Chapter Twenty-Two: Two Girls, Both Longing to Change Their Fates!

One second equals ten thousand yuan.

In 1996, this equation would undoubtedly shock the vast majority of the nation.

At that time, over ninety percent of people couldn’t even earn ten thousand yuan in an entire year.

Actually, when Donghai Sun mentioned that a 300-second commercial had sold for three million yuan, he was slightly boasting.

Unexpectedly, Xun Ma responded with, “That’s a bit low.”

In that moment, Ma’s image in Donghai Sun’s mind grew even grander.

This brother of mine definitely has a powerful background! Absolutely influential!

And just because he beat Xiaohang Bai,

Sun realized he had misjudged the man.

My brother, Ma Xun, is truly a man possessed of wild ambition!

Absolutely incredible!

“Brother, just on this matter today, your magnanimity has me utterly convinced!”

“Don’t be so quick to accept that. By the way, how much do you know about Daqing Bai?”

“He… well, not much.”

“Then what about the scope of his agency?”

“Well, quite a lot… Hey! We’re all children of the same compound. Because we know many people, naturally the business network is wide.”

“I mean, what areas does he represent? Medical? Real estate? Food? This is a campus drama—we can’t have a whole bunch of medicine appearing or else we’re in trouble!”

“Oh! Don’t worry. From what I heard, it’s about sausages.”

“The double-headed kind?”

“Brother, were you eavesdropping on us?”

“Damn! Do I seem like that kind of person?”

“Haha, just kidding, yeah, it’s that sausage brand.”

“Alright, I got it.”

Ma Xun could clearly see the subtle change in Donghai Sun’s attitude toward him.

But when it comes to advertising, even just knowing some industry information in those days was already impressive.

For example, the data from China Central Television (CCTV):

In 1994, a 5-second commercial during prime time on CCTV cost 3.7 million yuan.

Of course, that was the annual price.

Don’t doubt it—just knowing this was already amazing.

CCTV held its first advertising auction in 1995.

Qinchi Winery won the bid for the 5-second slot,

Paying 66.66 million yuan!

That number was deliberately round.

Look how many times it multiplied in just one year—truly astonishing.

But it’s best to understand a key detail.

The 1995 auction was an “open bid,”

Meaning the bidding was done openly.

In 1994, it wasn’t open.

It was a “secret bid.”

So if Ma Xun mentioned the 3.7 million yuan from 1994 to Donghai Sun now,

He would still be able to startle him.

Across the entire country, very few people knew about this “secret bid” detail!

Furthermore, this 5-second slot was first introduced by CCTV in 1993, right after the news broadcast.

Before that, there were ads but fewer of them, and no prime-time slots.

In 1993, the initial 5-second spot sold for 600,000 yuan.

Interestingly, only two companies competed for it.

A secret bid.

Very few really knew about it.

Afterward, CCTV added another 5-second commercial,

Giving it to the company that lost the bid.

Thus, prices evolved like this:

600,000 yuan,

3.7 million yuan,

66.66 million yuan!

In just three years, such an incredible change!

And it didn’t stop there.

At the CCTV bidding conference this November,

Competing for the next year’s 5-second slot,

Qinchi offered 320 million yuan!

Any normal person living in 1996,

Upon learning these figures,

Would probably react like this:

Damn! They’ve gone mad!

This is absolutely insane!

But is it really madness?

Qinchi was originally a very small winery,

Not even well-known locally.

66.66 million yuan transformed into nearly a billion yuan in annual revenue!

After 320 million yuan, sales exploded!

When production couldn’t keep up, they cut corners.

They died under media exposure.

And the media… yes, CCTV was the one exposing them.

Look at CCTV—this is how you make money standing tall!

Advertising is closely tied to the entertainment industry.

Not only did many big shots start in advertising,

But crucially, advertising is how you make money.

Having been in the circle for a long time, Ma Xun recognized these as favorite topics for boasting at the drinking table.

In this era, advertising was wildly frenzied.

Three million yuan… he didn’t even consider that a big sum.

Still, since it was his first time in this business,

He aimed for safety and peace of mind.

Three million yuan was fine.

Unexpectedly, his casual attitude ended up fooling Donghai Sun.

Quite the pleasant surprise.

It seemed their mutually exploitative relationship could last a while longer.

As for Daqing Bai…

In the original timeline, after Xiaohang Bai defeated Long Wu,

He enjoyed a brief moment of glory,

But it didn’t last long—he died soon after.

The legend of the Haidian War God vanished.

Now, this storyline took a significant turn.

