The staff member politely replied, “Actually, it’s not a meal card, it’s called…”
“Hold on,” the staff member interrupted, clearly surprised, “Are you saying you want to apply for both the Lanting SVIP card and the restaurant’s Supreme Gold card at the same time?”
“I’m not concerned about the names,” Cheng Youyou said firmly, “Yes, I’ll take both of those cards.”
The service staff member stammered, “Th-th-these two cards… together, they cost four hundred and fifty thousand yuan.”
“Okay,” Cheng Youyou replied, paying without hesitation.
She swiftly swiped her card to pay without a second thought and continued soaking in the bath.
The service staff stared at the POS machine in her hand, feeling dazed by what had just happened.
As she happened to pass by a colleague, the colleague, noticing her bewildered expression, jokingly remarked, “Bumped into a wall, huh? Now you know how tough it is to be a service staff at our Lan Ting. Let me tell you, if you can’t sell a card within three months, you won’t even pass the probation period at our Lan Ting.”
The staff member nodded absentmindedly and then posed a question, “If I manage to sell both the SVIP and Supreme Gold cards in one go, does that mean I can skip the probationary period?”
Colleague: ???
Later, a legend spread through Lan Ting: A new intern, with her quick wit and persuasive skills, managed to sell two premium membership cards on her very first day. With the courage and confidence brought by this achievement, she quickly leveled up her sales skills and was promoted to the business manager of Lan Ting’s Beijing branch within just one year.
This is the uplifting story of Lan Ting, and a motivational tale in the entire bathing industry.
Fast forward to the present, Cheng Youyou finds herself back in a private hot spring, luxuriating in the unreal moment inside a top-tier luxurious white jade basin filled with petals.
She picked up her phone once again and saw a text message showing a consumption of 450,000 yuan. Only then did she confirm that she had indeed received the 1 million yuan.
In her previous life, she was told that the cooperation would be terminated after the first season of the show.
This time, not only did she survive the second season, but her pay for the third season has also increased.
It was a sudden and unexpected turn of events, completely unrelated to the plot.
Cheng Youyou buried her face in the blooms, feeling a mix of confusion and contentment.
It was good to be rich, even when feeling confused, she was surrounded by flowers.
After a few seconds, surrounded by petals, Cheng Youyou figured it out.
Forget about the main storyline; she was so wealthy now, when else would be a better time to enjoy life without worrying about money?
So, the next morning, Cheng Youyou boarded a first-class flight. She was going on a long journey, to enjoy the beautiful scenery of her homeland.
Now that she had so much money, Cheng Youyou couldn’t confine her spending to just a small area in Beijing.
Her journey was to the stars and the sea. The world was so vast, and she wanted to explore it.
Cheng Youyou’s first destination was Nansu Water City, a place she had dreamed of visiting for a long time.
Cheng Youyou had a Little Red Book1(Xiaohongshu) a popular Chinese social media and e-commerce platform. account that she had opened a long time ago.
Even when she was struggling financially, she dreamed of a better life. She would save all the beautiful images and places she saw online and store them in a folder, hoping to visit them one day.
Cheng Youyou consoled herself with the thought that seeing them was equal to enjoying them.
When she had no money, this was her way of relieving life’s pressures and seeking spiritual enjoyment.
But now that she had money, everything was different.
She had no financial pressures, so she wanted to pursue spiritual enjoyment and experience everything firsthand.
When she arrived in Nansu Water City, Cheng Youyou followed the travel route suggested by the little blue book’s influencers, checking in at the Dreamy Waterfall Bridge, the Nostalgic Graffiti Wall, and the Literary Corridor.
Then Cheng Youyou was disappointed. She asked herself three times in disbelief: Is that it? Is that it? Is that it?
It wasn’t that the places were bad, but they definitely didn’t live up to the exaggerated hype promoted by the Little Red Book’s influencers.
It wasn’t visually appealing, it wasn’t fun, and it didn’t make good photos. It was worlds apart from the promotional photos on the Little Red Book.
Cheng Youyou immediately returned to her five-star suite and the first thing she did was open her phone.
Then she composed a long article, meticulously reviewing each check-in location.
From analyzing the convenience of transportation to the oldness of the facilities, from the quality of customer service to the authenticity of the scene, she provided a thorough evaluation.
Instead of following the introductions of the Little Red Book’s influencers and socialites, Cheng Youyou used her own real experiences to write a highly authentic review.
