Chapter 232: Shadows of Endorsement

Xu Chen had some worries about Xie Bingran’s endorsement deal.

After all, he’d heard stories from his past life about athletes getting banned over commercial endorsements, with famous cases.

But ever since Xie Bingran won the National Games and surpassed the previous Asian Games gold medal record, Xu Chen felt completely confident.

The endorsement contract for Xie Bingran was legally sound from the start.

The contract was signed before she joined the National Team, and it was all on her own free will; besides, she had no intention of opposing or backing out.

The real concern was people at the General Bureau or in the National Team who might, for commercial gain, control her future competition eligibility and training resources, even using it as leverage…

After this National Games, Xie Bingran had shown ‘domestic top and Asian elite’ level in track events, so her eligibility and resources weren’t something just anyone could mess with anymore.

Short-track speed skating hadn’t been a strong event in the country for years, and a real talent was rare.

For a seventeen-year-old like Xie Bingran, who broke national records and reached Asian Games top levels, almost no one dared put obstacles in her way—after all, she represented the nation’s future honor.

She could truly pioneer unprecedented glory and history for the country in short-track speed skating.

So, when Director Li Yue from the General Bureau visited, Xu Chen didn’t feel much pressure at all.

…

Xu Chen was eating at the table when an admin assistant from the company brought over half a box of cigarettes.

“Little President Xu, Yue Jie asked me to give these to you!”

Xu Chen looked up and saw Wu Yue busy nearby, directing some hotel staff to greet the guests.

He smiled at the admin assistant and said, “Thanks! And please tell Yue Jie thanks from me too!”

…

A little later, Xu Chen grabbed the half-box of cigarettes and headed straight to the first-floor dining hall.

These cigarettes were naturally for the two groups of ‘brothers’ connected to Xie Bingran, courtesy of Wu Yue.

As soon as Xu Chen walked in, everyone in the dining hall stood up, calling out, ‘Brother Chen, Brother Chen!’

Among these guys, a dozen were Xie Bingran’s old middle school buddies, and they originally didn’t know Li Rui or Zhao Feng.

But since they all knew Bing Ge well, the two groups quickly bonded.

They shared cigarettes, lit up, threw arms around shoulders, and soon were laughing and chatting like old friends.

Before leaving, Xu Chen specifically told Li Rui:

“Your Bing Ge’s got a lot on her plate today, might not make it over.”

Li Rui: “Got it, Brother Chen. We’re good here; I’ll handle it with Zhao Feng.

If there’s no time to say hi to Bing Ge tonight, we’ll just head out.”

Xu Chen patted Li Rui on the shoulder and turned to leave.

…

…

Second-floor banquet hall.

Xu Chen sat back down and glanced up; his father, Xu Zhiquan, was chatting and laughing with several leaders.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but feel a bit impressed—in building connections, he probably couldn’t match his dad in this lifetime.

Still, that was fine; he didn’t like dealing with that stuff anyway, so letting his dad handle it saved him the hassle.

He was content to stay quietly in the background as a low-key ‘rich second-gen’.

Xie Bingran wasn’t in the banquet hall; she was probably still caught up in interviews.

From the earlier speeches on stage, it seemed Bing Ge had overcome her fear of speaking in public.

…

After a short wait, Xie Bingran emerged from a crowd and returned to the main table.

Xu Chen’s phone buzzed with a message from Director Feng Siliang:

[The interview room is free now. Coach Cheng and Director Li are already here.]

[Okay, I’m on my way.]

Xu Chen grabbed his backpack and hurried inside.

…

Interview room.

As soon as Xu Chen entered, he saw Cheng Hong and Li Yue already seated.

After a quick exchange of pleasantries, they got straight to the point.

Cheng Hong started: “Xu Chen, you should go ahead and explain the situation in detail to Director Li.”

Xu Chen didn’t rush in; instead, he politely asked:

“Director Li, what specific aspects would you like to focus on?”

