Chapter 301: Awakening Moments

Early morning.

Xu Chen woke up and opened his eyes to see Xie Bingran’s lovely face.

She was still asleep, her head resting on his arm, with stray hairs lightly covering her brows.

Her small mouth slightly open, she looked soft and endearing.

Xu Chen didn’t want to wake her, so he stayed still, quietly watching.

…

A few minutes later, Xie Bingran stirred, then slowly opened her big eyes.

Seeing Xu Chen staring at her, she blushed.

Xu Chen smiled and pulled her into his arms.

Suddenly, he realized he wasn’t wearing a shirt, and a wave of unease hit him:

“Did I drink too much last night and do anything to you?”

Still nestled in his embrace, Xie Bingran murmured:

“No.”

Xu Chen stroked her head:

“That’s a real shame.”

Xie Bingran: “Do you have a death wish?”

…

The curtains were open, but the window had a sunshade film, so it wasn’t too bright.

Breathing in Xie Bingran’s pleasant scent, Xu Chen whispered:

“What time’s your flight?”

“Ten thirty.”

Xu Chen checked his phone: “We can cuddle a bit longer then.”

“Mm.”

…

Reluctance made the parting meaningful.

At least she’d be back in Shanghai, where they could see each other often.

After a quick freshen-up, it was time to say goodbye.

Xu Chen pinched Xie Bingran’s cheek, watched her stand with a resentful look, and head out the door.

Xu Chen sighed deeply, feeling a hollow ache in his chest.

…

With time to spare, Xu Chen took a hot shower and changed into clean clothes.

He peeled a couple of oranges, ate them, and texted Fang Jun and Sun Aimi.

Fang Jun replied that she’d already left; she had friends to meet in the Provincial Capital and planned to stay a couple of days.

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi were up, so Xu Chen suggested meeting at the restaurant.

…

At the restaurant.

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi still looked half-asleep.

They’d probably had too much to drink last night and slept poorly.

The menu featured authentic northern breakfast: fried dough sticks, pancakes, soy milk, buns, and noodles…

Spotting fresh tofu pudding just out of the pot, Xu Chen happily ordered a bowl.

The two southern girls saw soy sauce in the tofu pudding and made faces, looking utterly shocked.

Xu Chen laughed:

“Try it; it’s actually pretty good.”

Sun Aimi shook her head: “Tofu pudding with soy sauce? That’s terrifying…”

Xu Chen dug in with big bites, clearly enjoying it.

…

…

After checking out, they drove straight to the photography studio.

Tan Changqiao was already waiting and greeted them with a smile as they went upstairs.

“I’ve sorted through the negatives, deleted the ones with technical issues, so you can pick from the rest.”

In the small office, Tan Changqiao had even prepared fresh fruit.

Xu Chen said to Sun Aimi:

“You’re the main one to select, Teacher Aimi.”

Sun Aimi sat at the computer screen, adjusted her round glasses, and started reviewing carefully.

It took nearly half an hour before she finalized a folder with over a dozen shots.

“Boss, take a look.”

Xu Chen had already finished a whole box of fruit and looked content, patting his stomach.

He flipped through the photos Sun Aimi picked and nodded, satisfied:

“These all work.”

Gu Xinxi leaned in too:

“Bing Ge looks amazing in person and even better on camera!”

Sun Aimi: “These shots are versatile, not just for the upcoming posters.

We can use them for holiday promotions too.”

Just then, Tan Changqiao, who had been busy outside, walked in.

He smiled, took the mouse, and glanced at them:

“Sixteen in total? I’ll retouch them all.”

Xu Chen stayed quiet and glanced at Gu Xinxi behind him.

The shoot was a bundled package, but it was based on the number of shots.

Their original agreement included all negatives plus ten retouched photos.

Bumping it up to sixteen meant extra costs.

Gu Xinxi looked at Tan Changqiao:

“Tan, our project’s budget can’t cover more!”

Tan Changqiao chuckled:

“No need to add to the budget; the extra six retouches are on me.

Getting to shoot Xie Bingran is an honor!

If there’s another chance, I’d love to work with you again, Boss Xu.”

Xu Chen stood with a smile:

“Thanks a lot, Tan. We’re thrilled with the results.

We’ll have more promo projects down the line, so let’s collaborate again.”

…

Leaving the studio, it was nearly noon.

Xu Chen drove the two girls to the city center for roast duck.

Fang Jun had recommended the place; it was run by Beijing masters and super authentic.

Xu Chen rolled up six or seven portions and was full of surprises.

Sun Aimi couldn’t help saying:

“Everything Fang Jun recommends is so delicious!”

Xu Chen just smiled mysteriously.

…

…

During the meal, Xu Chen got a text from Coach Cheng about the Jeep collaboration.

It seemed odd, but he replied with the facts.

Including the post-National Day pitch meeting.

[Let me know once you pitch and get results.]

Xu Chen was still puzzled.

As the team coach, Cheng Hong handled athlete training; why ask about endorsements?

Xu Chen thought for a moment and texted back:

[Coach Cheng, is something wrong?]

A while later, Cheng Hong replied:

[Yesterday afternoon, Xie Bingran asked me for leave. Was it for shooting ads with you?]

