How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 47 Entirely Based on Conscience
Someone once said that the key to solving problems is to make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible.

But friends and acquaintances are two different kinds of people.

Those who associate for profit are friends; those who associate for righteousness are acquaintances.

The essence of cooperation lies in the exchange of value and the complementarity of interests.

For Li Yinghe, 50 yuan in cash is neither valuable nor a benefit.

However, Wang Yao's willingness to bring 50 yuan in cash to resolve the issue proved his value. Qu Shou's traffic could be considered a source of profit, so at least they could regard Wang Yao as a 'friend,' but not a 'fellow'.

Once you reach their level, the one thing you have in abundance is friends.

The real reason that prompted Li Ying and He Jiong to cooperate was their recognition of Wang Yao's moral character.

They've seen so many people and things in this industry that they've come to realize one thing more and more.

Talent and innate ability are rare, but they don't lead to the end. Those who truly make it to the end are those who uphold morality and rules.

If a normal brokerage firm encountered such a thorny problem as Qu Shou, it would basically choose to give up and cut its losses in time, because the same amount of energy could be used to train a new person.

But Wang Yao did not. Faced with this predicament, whether out of morality or self-interest, he did not give up or run away. Instead, he actively sought solutions, even at the risk of losing everything if he was not careful.

Such qualities and mindset are rare, not to mention that they are indeed capable and have ideas.

Such people are perhaps worth befriending.

Although he did not receive compensation from Qu Shou, he also signed a guest contract for a fee of 5 yuan.

But Li Ying was still very happy because she got a more valuable and even amazing direction from Wang Yao.

"Director Li, this money wasn't wasted. I'll give you a program sponsorship plan as a bonus," Wang Yao said with a smile after putting away the contract and cash.

"What? Is Mr. Wang going to introduce us to sponsors?" Li Ying asked with a smile.

“I don’t know any wealthy sponsors, but my plan can help you get sponsorships.” Wang Yao paused. “Sanitary napkins have always been a major sponsor of your station, right?”

“That’s right, but ‘The Great Beauty’ focuses on beauty and fashion.” Li Ying seemed to have guessed what he was going to say.

"Female viewers are characterized by their ability to easily identify with their surroundings. While fashion and beauty programs may attract women, they don't necessarily stimulate consumption. However, everyday consumer goods for women are almost guaranteed to boost spending."

The episode featuring Qu Shou could have been themed around "caring for women," sharing knowledge about women's health and safety, and then highlighting the product, sanitary napkins.
According to statistics, women worldwide change 6 sanitary pads per day during their menstrual cycle, while in my country it's only 3. Many people are unaware of how many sanitary pads they need to change daily; this is actually a little-known fact.
If advertising on the show can increase sanitary napkin sales, that could represent a market growth of tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars. Brands would certainly be willing to pay for it, just like the case of increasing toothpaste sales by widening the tube size.

Then we went to some remote mountainous areas to shoot some footage, because most girls in remote mountainous areas don't use sanitary napkins even when they have their periods, because they can't buy them. So they use a folk method: toilet paper with cloth to stop the bleeding, but this has a great safety hazard.

The production team could collaborate with brands to create a charity event, specifically donating funds to educate girls in impoverished areas about menstrual health. You should have plenty of resources from your previous work filming "Metamorphosis."

This charity event could be conducted through a collaboration with the program, creating a co-branded product. A portion of the sales revenue from this product would be donated to a charity fund. This approach would allow the program to gain favor with female viewers, increase trust, and boost consumption.

For brands, collaborations are simply a matter of changing the packaging; the profit margin is lower, but the sales volume is definitely not low. I've even thought of trending topics for you: 'Period Poverty' and 'Period Aphasia'.

As Wang Yao spoke, he drew a closed-loop diagram on his notebook.

Li Ying and He Jiong stared in shock.

