Chapter 229 - 228: A New Partner
As a renowned luxury fashion brand backed by a major corporation, mimniu had no shortage of actresses vying to be its brand ambassador. The marketing manager submitted the files of these candidates.
He assumed one of them would surely be chosen, but to his surprise, every single one was rejected.
"What did the higher-ups say?" the marketing manager asked.
The staff member thought for a moment before replying, "The big boss said that our new collection features simple, modern styles. They’re not suitable for actresses who are too old, but someone too young wouldn’t be able to carry the look either. He specified someone around twenty-three or twenty-four. She has to be beautiful, with expressive, captivating eyes, and fair skin to really make the clothes pop."
The marketing manager who heard these requirements was left speechless: "........."
’Is he picking a brand ambassador or an imperial consort?! The requirements were so specific, right down to the age. This has to be based on a particular person!’
As just another employee, the marketing manager took a deep breath. "Go ask around. See if there are any actresses in the industry who fit this description."
After saying that, he thought for a moment, then called the staff member back. "And focus on those who have just recently become popular."
’The big boss is only speaking up now, so it can’t be some unknown rookie, nor can it be an actress who’s been a big star for ages.’
After a few staff members consulted with their media contacts, they actually managed to find several candidates who fit the bill. The marketing manager then sifted through the list of actresses.
Their ages were all similar, and they were all very beautiful. As for skin tone, it was hard to tell from photos. The only truly useful trait was the "peach blossom eyes." In the end, the marketing manager was torn between two actresses.
Just then, a staff member remembered something and stepped forward. "The big boss also said she needs to have good acting skills."
The marketing manager: "........."
Both of their gazes simultaneously shifted to the left. In the photo, a girl was smiling, her eyes crinkling into crescents. Her pair of peach blossom eyes were clear and bright.
*
"mimniu wants me to be their brand ambassador?" Joanna Kennedy was a little surprised, pausing mid-bite into her peach.
On the other end of the line, Walter Young sounded ecstatic. "Yes, they just contacted me. They feel you’re a perfect fit for their brand’s design philosophy and want you to consider it."
Joanna Kennedy might not have known how prestigious this endorsement was, but as her agent, he knew all too well.
mimniu’s last brand ambassador had been an A-list actress who made an outrageous demand when it came time to renew her contract. Unexpectedly, mimniu didn’t back down and simply dropped her, which was why they were now looking for a new face.
Nearly all the top actresses in the industry had expressed interest, some even wearing mimniu clothes in public to curry favor.
Walter Young had also put her name forward, but he hadn’t gotten his hopes up. After all, Joanna Kennedy’s current standing in the industry still lagged behind some of the other actresses.
He never expected that mimniu would actually choose Joanna Kennedy. How could he not be thrilled?
Walter Young’s excitement was practically palpable through the phone, yet he still left the final decision to her, showing immense respect for her wishes.
There was no reason for Joanna Kennedy to refuse such a great opportunity. Landing a luxury brand endorsement would open the door to the world of high fashion, and it would be nothing but beneficial for her future career prospects.
Two days later, accompanied by Walter Young and Julie, Joanna Kennedy went to the mimniu Company headquarters to sign the contract.
As soon as they entered the company lobby, a staff member greeted them with a wide smile. "Miss Kennedy, my apologies for the delay. The director is in a meeting upstairs. Please, follow me."
"You’re too kind," Joanna Kennedy said, nodding politely. The group entered the elevator, which stopped on the sixth floor.
The elevator doors opened to a conference room with semi-transparent glass walls. Inside, a meeting was in progress, attended by both men and women.
The staff member knocked on the door. The people inside paused, and a sharp, confident-looking woman who was leading the meeting immediately came out, her face all smiles.
The two shook hands politely. Walter Young maintained a professional smile. "Director Lawson, good to see you. I hope we’re not interrupting your meeting?"
"Not at all." The woman, Director Lawson, smiled, her gaze shifting to the girl behind Walter Young. A flash of amazement crossed her eyes. "You must be Miss Kennedy. You’re even more beautiful in person than on television..."
Director Lawson smiled again and shook Joanna Kennedy’s hand. "It’s a pleasure, Miss Kennedy. I’m a fan of your show."
"You’re too kind," Joanna Kennedy replied with a smile, returning the handshake. "The pleasure is all mine."
Though her words were modest, her expression showed no trace of trying to curry favor. Instead, she appeared poised and natural.
This made Director Lawson even more pleased. "Well, let’s not just stand here. If you don’t mind, we can sit and talk in the conference room."
"Of course not," Joanna Kennedy said.
The group sat down. The marketing manager took out the prepared contract, and Director Lawson pushed it in front of Walter Young.
The contract’s terms were crystal clear. Walter Young could tell with a single glance that there were no shady dual clauses or hidden pitfalls. It was fair and just—in fact, it was even slightly biased in Joanna Kennedy’s favor.
Global brand ambassador, a prime one-year contract, and an endorsement fee no lower than that of an A-list actress. They hadn’t tried to lowball her because of her current standing.
Walter Young gave Joanna Kennedy a subtle, encouraging nod.
Watching as Joanna Kennedy signed her name on the contract, Director Lawson collected it. It was made in duplicate, with Walter Young keeping one copy.
"Miss Kennedy, here’s to a pleasant collaboration," Director Lawson said as they both stood up to shake hands.
Joanna Kennedy’s smile was genuine. "To a pleasant collaboration."
Half an hour after the contract was signed, mimniu’s official Weibo account posted a picture with the caption: [A new partner! Reaching new heights together with mimniu!]
The picture was a black silhouette. From the slender figure and long, flowing hair, it was clearly an actress, but it was impossible to tell who.
And so, netizens began to speculate wildly: [Wow, even the silhouette is gorgeous! It must be a stunning beauty!]
[Of course! Would mimniu ever choose someone who isn’t? I just wonder which beauty it is. Could it be Shirley Shepherd?]
[It’s very possible. Shirley Shepherd has been quiet lately, maybe she was in talks with mimniu. Aaaah, is our beloved Shirley getting another luxury endorsement? I’m so excited...]
Shirley Shepherd’s fans chimed in one after another, only to be immediately shot down by another actress’s fanbase.
[Hah, can’t even recognize your own idol? The hair in this silhouette is way longer than Shirley Shepherd’s, okay? This is obviously our Serena.]
Ivy Nash had successfully joined the ranks of A-list actresses at the age of 27 thanks to a fantasy drama, but due to her own limitations, she had received very few fashion endorsements and hadn’t landed a single luxury clothing brand.
She was anxious about it, and her fans were even more so.
[Yeah, yeah! And Serena was wearing mimniu clothes just a few days ago! It was probably to build hype for the endorsement. I definitely think the silhouette looks like Serena.]
As soon as this comment appeared, many fans chimed in to agree.
Shirley Shepherd’s fans retorted indignantly: [The proportions of the person in the silhouette are way better than Ivy Nash’s. You can get hair extensions, but you can’t change your body proportions.]