Huayu: Traffic is king

Chapter 158 What exactly does it mean to have the sales power of a top-tier influencer?

On the day Gu Jingyi was officially announced as the spokesperson for Rimowa luggage, sales on the Tmall flagship store surged by 1800% year-on-year.

The silver version of the Classic series is out of stock, outselling even the Rimowa x Superme collaboration.

In first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, queues at SKP counters exceeded 3 hours, and single-day sales broke the brand's Asia-Pacific record.

Rimowa's top executives were beaming with joy; the stock price soared ever since Gu Jingyi was announced as their spokesperson. On the day the endorsement was announced, sales exceeded the annual target ahead of schedule.

Even more noteworthy is that, according to the analysis of customer profiles, the proportion of consumers under the age of 25 surged from 15% to 48%.

This is a stark contrast to Rimowa's previous stereotype of "middle-aged business professionals," with the proportion of female users placing orders rising from 30% to 60%.

Aside from the style worn by Gu Jingyi, previously slow-selling women's styles like purple and pink have all sold out.

This is insane! Is this what it feels like to be carried by a pro?
Rimowa quickly produced a battle report and shared the data on Weibo.

@Rimowa: Thank you all for your support and orders, "Jingfei"! Sales exceeded 100 million RMB within three minutes of going live. All styles are sold out on Taobao, JD.com, and other online platforms. Please follow our Weibo for updates on restocking.

The fans raised their heads one by one and started to control the comments section in a high-profile manner.

The comments section was filled with a detailed list of Gu Jingyi's achievements, and his posters dominated the comments section.

Meanwhile, Tian Xiwei, who was still busy with her activities, opened Weibo and saw the trending topic "Gu Jingyi officially announced as the spokesperson for Rimowa luggage".

She wanted to order it, but it was already sold out.

She could only send messages to Gu Jingyi with a feeling of grievance, using his official endorsement announcement today to express her longing.

"toot toot"

The phone was dialed for a long time, and someone finally answered it just as the ringtone was about to end.

"Jingyi, what you just did..."

Before she could finish her complaint, which was tinged with a coquettish tone, she was interrupted by a voice filled with a gentle smile.

"Excuse me, I'm Gu Jingyi's agent, Lin Ze. He's currently filming an advertisement, and his phone is with me for safekeeping."

"Is there anything I can help you with? I'll pass on your message during his break in a bit..."

Before Lin Ze could finish speaking, Tian Xiwei exclaimed in surprise, just like Tom the cat who had burned his foot.

"Hey?"

Lin Ze hadn't heard clearly yet, and was about to ask again when...

A loud noise came from the other side, and Tian Xiwei clutched her forehead in pain.

"Miss Tian, ​​are you still there?"

Lin Ze said "hello" several times on the phone, but received no response.

“I am…” Tian Xiwei’s voice was somewhat unsteady.

"Nothing much, I just saw that he's become the spokesperson for Rimowa. I'm really happy for him and wanted to call Gu Jingyi to share this joy."

"Okay, I'll pass on the message to him later."

Lin Ze nodded and hung up the phone.

When the phone went dead, Tian Xiwei grumbled unhappily, "Tch, why didn't you just say it wasn't Gu Jingyi? My throat is practically on fire, damn it."

However, Tian Xiwei was also somewhat happy when she remembered Lin Ze calling her "Miss Tian".

Hehe, great!
Gu Jingyi saved her contact name. He understood; she was in his heart!

Tian Xiwei rolled around on the bed excitedly, occasionally letting out a strange laugh.

Not long after, the phone rang.

It was Gu Jingyi's. Tian Xiwei instantly sat up on the bed with a jolt.

"Honey, where are you? It's so dark and gloomy here."

Tian Xiwei, with her hair in pigtails and wearing polka-dot pajamas, looked incredibly youthful. Combined with her sweet and charming face, she exuded boundless energy.

It really refreshed Gu Jingyi, who was exhausted from a long day of work, and brightened his mood.

“I’m in the van, otherwise why would I call you from outside?”

Gu Jingyi replied with a smile, "What's wrong? What brought our big star here today?"

"What?" Tian Xiwei was a little embarrassed by his teasing and hesitated for a moment.

"Isn't he a big star? Congratulations to our Xiaotian on his successful debut."

Gu Jingyi smiled and said gently.

"Gu Jingyi... It seems like my new drama is only so-so."

The mere mention of Tian Xiwei dampened her spirits. Although Gu Jingyi helped promote her debut work, her female fans wouldn't support someone unimportant, especially since Tian Xiwei was a woman.

Why would female fans naturally reject any girl who is close to their idol, yet support Tian Xiwei?

They're good enough that they didn't try to get low scores!
"Jingyi, do you think I'm really suited to be an actress?"

The uncertainty about the future weighed heavily on Tian Xiwei's mind like a mountain.

