Marry a female star at a bargain price

Early Saturday morning, Han Xixi flew to Jingzhou with her agent Chen Jiajia to participate in an endorsement signing and advertising film shooting.

This can be considered Han Daxing's official comeback after her semi-retirement due to pregnancy—recording "Longing for Married Life" was done on her husband's turf, so it was more of a hobby and therefore cannot be considered a comeback.

This endorsement was entirely Han Xixi's own initiative.

Although it's just an everyday shampoo brand, which doesn't sound high-end, the brand's strength is actually quite strong, and it's in no way inferior to various luxury brands, even though it's something that everyone needs.

The most compelling evidence is that Han Xixi's endorsement fee this time is much higher than that of the previous Kalia Magic series!

This is also very reasonable.

After all, when Han Xixi became the spokesperson for Kalia, she had only been in the industry for a short time and had just emerged from the negative shadow of the "sugar baby photos." She had only established herself in the music industry with a few solid works.

Even with its high popularity, it lacks a deep foundation.

Lin Xiao actually managed to snatch the endorsement deal for the Kalia Magic series from other artists by performing the song "The Magic of Love."

In comparison, it's much easier for Han Xixi to get endorsements now. It's no exaggeration to say that if she wanted to, she could easily sign a hundred endorsements.

Today's traffic, popularity, and reputation are all impressive.

Making money is as easy for her as breathing.

However, Han Xixi always maintains the integrity of an artist and will not abuse her fame for money. She carefully selected this endorsement.

In fact, compared to this shampoo brand, many other brands offered her even higher prices and extended offers.

For example, some maternal and infant brands, catering brands, and some foreign jewelry and clothing brands.

But she refused them all.

In the past two years, Han Xixi's life has changed a lot. She became pregnant, gave birth, went to the countryside with her husband, and is now a rural music teacher.

Her temperament has also undergone a significant change.

When she was the spokesperson for the Kalia Magic series, she simply thought the jewelry was beautiful and it was an international luxury brand. Winning the spokesperson title would make her look good and solidify her position in the entertainment industry.

Xixi was only 22 years old back then. No matter how strict her upbringing was, she was still a little girl, so it's normal for her to think that way.

If it were her now, she would absolutely not accept this endorsement.

First of all, Kalia is a foreign brand. As a descendant of the Chinese nation, endorsing such a brand to reap the wallets of Chinese people may sound like just a business transaction, but it is actually unethical. At the very least, Xixi can't get over this mental hurdle right now.

Secondly, if we're talking about Caria's own products, they are top-tier international luxury brands. Whether it's diamonds, pearls, or various precious metals, they are all truly high-quality items, with exquisite craftsmanship and ingenious design.

Even if it's not worth hundreds of thousands or millions, they don't rip off ordinary people; the ones who pay are the wealthy.

It's a case of one party willing to give and the other willing to receive; there's nothing more to say.

The latest Magic series from Coccalia has come up with a concept of "affordable luxury." It uses the Coccalia brand but is made with cheap materials such as glass, mother-of-pearl, and diamonds. After a little assembly, it can be sold for thousands of dollars.

From the moment this series was designed, it was aimed at the wallets of ordinary people, accurately capturing the public's desire to own a luxury item.

Anyone who comes up with this idea is either bad or despicable!

Han Xixi didn't understand before and became a spokesperson without really knowing what was going on. She even used "The Magic of Love" as the brand's theme song, which made a great contribution to making the Kalia Magic series famous.

Looking back, this was clearly helping foreign capital swindle their own compatriots and reap the hard-earned money of girls who love beauty.

Han Xixi must be filled with regret.

When her one-year endorsement contract ended, the Kalia Group offered to renew it and even considered having her endorse Kalia's mainstream products.

Xixi refused outright without the slightest hesitation.

Actually, she was heavily pregnant at the time, so for Kalia to offer her such an exorbitant endorsement fee under those circumstances was quite a show of sincerity.

As a pregnant woman, the hormonal changes during pregnancy can easily make her doubt herself. To receive such affirmation from an international brand, who wouldn't be confused?
But Xixi remained unmoved.

Because she knew that the capital market didn't care about feelings, and the reason Kalia treated her so well was simply because she, as the spokesperson for the magic series, had earned the brand a huge number of orders.

For the brand, this is an investment with an extremely high return.

But for Han Xixi, it was a big mistake made out of her youthful inexperience.

