“Understood!” I replied at once.
I followed Lan Xinmei, Manager Yu, and the others to the hotel entrance, hands in pockets, waiting.
After about ten minutes, just as impatience set in, a Mercedes-Benz van approached slowly. Manager Yu gestured for us to step aside.
The van stopped on the ramp. Security rushed forward to take the keys. The rear door opened, and a heavyset w0man laden with gold jewellery stepped out first.
She swept us with an indifferent glance. Then a curvaceous figure in dark sunglasses descended.
“L-Liu Yan…”
I clearly heard the nervous excitement from the PR female colleagues. My eyes narrowed as I studied her.
Liu Yan was a goddess-level superstar. She wore a long ink-green dress with a high side slit that revealed glimpses of her full, shapely legs. Crimson lipstick accentuated her smile, radiant between red lips and white teeth.
“Sister Gao, Miss Liu Yan.” Manager Yu hurried forward.
“Sister Gao, Miss Liu Yan, we’re from Daifen Company,” Lan Xinmei added, stepping up. The rest of us followed.
As they approached, two black-suited bodyguards with large dark sunglasses blocked the way. Sister Gao spoke coolly, “Let’s talk inside.”
Tsk, the treatment of a megastar—bodyguards built like tanks. I thought as I trailed behind.
Led by Sister Gao and Liu Yan, the group entered through the revolving glass doors. The lobby manager, gravely serious, had already cleared the path.
In the reserved VIP room, only after Sister Gao and Liu Yan were seated did Manager Yu and Lan Xinmei present their cards and signal the staff to serve. Liu Yan’s two bodyguards stood guard outside.
“Manager Yu, Manager Lan, Daifen Company,” Sister Gao read from the cards, then glanced at Liu Yan.
Liu Yan slowly removed her sunglasses, scanning the room. Her gaze passed over me as if I didn’t exist. When I saw her face clearly, my heart pounded wildly.
She was even more beautiful than on screen—exquisitely voluptuous, skin flawless and dewy despite being over thirty. Her dramatic hourglass figure left a deep impression.
“Yadie Company approached me earlier,” Liu Yan said lightly, voice like fragrance.
“I-I know, but Daifen is far more suitable for Miss Liu Yan’s image,” Manager Yu stammered—he was clearly meeting her for the first time.
“Exactly, Miss Liu Yan. Our brand truly needs a superstar like you,” Lan Xinmei added.
Liu Yan smiled faintly. Sister Gao extended her hand. “The offer?”
Manager Yu immediately took a folder from his assistant, opened it, and handed it over.
Tension filled the room—at least on our side. Liu Yan remained perfectly calm, utterly accustomed.
Sister Gao scanned the document, frowned, pointed at something, and looked at Liu Yan.
Liu Yan glanced, then rose as if to leave.
“We’re sorry, but your sincerity appears insufficient,” Sister Gao stated.
“T-this—” Manager Yu’s face fell.
“Miss Liu Yan, shall we call our president to discuss a revised figure?” Lan Xinmei asked anxiously.
I saw the problem instantly.
With Yadie also in the race, they had clearly bid higher. Our offer was too low, and our absence of senior leadership—President Wang nowhere in sight—signalled lack of seriousness. Having to phone for approval on the spot looked amateurish.
“No need,” Sister Gao shook her head and stood.
Not a single dish had been touched, yet they were leaving. Failure loomed. Anxiety gripped me.
Seeing the helpless desperation in Manager Yu and Lan Xinmei’s eyes, something possessed me—I stood.
“Miss Liu Yan, since you’re already here, why not stay for dinner? I know you’re busy, but you still need to eat,” I said with a relaxed smile.
Every gaze snapped to me. Sister Gao’s brows knitted as she sized me up.
“And you are?” she asked coolly.
At her question, Liu Yan looked at me with sudden interest. Lan Xinmei quickly introduced, “Sister Gao, this is our sales supervisor, Mr. Lin Nan.”
“Sales supervisor? What does endorsement have to do with sales?” Sister Gao said icily.
She was right. To outsiders I was just a clothing salesman; this was a brand ambassador deal belonged to PR and advertising. My presence was superfluous—Lan Xinmei had only brought me as company.
“Uh—” Manager Yu was speechless. He exchanged glances with Lan Xinmei; the PR staff eyed me with faint disdain.
The atmosphere turned painfully awkward. I scratched my head and pressed on, “Sister Gao, I work in sales. I understand customer needs. For Miss Liu Yan’s potential endorsement, I personally conducted market research.”
“Market research?” Lan Xinmei blinked. Sister Gao and Liu Yan both looked at me curiously.
“Supervisor Lin, you did research? On what exactly?” Manager Yu asked hurriedly asked.
“If Daifen’s line were endorsed by Miss Liu Yan, how many customers would buy,” I continued.
Damn it, they’re walking out and the deal is collapsing. Might as well grab the last straw—nothing to lose.
“Go on,” Liu Yan said, interest piqued.
Every eye turned to me, waiting.
“The survey covered three major nearby malls, ages from young adults to seniors. When told Miss Liu Yan would be the face, eighty percent of respondents said they would purchase,” I stated.
“E-eighty percent?” Sister Gao’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“It proves Miss Liu Yan’s immense influence. Not only the young adore her—even middle-aged w0men do. And our survey targeted female consumers exclusively,” I added.
The room’s atmosphere eased noticeably. Liu Yan gave me a meaningful glance and smiled. “You said your name is…?”
“Lin Nan, sales supervisor at Daifen,” I answered quickly, offering my card.
Liu Yan walked over, accepted it, and whispered something to Sister Gao.
Ten seconds later, Sister Gao exhaled. “Very well. Send us a revised quote within two days. If it’s competitive with the others, Daifen will have priority.”