On the way back, Li Xiaoyun was driving and looked somewhat worried as she said to me, “Zhaoyang, weren’t you a bit too forceful just now? After all, they’re our potential major clients.”
I smiled and replied, “Then tell me, why must we always be in a weak position when negotiating with clients?”
“Because they create value for our company,” Xiaoyun answered without hesitation.
I shook my head and said, “Xiaoyun, you’re in client management, so it’s normal for you to place clients on a high pedestal. This is your habitual mindset, which also shows your professionalism. However, you must understand the advertising industry—it’s a field full of personality. An advertising agency that constantly kowtows to clients will never be creative. Although clients create value for us, ultimately we also bring them economic returns through advertising. Essentially, we are in an equal relationship.”
“But besides us, the other advertising agencies are eyeing the advertising business of Times Department Store. It’s a major project worth millions annually, and our company takes it very seriously. I’m really worried…”
“Don’t worry. I roughly know the advertising agencies in Xuzhou. The advertising resources they have are limited and it’s hard for them to systematically support the advertising needs of Times Department Store. Manager Lin is a sensible person—he won’t gamble with his career prospects. You know that the annual advertising budget for a department store is astronomical. If the advertising results are poor, it’s considered a serious dereliction of duty for the planning manager.”
Xiaoyun was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly reassured.
I continued to comfort her, “Don’t worry. I worked at a department store for three years and I understand their advertising needs inside out. The reason I was assertive just now was to prevent them from pressuring us too much on the advertising price. Also, an advertising agency must maintain its own personality. There’s no need to lower ourselves too much in front of clients. Advertisers are proud because we create value with creativity!”
Xiaoyun finally smiled and said, “Perhaps your understanding is deeper. But just now, you really showed strong leadership qualities—calm under pressure, in control of the situation… very charming!”
“I’m flattered. Wait until we actually secure the advertising business from Times Department Store before you praise me.”
“You sound so confident. I believe you’ll make it!”
“Your trust satisfies my vanity as a man. You’re a great girlfriend!” I praised.
Xiaoyun’s expression finally showed a bit of shyness as she said, “We’re just getting along—we haven’t officially become a couple yet.”
“That’s easy. Just pull the car over now and we’ll share a passionate kiss—then our relationship will instantly elevate!” I joked.
“It’s work hours now. Let’s save your ‘passionate kiss’ for later,” Xiaoyun replied shyly.
…
Back at the company, I immediately went to the HR department to complete my personal registration and finalize my salary package. My monthly salary at Ousen Advertising was set at 6,500 RMB, excluding benefits and commissions. Although this salary was slightly lower than what I earned at Baoli Department Store, it was enough for me to live comfortably in this city for now, especially since I no longer had the burden of renting a place.
That evening after work, I treated Xiaoyun and the planning department colleagues to dinner. By the time I got home, it was already late at night, but I didn’t feel tired at all because my anticipation for the future had overshadowed my fatigue.
Only then did I realize how good people are at creating their own worries. If I had returned to Xuzhou two years earlier, perhaps I wouldn’t have endured so much pain based on illusions. A sense of regret welled up inside me, and this feeling made me realize that I was gradually forgetting Jian Wei, forgetting that once deeply felt love.
In fact, when you decide to let go of love, it turns out to be nothing much—so fragile, easily blown away by a gust of wind, vanishing into thin air…
After washing up, I turned on my computer and began studying some of the past planning cases from Ousen Advertising’s planning department to help me quickly adapt to my new job.
Lighting a cigarette and pouring a cup of tea, the night grew deeper, yet I was completely immersed in my work. It wasn’t until my phone rang that I snapped out of it. I picked up the phone placed beside the computer and couldn’t help smiling—it was a call from Leyao. We hadn’t been in touch since our last dinner together. I wondered how she had been lately.
I answered the call happily, “Hey, big shot Leyao! Long time no talk!”
Leyao replied with a hint of complaint, “You still remember me? Where have you been enjoying yourself lately?”
“I’ve been back in Xuzhou for quite some time now. Not really ‘enjoying’ per se, but I’m getting by…”
“I’ve been pretty free lately. Most of my scenes have been filmed.”
“Oh, then congratulations in advance on your new drama’s success!”
“I hope so…”
After Leyao finished speaking, we seemed to run out of topics. After a brief silence, I finally said, “Then take this time to relax properly.”
But Leyao didn’t accept my suggestion. She spoke earnestly, “I don’t have time to relax. There’s something I want to discuss with you—I’m thinking about opening a music-themed bar in Suzhou. What do you think?”
“Where are you going to get the money? Opening a bar isn’t a small investment!”
“Don’t worry about that. I have ways to raise the funds. Just help me analyze it.”
“You should focus on your entertainment career. Running a business doesn’t suit you. Your IQ is kind of a problem!” I immediately rejected the idea—not intending to insult Leyao, but she was naturally carefree and would struggle with the complicated details of running a bar.
“Zhaoyang, you jerk! How dare you talk about me like that? So what if my IQ is low? I’ll just eat more brain-health supplements!”
“Not even brain diamonds would help. I suggest you give up the idea of starting a business. The bar industry is complicated, with many things to manage. And you still have to act—you won’t have enough time or energy to handle it all.”
Leyao fell silent, seemingly convinced by my words.
I pressed on, “Listen to me—put the idea of opening a bar aside for now. If you really have the capital and connections in the future, you can open one then.”
Before I could finish, Leyao retorted, “CC opened a music-themed restaurant. Why can’t I open a music-themed bar?”
“CC smokes and drinks too. Can you do that?”
Leyao was speechless for a moment, then finally said, “I was just asking for your opinion. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Tell me, what have you been up to lately? Are you working now?”
“Me? I’m doing great. I just finalized my job today, so I can settle down in Xuzhou now.” I said casually.
“Oh,” Leyao replied, then after a short pause, she asked, “Got a girlfriend yet?”
“You guess.”
She was silent again. I couldn’t help thinking that her IQ really wasn’t great. It wasn’t a complicated geometry problem—there were only two possible answers: yes or no. Why did she need so long to think about it?
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