27: Chapter 27 Endorsement Fee

Manager Huo already knew Fang Yu was extraordinary. A vocational college student capable of Micro-consummation should have no problem obtaining a spot in the junior college-to-bachelor program, even without Awakening a Void Star Constellation.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have intentionally given extra compensation back then.

However...

Securing a spot in the upgrade program was a completely different concept from securing an Earth Contract... Manager Huo had also graduated from Huguang Martial Arts University, though the university had changed drastically over the decades.

The difficulty of securing an Earth Contract had decreased significantly compared to when he was at the university.

Yet Manager Huo roughly knew that nowadays, only about one percent of undergraduate students could secure an Earth Contract... How could a student who was at a vocational college until recently accomplish this?

"Did he awaken a Star Phase?" Manager Huo couldn't help but ask.

That was the only possibility he could think of.

"You're asking me? Who should I ask?"

"That Fang Yu isn't answering his phone at all right now." Senior Brother Dong Xin shook his head and said, "I'm not entirely sure whether he secured an Earth Contract—after all, that's Huguang Martial Arts University's business. But I just checked, and he is a 'Direct-Pass Student' from this graduating class at Wuling Martial Arts College."

"In the past, over half of the Direct-Pass Students managed to secure Earth Contracts. That's why I said he presumably got one."

"A Direct-Pass Student?" Manager Huo's eyelids twitched as he asked, "And how does that involve us? Why would the General Manager care about such a minor matter?"

"Hmph!"

"The university professor leading the team this time is the General Manager's martial sister; the two of them were just on the phone," Senior Brother Dong Xin said coldly. "Somehow, Fang Yu came up in conversation, and the General Manager became very interested. He's planning to invite Fang Yu to dinner to see if they can sign a contract with him in advance so he can join our Tieshan Martial Arts Club after graduation."

"Seeing that I couldn't hide it, I had to admit that I knew Fang Yu and had even recommended him to join our club."

"When General Manager Yan found out that Fang Yu had resigned from our club, he gave me a harsh scolding, saying I was incompetent and should have signed a training agreement with him first." Senior Brother Dong Xin shook his head. "Only after I explained that Fang Yu resigned on his own initiative did the General Manager temporarily drop the matter."

"Manager Huo."

"I took the blame for you."

"However, judging by the General Manager's intention, he still plans to meet Fang Yu. You must tell me, was there really a problem with the delay in Fang Yu's application for full employment back then?" Senior Brother Dong Xin stared at Huo Yun.

Huo Yun felt a chill down his spine as he listened.

"No."

"Absolutely not," Huo Yun said immediately. "The delay in his application for full employment was my mistake, but since he was going to upgrade to a bachelor's program, he couldn't have become a regular employee anyway. Besides, when he resigned, I gave him extra compensation, and he had no objections at the time."

"I hope what you're saying is true. The General Manager wants me over immediately, so I don't have time to chatter with you," Senior Brother Dong Xin said coldly. "One last warning: if something really did happen between you and Fang Yu, you'd better deal with it immediately. I don't want Fang Yu bringing up anything bad when he meets the General Manager."

"When that happens, I'll just get reprimanded, but you'll be in serious trouble."

With that, Senior Brother Dong Xin hung up the phone.

Leaving Huo Yun with his mind in turmoil.

However, he reacted extremely quickly, immediately calling Fang Yu, but the other party didn't answer at all.

Huo Yun calmed down and dialed another number: "Director Niu, I need to consult you about something. Your school is holding the upgrade exam today, right? I wanted to ask if there's a student named Fang Yu... A Direct-Pass Student? It's already spread through your teachers' chat group? This time, Huguang Martial Arts University sent an associate professor to lead the team? All right, all right, sorry to trouble you. I'll treat you to dinner next time."

He hung up the phone.

At this moment, Huo Yun already believed eighty percent of what Senior Brother Dong Xin had said.

Soon.

Huo Yun called Supervisor Gao over and quickly recounted what had just happened. The rapid series of turns left Supervisor Gao stunned.

"An Earth Contract?"

"A Direct-Pass Student? If I had known earlier, I would have eliminated this menace in advance." A flash of ruthlessness glinted in Supervisor Gao's eyes.

"Old Gao, can you calm down? Don't shout about taking action over every little thing; it hasn't reached that point yet," Manager Huo frowned and said. "Besides, isn't it too late to be talking such nonsense now?"

