Chapter 0311: The Spokesperson

Zhao Fusheng wasn't actually fooling Fan Baobao; her fame was indeed not low.

For instance, when they walked down the street, it was fine in winter when everyone wore more clothes and covered up, but in autumn, when Zhao Fusheng and Fan Baobao were shopping in Beijing, people did come up to ask if she was the 'Qingzui Girl' from TV.

At that time, the internet wasn't developed, and people had few ways to recognize celebrities; the small screen was mainstream. Even movie stars weren't as famous as TV drama stars.

So when Fan Baobao appeared at Wanda Mall in beautiful clothes, the entire mall was abuzz.

"Fusheng, how did you get Baobao to come?" Li Yuan called Zhao Fusheng directly, genuinely startled.

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "What, Auntie, is the mall particularly lively?"

Li Yuan nodded: "Lively, yes, but what do we do?"

For them, they had never thought a celebrity would come to their mall. Although Fan Baobao was now a minor celebrity, the problem was that she was their own child, and no one treated her like a celebrity.

"Simple: spend over two thousand yuan in one purchase for a photo op. Spend two hundred yuan to enter a lottery for a signed photo." Zhao Fusheng smiled and said casually, "The lottery has limited spots, only three hundred signed photos."

"Ah?"

Li Yuan was dumbfounded: "That works?"

Zhao Fusheng shrugged: "Why not? Have Fan Baobao sign on the spot and hang up the photos. She's free anyway."

If Fan Baobao heard that, she'd definitely want to punch Zhao Fusheng. Two hundred signed photos, even if she only wrote her name and New Year wishes, was still a considerable number.

Moreover, she'd have to stand there like a mascot, shaking hands and taking photos.

After all, it was Spring Festival. Two thousand yuan sounded like a lot, but some people could still afford it, and there shouldn't be too few.

"Isn't that too many? Two hundred photos, how long will Baobao have to sign?" Li Yuan said with some心疼, after all, she was her own daughter, and she couldn't bear to let her work too hard.

Zhao Fusheng replied: "Auntie, think about it: two hundred yuan for a lottery, even with a one-in-three chance, that's five or six hundred people participating, driving at least a hundred thousand yuan in sales, maybe more..."

"Baobao would be very happy to know she can help the family earn so much money," Zhao Fusheng said softly.

Li Yuan was stunned for a moment, then understood what Zhao Fusheng meant.

All along, apart from shooting the Runshengyuan Qingzui Lozenge ad, Fan Baobao hadn't earned any money. For someone proud and sensitive, though she didn't say it, she always felt indebted to the Zhao family, her mother, and her sister. That's why she agreed to help at the mall.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, if Fan Baobao had a chance to contribute to the family, she would spare no effort and even be happy, because it would be her first real way of giving back.

Sure enough, when Li Yuan mentioned it to Fan Baobao, the girl immediately got excited.

"Mom, you mean these two hundred photos can attract a lot of people to our mall to shop?" Fan Baobao asked, staring wide-eyed at her mother.

Li Yuan hesitated, looking at Zhao's father, who had just learned about this.

Zhao's father thought for a moment, then nodded: "Barring accidents, it should drive nearly a hundred thousand yuan in sales, not counting those who come specifically for a photo with you."

That was true. Ninghai had few celebrities. During the New Year, spending two hundred yuan for a chance to enter a lottery would make many people who were just buying a few things not mind spending an extra hundred.

So when Zhao's father heard about it from Li Yuan, he was also tempted, but it all depended on Fan Baobao's opinion.

As soon as Fan Baobao heard the figure 'a hundred thousand,' her expression changed completely. She nodded frantically: "Sign, sign, sign! I'll start now. Do we have photos? They should be at home. Have someone get them."

For her, nothing could be more tempting. Though it might be a bit tiring, Fan Baobao wasn't afraid of hard work; she was afraid of not being able to help the family.

Since that was the case, Zhao's father and the others didn't say much. They immediately arranged for someone to get Fan Baobao's photos for copying and hung up banners, since it was a mall event.

Fan Baobao was busy until after nine in the evening before returning.

Zhao Fusheng watched her come in, her face tired, and smiled: "How was it? Exhausted today?"

"Shut up!" Fan Baobao said irritably. "I'm too tired to talk to you."

Zhao Fusheng chuckled: "What, tired from just signing?"

Fan Baobao waved her hand, too lazy to respond. She came over and kissed her sister, startling Fan Beibei because her lips were still cold.

"The event starts tomorrow. Today I just helped carry things and signed," Fan Baobao said wearily, leaning on the sofa. She said to Zhao Fusheng, "Uncle Zhao said if this event goes well, it could boost mall sales by a hundred thousand. Is that true?"

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "That might even be an underestimate. Given your fame, and Ninghai has no notable celebrities, you're one of our hometown's own."

Fan Baobao's eyes lit up: "I see. Then I'm relieved."

Then she looked at Zhao Fusheng strangely: "How do you know so clearly?"

She paused, stood up: "Don't tell me you planned this."

She had found it odd. She knew her mother's abilities too well. Li Yuan was kind but not business-savvy. As for Zhao's parents, they were clearly persuaded by Li Yuan. The three of them coming to her together, asking her to help with promotions—without someone suggesting it, it was unlikely.

Now it seemed that person must be Zhao Fusheng.

Hearing Fan Baobao's words, Zhao Fusheng nodded matter-of-factly: "Of course it was me. Who else could come up with such a clever idea?"

Then he said to Fan Baobao, "Besides, it's our family business. If you don't help, who will?"

Fan Baobao blinked, feeling something was off, but she had to admit Zhao Fusheng's words made perfect sense.

Seeing Fan Baobao's confused look, Zhao Fusheng suppressed his laughter and said with concern, "You look tired. Maybe wash up and go to bed, or you won't have the energy to sign tomorrow."

Fan Baobao was indeed tired. She nodded, picked up Fan Beibei: "Beibei, come on, I'll give you a bath. Let's go to sleep."

But Fan Beibei was reluctant: "No, I want to play with brother."

"Play? Look at the time! Go to bed!" Fan Baobao glared at her sister, then looked up at Zhao Fusheng: "I won't be home for a few days. Don't let Beibei run wild, got it?"

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "Don't worry. Am I that kind of person?"

"Yes!" Fan Baobao nodded unflatteringly.

That was awkward.

Zhao Fusheng touched his nose, indicating that Fan Baobao was really good at undermining him, not leaving him any face.

But Fan Baobao didn't hear his silent protest and carried her sister off to bathe.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head, thought for a moment, went upstairs, and called Li Yuan.

"Auntie, Baobao is home," Zhao Fusheng said to Li Yuan.

After all, they were mother and daughter. Though they didn't say it, Li Yuan was surely worried about whether Fan Baobao had arrived home. It was right to call and let her know.

Li Yuan nodded: "Good. I was thinking of calling you in a bit."

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "It's nothing. Baobao is bathing Beibei. She asked me to call and let you know."

Li Yuan burst out laughing: "You little rascal. I've been Fan Baobao's mother for over twenty years. I know her too well. She's always been careless. There's no way she remembered to have me called."

A bit embarrassed, Zhao Fusheng chuckled without saying anything.

Some things didn't need to be spelled out.