Endorsement Fee

Manager Huo had long known Fang Yu was unusual. A current junior college student who had reached the Great Accomplishment of Entering the Minute should have had no problem securing a slot in the Junior-College-to-Undergraduate Upgrade, even without having awakened a Void Star Aspect. Otherwise, Huo wouldn't have gone out of his way back then to give him extra compensation. However... Securing an upgrade slot and securing an Earth Contract were worlds apart. Manager Huo had also graduated from Huguang Martial University, though the university had changed drastically over the decades. The difficulty of obtaining an Earth Contract was much lower now than in his day. Even so, Manager Huo roughly knew that only about one percent of undergraduate students could secure an Earth Contract today. On what grounds could a student who was still in junior college until just recently accomplish that? "Did he awaken a Star Aspect?" Manager Huo blurted out. He could only think of this single possibility. "You're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?" "That Fang Yu isn't answering his phone at all right now," Dong Xin said, shaking his head. "I'm not entirely sure whether he actually received an Earth Contract; after all, that's Huguang Martial University's business. But I checked just now, and he's this year's 'direct-pass student' from Wuling Martial Junior College. "In the past, more than half of the direct-pass students managed to secure Earth Contracts. That's why I said he likely got one." "A direct-pass student?" Manager Huo's eyelid twitched, and he couldn't help asking, "How did that get tangled up with us? Why would the general manager pay attention to such a minor matter?" "Hmph!" "The university professor leading the delegation this time is the general manager's junior martial sister. The two of them just got off the phone," Dong Xin said coldly. "Somehow, they ended up talking about Fang Yu. The general manager became very interested and plans to invite Fang Yu to dinner to see if we can sign him in advance, so he can join our Tieshan Martial Club after graduation. "Seeing that I couldn't hide it, I had to admit that I knew Fang Yu and had recommended him to the club. "When General Manager Yan learned that Fang Yu had resigned from our club, he gave me a severe dressing-down, saying I didn't know how to handle business and should have signed a development agreement first," Dong Xin said, shaking his head. "I told him Fang Yu resigned on his own initiative, and only then did the general manager let it rest for now. "Manager Huo. "I took the blame for you. "Yet according to the general manager's wishes, he still plans to meet Fang Yu. You'd better tell me whether there was any foul play when Fang Yu's application to become a formal employee was delayed back then." Dong Xin stared fixedly at Huo Yun. Huo Yun felt a chill creep down his spine. "No. "Absolutely not," Huo Yun said at once. "Submitting the application late was indeed my mistake, but he wanted to upgrade to undergraduate studies anyway, so he couldn't have become a formal employee. Besides, when he resigned, I went out of my way to give him compensation. He shouldn't hold any grudge." "I hope what you're saying is the truth. The general manager told me to head over immediately, so I don't have time to idle about chatting with you," Dong Xin said coldly. "I'll give you one final reminder: if something really did happen between you and Fang Yu, you'd better deal with it immediately. I don't want Fang Yu saying anything unfavorable when he meets the general manager. "If that happens, I'll just get chewed out, but you'll be finished." With that, Dong Xin hung up the phone directly, leaving Huo Yun in complete disarray. Yet he reacted swiftly, calling Fang Yu right away, but the other side didn't answer at all. Calming himself down, Huo Yun dialed another number: "Director Niu, there's something I need to ask you about. Your school held the upgrade assessment today, right? I wanted to ask if there's a student named Fang Yu... A direct-pass student? It's already spread through all the teacher group chats? An associate professor led the delegation from Huguang Martial University this time? All right, all right, thank you so much. I'll treat you to dinner next time." He hung up. At this moment, Huo Yun already believed eighty percent of what Dong Xin had said. Soon afterward. Huo Yun summoned Supervisor Gao and quickly ran through what had just happened. The rapid series of developments left Supervisor Gao stunned. "An Earth Contract?" "A direct-pass student? If I'd known, we should have eliminated this menace in advance." A ruthless glint flashed across Supervisor Gao's eyes. "Old Gao, can't you