"Then what should we do?" Supervisor Gao asked, frowning.

"Fang Yu is indeed a Direct-Pass Student—that has been confirmed."

"He most likely awakened a Star Phase, and it's very likely an Intermediate Astral Constellation. What Senior Brother Dong Xin said should be true," Huo Yun said thoughtfully. "Right now, it's uncertain whether he knows about our affair... But back then, delaying his application for full employment was indeed intentional on my part."

"At worst, we'll just get chewed out," Supervisor Gao said dissatisfiedly. "Besides, would the General Manager really care about him? Even if he's likely to sign an Earth Contract—or even if he definitely signs one—it doesn't guarantee he'll become an Earth Martial Artist."

"The General Manager is an Earth Martial Artist, after all."

Supervisor Gao didn't really care in his heart; an Earth Contract merely represented a hope of becoming an Earth Martial Artist. Throughout the history of Huguang Martial Arts University, countless Martial Artists had secured Earth Contracts.

"No!"

"It's not Fang Yu I'm worried about."

"We all know General Manager Yan just took office, and a new official always sets three fires. Out of nearly twenty branches in the entire city, he hasn't paid much attention to us yet," Huo Yun said slowly. "If they don't have dinner or meet, that would naturally be best."

"But if they eat together and mention us, drawing General Manager Yan's attention even slightly, he might use us as an example. If the city headquarters investigates, even if we don't die, we'll lose a layer of skin."

Supervisor Gao was startled in his heart.

Right!

General Manager Yan had just taken office and needed to make an example of someone. Who would be chosen as that example was very delicate.

"And looking at it from another angle..."

"If Fang Yu meets with the General Manager and is willing to put in a good word for us, it might actually be an opportunity," Huo Yun said softly.

Supervisor Gao's eyes lit up.

But right after, he frowned and asked, "Why would Fang Yu speak on our behalf?"

"Let's give it a try," Huo Yun said. "After all, Fang Yu is still just a vocational college student; he shouldn't be too greedy."

"How much should we offer?" Supervisor Gao asked.

"200,000 to 500,000," Huo Yun said. "It depends on his attitude."

A hint of hesitation flashed in Supervisor Gao's eyes; that sum was not small.

To just give it away for nothing?

"It's not just paying him to put in a good word, but also building goodwill," Huo Yun said slowly. "If he truly becomes an Earth Martial Artist in the future, at least we won't have formed a grudge."

"All right."

...

Wuling City Martial Arts College.

Inside the room.

"Senior Brother Dong is really ruthless. General Manager Yan? I don't know him at all." Fang Yu looked at the message quickly sent by Senior Brother Dong Xin, which included a few notes.

Don't admit, don't deny, don't refuse.

Looking at the messages sent by Huo Yun, Fang Yu understood... the fish had taken the bait.

He waited for another ten-plus minutes.

Fang Yu returned Huo Yun's video call. It was connected quickly, and Huo Yun's figure appeared on the screen: "Brother Fang Yu, congratulations! You actually secured a direct-pass spot in the upgrade exam—this is wonderful news!"

"Manager Huo is certainly well-informed," Fang Yu smiled and said.

"I only found out after Manager Dong told me," Huo Yun said with emotion. "I knew long ago that Brother Fang Yu was a talent, but securing an Earth Contract from Huguang Martial Arts University now is truly soaring to success."

"Manager Huo flatters me," Fang Yu smiled. "The Earth Contract isn't a done deal yet; Associate Professor Tang and the others still need to report it to the university before a final decision can be made."

"Haha, with your talent, Brother Fang, it will definitely succeed," Manager Huo laughed. "I wonder if you're free tonight, Brother Fang? How about having dinner together?"

"Manager Huo."

"I have to go home tonight; my dad and the family are waiting for me," Fang Yu directly declined. "As for tomorrow, Manager Dong just called me to say we're having lunch, and tomorrow night... I've already promised a friend; General Manager Wang from Shengchuan Group is treating."

"The day after tomorrow, I leave for Huguang Martial Arts University."

"My schedule is tight, so I'm sorry, Manager Huo," Fang Yu said apologetically.

"Haha, it's fine, we'll wait until you return from Huguang Martial Arts University," Huo Yun chuckled and said. "It's rare for an employee who stepped out of our Xinjiekou Branch to be as outstanding as you..."

