The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 52 Sensation

Chapter 52 Sensation

The development of events slightly exceeded Ye Baoling’s expectations.

When she reached the lounge, Xian Bi’s agent Lisa actually came out to discuss endorsement collaboration with her.

But Lisa, seeing this easy target delivered to her doorstep, made an extremely harsh demand—an annual endorsement fee of $500,000 right off the bat.

Ye Baoling wanted to know how much room for negotiation remained.

Lisa shook her head with a smile: Darling, this is already a friendship price because I like you.

This hypocritical American.

Ye Baoling responded with an equally hypocritical smile.

After chatting a while longer and exchanging contact information, just as Ye Baoling was leaving, Xian Bi asked if she had any more Jasmine Iced Tea.

You mentioned earlier it tastes better with ice. I’d like to bring some back to the hotel to try.

Of course. It’s best to refrigerate it for two hours before drinking. Ye Baoling took out the two remaining bottles of iced tea from her handbag and gave them to him.

Leaving the VIP lounge, Ye Baoling looked up and saw Lai Yancong leaning against the corridor waiting. As she passed by him, she smiled and said, Thank you, I’ll contact you later, before leaving.

He Jiayi had sent her two pages.

The first page asked if she’d met Xian Bi.

The second complained that the damned intermediary had disappeared, and they were waiting for her at Exit 3.

Before even reaching Exit 3, Ye Baoling saw He Jiayi leaning against a pillar with her head lowered.

The confidence they had when arriving was now matched by equal dejection.

The moment Ye Baoling exited through the main door of Exit 3, He Jiayi happened to look up. She rushed forward and asked urgently, How did it go?

Ye Baoling shrugged: What do you think?

He Jiayi gave a helpless smile: If we’d known it would be like this, we should have asked the higher-ups to pull some strings. They definitely could have arranged a meeting with Xian Bi’s agent. This damned intermediary.

Their colleague A Jian from the branding department looked apologetic: Sorry, Manager Gu. I never expected this intermediary to be so unreliable.

Let’s go back and have the bosses think of something, He Jiayi still refused to give up.

As they walked toward the parking lot, A Jian, who had previously given Ye Baoling three bottles of iced tea, offered to help lighten her load: Manager Gu, let me carry the iced tea in your bag.

It’s not heavy. There isn’t any left.

None left? Oh, you gave it to the reporters to drink?

I gave it to Xian Bi to drink.

He Jiayi froze in place, then exclaimed with delighted surprise: You met Xian Bi?

Yes, I met him, Ye Baoling continued walking without stopping, a smile on her face.

He Jiayi caught up: And he drank our Jasmine Iced Tea?

He drank one bottle and took two with him.

Ahhhhhhh! He Jiayi nearly jumped up on the spot, excitedly patting A Jian’s shoulder.

She immediately remembered something more important, Did the reporters get photos?

Ye Baoling raised an eyebrow slightly, Of course. Wouldn’t all my effort have been wasted if they didn’t?

He Jiayi was very curious: How did you manage it?

A Jian also leaned in closer.

Ye Baoling briefly recounted what happened. After hearing the story, He Jiayi couldn’t help but repeatedly praise: Bao Ling! Your adaptability is amazing! Wow, you’re incredible!

He Jiayi, who admired capable people, could no longer conceal her admiration for Ye Baoling, I declare, starting today, you are my idol!!

A Jian also said: Manager Gu, you’re truly remarkable.

Ye Baoling accepted all the compliments with a smile and said, However, his agent quoted $500,000 USD, which is just outrageous.

He Jiayi quickly did the conversion: $500,000 USD? That’s almost 4 million Hong Kong dollars! He might as well go rob a bank! But it doesn’t matter anyway—we’re not actually hiring him as our spokesperson.

Back at Jade Dragon Mansion, Ye Baoling called Qi Yuxiu from the convenience store on the ground floor and told her about their meeting with Xian Bi’s agent.

When Qi Yuxiu heard the asking price was $500,000 USD, she felt relieved. I was actually worried Xian Bi would be too cheap. If we really hired him as our spokesperson, it would definitely set Hong Kong on fire. Let them stir up trouble then.

