Chapter 219: Wanderings in Yangcheng

Xu Chen and Xie Bingran wandered around, each holding a large dog, and happened to spot a post office.

Xu Chen said, “Holding them is getting in the way. Let’s just mail them out.”

Xie Bingran seemed reluctant but reached over and took the Labrador from Xu Chen’s arms, handing him her wolf dog plushie in return.

She leaned in close to the Labrador and sniffed it, wrinkling her nose as if not quite pleased.

Xu Chen grinned and said, “You’re acting just like a real dog yourself.”

Xie Bingran thought for a moment and replied, “Then give me a piece of clothing you’ve worn.”

Xu Chen: “…”

…

A few minutes later, the two arrived at the post office.

In 2006, e-commerce hadn’t yet exploded, and major courier companies weren’t widespread.

For large items like this, the post office was still the easiest option.

Xu Chen filled out two EMS shipping forms—one to Xie Bingran’s current dormitory in Beijing and one to his home in Tiancheng.

The staff member helped pack Xie Bingran’s items.

Xie Bingran held the two dogs, looking a bit cautious.

In her hand, she clutched a dark gray jacket coat—the one Xu Chen had worn that morning during their hike—and packed it into the box with the Labrador.

Xu Chen shook his head with a mix of amusement and bewilderment at the odd scene.

…

Once they left the post office, Xu Chen felt like teasing Xie Bingran again and asked with a smile,

“Are you hungry?”

Xie Bingran: “Not really hungry yet.”

Xu Chen looked a little disappointed:

“Then I’ll feed you later.”

He thought for a second and added, “We’ve had too much Cantonese food the past couple of days. Let’s try some Indonesian cuisine next.”

Xie Bingran: “Indonesian food?”

Xu Chen: “That’s the beauty of Yangcheng—all kinds of cuisines from everywhere are available, and you can find some great spots too.”

Xie Bingran: “Oh.”

…

…

The two wandered aimlessly, heading from Tianhe City toward the nearby Zhengjia Plaza.

Zhengjia Plaza had just opened and was much newer than Tianhe City.

Xu Chen glanced at the time and suggested, “How about we catch a movie?”

He was curious about what films were playing in theaters back in 2006.

Most were probably ones he’d seen before.

Xie Bingran paused then said, “Sure.”

…

Just then, someone called out from behind:

“Teacher Xu Chen!”

The simple four words carried a thick Guangdong accent.

Xu Chen turned around and saw a familiar face.

It was Chen Xinyi, the young woman from Jiaduobao’s marketing department.

“What brings you to Yangcheng?”

Xu Chen smiled and replied, “I have a project here on a business trip!”

Chen Xinyi looked thrilled and said,

“We’re out doing market research with Fei Jie on new products!”

Xu Chen: “You all work so hard, always out running surveys.”

Chen Xinyi: “That’s just how it is in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. We run around a lot, and Fei Jie takes surveys very seriously.”

She seemed excited:

“Teacher Xu, you won’t believe it—your ad has been a massive hit. The promotion budget for the year has already jumped to a hundred million, all to push that slogan of yours!”

Xu Chen wasn’t surprised at all:

“Congratulations on the big success!”

A stylish figure stepped out, a slim cigarette between her lips.

Chen Xinyi quickly called, “Fei Jie! Look who we ran into!”

It was Nie Fei, Jiaduobao’s vice president of market channels, with her sharp short hair, professional outfit, light makeup, red lips, and swaying platinum earrings.

Nie Fei saw Xu Chen and hurried over with a smile:

“Teacher Xu Chen, what a surprise!”

Xu Chen extended his hand and shook hers.

“I’m here for a project and taking a friend out for a stroll today.”

Nie Fei glanced at Xie Bingran and paused slightly.

She thought to herself that this young woman was strikingly beautiful and unique.

She politely extended her hand: “Nie Fei.”

Xie Bingran shook her hand: “Xie Bingran.”

Nie Fei looked at Xu Chen: “We’re not interrupting, are we?”

Xu Chen: “Not at all.”

Nie Fei took a drag from her slim cigarette and turned to Xie Bingran:

“Can I borrow your boyfriend for a few minutes? I have something to ask Teacher Xu Chen about.”

Her words came off as a bit bold, but her playful tone made it lighthearted, easing the conversation.

Back in Tiancheng, Xu Chen had chatted with Nie Fei once and thought she was all business, but she turned out to be quite adaptable.

Xie Bingran froze for a moment, the word ‘boyfriend’ catching her off guard.

“Okay,” she murmured softly.

Xu Chen smiled and turned to Nie Fei.

Running into Jiaduobao people today was quite unexpected.

Nie Fei pulled out a pack of Aixi cigarettes and offered one to Xu Chen.

Xu Chen waved it off: “I don’t smoke.”

