Chapter 414
Promise
Chapter 414 Promise
Regarding ALS, there was a super marketing campaign in a past life that could be described as a miracle.
Even if the event didn't have a huge impact in China, most people born in the 90s should know about it—the Ice Bucket Challenge.
This is an entertainment-driven charity challenge that started with a small group of people and eventually exploded into a global phenomenon.
The rules are simple and straightforward, which has aroused the enthusiasm of the whole nation. It has been on the hot search list in China for a month and has been participated in by 1.7 million people around the world, popularizing a rare and obscure disease to the point that everyone knows about it.
Until its resurgence, the Ice Bucket Challenge remained a landmark in purely philanthropic viral marketing, bar none.
Tommy's appearance gave Fang Xinghe an opportunity to create a super traffic code himself.
He was a pure white American, and a pure star. His mother was the most influential Catholic in the community, and his father was a veteran who had received the Medal of Honor. His family was originally middle class, but had now fallen to the poverty line...
How could Fang Da, a philanthropist, not do his best for such a family that deserves our sympathy?
Don't ask about the rest, just tell me it's Brother Shan.
However, the PR leader doesn't plan to push the Ice Bucket Challenge forward immediately.
To maximize the benefits of this activity, it must not be directly linked to commercial projects; absolutely not.
The Ice Bucket Challenge's viral spread is largely due to its purely philanthropic nature. It is precisely because of its positive core, devoid of any commercial motives, that celebrities dare to participate and platforms dare to promote it.
Otherwise, why would top figures in politics, business, and entertainment like Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs' widow, Attorney Obama, and Justin Bieber voluntarily participate in a commercial marketing campaign that benefits others?
No matter how much money you offer, they won't agree; they'll feel it's bad luck to even be near you.
Directly linking it to commerce is absolutely the stupidest approach; it would kill the huge potential of this event and be a huge waste.
Moreover, there are two other major reasons why Fang Xinghe is unwilling to start the event immediately—
First, if we start now, there's simply not enough time to promote it; viral growth also takes time.
Secondly, the internet environment has not yet developed into a video-dominated era. Shooting, editing, posting, and watching videos are not convenient enough, and the basic conditions for marketing are insufficient.
Therefore, he will not start this challenge immediately; he only wants to focus on promoting the film.
Incidentally, I also built a good relationship with Tommy, which laid the groundwork for starting the Ice Bucket Challenge later on.
The child's health can hold up for a few more years—even if Tommy passes away by then, it will be easy to find someone else—and even if no one else can be found, holding events in his memory might attract more fans.
This idea sounds inhumane, but it's exactly what Fang Xinghe truly thinks.
He sympathizes with and pities all the kind and innocent vulnerable people, and is willing to offer help whenever he sees them, but he will never consider any outsider as a fellow countryman.
Sympathy stems from human nature, vigilance from a standpoint, and exploitation is because I feel responsible for my nation.
As for morality... I have no morality.
Therefore, in Fang Xinghe's heart, his pity for Tommy was genuine, his kindness towards him was genuine, and his view of him as a tool was genuine.
Some nitpickers who can't understand this might think that this is pure schizophrenia.
Actually, that's not the case. A person who has truly lived life to the fullest can rank the importance of everything in the world, prioritizing what is more important over what is even more important. With a clear mind, there is no compromise or half-heartedness, only a distinction between superficial actions and non-superficial ones.
Fang Xinghe, as a Gen Z guy who has died once, is certainly clear-headed enough in his stance; other aspects aside.
……
He was genuinely sincere and enthusiastic when taking Tommy out to have fun.
"Hey boy, look at my car, isn't it cool?"
In the center of the parking lot, there is a silver-white Bugatti Veyron 16.4.
This car was the only supercar at the time that could push the top speed to over 400 km/h while still maintaining everyday driving comfort. It was so expensive it made people's blood boil, and so cool it made people go crazy.
Fang Xinghe personally pushed Tommy around the sports car three times, letting him see all the details clearly.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa..."
Little Tommy has lost his ability to speak and can only exclaim in surprise.
Fang Ge smiled and winked at him: "I heard you used to love playing with remote control cars and had a lot of Ferrari pictures at home. I don't have a Ferrari, but I have some cooler ones. Do you like them?"
“YES!” Tommy nodded vigorously. “It’s so beautiful, my God, is it real?”
"of course."
Fang Xinghe nodded seriously.
“How can a man not have ridden in a supercar at least once? I haven’t driven this car even once since I bought it, but you, my brother, will be its first passenger.”
Amidst the cameras and applause of those around him, Fang Xinghe personally lifted Tommy from the wheelchair and gently placed him in the passenger seat.
Duo Yu immediately came over, lifted the wheelchair, put it in the Rolls-Royce in the back, and invited the couple to follow.
"No no no."
