The next morning, at Ming Yue factory.

Li Xingchen and his cousin arrived promptly at the factory. As they made their way through the entrance, the sounds of machinery and chattering workers filled the air, signaling a day brimming with activity and possibilities.

As they stepped into the factory, they were warmly welcomed by Lin Zihui and Qiao Wen, standing at the forefront, who were impeccably dressed in pristine new suits tailored by the very hands of the factory workers, each stitch a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and keen eye for detail that defined the establishment. Lin Zihui and Qiao Wen beamed with excitement, their cheerful smiles a reflection of their eagerness to kickstart the day’s ventures. 

Next to them stood the deputy manager and unit managers, who were uniformly dressed in sleek business attire, indicating a sense of professionalism and cohesion within the team. With a seamless transition, they started the day by exuberantly leading the esteemed guests to tour the new production line.

As they made their way further into the factory, the polished floors and gleaming machines stood as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the workers. 

The managers explained in detail the rigorous quality control measures in place, emphasizing the commitment to delivering top-tier products to customers. Li Xingchen observed with keen interest, impressed by the seamless coordination and attention to detail evident at every step of the production process.

Their conduct throughout the tour was nothing short of exemplary – demonstrating an unwavering commitment to courteousness and professionalism that stood in stark contrast to the disgraceful antics exhibited by the opposing party. 

To be precise, it was Li Xingchen’s cousin who proved to be a challenging guest, his attitude fluctuating unpredictably throughout the visit. 

Oscillating between haughty disdain for anything less than perfect and a regal air when assessing the designs presented to Li Xingchen, his behavior was a study in contrasts. This stark disparity was especially evident when comparing it to the previous day’s unsettling scene of ghostly wails and lamentations during a robbery.

On the flip side, Li Xingchen has always been polite and taciturn, occasionally he would respond to the introductions of Lin Zihui and Qiao Wen, and nodding his head in response.

After visiting the production line and sample clothes, the group returned to the office, where Lin Zihui graciously arranged for a well-prepared spread of refreshments to be served. The first one to pick up the teacup was Li Xinghai but after he took a sip, skimming his lips, “What kind of tea is this? There is no flavor at all.”

Li Xingchen browns frowned slightly, but said nothing at all.

Qiao Wen laughed: “We don’t know what kind of tea the two Mr. Li’s like to drink, so we prepared the soft-flavored Mingqian Longjing first. Here we also have After Rain Dragonwell, Dahongpao and Taihu Lake Biluochun. Which one do you like? I’ll re-brew a pot for you?”

Li Xinghai came from the bottom of the hierarchy, relying solely on his cousin fame to ascend to heaven, as his cousin rose his arrogance sky rocketed made him look down on these bunch of poor peoples, and became picky about the things. 

So hearing him mentioned the list of teas he was bit startled, but the point was how could he knows these well-known tea brands, so with an imperious gesture and disdain in his voice, he swept his hand dismissively through the air, emphasizing his disinterest in tea as he declared with a tone of finality, “My preference lies in coffee instead.”

Lin Zihui gave out a cry, “It just so happened that my dad gave me a box of coffee beans from South America a few days ago, wait a minute I’ll taught someone to brew it for the two of you.”

Li Xinghai opened his mouth but was interrupted by the silent Li Xingchen raising his hand: “No need, let’s talk about cooperation.”

Li Xinghai hurriedly followed up: “You also know that my brother is now popular all over the city. Businesses who want Chenzi to advertise can be go from here to Central. All of them are big companies and brands, not the unknown companies which has not yet opened a listing. No one knows how the new brand will develop in the future. Chen zi may have to take a lot of risk in advertising for you. We have to think about it.”

Qiao Wen nodded with a smile: “We are indeed a new brand. We can’t predict anything about the future. But the two of you have just visited our production line, and you should have no opinion about the quality and style. Now the apparel industry in Hong Kong is developing rapidly, but there is no a mid-to-high-end local brand can compete with big foreign brands. Our ideal is to make a local business formalwear brand. If Mr. Li can be our brand ambassador, I believe we will get twice the result with half the effort.”

