Top Dupe CH 061 Pinnacle Sports Part 2

He saw Wang Dachuan, wearing a T-shirt with the word “Pinnacle” on it, smiling as he approached Gu Xiaowei.

“Hello, Teacher Gu! I didn’t expect to see you here. It seems you also enjoy outdoor sports!” Wang Dachuan said with a smile.

“Not bad, I prefer hiking and rock climbing. Your climbing shoes are very comfortable,” Gu Xiaowei said.

Seeing this, He Mu sneered. Which brand wouldn’t want to have Gu Xiaowei as their endorser? Even the two global sports giants had contacted him, but Gu Xiaowei wasn’t interested. So Wang Dachuan’s efforts with Gu Xiaowei were in vain—waiting for a cold shoulder!

Wang Dachuan, hearing Gu Xiaowei praise their shoes for being comfortable, was beaming with joy. “Thank you, Teacher Gu, for the compliment. We now have more motivation to work hard. I just don’t know if it’s convenient for you to… um…”

The people around thought Wang Dachuan wanted to get Gu Xiaowei to endorse their brand and admired his courage, predicting he would be rejected.

“If it’s convenient, could you introduce me to Luo Yu? I just saw his performance and think his temperament and image are excellent. He has a man’s toughness and decisiveness, as well as a gentle and accommodating quality that attracts women. Since you seem quite familiar with Luo Yu, I’d like to get closer.”

Gu Xiaowei tilted his body and raised his hand to indicate Sister Cui’s direction, “Mr. Wang, this is Luo Yu’s agent, Ms. Cui Zhuxin. If you need anything, you can discuss it with her.”

Wang Dachuan immediately turned to Sister Cui, his face full of smiles, “Hello, Ms. Cui! I’m Wang Dachuan, the Marketing Director at Pinnacle Sports! I’d like to ask if Luo Yu has any endorsements with sports brands?”

Sister Cui’s heart nearly jumped out of her throat. Pinnacle Sports is one of the top three domestic sports brands. What does it mean to ask about endorsements? Isn’t their endorser… He Mu?

“Currently, Luo Yu does not have any endorsements with sports brands. However, he has always liked Pinnacle Sports. The running shoes he’s wearing today seem to be from your Dazzling series. A few days ago, he also mentioned that Pinnacle’s shoes are getting better looking, and their shock absorption and bounce performance are excellent.”

“Yes, yes! I noticed that too! Since Luo Yu likes our running shoes, if it’s convenient, can we discuss it after the show?” Wang Dachuan said, taking out his business card and handing it to Sister Cui.

“Of course. If convenient, let’s add each other on WeChat?” Sister Cui promptly took the opportunity to add the contact information.

“Definitely, I’ll scan you!”

Watching Wang Dachuan and Cui Zhuxin exchanging WeChat details, He Mu’s heart raced.

What does Wang Dachuan mean? Their endorsement isn’t over yet! He’s already eyeing the next opportunity?

After exchanging WeChat details, Wang Dachuan asked again, “I wonder what size shoes Luo Yu wears? Our National Style series has a new design that he could try on!”

“Sure! He’ll definitely be happy!” Sister Cui provided Luo Yu’s shoe size.

“Great, let’s schedule a time on WeChat! Since we’re here, we should have some pig stomach and chicken! I’ll treat you to the best place! Teacher Gu, would you join us?” Wang Dachuan asked.

“Then I’ll trouble Mr. Wang.” Gu Xiaowei responded.

After a few more pleasantries, Wang Dachuan returned to He Mu’s side.

He Mu was irritated but couldn’t help wanting to know what Wang Dachuan and Cui Zhuxin had discussed, so he gave a signal to his assistant.

The assistant quickly stepped forward and handed Wang Dachuan a bottle of mineral water. “Mr. Wang, where have you been? We heard you came and we were looking for you everywhere. Would you like to have dinner together tonight?”

Wang Dachuan smiled and said, “Didn’t I see Teacher Gu? Of course, I needed to have a chat with him! By the way, I noticed that Luo Yu was wearing last year's Pinnacle shoes. I just discussed with his agent about having him switch to our latest model.”

The assistant's heart skipped a beat when he heard Luo Yu's name. He glanced at He Mu cautiously, and upon seeing that he didn’t seem to react, he finally relaxed.

Little did he know, to He Mu, Wang Dachuan’s comment about Luo Yu's shoes being outdated seemed like he was embarrassed about the association with Pinnacle Sports. 

