Chapter 1985: The Movie King

The Olympic Games were drawing nearer day by day.

Zhao Fusheng didn't feel much about it, but the reactions of those around him made him realize how fast time had flown—in the blink of an eye, nine years had passed since his rebirth.

Someone once said: All gifts from fate come with a price tag hidden in advance.

In one of Lau Tak-wah's songs, it goes: If everything is fate, if everything is destiny, no one can escape.

Zhao Fusheng found that quite reasonable.

Destiny, that thing, often has its ending predetermined from the very beginning.

Looking at the news about the hurdling champion, Zhao Fusheng frowned. He knew that, apparently, the man still intended to compete.

Or rather, the team behind him didn't care whether the athlete could hold on; what they cared about was whether sponsors would pull their investments and endorsements upon learning of his injury in advance.

"I heard you vetoed Liu Xiang's endorsement?"

Zheng Yao had just returned from abroad. After reviewing her subordinates' reports, she immediately sought out Zhao Fusheng.

The reason was simple: earlier, an advertiser had approached Future Advertising, hoping to invite Liu Xiang to endorse their product. But when the report reached Zhao Fusheng, he directly rejected it.

"Yes, that was my decision."

Zhao Fusheng nodded and waved his hand, signaling Liu Yiming to guard the door outside.

"Are you crazy?"

Zheng Yao's expression immediately turned sour. His earlier refusal to sponsor the badminton and diving teams had already infuriated her, but at that time she was abroad, and even if she knew the news, it was too late.

And now, Zhao Fusheng had gone even further, rejecting even Liu Xiang's endorsement.

It was sheer madness!

Zheng Yao looked at Zhao Fusheng: "I need an explanation."

Whether as the CEO of Future Group or as Zhao Fusheng's friend, she felt it necessary to get an answer from him.

"Simple. He's not suitable."

Zhao Fusheng said to Zheng Yao indifferently.

Apart from him, no one knew what kind of farce Liu Xiang would stage at the Olympics.

Under such circumstances, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't do it.

"Not suitable?"

Zheng Yao frowned at this: "What kind of reason is that? Do you realize how popular Liu Xiang is right now? How many advertisers are specifically asking for him as their endorser? If you don't use him, do you know how many clients we'll lose?"

That was the truth. The advertising industry was like that.

When clients chose an advertising agency, they often specified a particular artist or celebrity as the endorser.

And for an advertising agency, being able to secure such an artist undoubtedly proved their capability.

For example, a beverage company wants to cooperate with Future Advertising, but they have their own favorite celebrities. The company's planning department will tell Future Advertising that they need to sign a certain artist before they can hand over the advertising campaign to them.

In such cases, the companies generally choose celebrities who are relatively well-known and can boost sales.

And Liu Xiang is undoubtedly one of the hottest advertising stars right now.

After all, there aren't many stars in China's sports world. And his breakthrough in track and field, a domain long dominated by Europeans and Americans, is itself an honor for Asia.

But the problem is, Zhao Fusheng has directly blacklisted him internally.

That's a problem.

You can't just tell the advertiser: "Sorry, we don't think he's suitable to endorse your product. How about taking a look at this artist instead..."

Hmph.

If you say that, they'll definitely walk away without hesitation.

"It's okay."

Zhao Fusheng said calmly: "Send someone to investigate Liu Xiang's recent physical condition."

Zheng Yao didn't speak.

She keenly realized that Zhao Fusheng must have a reason for saying that.

Why else would he bring up Liu Xiang's health out of the blue?

Zhao Fusheng sighed. Zheng Yao's expression meant she was already suspicious.

"Do you know what I'm worried about?"

Zhao Fusheng asked Zheng Yao.

Zheng Yao frowned: "You mean his health might be in trouble? But I've seen recent news saying he recovered well from his previous injury."

"Oh, really?"

Zhao Fusheng sneered: "Then have you seen him appear in public? Have you seen him sprinting on the track?"

"Well..." Zheng Yao hesitated.

Obviously, the recent news hadn't said that at all.

Although the media had been discussing Liu Xiang's recovery and his team had publicly announced he was healed, he still hadn't competed.

Of course, the reason given was that there was no need to waste energy on those small competitions.

Originally, Zheng Yao hadn't thought there was anything wrong, but now that Zhao Fusheng mentioned it, she began to have doubts.

People are sometimes like that—a leaf before the eye blocks the view of Mount Tai.

Often, once that window paper is punctured, things you never considered before suddenly become clear.

Just like Zheng Yao now: she hadn't thought about whether Liu Xiang might have problems at the Olympics, but with Zhao Fusheng's guidance, she immediately realized it might actually happen.