Now that she has realized her mistake and turned back, she will naturally not repeat it. So this time, she made a decision to accept endorsements. She had already told Chen Jiajia that she would only accept domestic brands and would not accept any foreign brands.

Chen Jiajia knew her sister's temper, so she could only let her have her way.

While patriotism is commendable, female celebrities' fashion status has always been determined by international brands, with domestic brands barely getting a chance to compete.

By rejecting foreign brands, Han Xixi effectively cut off her path and possibilities in the fashion industry.

Simultaneously.

Xixi is unwilling to use her identity as a "mother" to make money, so she refused maternal and infant products. As for some catering brands, considering the frequent food safety problems in recent years, she might not be able to guarantee that she would not be involved in any problems after endorsing them, so she also refused them.

Although a large number of brands offered endorsement deals, only a handful remained after a series of rigorous screenings.

In the end, Xixi chose a domestic shampoo brand.

This shampoo has her favorite gardenia scent, and she has used it and found it to be very effective, so she decided to become its spokesperson.

For a brand, gaining Han Xixi's favor is like a divine intervention.

After all, this rising star's popularity and reputation are beyond description; she is an unrivaled force in the entertainment industry.

For a domestic brand that has struggled to grow in a market environment where foreign personal care products are almost monopolized, being endorsed by her is an unprecedented opportunity and a ray of hope after a difficult period.

Han Xixi received the highest level of hospitality from the brand during her visit.

After all, they knew that with the endorsement fee they offered, they could only hire a second-tier celebrity at most, and they couldn't possibly hire Han Xixi.

The fact that someone is willing to endorse a product or service definitely stems from their patriotism.

The brand wouldn't let Ms. Han's good intentions go to waste. The two-day advertising shoot went very well, and the work was completed even faster than planned.

On Sunday afternoon, Han Xixi and Chen Jiajia returned home.

Lin Xiao arrived in Ninghai ahead of time to pick them up.

After being recognized by netizens, screaming, and causing a commotion at the airport, the three finally managed to get into the car and leave this troublesome place.

Xi Xi sat in the passenger seat, and Chen Jiajia sat in the back.

As we drove out of the airport, it was already getting dark; it was 8 p.m.

“It’s so late, we won’t get back to Mashan County until midnight. Why don’t we stay here for the night and go back early tomorrow morning?” Lin Xiao suggested.

"Won't you be late tomorrow?" Xixi hesitated.

"It's okay, I was already late once on Monday, so it won't hurt to be late again!"

Lin Xiao adopted a "what's the use" attitude.

Xi Xi was speechless.

Chen Jiajia was in the back row, and Mayor Chao Lin gave her a thumbs up.

Going back to Mashan County would be too late, but not going back would still be early.

The three of them discussed it and decided to go see Xie Xiaowei and have a late-night snack at her house.

After making the decision, Lin Xiao immediately changed course. Xi Xi called Xie Xiaowei to inform her of the sudden trip, while Chen Jiajia was arranged to have a late-night snack.

Twenty minutes later.

The car arrived downstairs at Xie Xiaowei's house. Her phone showed that the merchant was preparing the goods, but the delivery rider had not yet arrived.

"Oh dear, I shouldn't have ordered from this barbecue place, it's too popular!"

Chen Jiajia stomped her feet in frustration.

"Let me see!"

Lin Xiao took the phone and saw that it was indeed a very famous teppanyaki restaurant in Ninghai. The restaurant was extremely popular, especially at night when it was packed with people.

Ordering takeout? It can't be prepared in less than an hour!
Lin Xiao laughed: "Well, it looks like we won't be getting any late-night snacks tonight!"

Chen Jiajia was indignant: "I'll ask for a refund now and book somewhere else. There are plenty of barbecue and late-night snacks available... Hey, they won't give me a refund, saying it's already been made!"

Xi Xi laughed and said, "Then let's just wait, there's no rush to eat anyway!"

Chen Jiajia clutched her stomach and said, "I'm so anxious! I didn't eat dinner, and I'm starving!"

Xi Xi looked helpless: "What can we do? Even if we cook it, it'll take a long time for the delivery, and the distance seems quite far..."

Chen Jiajia looked worried; all she could do now was wait and see.

Lin Xiao's eyes gleamed with a sly grin as he said, "Actually, there are ways to eat it sooner..."

As soon as Xixi saw her husband's expression, she knew he was up to no good.