When I was just a spectator, I didn't realize how amazing Gu Jingyi was.

Only after his debut did people gradually realize that Gu Jingyi's achievements were already ahead of many others.

A small fire needs support, a big fire depends on fate.

A male actor may only have one chance in his lifetime to become a top star.

Once you miss it, it's gone forever.

Fortunately, Gu Jingyi succeeded. He seized the opportunity in the first year of the talent show and became a top star with a huge breakthrough.

Tian Xiwei suddenly lost interest in chatting. Gu Jingyi, as a top celebrity, was busy with many matters. Compared to her trivial matter, it was better to let the top celebrity, who had been exhausted all day, get some rest.

Unexpectedly, the next second, a somewhat lazy voice rang in my ears.

"Do you feel that the new drama's performance was unsatisfactory after it aired? It didn't make much of a splash, and only a small number of people noticed it?"

So, he knew all along...

Tian Xiwei beamed with joy and nodded.

Then she remembered that Gu Jingyi couldn't see it at all right now because they were separated by a screen.

She hummed in agreement again, her tone unconsciously becoming coquettish.

"The industry is completely different from what I imagined. Fresh blood is constantly being drawn in. There are tons of new actresses like me, but it's very difficult to stand out."

The sun outside the window grew increasingly hot, shining in through the gaps in the car window.

Following the wind's trajectory, dappled sunlight climbed up Gu Jingyi's profile, casting spots of light. From this angle, he looked incredibly handsome.

"There are so many artists in the industry who want to make a name for themselves, but very few of them get to play the female lead in their very first project."

Gu Jingyi patiently comforted him, "You're already very capable. Being able to pass the interview and accept this script shows that you have both ability and luck. As for popularity, you really can't rush these things. Sometimes, the more anxious you are, the further you fall behind."

"Don't be too anxious, just cheer up and head to the next film crew."

"Okay," a smile appeared on Tian Xiwei's face.

"My True Friend will be broadcast on Hunan TV, and it will definitely make a splash after it airs."

Gu Jingyi thought for a moment, but decided to speak up in order to keep her calm.

"Yes, yes, I will work hard!"

After speaking with Gu Jingyi, Tian Xiwei regained her energy with a surge of positive vibes.

Gu Jingyi was so exhausted that he collapsed in the van; shooting a magazine was truly a physically demanding job.

The model had to cooperate with the photographer's requirements and constantly change poses.

Filming for hours on end without moving is really tiring.

Lin Ze noticed Gu Jingyi's unusual behavior and considerately turned the air conditioner up a little.

He drove Gu Jingyi home without saying a word the whole way.

The next day, Lin Ze arrived at Gu Jingyi's house right on time and took him to Dior's headquarters. There were no important events scheduled for today; the most important thing was to film this advertising short film for Dior.

It will be launched simultaneously in major offline stores across Asia.

"Hello, Teacher Gu, the photographer is inside."

Gu Jingyi nodded and met with the photographer.

"Hello Gu Jingyi, I'm Su Ye, the photographer in charge of your photoshoot today. Please feel free to give me your guidance."

"Hello, I'm Gu Jingyi."

Gu Jingyi also spoke politely, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries.

The photographer took out a measuring tape and collected some data from Gu Jingyi.

At the press conference for the movie "Take My Brother Away," Gu Jingyi will definitely appear in haute couture; an artist's data can't remain completely unchanged.

Only by tailoring to the individual can clothes be best showcased.

"Jingyi, please come outside with me now."

After the measurements were taken, Gu Jingyi's filming for the day began.

Wearing a light gray suit, Gu Jingyi looked casual yet stylish, and he posed for the camera. After turning around, Gu Jingyi appeared outdoors in a blue sweater.

The lake-blue sweater made Gu Jingyi look even more handsome as he stood in the sunlight changing into Dior's 2019 early spring collection.

From jackets to short-sleeved shirts, to denim jackets and bucket hats.

Gu Jingyi looks youthful and vibrant in the photos, making her very eye-catching.

“A pleasure to work with”

When we got back to the van, it was still early.

Lin Ze suddenly seemed to have thought of something funny and said, "Jingyi, do you remember the NBA Chinese New Year Ambassador that I told you about before?"

"Yes, I remember, I told you to push it."

Gu Jingyi nodded; he did indeed remember it.

During the filming of "Brother Kuai", Lin Ze mentioned this to him as a joke.

The two reached an agreement not to sign this ridiculous NBA Chinese New Year ambassador contract.

"Guess who got this resource now."

"Cai Xukun," Gu Jingyi said calmly.

"Holy crap, how did you know that?"

Lin Ze was stunned; he hadn't given any hints.

"Don't be surprised, I heard Cai Xukun mention it in the group."

"Really?" Lin Ze finally returned to normal.

