Chapter 6 Chapter Six

Simon suddenly hated London.Their apartment, despite Ennis' painstaking efforts to arrange flowers and hang pictures retrieved from the original house, remains as dull and impersonal as a hotel suite.The long prelude to winter has begun.The sky seemed to be a low ceiling, and pedestrians on the street, holding umbrellas, hurriedly avoided the drizzle.There is always not enough light.Provence has become a bright and distant memory. Back at the office on the first day, Simon was still uninterested.Jordan had clearly loved his week as king, and was unwilling to give up the throne, and was always in and out of Simon's office, offering advice on the state of the business.He was particularly concerned about an incident that had occurred last Friday night, when he was reporting to Simon between the slow puffs of his cigarette.

The company's creative director David.Frye (whom Jordan has always disliked because he disliked senior executives so much), was seen behaving inappropriately at the restaurant. Simon asked: What did he do? Jordan said: "At first, he got drunk and started crying.Then he obviously took cocaine, and started rubbing his nose on the table, completely embarrassed.He pursed his lips, expressing his disapproval.My friend happened to be there and called me on Saturday morning and I went straight to David and I asked him what the hell was going on.Stuff like this can easily spread, upsetting customers and damaging the company's reputation.

Simon sighed.Jordan was right.What did David say? I strictly stopped him from continuing to mess around and told him that the director of a listed company should not behave in such a shameful manner.Jordan patted his cuff vigorously, as if the sleeve would run away from his coat. So what did he say? He told me to go away.I almost punched him and made him disappear from the face of the earth.That unbearable jerk. As long as he does a good job with the client brief, I'll have a good chat with him.How is it going? There was a panic in the creative department, and the whole company was waiting.I was informed by David's secretary that they would present the whole idea to us tomorrow.They need strong support, but they don't have deadlines at all.

Sensing that this might be the beginning of a lesson in management skills, Simon picked up a stack of papers.He said: "I'd better start with that, by Thursday I've got to get to the bottom of the condom market." Jordan smiled, showing his long, yellowish teeth.He was looking more and more like his horse, Simon thought.You, old fellow, just don't like such unpleasant things.It's like drinking wine through a straw.He laughed and muttered to himself, then walked back to his office. The Condom Marketers' Association (or the Condom Kings as they jokingly call it in the company) demanded to be briefed on their £5m plans.Simon knew there were two other companies bidding, but he wanted the business.Although the budget is not high, this opportunity to express creativity is quite precious.Sexuality and social responsibility, a dream challenge for copywriters, formed a strong contrast with other clients' product packaging.And London would be happy to see another few million pounds thrown down.As far as Jordan was concerned, it was a drop in the bucket for the agency.

Simon flips through the documents that will be assembled into Thursday's presentation: Attitude surveys, marketing statistics and strategies, creative strategies, media plans, all numbers and careful assumptions that prove that the agency has really worked.Simon learned many years ago that any advertising idea must make sense logically, and the more unusual the idea, the more it needs to be backed up by data.Clients have long given up the dangerous habit of respecting an agency's creative judgment and instead rely on written information to help them make a decision.A condom marketing association, formed by a group of independent manufacturers, would likely have the usual pattern of traditional committees to cheer, hold back, compromise, and stand firmly against it.Simon forced himself to concentrate.

The days leading up to the briefing were spent in disputes between departments.The research department accuses the creative department of ignoring their findings.Creatives also frown, complaining that they don't have enough time.The media department complained that the budget was not enough to plan a national advertising campaign.Senior executives can't stand everyone's irrational and childish behavior.The company is in conflict and chaos, and Thursday is approaching, everyone is working late, complaining about the pressure and the long hours.All the same, Simon thought.Give them three days and six months, it makes no difference.Nervousness and panic are part of the advertising game.

The condom king is late.The briefing is scheduled to start at 2:40.The receptionist hid Hello magazine, the charts in the conference room had been checked twenty times, the secretary was busy reading to make himself look busy, the dartboard was removed from the art department lounge, the meeting The dressing room in the room has also been replaced with a new roll of toilet paper. The Xiao Group is ready and waiting for another victory.The briefing staff gathered in Simon's office, trying to look relaxed and confident. It's almost three o'clock now.Those bastards were actually late, and all kinds of speculations spread.Maybe they were having dinner with another ad agency, they gave them their business, and they were celebrating.jerk!All painstaking efforts are in vain.At least they can make a phone call.Perhaps they were very drunk and buried in their third bottle of wine!Simon's office was filled with smoke and gloom, and Lisa wrinkled her nose when she poked her head in.

