Chapter 274: Sealing the Deal

The report went even smoother than Xu Chen had expected.

The product and slogan sold themselves with almost no questions asked.

Of course, that made perfect sense—after all, what Xu Chen provided was essentially the tried-and-true answer from his past life.

The only difference was, under Xu Chen’s influence, ‘Kunlunshan Mineral Water’ hit the market a few years earlier than in his previous timeline.

As for the spokesperson, Xie Bingran, it was clear they’d already convinced Chen Jinru and Nie Fei.

Chen Jinru still looked a bit hesitant.

He claimed to be worried about Xie Bingran’s performance, afraid she wouldn’t win gold at the Asian Games…

But Xu Chen could sense there were other concerns lurking in Chen Jinru’s mind.

Sure enough, Chen Jinru pondered for a moment and then said:

“President Xu, could you introduce us to the leaders at the Sports Administration?”

He added, “Plus, I think the National Team is a key resource we should tap into.”

“Not just for future Kunlunshan Mineral Water, but for Wang Laoshun too…”

“After all, Wang Laoshun is still our company’s main cash cow right now.”

“If we get the National Team’s backing, we could boost Wang Laoshun’s sales even more.”

Xu Chen smiled and replied:

“No problem, Chen. I’ll reach out to the Sports Administration leaders first and help make the connections.”

Xu Chen had anticipated Chen Jinru’s calculations.

For Xu Chen, this was a win-win.

It meant delivering extra endorsement and business resources to Director Li Yue, which would earn him more support in return.

Besides, if Chen Jinru wanted to handle anything under the table, Xu Chen could stay out of it and keep his distance.

People tend to stick to their old ways.

If this ‘Chen’ had used shady methods before to secure Wang Laoshun’s brand rights, he’d likely think along similar lines elsewhere.

Xu Chen just needed to keep himself clear of any mess.

Of course, he’d still keep an extra eye out to avoid any trouble for Xie Bingran.

Chen Jinru puffed on a cigarette, looking quite pleased.

He said with a smile:

“Xie Bingran’s competition is next week, right?”

Xu Chen: “Yes, in Osaka.”

Chen Jinru: “Perfect, let’s confirm this athlete’s strength!”

“If she’s truly Asian Games gold material, we’ll sign her no matter the cost!”

Then, as if remembering something, he turned to Nie Fei:

“Nie, didn’t you take leave to go to Tokyo and Kyoto?”

Nie Fei caught his drift and smiled:

“I was just about to mention that. I need to hurry my visa along.”

“If the timing works, I could swing by Osaka, check out Xie Bingran in person, and maybe have a preliminary chat.”

Chen Jinru nodded:

“Exactly, if you can go, that’s ideal. Have President Xu introduce you to the Sports Administration leaders first.”

“Once you’re back, we can all head to Beijing for a face-to-face meeting.”

Nie Fei nodded: “No issue, I’ll get on that visa right away.”

The report wrapped up smoothly, and after a bit more small talk, Chen Jinru left first.

Nie Fei made a call, and Chen Xinyi along with two other colleagues walked in.

Nie Fei turned to Xu Chen and said seriously:

“Thanks again—Chen just gave the nod, so this project’s locked in.”

“Saves me the hassle of another presentation.”

Xu Chen: “I’m glad I could help, Fei Jie.”

Nie Fei nodded:

“Alright, let’s get the contract sorted out.”

“Xinyi and these two colleagues will handle the details…”

As she spoke, Chen Xinyi introduced the two colleagues to Xu Chen—one from the premium mineral water project team, the other from legal.

They discussed the contract and collaboration briefly.

The payment followed the agreed 1.5 million budget.

East Morning Star Advertising’s services covered brand strategy and ad planning.

Beyond the submitted product name and slogan, they’d follow up on ad materials for Kunlunshan’s launch promotion.

Any extra costs for materials or specific ad campaigns would have separate quotes and fees.

“Kunlunshan’s” trademark was already being handled by Nie Fei’s legal team.

Pricing and negotiations were their headache—no need for East Morning Star Advertising to get involved.

Jiaduobao would draft the formal contract with East Morning Star Advertising over the next few days.

Once signed, the 1.5 million would be paid in three installments, starting with 500,000.

Trusting Nie Fei, Xu Chen didn’t quibble over the details.

While they discussed the contract, Sun Aimi, who had been quietly listening, felt another wave of shock.

In less than an hour, ‘Teacher Xu Chen’ had landed a 1.5 million contract.