This sounds like a brilliant plan that kills three birds with one stone and benefits all three parties!
But how come you, a boy, know so much about sanitary napkins?

“My family used to run a sanitary napkin OEM factory for a while, so I know a bit about the industry, and it just so happens that your program is a good fit,” Wang Yao explained with a smile, seemingly anticipating their confusion.

This marketing strategy of combining public welfare with women's plight in the future self-media era is equally effective in the present era. This is the advantage of the female emotional economy: as long as you can capture a woman's emotions, you can make a fortune.

We really have to thank Mr. Lei for his teachings and example.

"The public welfare aspect is indeed very good, but will it affect the audience's viewing experience and focus?" Li Ying pondered for a moment and raised the question.

In the media, public welfare has always been a double-edged sword. If not handled carefully, it can easily be placed on a moral high ground and become difficult to remove, even CCTV cannot control it.

"I think packaging a program is the same as packaging a person. The essence of packaging is actually packaging values. What the audience really remembers is not the form or content, but the values."

"Take 'Happy Camp' for example. What viewers truly remember is the entertainment value the show brings. Just seeing the name automatically transports them to a relaxed, stress-relieving, and carefree atmosphere, rather than necessarily the celebrities or jokes in each episode," Wang Yao said in a deep voice.

"Why does it sound like it doesn't matter whether I'm here or not?" He Jiong teased.

"Because of Teacher He, the values ​​of the whole program are like this. The other program, 'Day Day Up,' is different because of the values ​​of its creators, so the audience can't completely relax when watching it. It's more like watching a class," Wang Yao said with a light laugh.

"Don't talk nonsense." He Jiong pretended to be annoyed, but there was a hint of approval in his eyes.

This kid is actually quite savvy.

"Because it's a public welfare initiative specifically designed for women, what values ​​does it convey?" Wang Yao asked rhetorically.

"Value women, help women?" Li Ying frowned.

“That’s right. So when viewers mention this program in the future, the first thing they will remember is the kindness of women. Excellent programs create ratings, and great programs win people’s hearts.” Wang Yao said, emphasizing each word.

Upon hearing this, Li Ying and He Jiong instinctively straightened up, their expressions solemn.

Clearly, they were captivated by the words "great show".

"If a brand is interested in your project, the potential profits are substantial. You're just giving it to me like this?" Li Ying blinked, sizing up the seemingly innocent Wang Yao.

This kid definitely has other motives.

“If any brands are willing to collaborate, I hope Director Li can introduce Qu Shou as one of the spokespeople for this charity event. All her fees from appearing on Director Li's shows and endorsements will be donated to this charity,” Wang Yao said with a smile. He positions Qu Shou as a 'kind, self-reliant, and self-helping woman,' an inspirational figure who went from victim to successful self-help. He believes she can gain followers by giving back to her fellow women and establishing core values. Once she has that following, monetizing her influence will be easy.

Because the selection and convergence of values ​​can generate commercial value.

Humans are always willing to pay for recognition.

Charity is an essential step, but Wang Yao seeking sponsors and Li Ying seeking sponsors are two different concepts and levels.

Marketing plans are important and valuable, but their effectiveness will be greatly reduced if the platform is not right.

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Ying's eyes. "Good lad, if Qu Shou can turn this crisis into an opportunity, her salary will be no less than that of a typical near-top-tier star."

Moreover, if you calculate it this way, as long as you participate in Hunan TV's programs, you get 0 pay. The pay goes to charity, and all the benefits go to Hunan TV.

Just for a hollow reputation for public service?
"We should repay even the smallest kindness with the greatest gratitude, let alone Director Li and Teacher He, who are saving us from dire straits." Wang Yao waved his hand dismissively.

"Good lad, you're quite loyal and righteous." He Jiong chuckled.

Whether it's genuine or feigned, the benefits are real.

"Does Qu Shou have any other plans recently?" Li Ying asked after a moment of contemplation.

"I don't think I have any plans for this week," Wang Yao shook his head.

