Chapter Nine: Advertisement

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Entertainment Around Us Without Pop-Ups

Story Time: November 2004

Recommended Song: Kim Ah-Joong – Maria

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional. Please do not associate it with real people. Any resemblance is purely coincidental!

“Go ahead,” Li Ran said after listening to Jiang Yihan recount the afternoon’s “incident,” offering his advice. “Honestly, I don’t think Director Park is wrong. It’s just a job, a way to earn money. It’s only an advertisement, not anything indecent.” After saying this, Li Ran found his own thoughts amusing and burst into laughter. Only in front of Jiang Yihan could Li Ran truly be himself.

“And I think even if you join the entertainment industry, it’s not a big deal.” Li Ran continued, analyzing the situation. “Your hesitation about entering showbiz comes down to money, studies, and the fact that the entertainment industry isn’t as glamorous as people imagine—it’s exhausting and sometimes shady. But I don’t think those are real problems. Money? If you become popular, the earnings will come fast. Studies? You’re perfectly capable of self-studying at university. As for the hardships, honestly, every profession has its own social dynamics and dark side. You just haven’t experienced it yet, so it sounds scarier than it is. So I think it’s not a big deal if you enter showbiz. Besides, it’s just an advertisement for now, not a full commitment.”

“About becoming a celebrity, it’s not as easy as you think. How long would it take for me to become popular? Besides, we just learned about Kim Jae-Joong’s situation. Can we really ignore that? So, showbiz isn’t interesting to me—I don’t have the time or energy for it, at least for now.” Li Ran’s words circled in Jiang Yihan’s mind as he thought carefully. Once again, he found himself sighing over Kim Jae-Joong’s experience. The entertainment industry could wait. He let out a breath and said, “You’re right, it’s just an ad. All right then, I’ll call Uncle Park tomorrow to see if he still needs me. If he does, I’ll give it a try. Jobs that pay this well are hard to find. With some money, at least my mom’s burden will be lighter.”

After much hesitation, Jiang Yihan made a decision—a decision that would drive many people mad in the future.

“Yi Yi,” he called out to his sister, who had sneaked home for dinner. Jiang Yihan sought her opinion, “What do you think about your brother shooting an advertisement?”

“An ad?” Jiang Ziyi tilted her head, looking at her handsome brother and grinned, “Of course! It’d be a waste not to use your resources. But why just an ad? Why not just become a celebrity? You’d definitely be famous!” Clearly, Jiang Ziyi shared Li Ran’s opinion.

“You two are unbelievable,” Jiang Yihan said, helpless. “We’ll talk about being a celebrity later. That settles it—I’ll tell Uncle Park tomorrow that I’ll take the job and focus on doing the ad well.”

“Lazy cat, silly cat, dead cat, pick up the phone! Pick up the phone, it’s a call from a beautiful lady!” Just as Jiang Yihan was about to cook dinner for the two “hungry little ones,” his phone rang suddenly, playing the ringtone Jiang Ziyi had recorded for him. He answered, seeing an unfamiliar number. “Hello?”

“Hello, is this Jiang Yihan?” The voice of a middle-aged man came through. “This is Park Young-ho.”

“Ah, Uncle Park,” Jiang Yihan signaled to the two curious kids beside him that it was Director Park Young-ho. “What brings you to call me at this hour?”

“Oh, well…” Park Young-ho sounded a bit uneasy. “I just wanted to ask if you’ve made up your mind?”

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“Haha,” Jiang Yihan laughed naturally upon hearing Park Young-ho’s purpose. “Director Park, we only parted ways a few hours ago—how could I decide so quickly? But it just so happens I’ve made up my mind. I’ll treat this as a temp job and help you out.”

“Really? Really?” Park Young-ho was delighted by the news, his tone lively. “That’s wonderful! When are you available? We can start anytime.”

“Oh, don’t put it like that—you make me sound like a big star. I’m just a bit player, at best.” Having made his decision, Jiang Yihan felt more relaxed and joked, “Today’s Wednesday. I have two classes tomorrow morning, then I’m free for the rest of the day and the whole weekend.”

“Perfect, let’s start tomorrow afternoon. Since we don’t know how many days the shoot will take, starting early is best. How about meeting at the same place as today at 2 pm? I’ll drive you to the set.” Park Young-ho’s cheerful voice came through the receiver.

“Thanks, Uncle Park. It’s settled then. See you tomorrow.” Jiang Yihan hung up and noticed the two beside him were staring at him with curious looks. “What’s wrong? First time seeing me?”

“No, just making sure we get plenty of looks at the future superstar!” The teasing echoed around the room.

Time quickly passed to the appointed hour. To be courteous, Jiang Yihan arrived twenty minutes early. He’d only heard about such events before, never experienced them, and wondered if there might be wardrobe requirements on site. So he wore a white T-shirt with a castle graphic, dark jeans torn in a few places—a casual outfit.

Arriving, he saw Park Young-ho already waiting. The director’s respect touched Jiang Yihan deeply; after all, he was just an unknown student shooting a commercial, yet was being treated with such regard.

After getting in the car, Park Young-ho sized up Jiang Yihan’s outfit, thought about the ad’s direction, and said, “Perfect, this vibe is just right. Let’s shoot as you are.”