Her review was balanced and honest, providing a realistic portrayal of these places.
To further support her claims, she attached unfiltered photos of her visit.
The reason Cheng Youyou posted this article on the Little Red Book was simply to advocate for herself and others. She aimed to shatter the virtual reality of the internet and prevent it from misleading financially struggling girls like her who rely solely on imagination.
Especially since these imaginations were fabricated by influencer socialites.
After posting on the little Red Book, Cheng Youyou slipped into the luxurious bed of the presidential suite and drifted into dreams.
She had no idea that her post on the Little Red Book had sparked widespread attention.
【The blogger is right. They’ve said exactly what I’ve been thinking.】
【I was afraid to say those places weren’t good because I was worried about being scolded.】
【The blogger definitely went there in person.】
【I’ve always suspected those places were hyped up by influencers.】
【I suspect those places paid for sponsorship.】
【Finally, there’s an honest review. I was afraid to say anything bad about these places before. The last time I said something negative, several big influencers DM’ed me and told me to shut up.】
While everyone was discussing enthusiastically, some netizens began to suspect.
【Blogger, are you Cheng Youyou?】
【Blogger, your selfies look so much like Cheng Youyou!】
【No, she is Cheng Youyou, her account “Purple Sweet Potato” has a red V certification.】
Everyone clicked into Cheng Youyou’s Little Red Book profile, under the bright red V symbol, it reads: “Actress Cheng Youyou.”
Tonight, the Little Red Book is destined to be restless.
Everyone’s attention is focused on two things.
Firstly, Cheng Youyou, who has recently gained some popularity, appeared on the Little Red Book.
Second, honest reviews are popping up everywhere, and netizens are banding together to call out fake influencer spots.
These two events unfolded together.
And the leader who sounded the charge for this #RestoreRealTourismSpots hashtag is Cheng Youyou.
Cheng Youyou’s long post resonated deeply with many people.
Before Cheng Youyou’s post on the Little Red Book, many tourist spots were a mixed bag of influencer-driven destinations, with a significant portion being products of influencer marketing. Users who had visited these heavily promoted spots had long felt disillusioned. Finally, genuine traveler Cheng Youyou revealed the truth.
Cheng Youyou’s post stirred up a storm of discussion among netizens, who began posting and engaging with the topic.
Her comprehensive post also caught the attention of official tourism authorities.
In her long post, Cheng Youyou not only warned against these several popular check-in spots but also strongly recommended a fun, affordable, yet lesser-known attraction – the bamboo grove.
The bamboo grove encapsulates the entire cultural heritage of Nansu Water City and has been a focal point of the Nansu Water City Tourism Bureau’s efforts for many years.
However, due to the Nansu Water City Tourism Bureau’s lack of marketing skills, this beautiful spot remained relatively unknown.
Thanks to Cheng Youyou’s recommendation, many local netizens chimed in.
【Ah, finally someone has noticed our great Nansu Bamboo Grove!】
【Visiting Bamboo Garden is definitely worth it! It’s gorgeous, exciting, and a great value for money.】
【I’m a local, and I can testify that Cheng Youyou’s recommendation is spot on.】
Bamboo Garden tickets sold out for the next 7 days, and it dawned on the tourism officials at Nansu Water City that Cheng Youyou had done something remarkable.
The tourism bureau quickly reached out to Cheng Youyou via the social media platform, hoping she would continue promoting other attractions in Nansu Water City through the little blue book.
However, Cheng Youyou was fast asleep and completely unaware of the private messages.
When the tourism bureau officials were ready to set up a stakeout at the bamboo grove the following day, hoping to bump into Cheng Youyou and propose a partnership, she had already boarded the first-class cabin and was on her way to the next tourist destination.
Cheng Youyou had more beautiful scenery to enjoy, and she had more money to spend.
This time, Cheng Youyou decided to do things differently.
She no longer trusted the comprehensive guides on the Little Red Book. Cheng Youyou opted for the ultimate and luxurious Diamond VIP custom travel package.
This personalized tour was exclusively tailored for her, with no other participants. It was meticulously planned according to Cheng Youyou’s preferences.
The privately customized itinerary was straightforward and extravagant: luxurious accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, top-of-the-line luxury car transfers, and, of course, the shopping activity that Cheng Youyou had specifically emphasized as a must-have in the itinerary.
Sightseeing and checking off landmarks had ironically become the least important part of the itinerary.