Nie Fei held a cigarette with her slender fingers and said,

“The herbal tea promotion has been a huge success. If we keep this up, we really could break into the top three in the beverage category.

That one million for the slogan seems undervalued now…

So for future projects, I’ll try to work with East Morning Star Advertising.”

Xu Chen smiled: “You’re too kind, Nie.”

Nie Fei: “It’s not just politeness—I’m truly grateful.

About that premium mineral water idea you mentioned last time, we’re already on it. I’ve convinced the higher-ups, and the product team is scouting water sources and planning the factory.”

She looked up at Xu Chen and leaned in a bit:

“I really owe you for this. With the Wang Laoshun promotion and the new mineral water line, my influence in the company has grown, and I’ve gained more decision-making power.”

Xu Chen: “Congratulations, Nie.”

Nie Fei smiled: “Consider it a favor I owe you. If you need anything, just reach out.

For the mineral water promotion later, I plan to bring you on board.”

Xu Chen casually replied: “Our East Morning Star Advertising headquarters is moving to Shanghai soon, which will make communication and resources easier.”

Nie Fei thought for a moment:

“Our premium water line is still under wraps, but Teacher Xu, you could start thinking about product positioning, promotion strategies, and such.

As you know, besides Wang Laoshun, this is our second product line, so we have plenty of resources and budget. We’re even planning to get an endorser…

Once the promotion budget is set, I’ll come straight to you!”

Xu Chen smiled and nodded.

Well…

Everything was unfolding as he had planned.

He had shared the premium mineral water idea with Nie Fei partly to set up an endorsement for Xie Bingran.

Back then, Xu Chen wanted to help the struggling Xie Bingran earn some money quickly.

Now, it seemed Xie Bingran wasn’t as short on cash anymore…

In his previous life, Kunlunshan Mineral Water launched years later, and they used tennis champion Li Na as an endorser. Xie Bingran would actually be a better fit now.

He’d find the right moment to sign her onto this project.

In the best case, after subtracting the national team’s business cuts and taxes, Bing Ge could pocket at least one or two million, maybe two or three.

Thinking about it, Xu Chen felt a bit smug about his scheme.

“Just contact me anytime, Nie.”

Nie Fei: “We’ll probably head to Shanghai for business in a couple of months. We’ll stop by then.”

Xu Chen: “I haven’t even found an office yet, so no rush.”

Nie Fei glanced at Xie Bingran:

“I should invite you to dinner, Teacher Xu, but it doesn’t seem like the right time today.

I won’t hold you up!”

Xu Chen smiled: “We’ll catch up another time!”

Nie Fei casually noticed Xie Bingran’s shoes and stared at the sneakers for a moment.

She frowned slightly:

“Those look like the national team’s custom shoes!”

Xu Chen looked surprised:

“How did you spot that, Nie?”

Nie Fei parted her red lips:

“I’ve seen them before and happen to know about them.”

…

…

Xu Chen led Xie Bingran up the long outdoor escalator to the top floor of Zhengjia Plaza.

The movie theater entrance bustled with people coming and going.

Xu Chen looked up at the showtimes and saw the usual old films from his memories.

There was “Mission: Impossible III” with Maggie Q, and that yellow Lamborghini she blew up—that scene stuck with him.

“Superman Returns,” a forgettable entry in the series—Xu Chen had watched it in his previous life, but all he remembered was its slow pace.

“Crazy Stone,” a film that would always have a place in Chinese cinema history—it was hard to believe so much time had passed.

…

A row of movie posters stood displayed before them.

Xu Chen asked, “Is there anything you want to see?”

Xie Bingran scanned them but didn’t seem to pick one.

Xu Chen pointed to a large poster and joked,

“For Bing Ge, this one feels perfect!”

Xie Bingran turned with a chilly glance at Xu Chen.

“Dragon Tiger Gate,” an action flick based on Hong Kong comics, starring Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse, and Daniel Wu…

Not many people in the mainland had read the comics, but the film’s stars and explosive action drew a lot of attention back then.

Xie Bingran didn’t seem interested and turned back to Xu Chen:

“What do you want to watch?”

Xu Chen scanned the posters again.

He’d seen all these in his previous life.

During a bored stretch in college, Xu Chen had holed up in his dorm and watched over a thousand domestic and foreign films…

His eyes landed on one poster.

“Daisy,” starring Korean actors Jung Woo-sung and Jun Ji-hyun.

But the director was from Hong Kong—if Xu Chen remembered right, he’d directed classics like “Infernal Affairs,” “Young and Dangerous,” and “Storm Riders.”

He hadn’t seen this one before.

Mainly because it was a romance film, and in his previous life, Xu Chen never bothered with them.

He turned to Xie Bingran with a teasing tone:

“Since it’s with you, let’s go for a romance flick!”

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes and murmured, “Oh.”