The couple hung up the phone, and Chen Baozhu called Nan Haitao again.
Long-term separation for couples was not ideal. After the Nan family elders discussed it with their son, they had bought a spacious three-bedroom apartment in the provincial capital last month. The Nan elders, being retired, would live there normally, and occasionally visit when they missed their son.
"This is Chen Baozhu. How is the factory situation these past few days?"
Nan Haitao replied, "After the news of the price increase was released, it happened just as you predicted. Several merchants couldn't help but start inquiring indirectly. Many people know you went to Kyoto and are guessing the factory might have big plans."
After Nan Haitao finished explaining the situation, he asked with concern, "How is your progress over there?"
Chen Lishu nodded. Then, realizing he couldn't see her through the phone, she said, "I went to the television station today. We'll have to wait for further notification."
Sensing her subdued tone, Nan Haitao understood that things might not be progressing smoothly. He smiled and comforted her, "Yes, after all, it's the Spring Festival Gala watched by audiences nationwide. They will definitely take it very seriously. Take your time, there's no rush. Besides, I suspect that before you get any definite news, someone here will be unable to resist making a move. Once someone stocks up and opens this door, things will become easier."
Chen Lishu hummed in acknowledgement and hung up.
Although Li Lang had said he would handle the sponsorship entirely, Chen Lishu still wanted to do more to ensure her brand received greater attention.
She didn't want her private enterprise to be easily dismissed.
As the saying goes, one must be strong to be respected. As long as there is high public recognition, there will be advantages wherever one goes.
Xin Xin Company, belonging to Yang Lili, whom they encountered this time, was not to be underestimated. If they were also determined to win this sponsorship, the matter would become quite tricky.
The Spring Festival Gala was still nearly a month and a half away, so the longer the time dragged on, the more variables there would be.
Chen Lishu had considered directly placing an advertisement on television. However, television stations had not yet opened up advertising bidding. That would only happen next year.
Moreover, the advertising fees were prohibitively high for ordinary people.
She recalled a famous watch brand that had served as the official timekeeper for the Spring Festival Gala for ten consecutive years. The first year, they didn't pay cash for the advertisement but instead bartered with a truckload of about three thousand clocks.
This illustrated how expensive advertising was.
However, after a night of contemplation, Chen Lishu had indeed come up with a strategy.
That was street photography.
Low investment, high return, and quick results.
Pierre Cardin's visual feast back in the day had made people remember a brand, and she could do the same.
With the idea settled, Chen Lishu went to find Li Lang.
Although from what He Ziyu had mentioned, Li Lang had changed careers to become a director and investor, and was even somewhat of an amateur, he was still in the industry. His professional abilities and equipment were far superior to hers as an outsider.
"Street photography? What is that?" Li Lang asked, confused by the term. "Taking pictures on the street? If you want publicity, wouldn't it be better to shoot in a studio?"
Chen Lishu explained, "Fashion street photography pursues freedom and authenticity, showcasing beauty. Street photography shows people and things in their external forms realistically and authentically. Studio shots lack the realism of street photography; the pursuit is actually nature."
"For example, if you see a piece of clothing, the effect it has when worn by a model is different from when you wear it yourself. Capturing moments in natural life is more touching."
Li Lang understood her meaning and nodded. "This requirement is not difficult. I can start working on it immediately."
"Regarding the price..."
Before Chen Lishu could finish, Li Lang interrupted her with a wave of his hand. "It's just taking a few photos, why talk about money?"
Chen Lishu was insistent, "A deal is a deal. You're also running a business, and if you don't accept money, how can I have the nerve to make requests?"
Hearing her words, Li Lang thought about it and agreed. To refuse would make him seem petty.
"Alright, since you're paying, you're my valued client. Feel free to make any requests." Then, as if struck by an idea, Li Lang teased, "With this job, I'll finally have some proper income. Let's see who dares to mock me for working for love anymore."
Once the matter was settled, Chen Lishu outlined her general requirements.
"For the models, it would be best if they are young, beautiful, and have a certain degree of recognition. This will help open up the market, and the price will be negotiable."
For publicity, the most crucial step was to finalize the models.
Currently, many famous stars in China were employees of film studios. However, Li Lang was venturing into film and television dramas and had signed some actors.
To do Chen Lishu a favor, he specifically chose one of the youngest and most beautiful actresses.
"In this cold weather, you want me to stand on the street? Are you kidding me?" The woman had a voluminous wave perm, her heavily made-up red lips holding a slender white cigarette. She exuded the charm of a Shanghai woman from the twenties or thirties.
Li Lang put his arm around her shoulders and cajoled, "I'm just helping a friend. Xiao Qian, consider it doing me a favor. I'm preparing a new drama soon, and this client is quite significant, a famous director from Hong Kong. I'll reserve the lead role for you then."
The woman giggled, but her tone was dismissive. "I'm tired of hearing these promises. When have they ever come true? And now you want me to take photos for some unknown, shoddy clothing brand? Forget the freezing weather outside; I wouldn't shoot even in a studio."
Seeing that her demeanor hadn't changed despite his gentle persuasion, Li Lang's expression turned cold. "Are you sure you won't go?"
The woman turned away petulantly. "If it were a major brand, I might condescend. But it's just some small, insignificant factory. I won't go."
Li Lang sneered, "Condescend? What makes you think you're so special?"
A flash of anger crossed the woman's eyes. "Li Lang, what do you mean?"
"What do I mean? Without my support, who would know Zhao Xiaoqian? Do you really think you're so capable that I can't do without you?" Li Lang said, standing up. "Since you're unwilling, I'll just arrange for someone else. It's hard to find a three-legged toad, but finding two models shouldn't be a problem."
Watching him leave without looking back, the woman's face turned pale.
She had always believed Li Lang was devoted to her, that she was special. It was only at this moment that she realized, in Li Lang's eyes, she was no different from any other woman.
Before long, Li Lang found two young, attractive girls to be the models for the street shoot.
Coincidentally, the batch of clothing Chen Lishu had requested the factory to mail had also arrived.