Chapter 22: A Second-Tier Cosmetics Brand Offers a Full-Line Endorsement

While others grew sleepier the more practice problems they solved, Jin Li was the exact opposite.

The more problems Jin Li solved, the more energetic she became, her condition improving by the minute.

Some people, stealing a moment of leisure from their studies, glanced at the streamer and noticed her problem-solving speed had increased since they first entered, prompting them to post a comment.

[Go for it, Streamer! Your problem-solving speed is getting faster and faster; it seems practice makes perfect.]

[Same here, I noticed that too. This Study Streamer is truly amazing!]

[...] × several hundred replies

After posting their comments, these study-obsessed individuals returned to their learning, completely unaware of the numerous small dot replies that followed.

Had they seen them, someone would surely have asked: [Why is everyone just posting small dots?]

At that point, the fans could have confidently jumped in to educate them:

[You haven't entered a study streamer's live room; you've entered a celebrity's live room!]

Unfortunately, there were no "what ifs."

After studying for three hours, the discomfort in Jin Li's body had subsided significantly, making her feel as though she had come back to life.

She stretched lazily, winked at the camera, and flashed a brilliant smile.

"That's all for today's stream. If I have time tomorrow, we'll continue. It's getting late now, so goodnight!"

The screen instantly went black.

[The way she just left is exactly like a scumbag dumping me.]

[Baby Li really loves studying. This is the first time I've felt such strong determination from a celebrity. Maybe I should start studying along with her tomorrow too *contemplates.jpg*. To be honest, I'm not satisfied with my current job; my educational background has limited my development.]

[I only obtained an associate degree previously. I'm wondering whether I should retake the college entrance exam. I want to switch majors and leave this industry.]

Jin Li spent another two days following her disciplined routine of exercise, vocal training, and studying.

Two days later, Jin Li made her preparations early and was picked up by Sui Lingfang ahead of schedule to head to the island for rehearsal.

Inside the car, Sui Lingfang mentioned a new engagement to Jin Li, who felt somewhat surprised.

The second episode of "PICK~Next Diva" hadn't even been recorded yet, and she hadn't officially appeared before the public, so how could an advertising endorsement offer have already come knocking?

"Duomi Cosmetics?"

Jin Li thought for a moment and said, "I occasionally come across this brand while browsing Taobao. Isn't it a fairly decent cosmetics brand?"

Sui Lingfang offered a balanced assessment: "Duomi is a second-tier cosmetics brand targeting the youth market aged 18 to 25. Its national recognition is quite good. They have been producing cosmetics for ten years, with pricing in the low-to-mid range, belonging to the category of affordable cosmetics that offer great value for money."

Jin Li asked, "They approached me wanting what, exactly?"

"They want to engage in a deep cooperation with you, making you their full-line brand ambassador. They feel your style matches their products perfectly, and the company is currently sending someone to negotiate."

As an agent, Sui Lingfang's role was solely to select suitable work for Jin Li, plan her long-term career, and occasionally accompany production teams to schedule the artist's itinerary; contract negotiations were not included in her duties.

Contract negotiations were handled by specialized legal personnel.

Jin Li hesitated slightly: "With my current popularity, surely I don't yet rank high enough for Duomi's tier?"

Although she had enjoyed a brief resurgence in popularity due to the "incense burning and winning the lottery" incident, she hadn't yet undertaken any subsequent engagements or announcements.

In other words, whether this renewed popularity could be converted into tangible results remained uncertain.

Could Duomi really be so decisive?

Sui Lingfang shook her head: "No, quite the opposite. I think signing you as their full-line ambassador at this moment is them picking up a bargain; I actually didn't even want them to sign you yet."

"You have already been officially announced as the mentor partner for the second episode. With Ji Qinglian in the variety show, as soon as the two of you appear in the same frame, the massive combined fanbase will surely scream, and at that point, we can simply sit back and reap the traffic."

She paused briefly before continuing, "Actually, besides Duomi, many other second-tier cosmetics brands have contacted me. As for third-tier ones, I didn't even look at them, instructing my assistant to filter them out directly."

