Chapter 269 - Sponsorship Proposal

Their line suddenly became a prolonged dead air. Manager Lan was too stunned that she had to take several minutes to manage her composure. But, Sofia knew that such silence between them was more than enough to secure a positive reaction from the manager. 

After a few more minutes, she decided to break the dead air. "Well, Manager Lan, what do you think? In this generation, teens do not seek comfort. What they want is the freedom to express themselves. Since they are your target customer, I recommend you to adapt my suggestion." 

"Hmmn, we have never really taken the perspective of your concept. I must say, after careful thought, it does have a better impact. Since you will be the endorser of the products, I will agree to this and update the details here. I appreciate you sharing these ideas with me. Thank you," Manager Lan finally said. 

Even if she felt slightly offended by Sofia's comments, she could not deny the fact that her suggestions would really be useful to their company. She had been in the business industry for so long that it would be outrageous for her if she would reject Sofia's idea. Personal emotions must not affect her interest in the business. "I must say, you do have the knowledge and better understanding than most of my staff! If there is a chance, I would like to meet you, Miss Sofia," Manager Lan praised.

"Thank you! That's good to hear that you approved of my recommendation, manager Lan. Meeting you in person is my honor," Sofia spoke softly.

"You have the gift of eloquence," Manager Lan stifled her laughter.

"Hahaha... just average. But, I think with this endorsement project, we can introduce a proper slogan for the product too. For example - Reach the horizon by leaping away from your comfort zone. Your unbounded steps start with us.... something along the lines," Sofia continued.

"You--- you even considered the matters about the advertising campaign of this product?!" Manager Lan exclaimed. This time, she did not bother to hide her surprised reaction and directly questioned Sofia.

"It's not that big of a deal. The idea just came to my mind!" Sofia giggled.

"If it just came to your mind... Aren't you a genius, then?" Manager Lan said in a playful tone.

"I wish I am. Hahaha... Anyway, since my team will endorse the products, I have to make sure that everything is suitable for this project. I did some research about it. If you are satisfied by my suggestions, you may also add another compensation in the payment clause and give a direct sponsor to our club? Do you dare, Manager Lan?" Sofia half-heartedly joked. 

Advertisement is one thing. But she was clear about the difference between working the endorsement deal and having a direct sponsorship of the company. And if the Chronos E-Sports Club would not gain any sponsor apart from their business, it would be very unrealistic for it to survive in the corporate world. 

Every opportunity must not be wasted! Since she had spoken directly to someone who could decide easily in the company, she might as well open up her expectations too!

"Hahaha... Indeed, there is no free meal in this industry," Manager Lan laughed at how straightforward Sofia had spoken about direct sponsorship. "Miss Sofia, you make it sound like sponsorship is something that is too easy to arrange. But in reality, let me tell you how it works. To sponsor your club, it will require the decisions of the majority of the company's board members. We have to analyze the pros and cons of the sponsorship and see if it's really advantageous in our business. There must be a long-term goal for us to sponsor you. You cannot have it just by simply asking for it. You have to show us your club's performance."

'I know,' Sofia thought. But, the club had no existing performance that she could present to Manager Lan. Based on the basic requirements, it may take them a year to get a real sponsor if she would just wait for an offer!

"Just like my group... the club is still fresh, Manager Lan. What I can guarantee is that the club has hired smart and outstanding employees," Sofia paused and the image of Jing Jing and Heiz came into her mind. She cleared her throat once more and continued, "Ehem! So, even if it's a new club, I'm taking the initiative to get your sponsorship. I believe that our opportunity is big and I hope we can get a more solid connection with your business," Sofia stated without any fear of losing anything. In her mind, if Manager Lan would reject her proposal, she could just find another potential sponsor. 

"It's new? Then, that is really a difficult request. But, since your ideas are really better than ours, I can present your ideas and discuss the sponsorship with the board members of our company. I can't give your request right now. If everything goes well, I will send a separate contract for the sponsorship. For now, go on with the endorsement. Is that alright?" Manager Lan stated. Their company had many celebrity endorsers. But mostly, it's for their young adult's products. As for the new product, they really wanted to have fresh faces.

"That's fine by me. After all, sponsorship is a long-term investment. I will hope for a favorable result... Then, have a great day to you, manager Lan. I will return this mobile phone to the owner," Sofia said and sauntered back inside the office. After handing the phone to Chel, she easily gave Claire a thumbs up.

It did not take long for the party A and the party B to formally sign the contract of the endorsement. After delivering a brief summary of what they had discussed, the two representatives packed their files and left.

On the other hand, Sofia and Jing Jing did not move from their seats. They turned towards boss Wang and gave him an inquisitive look.

"What is it?" Boss Wang questioned after feeling the burning stare of Sofia and Claire.

"You should take a rest, Mr. Wang. Don't burn yourself at work. You have so many employees here. Let them handle all the remaining works for you," Sofia stated thoughtfully. After Chel and Cathy left, it was only the time that she had really taken notice of the dark circles around the eyes of the man. There was no doubt, his face had resembled a panda.

"Ahh... you don't understand my feelings right now, Miss Sofia. This time, most of my competitors have praised me for getting the hottest topic in our district. But if they know that I still have one more announcement to make, they would definitely express their envy of me! Hehehe... I have to finish our publicity plan personally before I'll sleep," Boss Wang explained with a contented smile on his face. Despite the exhaustion he felt, he was actually still willing to push the publicity. Sofia was somewhat speechless. In exchange for the praises of the competitor, the man had actually sacrificed his rest?

"Miss Sofia, here is the thing... This morning, I am being accused of getting dull and having lost my ability in the industry. Those competitors threatened to trample me. But, the table had turned quickly and I could not wait to slap the reality in their faces! So, I'll go with our original plan. Don't mind me. Thank you for your concern," Boss Wang explained.

"Don't wait for noontime. Just publish the third announcement right now so you can eventually rest, Mr. Wang. You may be able to slap their faces with the reality... but look in the mirror... It's your face that becomes the definition of stress. It's really not worth it," Sofia ordered. She did not know that boss Wang had turned compassionate with their plan. But, she felt guilty that it would be the reason for him to get extreme fatigue later on.

"Miss Sofia, that is harsh! But, I won't take offense. Hehehe... You are right. Hmmn... I can handle this. After noontime, I will definitely go home and take a huge amount of time to rest. Hehehe," Boss Wang insisted. His stubbornness is really something that even Sofia had failed to convince him.

"Alright. Then, if you could attend to our shooting endorsement, we will see you tomorrow after lunch, Mr. Wang! We will take our leave," Sofia waved her hand and finally walked out of the door. Jing Jing did not bother to speak a word. She just followed Sofia as she felt that her former boss would not require her to say goodbye. It would be a waste of energy if she said something to him.

"We will go back to your apartment now, Miss Sofia?" Jing Jing asked after the two of them were settled in her car.

Sofia looked at her watch and replied, "Yes."

On their way, Sofia busied herself by sending messages in their group chat. She had told her members about the endorsement project.. Jing Jing concentrated on driving and would occasionally give a glance at Sofia.