ABT Chapter 0047: Bold Advertising
"Without being the head of the household, one does not know the high cost of firewood and rice; without having children, one does not know the kindness of parents." At this moment, this was probably the sentence that best summarized Li Fanyu's mood.
Pan Qiang had brought everyone and stood in two rows outside the workshop, totaling twenty-five people including Pan Qiang himself.
These people were dressed differently; some wore outdated sportswear, some wore old faded jeans, and some simply wore work uniforms. However, you wouldn't dare to look down on them because of what they wore.
Li Fanyu looked at the neatly standing rows of people and even felt like giving them weapons to go conquer the White House in Washington. But the problem that followed was that these people just brought their bedding rolls and moved directly into the workshop. They didn't have a place to stay.
Helplessly, Li Fanyu rented houses nearby for them and paid the deposit. Watching a group of big men silly smoking together, Li Fanyu covered his face and pulled Pan Qiang over, handing him ten thousand yuan.
Anyway, they were his employees now, so he couldn't let them suffer too much. Pan Qiang declined several times, but after Li Fanyu explained that it was an advance on their wages, he finally accepted the money.
With everything settled, Li Fanyu and Pan Qiang discussed the issues regarding the opening.
One was the necessary tools and equipment, another was stocking up on some second-hand cars in good condition for market opening, then there was some necessary renovation for the company, and lastly, there was the issue of advertising before the opening.
The necessary tools and equipment were already available in X Workshop, and they were much better than those on the market, saving money.
Renovation could be outsourced, which wouldn't cost much.
As for second-hand cars, well, for Li Fanyu, this was not a problem at all. He directly instructed Pan Qiang to go to other used car dealerships or even neighboring cities to find some new car models in poor condition. Under Pan Qiang's disdainful gaze, they used X Workshop's equipment and tools to directly repair the scrap cars into eighty percent new quality!
This move astonished Pan Qiang. Even though X Workshop's technology had been castrated and restricted, it still seemed too sci-fi to ordinary people.
Li Fanyu knew his surprise and shrugged, saying, "You have your secrets, I have things I can't tell outsiders. Our cooperation will definitely be pleasant."
Pan Qiang was relieved and instructed everyone after returning to the dormitory: "Just focus on working, don't ask anything, and don't reveal anything to outsiders. Just like the confidentiality agreement requires."
Now, the only thing left in front of Li Fanyu was the matter of advertising.
After visiting several advertising companies, according to Li Fanyu's requirements, the prices they quoted were sky-high. It made him feel like finding two lion dance teams and parading around for two days was better.
Over a million, might as well hire some internet water army for online promotion.
Wait a minute! Online? We have acquaintances on Pinche.com!
Thinking of this, Li Fanyu quickly called Wang Dazui.
After explaining his intentions, Wang Dazui joked, "Brother, advertising on Pinche.com also costs money, and the prices aren't lower than outside."
Li Fanyu looked helpless, "Seeing as we've gone through thick and thin together, can you give me a discount?"
Wang Dazui laughed and scolded, "You've bought so many luxury cars, are you still short on money? Don't pretend to be poor with me. But seriously, why don't you promote it on your Weibo? Having over a million followers, the effect wouldn't be bad."
What? I still have a Weibo account? Li Fanyu racked his brains for a while before smacking his forehead. After finishing the special effects for "Emergency Crisis", Ma Rao did indeed say he had set up a Weibo account for him for promotion purposes for the movie. But the problem was, he only knew about this matter himself, and the account was applied for by people from the crew.
So after thanking Wang Dazui, Li Fanyu called Ma Rao's phone.
It sounded very noisy on Ma Rao's end, apparently he was participating in some activity. But when he received Li Fanyu's call, he was still happy to chat.
"You little brat, once you've received money, you don't recognize people anymore, right? It's been so long, and you haven't thought to give me a call? Let me guess, you must have something to ask me for, right?"
Li Fanyu chuckled and said, "You're always so busy, appearing on TV every day, going here and there. I didn't want to disturb you."
"Don't give me that nonsense. Just tell me what you need today," Ma Rao replied.
Li Fanyu explained, "Recently, I opened a company for car repairs and used cars. I thought of using the Weibo account you set up for me earlier for promotion. Would that be convenient for you?"
After all, the Weibo account was set up for promotional purposes by the production company, and he hadn't been involved at all, nor had he spent a penny. Now borrowing it, Li Fanyu felt a bit embarrassed.
On the other end, Ma Rao exclaimed, "I thought it was something big! I'll have my assistant handle it for you."
Moved by Ma Rao's gesture, Li Fanyu repeatedly thanked him before hanging up the phone.
At the event, Ma Rao was in a good mood, and it was all thanks to Li Fanyu.
The trailer for "Emergency Crisis" had been widely spread through various channels, but Ha Lu's recent bad reputation meant he hadn't contributed much to the publicity. Among the feedback received, aside from the stunning performance by Zhou Qingyu, the most talked-about highlights were concentrated on the special effects.
Clearly, under Li Fanyu's direction, the extremely realistic car stunts and thrilling scenes had won the praise and discussion of movie fans.
According to current word of mouth and attention, "Emergency Crisis" could be said to be hot even before its release. At the very least, surpassing the box office of Ma Rao's previous films was almost certain.
To outsiders, the director's role was that of the helm of a movie, with the final say. In reality, Ma Rao had his concerns, as many things weren't solely his decision, such as Ha Lu's casting, which was a compromise between the production company and the investors.
But fortunately, the two decisions he made himself were absolutely correct.
He had chosen Zhou Qingyu, and he had discovered Li Fanyu. These two highlights in the film were both brought about by him. This sense of achievement had been rare for him since he became famous.
Thinking of this, Ma Rao couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.
After the event, Ma Rao called his assistant over and handed him a note. Pointing his index finger, he said slowly and deliberately, "Find someone to shoot a promotional video for this company. After it's done, post it on Weibo and promote it through our channels. Remember, don't just brush it off. Understand?"
The assistant straightened up and nodded solemnly, "Director Ma, I understand. I'll make sure to handle it properly!"
So the assistant personally led a professional filming team to Li Fanyu's place and spent three or four days bustling about.
Finally, a video was produced that was comparable to a movie trailer, portraying the nascent company in all its grandeur.
On Weibo, Ma Rao reposted it immediately.
—"Tiancheng City's Zhengxin Automobile Company officially opened on September 4th, started by my little friend. Professionalism goes without saying, and integrity is unquestionable. I asked him how he came up with the company name, and this kid replied: my mom taught me since I was a child that one must be upright and honest in life, hence the company is named Zhengxin. I wouldn't believe it if someone else said it, but coming from him, it must be true. Without further ado, if Tiancheng City needs car repairs or wants to buy used cars, look no further."
Bread Brother also reposted it on Weibo multiple times at the same time.
—"Tiancheng City's Zhengxin Automobile, September 4th, presents you with a non-crisis speed."
Well, advertising and promoting the movie at the same time.
Later on, Zhou Qingyu's Weibo also reposted it, with a mysterious message attached that left fans puzzled.
—"Hmm... Missing your home-cooked meals. @Tiancheng City's Zhengxin Automobile."
Netizens were puzzled for a moment. With so many celebrities promoting it, what exactly was this Zhengxin Automobile in Tiancheng City all about?
In addition to car repairs and used cars, did they also do catering?
Hmm, on September 4th, they had to go check it out!
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