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Wang Dachuan mentioned he had something to attend to and left.

He Mu and his assistant exchanged glances. What did Wang Dachuan come for? He didn’t mention the endorsement fee, didn’t take any photos, and even had his agent call to remind him. But nothing happened, and he just left?

When Wang Dachuan returned to his car, his secretary asked in confusion, “Mr. Wang, why did you chat with Luo Yu’s agent for so long? He Mu and Luo Yu are competitors!”

“Competitors are better! If they’re competitors, it’s even better! Whenever He Mu’s team sees us, they’re polite, but do you think they’re sincere in promoting our products? You can’t even find daily shares on his Weibo. We offer such a high endorsement fee to He Mu—but has it increased sales or brand awareness? That money’s been wasted!”

“True. The financial assessment report also feels that hiring He Mu as a spokesperson was a waste of money…”

“The key point is, he doesn’t support our Pinnacle Sports.” Wang Dachuan has devoted his whole life to Pinnacle Sports. To him, this brand is as important as his own child. Which parent doesn’t hope others will like and praise their child?

Today, when he saw Luo Yu wearing their running shoes, he felt a bit favorable toward him. Luo Yu couldn’t possibly know he would come to the shooting site, so this wasn’t a publicity stunt. Moreover, he was wearing last year’s model. If it were a publicity stunt, he would have bought the latest model that just came out.

When he saw Luo Yu leap over the pool and then reach the top of the rock climbing wall with a final bounce on the frog track, completely overshadowing He Mu, this was exactly the kind of spokesperson image Pinnacle Sports wanted.

He sent the clips he had taken to the brand image and public relations departments.

As expected, everyone was asking who this handsome guy was.

Wang Dachuan: [This is Luo Yu! This is a video from the "Burn, Little Cosmos" show! Once this episode airs, he’ll definitely be a hot topic! Moreover, he has two high-quality dramas coming up—"Counterattack" and "Storm"! I also heard staff saying Gu Xiaowei will work with Luo Yu in a movie!]

[Mr. Wang, the movie Gu Xiaowei is going to make should be "Beast and Rose," right? The rumors say He Mu is supposed to play that forensic assistant, though?]

Mr. Wang: [I trust Gu Xiaowei’s judgment more.]

[But isn’t Luo Yu said to be a “He Mu's dupe”? If we abandon He Mu and sign Luo Yu, won’t He Mu’s fans attack us?]

Mr. Wang: [Let them attack! Anyway, don’t He Mu’s fans think we’re not worthy of his status? I’ve seen Luo Yu with my own eyes; I have a feeling he’s going to become popular. And Jiang Yinchuan’s capabilities are unmatched.]

Now, He Mu’s fans dare to call Luo Yu a dupe, but once those two TV dramas air, it will be hard to say who’s the dupe and who's the original!

[I agree with Mr. Wang’s view. I’ll start a background check on Luo Yu right now.]

Luo Yu had no idea what Wang Dachuan and Sister Cui talked about.

He stood by the pool, re-shooting the scene as directed.

Jiang Muxing and Li Shengyu wanted to move closer to watch, but the director required that the scene stay the same as before, so everyone had to stay far away.

Even Liu Songtao and Mick were quite interested, standing on higher ground with Jiang Muxing and Li Shengyu. He Mu, not wanting to seem out of place, could only join them.

However, He Mu didn’t believe Luo Yu could replicate the same moves.

The director shouted, “One! Two! Three!”

Luo Yu stepped back and then suddenly accelerated, pushing off the edge of the pool, leaping into the air.

“Oh—”

There were exclamations around as Luo Yu darted across the water like a bird in flight, suddenly grabbing the rope above the large ball in the middle, smoothly swinging to the other side and landing steadily.

“If he were to shoot a martial arts film or action scene, he wouldn’t need a stunt double,” the director remarked quietly.

Liu Songtao, watching from above, envied, “He’s really impressive and youthful… If this airs, he’ll definitely captivate many young girls.”

Jiang Muxing couldn’t stop nodding, “Yes! Absolutely! Even I think it’s amazing.”

Li Shengyu and Mick exchanged glances and then looked at He Mu. As expected, He Mu’s face looked displeased.

The director announced, “Okay! Others, let’s reshoot a few more scenes!”

He Mu thought the director was referring to him, but it turned out the director was calling Jiang Muxing.

Jiang Muxing had not been outstanding in previous episodes, with no memorable lines to amuse the audience. He was good at songwriting and singing, but these talents didn’t come through in the show, reducing him to a mere background character aside from his endearing airhead persona. But the audience was quickly growing weary of his cluelessness.