And they came, seven in all, and one more. Oops!There are only six members in this group. In any case, the number of people cannot be less than the number of customers. It is not acceptable to let someone from the customer place an order at the meeting.Clients are pretty tough on the minutiae, and they feel that in doing so, they get the respect they need. Simon looked around.We need someone else, who can come in handy? When Simon arrived at the reception area, a planner in a dark suit, who looked steady and steady, was selected.They looked like little suitcase salesmen: seven black suitcases, seven sober suits, and seven earnest faces.After Simon recognized the most experienced condom king, he immediately put on the most sincere welcome and shook hands with him.

Sorry to keep you waiting, it's all because of a long phone call.Are you OK? Mr. Xiao, we should be sorry!Lunch is too long.The condom king bared his teeth.His cheeks flushed, and Simon wondered if he'd make it through the briefing without dozing off. He led the visitors through the corridor, through the secretaries who were headed by keyboards, and into the luxurious conference room with no windows, thick carpets, and only the sound of air conditioners.As soon as the guests file in, the briefing team rises from the chairs around the oval table.They exchanged names and titles, and after a brief introduction, they forgot all about it.The guest's suitcase was opened with a crisp crackling sound, the notebook was laid out, and coffee, tea and mineral water were ordered.The veteran condom king took Simon's cigar, and Simon stood up to deliver the opening remarks that he had spoken no less than a thousand times.

First of all, I would like to express that I am very honored to have the opportunity to propose this proposal.A veteran insurance magnate studies his cigar while his colleagues stare intently at blank notebooks, avoiding eye contact.I think you already know from the information sent to you by our company that our company has always had a good reputation for providing tangible and effective works in many products and services.But I still want to say that we are very interested in your business this time. Simon paused, smiling at the seven expressionless faces.After all, there aren't many opportunities to delve into a product that's so deeply connected to a man's heart, he said.

