In a word, Matthew Evans seemed to understand Grace Thompson's temperament and got straight to the point: "Young man, to achieve the rank of second-level martial artist at such a young age is truly impressive. Also, I just saw you coming out of the martial arts tournament registration office—are you planning to experience the excitement of the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament?"

"Mm."

"I've seen quite a few contestants lately, but it's rare to find someone as young, handsome, striking, and sunny as you. Our Hongri Apparel is a local brand from Canglong City, and we've been looking to expand beyond Canglong to all of Jiangzhou. We're in need of a brand ambassador, and your image fits our standards perfectly..."

Matthew Evans smiled and said, "So, as long as you're willing to be our ambassador, shoot a commercial and some promotional photos, and wear clothing with the Hongri Apparel logo during the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament, we're willing to offer one hundred thousand."

Chapter 8: Give It a Try

Matthew Evans's offer took Grace Thompson a bit by surprise.

But thinking about the culture of this world, he found it reasonable.

Many well-known martial artists take on endorsements and shoot commercials.

Grace Thompson's strength as a second-level martial artist wasn't outstanding, but his youth made up for it.

Plus, thanks to his parents' excellent genes, among the second-level martial artists in Canglong City...

There really weren't many who could compare to him in this regard.

"One hundred thousand? That's too small-minded."

Grace Thompson smiled and said, "Do you think I'll be eliminated in the first round of the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament?"

"Uh..."

Matthew Evans clearly thought so.

After all, Grace Thompson was so young and only a second-level martial artist—wouldn't he just be cannon fodder?

But of course, he couldn't say that out loud.

"Of course not, it's mainly that our Hongri Apparel has limited funds set aside for endorsements and promotions..."

"A chance meeting is fate."

Grace Thompson found the idea of martial artist endorsements in this world rather novel.

On Blue Star, martial artists were an obscure group—even if their skills were superb, their popularity and income couldn't compare to even a second-rate celebrity.

Now, just for getting a second-level martial artist certificate, someone was seeking him out...

"I have a suggestion you might want to hear."

Grace Thompson chuckled lightly: "I won't shoot a commercial, but during the Jiangzhou Tournament, I'll authorize you to use my likeness for Hongri Apparel's promotion. The fee is fifty thousand. However, if I make it to the second round, the price goes up to one hundred thousand. If I make it into the top ten, a million wouldn't be too much, right?"

"Top ten?"

Matthew Evans was slightly stunned: "If I saw correctly, the ID number displayed on the registration device... you're twenty-two this year? So you can only compete in the youth division, right?"

You're just a second-level martial artist...

And you think you can make it into the top ten?

Do you really think those experts with advanced skills and Danjin masters are just there for show?

"Yes, is there a problem?"

Grace Thompson replied.

"......"

Matthew Evans was speechless.

Seeing this, Grace Thompson smiled, turned, and walked away.

He just found the idea of endorsements a bit novel, and since Matthew Evans approached him, he chatted a bit more.

But now it seemed that cooperation without any foundation of trust was just forcing things.

It was a waste of time.

But at that moment, Matthew Evans snapped out of it.

He had originally planned to offer one hundred thousand to have Grace Thompson as an ambassador.

Although Grace Thompson was unwilling to shoot a commercial and only allowed the use of his likeness for promotion during the Jiangzhou Tournament, still...

Making it to the second round was completely different from being eliminated in the first.

The former could only be called a participant in the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament, but the latter...

Wouldn't it be reasonable to add the title "Outstanding Contestant of the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament"?

Besides, if he really was eliminated in the first round, it would only cost fifty thousand, right?

Fifty thousand—he could afford that loss.

"Wait, young man, I'll sign according to your terms."

Matthew Evans quickly caught up: "We'll still give you one hundred thousand. If you make it to the second round, we'll pay two hundred thousand. If you make it into the top ten, three million. But I hope to sign for one year."

"You just want the publicity during the Jiangzhou Tournament, don't you?"

Grace Thompson found it a bit odd.

"Heh, even without the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament, I think we could have a long-term partnership."

Matthew Evans smiled and said, "If you have no objections, let's find a place to sign the contract right now."

"I do have an objection."

Grace Thompson said, "Let's do it as I just proposed, but I won't sign for a year."

"Hmm?"

Matthew Evans was taken aback: "Why not?"

Grace Thompson smiled: "What if I want to compete in the national tournament?"

"Uh..."

Matthew Evans was at a loss for words by this response.

If making the top ten in the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament was a small possibility for some experienced experts, then the national tournament...

If you haven't reached Danjin, you probably wouldn't even qualify for an invitation.

"The youth and junior divisions of the National Martial Arts Tournament are by invitation only. Contestants are selected from the top five or even top three in each province. Only the adult division is open for registration, but the minimum requirement is an associate senior title, which means you must have reached Danjin..."

As Matthew Evans said this, he seemed to realize that this young man surely knew all this information as well, and his voice trailed off.