calm down? Don't go shouting about killing people over every little thing; it hasn't come to that yet," Manager Huo said with a frown. "Besides, isn't it too late to spout that kind of nonsense now?" "Then what should we do?" Supervisor Gao asked. "Fang Yu is indeed a direct-pass student. That's already been confirmed. "He has most likely awakened a Star Aspect, and probably a Middle-Rank Star Aspect. What Dong Xin said is likely true," Huo Yun said thoughtfully. "Right now, it's still uncertain whether he knows about our business... But back then, holding back his formal employment application was indeed deliberate on my part." "At worst, we'll take a scolding," Supervisor Gao said discontentedly. "Besides, would the general manager really care about him? Forget that he might sign an Earth Contract—even if he definitely signs one, he won't necessarily become an Earth Martial Artist. "The general manager is a true Earth Martial Artist." Supervisor Gao didn't care much deep down. An Earth Contract merely represented hope of becoming an Earth Martial Artist. Throughout Huguang Martial University's history, countless martial artists had received Earth Contracts. "No!" "It's not Fang Yu I'm worried about. "We all know General Manager Yan just took office. A newly appointed official always sets three fires to prove himself, and with nearly twenty branches across the city, he hasn't paid much attention to us yet," Huo Yun said slowly. "If they don't have dinner or meet, that would naturally be best. "However, if they do dine together and we come up, drawing even a shred of General Manager Yan's attention to us, he might very well make an example of us first. If city headquarters investigates, we'll lose a layer of skin even if we don't end up dead." Supervisor Gao's heart leaped in fright. Right! General Manager Yan had just taken office, and he needed to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys. Who ended up playing that chicken was a delicate matter. "And looking at it from another angle," "if Fang Yu meets the general manager and can put in a few good words for us, it might even turn into an opportunity," Huo Yun said softly. Supervisor Gao's eyes lit up. Yet almost immediately, he frowned. "Why would Fang Yu speak up for us?" "We'll try," Huo Yun said. "This Fang Yu is still just a junior college student, after all; he shouldn't be too greedy." "How much should we offer?" Supervisor Gao inquired. "Between two hundred thousand and five hundred thousand," Huo Yun said. "It depends on his attitude." A trace of hesitation flashed through Supervisor Gao's eyes. That amount was by no means small. Giving it away for nothing just like that? "This isn't only to ask him to put in a good word; it's also to build goodwill," Huo Yun said slowly. "If he truly becomes an Earth Martial Artist in the future, we won't have made an enemy." "Fine." ... Wuling Martial Junior College. Inside the dormitory room. "Senior Brother Dong is truly ruthless. General Manager Yan? I don't know him at all." Fang Yu looked at the message Dong Xin had quickly sent, which contained several notes: *Do not admit, do not deny, do not refuse.* Looking at the several messages sent by Huo Yun, Fang Yu understood... the fish had taken the bait. Waiting another ten minutes or so, Fang Yu returned Huo Yun's video call. The other side picked up quickly, and Huo Yun's figure appeared on the screen: "Brother Fang, congratulations! To actually secure the direct-pass slot in the upgrade assessment—what wonderful news!" "Manager Huo is quite well-informed," Fang Yu said with a smile. "I only found out after Manager Dong told me," Huo Yun said. "I knew long ago that Brother Fang was a talent, but to secure an Earth Contract from Huguang Martial University now—you've truly soared into the sky." "Manager Huo flatters me," Fang Yu replied smilingly. "The Earth Contract isn't a certainty yet. Associate Professor Tang and the others still need to report back to the university before a final decision is made." "Haha, with your talent, Brother Fang, it's bound to succeed," Manager Huo laughed. "I wonder if you're free tonight, Brother Fang? Would you like to have dinner together?" "Manager Huo," "I have to head home tonight; my dad and the others are still waiting for me," Fang Yu declined directly. "As for tomorrow, Manager Dong just called me saying we'd have lunch tomorrow. Tomorrow evening... I've already promised a friend; President Wang of Shengchuan Group is treating. "The day after tomorrow, I leave for Huguang Martial University. "Time is tight. My apologies, Manager Huo," Fang Yu said with an apologetic tone. "Haha, no problem! We'll just wait until you return from Huguang Martial University," Huo Yun said with an