She immediately pursed her lips, trying not to laugh out loud.

"What method?" Chen Jiajia asked anxiously, unaware of any trickery.

"hey-hey!"

Lin Xiao couldn't help but laugh when he thought about the girl's reaction later.

He held his tongue and said, "I know someone who lives near this store. I can have him go pick up the takeout now and then drive it over. It'll be here in twenty minutes!"

Chen Jiajia immediately fell for it: "Who is it? Is it your friend? Is it really okay to have someone deliver food to us so late at night?"

Xi Xi had already guessed how the story was going to go, secretly pinched Lin Xiao, and then shamelessly suppressed a wicked laugh.

Lin Xiao said with a sly grin, "There's nothing wrong with that! He's not only my friend, but also yours. He'd be more than happy to do our bidding!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiajia immediately frowned.

"They are friends with all three of us..."

Three seconds later, the fire in her eyes vanished, replaced by a look of utter despair. "You mean... that old lecher Cao Yuanzhi?"

Lin Xiao clapped his hands: "Isn't that him... Hmm? What did you call him?"

Chen Jiajia was too lazy to repeat herself.

I wanted to firmly refuse, but my stomach just wouldn't cooperate, so in the end I could only wave my hand, say "Do as you please," and go upstairs.

……

I went upstairs, knocked on the door, and it opened quickly.

Xie Xiaowei appeared at the door, beaming with joy, in her wheelchair.

"Welcome, welcome! Why did you all come so suddenly? I wasn't prepared at all..."

Although it was an apologetic remark, it was clear that Xiaowei was not at all resistant to her friend's sudden visit; on the contrary, she was quite happy.

Han Xixi took the wheelchair handle and pushed her into the room: "What do you want to prepare? It's already past eight o'clock. Even if you prepare a Manchu Han Imperial Feast, I wouldn't dare to eat it. Big stars are very disciplined!"

Xie Xiaowei laughed and pinched her cheek: "Fine, fine, big star, I absolutely won't let you eat a single bite tonight, not even a sip of water!" Xixi's face changed drastically upon hearing this: "Not even water? You're too cruel! I didn't even go home after getting off the plane, I came all the way here just to see you!"

Xie Xiaowei smiled helplessly and exposed her trick: "Come on! You obviously got home too late and decided to come here at the last minute. Otherwise, you would have sent me a message long ago. Why would it be so last minute and sudden?"

Xi Xi, having her thoughts exposed, scratched her head and laughed awkwardly.

Xiaowei, seeing her like this, didn't care at all. Instead, she put her arm around her waist and laughed loudly, "Even so, I'm still very happy. This is the first time someone has come to my house at night. Our lives are getting better, and we're even enjoying the nightlife now!"

The three of them burst into laughter at her antics.

After laughing, I felt inexplicably sad and emotional. Even though I knew that Xiaowei was a disabled person living alone at home every day, I couldn't truly empathize with her loneliness and hardship.

Xixi couldn't help but recall Xiaowei's miraculous escape from the fire years ago.

Although he survived, he was left with a lifelong disability, unable to walk, and his face and body were covered with shocking scars!

Of course, no matter how unbearable the physical disability and pain may be, it cannot compare to the horror of psychological trauma.

Many things from back then can no longer be verified today.

However, judging from the fact that the door was locked from the inside when the fire broke out, and that Xiaowei was the only one at home, and that Xie's parents quickly became pregnant and gave birth to a son after the fire, and that Xie's grandparents quickly transferred an old house to Xiaowei's name, it seems that...

The natural disaster of that year may have actually been a man-made disaster, and this calamity even came from the closest people!

The pain involved is something that only those who have experienced it can truly understand.

So many years have passed, and Xie Xiaowei has gradually moved on from the incident.

Although she now lives alone and is unable to walk, she has become an outstanding illustrator thanks to her childhood drawing skills and subsequent hard work. She earns more than enough to support herself by contributing to various magazines and teaching drawing online through live streams.

Survival is not a problem, there is no desire for love, the only predicament is loneliness.

Fortunately, she still has Han Xixi, a good friend, who in turn brought her new friends.

This little house has become increasingly lively lately, and now it even gets visitors late at night.

Xiaowei's perseverance has finally paid off.

The brief gloom vanished.

The three of them entered the house and sat down. Without waiting for Xiaowei to greet them, they changed their shoes and poured water themselves. Chen Jiajia went straight into the kitchen to find something to eat.