Li Yue looked serious, sitting on the single sofa with his legs crossed, putting on a bit of an official air.

Xu Chen could tell right away that this meant trouble.

“I need to know about Chenfeng Technology’s situation and the products Xie Bingran is endorsing…” Li Yue said.

Xu Chen nodded, pulling out his laptop as he spoke:

“My dad probably gave you a general overview earlier. I’ll sync you up on Chenfeng Technology’s major product plans going forward, especially the parts involving Xie Bingran’s endorsement!”

Xu Chen opened his laptop and launched a PPT document.

The PPT was basically the benchmark file from when they acquired Bright Factory, with some tweaks.

The first section showed Chenfeng Technology’s company strength, mainly its origins as a state-owned mechanical factory with hundreds of employees and years of history.

The second section covered the development plans and progress for Chenfeng Electric Vehicles, including overall industry layout, city support, future visions, current production line introductions, and specific production plans ahead.

The third section was about the first product needing Xie Bingran’s endorsement: a basic intro to ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’.

The product design for Chenfeng Ice Power was still in the works at several design institutes and companies in Beijing and the Provincial Capital; Xu Chen had gotten some drafts from Yang Congxin first.

It was mainly to show Li Yue that the product Xie Bingran was endorsing wouldn’t lower anyone’s standards in terms of specs and quality.

Xu Chen emphasized that Chenfeng Electric Vehicles would go for a ‘high-end fashion’ route, with product designs matching Xie Bingran’s image.

…

Throughout Xu Chen’s explanation, Li Yue stayed silent, brow slightly furrowed, as if pondering something.

Xu Chen spoke smoothly, showing no signs of nervousness, and his explanation was thorough.

He was almost done when the interview room door suddenly opened.

The three turned to see Xie Bingran walking in.

Seeing her enter, Cheng Hong and Li Yue paused, then smiled at her.

Xie Bingran said nothing, just sat down next to Xu Chen.

She looked expressionless as she said:

“I heard it’s about the endorsement contract, so I came to listen in.”

Xu Chen smiled but didn’t say more.

Director Li Yue’s attitude shifted noticeably when Xie Bingran entered.

He uncrossed his legs, and his previously stern face softened with a touch of restraint and a smile.

Clearly, he was a bit wary in front of the National Team’s star and champion.

But business was business.

Li Yue paused before saying:

“I’m here on behalf of the General Bureau, and some considerations have to prioritize the National Team’s image and commercial benefits. I hope you understand.”

That statement set a tone that things might not go smoothly.

What he hoped they’d ‘understand’ wasn’t going to be easy.

Xu Chen knew exactly what was up but stayed composed, smiling as he said:

“I understand…

Since I went through Coach Cheng to discuss this beforehand, I wanted to clear things up early with the General Bureau and National Team.

Even though Chenfeng Technology and Xie Bingran’s contract was signed first, any follow-up promotions and ads will still consider the General Bureau and National Team’s opinions.”

His words were calm, but they left little room for negotiation.

The implication was that their endorsement contract was first and would follow the law and contract; the opinions from the General Bureau and National Team were just that—opinions—not mandates.

This was laying down a clear line from the start.

…

Li Yue hesitated a moment, his gaze toward Xu Chen growing more serious.

He’d been in plenty of business talks; he caught Xu Chen’s meaning instantly.

At first glance, seeing how young Xu Chen was, he’d let his guard down a bit.

Now, it was clear this young man was no pushover…

Li Yue thought for a second and said with a smile:

“I’m here to try and resolve issues.

Personally, I’m a fan and supporter of Xie Bingran; everything should follow her wishes.

But when it comes to commercial collaborations for National Team athletes, it’s complicated; all endorsements and deals need commercial negotiations and multiple approvals.”

Xu Chen remained calm, with no sign of backing down:

“We get that, but our endorsement contract was signed before she joined the team.

We’ve consulted legal experts, and legally, our contract has priority.”

Xu Chen knew he had to stand firm right now.