After hanging up, Ye Baoling returned to the product department office and reported to Qu Zhengming about their visit to see Xian Bi.

A $500,000 endorsement fee was almost impossible to get approved. Qu Zhengming would discuss the matter with their superiors later.

What’s most urgent right now is that since you secretly had someone take photos of Xian Bi drinking iced tea, the key question is how to best leverage this for promotion.

Ye Baoling shared her idea: The reporter I contacted can publish the first article, but to avoid accusations of staged publicity, I suggest we remove Ye Qingtang’s name from any photos of our drink packaging in the initial news piece.

Qu Zhengming was puzzled: Remove Ye Qingtang’s name? Wouldn’t that make all your efforts today go to waste?

By removing the brand name but keeping the words ‘Iced Tea,’ we achieve two things: first, it distances us from suspicion that this is our advertisement; second, it sparks public curiosity and follow-up interest.

The distancing part makes sense. But what if nobody shows any interest?

Wouldn’t that backfire then?

Leaving it entirely to chance with no behind-the-scenes control has very low odds of success, and it’s too passive. We need to steer the pace and direction of public opinion. The first article will run in tomorrow morning’s paper to introduce the topic. At noon, we’ll have guests on radio or TV programs actively discuss it to make it trending. Then we’ll gradually escalate the publicity…

After hearing Ye Baoling’s explanation, Qu Zhengming couldn’t help but ask, Can we really operate this way?

Absolutely.

Qu Zhengming nodded emphatically: What do you need me to do now?

Finding suitable TV programs to collaborate with might be expensive and difficult. We could start by testing the waters with radio programs.

Qu Zhengming said, We have long-term partnerships with radio stations. Jasmine Iced Tea has been advertising heavily on F108 recently, and the station’s editor-in-chief is a friend of mine. I’ll reach out to them.

Perfect. I was thinking of asking my friends to help make connections.

No need to involve your contacts. The branding department has plenty of resources too.

Director Qu, I hope we can keep it confidential for now that I secretly arranged for photos of Xian Bi drinking iced tea. If this gets out, it wouldn’t reflect well on our reputation. Ye Baoling was mainly concerned about Qi Yuxiu finding out. Besides you, only three people on my side know about this. Together, we should be able to handle this matter.

Qu Zhengming agreed with her concerns.

They immediately divided tasks and got to work.

Ye Baoling first went to check on the shipment status with the factory.

Wang Bingchang had been overseeing the production at the factory, and by the latest tomorrow, Ye Qingtang’s new Jasmine Iced Tea would be stocked in major chain supermarkets and local convenience stores.

All advertisements were finalized today—printed materials were sent for printing, while copy and designs for radio stations, newspapers, and magazines were all delivered.

Early the next morning, the new ads began rolling out.

Simultaneously, the sports column of The Citizen Morning Post published a news piece featuring Xian Bi tilting his head back to drink Jasmine Iced Tea.

The news photo deliberately blurred out the Ye Qingtang label.

The headline read: Soccer King Xian Bi Falls for Chinese Herbal Tea, Loves It So Much He Licks His Lips.

By noon, multiple radio programs were debating exactly which herbal tea Xian Bi had fallen for.

In the product department office, Ye Baoling, Gao Lizhen, He Jiayi, and others held their breath, listening intently to F108’s hottest midday chat show.

[Host: The Citizen Morning Post really scored with this one—capturing such an interesting photo.]

[Guest A: How would Xian Bi, a foreigner, love drinking Chinese herbal tea? Shouldn’t he prefer cola?]

[Guest B: I studied that photo carefully, and with a magnifying glass, the bottle clearly says iced tea, not herbal tea.]

[Guest A: Iced tea? I’ve never heard of any iced tea around here.]

[Host: Could it be Ye Qingtang’s Jasmine Iced Tea? Did you catch the ad before our show started? ‘Ye Qingtang Jasmine Iced Tea—sweet, refreshing, and cooling…’ Maybe it’s this one?]

