Chapter 319: A Strategic Meeting Over Dinner

On Saturday noon, Xu Chen grabbed a taxi and headed to the airport.

He had dinner planned with Nie Fei that evening, aiming to dive deep into discussions about ‘Ran Bing Sports’.

Of course, they could have chatted over the phone, but Xu Chen figured this was too important for anything less than a face-to-face talk.

Plus, it was a perfect excuse to enjoy some Yangcheng dim sum and sand pot porridge.

Xie Bingran couldn’t make it that weekend; she was still stuck in a grueling military-style training routine.

At least they had the end-of-month shoot to look forward to, giving them some time together.

Xu Chen felt a pang of sympathy for Xie Bingran’s tough daily grind with the national team.

Yet, Bing Ge seemed unfazed, chatting about her training and races with an easygoing vibe.

Maybe she was just born for it—a natural athlete meant for the track.

Xu Chen struggled to keep up his daily morning runs, relying on sheer willpower, while Bing Ge rose before dawn every day for practice—it was impressive.

…

…

That evening, Xu Chen followed the address Nie Fei sent and took a taxi to Yuexiu District.

Near Construction Six Road, in a quiet little alley, an old two-story building had been turned into a restaurant.

‘California Roll’.

The sign was simple and understated, featuring a fan symbol.

Essentially, ‘California Roll’ referred to Japanese-style rolls like sushi.

It originated in the 1970s from a Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles, California, adapted to suit Western tastes.

Since it first opened in California, it earned the name ‘California Roll’.

After gaining popularity across America, it eventually made its way back to Japan.

Yangcheng lived up to its reputation as a food haven in China—surprisingly, they had a place like this.

Xu Chen was about to message Nie Fei when he spotted her sitting outside on a chair, smoking.

‘Little President Xu!’

Nie Fei stubbed out her slim cigarette and stood to greet him.

‘Fei Jie,’ Xu Chen replied warmly and politely.

Nie Fei looked as polished and professional as ever, with subtle makeup and a elegant platinum pendant.

Today, though, she wore casual white sportswear instead of her usual business suit.

She led Xu Chen inside the restaurant.

Like most Japanese places, it felt cramped and cozy.

The place was packed with customers—clearly a hit.

Upstairs, in a neat private room.

Once seated, the server brought the menu.

‘Fei Jie, you order—I’m not picky.’

Nie Fei smiled and gestured with her slender fingers for the server to take their order.

In just a few minutes, the table was covered with stacks of beautifully arranged rolls.

Compared to traditional Japanese sushi, these had way more variety.

Visually, they were a colorful feast, full of intricate details.

Dragon Roll, Lion’s Head, Fire Kirin, Godzilla, Caterpillar…

The names were as quirky as the dishes.

Xu Chen picked up a ‘Dragon Roll’ and popped it in his mouth…

It was delicious.

Fried shrimp, grilled eel, avocado, fish roe—all wrapped together in one roll, blending flavors in a rich, tantalizing mix that delighted the taste buds.

Xu Chen couldn’t stop praising Fei Jie’s choice of restaurant.

…

After eating for a bit and chatting casually, Xu Chen steered the conversation toward business.

He started by asking about Jiaduobao’s situation and how Fei Jie was doing.

Nie Fei was straightforward, holding nothing back.

‘This issue will have a big impact on the company’s future operations.

If Wang Laoshun’s authorization only lasts until 2010, we won’t be able to handle major investments down the line.

Of course, that’s not set in stone—the company will negotiate or even sue Guangzhou Pharmaceutical, since the extension contract is a legitimate legal document…

In the short term, though, things are stable; Wang Laoshun’s sales haven’t been affected at all.

Overall revenue is expected to keep rising sharply through 2010…’

Xu Chen: ‘And how about you, Fei Jie?’

Nie Fei took a sip of tea and said calmly:

‘I’m leaving the company.

With Chen Zong’s troubles, the group has to distance itself to protect existing interests.

The board has been upfront with me—I’ll be seen as part of Chen Zong’s side and get cut loose.

I didn’t get involved in his under-the-table dealings, but internally, I’m viewed as his loyal insider.

Plus, I was mainly handling the Wang Laoshun project.

So, keeping me on would just create awkwardness for everyone.

It’s also a signal to outsiders…

Of course, the board will give me a severance package.

For me, it’s all manageable.’

‘So, what’s next for you, Fei Jie?’

‘I’ll take a break for a while.

I haven’t had much time off these past few years, so it’s a good chance for an extended vacation.

Job-wise, I’ve got some offers—beverage retail, sports gear—but I’m thinking it over and not rushing.’

Xu Chen smiled and said:

‘That sounds like something to celebrate, Fei Jie.’

Nie Fei: ‘Not really; it’s more like hitting a bump in my career path.’

Xu Chen paused, then got to the point:

‘What if I extended an invitation? Would you consider it?’

Nie Fei was taken aback, not expecting that from Xu Chen.

She thought for a moment:

‘If it’s just advertising, I’m not the expert…’

Xu Chen: ‘It’s not East Morning Star Advertising.’

Nie Fei sipped her tea and waited for him to continue.

‘Xie Bingran has gotten endorsement and commercial deals for sports brands, but none panned out.

The main issue is that Xie Bingran has her own independent sports brand.

It’s just not launched yet.’

Nie Fei looked surprised.

Xu Chen went on:

‘I signed that with her before she officially debuted.

We each hold shares, and the brand name is set—’Ran Bing Sports’.’

Nie Fei pondered:

‘Ran Bing Sports…

That’s a solid name.’

