"Bill, Tang's All-Star votes are in first place, over two million votes. It's only just begun! Tang might become the first star in All-Star history to break ten million votes!"
The CK business manager, holding a glass of red wine, clinked glasses with Bill Duffy, his eyes filled with unconcealed pride.
Tang Long's first commercial endorsement was signed by him.
Now, countless people were waving checkbooks, wanting Tang Long to endorse their brands, including CK's competitors.
He heard their boss had already thrown a tantrum, questioning the management on why they hadn't signed Tang Long earlier.
While everyone else was still in line, he was enjoying tender steak and mellow red wine with Tang Long's agent at Cleveland's most famous restaurant.
How could he not be exhilarated at this moment?
"He definitely will."
Bill Duffy's words were affirmative, but his mind was in turmoil.
Honestly, he hadn't expected Tang Long's All-Star votes to be in first place, let alone leading Garnett and James by over a million votes.
If he didn't know Tang Long was constantly busy training and that he himself hadn't engaged in any vote manipulation, seeing someone so far ahead, and a Dragon Countryman at that, he would have first suspected vote rigging.
But clearly, Tang Long disdained such practices.
"I also believe our Tang would never stoop to such disgraceful behavior as vote rigging."
Tony changed the subject, "I knew this when I first collaborated with Tang. Tang is a star with pride; he wouldn't do such things."
"Tony, you have a keen eye."
"Then, Bill, should we discuss the contract?"
Bill Duffy leaned back slightly, looking at Tony with a slanted shoulder, his meaning obvious: Didn't you say we were just having dinner and not discussing business?
Tony awkwardly touched his nose, using his wine to mask his embarrassment.
"Alright, since we're friends, let's talk."
Bill put on a show of reluctance.
The most important thing in negotiation is to maintain control, not to be led by the nose or fall into the opponent's trap.
"That's great."
Hearing Bill Duffy say this, Tony became excited.
"We want Tang to endorse our men's line, including suits, men's perfume, and watches."
These were the easiest to build brand recognition with.
Women's lingerie was profitable, but men's underwear generally had small profit margins.
After all, men didn't change their underwear as frequently as women. Therefore, the most significant endorsements in the past were for suits and watches.
Watches not only had huge profits but also immeasurable brand value, which was why Swiss watches were so famous.
Bill Duffy didn't rush to answer, just staring into Tony's eyes.
Tony paused for a moment, then quickly understood what Bill Duffy was implying.
"Twenty million US dollars!"
"Tony, drink up. No business talk today."
"What, you think it's too little?"
Tony frowned.
Including the lingerie endorsement, Tang Long had already earned thirty million in endorsement fees from them.
"Bill, we're friends, just name your price."
Bill Duffy held up five fingers.
"Oh my god, Bill, are you heartless? Fifty million! That's far too much. Never mind us, even other brands couldn't afford this price."
"Tony, you can't say that. Just because you can't afford it doesn't mean others can't."
Bill Duffy put on a stern face.
He was asking for a bit more, but Tony was being too ungrateful. Tang Long was currently a red-hot star. Endorsing CK's entire line would require at least half a month just for filming commercials, not to mention future event appearances. All things considered, this money was well spent.
"Bill, it's truly too much, this is an astronomical price. The company won't agree."
Tony spread his hands helplessly.
No one in America had such a high endorsement fee.
"But you're not the company boss, how do you know your boss won't agree? You can consult your boss's opinion first."
Bill patted Tony's shoulder, "Besides, it's not your money, so you don't need to save your boss money. The savings won't go to you. What's more, as long as we establish this connection, even if you jump ship later, if you can get Tang to endorse and promote for them, other companies will definitely look at you differently. These big bosses see things differently than us; we focus on numbers, they look at commercial value."
Tony hesitated. One of Bill's sentences had hit his soft spot.
Although he was a business manager, he was still just a senior employee.
The boss's money was still in the boss's wallet. Most importantly, he could add this to his resume, which would be immensely helpful for his future career or network.
Tony gritted his teeth, "Bill, I can try going back, but I doubt the boss will agree to fifty million."
"Tony, I believe in your abilities."
Bill Duffy patted Tony's shoulder, "We're old friends, after all. Let me give you a tip: if it's less than 40 million, we'll go with your competitor, Bulgari."
"I'm leaving now."
Tony quickly stood up and rushed out the door.
He had to return to headquarters as quickly as possible to discuss with the big boss about letting Tang Long endorse the entire men's line.
Otherwise, Tang Long would be signed by a competitor. They had already seen Tang Long's influence with the lingerie line.
After Tony left, Bill Duffy eagerly dialed Tang Long's number.
"Tang, guess how much endorsement fee I negotiated for you?"
Tang Long, who was training, wiped sweat from his brow and got off the treadmill. He casually asked, "Bill, you rascal, how much is it?"
"At least 40 million." Bill Duffy exclaimed excitedly, "Tang, if this endorsement deal is successful, you'll be the highest-paid star in the advertising world. I'll also become the most outstanding agent in America."
"40 million?"
Even though Tang Long had seen big contracts and was somewhat experienced, upon hearing Bill Duffy's words, he couldn't help but gasp.
How did this guy pull it off?
He's a damn talent!!
Tang Long's eyes lit up, and he said into the phone, "Bill, do you want to start your own agency company?"
"Me? Start my own agency?"
Bill was stunned. He thought he was already thinking big, but compared to Tang Long, he suddenly felt his perspective was too narrow.
"Yes, your very own personal agency."
Tang Long continued, "Of course, as the first player you signed, I can invest and become the company's figurehead. Don't you think so?"
Bill Duffy understood this time. Tang Long's appetite was truly enormous!