Yet, this episode, the director gave him additional shots.

“Looks like this episode will make Jiang Muxing very popular with the audience,” Mick said, moving closer to Li Shengyu.

Although they were from different camps, they surprisingly felt a bit of mutual sympathy for some unspoken reason.

Li Shengyu nodded, “Indeed. The contrast in his image and the audience’s sense of excitement and reversal will be a highlight.”

He Mu was taken aback, looking at these two who seemed completely at ease with each other, feeling a strange mix of emotions.

His admirers were being stolen by Luo Yu, his teammates were also fond of Luo Yu, and even the brand he endorsed sent shoes to Luo Yu.

Everything he had… seemed to be slowly flowing towards Luo Yu.

After finishing the reshoots, Luo Yu went over to Gu Xiaowei and patted his shoulder, “How was my jump just now?”

Gu Xiaowei smiled lightly, “Very impressive. Once this show airs, you’ll no longer be able to play eunuchs.”

“Why?”

“You’re too handsome and heroic. But playing an embroidered uniform guard should be easy; I should strive to play an emperor.”

Luo Yu laughed, “If I were you, I wouldn’t play the emperor.”

“Then what should I play?” Gu Xiaowei turned to look at him.

“You should play a role that can confront the embroidered uniform guards. Although your image fits that of an upright official, I always think remaining upright also requires skill. An upright official who is eloquent and persuasive is also great. One who can build good relations with the emperor and make harsh advice sound pleasant, achieving more with less effort. And one who can maneuver with the embroidered uniform guards overseeing officials. Such a smart, loyal minister, when will you challenge this role?” Luo Yu blinked at him playfully.

A speck of dust was caught at the corner of his eye, floating up and down with each blink, like a small red bean floating on a calm lake. Gu Xiaowei’s hand reached out, his fingertip lightly brushing the corner of Luo Yu’s eye, and the small speck of dust ended up on Gu Xiaowei’s fingertip.

“Then I’ll have to talk to Screenwriter Hua. He’s been wracking his brains to write a eunuch character with a grand vision that fits your handsome image to fulfill his promise to you.”

“Cough, cough…” Luo Yu didn’t expect Screenwriter Hua to be so particular.

“The upright official with both cunning and pure integrity is the hardest to write,” Gu Xiaowei said with a smile.

At this moment, Sister Cui came over with a shoebox, “Here, here, the latest model from Pinnacle Sports! The general manager of their marketing personally sent it to you. Try it on!”

“Pinnacle Sports?” Luo Yu bent down, opened the shoebox, “Oh, this latest model is quite good-looking. The ink painting elements, very Chinese style!”

Saying that, Luo Yu put on the new shoes and jumped on the spot.

“These shoe soles are really nice!”

Gu Xiaowei stepped back with his phone and captured Luo Yu in mid-air, his body extended, legs enviably long.

It also gave the new Pinnacle Sports running shoes a fashionable look.

Gu Xiaowei forwarded the photo to Sister Cui.

As soon as Sister Cui opened it, she had a thought. They hadn’t confirmed Pinnacle Sports’ thinking yet, so she couldn’t overtly praise them.

But this photo was dynamic and naturally handsome.

Sister Cui posted the photo on Weibo, captioning it [Burn, Little Cosmos].

The implication was that the photo was taken during the recording of the variety show, with no mention of Pinnacle Sports.

Although Luo Yu’s fanbase wasn’t large, they were very active. Fans commented on how handsome their gege looked and some smart fans asked, “Is this the work of Teacher Gu’s photography 3.0?”

This time, Gu Xiaowei was more restrained, not forwarding it but just liking it. The fans were even more excited.

In less than a minute, fans noticed.

[Luo Yu’s shoes look great! Is it ink painting?]

[It’s Pinnacle Sports’ new model! And it’s not expensive!]

[I’m going to buy a pair! Burning the little cosmos with Luo Yu!]

Pinnacle Sports’ official online store didn’t understand what was happening, but hundreds of pairs of those ink painting running shoes were sold.

Although this sales volume was insignificant compared to Pinnacle Sports' annual performance, Luo Yu’s fanbase was smaller than He Mu’s. If a single photo could generate this much sales without directly mentioning their brand, how impactful could it be if he really became their spokesperson?

Wang Dachuan secretly rejoiced, already planning to choose Luo Yu as the brand spokesperson as long as the background check went well!