Chapter 1150: I Want to Film an Advertisement Too
The common folk suddenly realized that in recent days, the advertisements on their television sets had exploded in variety. Previously, in the minutes leading up to the Gaojia News broadcast, only the "Warm and Sleepy Textile Factory wool sweaters" advertisement played on repeat, to the point of tedium. But ever since Madam San's down jackets entered the fray, other merchants finally caught on: this prime advertising slot wasn't exclusive to the Warm and Sleepy Textile Factory; it could be purchased. And so, a plethora of diverse advertisements began to enrich the viewing experience.
"Divine Ship Brand Seafood," proclaimed one ad, "Our company has leased cargo space on the Divine Ship, bringing you Zhoushan's freshest catch with unparalleled speed. Every fish guaranteed fresh to your table!" Then came "Come Quick Sichuan Hot & Sour Noodles," trumpeting, "The newest delicacy from Sichuan – even the Heavenly Lord himself has praised it!" Advertisements flashed rapidly across the screens...
They appeared before and after Gaojia News. Then, they popped up both preceding and following "Zhao Sheng's Agricultural Path to Prosperity." Even "Shi Kefa's Legal Education," a show few bothered to watch, now featured commercial breaks.
The treasury of Gao Family Village raked in a substantial sum from these advertisement fees. Concurrently, a cadre of renowned actors, led by Chen Yuanyuan, found themselves inundated with endorsement deals. Yet, one particular actor felt rather forlorn... he hadn't landed a single coin in advertising revenue. That actor was: Chen Qianhu! As the most villainous character in history, the man responsible for every evil deed in the world, how could he possibly secure an advertisement?
Chen Qianhu sat on the stage of the Flower World Star Agency, a lonely expression on his face as he watched other actors rehearse their commercials. He couldn't help but let out a long, wistful sigh.
Lao Nanfeng settled beside him, chuckling, "Brother, are you still envious of such petty cash?"
Chen Qianhu replied, "Brother Nanfeng, it's not about the money; I'm just disheartened. Everyone else gets invited to film ads, looking so handsome on screen. But me? Not a single merchant will have me. They all say I'm too intimidating."
Lao Nanfeng burst into laughter. "You're a soldier! What good is a delicate, soft image for a soldier? Being fierce is perfectly fine!"
"But," Chen Qianhu countered, "I want to dress up handsomely too, wear beautiful clothes, hold a household item, and smile at the audience on TV, telling them, 'Chen Qianhu recommends this to you!'"
Chen Qianhu pointed to his face. "Look. Just look. Who else could have this face but me?"
The merchant glanced left and right, then gasped, "It truly is Chen Qianhu himself! Such a terrifying expression."
Chen Qianhu rolled his eyes. "What do you want with me? Speak quickly."
His eye-rolling was utterly terrifying, as if he might leap up and hack at someone with a blade at any moment. The merchant stumbled back several steps, recovering only after a few seconds. "Ahem, the thing is, I'd like to invite you to film an advertisement."
"What?" Chen Qianhu exclaimed, startled, and abruptly sprang to his feet.
Frightened by his sudden movement, the merchant spun around and bolted. "I was wrong, I was wrong! I shouldn't have come to you. I'll get out of here right away!"
"Come back!" Chen Qianhu yelled urgently. "Return at once!"
The merchant dared not disobey. He scrambled backward, then abruptly darted back to Chen Qianhu, his voice trembling. "P-please... don't kill me..."
Chen Qianhu's face was now beaming with pure delight, a joyous bloom. Yet, in the merchant's eyes, that very smile was grotesque—the sneering, arrogant grin of a wicked villain.
Chen Qianhu roared with laughter. "You came to me for an advertisement? What keen judgment! Hahaha, truly superb insight! I'm thoroughly pleased. No matter the product, I accept!"
The merchant was utterly taken aback. "Huh? You... you accepted?"
Chen Qianhu declared, "Of course I accepted! Hmph, this is a major challenge in my acting career. Finally, I'll get to portray a character with a decent image and temperament, promoting goods to the audience, right? Hahahaha, do you know how long I've waited for this day?"
After his laughter subsided, his expression grew somber, and he asked with serious intensity, "What kind of advertisement is it? How should I act?"
The merchant cleared his throat. "It's an insecticide bestowed by the Heavenly Lord, and the Village Committee has entrusted me with its distribution. I've named it 'Locust Eradicator,' and I plan to have you star in the 'Locust Eradicator' advertisement."
Chen Qianhu gasped in disbelief.
The merchant swiftly produced a bottle of Locust Eradicator, presenting it to Chen Qianhu. "We'd like you to wear a costume resembling this bottle, wield a long spear, and chase down a large group of actors dressed as locusts."
Chen Qianhu choked.
With a miserable cry, Chen Qianhu collapsed.
Lao Nanfeng nudged Chen Qianhu's side with his foot. "Hey, hey, get up! Don't play dead on the ground. You already promised this merchant you'd take his advertisement. A true man of integrity keeps his word."
Chen Qianhu thrashed on the ground. "I don't want to be a man anymore! I'm going to renege! I can't take an advertisement like that!"
Lao Nanfeng snapped angrily, "Get your butt over there, now! Dammit, what kind of petty tantrum is a grown man throwing? Renege? A man's word, once spoken, is like spilled water—it can never be taken back!"
At Lao Nanfeng's fury, Chen Qianhu's fierce demeanor instantly crumbled into childish timidity. He dejectedly picked himself up, his head hanging low. "Fine, I'll act in it, then."
Witnessing this, the merchant couldn't help but mutter to himself: *So General Lao Nanfeng is the truly formidable one. That outburst just now was terrifying, even Chen Qianhu turned into a little lamb! Ahh, how frightening, I need to get out of here.*
The merchant took off running, and Chen Qianhu quickly followed suit. "Wait for me! I want to discuss the advertisement with you!"
But the merchant didn't wait; he ran even faster.
Chen Qianhu, too, gave chase at full speed.
They bolted out of the Flower World Star Agency as if flying, one chasing the other down the street, and were soon far out of sight.
A few days later, a new rumor began to circulate: Chen Qianhu had reportedly chased a hapless merchant through the streets, pursuing him for five entire blocks...
Comments