After the three were seated, Chen Li Shu opened the conversation, asking, "Mr. Wu, there's something I'm quite curious about. I heard from another person in charge at the company that someone recommended us. I'd really like to know who that recommender is?"
"Yang Li Li. I heard you two were classmates. I used to be her supervisor and had some contact with her. We parted ways for two years, and I never expected to meet again after arriving in Kyoto. Later, she recommended you to me, and I felt we had a rather fated connection." After saying this, Wu Lu's gaze towards Chen Li Shu changed.
However, Chen Li Shu was lost in thought at that moment and didn't notice Wu Lu's gaze at all.
When would Yang Li Li ever actively help her? Moreover, their relationship in J Province had been on the verge of outright hostility. Chen Li Shu didn't believe in things like a windfall from the sky. This might be the weasel paying New Year's greetings to the chicken, with no good intentions!
Therefore, during the subsequent conversation, Chen Li Shu felt a hint of wariness towards the man in front of her.
Seeing that Chen Li Shu wasn't taking his bait, Wu Lu's face quickly flickered with a hint of embarrassment. He then cupped his fist near his mouth and cleared his throat, continuing on his own:
"You should be aware of the situation with the newspaper. We are mainly backed by CCTV. The number of magazines we sell daily is 2/3 that of ordinary newspapers. Do you understand what that means?
In other words, as long as your clothing is featured in our fashion magazine, your company's sales will at least triple compared to usual! To be frank, the promotional power of fashion magazines is very strong, but getting featured in one is not an easy task!"
Chen Li Shu listened to Wu Lu's words and nodded, "Since we are discussing cooperation, we naturally understand your company's situation. Actually, I'm not just here for a competition spot, but also to discuss another collaboration with you, Mr. Wu. Are you interested in hearing about it?"
Wu Lu propped his head up with his hands and lazily replied, "Hmm."
Having received his consent, Chen Li Shu took out two proposals from her document bag and handed one to Wu Lu, saying, "I hope to purchase an advertising slot in your fashion magazine, with one page dedicated to showcasing our company's products."
Upon hearing this, Wu Lu quickly sat up straight, his eyebrows raised. "An advertising slot? Do you know how much resources that page occupies? This is no small matter!"
Chen Li Shu said calmly, "I naturally know how many resources that page occupies. If my investigation is correct, the main purpose of your fashion magazine is to drive traffic? And your company primarily earns money from selling these magazines and newspapers!
People like me, who propose to buy an advertising slot, are likely very few. The reason is probably that your company's initial direction was different. Now that the impression of free publicity has been established in the minds of vast numbers of businesses, changing the principle might bring considerable instability to the company.
This is a win-win project. Give me an advertising slot, and I can pay 80,000 yuan per month, or offer an eighty-twenty profit sharing arrangement as remuneration. The most crucial point is that my presence can help your company cross the threshold of paid services!"
Eighty thousand yuan per month?
Wu Lu was indeed tempted. He propped his chin with both hands, feigning indecision, and frowned, "The terms you've mentioned are indeed quite appealing. However, there's a problem: who knows if you can make money after paying the advertising fees?
If you can't make money, won't our newspaper's reputation be ruined by you? It will be even harder to cross the threshold of paid services in the future, so this matter needs to be discussed at length. I need to understand the follow-up developments after you secure this advertising slot!"
Generally, a company's future development is confidential. Chen Li Shu lowered her head and licked her lips, then slowly said, "Alright."
Upon receiving Chen Li Shu's agreement, a deep glint flashed in Wu Lu's eyes. It seemed this person was also driven by short-term gains, making her easier to manipulate!
So, Wu Lu said, "I have other matters to attend to at the company. Let's arrange to meet at a hotel after work to discuss this over dinner. I assume Ms. Chen has no objections?"
"Of course, I have no objections. In that case, Mr. Wu, please focus on your work. We can discuss it after work." After speaking, Chen Li Shu stood up, bringing Su Nian and Lu Gen with her, and left his office.
Watching Chen Li Shu's retreating back, Wu Lu took out his phone and dialed a number.
"Li Li, the matter you entrusted to me, I've almost completed it. So, the thing you promised me..."
Yang Li Li, on the other end of the phone, listened to Wu Lu's lewd voice. Her expression gradually turned ugly, but for the sake of future plans, she could only force down the urge to vomit and coax the person on the other end: "Brother Wu, I've already found a beautiful woman for you, and you're still thinking of me? You're too greedy!"
Wu Lu chuckled and began to critique, "It's different, it's different. You two are completely different styles. Whether it's you or that Chen woman, I want both. Don't worry, if you're with me, you'll eat and drink well, and I'll never let you suffer any grievances!"
"Look at you, Brother. How could I feel wronged being with you? Then you settle Chen Li Shu first. After I finish my company matters in a while, I'll come to you."
"Alright, alright, then I'll be waiting for you, my dear." With that, Wu Lu hung up the phone, and a conspiracy began to unfold.
----
Time flew by quickly. That evening, Chen Li Shu, along with Su Nian and Lu Gen, arrived at the location Wu Lu had sent her.
As she entered the hotel, a frail yet firm voice called out from behind, "Miss Chen?"
Chen Li Shu followed the sound and, upon seeing the person, immediately bowed respectfully and greeted, "Director Fu?!"
Fu Chen walked up to Chen Li Shu with a kind demeanor and asked, "Why are you here?"
"I'm here to discuss business. And you, Director Fu?"
"Much like you."
Chen Li Shu patted her forehead, her expression filled with annoyance, "Look at my forgetful brain. I've been so busy with matters lately that I forgot to treat Director Fu to a meal!
I haven't properly thanked you for the great help you gave me last time. Do you have any time tomorrow? If so, why don't we arrange a meal?"
Fu Chen put on a displeased expression and glared at Chen Li Shu, saying, "I told you not to be so polite. Don't always keep thanks on your lips; it makes our relationship feel distant. As for dinner, Yang Zhi Guo will be coming to Kyoto in ten days. We can all arrange to have a meal together then."
Listening to Fu Chen's arrangement, Chen Li Shu nodded obediently, "Okay, everything will be according to your schedule."
As the two were about to part ways, Fu Chen added as an afterthought, "May I ask who you are collaborating with this time? I might know them and could perhaps offer some assistance then."