Chapter 182: A New Chapter Begins

Just as Xu Chen was thrilled about receiving his admission notice, his phone suddenly vibrated.

He pulled it out and saw it was a message from Xie Bingran.

Glancing at it, he couldn’t help but grin.

It was a multimedia message with a photo—this one showed an admission notice too!

Xie Bingran had been admitted to Huahai Normal University as an ‘Outstanding Athlete Recommendation’.

Bing Ge had actually secured the recommendation spot back in May, but she only just got the official notice.

After the National Youth Championships in May, Xie Bingran asked Xu Chen about university options, and he helped her analyze everything before suggesting Huahai Normal University.

She smoothly joined the National Team and earned the athlete recommendation for Huahai Normal University.

Her coach, Sun Mouping, also teaches at Huahai Normal University.

Sun Mouping is one of China’s earliest hurdlers and one of the most renowned track and field coaches in the country right now…

Xu Chen looked at Xie Bingran’s message, pulled out his own admission notice, snapped a photo, and sent it back.

A few minutes later, she replied in the message with just one word:

“Oh.”

Xu Chen: “Bing Ge, you’re so rude—can’t you even say congrats?”

Xie Bingran: “You didn’t congratulate me either.”

Xu Chen: “Congrats…”

Xie Bingran: “Congrats.”

Xu Chen: “Oh.”

Xu Chen: “What place are you aiming for in the relay?”

Xie Bingran: “No idea, just messing around.”

Xu Chen: “…”

Xie Bingran: “Are you coming to watch? If you show up, I’ll take it seriously.”

…

…

In the following days, Xu Chen mostly hung out with Chen Dahai and the others at the internet café.

With exams over, it was time to let loose a bit.

Though Xu Chen didn’t go all out like the others, staying up for games—he kept things in check with a steady routine.

Xu Zhiquan was away on a business trip, so Li Rui and the car were free, and he drove Xu Chen around every day.

This was President Xu’s special arrangement for his son’s safety.

So, the young heir got chauffeured to and from the internet café for gaming…

When Chen Dahai and his buddies found out, their jaws nearly hit the floor.

“Young Master Xu, the gas money for your daily rides probably covers internet for half a year!”

“Is this what they mean by rich kid life?”

“…”

Besides gaming, Xu Chen used his free time to binge-watch movies, anime, TV shows, and novels he’d been wanting to catch up on.

In his past life, work turned him into a corporate drone, barely leaving time to finish a single movie.

Now, he powered through entire seasons of Naruto, Prison Break, and 24 in one go.

The goal? Binge until satisfied, until it all blurred together!

Over these two days, the City Publicity Department reached out to Xu Chen again, mainly pushing for progress on the promotional plan.

Xu Chen checked the time and decided to stall a bit longer.

Director Feng from the Publicity Department—the same one who worked on Xie Bingran’s promo video—had taken the lead in coordinating with East Morning Star Advertising.

From what he shared, several media companies in the Provincial Capital submitted plans, but the leaders shot them all down.

The department internally churned out a bunch of ideas too, but they all got rejected one by one.

For a promotional push, twenty-five thousand in budget wasn’t much, but it was already specially approved.

The media companies’ submissions were mostly standard news strategies.

Covering pre-event hype on Xie Bingran’s competitions, media tie-ins in Tiancheng on the day of the event, and so on.

The pre-written news drafts lacked any real spark—just the usual ‘Tiancheng’s Pride’ or ‘Champion from Tiancheng’ fluff.

All empty rhetoric that didn’t grab attention.

Without that wow factor, it meant zero viral potential.

Clearly, the Publicity Department’s leaders knew their stuff and set a high bar.

Xu Chen had some ideas brewing, but he chose to hold off.

After all, even the best plan could get nitpicked to death.

And some leaders were pros at inventing flaws out of thin air.

…

…

Two days later, in the afternoon, at Jinfeng Business Tower.

The office was empty, and Xu Chen had stocked up on a pile of fruits, stuffing the reception room fridge to the brim.

He washed a bunch of grapes and other fruits, then lounged on the big sofa in the reception room, snacking away while enjoying the AC.

