Chapter 135: The 135th day of being popular
The other applicants were momentarily stunned, but then they suddenly realized.
Yes, this is the most ingenious approach. Buy a trending topic called "Ugly" and let the onlookers assume that the photos are unattractive. Then, when they open the trending topic, they will discover that the artist in the photos is actually remarkably good-looking.
This way, controversy arises, and there is a buzz. It not only successfully eliminates the negative impact caused by the failed portrait photos but also creates a favorable impression among uninformed bystanders.
Such a clever tactic!
Why didn't they think of this excellent answer from the beginning?
However, when Yao Bianliang heard this answer, her eyebrows furrowed tightly.
What kind of lousy answer is this?
She finally had the perfect opportunity to cool down due to the unflattering photos being criticized by netizens. If she were to be revived by the maneuvers of Zheng Han, what would she do?
That would make her furious.
As for the answers from the other candidates, while they may not be as strong as Manager Zheng's, they all have some validity.
Yao Bianliang's gaze falls on the last two applicants.
At this point, Zhou Fei is feeling somewhat frustrated.
All the methods he could think of were already mentioned by others, and with Manager Zheng's plan ahead, he couldn't come up with any alternative solutions.
At this rate, it is inevitable that Manager Zheng will be selected.
Zhou Fei knows that he is not as competitive as the others, and he doesn't want to work with this person either. After thinking for a while, he decides to give up.
"If it's a fact that the artist's appearance isn't great, then no amount of retouching will help. I think there's no need to explain or suppress the buzz; it's better to openly admit it," he says.
The gazes of the others subtly change, and when they look at Zhou Fei, it's as if they are looking at a fool.
Undeterred by the scrutiny, Zhou Fei remains calm and composed.
The final applicant seems extremely nervous and can't come up with an answer after a long while.
At this point, seeing that everyone has finished answering, she meets the questioning gaze of the others and panics, "Um... issue an apology statement?"
Everyone: "..."
Are you two here to be funny?
One person blatantly admits their artist is ugly;
The other goes even further, suggesting an apology statement. Isn't that just an admission of guilt?
Moreover, what is there to apologize to the public for? You can't say that our artist is too ugly and has offended everyone's eyes, that would be embarrassing!
Yao Bianliang's eyes light up as she listens.
These two are talents. This is the exact answer she has been dreaming of!
If all PR professionals operated like them, she wouldn't have to exert much effort to become cool effortlessly.
The atmosphere becomes somewhat tense, and Assistant Chen breaks the silence with a smile. "Since we're on the topic of apology statements, let me ask: if an artist has done something wrong and needs to issue an apology statement, how would each of you approach it?"
This is a topic that everyone is familiar with.
Some suggest shifting the blame to others in subtle ways, making efforts to whitewash their own artist;
Others say the best approach is to retreat and show weakness in the apology statement, play the victim, and then use marketing accounts and online influencers to manipulate public opinion.
Manager Zheng appears calm and composed. Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, he has read over a thousand apology statements if not seven or eight hundred. He is well-versed in the rhetoric used in those statements.
He confidently explains, "Firstly, the first step is to apologize for occupying public resources. Secondly, lightly touch upon the facts, magnify the influence of other factors, and downplay your own mistakes..."
He lists more than ten points and gives several examples on the spot, including how to write apology statements for cheating, infidelity, smoking in public places, drunk driving, and other behaviors.
His argument is well-founded, organized, and simply exemplary.
The other applicants feel a chill in their hearts.
Manager Zheng is really outshining everyone! It's obvious he's not giving anyone else a chance.
Yao Bianliang, however, feels her eyebrows furrow tightly.
This Zheng Han is indeed a professional. If she were to let him handle her marketing and public relations, she would never have a chance to be cold in her entire life.
Thinking of this, Yao Bianliang looked at Zhou Fei and the other girl with anticipation.
Compared to Zheng Han, these two individuals are clearly capable and Yao Bianliang holds high expectations for them.
Zhou Fei doesn't disappoint her.
He says, "If I were to write this apology statement, I would sincerely admit the mistake, not shift the blame or downplay the issue, and use sincerity to move everyone, expressing a commitment to make changes through actual actions."
The girl, Xia Yin hesitates for a moment and mutters softly, "I... I have the same idea."
The curve of Yao Bianliang's lips becomes even more apparent.
Very good, you two are like hidden talents.
Zhou Fei, this young man, graduated from a prestigious university. He looks like a dangerous person, but his performance is unexpectedly good.
As for Xia Yin, who has worked for three companies in the industry, she truly lives up to her reputation. With this level of competence, it's reassuring.
The following questions further confirm Yao Bianliang's thoughts.
Manager Zheng speaks animatedly, overshadowing the other applicants.
Zhou Fei and Xia Yin show no shining moments as if they are just there to fill the numbers.
Yao Bianliang watches everyone's performance silently while making notes.
She already has a clear idea of whom she wants to hire for the studio.
*****
Finally, after twenty minutes, the interview ended.
Assistant Chen stands up and smiles professionally at the applicants, "Please wait in the rest area for a moment. We will notify you of the final interview results in ten minutes."
Assistant Yan Xiaoli has already prepared water for the applicants and placed it on the coffee table in the rest area. The applicants take a seat on the sofa one by one.
Returning to the initial waiting area, the moods of many people are completely different.
Apart from Manager Zheng, who wears a calm and composed smile as if everything is under control, the others can't help but feel anxious.
This interview is done!