The expressionless face still couldn't arouse the slightest reaction.It was like digging a ditch with a tiny teaspoon.The veteran condo king seemed fascinated by the ceiling of the conference room, while others continued talking to their laptops. As Simon tries to inject some enthusiasm into the precision of his analysis of the company's problems, he begins by assessing how much the audience is paying attention to what he has to say.Years of experience have taught him that the audience's emotions must be mastered, and this briefing is like a lullaby after dinner. If they continue to sit and listen to research findings and media plans like this, they will all fall asleep and have to set a fire. To wake them up.He then decided to change the order of the briefings. He said: Usually we will lead you from research findings and thinking angles to our creative proposals.However, today we do not intend to do so.The research and development director, who is usually quite proud of his position in such an occasion, frowned and looked up.Simon saw him open his mouth and hurried on.Today, we'll directly import the activity itself.The creative director stopped scribbling in his notebook and started winking and signaling at Simon. We do this for two main reasons.First, let you see what consumers see without demographics, without data analysis, without marketing estimates.Only ads.The second reason is that Simon looked sincerely at the senior condom king who bowed his head. As for the second reason, we believe that this advertisement is the most appropriate and exciting among all the works of our company.Frankly, we can't wait to hear your reactions.Simon looked around at the group, two or three of whom had looked up from their notebooks.Thank God they were not asleep. After you have seen the work, there will be plenty of time for you to ask questions.Of course, we made the entire briefing into a document that you can bring back.Simon patted the thick volume of materials in front of him, hoping that the creative director would recover from his surprise.So, now, I would like to ask our creative director David.Frye showed us what we thought was a pretty powerful idea.David! Everyone adjusted their sitting postures, and turned their attention to the small figure in a baggy but expensive suit across the conference table. davidFry, sporting a youthful ponytail and slumping shoulders as he bent over, hastily adjusted the shoulder pads of his suit jacket, his eyes glowing eagerly, with the lingering effect of a hasty breath in the dressing room.He was the product of a well-to-do upbringing, but he spent years trying to erase his mundane background in favor of what he called a street vibe.He loved the outdated dialect he heard at the Groucho, and tried to give the impression that he was a poor kid from South London who had made something.His idols are photographers and actors in London, and Nigel.Kennedy (Note: Nigel Kennedy, a native of Brighton, England, is a violin geek dressed like a punk.) is the object of his admiration in classical music. He adjusted his round gold-rimmed glasses and addressed the condom king.He said: "I have to tell you, this is not an easy case.There are two problems here.You have an established product image of a vending machine in the bathroom, a 3-in-1 package for weekends, and so on; and your products are mainly practical.He paused and shrugged, and that's the way it is, in a minute, you can make a deal, you know what I mean? Simon looked around the conference table.The condom kingpins' eyes are almost glued to their notebooks. Frye stood up, relaxing his delicate shoulders under the shoulder pads.It's not all bad news, though, as we have a few magic weapons in our hands.He took a chart from the table and showed it to the audience.The condom king started paying attention.They like charts, serious charts. Fry pointed to the first item written in big red font: Physician Professional Advice.Doctors love people, right? His finger points to the second item: social responsibility.What does this mean?This means that we are doing our best to prevent sixteen-year-old boys and girls from sinking into sensual places. And, very importantly, for the sake of health.The third item reads: Stay away from sexually transmitted diseases.We all know that this is a sinister society.Let's say no to STDs! He puts down the chart, and the client returns to his notebook. Frye went on, speaking quickly and viscerally, all good but not sharp enough.Do you know why?No one volunteered to answer.Frye nodded, as if they were responding as he'd expected.They're boring, boring, and safe at best, do as the doctor says, and use sexual attraction as a laxative.He pauses for emphasis, then says what he wants to say.First, completely escape.He shook his head, and his ponytail echoed.It has absolutely nothing to do with the product you are trying to sell, absolutely nothing to do. The brief silence allowed these condom kings to ruminate on their critique of their social contributions. Frye said: What you should be selling is the best-selling item in history. There was another silence.Simon can imagine what's going on in the client's head.Have we retooled factories, scrapped orders, and ditched our quality control system (99.9 percent successful, except for the occasional failure on a Friday afternoon) just for these crazy ideas? But please don't lie.We do not recommend that you change the product.Fry took a foil-wrapped condom from his pocket and placed it reverently on the table.What we want to suggest is to change the way of selling. The condom kings stared intently at the condom on the table, as if waiting for it to do something.Frye leaned forward, his hands on either side of the condom.He repeated: Do you know what the best-selling product in the world