Chapter 109: A Meeting of Minds

Fang Jun nodded, acknowledging her acquaintance with Xu Chen.

Seeing he looked no older than a high schooler, she barely paid attention.

In fact, she hadn’t taken this “interview” very seriously.

After resigning from the state‐run machinery factory, Fang Jun had been exploring various job opportunities.

Her family arranged a few “stable” positions for her, but none interested her.

She also considered striking out for the Provincial Capital or another big city while she was still young…

She’d met a few private firms in Tiancheng and the Provincial Capital, but they were all small and offered little growth, so she lost interest.

This “East Morning Star Co.” opportunity came recommended by Director Yang from her old factory.

Director Yang was a trusted mentor who had helped her several times, so she agreed to “chat.”

But hearing they only did nursery projects and had just rented an office downtown, she assumed it was a small country outfit and didn’t expect much…

She looked up at the office and her gaze landed on the wall behind the receptionist desk.

Chenxin Nurseries, Chenfeng Technology, East Morning Star Advertising…

Reading the names, she furrowed her brow in confusion:

“President Xu, I thought you only did nursery work. I didn’t realize you also have tech and advertising divisions…”

Xu Zhiquan smiled—this was the perfect chance to showcase his vision.

He paused, recalled the briefing Xu Chen had prepared, and began:

“Nursery projects generate solid profits with high margins.

But that business relies heavily on connections. There’s money now, but the ceiling’s fixed.

Fang Jun, you’re an accounting expert—you know what I mean…

So besides the nursery firm, we’re branching into other sectors.

The nursery business is our cash cow; the other divisions are our growth engines.

East Morning Star Co. started with Chenxin Nurseries, but our goal is to become a publicly listed group.

That’s why we’re looking for high‐caliber talent like you!”

Fang Jun blinked—President Xu’s pitch caught her off guard.

She’d assumed he was a small‐town boss but found his words surprisingly professional and forward‐thinking.

Next to her, Xu Chen glanced at his father and smiled inwardly, impressed.

He’d seen his father study the pitch material he prepared last night—he’d clearly taken it to heart.

Terms like “cash cow,” “growth engine,” “growth track,” and “publicly listed group” rolled off President Xu’s tongue.

At the end, he even praised Fang Jun’s status as a “high‐level talent”—a flourish from his own creation.

That was President Xu’s freestyle.

His emotional intelligence was truly impressive…

When President Xu finished, Fang Jun sat up straighter and asked:

“Chenfeng Technology…

Have you started operations in the tech field?”

President Xu smiled warmly, gathered his thoughts from Xu Chen’s notes, and replied:

“To be honest, before nurseries I was in mechanical parts.

Fang, you came from Bright Machinery Factory—you know how outdated and conservative many local factories are…

After a few years I grew frustrated and switched to nursery engineering.

Don’t laugh—though I’m from a small town, I’ve always wanted to serve my country through industry and tech.

Nurseries are purely profitable, but if possible I’d love to build a real tech manufacturing firm…

That’s why we’ve registered Chenfeng Technology. We’re already laying groundwork.

We’ve spotted future market trends and started investing early.

But it’s still under wraps, so I can’t share details now.

Of course, if you join us, you’ll get to build it with us…”

His words struck Fang Jun, and her expression grew earnest.

Clearly, President Xu’s pitch resonated.

Xu Chen watched with admiration.

He could never have guessed this side of his father…

His skill in persuasion far exceeded his expectations!

He’d taken his briefing and added polish and depth.

Pointing out the factory’s outdated ways was Xu Chen’s suggestion—to build empathy quickly.

After all, that was why Fang Jun left her old job.

But the grand vision of national industry and tech was pure President Xu’s improvisation.

A real “national entrepreneur” perspective!

Xu Chen felt moved…

Who knew his father could freestyle so skillfully!

…

After President Xu’s speech, Fang Jun’s demeanor turned serious:

“I thought your firm was just a small nursery outfit…

It seems my vision was too narrow.”

President Xu laughed heartily:

“You flatter me, Fang.

