Who said this top flow is crazy! This top flow is awesome!

Chapter 448 Not the Peak, But Better Than the Peak

"This is a rare opportunity, so we must seize it."

The old leader always spoke frankly to Chi Ye, unlike his other colleagues, so this time was no different: "Although the Film Association may seem like a nominal position, you are of a different age. Reaching this level itself represents a signal."

Ikeno nodded and asked, "Who helped me?"

The old leader was taken aback, and after a long while, he smiled and said, "Do you think someone helped you?"

Chiye was silent.

To be honest, he had never even considered the position of the second-in-command of the Film Association before. It wasn't that he didn't dare to think about it, but he simply didn't realize that he had the opportunity to fight for this position.

In fact, if someone hadn't brought it up this time, others probably wouldn't have thought of it in the same way as Ikeno.

But things can be hard to analyze too closely. Someone brought it up, someone else thought about it, and then... everyone was shocked to find that, apart from age, Ikeno seemed to meet all the other requirements to be a candidate.

This is somewhat unexpected and shocking.

It was under these circumstances that Ikeno himself asked this question.

But the old leader said softly, "You got to where you are today by your own efforts, without relying on anyone else. Don't you even have this much confidence? This isn't like the Ikeno I know."

Chi Ye paused, understanding in his heart, but still said, "Don't be so polite, we've still managed to get in with quite a few people."

Former boss: "..."

"Hahaha."

He laughed: "You... alright, I'm just giving you a heads-up. Whether this will work out is still unknown. Like I said, it mainly depends on how you develop in the future."

After a moment's thought, he said, "The Wandering Earth... If this film can achieve the same effect as The Martian... perhaps you are the only choice for this position."

Science fiction films are indeed quite different from other genres, especially now that "The Martian" has already achieved success. Ikeno would know that the authorities have been paying close attention to cultural matters in recent years.

A nation's culture is far more complex than it appears on the surface; it has a deeper meaning. To give a simple example, violence can kill, but it cannot achieve final victory.

Only through thought, thinking, and cognition can we achieve final victory.

Modern entertainment culture, while not necessarily bearing this heavy responsibility, certainly carries a mission and a goal. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many rules and regulations in the Chinese entertainment industry. In the West, there is also its own political correctness, and no one can dictate to anyone else. Everyone is honing their own sharpest cultural weapon.

What sets "The Martian" apart from his other works is that it is considered by the state to be a "cultural weapon" with enormous potential and limit.

The same applies to "The Martian" and "The Wandering Earth," which caused a great stir from the very beginning of its production.

There are indeed people who have high expectations for this movie. If it succeeds, it will be the most important achievement in Ikeno's career.

The old leader had made his point clear enough. Chi Ye wasn't stupid; after receiving the invitation from the Film Association, he accepted.

Then came the preparation time.

Filming for "The Wandering Earth" is nearing completion, and the post-production team has been working on it since the start of filming, and some effects have already been achieved.

The coconut jelly business is different now than before—it's more profitable.

Therefore, the investment in special effects and other aspects has also increased significantly. Ikeno is a person who pays more attention to profit, but at the same time, what is most talked about is that everyone knows he pays attention to profit, yet he can still maintain excellent quality while doing so.

"Teacher Chi, when are you leaving?"

"It'll be at the end of the month, no rush, what's up?"

"Oh it's all right."

This summer, she looked at him expectantly and asked, "Then tell me, can I go?"

Ikeno thought for a mere 0.1 seconds: "It should be possible."

Then, out of curiosity, I asked, "When did you become interested in these kinds of activities?"

"I'm not interested in the event," Jin Xia said with a smile. "I just don't want to leave you."

Upon hearing this, Chi Ye began to mutter to himself, "Hey, Jin, it was one thing before we were together, but now that we're together, why are you still trying to hook me up?"

"It wasn't fishing, Mr. Chi, don't put it so harshly."

The old lady was a little displeased: "You wouldn't be like other men, not cherishing the girl you like after you've won her over, would you?"

Chiye: "It's hard to say."

