Chapter 121: No, We Agreed on a Discount, Didn’t We? In Truth, He Has the Farsightedness Others Lack (Extended Chapter)
Intercontinental Hotel.
At this moment, Su Mu was unaware that Li Rong from Wuling was preparing to deploy his ultimate weapon of sincerity against him, aiming to negotiate a discount on the endorsement fee.
To be honest, such a move was nothing but wishful thinking.
If Li Rong had brought out other trump cards, Su Mu might have found it difficult to respond. But if he chose to play the sincerity card, it was like a stone striking an egg—utterly futile.
Meanwhile, Su Mu was casually snacking on hotel fruit while secretly eavesdropping on a group chat where the three industry giants and others were discussing the current film industry trends.
[Su Mu’s Quotation Group:]
Zheng Quan: Rumor has it that this year’s New Year movies will see a big boom.
Yu Hong: How so?
Zhao Zhouming: Old Yu, don’t play dumb. You don’t know that there’s some shady stuff going on?
Yu Hong: I’m innocent!
Zheng Quan: Director Gu An’s New Year film has an all-star lineup; the box office is bound to be impressive.
Zhao Zhouming: It’s playing in theaters; we don’t have exclusivity.
Zhang Huaimou: Wait… I heard there’s not just one New Year film this year.
Yu Hong: ???
Zheng Quan: ???
Zhao Zhouming: !!!
Zhang Huaimou: *clears throat*
Yu Hong: Damn, Zhang Lao Liu!
Zhao Zhouming: Zheng Quan is the richest here; we’re counting on you.
Zheng Quan: …?
[Normal Red Packet 200 yuan]
(Zhang Huaimou received it…)
Zhang Huaimou: Besides Gu An’s film, there’s Wu Dongsheng’s “Millennium,” Dong Xuefei’s “Love Elegy,” plus another four or five scattered ones.
Yuan Zheng: A New Year box office battle?
Chen Anzhi: Looks like this year’s New Year battle will be interesting.
Yu Hong: None of my business.
Zheng Quan: Sigh, Dong Xuefei’s film was close to getting investment from Kiwi, but we missed out.
Zhao Zhouming: Don’t brag; they don’t lack investors.
Zheng Quan: Hmph, believe it or not… Wait, why hasn’t Su Mu said anything? Su Mu, speak up!
Su Mu: Oops! (crying emoji)
Su Mu: I don’t want to talk anymore, I’m crying to death.
Zheng Quan: …
Yu Hong: …
Zhao Zhouming: …
[Normal Red Packet 200]
[Normal Red Packet 200]
[Normal Red Packet 200]
(Su Mu received your red packets)
(Su Mu received…)
(Su Mu received…)
Su Mu: (*^▽^*) Oh, what a fuss. What was said just now?
Chen Anzhi: …!
Yuan Zheng: …?
Zheng Quan: Talking about this year’s New Year movies. Honestly, Su Mu, at your current level, I think you can try movies next year. How about we look into next year’s New Year lineup? If you write a good script, I’ll invest in you!
Su Mu: Actually, I’d like to brainstorm and write a script.
Yu Hong: Su Mu! Penguin is willing to collaborate with you!
Zhao Zhouming: Youku is willing too!
Zhang Huaimou: Su Mu, do you really want to try for the New Year next year? If so, arrange some time to meet me. You’re in Jing City now, right? Once your endorsement deal is done, let’s have a private chat.
Su Mu: Okay, Director Zhang, once the endorsement is settled, I’ll come find you.
Yu Hong: Wait! You’re in Jing City?
Zhao Zhouming: No way! Director Zhang, your Huayi is breaking the rules!
Zheng Quan: Director Zhang, refund! I just sent you 200 yuan in red packets, and you treat me like this? Jumping the queue!
Zhang Huaimou: Refund what? That was an information fee. I’m out, off to shower and sleep.
Yu Hong: ???
Zheng Quan: …
Zhao Zhouming: …
Liu Qiangxi: Hey? Are all the red packets gone?
…
The next morning, under the pale sky of Baijie, the Su Mu studio team enjoyed breakfast together after freshening up.
Qian Jida held a Wuling company magazine and remarked admiringly:
“You have to admit, among domestic car manufacturers, Wuling has really had no rivals in the low-end market in recent years. But anyone who excels to the extreme is never easy to negotiate with.”
Su Mu: “Mr. Qian, don’t be nervous. Negotiations require presence. Come on, repeat after me…”
Qian Jida: “?”