A beep from the electronic door lock echoed from outside; Xu Chen got up and saw his father, Xu Zhiquan, strolling in with a big smile, followed by Fang Jun and Yang Congxin.

The three had just returned from an out-of-town inspection, arriving on a morning flight.

Spotting his son, Xu Zhiquan beamed and walked over:

“Where’s that admission notice? Let your old man have a look!”

“…”

In the reception room, Xu Zhiquan held the notice carefully, examining it over and over, not missing a single word, his face full of pride and joy.

Fang Jun and Yang Congxin were equally thrilled for Xu Chen and offered their sincere congratulations.

Xu Chen brought over the fruit platter:

“Director Yang, Teacher Fang, help yourselves to some fruit!”

Xu Zhiquan said:

“Son, I’ll throw you a grand graduation banquet!”

Xu Chen smiled but didn’t jump in right away.

Xu Zhiquan: “The Old Xu family finally has a university grad, and from a top national school no less—this calls for a big, flashy celebration!”

Xu Chen: “Dad, I prefer keeping things low-key…”

Xu Zhiquan let out a hearty laugh:

“My son aced a top school—we’re going all out!”

The ancestors’ graves must be smoking— we’ve got to make a splash!”

Yang Congxin chuckled: “Absolutely! A national top school deserves a proper banquet!”

Xu Chen thought it over and said:

“If we’re doing it, let’s make it count…”

Xu Zhiquan: “What do you mean?”

Xu Chen: “It’s a perfect excuse to invite the company’s business partners, key officials, and connections!”

Xu Zhiquan paused, then slapped his thigh:

“Brilliant!”

I was so excited I forgot about that angle!”

I was just thinking of inviting the relatives back home and the neighbors…”

“Old Xu, you’ve got a narrow view!”

“My son thinks bigger, always looking out for the business.”

Xu Zhiquan pondered and added:

“If we could get a few key city leaders to show up and strengthen those ties, that’d be ideal.”

But these days, leaders are all about their image—they might not feel comfortable attending…”

Xu Chen bit into an apple and replied:

“That’s easy enough. Don’t just make it my banquet!”

Xu Zhiquan looked at Xu Chen with a grin: “What’s your plan this time, Professor Xu?”

Xu Chen: “Xie Bingran got into Huahai Normal University too.”

Her family’s not around, so no one’s throwing her a banquet.”

We’re signed on with her for ads at Chenfeng Technology, so we could host one for her as an excuse.”

With her name attached, the leaders you want to invite won’t hesitate…”

Xu Chen thought a bit more and said:

“But doing it together with mine feels off…”

Maybe skip mine and just do hers solo.”

Xu Zhiquan:

“Of course we’re doing yours!”

We’ll figure out the details later…”

He laughed heartily and slapped the sofa arm:

“You’re a real strategist, Professor Xu!”

Hosting for Xie Bingran is a stroke of genius!”

The city leaders will jump at the chance!”

Mainly, this way they have no pressure— we’ll frame it under Chenfeng Technology and Xie Bingran’s names, and no one can criticize it.”

Xu Zhiquan paused, took a drag from his cigarette, and continued:

“That poor girl—grew up without a caring dad or mom, all alone.”

She makes it to a great university, and her parents are nowhere to be found…”

Even without business in mind, I should step up and handle it for her!”

He turned to Xu Chen:

“When’s a good time?”

Xu Chen thought it over:

“Xie Bingran’s competing in the National Games in Yangcheng at the end of July—she’ll likely snag a medal.”

Let’s set it for early August, right after she returns.”

I checked with her; after the Games, she can get leave from the National Team for university stuff.”

Xu Zhiquan:

“Solid plan!”

I’ll touch base with the leaders soon—they’ll clear their schedules for this!”

Xu Chen smiled and asked:

“How’d the business trip go?”

From the looks of Xu Zhiquan and the others, the trip to Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province must have been a success.

Xu Zhiquan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and stood up:

“Extremely smooth!”

Come on, let’s head down for a meal and talk it over.”

