Chapter 337: Campus Schemes and Surprises

The class meeting ended.

A group of boys clustered around Xu Chen, ready to heckle him, but Ni Zhi, the department head standing at the front of the classroom, smiled and glanced his way.

……

Out in the hallway outside the classroom.

Ni Zhi lit up a cigarette and congratulated Xu Chen face-to-face.

“Thanks, Professor Ni,” Xu Chen replied with a serious and respectful expression.

“I’ve looked over your two pieces of work.”

“Could you walk me through your ideas?” Ni Zhi asked with a smile.

Xu Chen paused to think, recalling his original works, then explained his creative approach with concise yet precise words.

Ni Zhi nodded silently as he smoked.

Once Xu Chen finished, Ni Zhi had just stubbed out his cigarette and said with a grin:

“Think you could spare some time to teach the third- and fourth-year advertising students?”

“Ah?”

Xu Chen hesitated, feeling it might come off as too showy or arrogant.

As a first-year, lecturing seniors could look overly cocky.

More than that, it would waste time.

Xu Chen didn’t respond, just wore a troubled look.

Ni Zhi chuckled and added:

“How about this…”

“Write up a detailed creative explanation based on what you just shared.”

“I’ll cover it in next week’s classes for the third- and fourth-year advertising students and show them your cases!”

“Sure, that works for me!”

……

Ni Zhi clearly valued talent and asked about Xu Chen’s studies and life with genuine interest.

He acted like a protective mentor, ready to handle any issues.

Xu Chen felt flattered and politely thanked Professor Ni.

Having the department head as a backer was a solid connection in the college.

……

After saying goodbye to Professor Ni, Xu Chen headed back to the classroom.

At the door, he heard the ongoing discussion about year-end events, specifically brainstorming for the welcome party performances.

Xu Chen thought for a moment and decided to slip away.

He had no interest in joining the kids’ singing and dancing show.

He sent a message to Class Monitor Min Siyang:

[Class Monitor, Professor Ni asked me to write up some material, so I’m heading out early.]

He quickly got a reply from Min Siyang:

[Go ahead, you talented star!]

“……”

……

As Xu Chen turned to leave, someone stepped out of the classroom and called him back.

It was the top student, Jiao Tianbo.

“Xu Chen, hang on a second.”

Xu Chen sensed he might get dragged into something but kept a friendly face.

“What’s up?”

Jiao Tianbo cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable as if he’d eaten something sour.

“Your entry for the advertising competition—you showed it to me on the computer before…”

“That was the one you submitted and won with, right?”

“Yeah, the winning piece should be public anyway. No reason to lie to you.”

“I didn’t mean it like that…”

Jiao Tianbo looked awkward:

“I still don’t quite get your concept, so I genuinely want to ask for some advice.”

“……”

Xu Chen thought it over and politely said:

“Professor Ni just asked me to organize my creative thoughts, so once that’s done, I’ll send it your way.”

“Great, thanks a lot, Xu Chen! I really want to learn from it.”

Xu Chen didn’t want to get tangled up with the top student any longer and turned to go, but Jiao Tianbo stopped him again:

“Xu Chen, one more thing.”

“What is it?”

Jiao Tianbo paused: “I’ve got a project. Could I invite you and your company to join?”

“Ah?”

Xu Chen wasn’t interested in Jiao Tianbo’s project but waited politely for more.

Jiao Tianbo smiled:

“This project’s got a solid budget—at least 300,000, up to 500,000 if we nail a full plan!”

Xu Chen was a bit surprised.

Jiao Tianbo:

“It’s from one of my dad’s old colleagues, now transferred to Jiangxi Province, handling publicity.”

“The prefecture-level city there wants to promote its tourism and investment, so they need a campaign.”

“That means city slogans and promo strategies, with a budget of 300,000 to 500,000…”

“Since I’m studying advertising, my dad suggested I give it a shot.”

“But you’ve got an ad company, so why not have you take it on…”

“It’s 300,000 bucks—plenty of money.”

Xu Chen couldn’t help a slight smirk; his usual projects started at a million or more, so 300,000 felt small.

Still, for a first-year like Jiao Tianbo, it was a big deal.

Jiao Tianbo thought and added:

“I’ll just introduce you to them.”

“If we win, the pay goes straight to you and your company.”

“But I do have one condition…”

Xu Chen waited for him to continue.