Su Mu: “Increase the price.”
Qian Jida: “…Increase the price.”
Su Mu: “Dream.”
Qian Jida: “Dream.”
“No increase.”
“No increase…”
“No dream.”
“No dream.”
Su Mu nodded with satisfaction, swallowed his egg, and continued:
“Alright, everyone watch closely. I’ll just briefly talk about this new endorsement negotiation…”
Master Zhu: “Go ahead!”
…
At the Wuling headquarters, the staff lined up to welcome them, creating quite a scene.
“Su Mu is here! Wow, he’s even more handsome in person!”
“More handsome than on TV. I’d be content if my husband was half as good-looking.”
“I didn’t expect to see him in person—really want a photo with him. He’s such a fan of Xin Qiji!”
“By the way, I wonder how Su Mu drives. He was great at horseback riding before.”
“His driving skills must be excellent too!”
The Wuling employees were thrilled. Meanwhile, Su Mu followed the company executives into the building and was first taken on a tour of the Wuling headquarters and their self-built exhibition hall.
The exhibits chronicled the company’s history.
When the guide reached the company’s most difficult years, Li Rong appeared.
He warmly shook Su Mu’s hand, and after introductions, took the stage to replace the tour guide.
He personally narrated the hardships the company endured from nothing to where they are now.
There was genuine emotion in his voice.
Li Rong spoke passionately, choking up several times near the end.
“Mr. Su Mu, yes, the Wuling you see today walked through those tough years… In the future, I want to take Wuling beyond our borders!”
Applause erupted.
Li Rong’s motivational speech stirred the employees’ enthusiasm.
Confident inwardly, he felt the moment was right.
Then, shifting tone, he choked up again and sincerely said:
“Having Su Mu as our spokesperson represents our company’s attitude! No matter how hard things get, or how empty our pockets are, we want the world to see the spirit of Wuling people! Su Mu, we all admire you deeply and know you are one of the finest stars today. We truly hope your influence can encourage our company and even those who can only afford cheap cars.”
Su Mu raised an eyebrow, amused inwardly.
So here comes the talk about value?
Li Rong’s routine was no surprise to Su Mu.
First, inspirational fluff; then flattery. Follow the script, and by the end, you’re expected to be a saint—idealistic, selfless, fighting for the masses.
Only then do they discuss money.
And you’re supposed to accept a discount?
Su Mu stepped onto the stage, took the microphone from Li Rong.
Seeing Su Mu ready to speak, the room fell silent.
Li Rong was pleased, thinking Su Mu was impulsive, easily swayed by the atmosphere—a young man who could be easily won over.
Just then, Li Rong’s smile froze.
The moment Su Mu grasped the mic, tears streamed down his cheeks.
“!!!”
“!!!”
Choking up was nothing compared to the power of tears.
Li Rong thought: What the hell…
[Expression Skill +1]
[Emotion Skill +1]
[Skill Points +0.01…]
At that instant, Su Mu’s entire aura shifted.
It was as if his celebrity halo vanished, revealing someone... hard to describe, but suddenly evoking deep sympathy.
Tears first, words later, he finally spoke after several tries:
“Everyone, hearing Mr. Li’s words, I suddenly feel deeply connected. I know what hardship is—I’m a child from a poor family…”
Li Rong: “!!!”
Qian Jida: “???”
Some were shocked, others confused.
Unexpected, wasn’t it?
Ten minutes later:
Su Mu: “So… in the end, I want to say, I work hard just like your Wuling did back then. Even if it’s hard-earned money, I have a clear conscience!”
[Speech Skill +1]
[Expression +1]
[Emotion +1]
[…]
Finishing his speech, no one expected that the first to be moved was Li Rong.
“Well said! We must earn money with a clear conscience! Applause!”
The applause roared.
Qian Jida: “???”
Quotation team: “???”
Employees: “!!!”
Su Mu’s speech was masterful craftsmanship.
Combined with his acting and expressive delivery, stirring emotions was easier than acting in a role.
Because acting means portraying another person.
But Su Mu was completely natural.
His speech was brief but stirred genuine feelings in the audience.
Some had moist eyes, never imagining he had suffered before.
That’s why he works so hard.
He deserves to earn well!
…
In the conference room.
Li Rong was still reeling from Su Mu’s speech.
He didn’t know why, but Su Mu’s expression seemed open-hearted.
Compared to himself, Su Mu’s words were far more sincere.
Especially the last line—earn money with a clear conscience.
Wasn’t that exactly how Wuling had been?
