Chapter 234: Endorsement Maneuvers

Li Yue looked up at Xu Chen and spoke directly:

“If we can bring in other commercial endorsements, I’ll have an easier time reporting and coordinating upwards.”

The implication was clear: if Xu Chen could secure other business deals for Xie Bingran, then pushing forward with Chenfeng Technology and Ran Bing Sports would face less resistance.

As soon as Li Yue said it, he frowned slightly.

He didn’t have much faith in Xu Chen’s promises.

Now, thinking about it, Xu Chen was probably just painting a rosy picture.

Xu Chen saw Li Yue’s doubts and replied:

“I can’t make any direct guarantees to Director Li right now, but I can tell you I have a potential client in hand—it’s a top-tier domestic beverage and food brand.”

“If things go smoothly, we could negotiate a commercial partnership with Xie Bingran in six months to a year.”

Li Yue eyed Xu Chen, still skeptical.

Xu Chen was fairly confident about getting Kunlun Mountain to sign Xie Bingran.

Though he couldn’t say it was a sure bet, at this point, he needed to reassure Director Li so the man could report back smoothly.

Xie Bingran’s endorsement contract was solid, but she was still under the management of the Sports Administration and the National Team…

They’d have to handle the endorsements through soft negotiations to avoid any future hurdles in her training or competitions.

After a moment, Li Yue spoke again:

“If that’s the case, I can hold off on reporting upwards for now.”

“Once your deal shows progress, I’ll bundle it with the Chenfeng Technology and Ran Bing Sports matters—the resistance will be much lighter then.”

Xu Chen felt a bit speechless inside.

This guy was sharp—he was basically pressuring Xu Chen directly.

Xu Chen thought it over; delaying things a bit wasn’t a bad idea.

Based on his earlier talk with Nie Fei in Yangcheng, the mineral water promotion was set to move forward soon.

And if it didn’t pan out, it wouldn’t be a big issue.

Xie Bingran’s contracts were rock-solid; anyone could sit down and discuss them seriously.

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“That works fine.”

“We’ve shared all the details with Director Li, and we’ll submit the relevant documents shortly.”

“We’ll follow your lead on how to proceed—Chenfeng Technology will cooperate fully!”

“Just keep any other sports brands from approaching Xie Bingran for now.”

Li Yue nodded: “That shouldn’t be a problem; we can drag it out a bit.”

He smiled, extending his hand to shake Xu Chen’s:

“Young President Xu, you’re so young yet your skills and conversation are eye-opening!”

Xu Chen politely smiled and shook Li Yue’s hand firmly.

Li Yue wasn’t just flattering him.

In his daily work, he handled external business dealings and negotiations, navigating all sorts of complex corporate battles and facing various opponents.

This ‘Young President Xu’ looked barely twenty, but he was a tough negotiator.

He had a solid grasp of business, discussing company plans and prospects smoothly and concisely, hitting exactly what the other side cared about most.

On key points needing discussion, he was principled—neither overly submissive nor giving an inch on core interests.

Yet he knew when to offer benefits and concessions to keep things from stalling—truly sharp and adaptable.

Li Yue already realized that his original plan to “eliminate” Xie Bingran’s two endorsements was impossible with this Young President Xu around.

Still, reporting and coordinating this matter would be tricky.

Delaying it was his only option for now.

From Xie Bingran’s perspective, once she won a couple more events and solidified her dominance in women’s short track, internal discussions would go smoother.

Of course, if Xu Chen actually landed a new endorsement, it would solve a lot of internal issues in an instant.

…

The group left the interview room on good terms, the discussion having gone smoothly.

Xu Chen had tested the waters on the contracts, and with no issues raised, they were on solid ground.

Even with Li Yue’s sharp tactics causing a slight delay, it wouldn’t affect much—after all, the ad shoot for Chenfeng Electric Vehicles wasn’t urgent.

When it came to filming, the contract would speak for itself; they could push forward regardless of Li Yue’s reports.

…

Xu Zhiquan knew how to host; with a few words, he had Li Yue and Cheng Hong laughing and settled back at the main table.

Director Feng Siliang hurried over and pulled Xie Bingran aside:

“We still need you for some photos with the leaders, Xie Bingran—sorry for the trouble.”

Xie Bingran looked icy, showing a hint of reluctance.

Xu Chen smiled and quietly took her right hand.

Only then did she nod and follow Feng Siliang.

…

Back at his seat, Xu Chen said to Wu Yue:

“Yue Jie, I need a few documents copied.”

Wu Yue smiled: “Hand them over; I’ll get that sorted for you, Young President Xu!”

“Thanks so much, Yue Jie!”

He passed the documents to her.

…

Up on the small stage, Tiancheng’s pride Xie Bingran had turned into a relentless photo machine, posing with a stream of guests.

