Huayu: You were supposed to be a top star, but you've become capital?

Li Mingfen's suggestion brought a moment of silence to the surrounding air.

Being a regional spokesperson signifies the brand's highest level of endorsement of the artist's image and appeal across the entire Chinese market, representing a deep level of commitment.

"Maggie, your idea is very bold." The speaker was Zhang Ming, the deputy director in charge of the watch business. He frowned.

"Lin Shen's data and popularity are undeniable, but he has only been a rising star for two months, and the stability of his career remains to be seen. More importantly,"

"While his remarks today received a lot of praise, they also revealed his combative side."

What we need is a stable image. Is excessive public expression a potential risk? What if he sparks similar controversies on other topics in the future?

Li Mingfen was clearly prepared and responded calmly:

"David, I understand your concerns. But in my opinion, that's precisely where his differentiation and value lie."

Data proves that his fans are not only active, but also have an extremely high conversion rate. In addition, look at the current public opinion; mainstream media are quoting him.

This image of youth representatives, endorsed by mainstream values, is a huge plus for our long-term reputation in China and for the perception of our social responsibility.

Li Mingfen looked around at everyone and continued, "As for stability, any top-level cooperation is an investment based on current judgments and looking towards the future."

We're betting on a trend: today's young consumers increasingly value the values ​​represented by brands and spokespeople.

An idol with only popularity but no soul is worthless once the hype fades, but an idol who can transform popularity into positive social influence has sustainable value.

Another colleague from the marketing department chimed in, "I agree with Maggie, and Lin Shen's addition perfectly complements our strategy of targeting young, high-end, and digitally native consumers. It's a strategic addition."

Zhang Ming softened his tone: "I just think we can observe for a while longer, at least until next year, to see if his film and television appeal is stable before making any decisions."

At this moment, everyone's eyes turned to Vice President Chen, who had remained silent throughout.

After listening quietly to the discussion, Vice President Chen looked out the window, as if weighing the pros and cons.

"Maggie and David both have a point. One lesson we've learned from Jaeger-LeCoultre's more than 180-year history is that innovation requires courage, but the foundation must be solid."

After a moment, he made a decision:

"In principle, proposals for upgrading cooperation can be internally evaluated and plans prepared, but the timing needs to be carefully chosen."

As David said, we need a longer observation period, not only for his work, but also for whether he can maintain the huge social acclaim he has received.

Meanwhile, Maggie, your team can begin informal contact with his team, conveying our appreciation and interest in long-term collaboration, paving the way for the future.

If his career trajectory continues to be as stable and upward as we expect over the next few months, then at the next appropriate juncture, we will formally extend an invitation to collaborate as his brand ambassador in the China region.

Vice President Chen's summary brought the internal discussion to a close, and everyone nodded in agreement with the decision.

Just then, the side door of the banquet hall opened again, and Lin Shen, who had changed into a black fitted suit, re-entered the venue under the guidance of the staff.

He changed out of his slightly more casual attire, and his current look was more in line with Jaeger-LeCoultre's classic elite style, with the Master Collection watch on his wrist gleaming under the light.

"Mr. Lin, this way please."

The banquet officially began with a melodious live piano performance.

Just as the Jaeger-LeCoultre dinner was about to begin, the high-speed train from Huizhou to Guangzhou South Railway Station arrived on time.

Zhou Ye emerged from the train carriage with the flow of people, her steps light and quick.

She was quite familiar with Guangzhou; her father's factory was in Haizhu District, and she had been there several times.

She found the subway entrance familiarly, squeezed onto Line 3, and found the subway a bit crowded during rush hour. Zhou Ye hugged her backpack and huddled in a corner.

I rehearsed in my mind what expression I should make and what I should say when I saw my dad.

Although I was nervous, I was mostly excited.

At approximately 6:45, Zhou Ye got out of the car in front of a factory building in an industrial park.

She didn't go through the main entrance, but instead went around to a small side door, where she grinned at the old man sitting there listening to the radio.

"Uncle Qin! I'm here to see my dad!"

Grandpa Qin looked up and adjusted his reading glasses: "Oh, it's Xiao Ye? Your father should be inspecting materials in the back warehouse right now."

"Okay! I'll wait in his office!" Zhou Ye darted inside and headed straight for the second floor.

Pushing open that familiar office door, the familiar smell of tobacco wafted out.