Xu Chen paused, then answered honestly:

[Yes, Bing Ge’s schedule is tough. I didn’t want to disrupt her training.

We bumped into each other in the Provincial Capital, so we shot some photos.]

After a long pause, Cheng Hong texted:

[I’ll call you this afternoon. It’s complicated; texting won’t do.]

[Okay, Coach. I’m heading back from the Provincial Capital.

You can call anytime after 2:30.]

Putting down his phone, Xu Chen frowned…

A vague sense of trouble lingered.

…

After eating, they got in the car and hit the highway toward Tiancheng.

…

…

An hour and a half later.

Xu Chen dropped Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi at Chenfeng Technology Park.

In the comprehensive building’s finance room, they had assigned workstations and computers for easy work.

Mainly, Sun Aimi needed to refine the Kunlunshan Mineral Water layouts over the next couple of days.

Plus, tomorrow they’d shoot the Chenfeng Ice Power prototype, so they’d set up a simple studio in the warehouse that afternoon and evening…

Xu Chen left them at the park entrance and drove alone to the Jinfeng Business Tower office.

It was quieter there; he could take Coach Cheng’s call and outline the Jeep proposal.

…

Ten minutes later, at Jinfeng Business Tower.

Xu Chen washed some fruit, then settled comfortably in the spacious reception room.

He dug out his father’s stored Pu’er tea and brewed a pot, feeling utterly relaxed.

After last night’s hangover, his head still felt foggy.

A hot cup of tea would clear his mind…

After brewing, he took a sip—the aftertaste was sweet and fragrant, pure comfort.

…

Killing some time, he finally got Coach Cheng’s call.

After a brief chat, Cheng Hong got to the point:

“Director An Jin Xiong took over around late August or early September; he’s now Director Li Yue’s superior.

Your early deal with Xie Bingran was mostly settled with Li Yue, but An Jin Xiong has strong objections…”

“Both Li Yue and I tried to smooth things over; we calmed An Jin Xiong down for a bit.

Then you brought in Kunlunshan and Jiaduobao clients, which made him happy, so it seemed resolved…”

“But with the Jeep endorsement specifying East Morning Star Advertising…”

“That’s got Director An’s attention again.

He won’t confront Bing Ge directly; she’s got a fiery temper.

But Li Yue told me An Jin Xiong’s been venting privately.

“His main worry is if Jeep goes this way, will all of Xie Bingran’s future endorsements have to tie to East Morning Star?”

“That could block a lot of deals for her.”

“Li Yue probably hinted at this in your last call.”

“Jeep’s team made it clear in meetings—they have their own ad agency and might drop the endorsement if it’s tied to an unreliable company…”

Xu Chen listened quietly, piecing it together.

This new Director An was turning into another hurdle.

He thought for a moment and replied:

“Don’t worry about Jeep; it’s nearly sorted.

I’ll pitch after National Day, and we can lock in Xie Bingran and East Morning Star together.

Once I show a solid plan, it’ll win them over.”

Cheng Hong paused, then said:

“What about other projects?

An Jin Xiong’s concerned if all of Xie Bingran’s stuff has to go through East Morning Star?”

Xu Chen hadn’t discussed this with Xie Bingran yet.

Her intent was to help his company, but he wouldn’t sacrifice her career for it.

If needed, East Morning Star could step back, but he wanted to control her ads to avoid any messes that could harm her reputation.

As Cheng Hong continued:

“I’ll give you the lowdown—Li Yue and I go way back; that’s why I brought him to Tiancheng last time…”

“He mentioned An Jin Xiong’s planning to make things tough for you.

He might block your Chenfeng Technology ads from going live through the Sports Bureau’s official channels…”

Xu Chen furrowed his brow:

“I consulted legal experts before An Jin Xiong arrived; our endorsement contract is solid. Even in court, our ads can run.”

Cheng Hong: “True, but An Jin Xiong knows that too.

He can’t stop it completely with the contract in play and Xie Bingran on your side, but he could delay it with paperwork or legal hurdles…”

“That might mess with your timelines; if your product’s launching, a month-long delay could hit hard.”

Xu Chen stayed silent; she was right.

“So, An Jin Xiong wants East Morning Star to back off?”

Cheng Hong: “That’s his game.

He’s fixated on Xie Bingran tying everything to East Morning Star; it could hurt her endorsements.

But she’s a top prospect, not just in athletics but across teams.”

“Once your Chenfeng ads drop, expect An Jin Xiong to pressure you—to keep East Morning Star out of her deals.”

Xu Chen pondered, then asked:

“This is all from Director Li?”

Cheng Hong: “Yeah, from Li Yue.

I’ve known him for years; he has his beef with An Jin Xiong, who was parachuted in as his boss when Li was up for the spot.”

“Anyway, it’s up to you how to handle it. I can’t do much, but your ads will likely trigger his move.”

Xu Chen thought:

“Any advice, Coach?”

Cheng Hong: “Me? Not really. I just thought you should know.

But if you play along and keep East Morning Star out, An Jin Xiong might let it slide.”

Xu Chen said nothing, though inside, he was irritated.

“What if I don’t play along?”