Shi Nian's words caused the meeting room to fall silent.
She continued, "If you plan to spend 355 million yuan on this product's advertisement, I strongly disagree with calling that conservative."
Shi Nian flipped through the advertising strategy documents in front of her. "Not to mention, the billboard centers and locations you picked are in the worst areas."
The representative quickly spoke up, "When we contacted the advertising centers, they only agreed to give us those spots. Although the spots aren't the best, each one of them was the best available."
Shi Nian looked at the PR team, already settling for less. Their attitude was simply resignation—believing BaiYue had no future and refusing to give their all.
This kind of attitude was exactly what Shi Nian disliked. She had always believed that a worthwhile effort was better than half-heartedly trying.
"Let's not talk about long term. With such a team and such plans, we wouldn't even sell one product." She deduced this from everything she had heard in the meeting.
Shi Nian scanned the silent room, her eyes brushing past each person before pausing.
"Researcher Han, is there something you want to share with us?" Noticing Han Meimei's conflicted expression, Shi Nian asked calmly.
Ding Shun clenched his fist in frustration. Why did Director Shi have to call her out? He had just been thinking about how unusually quiet Han Meimei was today.
"Old Ding and the PR team have done their best already! What else could be done?! At this stage, would any more or less even matter?"
"Didn't you say you had a good idea for PR? Why don't we hear it then?" Han Meimei raised her voice.
Realizing how loud she was, Han Meimei paused awkwardly and sat down, glancing at Ding Shun in despair. Oh no… I didn't mean to sound like that. I just couldn't control my mouth.
Even Ding Shun hadn't expected her to do better. Despite her calm appearance, the moment she opened her mouth she could spit fire.
Shi Nian wasn't provoked. She responded calmly, "A lot can be done. Initially, I expected more from the PR team, since this could very well be the pivotal step in BaiYue's comeback."
"BaiYue isn't just a skincare brand. Everyone sitting in this room is BaiYue. One way or another, you have all contributed to the position it once held in the industry."
Shi Nian's words seemed to revive the PR team. Even if they worked behind the scenes, they had supported BaiYue in their own ways.
Seeing the effect of her words, she continued, "At this point, BaiYue doesn't need more publicity than it already has. It doesn't require excessive media advertising from us. Even bad publicity is still publicity."
"What we need is to turn it to our advantage. In our case, word of mouth with positive feedback and reviews will have more impact."
The PR team looked enlightened. They had been stuck in the mindset that BaiYue was beyond saving and had never thought of it this way.
The PR representative asked, "The question now is: how do we do that, Director Shi? BaiYue's reputation in the public and the industry has collapsed."
Noticing their renewed attention, Shi Nian didn't waste any time and shared her ideas.
She didn't want a team that folded at the smallest roadblock. She intended to build a PR team that was capable, adaptable, and responsible.
This time they would be using a celebrity from the entertainment industry. Shi Nian had thought of this because of her cousin, Cheng Youlin. Bringing in a celebrity would serve as an attraction tactic.
They wouldn't be using billboards at all. They would stick strictly to online platforms.
The platform she selected was also owned by Cheng Youlin's entertainment company. She wouldn't let "fertile water flow to another's field"—and frankly, she wanted a cheaper option.
"As for word of mouth, we'll contact users who previously experienced adverse effects. We'll compensate them, and those who returned their products will be reimbursed and given the new product for free."
Shi Nian's words stunned the team. Her plans felt extremely bold. BaiYue was already at risk of bankruptcy, and yet she wanted to compensate people and even give products away for free. BaiYue would have to cover all the expenses.
Even without checking with the finance department, they all knew BaiYue's situation.
"Director Shi, using 355 million yuan was already a conservative estimate. With these new plans, the company will not be able to afford it," someone finally said.
"You don't have to worry about that. I've already considered this outcome. The finance department will be able to provide sufficient funding for this project." Shi Nian replied succinctly.
It was for this very reason she had pushed herself to secure RainCloud's one-billion-yuan project. The advantage of RainCloud's investment was that they did not strictly supervise how the funds were allocated.
But that didn't mean they allowed misuse. Hidden beneath their simple contract was a brutal clause:
If Party B misused the investment funds or failed to meet the agreed project terms, they would be required to surrender 80% of their company shares.
This clause made it impossible for anyone to misuse the capital. Eighty percent was essentially giving the company away.
Shi Nian dared to proceed because she had a plan she was confident in.
"We'll begin the campaign one week before the release date. Until then, all important preparations will be in your care.
As for the celebrity, I'll handle the contact myself."
Just then, the hour was up. Shi Nian concluded the meeting and returned to her office.
Upon reaching her office, she contacted Assistant Director Bei Chuan through the landline. "Come to my office in ten minutes. When you arrive, come in directly."
Knock knock…
Bei Chuan gave a polite knock before entering.
Shi Nian started speaking as soon as he sat down. She briefed him on the meeting, then added:
"I want you to put aside any project you're working on and work with Ding Shun's team. Follow up with the PR team closely.
I need you to supervise this product from every angle—manufacturing, storage, everything. You'll stay in contact with the manufacturing department and with Qing Feng at the warehouse.
If anything comes up, report directly to me.
I'll be trusting you with this, Old Bei."
"You can rest assured, Director Shi. I'll carry this out to the best of my abilities," Assistant Director Bei Chuan promised.
Shi Nian was satisfied with his attitude. She highlighted the key points he needed to focus on before letting him leave.