The principal became even more enthusiastic when he saw this: "Think about it, endorsement deals at this level don't pay small amounts like a million or two... it's at least this much."
He extended two fingers and waved them in front of Su Zhan's eyes.
"Two million?"
Su Zhan asked tentatively.
Endorsements—in his previous life, such things only happened to athletes and celebrities.
He never expected that after transmigrating, he would encounter something like this.
The principal shook his head with a smile: "Guess a bit more boldly."
Su Zhan continued: "Two... ten million?"
"Exactly!"
Wang Mingyuan, standing to the side, cleared his throat lightly: "Principal, this kind of commercial endorsement..."
"Ah, Teacher Wang, don't worry!"
The principal quickly waved his hand: "We'll definitely follow proper procedures, and the company has been verified by us as legitimate too.
If you're still not reassured, isn't that why you're by Student Su's side? With your oversight, it's 100% problem-free."
If this were before, Su Zhan wouldn't have remained so calm seeing 20 million.
But after three months of revenge training spending, although he still felt shocked, he definitely wouldn't be rendered immobile by 20 million like before.
Su Zhan asked: "What's the name of their company?"
"Qinglan Awakener Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd."
The principal asked with a smiling expression: "So? Interested? Their representative happens to be in Jiang City today, how about... meeting them now?"
Su Zhan slowly nodded.
Regardless, he should at least go meet them.
If it doesn't work out, it's fine—it won't take much time anyway.
The group set off.
On the way.
Wang Mingyuan sent the principal away, asking him to come back later.
The principal was understanding and knew Wang Mingyuan wanted to speak privately with Su Zhan, so he found some excuse to leave.
Su Zhan was still checking his phone balance.
Wang Mingyuan couldn't help but laugh: "That money-hungry look you had just now—if the junior students who admire you saw it..."
"That's why we count money where there's no one around."
Su Zhan added: "800,000, teacher."
Having been poor for so long, jobs where you can earn money this easily are truly hard to find.
"Alright, I know you have 800,000 now."
Wang Mingyuan shook his head helplessly, then said seriously: "You can accept the endorsement, but there are a few points you must pay attention to."
He raised one finger: "First, all contracts must be reviewed by the academy's legal department, especially the breach clauses and image usage scope."
Su Zhan nodded.
Having professionals review contracts for him was exactly what he wanted.
"Second."
Wang Mingyuan raised another finger: "The endorsed product must be sent for inspection. I need to personally verify whether the potion's ingredients and effects meet standards. The reputation of an SSS-grade awakener cannot be ruined by inferior products."
Su Zhan nodded: "That's reasonable."
"Finally."
Wang Mingyuan looked directly into Su Zhan's eyes: "All public words and actions during the endorsement period must be reported. You now represent not only yourself but also Vermilion Bird Academy."
Then his tone softened, "Of course, the academy will assign specialists to help you handle these matters."
Indeed.
Now he represented Vermilion Bird Academy even more.
These requirements were all quite reasonable.
Su Zhan still nodded: "Understood, teacher. So now we..."
"Now we'll go meet that manufacturer representative."
Wang Mingyuan adjusted his glasses: "Remember, no matter how attractive the terms they offer, don't agree on the spot."
This was understandable.
Negotiations depend on which side loses patience first.
Doing it this way would highlight steadiness and not show too much interest in what the other party offers.
"Mm."
Su Zhan opened his phone and searched for Qinglan Awakening Potion Co., Ltd.
He scrolled through.
A company established one year ago.
Quite a new company then.
Their awakening potion sold for 310,000, which was relatively cheap among awakening potions.
Then.
The principal personally came to lead the way.
...
In the spacious conference room, the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of Jiang City's bustling scenery.
After bringing the two here, the principal tactfully left.
The manufacturer representative was a middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit, with meticulously combed-back hair and a shrewd smile on his face.
"Student Su, I've long heard of your great reputation. My surname is Zhang."
The manufacturer representative proactively stood up and enthusiastically shook Su Zhan's hand: "Achieving so much at such a young age—truly, heroes emerge from among the youth!"
Su Zhan smiled politely: "You flatter me, it's just good luck."
"This isn't luck."
The manufacturer representative laughed heartily: "SSS-grade Life Soul, five consecutive wins at Vermilion Bird Academy's freshman exchange meeting—these are solid capabilities!
Our marketing department did research—among the young generation of awakeners today, your influence is among the very best."
Wang Mingyuan stood to the side, nodding slightly: "President Zhang overpraises him. Su Zhan is still young and has much to learn."
"Professor Wang is too modest."
President Zhang quickly turned to Wang Mingyuan, his attitude respectful: "Vermilion Bird Academy's teaching quality is evident to all. Being able to cultivate a genius like Student Su truly lives up to being one of Daxia's five great academies!"
He upgraded the teacher title to professor—better to address higher than lower anyway.
After the pleasantries, the three took their seats.
Attendants brought exquisite tea and snacks.
President Zhang personally poured tea for both of them.
"To be honest."