I had barely sat down when someone knocked on the door again.

"Is anyone else coming?" Xie Xiaowei was quite surprised; her little house had been unusually lively today.

"It should be Lao Cao!"

Lin Xiao smiled and went to open the door. Sure enough, Cao Yuanzhi was standing there, looking angry, carrying two large bags of kebabs wrapped tightly in tin foil.

Old Cao kicked off his shoes as soon as he entered the door and came in barefoot.

"Lin Xiao, you've gone too far! You didn't invite me to the dinner party, but you only remember me when you need to order takeout! I came to Ninghai to develop the music industry, not to be your errand boy!"

Cao Yuanzhi was annoyed and launched into a tirade.

Lin Xiao didn't retaliate at all, accepting everything with a smile, knowing that the real show was yet to come.

as predicted.

Before Lao Cao could finish speaking, Chen Jiajia had already opened the takeout bag, picked up a string of squid tentacles, and started slurping them up.

While eating, he couldn't help but complain: "A grown man complains and grumbles when helping a friend. His heart is no bigger than the eye of a pin!"

Lin Xiao sat on the sofa, slowly eating skewers, his smile growing even wider.

Enjoying barbecue, drinking beverages, and listening to traditional opera.

Life couldn't be better.

Cao Yuanzhi's anger flared up instantly, and he sneered, "If you think I'm petty, then don't eat what I bring!"

"Why shouldn't I eat it? I paid for it!"

"You can eat just by spending money? Did you pay for the delivery? Did you pay for the express delivery?"

"How much? I'll transfer it to you!"

"Sorry, that's an exorbitant price, you can't afford it!"

"Oh ho, they're even trying to raise prices on the spot. They really are petty!"

"Your mouth stinks even more than a cesspool!"

"Hey, you surnamed Cao, what did you say? Say it again!!"

Chen Jiajia couldn't hold back any longer. She threw down the skewer in her hand and jumped up in a fit of rage.

Lin Xiao shook his head slightly: Young people just can't keep their tempers up. Old Cao wins the first round!

Seeing that the two were arguing more and more fiercely, Han Xixi and Xie Xiaowei quickly tried to mediate.

One pulled on the left and the other on the right, and they finally separated the fighting roosters. The five of them sat down around the coffee table and enjoyed this rare relaxing late-night snack.

Chen Jiajia and Cao Yuanzhi kept quiet and continued eating.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit dull, Xie Xiaowei took the initiative to ask Han Xixi about her schedule for the next two days, and the topic was brought up again.

A short while later, Xiaowei asked, "Xixi, weren't you a music teacher in Starlight Town? Why did you suddenly decide to take on an endorsement? Is this your official comeback?"

Xi Xi shrugged playfully and said with a grin, "I guess so!"

She was just about to explain that she accepted the endorsement to improve the teaching environment of schools in mountainous areas.

Chen Jiajia suddenly interjected, "Not going out again?! My sister is currently very popular, but as the saying goes, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Her sudden surge in popularity has threatened the careers of many top actresses, and she's probably being resented a lot. It's one thing for outsiders to resent her, but I'm afraid her own family will cause trouble. I don't know what they're up to, hastily finding a young and beautiful girl to replace my sister as the new leading lady of the rural drama. Humph, some people just can't change their ways!"

As soon as these words were spoken, even a fool would know that this was the start of a second attack on Cao Yuanzhi.

This time, Lao Cao was the first to break through the defenses.

"What the hell! Chen Jiajia, what do you mean? What do you mean by 'a leopard can't change its spots'? Who are you calling a jerk?"

"I'll yell at anyone who tries to talk to me!"

"Hey! I'm fucking..."

Old Cao was so angry that he started cursing.

Lin Xiao quickly covered his mouth and manually muted his microphone: "Mind your manners, we're all girls!"

Old Cao swallowed the rest of his words, his face flushed as he tried to explain, "I did sign a new singer, but I have absolutely no intention of replacing Xixi's position in Feihong and Xinxiang. Besides, with Xixi's current popularity, buzz, and the depth of her work, she's completely invincible among the new generation of female singers in the music scene. Who can replace her? Are you crazy!"
“I really didn’t have any plans to sign a new singer before. It was only after Xixi told me that she wanted to be a volunteer teacher at a primary school in the mountains and didn’t want to be distracted by other work for the time being. It was at Xiaowei’s house, and there were five of us there. Do you all remember?”