There was this Daqing Bai…

Could this elder brother be the one protecting Xiaohang Bai?

Ma Xun wasn’t sure, but he knew he had to be cautious around this Bai elder.

Donghai Sun had nothing more to add.

So Ma Xun reminded him of some details.

Donghai Sun now obeyed Ma Xun completely, nodding and agreeing.

Only then did Ma Xun rush to his next destination.

…

Outside the Beijing Film Academy,

Yuanyuan Gao had been standing there for quite some time.

The matter with the “Seventeen and Not Crying” crew was settled.

Filming would start after the holidays.

She could prepare during this interval.

But even though everyone had left, she didn’t move.

Waiting for whom?

They hadn’t arranged to meet,

But Yuanyuan had a feeling.

That person would come.

“Who are you waiting for here?”

Suddenly, a voice sounded from behind.

Yuanyuan turned and gave him a sharp look.

“Waiting for no one!”

Denial was the right move.

Ma Xun arrived, though his timing was off.

After all, the matter with Xiaohang Bai had delayed him.

Daqing Bai’s appearance and the drinking session were not part of the original plan.

Though he hadn’t promised Yuanyuan anything,

Ma Xun felt he should come.

Wasn’t this girl trying to prove her worth?

Now…

“Let’s go.”

“…”

Yuanyuan said nothing and simply followed.

The Beijing Film Academy was right beside the Beijing Film Studio.

To the south lay the zoo.

For dates, the zoo was always a good choice.

Why?

Maybe by luck, you could witness the primal mating rituals of the animals.

This could greatly help couples.

Of course, Ma Xun was making this up.

Still, they headed south.

“Why so quiet?”

“I got the role!”

“Good. Congratulations.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

“You’re eager to become mine, aren’t you?”

Ma Xun’s words carried a teasing tone.

Yuanyuan stopped walking, her large eyes fixed on him.

Ma Xun stopped too, locking eyes with her.

“Ma Xun! I can be yours, but I’m no cheap woman!”

At that moment, Yuanyuan showed real character, though every detail on her face hinted she was about to cry.

In that instant, Ma Xun seemed to see Zhou Zhiruo.

Luckily, he wasn’t Zhang Wuji.

“Alright, what I just said was a bit harsh.

You’re no cheap woman!

I’ll make you a big star.”

As he spoke, Ma Xun extended his hand.

Tears streaming, Yuanyuan didn’t hesitate to grasp it.

In that moment, she felt she was holding not just Ma Xun’s hand,

But the chance to change her fate.

She refused to accept her current lot.

She didn’t want to be a vocational school girl.

She didn’t want to end up a secretary after graduation.

This man was the only opportunity she could grasp now!

So…

“I… if I say now…”

Yuanyuan was shy, especially about such matters.

Ma Xun gave a strong pull, drawing her into his arms.

Yuanyuan’s heart raced wildly.

But then…

“I don’t like forcing women, but if they willingly climb into my bed…”

Yuanyuan heard this and blushed as if branded by fire.

Using all her strength, she broke free.

Ma Xun, you devil!

“Don’t overthink it. Focus on preparing for the film. I’ll arrange for someone to find you for a contract later.”

“I will definitely become a big star!”

Leaving a resolute statement, Yuanyuan ran off.

Ma Xun watched her retreating figure, a playful smile crossing his face.

…

Back at his small courtyard,

Ma Xun saw Lei Hao.

He was somewhat surprised.

“Tomorrow’s train,” Lei Hao explained.

Ma Xun nodded.

The two entered the house.

Lei Hao couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you going to ask about the casting results?”

Ma Xun glanced at her. “It’s definitely you.”

Her mixed anger and happiness at this answer was strange.

Still, she produced something.

“This, you plan to…”

“If you like it, take it.”

Chanel No. 5.

The packaging was opened, so it couldn’t be given as a gift.

Ma Xun never liked the scent—it smelled like old soap.

Actually, luxury goods just know how to tell stories.

But Lei Hao was different.

She originally thought Ma Xun had given it to Yuanyuan.

Now… whether it was meant for her or not, it was hers!

Inside, she felt a rush of satisfaction, as if she had snatched it away.

Then, besides the perfume?

“When will you sign the contract?”

“No rush. I’ll arrange it.”

“Well…”

Ma Xun noticed Lei Hao’s gaze; he could tell what she wanted.

The next moment, they kissed.

But—

“Today we should rest. At least wait until tomorrow.”

That was right; she had been barely able to walk out this morning.

But there was a way.

For example, by pushing her head down…