President Zhang sipped his tea, speaking sincerely: "We at Qinglan have been searching for a suitable endorser.
Those so-called celebrity awakeners on the market either lack solid strength or don't have sufficiently positive images.
Someone like Student Su who possesses both strength and reputation is truly as rare as phoenix feathers."
Su Zhan picked up his teacup and asked calmly: "I wonder what specific requirements your company has for the endorsement?"
"Very simple."
President Zhang's eyes lit up: "A one-year exclusive endorsement, including three commercial videos, five photoshoot sets, plus three offline events. As for the endorsement fee..."
He extended two fingers, "Twenty million, after taxes."
Wang Mingyuan gently adjusted his glasses: "President Zhang, pardon my bluntness, but this kind of commercial cooperation needs to go through academy review, especially regarding contract details and product quality..."
"Understood! Completely understood!"
President Zhang quickly nodded: "We can provide all qualification documents, and our products are always welcome for inspection. To be honest, cooperating with Vermilion Bird Academy is our honor."
"President Zhang, we students at Vermilion Bird Academy have very demanding academic schedules."
Su Zhan frowned and said bluntly: "So the requirements you mentioned must be completed during my winter break."
He hadn't lost his rationality because of 20 million.
If cultivation was delayed because of these things, that would truly be losing the big for the small.
"Of course, no problem."
President Zhang nodded without the slightest hesitation.
Su Zhan felt somewhat strange.
Wait, negotiations are this smooth?
Why isn't it like what's shown on TV?
Agreeing to all conditions right away.
If things are like this.
Su Zhan again suspected his value was worth more than 20 million.
He said thoughtfully: "Are there any other requirements?"
President Zhang showed a meaningful smile: "There is indeed a small suggestion."
As expected!
Su Zhan actually felt relieved inside.
This was more like it—without a "but," that would be strange.
"Please go ahead."
Su Zhan nodded.
President Zhang lowered his voice: "We hope Student Su will mention during promotions that you took our Qinglan Awakening Potion before awakening."
The conference room instantly fell silent.
Wang Mingyuan looked at Su Zhan, his eyes flickering uncertainly.
He naturally knew Su Zhan's situation—he hadn't taken any awakening potion.
Su Zhan turned to look at Wang Mingyuan, meeting his gaze.
From the other's eyes, he saw... a hint of scrutiny.
Su Zhan quickly turned his head back.
Frowning, he said slowly: "I'm afraid that won't be possible."
How could he agree to this with Wang Mingyuan right here?
"Why not?"
President Zhang's smile remained unchanged.
"Because I truly haven't taken it."
Su Zhan looked directly at him: "I cannot lie."
He was the only SSS-grade awakener in Vermilion Bird Academy's current cohort.
Quietly becoming the top among freshmen.
If this were exposed, it wouldn't just be his face lost.
It would be Vermilion Bird Academy's face lost!
Vermilion Bird Academy's reputation, lost for 20 million.
If word got out, they'd be laughed at by peers.
President Zhang chuckled lightly: "Student Su, if you're willing to cooperate with the promotion, we're prepared to increase the endorsement fee to forty million."
Wang Mingyuan spoke: "President Zhang, academic fraud carries legal responsibility."
"Professor Wang exaggerates."
President Zhang said unhurriedly: "How can this be called fraud? This is commercial promotion. Even if Student Su really hasn't taken it, taking one dose now isn't too late."
Su Zhan shook his head: "President Zhang, if I agree to you today, will I have to say tomorrow that my SSS-grade Life Soul was also obtained thanks to your potion?"
"Student Su jokes."
President Zhang's expression changed slightly but quickly returned to a smile: "We only hope to leverage your influence to help more young people choose quality products."
"Apologies."
Su Zhan stood up: "I cannot accept this endorsement."
President Zhang hurriedly stood up: "Student Su! Please reconsider! The price can still be negotiated!"
"No matter how much money, it's useless."
Su Zhan said calmly.
Forty million—to be honest, he really wanted it.
But this was a matter of principle.
Wang Mingyuan also stood up, the corners of his mouth lifting almost imperceptibly.
President Zhang's expression shifted uncertainly, finally sighing: "Young people having principles is good... but in this society, being too straightforward won't take you far."
"Thanks for the reminder."
Su Zhan nodded slightly: "Farewell."
Walking out of the conference room.
Wang Mingyuan asked with a smile: "Regret it? Forty million isn't a small amount."
Su Zhan watched the descending elevator numbers and chuckled lightly: "Teacher, some money—if you take it, you won't be able to sleep at night."
This was the truth.
Whether from morality or self-interest, that 40 million couldn't be taken.
Wang Mingyuan looked at him appreciatively: "Good, at least you weren't blinded by money."
The elevator doors slowly closed.
Forever shutting out the temptingly full forty million outside.
Meanwhile, inside the conference room.
President Zhang was on the phone: "Hey, boss, the kid didn't take the bait, our plan..."
A cold voice came from the other end: "Then use the other plan."
"Yes!"
President Zhang nodded repeatedly.