### Chapter 298: The Demand for Black with a Rainbow of Colors
—
Finally, in the negotiations, the group led by Lin Tian and the Depp side formally finalized the specific shooting plan.
It was to be two rounds of shooting: one for the spokesperson photos and another for the advert videos.
Since they’d already completed the planning early on, the preparations on their end were already well underway, almost everything just waiting for Moonlight and the Cat to show up.
In two days, they started shooting the spokesperson photos.
Back in the car.
“How does it feel, teachers?” He Zhi Chen asked, gripping the steering wheel.
“What what? Feeling?” Lin Tian responded in confusion.
“Feelings towards Depp and your first time taking on an endorsement,” He Zhi Chen laughed.
The endorsement activity was entirely negotiated by He Zhi Chen and his studio, so he had to ask. Before signing Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu, He Zhi Chen had promised them they wouldn’t force them to do anything against their will and would always seek their opinions regarding any studio arrangements.
Up to now, He Zhi Chen had been very careful and conscientious about this. Even now, after the contracts were signed, he had to confirm that they were still okay with it.
It was not only a promise to the two but also a responsibility of a manager ensuring two young, naive high school students could navigate the world of celebrity with some guidance.
“Yogurt tastes good,” Gan Yan Yu blurted out, raising her hand before Lin Tian could answer.
“…”
Lin Tian choked.
No surprise that Teacher Gan chose the simple yet incisive comment about taste when there were so many pros and cons of the brand itself.
However, it did make sense—endorsing a food product should start with enjoying the actual product.
Nowadays, who knows how many stars genuinely refrain from eating what they endorse.
At least in this aspect, Depp could trust Gan Yan Yu forever!
They dare ask her to endorse it, knowing she actually eats it!
“Oh right, can we get free yogurt sent over?” Lin Tian asked.
Given that Teacher Gan loved it, his idea was: go ahead and get as much as you can for free.
“No problem! I’ll talk to them later and get a truckload delivered for you!” He Zhi Chen said with a smile.
Although his heart was racing a bit because of the tangent, his thoughts immediately shifted back on track. Seeing Lin Tian discuss matters so seriously, he knew if it tasted good, other matters wouldn’t be an issue!
After pausing a moment, He Zhi Chen continued, “Work hard on this sh**t.”
“We’re not just facing the public; we’re also catering to potential future financiers.”
“Show them our capabilities. I firmly believe, you were born for this!”
That evening.
The official studio of ‘Moonlight and Cat’, announced their collaboration with Depp Dairy.
This studio’s Weibo account was essentially an equivalent to Moonlight and Cat’s own, managed by the studio.
Recently opened, it was still fresh since Moonlight and Cat hadn’t set up personal Weibo accounts, only having accounts on Douyin and Bilibili.
Fans often commented directly under ‘Leyun Official’ Weibo when wanting to vent their feelings.
Now, with the launch of ‘Moonlight and Cat Official Studio,’ although it wasn’t their personal account, it was still an official one.
Lost and found Weibo fans had seemingly found their home!
After only a week, it already had 1.26 million followers.
Their debut post was also the studio’s first Weibo announcement.
The comments section exploded.
[‘Depping for Depp? Is this real?!’]
[‘Is this the Depp I’m thinking of?’]
[‘Wow, Depp’s really rising… to have Moonlight and Cat as endorsers!’]
[…]
Everyone in Tianchao knew Depp’s influence.
Though they were dedicated fans of Moonlight and Cat, they generally knew the level of fame their idols held.
For example, most parents know about Depp milk, but not many are familiar with ‘Moonlight and Cat’!
Some fans even treated liking ‘Moonlight and Cat’ as a small niche label.
Like never listening to classical music but loving Moonlight and Cat, then plastering “Classical Music” on social media, a delicate niche label!
Of course, being a cult favorite made them niche!
So when they saw their niche idol endorsing a popular brand, almost every fan except those wanting their idols to stay niche was thrilled.
[‘Wow, I followed them when they were just little online celebs with a few thousand followers!’]
[‘I watched them grow! Formerly, they took small ads for instruments, massage chairs, pillows, but now for Depp Dairy?’]
[‘Amazing, really moved me… bought a cello based on Cat’s recommendation! Seen our king of classical music evolve!’]
Why are variety shows like ‘Creating 101’ so popular?
Especially when it turned into finding 101 trainees, performing programs for audiences to vote for their favorites!
Because nurturing idols was so enjoyable!
Allowing every viewer to see their beloved idols grow from clueless trainees into superstars.
And those participating by voting felt incredibly proud—
Called ‘National Producers.’
Just hearing it gave them a thrill!
Now this happiness was landing on Moonlight and Cat fans.
Seeing Moonlight and Cat endorse such a big brand, fans felt “our long-time favorite has finally made it!”
Moreover, given Moonlight and Cat’s rapid rise.
It’s only been half a year since they debuted on Douyin.
Thus, every new fan could claim to be a ‘veteran’!
Some fans started following as soon as Douyin debuted, some when Moonlight & Cat had just opened their B station, others when they were still hiding under pseudonyms.
Every phase fan discovered their own moment in the spotlight!
In just six months, these idols had gone through half of their lifespan.
This also explained why fans were so loyal to Moonlight and Cat.
Seeing them move forward once again, many fans erupted in the comment section.
[‘I’ve always said, our Moonlight and Cat could survive on looks alone, no need for music!’]
[‘Ahh, I’ve wanted to see Moonlight Bro and Cat together in photos for ages, can we finally do it now?’]
