Chapter 352: Deals and Shoots on the Horizon
by xennovelEarly Saturday morning.
The sky wasn’t fully bright yet when Xu Chen headed out, dragging a small suitcase.
This trip to Sichuan West and the Snow District meant he packed more clothes than needed.
The suitcase was black with a hard canvas base and had a small national flag on it—the one Xie Bingran had given him.
It was a national team suitcase, something you couldn’t just buy with money.
Xu Chen grabbed the car, and Sun Aimi was already waiting downstairs.
“Boss!”
Sun Aimi carried a white small suitcase and greeted Xu Chen with a smile.
The white Grand Cherokee pulled out of the Tonghai Creative Design Building, crossed two districts, and arrived at Shanghai Foreign Languages University, where Wu Feifei was waiting by the roadside.
Xu Chen stopped the car, got out, and helped the young Miss Wu load her luggage.
Soon, the car hit the highway.
The two young women sat in the back, chatting and laughing.
Wu Feifei brought a few boxes of yogurt, opened one for Xu Chen, and handed it over.
“Thanks, Miss Wu!”
……
……
They finally reached Pengcheng Bao’an Airport around 11 a.m. after all the hassle.
With no time for a proper lunch, Xu Chen grabbed something quick at the airport for him and the two young women.
They went to that tea restaurant Wu Feifei recommended last time—the food still surprised them.
BBDO’s Liu Wenqin had arranged a car to pick up Xu Chen’s team as usual.
Liu Wenqin and Bao Jun Sen’s team had arrived yesterday to set up the studio.
……
Around 12:30 p.m., the car dropped Xu Chen and his group at the studio in Nanshan District.
One of Liu Wenqin’s subordinates was waiting downstairs—a pretty young woman.
Seeing Xu Chen, she quickly greeted him politely as “Teacher Xu Chen”.
Up on the second-floor studio, a big team was already buzzing with activity.
It was just like the last shoot with Xie Bingran—inside stood a black Grand Cherokee and a yellow Wrangler.
Today, endorser Wang Shi was shooting mainly stills of the black Grand Cherokee and some mock driving footage.
They’d also snap a few extra stills with the Wrangler as backup material.
It was Wu Feifei’s first time seeing a studio shoot, and she looked around with wide-eyed curiosity.
Liu Wenqin and director Bao Jun Sen spotted Xu Chen’s group and came over with smiles.
They exchanged polite greetings.
Sun Aimi was already familiar with the BBDO and director teams, and Wu Feifei had met them last time, so no extra introductions were needed.
“The endorser will arrive at 1 p.m. You can rest until then,” Liu Wenqin said.
Sun Aimi: “I’ll help out anyway—I’m here on business to work!”
Director Bao Jun Sen smiled and said, “Today’s schedule isn’t too packed, Aimi, so you can take it easy.”
Xu Chen: “What about Andy?”
Jeep’s brand director Andy He Da Chang was supposed to join for the next couple of days.
Liu Wenqin: “Andy’s still on his way—probably won’t get here until 2 or 3 p.m.”
……
……
At 1 p.m.
Endorser Wang Shi arrived at the studio right on time.
He brought four or five secretaries and assistants, living up to his “big boss” image.
Wang Shi walked into the studio, and the teams hurried to welcome him.
Like a leader on a visit, Wang Shi shook hands with the staff and politely said, “You’ve all worked hard.”
The shoot schedule was tight, so they took Wang Shi to get his makeup and hair done first.
Wang Shi’s secretary Zhou Kai pulled Xu Chen aside:
“President Xu, about the Lanqiao Shengfei proposal, Wang Shi is really interested.
He asked if we could chat about it today when you have a moment.”
Clearly, this project had Wang Shi’s full attention—he even brought it up himself.
Xu Chen: “My schedule’s flexible; it’s all about fitting it around Wang Shi’s shoot.”
Zhou Kai: “I’ll check with the director first.”
Xu Chen thought for a second: “Actually, my proposal is straightforward. I can give it to Wang Shi now, and we can discuss it during a break.”
As he spoke, he pulled a file folder from his backpack.
Inside was the Lanqiao Shengfei proposal draft—Sun Aimi had printed it yesterday and handed it to him.
Zhou Kai took it with a smile:
“I’ll give this to Wang Shi now and we can talk when he’s free.”
Xu Chen: “No problem!”
……
……
First up, shooting the stills.
Wang Shi had two outfits for the shoot.
One was like Xie Bingran’s before—a Jeep custom jacket to highlight the off-road vibe.
The other was a sharp black business suit, paired with the black Grand Cherokee to project a executive aura.
Sun Aimi and Wu Feifei were helping out with the director’s team.
Xu Chen and Liu Wenqin sat by the monitors, with some cut fruit on the table.
Liu Wenqin suddenly said:
“Teacher Xu Chen, didn’t Wang Shi ask you to handle the Lanqiao Shengfei marketing plan?”
“Yeah, we’re chatting about it today,” Xu Chen replied.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing it,” Liu Wenqin added.
“You’re too kind, Vincent. I just gave the draft to Zhou Kai. Once Wang Shi reviews it, you can take a look too,” Xu Chen said.
Liu Wenqin smiled:
“I wouldn’t dare critique it—I’m here to learn!
The Lanqiao Shengfei case has Wang Shi’s full attention.
Truth be told, BBDO submitted two proposals, but he turned them both down.”
Xu Chen looked puzzled:
“I don’t quite get it…
Lanqiao Shengfei is a major villa project, but is it really worth Wang Shi getting this involved?
As the founder and chairman, why dive into a specific project like this?”
Liu Wenqin paused: “Didn’t Zhou Kai tell you?”
“Tell me what?” Xu Chen asked.