is?is love.The desire to be desperately desired!What a fun thing to do!And that he picked up the condom and nodded happily was part of it. He dabbed his nose with a silk handkerchief.If it is not the emotion at this moment, it is the cocaine that is making trouble in his nasal canal. He continued to state: What we need to do now is to change the positioning of condoms in use.Health, safety, and doctor's instructions are not our demands. Even children know these things, but they don't buy them because of them.Now we're going to mold condoms into an integral, vital, and very, very romantic part of the age-old warm-up routine. He noticed a puzzled look on the face of an older client. You know, foreplay. Oh I got it.That's how the client responded. Gentlemen, that's what we're trying to shape.But before I show you, imagine this picture.Fry lowered his voice, you're in a movie theater with a hot girl you've been eyeing for weeks, tonight is your chance.You put your arms around her and get very close to her.At this point, you will likely need it. Simon glanced sideways at the veteran condom king and wondered when was the last time this fellow had experienced the erotic thrills Frye was describing. With a wave of his arm, Frye ordered the lights in the conference room to be dimmed.Everything was ready, Frye stated in the dark, and pop!This is what happens on the screen. The screen, which was four times larger than the TV, instantly became brighter, and Frye's silhouette was projected on one side, with his ponytail still shaking.There is a fading hiss and the image appears on the screen of a man and woman who are visibly naked on a bed, subtly lit, their bodies glistening and kinked together.At this time, from the speakers hidden in the wall, there was a low bass and guitar sound.Frye's silhouette just matched the rhythm, men and women with oily bodies moved among the sheets, and there was a sensual murmur of young people. Let's come oh come on. The couple of young men and women on the screen tried their best to figure out their passionate struggle within the scale of the media.The director uses editing techniques carefully to avoid showing off. If you're touched, let me guide you, there's nothing wrong with it, if you believe in love At this time, the film is pulled to a close-up, and the female hand is carefully taking out the condom from the aluminum foil package, and this package has been stamped with the realistic and vivid trademark of the Condom Marketing Association by the art department. Come on, come on, close-ups, shut eyes, moist lips, glistening carcass, no more slapping The figure of Fry danced mischievously beside the screen, his knees twitched, his ponytail danced furiously like a singer, sighing and humming, while the young couple continued their dance up and down.After a burst of warm and lengthy panting and passion, the screen was completely black, and the reversed title moved the audience, put it on!The Condom Marketing Association advises you. The lights come up, and the briefing team members begin to scan the client's face, hoping for a response of approval, nod, shock, and other expressions.Almost like-minded, the seven condom kings bowed their heads and recorded in their notebooks, but there was no other reaction. Frye jumped out in time to break the silence.Shocking, isn't it?Very clever idea!Of course, it is full of classics.But, I think it's just right for today's society, in the movie theater with Dolby music effect, absolutely shocking, this is your market, movie theater and MTV.Pair it with posters, point-of-sale, radios, and T-shirts, please, slideshow, Teri. For the next ten minutes, Fry led the silent audience, from supporting materials, radio advertisements, to redesigned vending machines and T-shirts displayed in bars and stations. Each of you can take one away. T-shirt.Then came another commercial video. Frye waved his nose, sat down, and the conference room was once again silent.Simon leaned in to the veteran condom king. What was the first impression? The senior condom king took a puff of his cigar and looked at the youngest member of the condom guild on the conference table before he took over his father's stick and took over the hygiene supply company.People with lower status first express their feelings, and finally those with higher positions can express their opinions accordingly. Brian, do you want to do this? Brian cleared his throat and flipped through his notebook. Yes, I must say, this company took a pretty shocking approach.Very shocking, obviously, I have one or two questions with some reservations, and it may be too early to jump to conclusions without reading the detailed background information, which I understand is contained in the briefing document.He stopped and took a breath. Again, Simon thought.Why don't these bastards just say what they really think?He tried to sound bright and emotional in his voice.I'm sure you'll find that we cover almost everything, and it would be even more interesting to hear your reactions to this ad. Yes, that's right.Brian scoured his notebook, hoping to find a phrase that would allow him to get down the stairs and stay on the defensive.It is not a wise thing to stand alone when the guild makes a decision.To maintain neutrality, yes, to maintain neutrality, to avoid it first, in case the guild voted against this advertising company.A guild is like a ship, unshakable.Everyone must have a consensus.Sanitation supply companies are expected to practice teamwork.That's right, as I said just now, this perspective is very shocking. I am very interested in reading these documents carefully and seeing how your company has achieved such a state.Brian took off his glasses and wiped them down decisively. Next, similar remarks emphasizing the importance of the