Though Wuling’s products were often criticized for flaws, every part was made as cheaply as possible.
That was their conscience.
Their core philosophy.
Cheap but with a clear conscience.
But over the years, they had gradually forgotten that original intention.
Li Rong felt ashamed.
“Su Mu, I heard you risked your life horseback riding and sword fighting during filming—is that true?”
Su Mu smiled sincerely, then waved it off:
“That was when I played Xin Qiji, but it’s nothing special. Since I took their money, I have to give my best. It’s my principle and my constant commitment: never forget the original intention.”
[Expression Skill +1]
[Emotion Skill +1]
“!!!”
What a phrase—never forget the original intention.
Li Rong was shaken.
Though casually spoken, its meaning was profound.
Suddenly, Li Rong understood.
He was wrong.
And ridiculously so.
An actor who fights for his value and won’t let investors lose out—
Is 40 million yuan too much?
Obviously not.
Was trying to lower his endorsement price a bit excessive?
At that moment, Li Rong forgot about discounts, moved by Su Mu’s sincerity.
“Su Mu, I admire you!”
“Mr. Li, thank you!”
“Let’s stop beating around the bush. Let’s talk about your 40 million yuan quotation.”
Su Mu: “Mr. Li, I know 40 million might seem high, but…”
“Su Mu…” Li Rong interrupted, signaling no need to continue, then patted his chest: “I get it, I get it. So… name your price.”
Qian Jida: “???”
Assistant team: “???”
Everyone was stunned.
How come you’re letting him name the price? Where’s the procedure?
Su Mu, filled with joy but feigning modesty and reluctant expression:
“How could I? Wuling is a national enterprise, how can I ask for more? What would you think of me?”
[Expression +1]
[Emotion +1]
[Skill Points +0.01…]
Li Rong: “No, Su Mu, you deserve it!”
“???”
“……”
Li Rong: “Seeing you is like seeing that era of our company… Thank you for reminding me never to forget, to make every part with a clear conscience! Just that line alone is worth 10 million!”
Su Mu: “Then make it 60 million.”
Li Rong: “Sign the contract!”
“???”
“!!!”
Everyone was utterly baffled.
What is this nonsense?
Weren’t they supposed to negotiate a discount yesterday?
And 40 million plus 10 million isn’t 50 million?
Where did 60 million come from? Did your gym teacher help you calculate that?
…
Contracts take time for legal processing.
So for now, they signed a confirmation agreement.
But it was almost equivalent to sealing the deal.
A two-year endorsement worth 60 million.
If Su Mu’s image holds and his influence boosts the brand,
There would be a longer contract of at least six years coming.
At 60 million now, that big contract could easily exceed 100 million.
If Su Mu lands that, he would set the record for the highest endorsement fee for a domestic brand in recent years.
According to Qian Jida, the top earners in endorsements measured by fees likely couldn’t compete with Su Mu.
The key was they didn’t understand the art of raising the price.
Of course, Su Mu didn’t care about fame.
What mattered to him was his bond with Mr. Li, the spirit of domestic enterprises, and their honorable mission.
Before leaving,
Li Rong was almost moved to tears.
“Su Mu, add me on WeChat. I want to be friends and chat more. You’ve inspired my company a lot! Looking forward to your performance!”
Su Mu patted Li Rong’s somewhat fleshy shoulder:
“Don’t worry, Mr. Li. There’ll be plenty of opportunities. Since you spent the money, I’ll make your brand soar and show you what real value is… Want me to gift you a car?”
Li Rong wiped his tears: “What color do you like?”
Su Mu: “I don’t like flashy things. Black or white is fine.”
Qian Jida: “……”
Team members: “……”
Everyone was speechless.
They’d just talked about two cars.
…
The car giveaway was just a joke.
The real deal was the successful signing.
Of course, Li Rong’s eagerness to sign wasn’t just due to being dazzled by Su Mu’s motivational words.
He saw a deeper perspective.
Su Mu’s endorsement wasn’t just a portrait on a billboard.
A promising spokesperson could grow with the brand.
If one day, a blockbuster film starring Su Mu featured the iconic Wuling car,
That value would far surpass the millions added to the fee.
…
That night.
In the hotel room,
The team ordered takeout to celebrate.
Su Mu raised his glass:
“Everyone, watch me closely. To celebrate this signing, I have a few words…”
Master Zhu: “Go on!”
PS: Sorry for the late update, I’m FW… Thank you all for your support, sorry for the vote request… crying…
(End of chapter)