The Road to Superstardom: Starting as a Singer

Shortly after returning to the hotel, Madeline knocked on Huang Weijie's door.

"Madeline, judging from your expression, something good must be happening?" Huang Weijie teased as he opened the door.

"It's settled!" Madeline said with a happy expression.

Tell me about it.

"A two-year global endorsement contract covering the entire product line, including apparel, accessories, and fragrances. The endorsement fee is $800 million USD per year after tax (Nike's is $800 million USD before tax)."

Obligations include: shooting two GG campaign videos per year, attending at least one of the four major fashion weeks, having at least three brand appearances on social media per month, and cooperating with major new product launches.

"After tax?" Huang Weijie raised an eyebrow slightly, then nodded: "Not bad."

In the United States, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax income is huge. Saying that income is halved may not be accurate, but it is actually quite close.

"Furthermore, they plan to make the official announcement tonight," Madeline added. "There's a brand pre-event at 7 PM, and Armani has invited over forty core media outlets worldwide. You'll appear as a 'surprise guest,' and Giorgio Armani himself will announce the endorsement deal on the spot."

"So urgent?"

"They want to grab the headlines. Tomorrow is the big show, they're making the official announcement today, and tomorrow you'll walk the red carpet as the global ambassador, maximizing the buzz."

"oh..."

"I haven't finished speaking yet!"

"..."

Huang Weijie turned his head and looked helplessly at Madeline, then gestured for her to shut up, waiting for what was to come.

"Your collaboration shoes with Nike are selling very well, and Armani also wants to include this kind of 'creative participation clause' in the contract."

In other words, you can participate in the design of a co-branded watch or accessory, enjoying the rights of attribution and a share of the profits. This is the first time in Armani's history that such rights have been granted to an ambassador under 30—oh wait, no! Under 20.

"..."

"Say something!"

Damn it, women are so hard to please!

At 2 PM, Huang Weijie arrived at Armani headquarters for a fashion show fitting.

Four outfits, ranging from casual suits to evening gowns.

Fortunately, his "natural clothes hanger" status is not just a saying, but something he has to offer!

When Armani's chief tailor personally made the final adjustments for him, he couldn't help but ramble on in Italian about praising the perfect proportions of his body.

Huang Weijie didn't mind at all; instead, he took the opportunity to learn a few Italian phrases.

Hopefully, I'll have a chance to speak up in the next few days.

7 PM.

Armani's brand pre-launch event was held in a classic building next to the Armani Theatre.

Marble pillars, crystal chandeliers, and waiters carrying champagne as they move about.

A scene of social interaction in the upper class.

When Giorgio Armani walked into the venue, the previously noisy conversation immediately quieted down.

All eyes were on this legendary figure.

Giorgio Armani walked up to the makeshift podium with a smile, and without giving a long speech, went straight to the point.

"Thank you all for being here tonight. Armani has always been committed to finding partners who not only represent the brand's style but also define the spirit of the times. And today, I am honored to introduce such a young man to you—"

He gestured towards the entrance of the venue, and the spotlight followed his gesture, shining on a tall figure that appeared there.

"Jace Huang! Our global brand ambassador!"

The sound of camera shutters rang out like a storm, and at least fifty media outlets turned their lenses toward Huang Weijie.

Huang Weijie, dressed in an ivory-white double-breasted suit, slowly walked towards the small podium.

The suit fabric shimmered with a pearly sheen under the light, and the cut was so sharp it was almost razor-sharp.

This is a runway piece from Armani's Spring/Summer 2009 collection, which has not yet been officially released.

Faced with countless flashes of light that were almost blinding, Huang Weijie did not squint, turn his head, or even blink more frequently.

He simply raised his chin slightly, a perfectly curved smile playing on his lips, his gaze sweeping steadily across the entire scene, pausing for half a second in front of each camera to ensure that reporters from every angle could capture a good photo.

In the lens, he is like a sword just drawn from its sheath: young, dazzling, and with an undeniable presence!

His absolute composure under the bright light surprised many seasoned fashion journalists present.

How much professional skill and camera presence does that require?

After Huang Weijie stood on the podium, questions came flooding in:

"Jace! How does it feel to become Armani's global ambassador?"

"This is a significant moment in my career! Armani represents more than just fashion; it represents a lifestyle—elegance, confidence, and respect for tradition without being bound by it. I am honored to be able to convey these values."

"You are one of the youngest global ambassadors in Armani's history. Do you feel any pressure?"