Indeed, we are a newly established brand venturing into the apparel industry in Hong Kong, which is currently experiencing rapid development. As a budding brand, we acknowledge the uncertainty of the future, but your recent visit to our production line provided you with firsthand insight into our commitment to quality and style.” 

“It is evident that the local market lacks a strong mid-to-high-end brand capable of competing with established foreign labels. Our vision is to fill this gap by becoming a respected local formalwear brand catering to the discerning tastes of consumers. Your endorsement, Mr. Li, as our brand ambassador, would undoubtedly propel our brand to new heights, leveraging your influence to achieve success more efficiently. By aligning our goals and values with your esteemed persona, we are confident that together, we can establish a strong presence in the market and set a benchmark for local businesses aspiring to make a mark in the industry.”

Li Xinghai bluffed: “It’s not impossible to advertise an unknown brand for you, but rewards…”

“I recognize your brand concept very much, and I promise to be the spokesperson of Mengzhen Brand.” Li Xingchen paused slightly, thought for a moment, and said, “The remuneration will be one hundred thousand dollars a year, do you guys see any problems?”

“What?” Li Xinghai’s mouth opened wide.

Qiao Wen and Lin Zihui on the other hand were dumbfounded by the sudden change of events, and looked at each other in surprise.

Seeing that the two were silent, Li Xingchen asked again: “If the two feel that one hundred thousand dollars is too high…”

“No, not high, not high!” Lin Zihui immediately said, “Thank you Mr. Li for being so forthcoming.”

“Chen Zi!” Li Xinghai looked at his cousin in displeasure.

Li Xingchen turned a deaf ear, and continued: “If it’s convenient, we’ll sign the contract now, so that you won’t have to make a special trip.”

“Yes.” Qiao Wen nodded with a smile.

The contract had been drafted a long time ago, as long as the amount of remuneration was added it would be done. Qiao Wen personally led the clerk to print the contract.

Within a few minutes the contract was printed black and white and two copies were spread in the coffee table, Li Xingchen roughly glanced at the front page, then took out his pen to sign the contract. However his hand was caught by the cousin next to him: “Chenzi, you read it clearly. You are required to feature in a minimum of three magazine advertisements annually. If you wear formal clothes for advertising and business activities, you have to wear their brands, as well as your presence is requested in events like store opening ribbon cutting and brand promotion activities, you have to spend at least half a month a year on this. Despite the commitment, the compensation offered is a mere $100,000, significantly less than what you would spend on a single meal with Young Master Wang.”

Li Xingchen just stared at him coldly, before pushing his hand away, and signed his name.

After signing, he handed the contract to Qiao Wen, who looked at it and extended his hand: “Mr. Li, happy cooperation!”

“Happy cooperation.”

After shaking his hands, Li Xingchen suddenly seemed to think of something said: “By the way, yesterday, if it wasn’t for your big brother stepping forward, I’m afraid we would have already suffered a big loss. It’s a pity that you and your eldest brother left hurriedly, and I didn’t have time to properly thank you. I don’t know if your big brother is free, I would like to treat him to a meal to thank him properly.”

Qiao Wen thought that the big star was so frightened by Jiang Yufeng to even utter a word yesterday, but now he actually wanted to treat him to a meal to thank him in person. He said with a smile, “Okay, I’ll ask my big brother later.”

Li Xingchen asked again: “I don’t know what your eldest brother is called?”

“My elder brother’s surname is Jiang, you can just call him Brother Feng.”

“Brother Feng.” 

Li Xingchen read it in a low voice after him, nodding thoughtfully, and said politely, “Then I will wait for your news.”

With that the two sides bid farewell, Qiao Wen and Lin Zihui personally sent them off to the car.