[Guest B: Jasmine Iced Tea? Does Ye Qingtang even make something like that?]

[Host: Yes, it’s new. Not exactly a traditional herbal tea—more of a new flavor.]

[Guest A: If Xian Bi is drinking it, it must be an improved version. I’m kind of curious what it tastes like. I’ll go buy a bottle to try later.]

[Guest B: Wow, Ye Qingtang hit the jackpot! Soccer King Xian Bi giving them free advertising! Did you see the news? ‘Xian Bi loves it so much he licks his lips’—how enticing!]

…

Everyone listening to the broadcast couldn’t help but clap and burst into laughter.

Gao Lizhen remarked, This show has a huge audience. It’s bound to spark discussions.

He Jiayi added, I’ll call HKTV’s City Pursuit and tip them off—let them chase this story!

True to her word, He Jiayi immediately posed as an enthusiastic viewer and soccer fan, calling the TV station.

As the buzz grew, by evening, The Port City Evening News directly published another angled photo of Xian Bi drinking the Chinese herbal tea—this time with the Ye Qingtang Jasmine Iced Tea label fully visible.

The marketing department’s phone kept ringing with inquiries: Was the Jasmine Iced Tea Xian Bi drank really from Ye Qingtang? Some fans even asked if Xian Bi was going to endorse them.

That night, HKTV’s City Pursuit indeed covered the story extensively. They even captured footage of Xian Bi out and about, with a half-drunk bottle of Ye Qingtang Jasmine Iced Tea tucked in the side mesh pocket of his backpack.

In conclusion, the reporter held up a pixelated bottle of jasmine green tea and summarized, This new flavor of Chinese herbal tea—I just tried a sip, and it really does taste great. Completely different from any other herbal tea on the market. No wonder the Soccer King loves it.

With that, the hype reached its peak.

After a day of media fermentation, the newly launched Jasmine Iced Tea welcomed its first wave of curious consumers.

The distributors responded quickly, with many increasing their orders based on sales performance.

Shortly after, the Frustrated Youth TV commercial officially aired. Its dry humor resonated strongly with young audiences, causing product sales to explode over the following days.

Ye Baoling was summoned to Qi Yuxiu’s office.

What’s going on? I heard you were behind the big news about Xian Bi drinking tea!

Ye Baoling feigned innocence: Sister Xiu, if I had that kind of capability, I’d be thrilled. This was truly a case of ‘unintentional actions bearing unexpected fruits.’ Who could have predicted that sports journalists would act like paparazzi, bored enough to secretly take photos and publish news? When the story broke, Director Qu demanded follow-up promotions. I had no choice but to go along with the momentum.

Qi Yuxiu observed Ye Baoling and found her expression convincing.

Regardless of whether Ye Baoling was deliberate or innocent, her led promotion had achieved overwhelming success, benefiting both Ye Baoling and Qu Zhengming.

Qi Yuxiu could no longer trust her as before.

However, she wasn’t about to discard such a useful pawn.

Baoling, what do you think we should do next to regain control of the situation?

Ye Baoling suggested: Why not directly target Shen Wanjie? Remove him from power in one swift move.

Qi Yuxiu frowned slightly: How would we attack him?

I suspect Wan Xiwena is Shen Wanjie’s illegitimate daughter.

This immediately captured Qi Yuxiu’s interest. What makes you say that?

Ye Baoling couldn’t reveal she’d heard this from cleaning staff, so she explained: That day I accidentally overheard Wan Xiwena calling Shen Wanjie ‘Daddy.’ This would explain why Wan Xiwena, with her limited work experience, was directly appointed as project manager for the new product, and why Shen Wanjie shows her such special treatment.

Qi Yuxiu nodded: I see. But this alone probably isn’t enough.

Ye Baoling hinted subtly: What other matters could we leverage?

What other matters?

Qi Yuxiu remembered: The formula switch! That R&D staff member Zeng Zhentao seems to be returning soon. Let me think about this first. Give me some time to consider.