The husband waved his hand in refusal: "I won't go and trouble you. I completely trust you to take good care of Tommy..."
The retired tough guy glanced at the Rolls-Royce, looking somewhat reserved and timid.
But how could Fang Xinghe allow even the slightest flaw to appear in this beautiful story?
He strode over and shook hands with the other man: "Hey, buddy, don't worry about anything, okay? I admit there's a publicity element to today's invitation, but my sincerity towards Baby's Breath can't be measured in money. Come on, I'm short on time, just think of it as spending a vacation with me."
Even when filming promotional materials, Fang Xinghe remained very open and generous.
There are no wrong nicknames, only wrong names. In America, he is known as Four Star Real.
doge~~~
This strong, cheerful, and generous demeanor quickly dispelled the couple's concerns, allowing them to get into the car with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
Soon, the Bugatti Veyron let out a deafening roar, and the convoy set off.
In reality, this super beast can't go very fast in the city, but the effect is completely different.
Tom quickly became excited after revving the engine several times and accelerating briefly.
He still had difficulty speaking, but his urge to confide in others suddenly surged.
The car was equipped with cameras and recording equipment, which converted everything into electronic signals.
You're so kind!
Tommy's eyes were bright and sparkling, as if they were shining.
"SR, you're so kind!"
Fang Xinghe laughed heartily: "This only applies to you, boy. I'm not a person with a good temper, and I'm not someone to be trifled with!"
"I know, I know!"
Tommy started rambling on and on, unable to express himself clearly.
"I initially admired you because you were not someone to be trifled with!"
Go play in the NBA and beat the people who bullied you to a pulp!
I saw it!
I have a computer that has been with me for a long time. Since I could no longer go to school, I have relied on it to connect with the outside world. I like watching those particularly energetic videos, which makes me feel comfortable.
I watched your video, you're so cool!
Bang! Whoosh! Ada!
You beat those bad guys to a pulp, then tell them: You've messed with the wrong people!
Wow, that's awesome!
"Awesome" is a Chinese word I specifically learned. Is my pronunciation standard?
"Perfectly standard." Fang Xinghe laughed again. "Do you know any other phrases?"
"Fang Xinghe, so handsome!"
This sentence is more standard, but the pronunciation of the remaining sentences is a bit strange.
"All done! Have you eaten yet? I love Chongguo!"
“Great job, you have a real talent for languages.”
Fang Xinghe was generous with his praise and skillfully steered the conversation.
"If you hadn't gotten sick, you would definitely have become a top student fluent in Chinese. You're very smart!"
Tommy's expression darkened.
“Yes, if I weren’t sick, I believe I could do a lot of things instead of just waiting to die… I probably won’t live much longer, Mr. Fang.”
"Call me SR, or Bro."
Fang Xinghe first corrected his form of address, and then continued to praise him.
"Watching death approach step by step is an extremely painful and cruel thing. Buddy, you've been incredibly brave. You've lived like a man!" "Really? Really?"
The somewhat immature boy became excited again. Receiving praise from his idol gave him a huge thrill and an even stronger urge to confide in others.
That's because you are my role model!
You are the coolest man, I have never seen you bow your head, you are always fighting!
I didn't sleep a wink the night the Wizards won the championship.
You have no idea how excited I was; it was like a dream!
Back then, I could still type slowly, so I chatted with netizens for a long, long time. Can you imagine? I was only 9 years old then, had only touched a basketball three times in total, and didn't even really understand the rules...
Later, your nickname became AS, and I voted for it—it was so cool!
I've read all of your works since then. You are the best writer, playwright, martial artist, field commander, master director, and actor!
I love your indomitable spirit, I love it so much!
Everything you do is cool. Xiao Bei is cool, BUG is cool, and Zeus is even cooler!
Before I become completely immobile, quietly sitting in the official fan cafe, watching the fans share everything related to you, is my happiest thing!
"Who is the bugger?"
Fang Xinghe was filled with questions.
"You don't know?!" Tommy laughed happily, "He's the male lead in 'The Return of the Condor Heroes'!"
Good grief, Yang Guo's name in the British version is Yang Guo, how did it become a bug?
Is the surname Yang a mistake?
Although he didn't understand, Fang Xinghe continued to praise, "Your thinking is really interesting! Actually, I haven't been paying attention to the public opinion in the US. Are there many people who like bugs?"
"So many!"
Tommy then proceeded to ramble on and on.
"He's a bug! He's the coolest, the most tender, and the most ruthless when he fights—a completely captivating bug!"
"OK, thank you for the compliment."
Fang Xinghe was unaware of Yang Guo's popularity in North America; he had too many accolades to be easily perceived.
Ask questions if you don't understand; anyway, stirring up the audience's emotions here will also help the box office of Hurricane.