[Of course it's fake...]
Gu Jingyi was too lazy to say it aloud; some things were best left unsaid.

As soon as the NBA's Chinese New Year ambassador was announced, Cai Xukun was dug up by the Hupu users.

Once you start watching, you can't stop watching "Idol Producer".

The initial self-introduction, along with the "singing, dancing, rapping, and playing basketball" segment and that awkward dance, left basketball fans speechless.

Cai Xukun probably never expected that the straight men on Hupu would take this so seriously.

The year he was most criticized was the year of "singing, dancing, rapping, and playing basketball" and "playing basketball in middle-parted overalls".

Everything started with this short-term endorsement.

Next, Chris's team, which only has a proven track record in the fashion industry and widespread popularity, will also make their move.

They kept impersonating others and trying to influence Cai Xukun's narrative.

Poor Kun Kun, he's still too young.

The "lawyer's letter" warning directly provoked netizens' rebellious mentality, and in 2019, this meme and the viral basketball video swept across Bilibili's parody section.

Chris then retaliated with a song called "Big Bowl Wide Noodles," using a meme to completely clear his name of all previous scandals.

Wow, that's quite a clever tactic.

"However, I always feel that Cai Xukun, or any other young male celebrity, is not very well-suited to basketball. The NBA should find the star players of the CBA teams to promote it, after all, it's a completely different field."

Lin Ze's keen intuition began to kick in, and he noticed something amiss.

"Because the NBA isn't as profitable as it used to be, and Yao Ming has retired. 'Our mother's' broadcast frequency has also decreased, resulting in fewer commercial advertisements. Anyone in that situation would be anxious."

Gu Jingyi immediately saw the problem: the NBA's Chinese New Year ambassador position was a hot potato.

Any experienced agent in the industry could spot something was wrong, but it's quite normal that someone with Cai Xukun's small, makeshift team wouldn't be able to tell.

Kun Kun was destined to face this tribulation, but overcoming it won't be all bad.

The fans were so thoroughly annoyed that they became die-hard fans, which in turn motivated them to spend money on in-game purchases.

Of course, it will definitely have an impact on public perception.

At least among the straight men on Hupu (a popular Chinese sports forum), it's truly corrupted...

The subsequent surge in popularity of "Youth With You 2" during the mask-wearing period did not change the opinions of basketball fans regarding the PD, Kun Kun...

If Gu Jingyi were just a pretty face, he wouldn't mind using this to solidify his fanbase, but it's clear he's a man of substance.

Let's give this great opportunity to Cai Xukun.

However, in this life, the role of the initiator of "Youth With You 2" will only belong to Gu Jingyi.

Poor Kun Kun, it seems he can't salvage his public image.

“I am often proud of my artists’ discerning eye and their ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.”

Lin Ze gave Gu Jingyi a thumbs-up, showering him with praise.

"Come on..."

Gu Jingyi laughed and scolded, but he was secretly pleased.

While driving, Lin Ze talked to Gu Jingyi about the work arrangements for the next few days.

There's only "Better Days" in terms of film and television, but the promotion of "Brother Kuai", the promised Douyin hit song album and the group album by Nai Pao Sen are all things to do.

Gu Jingyi also has his own single plans; he plans to release an English EP in the second half of the year.

This year's mini-album is unlikely to win a grand slam of awards; it might only garner some popularity awards at certain award ceremonies.

There's no way around it; seniority and regional cliques are everywhere.

Just look at how Hong Kong's top idol, Fat Boy Jiang, swept the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation. With "Tao," he won the "My Favorite Song Award" at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation in 19, 20, 21, and 24.

He broke Jacky Cheung's 30-year three-time consecutive reign, and Fat Tao achieved a "four-time consecutive reign".

At this point, an English single is needed to break into the Billboard charts.

In 2018, Gu Jingyi was truly the only person in China with such courage.

Once the award is officially recognized, any award ceremony will have to carefully consider the risks of undermining the Gu Jingyi Award.

Time flies. During the week or so that Gu Jingyi was resting, he was constantly running around doing commercial performances and endorsing brands.

They even had to squeeze in time to do game live streams to promote "A Chinese Ghost Story" and complete the minimum number of hours required by the contract.

The days passed by in a fulfilling and enjoyable way, and soon it was September 6th.

Gu Jingyi's cover for the September issue of Esquire magazine was released online, and Dior unusually published several articles about it.

This signal has led some in the industry to suspect that Dior is planning to upgrade Gu Jingyi's title.

On September 7th, a well-known gossip blogger revealed that a certain top-tier celebrity with a three-character name will receive the first-ever top title in a blue-blooded luxury region.

The names Gu Jingyi, Cai Xukun, and Wang Junkai were the subject of much speculation, causing a stir on Weibo.

(End of this chapter)