Chapter 187: Strategies of Support

Once the ‘Tiancheng Support Group’ segment wrapped up, applause filled the meeting room.

The feedback from the audience far exceeded Xu Chen’s expectations.

He had worried that this public relations approach might fall flat with the older leaders and traditional media folks, so he prepared several backup plans…

Surprisingly, they loved it before he even dove into the execution details.

The project budget was only twenty-five thousand, not enough for a big media push.

Relying solely on Tiancheng’s local TV and newspapers wouldn’t generate any outside buzz.

It would just end up as self-promotional fluff—standard TV interviews with no real impact.

That wouldn’t achieve the leaders’ goal of showcasing Tiancheng to the nation…

So Xu Chen’s main idea was to create a public relations event, not just routine news coverage.

They’d send the ‘Tiancheng Support Group’ thousands of miles away to cheer for Xie Bingran, generating stories, scenes, and visuals for widespread sharing.

Naturally, this would weave in information about Xie Bingran’s hometown, Tiancheng, without forcing it.

It could even add a heartfelt, emotional touch.

Of course, Xu Chen had a personal angle too.

If this plan sold, he could use the city’s publicity budget to take Li Rui, Zhao Feng, Fang Tao, and others—Xie Bingran’s close friends—along with teachers like Chen Ming and Tian Fangfang to Yangcheng for her competition.

It would be a surprise for Xie Bingran…

And Li Rui’s words about ‘the guys missing you’ weren’t just talk.

The brotherhood between Li Rui, Zhao Feng, Fang Tao, Cheng Yong, and Bing Ge was genuine and deep.

Though Xu Chen couldn’t fully relate, he grasped the emotional power behind phrases like ‘my steadfast brother Bing Ge’.

After securing Bright Factory, Xu Zhiquan had mentioned organizing a team outing.

But taking Fang Jun, Li Rui, and the others to Yangcheng for Bing Ge’s match would be way more exciting than any regular trip.

Plus, if the plan got approved by the city’s publicity department, the travel costs could be covered partly by that twenty-five thousand budget, saving his father Xu Zhiquan some cash.

It was a win all around…

…

Xia Gang, the head of the publicity department, couldn’t hide his excitement but kept his cool and turned to his subordinates.

‘Do you know why I shot down your proposals?’

‘I told you to think outside the box, not just hand me a stack of news headlines, and you argued back!’

‘Even if your headlines are clever, they’re still dry, lengthy pieces no one reads.’

‘Look at Xu Chen’s approach—tell me, are you impressed?’

The directors and deputy directors in the publicity department all looked awkward.

Feng Siliang stayed quiet but snuck in a smile.

If Xu Chen’s presentation had flopped, he’d have been in a tough spot.

After all, Xu Chen came recommended by Secretary Qu, and if the plan got rejected, Feng Siliang would be caught in the middle.

Luckily, Xu Chen had barely started, and Xia Gang was already on board.

This worked out perfectly!

As one of Xu Chen’s recommenders, Feng Siliang could claim some credit with Xia Gang and keep a good rapport with Secretary Qu.

Once Wu Yongming rose, Secretary Qu would rise with him.

People like Feng Siliang eager to curry favor would only increase.

…

‘Carry on, Xu Chen,’ Xia Gang said with a smile.

Xu Chen nodded and continued at a steady pace.

Building on the ‘Tiancheng Support Group’ concept, he outlined several public relations topics, on-site visuals, and story scenarios.

All of these would serve as prime news material.

Beyond that, he proposed a media collaboration plan.

It mainly involved Tiancheng City TV, local print and radio outlets, with details on content angles and coverage.

He also suggested some national media placements…

But Xu Chen knew the budget couldn’t cover much, so he added notes to that effect.

He mentioned it mainly to show his expertise and boost confidence in the overall plan.

And if the leaders added more funds, it would help raise Xie Bingran’s profile…

Xu Chen paused, then went on:

‘Besides traditional media like TV and newspapers, online channels are booming and reaching massive audiences.’

‘We can’t afford spots on major portals, but we can use the department’s resources to post related topics on communities like Tianya and Mop, plus various portal forums.’

‘As you can imagine, the National Games and Xie Bingran herself will spark plenty of discussion…’

In 2006, traditional media was fading while online info was exploding.

There were no platforms like Weibo or Douyin yet—it was all about portals, Tianya, and Mop.

Internet marketing and topic management were just emerging concepts, not fully systematized.

Having returned from the future, Xu Chen had a mastery of these tactics—it was like outsmarting them entirely.

He explained a few ways to run topics on Tianya and Mop but didn’t go into depth.

Mainly because this group of leaders and traditional media people might not fully get it or even appreciate it.

He just touched on it briefly; the real execution would prove its worth.

After all, Xu Chen’s involvement wasn’t just about promoting Tiancheng.

His real aim was to boost Xie Bingran’s fame and commercial value, paving the way for ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ launches.

…

After covering that, a colleague from the publicity department asked:

‘So for the Tiancheng Support Group, can’t we just organize it ourselves?’

‘We have plenty of Xie Bingran fans in our department!’

Xu Chen shook his head:

‘For this, I suggest we get real friends of Xie Bingran—people who genuinely care or miss her.’

‘Only then will our content have authentic pull.’