“I want to join in and learn from you.”

“That’s my main goal…”

His tone was sincere.

Xu Chen wasn’t thrilled; official projects could get messy.

Especially with leaders throwing out vague changes that drove you crazy.

Plus, this one sounded dull, and with his limited time, he preferred fun gigs.

But he stayed polite and played it cool instead of refusing outright.

Jiao Tianbo frowned and added:

“I just want to tag along and learn.”

“If we win, the reward’s all yours…”

Xu Chen still wasn’t keen but casually asked:

“So, what’s the specific promotion need?”

Jiao Tianbo: “Jiangxi Province, Yichun.”

……

Xu Chen paused, a helpless smile crossing his mind.

“Yichun’s city promo” stuck with him from his past life.

It had sparked huge online buzz.

That slogan “A city that calls out in spring” drew tons of criticism but made the place famous overnight.

An obscure town in Jiangxi became a household name fast.

Xu Chen recalled it happened around 2010 in his previous life.

Now in 2006, the person who came up with that slogan probably hadn’t yet.

Well…

That 300,000 was as good as his.

Though pocket change for “little boss Xu,” easy money was foolish to pass up.

He could whip up a plan in half an hour without much hassle.

Xu Chen thought more.

He could loop in intern Wu Feifei on this.

Projects like Jeep or Kunlunshan were too critical; he only let her observe meetings to avoid risks.

But Yichun was small and official, and Wu Feifei had family ties in that area.

The only hitch was Jiao Tianbo’s involvement—wonder if she’d mind.

He’d ask her when they met.

……

Xu Chen looked at Jiao Tianbo, who seemed tense, afraid of rejection.

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“Sure, I’ll jump in!”

Jiao Tianbo lit up with excitement:

“That’s fantastic!”

He suddenly looked flustered:

“So, how do we start?”

“Treat me like part of your team…”

His sincerity was clear.

Xu Chen chuckled:

“First, we need to align with the client on details.”

“Like the promo goals and key focuses…”

“Either get them to outline the needs or set up a call.”

Jiao Tianbo:

“No problem, I’ll arrange a call for tomorrow! We can join together!”

“I’ll introduce your ad company to the Yichun publicity leaders.”

Xu Chen:

“No need for tomorrow—they’re probably weekend-ing.”

“Let’s make it next Monday…”

Jiao Tianbo nodded:

“Right, next Monday it is!”

“I’ll confirm the time and let you know!”

Xu Chen: “Sounds good!”

……

……

After parting with the top student, Xu Chen hurried out of the teaching building.

He found it all a bit surreal—snagging a project from Jiao Tianbo of all people.

“A city that calls out in spring”…

He might need to polish the idea; getting officials to buy into such a bold slogan would be tough.

In his past life, Yichun’s 2010 campaign went viral, but in 2006, it wasn’t a sure bet.

Still, he’d toss it together for fun.

If it won, besides the 300,000 to 500,000, East Morning Star Advertising would gain another notable case.

That’d be a win.

……

……

At Tonghai University’s southwest area, Music Square.

Wu Feifei sat on a bench, sipping milk tea and zoning out.

Spotting Xu Chen from afar, she jumped up with a smile.

“Hey, boss!” Wu Feifei greeted cheerfully.

“Don’t call me that—it’s awkward!”

“No way, I’m your intern now—I have to!” Wu Feifei said seriously.

“Let’s head to the company first!”

……

……

On the 8th floor of the Tonghai Creative Design building.

Wu Feifei stepped into the office, eyes wide with surprise.

She knew Xu Chen had his own company, but seeing the setup blew her away.

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi were still working; they smiled and called out “boss” as Xu Chen entered.

Xu Chen introduced Wu Feifei to them as an intern and mentioned she was a good friend.

He wanted to ensure they treated her carefully, given her background.

Gu Xinxi handed over two boxes of business cards:

“Just printed these.”

Wu Feifei took one, examined it closely, and felt a wave of emotion.

She grinned at Xu Chen:

“Thanks, boss! This is my first business card ever!”

……

Xu Chen glanced at Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi:

“You two keep at it; I’ll show Feifei around.”

Sun Aimi was finalizing the Kunlunshan Mineral Water drafts; Xie Bingran’s photo assets were coming in, and she was rushing posters.

Gu Xinxi handled Jeep project coordination, refining the storyboard with the director team for next week’s PPM.