"Pressure can also be a driving force. The advantage of being young is that you dare to try new things. I am willing to explore more possibilities with Armani."

"Is it true that the contract includes a creative participation clause?"

"Yes. I will be involved in the design of a watch or accessory. Stay tuned for more details!"

"Jace, what makes you think you deserve this endorsement...?"

There were many questions, but most of them were expected, and every reporter cooperated by asking the questions Armani requested.

Huang Weijie smiled and answered the questions he had memorized in advance.

Both sides, no, all three sides were delighted.

After the event, the news that Huang Weijie had become Armani's global brand ambassador spread rapidly across the world via the internet.

(Wong Wai Kit is not the only global ambassador for Armani. Armani has many product lines, and Wong Wai Kit is responsible for the entire product line, including ready-to-wear, accessories, and fragrances. For example, the lingerie line is endorsed by the Beckhams.)

Italy (local):

The front page of the newspaper's website, Corriere della Sera, reads: "Armani bets on rising star: 16-year-old singer Huang Weijie becomes new global ambassador."

The fashion section of La Repubblica: "From watch ambassador to global ambassador in just 7 weeks: Huang Weijie's meteoric rise."

US:

The Wall Street Journal Business Section: "Reassessment of Commercial Value: Huang Weijie Secures $800 Million Endorsement with Armani, Asian Face Conquers European Luxury Brand."

Variety: "The perfect marriage of music and fashion: Huang Weijie's Armani endorsement may usher in a new model of commercial cooperation for artists."

South Korea:

The entertainment section of the South Korean newspaper, *The Korean Daily*, reported: "Hwang Wei-kit becomes Armani's global ambassador."

Naver's top trending topic: "아르마니공식발표황웨이제 (Armani officially announces Huang Weijie)"

Popular comments from the fan community:

"This is truly an unprecedented achievement... the first among Asian male artists, right?"

"He's so kind to his fans at the airport, and very polite during interviews. No wonder he's so popular!"

"He speaks Korean!! I'm sure he has South Korean blood! His Korean is so authentic, it doesn't sound like he learned it at all!"

"His videos under the flash are amazing; every screenshot is breathtaking!"

Neon:

Yahoo News headlines: "Huang Weijie, Amaranth Nikki take office"

2ch forum: "Isn't this Chinese guy a bit too strong? His album sold like hotcakes, and now even Armani is..."

On social media, Huang Weijie's "iceberg-like" face under the flash went viral.

Fans captured screenshots of the video and exclaimed in admiration:

"Is this level of facial expression control even real? He didn't even blink when the flashes were going off like that?"

"Perfect like a robot... yet with human warmth."

"Armani really knew what they were doing by choosing him; his style and image are a perfect match!"

"Am I the only one who noticed the tiny bit of shirt peeking out from his suit sleeve? Textbook-level dressing!"

Besides the countries mentioned above, there is also our beloved motherland. Even though it was the early morning of September 19th Beijing time, the news that Huang Weijie had become Armani's global brand ambassador still caused a sensation in the industry.

Unlike previous Nike global ambassadors, Nike, as a sports brand, has always preferred sports stars when looking for ambassadors.

Huang Weijie was able to become a global brand ambassador because he has a huge following and generates a lot of discussion among teenagers. No matter how jealous people in the industry are, they can't do anything about it because his hard power is not there.

So when people in the industry learned that Huang Weijie had become a global Nike ambassador, most of them felt envious rather than jealous, because they all knew they weren't good enough and didn't have the ability to become a global ambassador.

But Armani is different!

Armani is not a sports brand; it's a top luxury brand that everyone in the industry aspires to own!

For celebrities, endorsements of top luxury brands are an important symbol of status.

Once a celebrity secures a top-tier luxury brand endorsement, especially one with significant prestige, it becomes the most direct proof of their market influence and fashion status.

In other words, being able to endorse top luxury brands is enough to demonstrate an artist's status and commercial value.

Therefore, after this news was released by the media, the Chinese entertainment industry gained a new understanding of Huang Weijie.

Sina Entertainment News Flash: "Huang Weijie becomes Armani's global brand ambassador! The first Chinese male artist to receive this title!"

Sohu Entertainment Special: "From Record-Breaking Albums to Luxury Brand Endorsements: Huang Weijie's International Journey"

A popular post on Tianya Forum asks: "Rational discussion: What level is Huang Weijie, this global Armani ambassador? Background information: Previous global Armani ambassadors were at the level of George Clooney and Cate Blanchett."

Huang Weijie had just returned to his room when he discovered his phone had switched to vibrate mode...