Our core business is nurseries. The other divisions are still in planning.

But once they start, it won’t take long.”

Fang Jun considered:

“May I ask when Chenfeng Technology will be up and running?”

President Xu glanced at Xu Chen; the two exchanged a knowing look.

Fang Jun was clearly intrigued.

Once she showed interest, decision‐making control shifted…

President Xu answered:

“If things go well, within three months; at worst, by year-end.”

Fang Jun nodded silently.

She glanced at the East Morning Star Advertising sign:

“May I ask what your advertising division handles?”

President Xu smiled and looked to Xu Chen:

“East Morning Star Advertising is run by Xu Chen.”

“Oh?”

Fang Jun turned to study Xu Chen, the supposed “President’s son.”

Her impassive face registered clear confusion.

Xu Chen looked no older than a high school student…

How could he manage an ad agency?

She felt a twinge of disappointment.

President Xu’s pitch had won her over,

and she admired his professionalism and vision among Tiancheng’s private bosses.

He outshone many Provincial Capital entrepreneurs.

Yet he’d handed his company to a mere teenager—seemed like old‐school nepotism.

It felt unreliable, like a feudal family business.

Instantly, her interest waned.

Joining might mean serving an irresponsible “second generation”—unthinkable.

President Xu seemed to sense her doubt and said:

“Don’t judge him by his age.

Xu Chen’s already completed two successful ad campaigns and is about to pitch in Shanghai.”

Fang Jun stayed silent, smiling politely.

She eyed Xu Chen, unconvinced by his father’s words.

Two successful campaigns and a pitch in Shanghai…

All by a high schooler? Impossible.

Xu Chen stood quietly, offering no comment.

…

Just then Li Rui entered and tapped the glass door:

“Chen, General Manager Guo says he’s here to see you!”

Xu Chen thought: Perfect timing from the ever‐tactful General Manager Guo!

At that moment three figures approached.

Leading the group was Guo Liang, followed by two younger assistants carrying a large flower basket.

“Teacher Xu, congratulations!”

Guo Liang beamed as he entered.

“General Manager Guo, welcome!” Xu Chen hurried to greet him.

“You even brought flowers—so thoughtful!”

“I had to show support for Teacher Xu’s new ad agency and express my thanks!”

Xu Chen led Guo Liang inside and introduced him to his father:

“This is my father, the General Manager of our parent company, East Morning Star Co.!”

“Dad, this is the General Manager Guo I mentioned!”

Guo Liang smiled broadly and offered his hand:

“A pleasure, President Xu!”

Xu Zhiquan shook his hand, the two businessmen exchanged cards, and dove into lively conversation.

Fang Jun watched quietly.

When guests arrive, etiquette demands waiting for formal greetings to conclude.

Overhearing Guo Liang and President Xu’s talk, surprise crept across her calm face.

“President Xu, your son, Teacher Xu, is a prodigy! His ad proposal multiplied our sales several times in just one month!”

“You’re too kind, General Manager Guo. I heard Xu Chen also introduced you to another advertising opportunity…”

“That’s Teacher Xu’s talent—he did the fertilizer plant’s ad, and the owner personally thanked me!”

“This upcoming pitch in Shanghai was also his idea; they invited him based on his past work…”

Fang Jun listened in disbelief.

“President Xu said all that was true?”

This high schooler really ran the ad agency and delivered two hit projects?!

Though single‐eyelid, her eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at Xu Chen…

Xu Chen remained silent, simply listening.

He’d anticipated Guo Liang’s praise—salespeople like him are masters of flattery.

His glowing introduction was standard practice.

For Xu Chen, it worked perfectly—it validated both East Morning Star Advertising and East Morning Star Co.

Chenfeng Technology is still in its infancy, but East Morning Star Advertising already has active projects.

That made East Morning Star Co. look more than a small nursery outfit—it was branching into advertising and big Shanghai projects…

A huge leap ahead of other private firms in Tiancheng.

Fang Jun listened carefully, her gaze toward Xu Chen now tinged with newfound respect and complexity.