He paused, then added with a smile:

‘Of course, if our team wants to join the trip to Yangcheng as part of the support group, that’s fine too…’

Another colleague chimed in:

‘From what Li from the City Sports Bureau said, Xie Bingran’s family situation is complicated; her parents aren’t easy to reach.’

‘So we’ll have to go with her old classmates, friends, and teachers.’

‘We’ll start by contacting First High School!’

Feng Siliang suddenly smiled and said:

‘No need to contact them.’

‘In all of Tiancheng, no one knows Xie Bingran better than Xu Chen.’

‘Oh?!’

His words surprised everyone.

But Xia Gang, the big leader, showed a hint of delight.

Feng Siliang quickly explained, mentioning how Xu Chen and Xie Bingran were classmates since middle school, and how she got into racing thanks to his discovery and help.

Of course, this info came from Secretary Qu.

Xia Gang chuckled:

‘No wonder Xu Chen came up with such a thoughtful plan…’

…

They discussed the details a bit more, raising some specific questions.

Xu Chen answered them all calmly.

Especially for parts needing cooperation from the city’s TV, radio, and newspapers, he explained thoroughly.

Then, Xu Chen advanced the PPT:

[‘Xie Bingran’s Hometown Victory and Advancement Banquet’]

[‘A well-deserved hometown promotion before she steps onto bigger stages and claims greater honors’]

Yes.

Xu Chen planned to bundle the ‘advancement banquet’ he was already organizing for Xie Bingran into this proposal and sell it together.

In his view, this banquet was the key reason the publicity department’s leaders would go for his plan.

It was straightforward: The event would attract city leaders, including Wu Yongming himself…

So any related coverage and promotion would involve the leaders directly.

For the publicity department and Xia Gang, that made it more crucial than external promotions.

For Xu Chen, it meant throwing a joyful advancement celebration for Xie Bingran while boosting his family’s business.

Just as he’d discussed with his father Xu Zhiquan…

In this setup, leaders they couldn’t easily invite before could attend without issues, giving Xu Zhiquan chances to build connections.

It also reinforced the link between ‘Chenfeng Technology’ and ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’ with their spokesperson Xie Bingran.

With recent shifts in city leadership, this ‘Tiancheng brand’ concept needed constant reinforcement.

That way, in future business and product promotions, they’d keep accessing resources.

So the ‘advancement banquet’ was another multi-benefit move.

…

Xu Chen covered two main parts.

First, the basics of the ‘advancement banquet’, including the theme and invited leaders.

When he mentioned which leaders to invite, Xia Gang sat up straighter and jotted notes.

After Xu Chen’s introduction, Xia Gang thought for a moment and quietly told his people:

‘For inviting leaders, use the publicity department’s name!’

‘And carefully review the guest list.’

…

Second, he outlined the media support needed around the ‘advancement banquet’, including TV, print, and topic angles for news packaging.

This was vital.

Though it might not mean much to the public, it mattered a lot to the leaders present.

Not only would things get done, but the department and Xia Gang would get full credit.

Xu Chen delivered it smoothly, and Xia Gang nodded, clearly pleased.

…

‘Any questions? Ask Xu Chen now!’

Xia Gang capped his pen and said to his team.

There was a brief silence before another publicity leader spoke:

‘I’m a bit worried Xie Bingran might not want to attend…

‘The city has tried inviting her to events before, even rescheduling leaders’ agendas, but she turned them down.’

Xu Chen couldn’t help but smile—that sounded just like Bing Ge.

Before he could respond, Feng Siliang laughed and said:

‘Don’t worry about that; if we can’t get her, Xu Chen can.’

Xu Chen added: ‘I’ve already checked with Xie Bingran. After the National Games, she’ll have a break for university enrollment.

And I’ve discussed the banquet with her privately. It’s all set.’

Another colleague, a bit overweight, said:

‘Xu Chen, I’m handling the budget for this project… We only have twenty-five thousand, which Xia Gang approved specially.

The promotions, materials, and support group travel will likely use it all up.

We might not have enough left for a ‘advancement banquet’, even if it’s low-cost in the city. It’s basically a small event with leaders.’

This issue was something Xu Chen had anticipated—it was part of his plan.

He paused, then replied:

‘We can get local businesses to sponsor it.’

‘Sponsors? That might be tough to arrange last minute…’

Xu Chen smiled: ‘I’ve already lined one up.’

‘Ah?!’

Xia Gang suddenly laughed out loud.

Xu Chen continued: ‘Chenfeng Technology is willing to sponsor and handle the ‘advancement banquet’.

Of course, the organizers will still be the city’s publicity department.

They’ll just need to feature the Chenfeng Technology logo in the event—nothing more.’

The overweight colleague said: ‘That’s fantastic!’

‘May I ask why Chenfeng Technology is sponsoring?’

Before Xu Chen could answer, Feng Siliang jumped in:

‘Chenfeng Technology is backed by East Morning Star Co., and East Morning Star’s chairman, President Xu Zhiquan, is Xu Chen’s father.’

‘Ah…’

Murmurs of surprise rippled through the room.

Xu Chen kept his composure and just smiled.

Xia Gang looked at Xu Chen and said with a grin:

‘No wonder your father’s company is named East Morning Star and Chenfeng…’

He added with a touch of admiration:

‘At such a young age, you’ve outshone our publicity team’s wordsmiths and even media firms from the provincial capital.

And you’re the only one who can bring in Xie Bingran and secure East Morning Star’s sponsorship.

How could I not choose your plan?’