Modern Traveler-Chapter 124. Nego

"Internet pictures don't do him justice at all. Just look at his face."

"Look, he and Yeji. This was the first time Yeji was spotted with a guy, they looked good together."

"I didn't know Yeji is one of Neo's girlfriends."

"They look good together. If this photo gets uploaded, Neo will become the public enemy of Korea. He was already the enemy of many men in the US"

"Come, sir. Sit with us at the front," JYP said as he led us to the table with Itzy. After that, JYP walked to the front and began speaking.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for attending this event. I promise this won't take long. I want to announce that Johnson & Johnson, a leading pharmaceutical company, has chosen Itzy as the sole ambassadors for a groundbreaking new medicine. This medicine has the potential to dominate, no, let me correct it. This medicine will dominate the market and could even serve as a catalyst for further studies to discover new cures," JYP said with an excited tone.

"Here's another piece of information: This endorsement was completely unnecessary for Johnson & Johnson, but through the influence of one individual, they decided to select ITZY as their representative. Additionally, we will be discussing potential endorsements with Sir Neo Gray," JYP continued. His speech went on for what felt like too long, making it hard to stay focused.

"Hello, sir. I'm the representative from Johnson & Johnson. Mr. Joaquin sent me here to discuss the agreement with JYP. He also mentioned that if I saw you at today's event, you would be the one to decide how much we are willing to offer them for endorsing the medicine," Someone from the next table stood up and approached me.

"Hmm? So, Joaquin sent you here? How did he know I would be here? And what's your name?" I asked him.

"I'm Brian; you can call me Brian, sir. As for how he knew you would be here, the JYP director informed Mr. Joaquin that you would also be discussing an endorsement with them," Brian replied.

"Okay, leave it to me," I said. Our conversation drew the attention of many people. Despite JYP's ongoing speech, their interest was now focused on what Brian and I were discussing.

"What do you think they are talking about? Neo is so handsome. I can't blame her girlfriends for falling in love with him. I can't take my eyes off him," Sana said.

"Same here; I can already imagine myself with him," Tzuyu added.

"Stop it! But... I can't deny how manly and handsome he is. Just look at those arms; you can see how fit he is," Dahyun remarked.

"Shh. Let's focus on the director; I think he's about to finish speaking," Nayeon whispered.

"... and with that, I will fully disclose this deal publicly. Can I call Mr. Brian to the front?" JYP said. On stage was a couch where people could sit; this is where JYP planned to negotiate terms and conditions.

By announcing this publicly, JYP was effectively promoting them. He was doing this as a goodwill gesture to Neo and J&J.

Brian walked to the stage and sat on the couch. He picked up a microphone and began speaking.

"Hello, good evening, everyone. I'm here as a representative of Johnson & Johnson. Our CEO, Mr. Joaquin, asked me to formally announce that Sir Neo will represent us. He will handle the discussions regarding the terms between your company and J&J," Brain stated. He didn't need to speak Korean; most of the attendees were trained to speak or learn basic English.

"Is that so? It looks like we need you this early in the stage, sir" JYP remarked as he looked at Neo.

I stood up and gently pulled Yeji with me. Even after entering the venue, we kept our arms linked. Yeji didn't complain and simply followed me to the stage while holding my hand. Yuna and the others knew that Neo had a special interest in Yeji.

"They sure look good together," Lia commented.

"Look at Uni; she's clearly in love right now," Chaeryeong added.

"Sir, could you tell me what the offer will be?" JYP eagerly inquired.

I picked up the microphone and said, "Let me be clear: I'm only doing this because Itzy is with you. Once they leave, I will also step back."

"Yes, I'm aware of that. They already informed me. They also told me that you're the reason J&J picked them to be their ambassadors," JYP said as he looked at the crowd, all of whom were listening intently.

"Great. I'll make this simple: whether you agree or not can be summed up in one word—yes or no. There will be no further negotiations, okay?" I stated.

"Okay, sir," JYP replied, agreeing. He knew that Neo would make it fair for them, but he couldn't shake off his nerves.

"I can give you what you want, but don't be too greedy. I did some research on your company. You receive a 70% cut from all the endorsements your idols make, right?" I looked at JYP as I spoke.

"Yes. They get 30% clean, and we keep 70% because we handle all the expenses related to promoting the brands," JYP explained. Almost 30% of their share would be spent on television and billboard promotions for the endorsements.

"J&J will sign a contract with ITZY for $200 million, but you need to change the percentage you take from them."

"Damn! $200 million just for endorsing them?"

"This would be a significant step for JYP. If this happens, the big three won't be three anymore."

"Even if they gave up 80%, they would still make a lot of money from this."

"You decide, sir. Either way, we will profit from this," JYP added.

"I understand that you are still a business company, and I won't complicate things for you. Let's make it a 50-50 split, with all expenses covered by your company. 50% goes to Itzy and 50% to the company. Do you agree?"

"Yes, yes, absolutely, sir!" JYP was overjoyed. Not just him, but all their business partners present at the event were also thrilled.

"Brian, $200 million for a three-year contract, with a renewal after that. Is that okay?"

"Noted, sir. Mr. Park, where should I sign the agreement?" Brian asked, knowing he would agree to whatever Neo decided.

"Hmm, the contract is already being printed, Mr. Brian. Because this was a live negotiation, we didn't have it ready," JYP instructed someone to begin printing the agreement.

"While they're printing the agreements, I noticed TWICE is also under your management, right? Why don't you let me include them along with ITZY?" I looked at the table where the TWICE members were sitting. They seemed a bit shocked, having only expected that ITZY would receive the endorsement today.

"Did I hear that correctly?" Sana asked.

"No, I heard it too," Dahyun replied.

"That could be troublesome. Sana and Nayeon are currently the ambassadors for a jewelry brand," Mina added.

On stage, JYP appeared troubled. He was also considering the situation with Sana and Nayeon. Neo had brought this topic up unexpectedly, and JYP wasn't prepared for it.

"You look troubled. You don't want me to hire them? If that's the case, just say so. I can focus on ITZY instead," I suggested, sensing his hesitation. A little push might help and I know what is troubling him

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