Chapter 721: Major Brand Collaboration Intentions: Not Allowed to Drive Indoors~ Yo~
Chapter 721: Major Brand Collaboration Intentions: Not Allowed to Drive Indoors~ Yo~
"Ooh, it's actually a multiple-choice question." Xiao He propped his chin on his hand. "Then tell me the good news first."
"There have indeed been moves from Ferrari's side, and I heard a certain AAA racing game from overseas is also planning to do some activities riding the heat of this 'Fast Speed Shadow 7'." Liu Rulan said. "The entire related industry circle abroad is actively linking up right now. After all, no matter how you look at it, the 'Fast Speed Shadow' series is one of the earliest racing movie franchises. It had a particularly profound meaning for a lot of people back then. Now that one story has finally ended, many people are quite moved."
The 'Fast Speed Shadow' series had a huge impact overseas, practically igniting a craze for racing film series. Even though similar works appeared later, the 'Fast Speed Shadow' series' position in the industry remained unshakeable. It even shot many actors to stardom, made the GT3 racing series known worldwide, and brought the famous brands that sponsored it into the spotlight. So with this series finale, many major brands were making moves. After all, no matter how prestigious a brand was, they still wanted to make money.
Hearing this news, Xiao He's eyes lit up immediately. "Tsk, that's really great news!"
Looks like he might actually get a chance to collaborate with a major brand this time—
Huh?
Wait, something felt off.
Xiao He squinted, a bad feeling rising in his heart. "Uh, so what's the bad news?"
"The car you drove in the finale of 'Fast Speed Shadow 7' has exploded in popularity worldwide, gaining massive attention. The brand has decided to release a commemorative sports car model alongside the protagonist's vehicle. As for that AAA racing game, they've decided to turn the Ferrari 296 GT3 you drove in your first race into a co-branded skin for players to purchase. They'll record your name and this real experience into the skin's description as a tribute."
Xiao He: ...Liu Rulan made a sympathetic summary. "Congratulations, the car you drove is all the rage now."
As for the driver, yes, they were recorded in the description and background piece, letting more people know his name. But for the major brands, the car was still more important.
Xiao He slowly closed his eyes, calmly accepting this cruel fact.
Though it was normal, really. When people see a car being driven, many first notice how cool the car is, not the person. Wasn't this still a form of successful product endorsement for him? Ahem, the only pity was that this benefit didn't fall on him at all.
Xiao He clutched his chest, deeply pained. "So that's practically the same as having no good news at all!"
Good news: There's good news. Bad news: The good news doesn't actually exist.
Thankfully, Liu Rulan knew to comfort him, continuing, "It's okay, there's another piece of good news! Although those top luxury car brands didn't invite you to collaborate, you've proven your product endorsement power. There are still plenty of major brands both domestically and abroad that want to work with you. We're already contacting them one by one."
And indeed, there was a major brand looking to collaborate with Xiao He—just not sports cars, but motorcycles!
"That modified KTM Black Warrior you rode in 'Fast Speed Shadow 7' has skyrocketed in value. The official company has decided to produce a co-branded model based on the modified version from the storyline. Plus, the team just received word that they have intentions for further contact with us. The details aren't settled yet, so I'll let you know when negotiations are done."
KTM is a global top-tier performance motorcycle brand, famous for their extreme, hardcore, battle-ready liter-class heavy machines. In the two-wheel world, they're basically Ferrari. Using them for filming had no other purpose for the production team—mainly because they were stylish enough, cool enough! And to ensure the castle floor stayed intact, this motorcycle—known as the "King of Beasts"—had undergone light track modifications, making it more suitable for filming and easier for Xiao He to perform stunts on while riding. It was a real show of respect for the 'Fast Speed Shadow' production team.
Oh, of course, it might have been more about showing respect to Director Tannis.
After all, KTM, like other luxury car brands, had a very aloof personality. They rarely collaborated with domestic or international celebrities. For so many years, they were basically kings on the racetrack, respecting only strength, and only ever working with professional race car drivers.