Oh, and there’s a big update I need to fill you in on!”

…

…

At Jingwei Zhai, the new spot right under Jinfeng Business Tower, claiming to serve Beijing-style cuisine—though it’s not entirely authentic.

They settled into a quiet private room, the four of them squeezing in just right for some confidential chat.

Xu Zhiquan glanced over the menu and ordered a roast duck, sweet and sour pork ribs, plus a couple of cold dishes.

As he poured the tea, he said with a smile:

“Director Yang, Teacher Fang, why don’t you two fill Xu Chen in?”

Yang Congxin adjusted his black-framed glasses and joked:

“Alright, let me brief the young boss…”

From Yang Congxin’s account, the trip was indeed a huge success.

The overall inspection in Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province was led by Vice Mayor Wu Yongming, along with key figures from the provincial development and reform departments.

It was all under the official banner of inter-provincial ‘exchange and learning.’

This opened doors to core technologies and production lines that Xu Zhiquan and Yang Congxin hadn’t seen on their previous trip.

The inspection boosted the city leaders’ confidence even more.

Now, the city truly believes that Chenfeng Technology’s electric vehicle setup is forward-thinking and worth their full support and resources.

Fang Jun added that they’ve secured more funding backing from the city.

For one, the city stepped in to extend Bright Factory’s debts without penalties, easing the repayment burden and freeing up cash for production imports.

Plus, they coordinated a low-interest loan for three years through the banks, which greatly alleviates financial strain.

Xu Zhiquan took over:

“The city’s ready to step up and help us secure the electric vehicle production line under the guise of ‘targeted support and tech import.’

We’ve hashed out most of the details—should wrap up this month.”

If things go fast, by month-end; otherwise, early next month, we can sign the contracts and start bringing in the lines by August!”

Xu Chen: “Really?”

That sounds crucial!”

Xu Zhiquan lowered his voice slightly:

“The leaders need results too.”

Bright Factory’s collapse put massive pressure on them and the city.”

Getting Chenfeng Technology on its feet is vital for everyone involved.”

You can say we’ve hit the perfect timing—all factors aligned!”

So, everything’s lining up favorably for Chenfeng Technology right now!”

Xu Chen raised his teacup:

“Cheers to President Xu!”

Fang Jun and Yang Congxin lifted their cups too.

Xu Zhiquan raised his with a hearty laugh:

“And cheers to all of you!”

The four clinked cups, shared a laugh, and took a sip.

Xu Zhiquan:

“Teacher Fang and Director Yang, you joined East Morning Star to make something of yourselves!”

I’m grateful to have you on board, and with things going so well, I haven’t let you down for choosing this path.”

Yang Congxin looked thoughtful:

“Don’t say that, President Xu—I’m the one thankful for the chance and platform you provided!”

Without East Morning Star, I’d have wasted away my life in obscurity.”

Fang Jun sipped his tea and said quietly:

“When I first joined East Morning Star, my family wasn’t on board.”

But lately, they’ve stopped complaining and even started asking about our electric vehicle progress…”

Fang Jun set down his cup and glanced at Xu Zhiquan:

“President Xu… did my family reach out to you privately?”

Xu Zhiquan hesitated, then chuckled:

“I’m not entirely sure…”

One time I was at city hall for a meeting, just finished pitching to the leaders, and Secretary Qu pulled me into another room.”

There were a couple of officials in there I’d never met, and he didn’t introduce them.”

They asked about Bright Factory’s overhaul plans, East Morning Star and Chenfeng Technology’s development, and so on.”

Since Secretary Qu brought me, I just gave them the rundown…”

Fang Jun said flatly:

“One of them was probably my dad.”

Xu Zhiquan picked up the teapot and topped off Fang Jun’s cup:

“So, I feel bad pushing you so hard with the overtime.”

Once finance wraps up, I’ll give you a nice long break!”

Fang Jun didn’t respond, but turned to Xu Chen.

Xu Chen blinked:

“Why are you looking at me?”

Fang Jun said coolly:

“You’re heading to Yangcheng at month-end to watch Xie Bingran compete, right?”

“I’m going too…”