Hunting Wilderness: Starting with the Butcher

Chapter 86 Advertising Endorsement, Exceptional Conferment of Rank!

With the news of Yuan Linghan's victory spreading, as a video blogger exclusively signed with the Douyin platform, she naturally had to accept a live interview from the platform. This live interview also brought the outside world's attention to Yuan Linghan's popularity.

No one expected that a wilderness streamer, similar to an internet celebrity, would attract over ten million viewers after starting her live stream, with the peak viewership nearly reaching twenty million. This level of popularity is something many top-tier celebrities might not achieve.

Even Sister Yan, who had made a special trip to Beijing, said with great excitement, "Ling Han, it seems your popularity is about to explode. There will definitely be many businesses wanting to collaborate with you. Your title as the number one wilderness expert in China is probably unmatched for now."

To Sister Yan's surprise, Yuan Linghan calmly replied, "Sister Yan, I don't object to taking on GG endorsements because it can make money. But I hope that when you're negotiating with GGs, you'll choose some that are related to my profession."

"Related to your profession? Ling Han, could you elaborate?"

Having worked as an agent for so many years, Sister Yan didn't actually know much about wilderness and outdoor activities. But she knew that Yuan Linghan had asked her to be his acting agent because of Chen Duling. After all, her job was simply to handle liaison and negotiation.

In the past, when it came to getting gigs for Chen Duling, she would have had to pull strings and use her connections. Now, gig companies are actively seeking collaborations, giving her a significant advantage in these negotiations.

When asked by Sister Yan, Yuan Linghan thought for a moment and said, "For example, companies that produce and sell outdoor equipment, such as companies that sell products like windbreakers, outdoor tents, sleeping bags, and hiking boots, as well as brands that sell off-road vehicles and camping vehicles, can all be accepted."

In short, I refuse all men who endorse financial products or services, and I refuse all men whose profession is unrelated to mine. You've been an agent for so many years, you should know that it's true that men can make money from endorsements, but you need to know when to stop.

I don't care what other influencers and bloggers do, but I believe in my own future. Compared to others who make a quick buck and leave, I hope for a steady, long-term approach. I'd rather take on fewer gigs than damage my image and reputation.

Having given her bottom line, Yan Jie, as a seasoned agent, naturally knew how to negotiate. What truly surprised Yan Jie was that quite a few companies, upon learning her true identity, quickly offered her attached "GG" contracts.

For example, a company that sells outdoor sportswear wanted to invite Yuan Linghan to be their brand ambassador, and even invited Chen Duling to join them, offering a pretty good fee. Another company that mainly sells energy bars and campervans also wanted to do so.

In short, upon hearing the news, Chen Duling exclaimed in surprise, "Sister Yan, do you mean those companies are planning to invite me and Brother Han to do endorsements together? Do they all know about my relationship with Brother Han?"

"They probably don't know! The news of your relationship is currently only known within the industry. The reason these companies invited you is because they think that having you endorse products with him would have a synergistic effect, making the product more than the sum of its parts and reaching a wider audience."

"Sister Yan, let me discuss this with Brother Han first!"

The result was clear: Yuan Linghan didn't object to sharing endorsements; in fact, he thought these companies were quite clever. Compared to collaborating with other actresses on GG, he naturally preferred endorsing products with Chen Duling.

What truly surprised outsiders was that Yuan Linghan's endorsement fees had reached the level of top-tier celebrities. This is despite many celebrities in the entertainment industry considering him merely an internet celebrity who gained fame online through wilderness survival skills.

But when the news actually broke, many young celebrities in the entertainment industry were naturally incredibly envious. What truly surprised the industry, however, was that Yuan Linghan had signed a two-year endorsement agreement with two well-known international outdoor brands.

Even top-tier celebrities in China might not be able to secure this kind of endorsement. The reason is simple: while top-tier celebrities have high profiles, these outdoor brands have significant limitations, and top-tier celebrities may not be recognized within the outdoor community.

On the contrary, Yuan Linghan, who is currently very popular online, would undoubtedly gain the approval of outdoor enthusiasts if he endorsed these outdoor gears. After all, if even Yuan Linghan approves of the gear, his fans will naturally approve of it too!

As contracts were signed and endorsement fees were deposited into the studio's account, Yuan Linghan remarked with considerable emotion, "Everyone says money is easy to make in the entertainment industry, and now I finally understand. With fame, making money is easier than picking it up off the street!"

Hearing Yuan Linghan's感慨 (gǎnkǎi, mixed feelings of emotion and reflection), Chen Duling smiled and said, "Brother Han, most of the young artists in the industry are quite envious when they hear about the projects you've recently taken on and your income. There are many brands they want to work for but can't get!"

"Besides envy, they probably feel a bit jealous too, right?"

"Hehe, they're just sour grapes, just ignore them. To paraphrase Sister Yan, your popularity in China is comparable to that of a top-tier celebrity. If you include international fame, many top stars can't compare to you."

"Really? Now that you mention it, can I feel a little proud?"

Given the extra buzz Yuan Linghan has brought to Chen Duling, she's now receiving quite a few role offers. However, Chen Duling plans to screen them first, and only join a production team after Yuan Linghan's return.

Having been apart for so long, Yuan Linghan finally had some free time, and the two could balance work and personal life, so she naturally wouldn't miss such an opportunity. In fact, she underestimated the delayed effects of participating in the desert island survival exercise.

As Yuan Linghan's partner, the image of a handsome man and a beautiful woman together has made her a figure recognized by Yuan Linghan's fans. Unlike other male celebrities, Yuan Linghan doesn't really care about scandals, after all, he has no intention of entering the entertainment industry.

Chen Duling possesses both talent and beauty, and many fans who admire Yuan Linghan feel that the two are indeed a perfect match. Due to this positive association, Chen Duling has firmly established herself as a top-tier actress, temporarily surpassing other rising stars.

How long this popularity will last depends on Chen Duling's ability to continue releasing new works and solidify her position as a top-tier actress. If she can maintain this position, she will truly have a place in the entertainment industry.

While busy making money, Yuan Linghan didn't forget his true strength. To maintain his current popularity, he needed to continuously release new videos. And his next stop was the tropical rainforest on the border of Yunnan Province.

Although he knew the rainforest there was far more dangerous than he'd imagined, Yuan Linghan knew that the only way to continue improving his strength was to hunt more mutated beasts. Leveling up was fun, and leveling up continuously was even more fun!

Having experienced the joy of leveling up by defeating monsters, he felt that he preferred the primitive and wild wilderness to the concrete jungle of the city. He had made the corresponding request when he handed over the mutated white wolf flesh earlier.

Soon after, he finally received a reply, granting him permission to travel to the border rainforest under the guise of recording wilderness survival videos, to explore the true conditions of the rainforest's heart. After all, that rainforest deterred many scientific expeditions.

What truly surprised Yuan Linghan was the identification document his superior handed him during their meeting. Flipping through it, Yuan Linghan happily exclaimed, "Sir, does that mean I now have a secure job?"

Upon hearing this, the leader laughed and said, "With your current income, do you really think you can afford such a low salary?"

"Hehe, salary is a small matter, a permanent position is the real deal! Thank you for the country's trust, thank you leaders!"

Not being able to stay in the military was Yuan Linghan's regret. Now, being exceptionally granted the rank of reserve captain means he is still entitled to wear a uniform. Even though the reserve force differs from the regular army, he, as a captain, still receives a salary!