But without a doubt, this time their friendly sponsorship was a massive success. Although this motorcycle was already famous within the industry, riding the momentum of 'Fast Speed Shadow 7,' they broke out of their niche, successfully attracting many newcomers to fall in love with the hobby—because who wouldn't want a motorcycle this cool and stylish?
(Note: Friendly reminder, this motorcycle is not allowed to be driven indoors under normal circumstances~)
The content in parentheses above became the friendly tagline for this motorcycle for a long time to come.
Yeah, as a large-displacement, pure-blood track-level heavy machine, who would've thought it would have a day running indoors?
All you could say was, that's Xiao He for you, the "Vehicle Killer" truly living up to his name.
That KTM was even willing to come find Xiao He for collaboration, Liu Rulan couldn't help but suspect that part of the reason was wanting Xiao He to drive it outdoors again, to tell other buyers—don't, don't, DON'T drive it indoors!
You'd really crash and fly out!!!
Xiao He had no idea about Liu Rulan's private thoughts on the matter. Hearing it was KTM, his heart finally felt some comfort, even a bit of excitement. "Not bad, not bad! It's actually them! That modified Black Warrior of theirs is way better than the original! I've been missing it all this time! Too bad the production team's bike wasn't for sale, or I'd really want it!"
He was pretty disappointed back then, but he never expected KTM to actually come to him!
Same international major brand, just a different track of vehicles—this was still a sure win!
And he'd already participated in two GT3 races, won the championships he needed... so he was also a little interested in off-road motorcycle rallies...
So Xiao He couldn't help but clear his throat a few times at Liu Rulan. "...Ahem, if possible, can you negotiate with them to save me one of the upcoming co-branded modified models?"
"If that's really not possible, I can also race for them."
Though they probably didn't lack a driver like him...
Liu Rulan was speechless. "You little brat, dreaming big. They're not short on drivers."
"Hehe." Xiao He laughed sheepishly. "But they don't win every championship, right? Even insiders can have their unexpected moments!"
No one believed in you, but you still came through!
So what if they were a major brand?
His current value and appearance fee were pretty expensive too, alright!?
"Got it, got it. I'll definitely get the collaboration for you." Liu Rulan could only nod helplessly.
"Awesome, thanks Sister Liu!"
Xiao He immediately put on a cheeky grin.
"Get some rest early. You've got filming tomorrow!"
Liu Rulan walked off with a look of disdain. "I still have to deal with this trending topic you caused! Look at the trouble you've stirred up..."
Xiao He saluted. "Roger!"
...
The next day, the weather was clear, with not a cloud in sight.
At the filming site, dust floated lightly. Nearby stood tall city walls with tightly shut gates, banners fluttering atop the battlements. Extras clad in armor held weapons, standing solemnly beneath the walls, their gazes fixed into the distance with firm, resolute eyes.
Further away, modern architecture still dotted the landscape, with the occasional lonely telephone pole and cables cutting through the air. It was jarringly out of place, abruptly pulling people back to reality just as they were immersing themselves in the ancient scenery.
—This was the actual filming situation of many historical drama productions.
One side might be an ancient city wall, while the other side was a cluttered plaza filled with vehicles and filming equipment. Crew members attended to their duties, quietly busy behind those lenses.
The actors in front of the cameras needed even more conviction and skill.
Xiao He was clad in a suit of silver armor, riding a tall warhorse. One hand held the reins, the other a long spear, facing the camera with a composed posture. From time to time, he adjusted the horse's stance and direction according to the director's instructions.
Before him were dozens of cameras serving different purposes. In the center, Qiu Zhenlong sat in front of the main telephoto lens screen, carefully observing Xiao He's close-up facial features, capturing the chill and determination in his eyes. Behind Qiu Zhenlong, a panoramic camera mounted on a high platform captured the grand scene of the two armies confronting each other.
A few minutes later, Director Chou, having confirmed the shots, picked up his walkie-talkie and began issuing official filming commands.
The clapper loader immediately raised the clapperboard high.
"Three—"
"Two—"
"One—"
With a soft shout, the murderous aura of the battlefield erupted in an instant—
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