When Qin Lie put the tablet away, his expression was as if he had just signed a major contract.
"I've reviewed the renewal plans with Nike and Rolex, no problems. As for Gucci and LV, I'll fly back tomorrow to discuss them in person." He stuffed the tablet into his bag, then, remembering something, pulled out another piece of paper. "Oh, right, there are a few more new ones, take a look."
Cheng Che took the paper, which listed five brands.
Porsche Greater China Brand Ambassador. 15 million in the first year.
Apple's iPhone brand ambassador for Greater China. Twelve million RMB in the first year.
Four Seasons Hotel. Global Brand Ambassador. Eight million in the first year.
United States Express Centurion Card Spokesperson, six million in the first year.
Nintendo Greater China Brand Ambassador. Five million in the first year.
Cheng Che glanced at it and raised an eyebrow.
" Porsche and Apple are fine, Four Seasons Hotel is okay too." He pointed to the last two, " Nintendo is worth considering, but the United States Express Centurion Card doesn't quite fit my current image. Let's find something else."
Qin Lie nodded and made a note on the paper. "Which one should we choose?"
Cheng Che thought for a moment, "UK banks, private banks, or high-end airlines. Have your team screen them, and I'll go through them again after I get back to China."
Qin Lie put the papers away, stood up, and patted the sofa armrest. "Okay. I'll have my legal team go through these first, and you can negotiate when you get back. Porsche is in a hurry; they want to make an official announcement before Wimbledon."
"There's still time," Cheng Che said.
Qin Lie walked to the door, then turned back to look at him again. "Have you booked your own ticket for your flight to Seoul tomorrow?"
"It's booked," Cheng Che said. "On the same flight as Pei Jingshu."
Qin Lie nodded, his expression somewhat complicated. After thinking for a moment, he finally spoke.
"Okay, go ahead. But remember one thing."
He turned around, looked at Cheng Che, and his tone became serious.
"Don't get photographed. You have two Grand Slam titles now, your commercial value is at its peak, and a large portion of your fans are female fans. If you're photographed holding hands with Pei Jingshu on the streets of Seoul, you'll lose half of your endorsements tomorrow."
Cheng Che nodded. "I know."
"Knowing is one thing, but being able to do it is another," Qin Lie sighed. "You know Pei Jingshu's personality better than I do. When she's in a good mood, she's capable of anything. You'll have to keep an eye on her."
I will be careful.
Qin Lie looked at him for two seconds, then waved his hand. "Alright. Be careful."
The door closed.
Cheng Che sat on the sofa and opened the system panel.
[ Stamina Trial - Phase One: Laying the Two-Champion Foundation. Mission Objective: Win your second Grand Champion. Completed!]
He stared at the line of text for a moment, then laughed.
The new trial is finally getting on track.
With the French Open won, the second phase can now be put on the agenda.
He scrolled down to look at the reward.
[Congratulations, host, you have acquired the passive talent " Five Viscera Enhancement "]
[Congratulations, host, you have obtained the title " Great Demon King "]
[ Five Viscera Enhancement (Passive): Your five organs will be continuously enhanced, up to a maximum of five levels. Current progress: Level 1.]
Cheng Che stared at the "first level" for two seconds, then felt something moving inside his body.
A very light warmth started in my chest, slowly spreading to my abdomen, and then throughout my body.
It felt like being soaked in warm water, as if something was slowly ironing you from the inside out.
He squinted comfortably for a moment.
Then he looked at the title.
[ Great Demon King: Pressing index finger to lips activates the title. When any attribute of the opponent is lower than the host's, psychological suppression is triggered; the greater the gap, the stronger the suppression.]
Cheng Che paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.
An enhanced version of [ Champion ].
The previous title was passive, but this one can be actively triggered.
He touched his lips with his index finger; he did that in the third set of the semi-finals, and Ruud's expression changed then.
In retrospect, it wasn't just a psychological effect; the system was at work.
He turned off the control panel and leaned back on the sofa.
The warmth continued, and the Five Viscera Enhancement was more pronounced than he had expected.
My body feels very comfortable, so comfortable that I'm a little sleepy.
He yawned, then stood up and walked towards the bedroom.
I'm flying to Seoul tomorrow. I'll get a good night's sleep tonight.
The next day, Cheng Che woke up from his sleep.
It was already daylight in Paris outside the window, and sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, drawing a golden line on the carpet.
He rolled over and felt his arm getting heavy.
He glanced down.
Pei Jingshu had somehow slipped into his bed, nestled beside him, resting her head on his shoulder, one hand on his chest, her breathing soft.
The blanket only covered her waist, leaving a small section of her back exposed, her skin glowing a warm white in the morning light.
Cheng Che looked at her and smiled.
He didn't call out to her, but reached out and pulled her closer to him, making her more comfortable.
Pei Jingshu felt warmth in her sleep, snuggled closer to him, and mumbled something under her breath.
Cheng Che closed his eyes and fell asleep again.
When I woke up again, it was almost noon.
"I'm late! I'm late!!" Pei Jingshu shouted as she ran, her voice ringing out loudly in the airport terminal.
She was dragging a small carry-on suitcase, her hair wasn't fully combed, with a strand sticking out behind her ear, and her scarf was half-draped over her arm. She almost tripped over herself when she ran.
Cheng Che followed behind her, walking at a leisurely pace, carrying two suitcases, one large and one small.
He looked at the figure running haphazardly ahead and found it somewhat amusing.
Upon reaching the check-in gate, Pei Jingshu slammed her passport and boarding pass onto the counter, panting as she uttered, " Seoul."
The staff member glanced at her ID, then at Cheng Che was slowly walking up behind her, paused for a moment, and then lowered his head to begin processing the paperwork.
Pei Jingshu leaned against the counter, her hands supporting her knees, and panted for a while.
"I made it." She straightened up, glanced back at Cheng Che, and looked a little embarrassed. "I almost missed it."
Cheng Che handed over the luggage for check-in, then walked over to her and reached out to press down a stray strand of her hair. "Who told you not to tidy up last night?"
"I packed everything last night," Pei Jingshu said matter-of-factly. "It's because you didn't wake me this morning."
"You sleep like a pig, how can I wake you?"
"I'm not like a pig."
"Then what do you resemble?"
Pei Jingshu thought for a moment, "Like a koala."
Cheng Che chuckled but didn't reply.
After passing through security, the two walked towards the boarding gate. Pei Jingshu walked beside him, her hand naturally linked with his arm, and she leaned on his shoulder, slowing her pace.
"Once we get to Seoul, I'll take you to eat something delicious," she said, her tone returning to normal, with a hint of excitement.
"Aren't you at work?"
"I'm at work," Pei Jingshu said, "But I can take you out to eat after I get off work. Just wait for me at my rented apartment."
Cheng Che glanced at her and smiled, "Okay."
Just then, a blinding flash of light suddenly appeared from the side.