"But those other second-tier brands lacked Duomi's sincerity; they offered significantly lower endorsement fees and only proposed single-product endorsements, which held little interest."

At this point, they waited at a red light. Sui Lingfang stopped the car and turned to look at Jin Li.

"My suggestion is that you either wait a bit longer; after the program airs, first-tier brands will likely approach you regarding single-product endorsements."

"Or, you accept Duomi's full-line endorsement now. The company will help you negotiate the contract terms carefully. The title of Duomi's full-line ambassador isn't exactly a downgrade when mentioned."

Jin Li pondered for a while, searching through her memories to see if she could draw upon past experience.

Unfortunately, there was none.

The Pink Girl Group had exploded in popularity across the entire internet immediately upon debut, with contract offers pouring in exclusively for first-tier luxury brand endorsements.

In that case, what was there to discuss?

If it could be signed, then sign it.

As for those second and third-tier brands, they wouldn't even dare to approach them.

With no other option, Jin Li could only treat Sui Lingfang's hypothetical scenario as an analytical problem to solve.

1) Wait a while: There might be first-tier brands negotiating single-product endorsements, but there also might not be any.

2) Sign now: Secure a full-line ambassador position with a second-tier brand, negotiate a favorable contract, but the tier status won't match that of a first-tier brand.

If she still possessed her "Golden Carp Luck," Jin Li would definitely choose the first option.

But now, Jin Li felt it was better to be down-to-earth, so she said, "Sister Fang, no need to wait. Let's just sign with Duomi."

The red light turned green, and the car slowly started moving forward.

Sui Lingfang looked ahead as Jin Li's firm and powerful voice reached her ears: "Compared to the future, I prefer to seize the present."

During the second rehearsal, Jin Li still did not sing, continuing instead to adjust the lighting and manage the overall atmosphere.

The second rehearsal felt much more realistic than the first.

The production team had brought up the piano prop Jin Li needed, and various background decorations had been completed.

When it came to efficiency, the Chinese people were truly top-notch.

This rehearsal ended earlier than the first one; by the time Jin Li went out, it was only two o'clock in the afternoon.

After resting for a while, she did not wait out Ji Qinglian; instead, Lian Baozhi arrived.

"Hello, Jin Li. I am Lian Baozhi. It is a pleasure to meet you; you are so cute!"

Jin Li looked up. Lian Baozhi's three-dimensional features, unlike those seen in photographs, appeared before her; indeed, she was brimming with charm, gorgeous and captivating.

She extended her hand. "Hello. Thank you for inviting me to be your partner."

Before long, other mentors emerged from the rehearsal rooms, and the corridor grew crowded.

Lian Baozhi smiled and said, "Jin Li, I heard your performance this time is singing only. You haven't been on stage for three years; are you adapting well?"

Jin Li's expression brightened slightly as she asked curiously, "Isn't rehearsal supposed to be confidential? How do you know my performance is singing only?"

Lian Baozhi replied without changing her expression, "The specific program details cannot be uncovered, but the performance type is not secret. For my performance this time, everyone knows it is song and dance."

She had deliberately switched to song and dance so that netizens could compare her with Jin Li.

Jin Li let out an "Oh" and remarked casually, "It seems Penguin Pictures' confidentiality measures are not as good as imagined. Although the official group chat stated that no one may leak information, now even the performance type is known. Aren't you afraid someone will expose this online?"

The smile on Lian Baozhi's face stiffened; she felt passing staff members were all looking at her.

She quickly changed the subject: "Jin Li, how does it feel to return to the stage?"

"Of course, it feels wonderful." Jin Li smiled brilliantly; the curve of her eyes resembled a cunning little fox, lively and alluring.

"I have never felt this good before. Come to think of it, I must thank you for giving me this opportunity. If such a good thing happens again next time, remember to invite me!"

Lian Baozhi had calculated everything, yet she never expected Jin Li to respond in this manner.

She was not humble in the slightest!

Had it been anyone else, they would have shown some modesty, saying they were a bit nervous or uneasy.

As more and more people turned their gaze toward them, Lian Baozhi had no choice but to nod. "Alright."