News of Xian Bi drinking Chinese herbal tea quickly spread to Southeast Asia. Agents there took advantage of the new product promotional activities, sending fax orders overnight in a buying frenzy.

Ye Baoling then arranged for press releases about Southeast Asian agents scrambling to purchase Ye Qingtang’s Jasmine Iced Tea.

Within less than a week, they had achieved half a quarter’s sales target for the new product!

Financial media began extensive coverage, predicting that Ye Qingtang’s market listing would exceed original expectations for stock price growth.

The tremendous success of the Jasmine Iced Tea promotion instantly made Ye Baoling the company’s rising star.

Throughout Ye Qingtang, almost everyone now knew about Gu Baolin – a company newcomer who had rapidly boosted product awareness with minimal costs and maximized this momentum into sales figures, becoming a model of efficient operations.

Shen Wanjie wanted to credit part of this achievement to Wan Xiwena, but Qu Zhengming submitted the recognition list directly to Lin Zhong during their work report, right in front of him.

This infuriated Shen Wanjie, yet he had to suppress his anger for the time being.

Subsequently, Ye Qizu spent ten minutes during the executive meeting praising this newcomer named Gu Baolin.

After the meeting, Ye Qizu separately retained Lin Zhong and Ye Kaisen.

Ye Qizu said, You all should discuss how to appropriately reward her. Although I praised her in the meeting, it was mainly for the senior management to hear—their incompetence forced a newcomer to salvage the new product launch. This Gu Baolin is only in her twenties; promoting her too high too soon might make her a target, but if the reward isn’t substantial enough, we risk losing talent. Think it over carefully.

Ye Kaisi, considering Gu Baolin as one of their own, suggested, We could promote her to deputy manager. It’s a bridging role that suits capable newcomers like her.

Lin Zhong agreed but was uncertain if Ye Baoling would approve, as deputy managers must attend mid-to-senior level meetings. He said, Why not ask for her opinion first? We can also offer a suitable bonus as a reward.

Fine. You decide. We must do our best to retain talent. Ye Qizu couldn’t help but envy this other family’s child.

Since it was Friday, the family dinner was unusually well-attended.

Everyone chatted about the news of Xian Bi drinking Leaf Pure Tea, each wearing a smile. After all, it brought tangible benefits to the company, a significant boost for the upcoming IPO, from which they all stood to gain.

Ye Kaisi asked curiously, Dad, have you met this Gu Baolin?

Ye Qizu replied, I intended to see her today, but she happened to be out. We can invite her to the company’s IPO celebration banquet.

Liang Meiyun chuckled, Her name sounds a bit similar to Baoling’s.

Ye Kaisi shook his head, Ling and Lin are completely different pronunciations.

Ye Qizu snorted coldly, Indeed, they’re nothing alike. She’s not even fit to be her little toe.

Ye Baoling: …

Ye Kaimin remained silent.

Halfway through the meal, Ye Baoshun said, Grandpa, Dad, Mom, I want to live on campus after the semester starts.

Liang Meiyun was the first to object, Why would you want to live at school?

Ye Kaisi frowned, Ye Baoshun, what mischief are you up to now?

Ye Baoshun explained, I’m graduating soon and want to focus on my thesis at school.

Ye Kaisi didn’t believe him at all, If you’d given any other excuse, I might have bought it. You just want to be free from supervision to go out and fool around, don’t you?!

Father and son began arguing.

Ye Qizu impatiently set down his chopsticks, Enough. Can’t we even have a peaceful meal? You’re about to graduate—why live on campus? Report to school, write your thesis at home, and spend the rest of your time interning at the company. You’re not a child anymore; stop making the family worry about you.

Scolded thoroughly, Ye Baoshun didn’t dare say more.

The men finished eating early and left, leaving only Liang Meiyun and Ye Baoling to enjoy their sweet soup.

Just then, Ye Kaisi’s wife, Feng Yufang, dropped by for a visit. She brought several small pomelos, claiming they were from the countryside inland and very sweet.