Xu Chen guided Wu Feifei through the modest office; she looked around with fresh eyes.

“You’re amazing, Xu Chen…”

Wu Feifei couldn’t help but say.

In Xu Chen’s manager’s office, Wu Feifei wore an envious expression.

She spotted a Lucky Cat on the desk and leaned in:

“Is this from Osaka Kansai Airport?”

“Yeah, Bing Ge gave it to me when we left Osaka,” Xu Chen replied with a smile.

Wu Feifei teased with a mischievous grin: “So sweet!”

She noticed a large bottle of Martell on the shelf:

“You drink in the office?”

“That’s from Fei Jie.”

Having hung out with Nie Fei in Osaka, Wu Feifei was surprised.

Xu Chen opened the cabinet, revealing a dozen bottles of Feitian and Guojiao.

Wu Feifei stared: “Why so much booze?”

“Fang Jun’s private stash—I don’t touch it.”

Wu Feifei: “It’s weird; I knew Fang Jun growing up and she never drank.”

“But ever since she met you guys, she’s turned into a drinker…”

“Not my fault—that’s on my dad.”

……

In the meeting room.

Xu Chen washed some fruit and grabbed two cans of soda water to host the new intern properly.

“Once Aimi and Xinxi finish up, let’s grab a meal together!”

Wu Feifei set down the grapes she was eating and said seriously:

“Boss, you haven’t assigned me any work yet!”

“Like, what’s the project for next week’s trip?”

Xu Chen bit into an apple as he replied:

“Next week, we’re heading to Pengcheng for a meeting at Vanke headquarters with Wang Shi…”

Wu Feifei’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Vanke… and Wang Shi? As in the ones I know?”

“Who else?”

Wu Feifei took a sharp breath:

“Boss Xu, your company’s already at that level?”

“It’s not Vanke’s project; Wang Shi’s just the endorser for this one.”

Wu Feifei paused: “If not Vanke, then what?”

“Jeep cars—ever heard of them?”

Wu Feifei swallowed hard, speechless for a moment.

She looked around and said:

“Your office here… it’s feeling a bit cramped!”

Xu Chen chewed his apple and glanced around:

“It’s fine for now, but once Fei Jie joins and we hire more, it’ll get tight.”

Wu Feifei blinked: “Fei Jie’s coming on board?”

“Forgot to mention— she’s joining for a separate business line.”

Wu Feifei was truly stunned; she’d looked up to Nie Fei as a role model after their time in Osaka.

Teaming with Wang Shi on a car brand and bringing in a foreign exec…

Xu Chen’s company was further along than she thought.

……

Xu Chen, still munching his apple, didn’t notice Wu Feifei’s deep surprise.

He thought and said:

“Besides the Vanke trip, there’s a smaller project—interested in helping?”

Wu Feifei quickly replied: “Absolutely!”

She hesitated: “I worry I might not handle something big like Vanke or Jeep.”

“A smaller one would boost my confidence.”

“You’re overthinking, Miss Wu; you’re talented and gorgeous—confident in any project.”

Wu Feifei stuck out her tongue: “I used to be, but meeting you made me doubt myself.”

“……”

Wu Feifei: “So, what’s the project? Spill, boss!”

She sat up straight, all business.

Xu Chen, still on his apple, said:

“This one’s special—Jiao Tianbo hooked it up.”

Wu Feifei frowned at the name.

“Forget it, maybe you shouldn’t join.”

Wu Feifei insisted: “I want in! Work is work, regardless.”

“Alright, I’ll fill you in if you’re game.”

He outlined Yichun’s promotion needs briefly.

Since Jiao Tianbo hadn’t provided details yet, it was just the basics.

Wu Feifei smiled: “No wonder— that leader’s an old colleague of my dad’s, now in some southern city. Turns out it’s Yichun in Jiangxi.”

Xu Chen stayed quiet, realizing Wu Feifei’s involvement could help; that leader knew her, so their team might get more attention.

Wu Feifei grinned: “I’ll join! With you there, Jiao Tianbo won’t cause trouble.”

“……”

Wu Feifei looked hesitant: “How do we tackle this? Teach me—I’m clueless.”

“No rush.”

“Jiao Tianbo’s setting up a call for Monday to discuss needs with them.”

“Once that’s done, we’ll plan our approach.”

Wu Feifei smiled sweetly: “Got it, boss!”