“Huh? No wardrobe change?” Clearly a rookie, Jiang Yihan asked earnestly. “I thought I’d need to change on set, so I just wore my casual clothes.”

“No worries, this is great.” Park Young-ho was relaxed and confident, and began explaining the ad’s concept. Really, it was less a concept and more an idea—a bit of an adventure, a trial run. There was no storyline, no special effects, and a bare minimum of actors: just a group of children and Jiang Yihan. The ad was simple: Jiang Yihan and the children would play on a sunny lawn, eating lollipops, radiating joy and laughter. How it would be shot and edited was not Jiang Yihan’s concern.

After hearing the requirements, Jiang Yihan was incredulous. “Wait, you’re saying all I need to do is play with a bunch of kids?”

Such a simple task, yet with disproportionate pay, made Jiang Yihan rethink the profession of entertainer.

“It seems simple, but it’s not,” Park Young-ho explained. “The scene is easy and straightforward, but the challenge is in the feeling. AA Lollipop needs to convey happiness. The slogan is simple—‘Why not choose sweetness and joy?’ You know how lively kids are when playing, but the key is to engage them, and your expressions—especially your smile—are crucial for this ad.”

“Ah…” Jiang Yihan felt his burden suddenly grow heavier.

“The company is newly established, and though the ad budget is large, this commercial is just a first foray into the market. The design is simple, to test reactions and plan future steps.” Watching Jiang Yihan’s expressive face, Park Young-ho grew more confident. “But trust my judgment—and trust yourself. I was captivated by your smile, which is why I chose you. You’re the perfect candidate.”

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Seeing Director Park’s confidence in him, Jiang Yihan’s nerves eased. He’d come this far, and could only push forward.

On set, the scene was a sunlit lawn, the afternoon sun casting golden light across the grass. A few trees marked the distance, the openness filling one with serenity. Surveying the scene, Jiang Yihan saw a group of children playing games at the center, while crew members busied themselves moving equipment, setting up cameras, and preparing the site.

Jiang Yihan greeted the crew politely, knowing a good impression mattered. He then began mingling with the six adorable kids, playing with them to break the ice—after all, the ad would feel more genuine if they were comfortable together. He grabbed a handful of AA lollipops (the real kind, safe to eat) and approached the children. “What are you playing? Can I join? Let’s play together!” He handed out the lollipops with a big smile that nearly split his face.

Someone once said a smile is the best weapon. If no one had said so before, Jiang Yihan would say it today. The children quickly swarmed around, took their lollipops, and began playing together. Jiang Yihan joined in, eating and playing with them. The game was simple—“Eagle Catches Chick.” If you’ve never played it, raise your hand. First, Jiang Yihan played the eagle, “bullying” the little ones; soon, he became the mother hen, then a chick. Chasing and being chased, tumbling together on the grass, everyone rolled around laughing. Running forward together into the wind, the children’s bell-like laughter filled the lawn, the sunlit air seeming to dance. Jiang Yihan laughed heartily, enjoying himself among the children. Soon, everyone was sweating.

Spotting the camera, inspiration struck Jiang Yihan. He flashed a dazzling smile and said, “Why not choose sweetness?” Then, grinning triumphantly at the camera, he took a bite of his lollipop.

Applause broke out. The crew cheered at the exhausted children and the radiant Jiang Yihan.

“Uncle Park, is this how you want to shoot it?” Jiang Yihan panted, clearly a bit tired. “Now that I’m familiar with the kids, it’ll go smoothly.” He took the towel from a crew member, wiped his sweat, and sought Park Young-ho’s opinion.

“Jiang Yihan, you’re amazing! Absolutely amazing! I knew I wasn’t wrong.” Park Young-ho laughed heartily, patting Jiang Yihan’s shoulder and showering him with praise. “It’s even better than I imagined.”

“Great, I’ll rest for a bit then we’ll shoot it like this.” Jiang Yihan stepped aside for a drink and some rest.

“We’re already done. The shoot’s finished.” Park Young-ho grinned at Jiang Yihan, thoroughly pleased with this diamond in the rough.

“Huh? When did you shoot? Why didn’t you tell me? Isn’t shooting an ad supposed to involve makeup, lighting, all sorts of hassle?” Jiang Yihan returned, confused by the sudden news.

“I saw your expressions were relaxed, the scene was warm and just right, so I filmed it. We were only missing the slogan, but you said it yourself—though it was a little different from what I planned, your spontaneous touch was even more charming. So, it’s all done.” Park Young-ho called the crew to pack up.

Seeing Jiang Yihan’s jaw-drop expression, the crew burst out laughing. “This must be my fastest shoot ever—one take, no retakes, and done in under half an hour. Thanks to you, we can finish early!” The more Park Young-ho looked at Jiang Yihan, the more satisfied he was with his own choice.

After a few moments, Jiang Yihan came to his senses, shaking his head. Though it felt unreal to him, the professionals said it was great—so what was there to question? He began thanking everyone around him, and the crew found him highly likable: efficient, polite, unpretentious, and handsome—who wouldn’t like him?

Thus, Jiang Yihan’s first journey on screen ended in a whirlwind, accomplished in less than an hour.