amiable chuckle. "It's rare for an employee who walked out of our Xinjiekou Branch to be as outstanding as you..." "Manager Huo, I have to cultivate in a bit," Fang Yu decisively cut him off. "If there's anything, feel free to be direct." "Right, right, cultivation comes first. "Then I'll get straight to the point." Manager Huo sighed softly. "Tomorrow's dinner will likely be hosted by our martial club's city general manager..." "So that's how it is." Fang Yu wore an expression of sudden realization and smiled. "Don't worry, Manager Huo. If General Manager Yan asks, I will certainly speak truthfully without adding any embellishment." Huo Yun's heart gave a jolt. Without adding embellishment? That implied he would indeed talk. "Haha. "Then thank you very much, Brother Fang," Manager Huo said with an obsequious smile. "Still, if there's an opportunity, I'd like to ask you to say a few kind words on our behalf when the time comes." "Heh," Fang Yu chuckled softly. "Rest assured, Brother Fang, I definitely won't let you help for nothing," Manager Huo offered proactively. "Manager Huo, I'm not asking you for handouts," Fang Yu said, shaking his head. "I understand," Manager Huo laughed. "It's just that our Xinjiekou Branch happens to need a local 'Inspirational Counterattack Endorsement Ambassador.' I feel your experience makes you exceptionally suitable—an irreplaceable candidate. The endorsement fee is two hundred thousand a year." "Is that appropriate?" A look of 'hesitation' crossed Fang Yu's face. "Besides, Associate Professor Tang mentioned before leaving that I shouldn't take on small advertisements casually, especially exclusive ones." Manager Huo's eyelid twitched. *He thinks the money is too little.* "Haha, don't worry. It's only exclusive to Wuling City, and for just one year. That's the baseline requirement for our branch signing a local ambassador," Manager Huo laughed. "Whether to renew after a year will be entirely up to you. Moreover, you won't need to attend any promotional events; just providing a photograph will do. "Furthermore, I gave it some thought. "You will certainly achieve even greater things in the future. I'll make the call: how about four hundred thousand after tax? What do you say?" Manager Huo asked with a smile. Fang Yu knew it was time to quit while ahead. Under normal circumstances, a junior college student like him—even if he entered Huguang Martial University—held no fame whatsoever and couldn't possibly become a brand ambassador. Four hundred thousand? That was about right. After all, the fact that he hadn't actually secured an Earth Contract would eventually come to light. "All right," Fang Yu nodded. "However, I won't be staying in Wuling City for very long..." "Haha, don't worry, Brother Fang. I'll send an electronic contract over right now, and you can sign it on the Martial Artist Contract Platform," Manager Huo said. "Once it's signed, I'll have accounting process it immediately. If things go quickly, it could arrive in your account tonight." Regarding contracts and endorsements involving martial artists, the Blue Moon Alliance attached immense importance to them, maintaining a specialized platform app for review. "Alright. "Manager Huo is devoted to the branch, working hard and putting in overtime year-round," Fang Yu said with a smile. "I will remember that as well. If an opportunity arises to meet General Manager Yan, I will certainly report truthfully." "Haha, good, a truthful account will be plenty," Manager Huo laughed. Both sides maintained a tacit understanding. Soon afterward, the two completed the endorsement contract. ... Having finished everything, Fang Yu placed another call to Dong Xin, recounting the entire exchange from start to finish. "An endorsement?" "That old fox truly is crafty—using company funds to take care of his personal mess after all," Dong Xin sneered. "Junior Brother, take that money with peace of mind... Given your strength and background, securing this contract is still justifiable." Fang Yu nodded. Justifiable... In other words, under normal circumstances, it shouldn't have been signed. "As for General Manager Yan, I'll find an opportunity to mention you to him today," Dong Xin said. "Know nothing about anything else, and continue cultivating in peace. "Becoming an Advanced Martial Artist as early as possible is the proper path," Dong Xin encouraged. "Understood." ... With everything handled, Fang Yu was in no rush to head home. Instead, he cultivated in the public martial arts hall on the second floor of the dormitory building for over an hour... before finally setting off on his journey home. On the way. "Dad, you said yesterday that you'd be back tonight. You're home, right? "I'll be home in ten minutes."