177: Chapter 177 Spokesperson for the Collaborative Project

In the office building of the Huaxia Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the morning light spilled through the blinds onto the documents on the desk, outlining clear silhouettes of light and shadow.

Lin Wanrou sat in an office chair by the window, flipping through the cooperation proposal in front of her, a faint smile playing on her lips.

On the cover of the proposal, the words "Huaxia-The Peninsula Cultural Tourism Friendly Cooperation Project" were particularly eye-catching.

This was a key cooperation matter recently promoted by the two countries, covering multiple fields such as cultural exchange and tourism promotion.

The selection of the project spokesperson had become a focal point, with many vying for the opportunity.

A young staff member wearing black-rimmed glasses walked in with a document, looking somewhat hesitant.

"Vice Minister Lin, this is the selection for the project spokesperson from our Huaxia side. Please take a look."

Lin Wanrou took it, gave it a casual glance, and then looked back at the staff member.

The staff member was stunned for a moment, handed over the document again, and whispered, "Minister, logically speaking, the spokesperson from The Peninsula should be recommended and led by their side."

"Isn't it somewhat inappropriate for us on the Huaxia side to directly suggest candidates?"

"After all, it involves cultural cooperation between the two countries, so we should still focus on the principle of reciprocity."

Lin Wanrou looked up, put down her fountain pen, and her gaze was quite candid.

"What's wrong with that? We're just making a reasonable suggestion based on the project's promotional effectiveness, not forcibly designating someone."

She paused, picked up the artist's profile book on the desk, flipped to a certain page, and pointed at Choi Sulli's photo.

"Look, this child, Choi Sulli, has a positive image."

"Some time ago, she even donated ten billion korean won to our two countries' public welfare. Her boyfriend is also one of our Huaxia people, and she has a significant fan base in both countries."

"Moreover, she is a member of a top girl group from The Peninsula, excellent at both singing and dancing. She's perfectly suited to be the cultural tourism spokesperson."

The secretary standing nearby finally couldn't help but laugh, then pointed at the group photo on Lin Wanrou's desk.

"Your bias is too obvious! We all know Choi Sulli is your chosen daughter-in-law. You're trying to pave the way for your own kid."

Lin Wanrou glared at her, but her tone was somewhat righteous.

"So what if I'm biased? It's true that Jin-ri is my future daughter-in-law."

"But her talent and reputation are right there; she's a top-tier artist in The Peninsula as well."

"She has a healthy image and is enthusiastic about public welfare. Why can't she be the spokesperson?"

"I'm balancing public and private interests. I've chosen a suitable candidate for the project while giving my own kid a good opportunity. Why not?"

The young staff member was stunned for a moment, reacted instantly, and nodded quickly, telling himself to keep his mouth shut and pretend he heard nothing.

"Understood, understood. Vice Minister Lin has indeed considered everything thoroughly. I will mention this to The Peninsula's side when the time comes."

"However, there's another issue. The two sides previously made a preliminary agreement to select only two spokespeople, one male and one female. If we suddenly change it to three, will it cause dissatisfaction on The Peninsula's side?"

"After all, with the sudden increase in slots, the competition on their side will definitely become more intense."

"I heard that The Peninsula side intends to recommend two film and television actors."

Lin Wanrou picked up the cup on the desk, took a sip of water, and said unhurriedly, "What's wrong with having one or two more?"

"Project promotion needs more high-quality artists to help. Three spokespeople provide broader coverage."

She flipped to Im Yoona's profile page and said, "I think Im Yoona is quite good too."

"She's the face of Girls Generation, has top-tier popularity, and her acting is also good. Her recognition in Huaxia is very high."

"With her joining, we can better attract the attention of the younger demographic to the project."

The staff member smiled and agreed, "Im Yoona is indeed suitable. Girls Generation's influence is certainly enough, and she has many fans in Huaxia."

Lin Wanrou nodded with satisfaction, her meaning clear: since he knew the right things to say, he should say more of them.

"Then it's settled. Organize our suggestions into a document and send it over. Explain that the increase in slots is to better promote the cooperation project. I believe The Peninsula side will understand."

The staff member complied and left. The secretary watched the smile Lin Wanrou couldn't hide.