Ye Kaisi was handsome and shrewd, while his wife wasn’t particularly good-looking but was sharp-tongued and astute, skilled at flattery and on good terms with both Liang Meiyun and Zheng Junni.

The married women had their own topics to discuss. Ye Baoling, who hadn’t yet embraced married life, finished her sweet soup and slipped away.

At 11 p.m., Ye Huaizhang arrived as promised.

Lately, he had been relatively free after wrapping up matters at Dapeng Port, but Ye Baoling was very busy. Each time he proposed visiting, she gently declined.

The young couple hadn’t seen each other for over a week. After settling familiarly into the sitting room, he couldn’t resist teasing: You played Xian Bi like a fiddle with just one bottle of herbal tea, making it front-page news across Hong Kong.

Ye Baoling denied it: I genuinely wanted to collaborate with him. Who knew his asking price would be so high? I couldn’t afford it.

How much did he ask for?

Four million. Ye Baoling sat on the sofa opposite him and pointed to her shoulders. I’ve been so busy these days that all my muscles have stiffened up. Give me a massage.

Ye Huaizhang reached out to massage her shoulders.

Soreness shot through her.

She hissed: Gently… Just think, how many iced teas would we need to sell to earn back four million? What an outrageous demand. I’ve looked into it—other equivalent soccer stars charge at most one hundred thousand US dollars. Now even if he only asked for ten thousand, I wouldn’t work with him.

Ye Huaizhang: You should’ve told me. His agent is my university classmate’s older sister. Her husband is also the largest beverage distributor in the US.

If I told you, would it have been free?

Definitely not.

At least I could’ve arranged a proper meeting for you, so you wouldn’t have to go through such awkwardness.

What awkwardness? I’m quick-witted. A fortunate mistake led to even better results, didn’t it? And it didn’t cost me a cent.

Yes, you’re amazing.

Ye Baoling recalled what he’d just said. You mentioned earlier that your classmate’s brother-in-law—meaning Lisa, Xian Bi’s agent’s husband—is the largest beverage distributor in America?

Yes, why? Thinking of expanding into the US market? Jasmine Iced Tea might work, but forget the others. White people aren’t accustomed to them.

I was just asking casually.

As he massaged her shoulders, his hands drifted downward to her arms.

Suddenly, a faint ringing sound emerged. Ye Baoling froze for a moment before realizing it was her mobile phone ringing.

She had tossed her handbag onto the other end of the sofa when she returned, not bothering to put it in the closet. Unable to reach it, Ye Huaizhang hooked the bag and brought it over.

Picking up the mobile phone, she pressed answer: Hello… Oh, Ryan… Yes, sure… When? I’m free the day after tomorrow… OK, see you on Sunday.

After hanging up, she noticed her man’s face had turned dark and gloomy, his expression long and sullen.

Ye Baoling explained: That reporter who helped us—he asked to have a meal together.

Why is it that when I call you it doesn’t work, but when others call, it’s fine?

The man was angry.

Ye Baoling quickly whispered an explanation: Last time at the sports center, I was too anxious. I was afraid the reporter wouldn’t be able to reach me if something came up, so I gave him my number.

The man pressed seriously: We’re not at the sports center now. Why is he still able to call you?

Ye Baoling directly straddled his lap, looping her arms around his neck: Other people aren’t as tolerant as you are. I can’t just tell someone I’m not familiar with to never call me, no matter what. Right?

Hmph.

Ye Huaizhang let her hang on his neck, ignoring her.

She cooed: Husband…

The next moment, he pressed her down onto the sofa.

Soon, the sound of abundant moisture filled the room, and she remembered a popular saying online: There’s no conflict between a married couple that can’t be resolved by doing it once. If once doesn’t work, then try twice.

Just as the battle was heating up, a knocking sound suddenly came from the door.

Miss! Miss!

It was A Hong, the maid from downstairs.

Ye Baoling pushed him away slightly, waiting to catch her breath before responding: What is it?

Da Ye Sheng requests your presence for a word.

Ye Baoling didn’t want to go. Tell him I’m asleep.

