Chapter 329: Desert Whispers

Outside Jade Gate Pass, the wind and sand finally eased.

Car doors swung open one by one, shaking off layers of dust.

Director Paul Bao Junsen glanced at the sky and quickly pulled the cinematographer and special effects team aside for a chat.

After a brief sandstorm, the sky turned surprisingly clear.

But evening was closing in, casting a slight dimness over everything.

“Let’s shoot a few more special effects scenes, then move fast to the Shule River while we still have light!”

……

Xie Bingran’s scenes were done, so she stayed in the car to rest.

Coach Cheng Hong walked over for a look and saw the young couple sitting quietly inside, then smirked and walked away.

Through the rearview mirror, he watched Coach Cheng latch onto Sun Aimi again……

Xu Chen reached out and gently felt Xie Bingran’s stomach through her clothes:

“Hungry?”

“A little.”

Xu Chen smiled, grabbed his backpack from the trunk, and somehow produced a yellow apple, wrapping it in a few layers of tissue.

Xie Bingran took it and with a crisp snap, broke it in half.

As they enjoyed their snack, Xu Chen’s phone buzzed—he pulled it out and saw a message from Teacher Fang Jun:

[Your dad might be about to make an impulse buy. I think you should know…]

Xu Chen paused. His dad, Xu Zhiquan, spending money wasn’t unusual, but for Fang Jun to message about it, something felt off.

[What’s going on?] Xu Chen replied.

[He’s eyeing a factory and considering buying it outright. We’re meeting for dinner tonight to discuss.]

Xu Chen: “……”

Xu Zhiquan had gone on a business trip with Nie Fei, first to Qing City in the north, and now they were in Fujian Province.

The factory Xu Zhiquan was eyeing—was it a sports goods processing plant?……

He thought for a moment and replied to Fang Jun:

[Is Nie Fei there? What’s her take?]

Fang Jun: [She’s here and a bit stunned. She just discussed with me whether to tell you.]

Xu Chen shook his head with a smile and typed back:

[Don’t worry. My dad’s being very cautious in business these days. He won’t rush into anything.

If he’s interested, it means it’s worth it……

He probably won’t seal the deal tonight, right? I’ll call him when I can.]

[He won’t buy tonight. If it’s happening, it’ll go through official contracts……

Tonight’s dinner is just to talk things over.]

[Got it. Is he free now? I could call him……]

[He’s in a meeting. Give it a bit.]

Xu Chen pondered and decided not to worry too much.

After acquiring Bright Factory, his dad’s business insight had leveled up from when he ran the factory back in the town.

If Xu Zhiquan saw potential in an investment, it was likely solid.

Still, since it tied to Ran Bing Sports, Xu Chen sent his dad a quick message.

They finished the apple, and Xie Bingran slipped her soft hand into Xu Chen’s.

Xu Chen played with her delicate fingers, enjoying how smooth they felt.

Outside, the crew hustled on—the special effects guy, Zhou Yong, gunned the Wrangler across the Gobi, kicking up clouds of sand.

……

His phone rang—it was his father, Xu Zhiquan.

Hearing his son’s voice, Xu Zhiquan chuckled happily.

No need for small talk; Xu Chen jumped right in:

“Dad, I heard you’re thinking of buying a factory?”

Xu Zhiquan: “How’d you find out? Fang Jun or Nie Fei?”

Xu Chen: “Both of them.”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily and said:

“Son, you’re serious about Ran Bing Sports, right?”

Xu Chen: “Of course.”

Xu Zhiquan: “Then we need to get a factory involved.

Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of others on the production line.

If they don’t prioritize your orders, you’ll be begging for scraps……

I asked Nie Fei, and even big international brands stake claims in these factories to secure orders and quality.”

The news hit suddenly, and Xu Chen’s voice carried a hint of doubt.

Xu Zhiquan laughed again and lowered his voice to explain:

“I won’t mess this up. We’re only talking stakes in these two places—maybe a big share, but nothing final yet……”

“This is something we have to do. Nie Fei’s a high-level exec from a big firm, but she might not get all the nuances.”