On the first morning of the trip, Cheng Youyou ate, drank, and shopped.
In the afternoon of the first day, Cheng Youyou continued to eat, drink, and shop.
On the morning of the second day, Cheng Youyou carried on…
The tour guide interrupted Cheng Youyou’s enjoyment.
Ms. Cheng,” the tour guide said, “aren’t you going to explore the city at all?”
Cheng Youyou was sitting in front of a Wellington steak, capturing it from the most appetizing angle for a photo.
She swallowed and asked, “Is visiting tourist attractions a mandatory requirement of a tour group?”
The tour guide, maintaining her professionalism, replied respectfully, “Not exactly.”
Cheng Youyou took a bite of her steak, savoring its tenderness, and exclaimed, “Then let’s continue shopping this afternoon!”
The tour guide glanced at the floor-to-ceiling windows and the luxurious car Cheng Youyou arrived in. She realized that the car was already filled to the brim with Cheng Youyou’s purchases from earlier.
The tour guide cleared her throat and cautiously spoke, “Miss Cheng, you booked our Diamond-level travel package.”
Cheng Youyou asked, “And then?”
The tour guide continued, “This is the most expensive package offered by our company.”
After a few moments of contemplation, Cheng Youyou asked, “Did I pay you too little?”
The tour guide, flustered, replied, “That’s not what I meant. This is a super high-end tour group, and there’s no requirement for shopping.”
Cheng Youyou sensed an underlying meaning and clarified, “So, you mean no matter how much I buy, you won’t get any commission?”
“Yes, Miss Cheng,” the tour guide confirmed.
Cheng Youyou clapped her hands. “That’s great!”
The tour guide responded, “Hmm?”
“Then, please, take me to the best local mall,” Cheng Youyou blinked her big eyes, speaking each word clearly and earnestly.
The tour guide hesitated briefly before saying, “Uh, alright.”
Afterward, both of them fell into a prolonged silence.
Cheng Youyou enjoyed the delicious steak, feeling happy. She thought to herself that since the tour guide wasn’t on commission, the malls and shopping centers recommended must be objectively good choices. There’s nothing more reassuring than having a professional guide to shop with.
Meanwhile, the tour guide had only one thing on her mind: she needed to urgently arrange an additional business vehicle to increase storage capacity. She had escorted countless high-end and wealthy clients, but she had never encountered someone as passionate about shopping as Cheng Youyou.
In the afternoon, Cheng Youyou arrived at the mall recommended by her tour guide, and it was indeed different from the ones she had randomly found before.
With a wide variety of products and a complete range of brands, Cheng Youyou’s excitement reached its peak.
Cheng Youyou went on a shopping spree, trying things on and buying them without hesitation.
The tour guide followed her closely the whole time, taking on a role that was quite different from their usual job: being a photographer.
Cheng Youyou expanded the tour guide’s responsibilities in a new way: she had her take photos of every item she bought, every dish she had at the Black Pearl restaurant, and posted them all on the Little Red Book.
She wanted to preserve the instant joy of shopping forever.
From jewelry to designer bags, from women’s clothing and shoes to skincare and beauty products, Cheng Youyou looked at every counter, and once she found something she liked, she bought it without hesitation.
She was the last customer to leave the mall when it closed.
Back in the king-sized bed of her five-star hotel room, she was so exhausted that she fell asleep immediately.
The next day, it wasn’t the tour guide who woke her up; high-end service guides would never disturb a tourist’s rest.
Nor was it the sunlight that woke her; the five-star hotel had heavy curtains that were thick enough to block out the sun.
Cheng Youyou was woken up by a call from Liu Meng.
Cheng Youyou groggily answered the phone, and a loud scream came from the other end.
Cheng Youyou held the phone away from her ear, but it didn’t dampen Liu Meng’s excitement.
“Cheng Youyou, your move is brilliant!”
Cheng Youyou didn’t have a chance to get a word in.
Liu Meng: “Quick, tell me, how did you come up with the idea of using the Little Red Book to attract attention?”
“Let me tell you, you’re not only trending on Little Red Book, but you’re also trending on Weibo. Do you know what trending means?”
Cheng Youyou didn’t know, but she didn’t need to ask because Liu Meng spilled everything like pouring beans out of a pot.
“The trending topics are #ChengYouyouHonestReviews# and #ChengYouyouIsSuchAGreatShopper#. It’s so strange, isn’t it? Both trending topics are about you, yet they’re competing against each other! Right now, they’re taking turns to be on the top trending list, and they’re both about to break into the top 10.”