Zhou Ye closed the door behind her, threw her schoolbag onto the leather sofa next to her, and sat down.

The office was quiet, with only the faint sound of machinery coming from outside.

Zhou Ye glanced at her father's desk piled high with documents, her eyes quickly drawn to several sample garments hanging on the rack. These must be the designs for the Track.

She tiptoed over and touched the fabric, clicking her tongue inwardly; Shen Ge's work was truly excellent.

After waiting for about twenty minutes, footsteps and my dad's loud voice came from outside the door:

"...Remember, the washing effect must be exactly as Lin Sheng's standard. Even a slight deviation won't do. He knows his stuff..."

The office door was pushed open, and Boss Zhou walked in, rubbing the back of his neck as he took off his arm sleeves.

He looked up and saw his daughter blinking at him on the sofa. He froze, his face filled with astonishment.

"Xiao Ye? What are you doing? Shouldn't you be at school?" Mr. Zhou was bewildered.

Zhou Ye quickly got up, her face switching to a sweet smile, and ran over to hug her dad's arm and start shaking it:

"Oh, Dad! I missed you! I took a day off to come see you!"

Looking at his daughter's face, which clearly showed she was guilty, Mr. Zhou didn't believe a single word she said.

"Miss me? Didn't you just come home last week? Tell me the truth, is something wrong at school? Or did you get into trouble again?"

"No, no! Absolutely not!" Zhou Ye shook her head vigorously, her eyes darting around, her theatrical instincts kicking in.

"Well... I've been under a lot of pressure from studying lately, and I'm feeling a bit down. I really, really miss my dad, so, so..."

She blinked her big eyes hard, trying to conjure up a pitiful, watery look, but she couldn't squeeze any out.

Mr. Zhou knew his quirky daughter all too well. He sighed, walked behind his desk, sat down, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

"Under a lot of pressure? I think you're so obsessed with your idol that you've lost your mind! Is it because of Mr. Lam again?"

Caught red-handed, Zhou Ye stopped pretending and went to her father's side, hugging his arm and starting to coax him gently:

"Dad~ The best dad in the world! Didn't you promise me? Is he really coming to our factory this time he's in Guangdong? When is he coming? Tomorrow?"

Mr. Zhou was so dizzy from being shaken by her: "Yes, yes, Mr. Lin said he would come to see the big truck, but the specific time is not yet determined!"

Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after. You came all this way just for this? Your mother would break your legs if she found out!

Upon hearing her mother's name, Zhou Ye's imposing manner immediately diminished, and she clasped her hands together, pleading:

"Dear Dad! Please~ don't tell Mom! I promise it'll only be this once! I'll be back right away, and I won't miss class!"

"Just let me wait a bit, what if, what if he comes tomorrow? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Looking at her puppy-dog eyes, Mr. Zhou was both annoyed and helpless:

"Didn't I promise you I'd get you an autograph when Mr. Lam arrived? Why did you come all the way here yourself? He's a big star, very busy, he doesn't have time to play with a kid like you!"

Zhou Ye inwardly scoffed, thinking to herself, "How can that be the same?"

If it's a shopping mall platform, it's packed with people, and if you squeeze in, you might not even be able to see Lin Shen's hair.

But come to the factory? This is our own territory!

With the right timing, location, and people, we can definitely get closer, take a photo together, get an autograph or something, and then show it off to our girlfriends when we get back. Won't that make them insanely envious?

"Oh, Dad~" Zhou Ye clung to her father's arm, her voice sweet and adorable.

"I promise I'll behave and won't cause any trouble! I'll just stay in the office or watch from a distance!"

Just think of it as me coming to offer you some warmth and, incidentally, to learn and observe. I can even help you look at the sample garments and give you some feedback!

Mr. Zhou was at his wits' end with her pestering him. Seeing that she had come alone, his worry overcame his anger, and he finally sighed.

"Okay, okay! I promise you! Behave yourself tonight and don't run around. I won't call your mom, but you have to go back to school after you see her, understand?"

"I heard you! Thank you, Dad! Dad is the best!" Zhou Ye immediately beamed.

Mr. Zhou smiled and said, "Are you hungry? I'll take you to get something good to eat, and then we'll go to my place in Guangzhou to rest. Even if Mr. Lin comes, it'll be during his working hours, so you can get some sleep first."

"Alright! Long live Dad!" Zhou Ye was overjoyed, grabbed her schoolbag, and happily followed her father out the door.