips twitched, her eyes glimmering with amusement. She appeared unusually excited, barely suppressing a smile.
Curious, Chu Yuanqing flipped to the final brochure. As her gaze fell on the glossy pages, her fingers trembled.
It was a dress—a wedding dress.
Intricate lace and appliqués adorned its surface, with delicate embroidery and intricate beading adding depth. Silk panels and satin accents created a structured yet ethereal look. The photos showcased barefoot models strutting confidently through city streets, shadows dancing around them.
The message was clear: the brand wanted to convey rebellious elegance—a fusion of beauty and boldness.
But the real shock came next: this wasn’t just any wedding dress.
It was marketed explicitly as a lesbian wedding dress, a bold move even in a society that had legalized same-sex marriage a decade prior.
Chu Yuanqing’s mind reeled. A wedding dress? Her, in advertisements seen by countless people? It was a nightmare she hadn’t even considered possible.
Her fingers clenched the paper tightly. “This… this is worse than wearing a swimsuit!”
Her face reddened with embarrassment. How could she maintain her dignity, especially as Little Shu’s father, after endorsing such a product?
Taking a deep breath, she turned to Lin Jiu, her voice low but firm.
“Miss Lin, may I decline endorsing the wedding dress?”
Lin Jiu regarded her thoughtfully. Sensing her discomfort, she hesitated before replying,
“You certainly have the right to refuse, but I encourage you to reconsider. This endorsement offers the highest payout and won’t diminish your public image.”
Chu Yuanqing stiffened. Payment? She hadn’t even glanced at the fees yet.
Her eyes darted to the contract:
The necklace? 1.7 million, post-tax, paid upfront.
The guitar? 2.11 million, also post-tax, paid upfront.
The wedding dress? A staggering 6.74 million, post-tax.
The numbers hit her like a freight train. In all her years, even if she’d successfully faked her insurance claims, she couldn’t leave such a sum behind for Little Shu.
Lin Jiu pressed further,
“As I mentioned, Dazzling Stage will handle taxes and other logistics. The funds will be transferred to your account immediately after filming.”
The doubts in Chu Yuanqing’s heart dissolved. Hugging the contract to her chest, her smile widened.
“When does the shoot begin?” she asked, her voice betraying her resolve.