Local media photographers snapped away relentlessly with their equipment.

Wu Feifei glanced up, grabbed Huang Qianqian, and said:

“Let’s go! We’re getting pics with Bing Ge!”

Both excited, they hurried hand-in-hand toward Bing Ge.

Everyone knew Wu Feifei’s status as the leader’s daughter, so the guests in line stepped aside.

Wu Feifei boldly pulled Huang Qianqian onstage.

After snapping a bunch of photos with Bing Ge, Wu Feifei marched offstage and dragged her own father, Wu Yongming, up.

Wu Yongming usually carried an air of authority, but with his daughter, he crumbled, flashing a warm, easygoing smile.

…

Down below.

Xu Zhiquan sat next to Feng Wenjiang.

He poured half a cup of tea for Feng Wenjiang from the teapot:

“Thanks for stepping in today, Town Chief Feng!”

He meant the proof they provided for Xie Bingran earlier.

Feng Wenjiang slung an arm around Xu Zhiquan’s shoulders:

“Why so formal with me? Besides, I should thank you—it gave this small-town mayor a chance to chat with the bigwigs!”

Xu Zhiquan raised his cup, clinking it against Feng Wenjiang’s:

“We’re brothers; no need for words!”

Feng Wenjiang laughed: “Tonight, I’m drinking plenty with you!”

Xu Zhiquan: “Plenty of booze to go around!”

Feng Wenjiang recalled the interview room scene and chuckled:

“Your son Xu Chen is incredibly capable; I saw it today.”

He didn’t back down at all in front of the Sports Administration leaders and even controlled the room—truly, like father, like son…”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

“You’re overpraising!”

Feng Wenjiang: “No overpraise here. Your son is the same age as my daughter, yet he’s already running your company and handling deals…”

“As a father, I’m seriously jealous!”

Xu Zhiquan didn’t reply, but a touch of pride showed as he poured more tea for Feng Wenjiang.

Feng Wenjiang sighed:

“Too bad we didn’t become in-laws!”

Xu Zhiquan patted Feng Wenjiang’s shoulder:

“Why bring that up again?”

“It’s just that my boy isn’t fortunate enough; he can’t reach your daughter’s level!”

Feng Wenjiang smiled:

“Even if romance isn’t in the cards, they can still be friends.”

“Mainly, have your Xu Chen guide my unmotivated daughter a bit…”

“Xu Chen’s at university in Shanghai, and my Qingqing’s in Hangcheng—they’re not far apart, so they could hang out on weekends…”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled vaguely, steering the conversation away.

…

…

As the banquet wound down, Xu Zhiquan took Xu Chen to meet a few leaders.

Xu Chen was familiar with Secretary Xia Gang from the Publicity Department, Bureau Chief Gao Guangya from the Sports Bureau, and of course, Secretary Qu Fei.

There were other leaders he was meeting for the first time; Xu Zhiquan introduced them one by one, and Xu Chen greeted them politely.

The guests Xu Zhiquan invited aligned with East Morning Star Co. and Chenfeng Technology’s business vision, including city officials in charge of development and reform, and key figures from major banks in the area…

Secretary Xia Gang, puffing on a cigarette, specifically praised Xu Chen to the others.

He mentioned how the ‘Tiancheng Support Group’ and ‘Hometown Victory Celebration’ were Xu Chen’s ideas, drawing nods and compliments from the crowd.

Bureau Chief Gao Guangya added that Xie Bingran’s athletic talent was first spotted by Xu Chen, sparking waves of surprised admiration.

Xu Zhiquan listened with a beaming, proud grin…

Leader Wu Yongming was chatting nearby but got pulled up by the sharp-eyed Wu Feifei.

Before Xu Zhiquan could speak, Wu Feifei jumped in:

“Dad, Xu Chen’s here to say hello!”

With Wu Feifei around, the atmosphere lightened, feeling more casual and friendly.

Wu Yongming smiled warmly, shook Xu Chen’s hand, and offered words of encouragement and praise.

This drew echoes of agreement from those around.

…

…

Soon, the main leaders started to leave.

Wu Yongming and his group specifically encouraged and congratulated Xie Bingran again, suggesting she return to Tiancheng more often.

Xie Bingran wasn’t much for talking, but she responded politely and respectfully, toning down her fierce Bing Ge vibe.

Xu Zhiquan and the others escorted the guests and leaders to the elevators.

…

Xu Chen glanced back; Xie Bingran was sitting with Coach Cheng Hong.

Director Li Yue, Chen Ming, and Teacher Tian Fangfang were with them.

Coach Cheng was flipping through a notebook, discussing competition and training matters with Xie Bingran.

Xie Bingran seemed distracted, her eyes lifting to meet Xu Chen’s from across the room.

In her usually cold gaze, a hint of vulnerability and quiet resentment emerged.