She glanced at Xu Chen and smiled:

‘I remember us talking about it before—launching a sports brand these days is tough.

Overseas giants use massive marketing budgets and nationwide stores to block newcomers.

Even domestic sports brands got their start in the 80s and 90s, before foreign ones dominated and built their user base.’

Xu Chen chuckled: ‘Ran Bing Sports, Xie Bingran…

Fei Jie, are you interested?’

Nie Fei was quiet for a bit, finished half her tea, then smiled:

‘Interested.’

Xu Chen laughed:

‘Since you’re interested, let’s talk about how it could work…’

He refilled her tea and continued:

‘Last time in Tiancheng, you visited my dad’s East Morning Star Co. office.

I mentioned we have two other companies.

One is Chenfeng Technology, currently making electric vehicles, with a new model launching this year.

The other is Chenxin Nurseries, a local landscaping firm in Shandong Province—it’s a quiet cash cow that funded Chenfeng Technology’s start.

Both will back ‘Ran Bing Sports’ financially, and for the early team, we can handle things like finance and legal from Chenfeng Technology.

Once we scale up, we’ll build our own full team…’

‘For ‘Ran Bing Sports’, Xie Bingran and I have full authorization.

You know our personal relationship, Fei Jie, so there won’t be any conflicts or internal fights—you can focus without worries.’

Nie Fei thought it over and asked:

‘Does Xie Bingran’s national team contract have any restrictions?’

Xu Chen replied firmly:

‘None.

‘Ran Bing Sports’ contract predates her national team deal, and our legal team confirmed it’s solid…’

Originally, there was some debate from the Sports Administration, but that’s all cleared now—no external hurdles for ‘Ran Bing Sports’.

If needed, you can check with Director Li Yue at the General Bureau—he knows the details.’

Nie Fei nodded:

‘In that case, we can move forward confidently.’

Xu Chen added:

‘You see the value in Xie Bingran’s commercial potential, like with Kunlunshan Mineral Water.

But I’m not just handing you ‘Ran Bing Sports’ to figure out alone…’

We can secure around ten million in startup funds, mainly from East Morning Star Advertising’s earnings and pulling from my dad’s East Morning Star Co.

It might take a few months to gather, but it’s enough to launch a couple of products.

Once sales kick in, we can reinvest, and for financing, you can coordinate with our financial director, Fang Jun—she’s an expert.’

‘As for your terms, Fei Jie, I’m offering 10% of ‘Ran Bing Sports’ shares…

It’s a fair stake for a startup executive, balancing rewards with overall equity.

Xie Bingran is the brand’s biggest asset—if not for her, this wouldn’t exist, so 10% is the max.

Salary-wise, as general manager, you can set your own, as long as it fits the company’s budget.

Long-term, the real gains will come from shares and dividends.’

…

Nie Fei held her tea, still thinking it over.

Xu Chen smiled: ‘That’s my pitch—hope you’ll give it serious thought, Fei Jie.’

Nie Fei paused, then said:

‘I’m definitely interested.

Leading a brand like this is exciting, especially tied to Xie Bingran…

I see huge commercial potential in her, beyond just her fame from competitions—she has that fan magnetism that translates to brand loyalty and sales.’

Still, I need to study how to make ‘Ran Bing Sports’ work—positioning, production, distribution…

I’ll need to assess the feasibility first.’

Xu Chen grinned:

‘I was worried you’d jump right in—hearing you want to check feasibility makes me feel better.’

Nie Fei nodded:

‘I’ve been out of sports for a few years, so I need to gauge the market, and there’s a big difference from serving Nike—domestic resources might not match up, especially for a new brand…

Channels and positioning are key too—what products, pricing, and audience.’

Xu Chen said:

‘Looks like I picked the right person—these are the exact issues I’ve been mulling over.

Take your time to research, then we can discuss strategy on branding, production, distribution, and marketing.’

Nie Fei: ‘Give me some time for that.’

She added:

‘I might reach out to industry contacts and visit some manufacturing hubs…’

Xu Chen could tell from her words that she was already planning—this was a good sign.

He smiled: ‘If you have time, swing by Tiancheng and check out East Morning Star Co., especially Chenfeng Technology’s production site, and chat with my dad…

Our first ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ unit is nearly ready.’

Nie Fei: ‘Ice Power… so that’s tied to Xie Bingran’s promotions?’

Xu Chen just nodded with a smile.

Nie Fei: ‘I should definitely visit and learn from it!’

Xu Chen: ‘Perfect, since we’re launching the electric vehicle sales—your experience could guide my dad on the ground.’

Nie Fei: ‘You’re too kind; it’s not about guidance.’

…

By around 8 p.m., they’d finished eating and chatting.

Nie Fei took Xu Chen to a nearby bar for a drink.

It was run by foreigners, with plenty of Westerners inside.

Nie Fei ordered a margarita, while Xu Chen went for a straightforward Long Island Iced Tea.

They talked about light topics, keeping it relaxed.

Xu Chen mentioned that Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi were at the company and available to help her.

After their cocktails, Nie Fei ordered another gin fizz and reflected:

‘Who’d have thought we’d end up collaborating like this…’

She clinked glasses with Xu Chen: ‘Cheers to a great partnership!’

Xu Chen laughed and downed his drink.

Nie Fei swirled her glass thoughtfully: ‘I’ll head to Chenfeng Technology next Monday, meet your dad, President Xu, and then connect with some contacts and check out the manufacturing areas…

Just to get a full picture.’

Xu Chen: ‘Sounds good! We’ll make sure you’re well taken care of in Tiancheng.’