company continued to be made, like a two-hour tap dance, mixed with ambiguous praise and careful consideration.Simon had to concentrate to keep from yawning.Why is this always the case?Isn't immediate negation more enjoyable than such lengthy rumination?At least the meeting time will be shortened a lot.However, he still kept a smile on his face, nodded his head, and looked very focused. After the senior condom king said, they must go back and study this proposal carefully, because this proposal is very interesting, and it will take several more meetings to make it When such an important decision was made, he said yes in response.The same boring, unresolved old drama is staged again. After the client bows out, the same post-meeting introspection unfolds in the conference room.The under-appreciated R&D director was the first to criticize, Frye lost all fighting spirit due to lack of response to his creativity, and the others also seemed listless.When Lisa came in, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and she handed Simon a note, which immediately shattered the momentary slack. It said: Mrs. Xiao is in the reception room, and she said she must see you. When Simon arrived in the drawing room, he saw his ex-wife blinking her eyelashes at Jordan, who was grooming himself and smoothing his hair flirtatiously.Jordan has always been famous for his restless hands and feet under the table at dinner parties.And his habit was the subject of frequent jokes between Caroline and Simon in the old days.They call him a leg-toucher, so try to avoid sitting him with clients' wives. Hello, Caroline, how are you? Her eyelashes stopped blinking, and the smile faded from her lips.Hello, Simon. Jordan suddenly remembered that he had an important appointment.He said: Good to see you again, old friend, but I really have to go.He waves goodbye and heads for the elevator. Want to come to my office?Simon followed the long legs and short skirt in front of him, walked out of the reception room, and passed Lisa's avoiding eyes.He closed the door. Want something to drink? She shook her head gracefully.It's too early for me to drink now. Simon shrugged and went to the small refrigerator in the corner.He skipped the whiskey hesitantly, sighed, and poured a Perria.Caroline chose to sit down at one end of the leather sofa, and began to puff. She took a few quick puffs, and as she exhaled, she flicked the cigarette butt. when did you start smoking I'm having a bad time.Every day I have to be angry with those construction workers who kill without blood.She dusted off the cigarette ash with her fingers painted red Kodan.The Koudan on her fingers just matched the color of her lips.Her crocodile shoes are matched with a crocodile bag.The dark brown fur suit on her body, and her light brown hair, are different shades, and the silk shirt sets off her light blue eyeballs very well.It must have taken her all morning, Simon thought, to get dressed for lunch at Saint Laurent, and she had been tortured by a hair stylist.He was surprised and delighted to find that he no longer found her attractive. He sat on the other side of the sofa.What's up? I think it's more civilized to come to you than to go through a lawyer. We already had a lawyer, and Simon took a sip of Perria, remember?Or do you want to see the bill? Caroline sighed.Simon, I've been trying to be rational.You don't have to hang on to my neck.She looked at him, tugging at her skirt until it nearly covered her knees.Don't let your imagination run wild. All right!Let's be rational! It's about the house.They didn't figure out the value of the house at all, no one did.The curtains, the paintings, and the kitchen, my God, the kitchen, it was a nightmare.You have no idea. Sounds the same as last time. Caroline put out her cigarette.Not funny at all.Every small project exceeds the price they said.I mean, it's way beyond that.Her eyes widened as she looked at Simon, the look Simon remembered, and she was about to make an announcement about a big spend.Now, each of them wants money. Simon said: Well, it's just a nasty little problem with them.He wondered how soon she would come up with a number, when the whitewashed politeness would give way to tears or hysteria.He feels that some things are not his concern, and he is bored.Since they separated, the same scene has played out countless times. Caroline mistook his calm for acceptance and smiled happily.She had beautiful teeth, Simon thought, the result of a robber in New York extorting twenty-five thousand dollars.She said: I know, it's best to come to you.I know you can understand. what are you saying? This is the case, it is difficult to say clearly, because there are still one or two Talk about it. Well, thirty thousand, thirty-five thousand at most. Simon walked back to the bar and filled his glass.He looked at Caroline, who lit another cigarette. He said: Up to thirty-five thousand, let me figure it out.I bought the house for you, you and your lawyer suggested a budget for the decoration, I agreed, and you agreed, so far, I am right. should be Should be a budget.You know what a budget means, don't you?A budget is a fixed amount of money. Caroline pokes at the ashtray with a cigarette.Don't talk to me like a junior executive in your company. why not?You're not talking to me like a cashier. Thirty-five thousand is just a drop in the bucket for you, you are so rich.My lawyer said you can afford it.they can Your lawyers are greedy, dishonest bastards who bill me up and want me to pay for their kids' schooling until they go to Eton. They just stared at each other silently.Caroline's face tightened with loathing.Later, if Simon continued talking, the resentment would turn into sobs, and if the sobs didn't help, curses would follow.Simon looked at his watch. I'm