As soon as the words left her lips, he thrust into her forcefully. Ye Baoling bit down hard on her lip, not daring to make a sound. Seeing how wild he was being, she retaliated by lowering her head and biting his chest.

Ye Huaizhang nearly cried out.

How vicious—his wife was truly vicious.

Meanwhile, A Hong outside the door persisted, Young Miss, Da Ye Sheng says it’s important. If you don’t go, I’ll have trouble explaining myself.

Ye Baoling was speechless. Afraid her father might come looking for her if she didn’t go, she reluctantly said, Got it. I’ll… I’ll be there in a bit.

She urged by his ear, Hurry up.

But he couldn’t possibly hurry.

After dawdling for over ten more minutes, she quickly rinsed off, changed clothes, and went next door to Abundant Moon Tower.

Perhaps influenced by the old man’s words earlier that evening, Ye Kaimin was being unreasonable: I’ve noticed you and Gong Jiahua have been getting along well lately. You two should formalize your relationship soon and aim to marry by the end of this year or early next. Otherwise, Baoxin might end up marrying before you.

So Ye Baoxin was younger than her after all.

Without arguing, Ye Baoling directly picked up the phone in the small parlor and called Gong Jiahua.

After he answered, she said first, Jiahua, are you still out having fun? I put you on speaker—my dad wants to know when we plan to make our relationship official?

Gong Jiahua gasped in alarm, Uh… well… I haven’t really thought about that yet.

He simply didn’t have the courage.

Ye Baoling looked at her father, You heard him. He has no plans…

No plans? What’s with young people these days!

If he had no plans, why was he pursuing his daughter?

Ye Kaimin was fuming, nostrils flaring.

Stop going to work. Go learn something useful instead—I’ll pull some strings to get you into a school.

In Ye Kaimin’s eyes, learning something useful meant getting a degree to improve her marriage prospects.

We’ll see, Ye Baoling couldn’t be bothered to argue further. Yawning, she said, Dad, I’m really tired.

Ye Kaimin: …

Tomorrow I’m staying at grandma’s for a night. I’m going to bed now. Goodnight.

Ignoring whatever Ye Kaimin was still muttering, she went downstairs to her room.

Ye Huaizhang was already familiar with her room. Having taken another shower, he was now lying in bed reading.

Without asking what her father wanted, he reminded her, Don’t forget you’re coming to my place for dinner tomorrow night.

He’d mentioned this on the phone two days ago—his parents’ 30th wedding anniversary.

Okay, I’ll stay over.

Exhausted, she lifted the covers to sleep.

He poked her back, Aren’t you paying your debt?

What debt? Then she remembered—twice a week meant she owed him at least three sessions now.

She pulled the covers over her head, Sleep. I have overtime tomorrow.

Fine, I’ll go alone tomorrow then.

Huh? What? She lowered the covers to look at him, Where are you going?

Only then did Ye Huaizhang realize she hadn’t understood him earlier.

I’m going to the Blue Brick Tunnel alone tomorrow—the section near Silver Snake Mountain—to look for clues.

So he meant that kind of debt.

Ye Baoling had indeed promised to help him search for clues before. They both suspected the Blue Brick Tunnel might be connected to Silver Snake Mountain—otherwise, why would the tunnel detour around the mountain?

If they wanted a circulation system, the Ye family’s own garden could have served as an internal loop. There was no need for such a massive construction project.

She said, If I can free up time tomorrow, I’ll go with you. If not, you check it out first. But most likely I won’t have time.

Ye Huaizhang teased her, Acting busier than the CEO.

I’m deputy manager now. Even if not officially appointed yet! I earned this promotion in just a few months through my skills. Could you do that?

Yes, he had never worked a part-time job before—he had to admit that. If they were to fight their way up from the bottom, he might not be able to outdo her.

Few people could match her cunning, wit, and flexibility.

Ye Huaizhang asked curiously, So, were you just biding your time before?

Otherwise, how could she have only graduated from the fourth form?

In my view, academic qualifications aren’t important. The young lady was truly about to fall asleep.