“We’ve checked out a few spots these past days, and I’ve got a sense of it.

“Of course, Nie Fei and I see things differently. You young folks with your degrees might not grasp some of this.”

“Fujian Province’s industry here is all local clans sticking together. Why would they help produce for some unknown out-of-towner like your brand?”

“It’s not just about throwing money at it……”

“And those big factories are tied to foreign brands—they won’t take other jobs.”

“Another thing……”

“The two factories I’m eyeing are run by local village committees. Taking a stake would help build local ties.”

“They might look small, but there’s more to it. In business here, it’s all about connections and favors……”

“Plus, folks in Fujian are big on family and clan loyalty……”

……

Xu Zhiquan went on about various points, and Xu Chen got the picture.

He felt relieved his dad had come along.

Based on Xu Zhiquan’s analysis, staking in this local factory was necessary.

And it was about partnering, not just buying out—not only for budget reasons.

“Staking in” would bind interests, ensuring Ran Bing Sports’ production while leveraging the existing owners for local resources and workforce.

The simplest truth: these areas were all about village, clan, and family networks.

A factory run by outsiders might not even get local workers……

Xu Zhiquan also mentioned another angle.

The local industrial belt and production lines were introduced by those two foreign sports brands.

The foreigners held major stakes and controlled the tech on those lines.

The tech wasn’t cutting-edge, but contracts made it exclusive—no sharing with brands like Ran Bing Sports.

The factories Xu Zhiquan was eyeing had some under-the-table “tech support” links with those big ones.

In short, using these could let them tap into key tech and resources indirectly.

……

After Xu Zhiquan’s breakdown, the factory stake sounded essential.

Xu Chen thought it over and said:

“Dad, do you have enough funds? Chenfeng Technology is still burning cash……”

Xu Zhiquan laughed confidently:

“Don’t worry, son. If I’m going for it, it’s within reach.

Funding’s fine. We’re picking one of the two and talking details tonight.

The price won’t kill us—these shoe and clothing factories aren’t fancy. How expensive can they be?”

“And another thing.”

“The villages we’re dealing with want more than just foreign brand knockoffs—they’re looking for new paths.”

“Pure contract work just gives them grunt money.”

“So, me coming in with a stake and bringing Nie Fei to talk Ran Bing Sports has them interested……”

“Once things shape up, they’ll help me lobby for support—kinda like what happened with Chenfeng Technology and those policies……”

“Money’s not your problem, son.”

“I’ll sort the equity and contracts with Nie Fei.”

“I chatted with Fang Jun too—we’ll handle it through East Morning Star Co. to keep it from messing with Ran Bing Sports’ growth and decisions……”

Clearly, Xu Zhiquan had thought this through.

Xu Chen smiled and teased:

“You really are President Xu—sharp and decisive!”

“I’d go the extra mile for you and Bingran!”

Xu Chen switched to speakerphone:

“Dad, Xie Bingran’s right here beside me!”

He nudged her gently.

Xie Bingran blinked in surprise and said:

“Hello, Uncle Xu……”

Xu Zhiquan laughed warmly:

“Hey there, Bingran! Once this wraps up, I’ll head to Shanghai to see you two.”

Xie Bingran: “That sounds great, Uncle Xu.”

Xu Chen: “Dad, you’ll need to book in advance. Xie Bingran’s a big star now— even I don’t see her often.”

Xie Bingran looked a bit embarrassed:

“If Uncle Xu comes, I can take time off.”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled: “No rush, I’ll check with Xu Chen first!”

Xie Bingran remembered the call’s topic and added:

“Uncle Xu, do you need money for the factory? I’ve got plenty……”

Xu Zhiquan hesitated, not expecting that.

Xu Chen pinched her cheek: “Keep your money, we’ve got this.”

Xu Zhiquan said over the phone with a laugh:

“Exactly, Bingran—don’t worry about it!”

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes: “I’ve got endorsements and past prizes—really, I have a lot……

If you need it, Uncle Xu, I can chip in.”

Xu Zhiquan paused, seeming touched.