"Then she can stay here and record the show first. I'll let you know when I have more news." Li Ying's mind was racing.

The original core of the program was to provide women with solutions for a beautiful lifestyle, but this core was actually very vague because the values ​​were too vain and commercialized.

However, if this method, combined with Qu's popularity, ultimately forms a value system of 'women's goodwill,' then both its influence and commercial value will be much broader.

Every program producer has a heart that wants to create something great.

Wang Yao offered some ideas for public welfare, finalized the arrangements for Qu Shou, and then politely declined Li Ying's invitation to dinner.

Back at the hotel, Qu Shou, realizing he had received support from Hunan TV, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He hugged Wang Yao and burst into tears, sobbing as he expressed his gratitude.

Because she knew very well that without Wang Yao, she would face an even worse situation alone.

"Stop crying, just focus on recording the show and make me some more money." Wang Yao was getting annoyed by her crying, so he patted her head.

"Waaah, Mr. Wang, I promise I'll be obedient and work like a slave to you so I'll never cause you any more trouble," Qu Shou sobbed as he pledged his loyalty.

"I don't expect you to be my slave, but I hope that one day we won't become enemies because of conflicts of interest," Wang Yao chuckled.

"Impossible!" Qu Shou trembled and opened his mouth to explain.

"No need to say too much, there's still a long road ahead. But to ensure our cooperative relationship, we still need to sign a contract privately." Wang Yao interrupted Qu Shou again, taking out a pre-prepared contract from his bag.

Qu Shou took the book and glanced at the title; his face instantly turned red.

A consent form for sexual relations?
what?
Is this the kind of cooperative relationship?
"Sorry, sorry, I took the wrong one." Wang Yao felt the thickness and realized it was wrong, so he quickly pulled it back and exchanged it for another one.

This is a private loan agreement.

Party A, Wang Yao, lends Party B, Qu Shou, 500 million yuan as start-up capital for the public welfare fund, the "Women's Domestic Violence Relief Fund." The fund will be established in Qu Shou's name. Party A will be responsible for its management until Party B repays the debt in installments or in full. Once the debt is repaid, the contract will be automatically terminated, and the fund will belong to Party B. The contract term is 30 years.

Qu Shou himself is not very intelligent, so he couldn't understand this kind of contract at all.

But faced with a huge debt of 500 million, she hesitated for only a moment before signing the papers.

"Huh? I haven't explained it to you yet," Wang Yao said.

"No need, I believe you won't lie to me." Qu Shou stubbornly shook his head.

"This contract has no legal effect; it's just a private agreement. If you're determined to renege, that's fine with me."
However, this foundation is real. I will take a portion of your future earnings until the full amount is reached. During this process, this money will be used as your operating expenses, because you will need to do a lot of public welfare activities later to maintain your public image.
It's essentially a disguised agency contract. The only binding force it has on you is that you rise to power because of public opinion, and you will ultimately fail because of public opinion as well.

I'm not a saint. I helped you for many personal reasons. I don't expect anything in return, but I won't allow you to betray me after you become successful.

"After all, in the end, relationships between people depend entirely on conscience," Wang Yao said gently.

But his words were very sharp.

This contract cannot guarantee Wang Yao's interests, but it can guarantee that Wang Yao can cause Qu Shou's house to collapse at any time.

Having a sword but not using it, and not having a sword at all, are two different things.

Although Qu Shou was not clever, he was not stupid either, and naturally he understood the subtext.

I can make you, or I can destroy you.

"Mr. Wang, I will not let you down. I have never done anything against my conscience in my life." Qu Shou's expression was solemn, and he straightened his back.

Wang Yao smiled silently, watching Qu Shou sign the document and press his fingerprint, making two copies.

This can be considered a formal agreement to cooperate.

That evening, Wang Yao flew back to Hong Kong to visit Wang Jing and Su Youpeng.

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(End of this chapter)