"Manager Huo, I need to Cultivate shortly," Fang Yu decisively interrupted him. "If there's anything, please just speak directly."

"Right, right, cultivation comes first."

"Then I'll get straight to the point," Manager Huo sighed softly. "Tomorrow's lunch is very likely hosted by our club's municipal General Manager..."

"So that's how it is," Fang Yu said with an air of sudden realization, smiling. "Rest assured, Manager Huo. If General Manager Yan asks, I will definitely tell the truth and won't add fuel to the fire."

Huo Yun's heart skipped a beat.

Won't add fuel to the fire? That means he definitely will!

"Haha."

"Then thank you very much, Brother Fang," Manager Huo smiled apologetically and said. "However, if there's an opportunity, I still hope you could speak a few good words on my behalf."

"Haha," Fang Yu chuckled softly.

"Rest assured, Brother Fang, I won't let you help for nothing," Manager Huo offered proactively.

"Manager Huo, I'm not asking you for benefits," Fang Yu shook his head.

"I understand," Manager Huo smiled and said. "It's just that our Xinjiekou Branch happens to lack a local 'inspirational comeback spokesperson.' I feel your experience is extremely fitting, a truly unique choice. The endorsement fee is 200,000 a year."

"Is this appropriate?" A hint of 'hesitation' flashed across Fang Yu's face. "Besides, Associate Professor Tang mentioned before leaving that I shouldn't take on minor ads carelessly, especially exclusive ads, as it might limit my future."

Manager Huo's eyelids twitched; he was complaining about the money being too little.

"Haha, rest assured, it's only exclusive to Wuling City and only for a period of one year. This is the basic requirement for our branch signing local spokespersons," Manager Huo said with a smile. "Whether to renew after one year is entirely up to you. Furthermore, you don't need to appear in person for events; just providing a photo is enough."

"Besides, I've given it some thought."

"You will certainly become even more outstanding in the future. I'll make the call: how about an endorsement fee of 400,000 after taxes?" Manager Huo asked with a smile.

Fang Yu knew it was time to quit while he was ahead.

Under normal circumstances, a vocational college student like him, even if he became a student at Huguang Martial Arts University, would have little fame and no chance of becoming a spokesperson.

400,000?

That was about right.

After all, the fact that he hadn't actually obtained the Earth Contract would be discovered by the other party sooner or later.

"All right," Fang Yu nodded. "But I won't be staying in Wuling City for long..."

"Haha, rest assured, Brother Fang. I'll send you an electronic contract right now, and you can sign it electronically on the 'Martial Artist Contract Platform,'" Manager Huo said. "Once signed, I'll have accounting process it immediately. If fast, the funds can arrive tonight."

Regarding contracts and endorsements related to Martial Artists, the Blue Moon Alliance attached immense importance to them and had a dedicated platform APP for review.

"Mm."

"Manager Huo is wholeheartedly devoted to the branch, working hard and doing overtime year-round," Fang Yu smiled and said. "I remember it all, and if I get the chance to meet General Manager Yan, I will definitely report it truthfully."

"Haha, good, reporting truthfully is good," Manager Huo chuckled and said.

Both sides understood each other tacitly.

Soon enough.

The two signed the endorsement contract.

...

Having finished everything, Fang Yu called Senior Brother Dong Xin back and recounted the entire affair from start to finish.

"An endorsement?"

"That old guy is truly sly, using company funds to handle his personal affairs as expected," Senior Brother Dong Xin sneered. "Junior Brother, feel free to take the money... With your strength and background, securing this contract is still justifiable."

Fang Yu nodded.

"Just justifiable"... In other words, under normal circumstances, they wouldn't sign him.

"As for General Manager Yan, I will find an opportunity to mention you to him today to complete the loop," Senior Brother Dong Xin said. "As for everything else, just act like you know nothing about it and continue to Cultivate with peace of mind."

"Becoming a Senior Martial Artist as soon as possible is the right path," Senior Brother Dong Xin encouraged.

"Understood."

...

Having arranged everything, Fang Yu didn't rush home. Instead, he spent over an hour cultivating in the public martial arts hall on the second floor of the dormitory... before setting off on his way home.

On the way.

"Dad, you said yesterday that you'd be back tonight. Are you home?"

"I'll be home in ten minutes."