"I honestly don't know, in North America, which character from The Return of the Condor Heroes is the most popular?"
"In the eyes of the starry sky, it's definitely a bug!"
Tommy answered decisively.
But as expected of a seasoned veteran, he also has a deep understanding of other characters.
"For the average viewer, many people like Ashes of Time, but I think Little Dragon Maiden is second best; she's really famous."
Fang Xinghe thought about it carefully. The Condor Heroes had about 400 million viewers during its broadcast period. No matter how much he converted it, it wouldn't make much difference. So he didn't think too much about it and continued to ask questions that interested him.
"So, between Bug and Zeus, who do you think is more aesthetically pleasing to you?"
"Then let's go with Zeus."
"Oh?"
"Zeus was even more decisive; he was as strong as a beam of light!"
Fang Xinghe had a sudden inspiration and came up with the best short-term slogan: "As strong as a beam of light."
Is it a ray of hope?
"No, no, no, it's the light of destruction!"
Wow, this kid is a natural-born publicity stunt...
Fang Xinghe was very satisfied with the current program effect and decided to treat him to a good time.
"Hold on tight, we're about to accelerate!"
Finally reaching the quiet intercity highway, the Bugatti Veyron let out a deafening roar and suddenly accelerated to... well, 120 kilometers per hour.
This can't be blamed on Brother Fang; his driving skills were already at 89 points long ago.
Tommy can't handle too much speed; it's easy for something to go wrong.
However, Brother Fang had another way.
After driving at high speed for more than ten seconds, he slowed down and turned onto a quieter road that had already been closed.
Boom, boom, boom...
Amidst the harsh roar, Tommy stared wide-eyed out the window.
"Wow! That's...that's..."
"It's a surprise for you! Now, who's cooler?"
Fang Xinghe smiled and reduced his speed to 60 km/h, then drove through the convoy. The next moment, two rows of more than 30 high-displacement Harley-Davidson motorcycles escorted the Bugatti Veyron in the middle, cruising forward like a parade.
"Unbelievable..."
The little boy clung to the car window with difficulty, watching the scene with a mixture of confusion and excitement.
The wild Harley motorcycles are ridden by riders who defy description: big beards, bandanas, studded leather boots, wobbly beer bellies, and a wild and unrestrained temperament... all the elements are there.
As the convoy was about to reach its destination, eight signal flares were fired into the sky ahead. Before the colorful smoke had even dissipated, eight helicopters suddenly flew overhead, seemingly as escorts.
The Bugatti Veyron stopped at the finish line, and Fang Xinghe raised his hand and put a pair of sunglasses on Tommy's nose.
"Boy, choose one, they'll carry you on your next journey!"
Tommy, feeling a bit dizzy, boarded the largest helicopter, beginning the second chapter of his dream journey today—an aerial tour of Los Angeles.
This may sound like a common story, but please note that he is an ALS patient from a poor family who has never experienced anything.
He enjoys exciting sports, yearns for speed and passion, and longs for both the sky and the sea.
These vibrant experiences were able to fully awaken his long-dormant masculine instincts.
Tommy went wild, talking more than he ever had in his life, treating those two hours like a lifetime.
Around 1 p.m., the helicopter landed on the rooftop helipad of Healy ALS Center, one of the best ALS specialist medical institutions in Los Angeles.
Fang Xinghe handed Tommy over to the already prepared medical team and said with a smile, "Brother, the dream journey is over. Now it's your turn to fight alone."
I'm sorry, I can only provide enough for your medical expenses; there's nothing else I can help you with.
But I believe you can, right?
Tommy cried uncontrollably, choking back sobs, "Thank you, AS. I don't want to die, but I'm not afraid to die either. Even if it were today, I would have no regrets..."
"OK, very good!"
Fang Xinghe did not remind him not to say such discouraging things; on the contrary, he spoke very frankly about death.
"Your life is almost over, and I will also die one day. That's not scary. What's scary is the fear of it."
When that day officially arrives, I will come to see you again.
I hope that when the time comes, you'll tell me in person: "Buddy, I tried my best. Even though I left halfway through, I didn't feel ashamed. I wasn't lucky, but I was happy. Thank you for coming to see me one last time."
that's it.
You can say 'that' to me, or you can say 'that' to yourself, either way is fine.
I won't cry, and you're not allowed to cry either. Let's be real men together and say goodbye to this damn life with a smile.
I will permanently retain your membership account on the official fan cafe and personally write an article to commemorate you. This is my promise, and I will definitely keep it.
And you must promise me that you will fight on, not be a coward, and not cause your parents any more worry.
Sergeant Tommy, can you do it?
Tommy's freckled cheeks were unusually rosy, his eyes sparkling, and he replied in his loudest voice, "Yes! I promise!"
On the other side, his parents were sobbing uncontrollably.
(End of this chapter)