She joked, "Sister Lin, with our suggestion, I think The Peninsula side will consider it seriously. After all, this project was originally led by our Huaxia side."

"Choi Sulli shouldn't be much of a problem, since that Child Psychological Disease Research Project was already one of the contents of this project's cooperation."

"As for the remaining candidates, the competition will be intense."

"This time in Huaxia, quite a few talent agencies are making moves."

Lin Wanrou was noncommittal and said, "I didn't expect that this time I'd be able to go to The Peninsula on public funds to see my future daughter-in-law."

The secretary Tian Xiaoqian shook her head with a smile, "Only you would dare to so blatantly seek benefits for your own kid."

"But then again, Choi Sulli's donation really hit the mark and left a very good impression."

"As one of the spokespeople, she is a suitable choice. Even if someone wanted to say something, they couldn't find any fault."

A proud smile touched the corners of Lin Wanrou's mouth. "Of course, my eye for picking people is never wrong."

And at the thought of being able to fly to Seoul on The Peninsula tomorrow, a smile also appeared on her lips.

Meanwhile, in an apartment in Seoul, The Peninsula.

Choi Sulli, wearing cute bear pajamas, was lying on the dining table fiddling with her phone. Im Yoona sat beside her, holding a script.

Chatting with her from time to time, while Son Ye-jin and Liu Zijun were busy in the kitchen with dinner.

Liu Zijun looked at the warm scene before him and said with a smile, "Yejin, there's a cocktail party tomorrow night. Your company should notify you by then."

Son Ye-jin walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of freshly cooked food. Hearing this, she raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Is it the cocktail party related to the Huaxia-The Peninsula cultural tourism cooperation project?"

"I know about that. Didn't Sulli and Yoona just say they'd be attending too?"

"Many management companies and groups will be performing. I heard they're also selecting project spokespeople."

Liu Zijun nodded and said, "Yes, that's the one."

"This project is promoted by the governments of both countries and carries a lot of weight. Becoming a spokesperson provides many promotional opportunities in Huaxia, and they are all official resources, which is a big help for artists from The Peninsula to open up the Huaxia market."

Choi Sulli immediately put down her phone, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Liu Zijun.

"Oppa, I heard the competition for this spokesperson role is very intense. Many companies are working on it!"

"Our company will definitely push SJ and Girls Generation. I heard Unnie Ji-Eun and Suzy and the others will be going too."

"We, f(x), will go as well, but we don't have high hopes. I actually think Yejin Unnie has a great chance."

Im Yoona closed her script, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation.

"The competition is definitely intense. I also think Yejin Unnie has a great chance."

"Once we leave the group, our fame drops quite a bit!"

Choi Sulli clenched her small fist and smiled, "It's okay! We're used to it anyway. We'll just treat it as working hard to participate in a performance."

Liu Zijun ruffled her hair and said dotingly, "Mm! This little girl has a good mindset now! Just treat it as another schedule."

"Show your strength and charm. Let them see my baby's talent."

"Oppa, will you be going tomorrow?"

Choi Sulli pulled his arm, her tone carrying a hint of dependency.

Liu Zijun smiled, "Of course I'll go. Am I not our Jin-ri's bodyguard? I'll be backstage cheering you all on."

Choi Sulli jumped up happily.

"With Oppa there, I'll have even more confidence!"

Im Yoona looked at her lively appearance and couldn't help but laugh.

"Ya! Choi Sulli, you can't leave Oppa for a second. Tomorrow is an important occasion; can you be a bit more mature?"

Choi Sulli pouted, then leaned close to Im Yoona and whispered, "I just can't leave Oppa!"

"Yoona Unnie, you say that like you can leave him either!"

Son Ye-jin looked at the harmonious way the two were acting and said with a smile, "It seems tomorrow's cocktail party will be very lively. I'll go to show my support and cheer for you then."

"By the way, Ji-Jun, will T-ara be participating too?"

"I heard you say before that their popularity has been recovering well lately, so they should be competing for the spokesperson qualification too, right?"

Liu Zijun said, "Definitely. Yang Hyeri values this opportunity highly and has already signed T-ara up."