[‘Yes, let those out-of-the-circle folks see what our classical musicians look like!’]
“On your way here. You’re not Moonlight Teacher and Cat Teacher, are you?”
On the day of the sh**t.
Accompanied by their manager, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu arrived at the ad agency ‘Starlight,’ responsible for the spokesperson photoshoot.
Here they met the film crew, who had been waiting a long time.
Head photographer Wang Jun, looked somewhat incredulously at the two standing before him:
“Yes, we are,” Lin Tian nodded despite feeling puzzled.
“Welcome teachers…”
“You’re not quite what I expected…”
Wang Jun struggled to smile, extending his hand.
“Nice to meet you.”
Lin Tian shook his hand.
They were in Starlight’s sixth-floor photography studio. Behind them, the film crew was rapidly setting up for the sh**t.
“Teachers, follow me. The makeup artist and costume teacher are already inside,” another girl, stepping forward, indicated politely.
As they walked, Lin Tian couldn’t help asking, while following He Zhi Chen:
“What was up with that photographer just now?”
It seemed like he was shocked upon seeing them.
Not recognizing ‘Moonlight and Cat’ was understandable, but looking uncomfortable and hesitant was a bit odd.
“I guess he was stunned seeing us students.”
He Zhichen almost couldn’t hold back a laugh, saying:
“Stunned?”
“Right, the theme is ‘Arts and Elegance.’ Starlight probably hadn’t thought their models would be students.”
Here, He Zhichen had to explain Starlight’s role to Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu.
Starlight was Depp’s long-term advertising partner, managing all advertisement shootings, but sometimes conflicts arose.
For instance, a company might promote a youthful product, but Starlight didn’t think it’d work for a sophisticated market.
Usually, this wouldn’t cause issues, but a conflict between the brand and the team was rare.
“Why do you think the issue is with the models?” asked Lin Tian.
“Don’t you realize they looked at you strangely just now?”
Despite discussing something serious, He Zhichen almost laughed, jokingly adding,
“Well, only you two could cause such reactions!”
“Insane! How could they choose two kids to endorse a new product?!”
Wang Jun, losing it completely, rubbed his head, exasperated.
“Online, I’d seen their names. But I never expected them to be students,” confessed one assistant with an awkward expression.
“Why pick two students?!” asked another voice.
“High-end image? And these kids?! Did Manager Chen just snap?!”
As Starlight’s lead photographer, Wang Jun had years of experience, producing many iconic industry-changing ads and celebrity endorsement photos.
He had shot famous ads for countless brands. Many stores displayed his work.
Thus, Wang Jun held his works to a very high standard and pursued perfection with fervent dedication.
His intense passion extended to his team.
Anyone slowing down the process or irritating him risked immediate rage.
His frantic behavior scared everyone silent.
But what happened next was terrifying.
Thought to be just a photo sh**t, everyone panicked when they saw the conditions.
Yet, the team members understood.
Before, they only knew it was a classical musician duo suitable for high-end imagery.
When they saw the pair, everyone was shocked.
These were clearly high school students; one even wore shorts and a windbreaker.
How did this differ from the demand for ‘black with a rainbow of colors’?!
“Actually, I’ve followed Moonlight and Cat for a long time. They’ve always been known for their youthfulness and elegance,” one female lighting assistant cautiously noted.
“Could it be fitting?”
“But not simply because they play a few pieces of classical music,” Wang Jun interrupted her abruptly.
In fact, he had no issues with Moonlight and Cat. Both were talented musicians building reputations through original compositions.
He admired these students, thus treating them courteously.
Mainly, Depp’s product team was…
“Tap-tap-tap…”
At that moment.
A rhythmic click-clack of heels filled the room.
Everyone in the studio turned their heads toward the sound—
Gorgeous in a black sequined dress, with delicate cuttings that floated gently like the stars on a clear night. Each tiny sequin glinted like a star under the lights, and a young woman emerged, long dark hair casually draped, carrying an icy demeanor. Her face was expressionless, eyes bright and deep, giving off an unapproachable chill.
She frowned slightly, examining her outfit, seemingly unhappy.
“d*mn! So beautiful! Motherf*! My God!!”
The lighting technician instantly lost control, unleashing multiple shocking exclamations.
“This is eighteen?!”
Another guy couldn’t contain himself either.
This elegant aura and icy chill suggested someone far older than a typical teenage girl.
Just moments ago,
Everyone was struck by her youthful high-school vibes!
Now, in a blink,
She transformed into this cold beauty.
Quickly, a young man joined her.
Lin Tian wore a black suit, fiddling with his cufflinks.
“Wait, where is his fringe?”
Someone else exclaimed.
They noticed he wore thick bangs earlier, probably shaped as an ‘M’.
Now, his hair was slicked back in a retro look.
His clean face, coupled with deep black eyes, carried an almost storied aura.
Though ‘Asian four magic skills’ were rumored to be powerful enough for a make-over,
To transform someone so drastically, without any apparent physical changes, was virtually unheard of!
Now, two of them together!
“Teacher Gan, what’s wrong?”
Lin Tian asked, noticing Gan Yan Yu inspecting her waist.
“Don’t like this dress, too aggressive,” Gan Yan Yu murmured.
“This is tough, it’s a collaboration, we gotta follow the vibe.”
“. . .”
Just then, in everyone’s attention,
Wang Jun, camera in hand, approached respectfully.
“Moonlight Teacher, Cat Teacher,” he said, his voice almost trembling with excitement,
“Are we ready to start shooting now?”
(End of Chapter)