Cheng Youyou replied, “If there’s nothing else, I’m going back to sleep.”
Cheng Youyou was dreaming about eating a velvet cake, and she wanted to see if she could continue the dream if she went back to sleep right away.
Liu Meng quickly said, “There is, there is. I’m talking about business.”
“Go on, then.”
Cheng Youyou was eager for her to finish.
Then, Cheng Youyou heard the sound of paper flipping on the other end of the phone.
Liu Meng said, “Because of your objective and honest reviews, as well as the explosive purchasing power generated by your showcasing of items on Little Red Book, you’ve caught the attention of many brands. Two brands are now interested in having you as their spokesperson.”
“Oh?”
Liu Meng: “One is a sports clothing brand, and the other is a skincare brand.”
Cheng Youyou inquired, “Are there any specific requirements for the spokesperson?”
Cheng Youyou added, “I’m traveling right now, so it’s not convenient for me to go back and shoot an endorsement ad for the product.”
Liu Meng quickly said, “No need, no need. The brand’s requirements are very simple. You don’t even need to come back for the shoot.”
“I’ll send you some copy and product photos. All you need to do is post them on Little Red.”
“It sounds so unreliable.” Cheng Youyou asked again, “Besides these, do you have any other requirements?”
“By the way, there is a requirement, that is, since you have done this endorsement, you can’t buy similar products in public. Spokespersons can only use the products they endorse.”
“That won’t work.” Cheng Youyou refused righteously.
“What?” Liu Meng didn’t expect Cheng Youyou to refuse, “Why?”
“No, I can’t let a few brands limit me.”
Cheng Youyou had a whole world in her heart. There were so many great things out there, and she hadn’t even bought them all yet. How could she let a few brands restrict her?
If she were limited to using just one brand of skincare products or wearing clothes from only one brand, it would mean she was missing out on a vast world.
She couldn’t agree to that!
Liu Meng never expected Cheng Youyou to refuse.
She pleaded, “Youyou, please reconsider. Even if you do it for the money, don’t reject it.”
Liu Meng hesitated to mention the exact amount over the phone. “Listen, I know those brands aren’t very well-known, but they’re offering a huge amount of money. More than many big brands pay for their market endorsements…”
Cheng Youyou interrupted Liu Meng’s chatter, “What did you say? The brand isn’t very well-known?”
Liu Meng explained, “That’s how the market works now. Many brands are unknown at the beginning, but they become internet sensations thanks to celebrity endorsements.”
“I’m telling you, brands and endorsers can mutually benefit each other. Don’t worry about the brand being unknown now. Maybe you can help it become famous and in turn boost your own popularity.”
There are plenty of such incidents in the entertainment industry, and Liu Meng has seen her fair share.
Cheng Youyou finally understood. It turned out that these two brands were just newcomers, and who knows if their quality was even guaranteed.
Cheng Youyou replied, “I’m even less interested in taking them on now.”
Liu Meng wanted to persuade her further, but Cheng Youyou hung up the phone, saying, “Alright, just reject any unreliable endorsements like these in the future.”
Cheng Youyou felt it would be a huge loss if she were to give up good products in the same category for unreliable brands.
Of course, she had another thought: she hated marketing-driven brands the most.
In her past life, she had a habit of over-analyzing products, reading countless reviews before making a purchase. Despite all her research, many of the items she bought turned out to be unreliable. She’d long since realized that numerous unknown products were transformed into viral sensations solely through endorsements by celebrities and influencers.
However, the actual quality of these products was often disappointing.
Having been burned by these marketing gimmicks in her previous life, she was determined not to make the same mistake again.
Moreover, now that she was so wealthy, she insisted on using high-quality products. Why settle for mediocre brands?
Over the next few days, Cheng Youyou continued her travels, checking in at various destinations and enjoying life to the fullest. She also consistently updated her Little Red Book with authentic product reviews and good recommendations.
Liu Meng watched from home as Cheng Youyou endlessly played, shopped, and spent money. Her heart ached terribly. The happier she saw Cheng Youyou, the more she felt a sense of disappointment, as if she were watching a piece of iron that couldn’t be shaped.
She heard that all the endorsements Cheng Youyou had rejected recently had found new owners.
And who were these new endorsers? None other than Ding Yaxin.
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