Han Xixi and Xie Xiaowei nodded at the same time.

Cao Yuanzhi continued, "Since Xixi has said so, I can't force her to support Xinxiangtu. Of course, I fully respect her idea. However, Xinxiangtu Company was established under the leadership of the province, and it has carried its mission since the day it was registered and opened."

"But now that we call it a music company, we only have two singers, Lin Xiao and Han Xixi, and neither of them are signed. They also have their own main careers... If I rely on them, how can this company keep going? If I don't bring in some fresh blood, it will go bankrupt sooner or later. What do you think? Should I sign singers and expand the company's strength as soon as possible?"

The two straight men nodded earnestly.

Old Cao got angrier and angrier as he spoke: "I'm doing all this for the sake of promoting the culture and tourism of your Nanzhou, and I still don't get any credit. I'm being insulted and attacked, and I have to endure unwarranted accusations and curses... Is this how it is?"

Old Cao became more and more aggrieved as he spoke, his lips trembling as he almost cried.

Lin Xiao glanced sideways and saw through this guy's little scheme: Enough already, you're even putting on an acting show!
But it must be said that Lao Cao acted quite well; at least Xi Xi and Xiao Wei were moved and quickly forced Chen Jiajia to apologize.

Jiajia realized she had gone too far and felt a little embarrassed.

But she still protested, "Signing a singer is fine, but why sign a singer when there are so many good singers to choose from? Why sign a pretty, innocent-looking young girl in her early twenties, just like my sister Xi? It's hard not to suspect something, isn't it? Besides, this guy has so many past records. Who knows if he's really doing this for the job, or if he's using this as an excuse to engage in underhanded dealings..."

Cao Yuanzhi exploded again, slamming his fist on the table and standing up, so angry that his eyes almost popped out.

"Chen Jiajia, what... what did I do to you? Is it fun to resort to personal attacks?"

"Humph!"

"You're still humming!"

"I'll humph!"

"..."

Two elementary school students started fighting on the spot, shouting so loudly that spittle flew all over the coffee table, and a table full of delicious food was ruined.

It took three bystanders a lot of effort to separate the two adversaries and forcibly put an end to the conflict.

Lin Xiao's inner thoughts: In the second round, Chen Jiajia won a round back. Congratulations!

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat tense for a moment.

Just as Xixi was thinking of saying something to ease the tension, Xie Xiaowei, who was standing next to her, suddenly burst out laughing.

"Xiaowei, what are you laughing at?" Xixi asked.

"No, I just feel...it's so wonderful!" Xiaowei exclaimed.

"good?!"

The four of them spoke in unison, looking at her with eyes that seemed to belong to idiots.

Xiaowei smiled softly, "You all have your own careers that you love, and you are all working hard, striving, and fighting for your careers. Isn't that wonderful?"

A rhetorical question stumped all four of them, leading to a small, belated realization of their happiness.

"In this world, many people are struggling to survive, and many others go through life without ever finding what they truly love, thus wasting their lives!"

Xiaowei had scars from the fire on her face, but at this moment she smiled brightly and radiantly, "But you are different! You are very lucky to have found a career you love, and to have put in your sweat and effort on this path, and to have achieved success and reaped the rewards. Such a passionate, vibrant, and energetic life... I really envy you!"

Xiaowei spoke her last words with restraint and forbearance, a fleeting sadness passing through her brows.

In that instant, all the previous disputes, arguments, and venting vanished.

All that remains is regret and sorrow.

Everyone suddenly realized that in the face of real hardship, the worries at work, the inconveniences in life, and the setbacks in love and friendship were nothing at all.

In fact, it is precisely because of these troubles and hardships that people's pursuits and efforts are all the more precious.

However, suffering is just suffering; it can't bring back anything.

It's like a fishbone stuck in your throat; you can't get it out, you can't swallow it, and all you feel is torment.

Hearing Xie Xiaowei's envious yet sorrowful tone, all four of them fell silent.

However, this sorrowful mood did not last more than a few seconds.

Han Xixi suddenly grabbed Xiaowei's hand, her expression excited, and said an idea that had been lingering in her mind for a long time.

"Xiaowei".

Her eyes shone with a burning light, and her voice trembled:
"Come with me to the countryside... to experience a new life!" (End of Chapter)