This summer, her peach blossom eyes narrowed, and she said angrily, "You dare!"

"What would you do if I really did that?"

Chiye was curious.

"...Go away, I don't want to talk to you anymore."

The old lady turned her back, looking somewhat desolate: "Let's not speak for the next five minutes."

Chiye: "..."

Seeing that the Empress Dowager was genuinely upset, he went over and tried to smooth things over: "I suggest you kill me, that would relieve your anger, but that's not a good idea, you'll ruin yourself too. So you can..."

"Teacher Chi, I don't work every day, are you getting annoyed with me?"

The old lady brought up another matter: "I haven't been in business for a long time."

Chino pondered: "That really won't work. If you don't make money, how can I become rich..."

Jin Xia: “…”

"How about this, I'll get you a variety show. Your appearance fees are high now, so if you become a regular cast member, I can make a lot of money from you."

"No, I don't like participating in variety shows."

As she said this, Jin Xia seemed a little tempted. She glanced at Chi Ye with her peach blossom eyes, and hummed something under her breath.

Ikeno: "I'll go too... when the movie is released, I guess. I really don't have much time lately."

"...Alright then, I'm just killing time anyway."

"Hey, when did you become like Shi Jinwei?"

"Is it?" Jin Xia looked down, then turned her head to look again, frowning. "No, it's not small either."

Chiye: "?"

Are you kidding me?

However, he still gave a sincere evaluation: "...but you are indeed a talented player."

"who are you?"

"My wife."

"Hmph, we're not even married yet, so watch your distance. Don't act like you already have a child." Chi Ye glanced at her, then looked at the closed door, and walked over. "I think children can be created actively. It mainly involves strength and technique. Coincidentally, I reviewed my technique last night and just overcame a difficult hurdle... Don't flinch, sit down, I'll give it a try..."

……

She was indeed very Buddhist this summer, but her Buddhism was not quite the same as Shang Jie's.

Ikeno had carefully studied the Empress Dowager and felt that she was the kind of person who was completely willful, had her own pursuits, and was a stubborn personality type who seemed very pretentious on the surface but was actually quite pretentious in reality.

The term "obsessive" here is neither positive nor negative. In Ikeno's eyes, it is of course the best. Because of her upbringing, she had a deep obsession with breaking free from her family and entering the entertainment industry, so she did it.

After she fell in love with Ikeno, she began to ignore all the old ideas and acted like she was good to Ikeno in a completely illogical way. It was also a way of showing that she wanted to do what she wanted.

But after obtaining both of these things, the young lady entered a brief period of emptiness.

The dramatic changes in her family and her personal emotions have affected her. She has lived a carefree and willful life for so many years, but experiencing these two major changes in a short period of time has also affected her somewhat.

Ikeno doesn't really like seeing this kind of summer.

He wanted her to be as happy as before, so he took her to make a movie. This summer she didn't want to work, so she didn't have to work. Anyway, Chi Ye was used to being a kept man, so he would naturally be a kept man.

The previous variety show didn't hold much appeal for her this summer, but if it were with Ikeno, she might be very happy.

Of course, this is all predicated on fewer people criticizing her. As things stand, this "dream" is still a bit of a "pipe dream".

"What's the public opinion situation like today?"

After finishing his meal, Chi Ye went to his office, and Coco walked in.

Since officially announcing their relationship, Coconut has set up a small department similar to a public opinion monitoring center. Although this department already existed before and is very professional, it was set up separately because the public opinion this time is too great and is likely to be long-term. So, in order not to delay the work of other departments, it was set up separately.

Its main purpose was not to observe online public opinion about Ikeno—Ikeno himself has never cared much about this, and he has always preferred to use other methods to win back his ex, and has never failed.

The main task of this small department is to observe the core of public opinion regarding this summer.

"Not good... Although the box office for 'My Sassy Girl' has been good, and Xia Xia has a lot of fans and CP fans, but... Brother Chi, your toxic fans are really too scary."

Coco carefully chose the word "terrible," which shows a high level of emotional intelligence.

Ikeno didn't care about the toxic fans; he cared about the much larger number of casual viewers: "What about other aspects?"