Sure enough, the next day, she went to the company to work overtime, wrapping up various promotional tasks and staying busy all day.

At noon, Ye Baoling sat by the window to rest and recalled what Ye Huaizhang had told her the previous night: Lisa’s husband was the largest beverage distributor in the United States.

Next, she wanted to become the deputy manager in the marketing department, so she needed to lay the groundwork for her future work there.

Xian Bi was no longer important to her at this point, but Lisa held significant meaning.

Ye Baoling turned and asked, Where has Xian Bi been these past few days?

Gao Lizhen, who had been keeping an eye on Xian Bi’s movements, told her, In Japan.

Xian Bi’s fundraising tour across Asia had taken him to several developed countries and regions in the region, and he likely wouldn’t return to the United States anytime soon.

Ye Baoling had Lisa’s office phone and fax number, but since Lisa hadn’t returned to the country, how could she get in touch?

After thinking for a moment, she asked her colleagues, Can we find out which hotel Xian Bi is staying at in Japan?

It wasn’t mentioned in the Port City newspapers.

Ye Qingtang didn’t have a branch in Japan either, so Ye Baoling remembered that the Citizen News Agency had an office there. She called Lai Yancong and, after some effort, obtained the fax number for the front desk of Xian Bi’s hotel.

Ye Baoling sent a fax to the hotel, addressed to Ms. Lisa, Xian Bi’s Manager.

The content of the fax stated that Ms. Gu from Ye Qingtang wished to discuss Xian Bi’s endorsement collaboration with Lisa in detail.

As she had anticipated, that afternoon, she received a callback from Lisa.

Lisa had a strong impression of Ye Qingtang, especially given the buzz it had caused in Port City—someone had informed her about it.

At the start of the call, the American woman began with a compliment: I really enjoy your iced tea. When it’s not chilled, it tastes quite ordinary, but once it’s iced, it’s absolutely stunning. Oh my God, it’s even better than cola.

Ye Baoling smiled and replied, I’m so glad you like our Jasmine Iced Tea. We’re truly honored. Yes, once it’s chilled, Jasmine Iced Tea is indeed more delicious than cola. I’m certain of that.

Xian Bi loves it too. Before we left, we even bought a case at the supermarket. But we were afraid of being spotted by reporters, so we discreetly covered it with our clothes.

Oh, the cunning Lisa—she clearly understood the principle of not giving free advertising.

Ye Baoling explained, I hadn’t expected things to become so sensational. But overall, it’s because the people of Port City adore Xian Bi so much, and Ye Qingtang is their favorite brand. People always try to connect the two. It’s just a pity that this has also become a problem for us. We were genuinely sincere in wanting to invite Xian Bi to be our endorser, but the company ended up gaining such huge exposure without spending a single cent. Now, the finance department is unwilling to approve the endorsement fee—they believe the price is beyond our means. Even if every person in Port City bought a bottle of our iced tea, we still wouldn’t make back the cost of the endorsement. I truly regret it…

Lisa tried several times to interject but couldn’t find an opening: Oh darling, I understand your company’s perspective. If you’re truly sincere, I can try to negotiate the endorsement fee down for you.

The sensational impact in Port City last time made Lisa realize that Ye Qingtang was practically a national brand-level presence there too. What’s more, they hadn’t paid a single cent in endorsement fees yet enjoyed such tremendous benefits from Xian Bi. If she could secure some endorsement deal later, it would at least recover some of their losses.

Lisa, you’re such a beautiful and kind lady. I adore Xian Bi so much, and so do my colleagues. I genuinely want to collaborate with you. If not an endorsement, could we at least have Xian Bi film a TV commercial for us? We’ll cover the production costs.

Lisa pondered briefly: Darling, we’re going to Macau next week. Can we discuss this in detail then?

OOKK!

No problem.

Once we get to Macau, we’ll definitely win over Ms. Lisa.

Author’s note: To reach the identity reveal plot sooner, I’ve been writing 8,000 words daily these past two days, pushing myself hard. I should be able to write the reveal scene tomorrow, I’ll do my best [kiss][kiss][kiss]