If he softened, the endorsement contract might get redone through more negotiations and approvals.

That would waste time and cost millions more in fees.

And with Chenfeng Technology’s tight funds, they couldn’t afford that.

Plus, with the production line coming in August, the first ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ product was right around the corner and needed Xie Bingran’s image for promotion—time was critical…

Li Yue frowned, a hint of displeasure showing.

He spoke evenly:

“The General Bureau and National Team have strict controls over athletes because they represent not just themselves but, to some extent, the nation’s image.

Athlete business deals involve many factors…

To put it bluntly, we invest in training and resources for athletes and naturally consider commercial value; resources go to those who play by the rules.”

His tone was even, but there was an underlying threat.

Xu Chen kept his expression steady, thinking of how to respond.

Cheng Hong sensed the tension and said:

“Let’s focus on finding a solution here…”

Xie Bingran’s face turned cold; she might not grasp the contract details or the negotiation, but she felt the threat in Li Yue’s words.

She looked at Li Yue and said:

“I only got into sports because I signed that endorsement contract with Xu Chen.

If it’s under threat, then I won’t do sports anymore.”

“…”

Li Yue’s expression soured.

He frowned and said:

“Xie Bingran, I’m trying to fight for your interests! Don’t you get it?

Someone could sell you out and you’d never know!”

…

The atmosphere in the interview room grew awkward.

Li Yue’s words clearly carried hostility toward Xu Chen.

He meant that, in his view, Xu Chen’s endorsement contract had essentially sold Xie Bingran short.

Xie Bingran’s expression turned even colder.

But Xu Chen, hearing Li Yue’s words, wasn’t angry—in fact, he felt relieved.

If Li Yue was coming from a place of protecting Xie Bingran, then things might actually go smoother.

Xie Bingran said: “My interests are Xu Chen’s interests…”

“…” Li Yue frowned, shaking his head in helpless resignation.

Cheng Hong glanced at Xie Bingran, then at Xu Chen, and smirked.

In her mind, she couldn’t help but think:

What a case of love brain…

…

Xu Chen stayed quiet, waiting for Li Yue’s reaction.

Li Yue thought it over, sighed, and said:

“If that’s Xie Bingran’s stance, I’ll do my best to communicate upward…

But I need to see your endorsement contract first!”

Xu Chen smiled, sensing Li Yue’s tone had softened.

He pulled two documents from his bag and handed them to Li Yue.

These were the contracts, previously stored in the office at Jinfeng Business Tower; he’d gone to get them at noon today.

Li Yue flipped through them, frowning: “There’s another sports brand collaboration?!”

Xu Chen glanced at the ‘Ran Bing Sports’ contract in his hand and nodded: “Yeah, another sports brand partnership agreement. It’s an equity collaboration with Xie Bingran, not just straight endorsement.”

Li Yue’s brow furrowed deeper, his face darkening: “I’m not hiding anything—other sports brands have already contacted us to sign Xie Bingran.

This contract of yours blocks her from any other deals; it’s basically cutting off her own commercial earnings!”

Xu Chen just smiled without responding.

Xie Bingran seemed about to speak, but Xu Chen gave her a look to hold back.

Li Yue said nothing more, carefully going over the two contracts.

After a while, he seemed to think of something, his expression shifting as he said:

“I’m here mainly for initial talks; I’ll need to report back.

But from a quick look, these contracts of yours have issues if we dig deep!”

Xu Chen: “What issues?”

Li Yue checked the dates on the contracts again: “When the contracts were signed, Xie Bingran wasn’t yet eighteen; they needed a guardian’s signature and stamp.

I could let it slide, but if I report it, the General Bureau’s legal team might seize on that and challenge you!”

Cheng Hong frowned, looking worried.

This was…

A potentially fatal flaw.

Xie Bingran’s face changed, a hint of panic as she turned to Xu Chen.

She was about to say something, but Xu Chen squeezed her arm, signaling her to stay calm.

Xu Chen’s face remained steady, as if he’d anticipated this.