"The negative reviews mainly stem from Xia Xia's past controversies... As you know, Xia Xia has never hidden anything. Even though she has many works and more casual fans now, she also has more haters. Many haters are seizing this opportunity, and their impressions are just so-so."

Ikeno nodded, thinking about it.

"By the way, Brother Chi."

Coco looked at him: "There's something about the endorsement..."

"Another endorsement contract has expired?"

Chi Ye's thoughts were interrupted, and he stretched his wrists: "You and your team can handle this kind of thing, you don't need to tell me."

"That's not it."

Coco glanced at the door, walked over and closed it, then turned back and said, "Hermes wants to hire you as their spokesperson."

"what?"

Chi Ye was taken aback, not quite understanding: "There are people asking me to be their spokesperson?"

Despite the huge success of "My Sassy Girl," Ikeno has clearly lost her maximum value in terms of endorsements. Many endorsement companies don't care how high the box office or how good the ratings are... or more accurately, they don't look at the various "achievements" of artists who have lost their value.

The logic is simple: to make money and sell products, you need to have strong purchasing power. Although the wave of "contract termination" has passed, many large companies whose contracts have expired have still chosen to part ways with Ikeno peacefully.

This is also why Chi Ye wasn't surprised at all—after all, these big companies were still looking for artists from Yego Entertainment. The actors from "My Sunshine" and "Joy of Life" were perfect replacements, and the companies were very careful when terminating their contracts.

but……

Hermès?
"Yes, it's the Hermès brand that used to be the most popular when you were at the peak of your career."

Coco: "It's not that I haven't looked... but you know about Brother Chi."

Hermès did approach Ikeno before, and they probably considered finding a spokesperson, but in the end, for various reasons, they didn't make a decision. At the time, because of this, Ikeno was collectively envied and attacked by everyone in the industry.

—Just a rumor was enough to make Ikeno be attacked by everyone, which shows how valuable the Hermès endorsement is.

After all, it is the world's No.1 luxury brand, and it has never had a celebrity spokesperson before. There is no other like it.

To be able to win him over, whether in the West or the East, abroad or at home, would be considered a true pinnacle of achievement.

Ikeno asked in surprise, "Are you sure you're not mistaken? Hermès is contacting me? Why?"

They didn't come when they were at their peak, which shows that Hermès' brand strategy has been consistent, but now—I can't understand it.

"Is it because I'm good-looking?"

cocoa:"……"

She was equally surprised by the incident, initially even thinking it was a prank, but now she clearly understands the whole story, saying, "It's like this... I personally feel it might be related to our successful transformation this time... Of course, there's another reason..."

"Brother Chi, are you going to become the second-in-command of the Film Association?"

Chi Ye paused, then shook his head: "You're wrong, it's the top leader."

Coco: "Huh?!"

"...Ahem."

Seeing Chi Ye's expression, Coco was speechless: "Brother, why are you still doing this to me?"

"Now that you mention it, perhaps there is a connection."

The fact that such a young second-in-command of the Film Association was just a turning point may have been the real reason why Hermès found Ikeno, which may be related to his various actions after officially announcing his relationship and the current outcome.

As we all know, Hermès has always been different. This can be seen from the fact that, despite being established for so many years and having grown into the world's No. 1 luxury brand, it has never chosen a celebrity spokesperson.

This is a very unconventional and consistently independent large company.

At his peak, Ikeno once made them waver, but it was just a wave. After the peak, they experienced various changes—Ikeno is now popular not only in the domestic entertainment industry, but also abroad.

This, on the contrary, aroused their great interest.

Who says Ikeno wasn't at his "peak" at this time?

He was at his peak in the past, and when Hermès was eager to invite him to be their spokesperson, he became synonymous with the pinnacle.

"However, your description of the spokesperson is a bit scattered. If I remember correctly, the last one they gave wasn't a brand spokesperson, right? Is this time a brand ambassador or a close friend?"

Ikeno added, "I won't answer."

Coco glanced at him: "Global brand ambassador."

(End of this chapter)