And if it did...

In that instant, Zheng Yao's face turned pale.

If that were really the case, the impact on China's advertising circles and even the sports world would be unimaginable.

Liu Xiang had at least dozens of endorsements. What if something went wrong during his competition...

"Go check it out."

Zhao Fusheng saw Zheng Yao's expression and waved his hand: "Investigate as thoroughly as possible. Confirm his injury recovery status and whether he can actually compete in the Olympics."

To be honest, Zhao Fusheng really hoped his prediction was wrong.

He hoped that Liu Xiang in this world could persist and finish the race, even if it meant just walking to the finish line.

After all, since you're participating in the competition, you should at least live up to the fans who went through all the trouble to support you at the Bird's Nest, eagerly waiting.

Moreover, the whole nation was focused on this competition. If he truly couldn't participate due to injury and announced it early, no one would think there was a problem with him personally.

After all, it's normal for athletes to suffer injuries; he's neither an iron man nor a deity.

But the problem is, he actually participated, ran a few steps, then his old injury flared up, and he simply withdrew from the race. What kind of behavior is that?

Interest!

It can only be because of interest!

Because he carried the interests of too many people on his shoulders, especially various endorsements involving large sums of money. If he couldn't compete, these endorsements would incur penalty fees.

Under these circumstances, the highly anticipated Liu Xiang dared not disclose his injury.

His behind-the-scenes team even cleverly chose the most shameless approach.

While concealing his injury, they had Liu Xiang compete. Even if he just stepped onto the track, ran a few steps, and then fell, he still fulfilled the contract.

As for the interests of advertisers and advertising companies, as for the feelings of the entire nation, ha, what's more important than the real money in hand?

To be honest, before this, Zhao Fusheng still admired Liu Xiang. After all, he brought glory to Asia and the yellow race; that alone deserved respect.

But after this incident, Zhao Fusheng could only say that this man was no longer the wind-chasing youth.

Although the treatment of athletes is generally poor, you, Liu Xiang, have earned quite a bit since becoming a world champion, enough to ensure your family's comfort without worry.

At a time like this, choosing to conceal your injury, ha, who would believe it's for the audience?

Don't treat everyone as fools.

Thinking of this, Zhao Fusheng said solemnly to Zheng Yao: "Check how many of our planned advertising endorsements involve Liu Xiang. Notify the advertisers that if possible, they should confirm with Liu Xiang's team whether he can appear on the track."

"Okay."

Zheng Yao nodded, naturally understanding the meaning behind Zhao Fusheng's words.

If Liu Xiang was healthy, that would be best. If there was a problem, resolving it early and preparing in advance would undoubtedly be the most effective approach.

You see, in the original history, Liu Xiang's team perfectly concealed his injury. Without anyone knowing, he stepped onto the Olympic track and then withdrew.

At that moment, almost all the advertisers and advertising companies for his endorsed products were cursing!

What a scam!

What a fucking scam!

……

……

Two days later, Zheng Yao stormed into Zhao Fusheng's office, her face ashen.

“Those bastards!”

Zheng Yao couldn't help cursing.

“What's wrong?”

Zhao Fusheng looked at her, somewhat puzzled.

“Don't even ask.”

Zheng Yao said with a bitter smile: “We found out. Liu Xiang's body really does have problems. Because the training intensity was too high, his old injury could flare up at any time.”

“So that's how it is.”

Zhao Fusheng frowned slightly, a little regretful.

To be honest, he too had hoped to see the Chinese flying man sprinting on the track and winning the championship, but fate clearly wasn't giving Liu Xiang that chance.

“Then why are you angry?”

Zhao Fusheng then said to Zheng Yao: “Just notify our partners.”

In his eyes, this really wasn't a big deal.

Although he detested Liu Xiang and his coaching team in his heart, business was business, and Zhao Fusheng wouldn't mix personal feelings into it.

“Hah, you know what? The reporter just interviewed his coach, and the guy said Liu Xiang is perfectly healthy and fully capable of winning the championship.”

Zheng Yao said irritably: “And Liu Xiang himself just gave an interview, saying he feels absolutely no pressure about winning!”

Show!

Heavenly show!

Dihua's show!

Nature's divine show!

At that moment, that was the only thought in Zhao Fusheng's mind.

He really hadn't expected Liu Xiang and his team to pull such a stunt.

Were they planning to treat the entire nation's audience as fools?

Shouting 'I'm fine' with their mouths, then taking a lap during the competition?

What the fuck!

In that instant, Zhao Fusheng didn't even want to talk about it anymore.

Because it was too speechless.