really sorry, but I have a meeting to go on. Caroline imitated him mockingly: I have a meeting.She pushed her hair back as if it irritated her.You will always have a meeting.Our marriage is stuck between countless meetings.I am not married to you at all, but to an advertising company.She snorted, if this could still be called a marriage.Too busy to go on vacation, too tired to go outside, no energy Caroline, we've discussed this before. Now, I just want a home, but you can't accept it. I just can't stand wasting thirty-five thousand on a damn cushion. Caroline stood up, quickly and furiously throwing the cigarettes into her bag, flattening her skirt.Well, I always tried.I'm not here to make you rant.Get back to your precious session!She went to the door and opened it so Lisa could hear her last words: My lawyer will be in touch with you. Simon wanted to go back to the conference room, but decided not to.What is the point?They'd either get the deal, or they wouldn't, and now he didn't give a damn.He put on his coat, said goodbye to Lisa, and walked into the bustling streets in the evening, returning to Lulanmen's apartment. Ennis came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron, raising his eyebrows in disbelief. I really didn't expect you to be home before eight o'clock.What happened?Did the factory burn down?Or are the condom kings out of business? No, well, they've been here, and so has Caroline. Oh honey, you don't look very happy, I think you might need a drink.While pouring whiskey and ice cubes into the glass, he continued: What's the situation this time?Live in an upper-class residential area in London and don't have enough money?That young woman is never short of new ideas. Simon threw himself into a chair and Ennis handed him the drink, then bent down to help Simon unbutton his coat.If you sit down without the buttons open, it looks like a concertina. That's right, um, cheers. Oh, I almost forgot.A foreigner leaves a message for you, and she says she has good news for you.Ennis took a breath and looked down at Simon. She didn't tell me what the good news was, so I guess it was a personal matter.He stood on top of Simon, like a big question mark. Simon smiled, it was the first time of the day.It must be Nicole.I guess it's about my car's exhaust. Well, honey, I don't want to pry into people's privacy.Say what you like!Anyway, she left you a phone number.Although Ennis didn't think so, he sneaked into the kitchen cleverly and closed the door.Simon lit his cigar, recalling his days in Provence with warm weather, bright lights, and bronzed cleavage, before walking over to the phone. Hello? Nicole, this is Simon, how are you? I'm fine thank you.Your car is ready.That monster has finally fixed your car.Hope he didn't steal the stereo from your car.She laughed so loudly that Simon wished to see her. I really want to go and get the car by myself, but it's not possible.There are too many things in the company, I will find someone to pick up the car. Is that the super gentleman? who? It's the person who answered the phone for you.Listening to him speak, feels very righteous. Ah, that's Ennis, yes, I'll find him.You will like him. There was a slight pause on the other end of the line, and Simon could hear Nicole striking a match and lighting a cigarette. She said: I have a good idea.I have a good friend from the early days in London, she always invites me to find her kindly, and I'll drive your car over there, it must be fun, isn't it? is good, but You don't mind letting me drive your expensive baby car. Of course I trust you to drive my aunt's best bicycle. She laughed again.That's it? It's a deal. Simon put down the receiver and walked into the kitchen whistling.Ennis washed the dishes, looked up at Simon, and drank a glass of white wine.I feel that someone's mood has improved. I must say, the voice of this repair shop worker is very temperamental! She'll do me a favor and bring the Porsche over.She is so nice! Ennis squinted at Simon suspiciously, how difficult it is to find a kind angel in this cruel world! Well, you should meet her. Honey, I will, I will. The night was as cool as water, and Nicole put on a coat, and walked through the empty village center, only to see a dog waiting impatiently outside the butcher's shop; she then came to the old police station.Simon seemed happy to get her call.It's a pity he can't come.She had an idea, but it would depend on whether Simon was as tired of advertising as he said.The British say so, but they don't necessarily think so in their hearts.They are always laughing and complaining. She stood there, looking at the door of the old police station, then through the concrete floor to an opening in the wall.The bright moon above the Luberon cast soft light on the terrace below, and the edge of the unfinished swimming pool was piled with pale stones.Nicole tried to imagine what it would look like in the future, surrounded by picturesque scenery, lighting projections, music and laughter lingering; instead of the murmur of the wind and the sound of the strong wind beating the cement bags beside the wall at the moment. She resolved to do some research, perhaps see a notary, before coming to London.Business people always need numbers and details.If he's as jaded as he says he is, he should think the idea is pretty amusing.Or was he just trying to gain sympathy over lunch?The British are sometimes unreliable, with a wry sense of humor and an angry calm that is beyond comprehension.She felt a little strange why she was so eager to reunite with him. She was startled when she felt something touch her ankle, and looked down to see a scrawny cat coiling around her feet, its tail raised and its mouth open, beeping silently. Say hello. How about it?how do you feel?Would he like the idea?