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Chapter 69: Happy Times
🕑 Added 2024-10-20 20:16:46 +0000 UTCThe terms offered by the small publishers were not very satisfying, while among the large publishers, only Huarai Press had the most advantageous contract and promised to have the books distributed throughout America within half a month.
So, Jimmy and Ethan decided to entrust their photo book to them for distribution outside of New York.
Now, as the advertisement for Time Brand Cigarettes was about to air on TV, Huarai Press had already prepared the first batch of photo books and sent them to various bookstores and newsstands. Soon, Angel Declaration Agency would be flooded with enthusiastic invitations from major magazines.
That evening, Ethan and Jimmy sat in the company's dimly lit lobby. The employees had gone home, leaving only the glow from the TV to illuminate the two of them. It was the new large-screen TV they bought a few days ago. Ever since Cass's funds arrived in the account, the company had added several pieces of essential equipment—like a coffee machine, a TV, and a printer.
Naturally, these funds had been taken care of by lawyer Kirk for tax purposes, as Ethan had no desire to end up in court facing accusations from the IRS.
They were currently waiting for the TV commercial to air—the very commercial for Time Brand Cigarettes. Old Sommer had spent millions of dollars to secure an ad spot at the end of a popular TV drama.
This show was a men's drama, filled with violence, bloodshed, and brotherhood, perfectly aligning with the demographic for tobacco users, making the advertisement more likely to convert viewers.
As Ethan and Jimmy waited with popcorn, the commercial began shortly after the show concluded.
Across the country, men watching this drama, including Zach, saw the advertisement.
Zach was really frustrated. Recently laid off, he had been chosen as a scapegoat due to poor overall sales in his team, despite being the fifth-highest performer. It was simply because he had offended the team leader.
Now, he was in a slump. His days consisted of interviews and violent TV dramas, which he watched to vent his frustrations. His wife had been arguing with him about household expenses and his downcast mood.
Even in the evening, his time to himself was often interrupted by his child's needs.
"Zach! Grab a diaper!"
"Zach, the baby's hungry again. Get a bottle."
"How is it so cold? I've told you a million times! The milk needs to be 104 degrees!"
"The thermometer's right by the bowl! Why don't you remember?"
"Don't forget to wash the bottle!"
After dealing with everything, Zach rushed back to the couch, hoping to catch the end of the show. But he found the credits rolling instead and hit the couch with a frustrated punch, "F**k!"
He took a few deep breaths, pulled out a cigarette pack, only to find it empty.
"Sh*t! This lousy life!" Zach muttered, venting his frustration in a low voice.
As he reached for the remote to turn off the TV and head downstairs to the vending machine for another pack, a commercial started.
The first impression was of bright sunshine—beautiful scenes from North Carolina mixed with the sound of a train whistle and agricultural machines, instantly grabbing Zach's attention.
He had always longed for this kind of life, having grown up on his father's ranch. Since moving to New York, this pastoral life felt increasingly distant.
The commercial's imagery was captivating, especially the blonde woman walking through the flowers. She looked stunning.
Wearing a white dress and standing on the train, she lowered her hat, gazing into the distance as a gentle voice narrated, "Happy times are baked in."
The familiar logo appeared.
"Baked in, blessed…" Zach mumbled, repeating the words, then chuckled, "F**k, I actually need a commercial to comfort me."
After a moment of silence, he turned off the TV and went downstairs to the vending machine. When he saw the Time Brand Cigarettes, he selected them without hesitation, saying to himself, "I really need a blessing right now. Life sucks, but I've got to keep going, right?"
He opened the pack, lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled slowly.
"Yes, this is the taste. It's rich, definitely blessed."
"Ah, I feel better."
That night, many others like Zach sought the comfort of the cigarette's blessing, even if temporary. Their wish for a blessed life was reignited.
The next morning, Ethan arrived at the office to a phone call from the tobacco company. They were eager to finalize a three-year contract with Supreme Creative. Overnight, ten percent of cigarette stock had sold out nationwide—a five percent increase over last month's figures! And everyone knew that more viewers would see the commercial soon, promising an unimaginable surge in sales.
The tobacco company couldn't wait for Ethan to lead their ad campaign.
After sharing the news with the company, Ethan promised year-end bonuses for everyone. The team cheered, celebrating the success that had made Supreme Creative live up to its motto as the top creative provider in America.
While Supreme Creative was enjoying the success, others, like Maroney from Lion Advertising and IPG's creative director Sieg, were undoubtedly scratching their heads.
