I think the official answer here is the best way of looking at the problem.
When I first approached this question, however, I didn't notice that 8988 could be re-written as (9000-12).
I was still able to solve the question in under 1:30 seconds, though. I figured rather than trying to spend 30 seconds trying to think of a way to solve this, I could actually just multiply the two numbers quickly on paper. And quickly noticed I didn't have to solve the whole thing to find the answer.
8988
*
9012
------
17976
89880
000
0000
------
xx856
After adding the last two digits (76+80) I noticed the answer must end in 56. This eliminated everything but B and C. Then adding the last three digits 976+880+000 shows the answer must be 856.
I am not posting this because this is the most efficient way, but another way of looking at the problem because sometimes instead of losing precious time trying to find the easiest way to do something it might be quicker to just grind it out.