Sun Aimi had been through plenty of pitches—endless nights crafting proposals, late hours prepping presentations, only to often lose out and get nothing.

How did it look so effortless for Xu Chen?

This 1.5 million deal seemed like he just flew to Yangcheng, had a quick meeting, and bam—it was done.

And he was doing it all alone.

When Black Duke pitched, it was a full team effort, sometimes even bringing in outside help for brainstorming.

Yet Xu Chen pulled off a ‘one-draft wonder’ with just his own brainpower and sealed the deal on the spot?!

Was he some kind of genius?

Xu Chen’s flight was later that afternoon, but Nie Fei insisted on treating him and Sun Aimi to lunch.

Time was tight, so they stayed close—at a Cantonese restaurant in the basement of Zhongxin Tower.

Chen Xinyi joined them.

Nie Fei was a pro at hosting and ordering; the table she put together surprised Xu Chen pleasantly.

‘Fei Jie’ had that charming, all-around vibe, chatting and laughing easily with ‘Teacher Xu Chen’.

Xu Chen might look young, but he handled business settings flawlessly, trading banter with Nie Fei.

After the Wang Laoshun and Kunlunshan projects, they’d built trust and rapport—no need for empty talk.

Their laughter was genuine.

In conversation, Xu Chen remembered something and casually asked:

“Is Wang Laoshun’s brand still under Guangzhou Pharmaceutical? How secure is Jiaduobao’s licensing period?”

“With your market share growing and profits rolling in, can Guangzhou Pharmaceutical stay put?”

Nie Fei: “No worries, Chen signed it directly until 2020.”

“That’s almost 15 years left…”

Xu Chen joked:

“Chen must have some serious pull to lock in nearly twenty years at once…”

“From what I know, most licensing deals renew every five or three years.”

“If it wasn’t for a long term, we wouldn’t dare pour so much into promoting Wang Laoshun.”

Nie Fei paused, then said quietly:

“Our Chen does have connections and skills—like with Wang Laoshun, we didn’t expect him to pull it off back then.”

Xu Chen nodded and let it drop.

From his past life, he knew that license to 2020 had issues.

Based on Nie Fei’s response, she seemed unaware.

As long as her character was solid, his plan to poach her could move forward.

The potential crisis with Wang Laoshun’s license might be the key to getting Nie Fei to join ‘Ran Bing’.

But it was too early; Xu Chen would just watch and wait.

After lunch, Xu Chen said his goodbyes and left with Sun Aimi.

Sun Aimi trailed behind him, looking both nervous and excited.

She gave a shy smile:

“Congratulations, Teacher Xu Chen, on landing the project!”

Xu Chen smiled back at the slightly chubby young woman:

“Congratulations to you too, Teacher Aimi—you put in the effort on this pitch.”

Sun Aimi: “I just did a couple of PPT backgrounds. That’s hardly contributing.”

Xu Chen: “I’ve got time. How about I treat you to some bubble tea?”

Sun Aimi smiled sweetly: “Sounds great!”

Downstairs in Tianhe City, at a bubble-tea shop.

Xu Chen ordered lemon water; Sun Aimi went for jasmine milk green.

“For this project, Jiaduobao talked about a one-million budget with our company, but with you, Teacher Xu Chen, they went straight to 1.5 million.”

Sun Aimi said while sipping her drink, still sounding surprised.

Xu Chen: “After the Wang Laoshun project, Fei Jie trusts East Morning Star Advertising.”

“She invited me in knowing that even if the plan didn’t work out, I’d still get 500,000 for it.”

Sun Aimi’s eyes widened:

“Really? …”

“We’ve slaved over so many pitches, and if we lose, we get zip.”

“Pure wasted effort…”

She paused: “Teacher Xu Chen, you’re incredible.”

“Not just your expertise…”

“Seeing your pitch today, your skills and persuasion are top-notch.”

“I wish I could be as good as you.”

Xu Chen: “You’re giving me too much credit, Teacher Aimi—you’re talented too!”

He hesitated a moment before asking casually:

“With Li Fengfeng’s issue, you’re not affected, right?”

Sun Aimi: “I’m okay, just some project adjustments over the last month or two.”

“Our team pulled from original projects, so things are pretty quiet.”

Xu Chen: “Being idle in an ad agency isn’t a good sign.”

Sun Aimi: “Tell me about it—no projects means no year-end bonus…”

Xu Chen sipped his lemon water and didn’t push further.

After hesitating for a while, Sun Aimi mustered the courage to ask:

“Teacher Xu Chen, at East Morning Star Advertising…”

“Are you hiring?”