He said softly:

“Kid, take Uncle Xu’s advice—hold onto your earnings.

That’s from your hard work……”

He turned to Xu Chen:

“Don’t you dare mistreat Bingran, or I’ll set you straight!”

Xu Chen: “……”

Xie Bingran giggled.

……

……

The Jade Gate Pass shoot wrapped up quickly, and they headed to the Shule River.

A half-hour drive got them there before dark for more filming.

The sunset’s glow was a key scene in this ad.

……

Xu Chen drove.

Cheng Hong, Sun Aimi, and Xie Bingran crammed into the back.

“Look! An oasis!”

Sun Aimi exclaimed in delight.

Xu Chen grinned: “That’s the Shule River shoreline.”

The Shule River flows from the Qilian Mountains, the second major river in the Hexi Corridor.

In Han Dynasty times, it was called “Ming Water.”

No ties to the underworld—just because it passed through a place named Ming’an.

“Shule” means “lush waters and grass.”

……

They raced against the fading light, shooting intensely.

They set up a simple tent and monitors.

Xu Chen, He Da Chang, and Liu Wenqin—the three “bosses”—sat by the monitors, watching the progress.

Xu Chen remarked:

“Good thing the sandstorm didn’t last long—we made it for the Shule River shots.”

Liu Wenqin nodded: “Yeah, the scenes here are stunning.”

The river oasis bathed in the evening glow.

The turquoise Wrangler parked by the water’s edge.

Xie Bingran gazed at the distant horizon, her eyes clear and bright……

Special effects tech Zhou Yong drove the Wrangler through a shallow stream, bumping along toward the sunset.

……

Night fell.

Under the Wrangler’s shelter, they lit a campfire by the waterway.

Dry bushes crackled cheerfully, the flames bringing a sense of calm.

In the shot, sparks danced, lighting up Xie Bingran’s eyes.

She looked up at the dazzling Milky Way overhead.

……

……

In that moment, Director Paul Bao Junsen yelled, “Cut!”

He stood with a smile:

“That’s a wrap!”

Cheers and applause erupted.

The day’s intense work was finally over.

The crew even had a bouquet ready for Xie Bingran—though out here, it was just dried flowers.

The tense staff relaxed, laughing and chatting.

Everyone crowded around to snap photos with the “big star” Xie Bingran.

A couple of equipment guys handed her a black pen to sign their jackets.

……

They packed up and headed back to Dunhuang City.

Guide Yang Lei booked a restaurant next to their hotel.

The crew of tired guys dug into meat and drinks with gusto.

He Da Chang raised a glass, with Xu Chen and Liu Wenqin joining in, sincerely thanking Director Paul Bao Junsen and Cinematographer Leslie Kuang Chunlei.

Paul Bao Junsen was taken aback and stood up:

“You’re the bosses—let me toast you!”

This Hong Kong director downed his strong liquor in one go.

……

Cheng Hong and Sun Aimi kept Xie Bingran company, sharing the light meals meant for athletes.

As a southerner, Sun Aimi had hit her limit with two meals of beef and lamb; now she savored a bowl of plain porridge with relish.

Coach Cheng Hong finished her millet porridge and ditched Xie Bingran to snuggle up to Sun Aimi.

She wrapped her arms around Sun Aimi’s soft frame greedily.

……

Xu Chen had a few drinks, his face flushed.

He leaned in close to Xie Bingran and whispered:

“Come home with me.”

Xie Bingran hesitated, then softly agreed and followed.

……

……

Back in the hotel room.

They freshened up and collapsed onto the bed.

Xie Bingran touched Xu Chen’s face—it was warm from the alcohol.

Xu Chen’s eyes grew hazy as he moved closer.

After a kiss, desire surged in him.

“I want you……”

Xie Bingran nestled into his arms: “I’m scared……”

Xu Chen kissed her head and stroked her gently:

“I love you too.”

……

Xie Bingran got a playful idea and reached down.

She gave a light squeeze, making Xu Chen gasp softly.

“You’re scared, yet you tease me like that……”