Liu Wenqin glanced around and lowered his voice:
“This project is a bit complicated…
Wang Shi’s interest has some specific reasons.”
Xu Chen grew more serious:
“Can you fill me in, Vincent?”
“Sure, even if I don’t say it, you’ll probably figure it out talking to the project team…”
Xu Chen was surprised—there were hidden layers to the Lanqiao Shengfei project?
Just as Liu Wenqin leaned in to speak, a voice called from behind:
“Vincent! President Xu!”
They turned to see Jeep’s brand director He Da Chang.
They stood up quickly and invited him to sit.
As the client’s boss, Xu Chen and Liu Wenqin had to show proper respect.
He Da Chang hadn’t eaten lunch, so he grabbed some fruit and dug in while watching the monitors.
Liu Wenqin updated He Da Chang on the shoot progress.
He glanced at Xu Chen, signaling they’d talk later…
……
……
In the makeup room.
Wang Shi had finished the off-road series and just changed into his black business suit.
He sat at the makeup station while the artist fixed his hair.
On the nearby sofa, secretary Zhou Kai and two assistants were on a conference call.
“Let’s start the meeting!
Wang Shi will listen in…”
The call wasn’t about Vanke—it was about Wang Shi’s other business investments.
Wang Shi listened while casually picking up the files on the table—the Lanqiao Shengfei proposal from Xu Chen.
Zhou Kai saw Wang Shi flip through it and stood up quietly to note any feedback.
Wang Shi flipped through the pages as the artist worked, the sleek building images paired with bold ad lines.
[No certain height suits such subtlety.]
[Walk red carpets long enough, and you’ll dream of cobblestone paths.]
[Lead trends all life, rarely go with the flow.]
……
……
Zhou Kai stood by, watching his silent boss, feeling a bit nervous.
The Lanqiao Shengfei plan was complex, and Wang Shi had waited a long time for the right proposal.
He’d pulled strings to get top agencies involved, including BBDO’s Liu Wenqin, but nothing clicked.
Wang Shi came across as friendly, but Zhou Kai knew he could be intimidating when unhappy.
This young “Teacher Xu Chen” from East Morning Star Advertising seemed unlikely to deliver—Zhou Kai hadn’t even heard of the company.
He stayed quiet and waited.
……
Wang Shi silently turned the pages.
Then, he spoke: “Good, very good… excellent.”
Zhou Kai blinked in surprise. “Ah?”
The team on the call paused and looked over.
Wang Shi chuckled: “Not you guys! Your discussion isn’t quite there—keep going!”
“……”
Wang Shi excitedly tried to stand, but realized the artist was still on his hair.
He laughed awkwardly and said, “Sorry.”
Calming down, he turned to Zhou Kai: “This proposal works. We can use it!”
Zhou Kai recovered quickly: “Great! The project’s finally moving forward!”
Wang Shi frowned in thought: “No more delays. I’ll touch base with General Manager Yu right away…”
Yu referred to Vanke’s current general manager Yu Liang.
In recent years, founder Wang Shi had stepped back from the GM role, handing it to his trusted Yu Liang.
……
……
A few minutes later, Wang Shi emerged from the makeup room with a big smile.
Instead of heading to the shoot, he went straight to the monitor area where Xu Chen, Liu Wenqin, and He Da Chang were.
Seeing him, the three stood and politely greeted, “President Wang.”
Wang Shi looked at Xu Chen and gestured to the proposal: “Thank you so much, President Xu. This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for!”
Hearing the commotion, director Bao Jun Sen walked over.
Sun Aimi and Wu Feifei, standing nearby, caught the conversation.
Wu Feifei glanced at Sun Aimi: “Did we just land this?”
Sun Aimi adjusted her round glasses: “That draft is top-notch—if it didn’t, I’d be shocked!”
Wu Feifei: “He barely looked at it and we’re good? No full pitch?”
……
……
Wang Shi handed the file to Liu Wenqin with a grin: “Vincent, take a look and tell me if you’re impressed?”
Liu Wenqin took it and read through carefully.
Walk red carpets long enough… Lead trends all life…
He paused and sighed: “I’m outclassed. This is brilliant! It’s got real punch.”
He Da Chang leaned in, skimmed it, and said: “Teacher Xu Chen, your copywriting here feels even stronger than what you did for Jeep!”
Xu Chen: “……”
Wang Shi smiled proudly: “Andy, you can’t say that. Our villa project targets a different crowd, so the tone varies. But I loved the Jeep lines too!”
He turned to Xu Chen: “I’ve waited a long time for this Lanqiao Shengfei plan, and it was worth it!”
Xu Chen replied: “It’s an honor for me and East Morning Star Advertising to have your approval.”
Wang Shi suddenly looked at He Da Chang: “Andy, could I ask a favor?”
He Da Chang: “Just name it, President Wang—I’ll make it work.”
Though He Da Chang was the client’s lead, he stayed respectful around a big figure like Wang Shi.
Wang Shi: “For tomorrow’s shoot in Sichuan West and the Snow District, I think the director team and Vincent can handle it without President Xu, right?”
He Da Chang hesitated, unsure where this was going.
Wang Shi: “I’d like to borrow President Xu for the day. My project is urgent, so I hope he can meet with the team tomorrow to push things forward…”
Xu Chen stayed quiet, feeling a bit amused at Wang Shi’s eagerness.
Wang Shi continued to He Da Chang: “As compensation, we’ll extend tomorrow’s shoot by two hours—use them morning or evening as you need.
The condition is keeping President Xu here for that Vanke meeting.”
With things like this, the choice wasn’t Xu Chen’s.
As the service provider, he had to align with the client’s needs.
For Xu Chen, skipping the trip to Sichuan West and the Snow District meant less hassle—no altitude sickness or exhaustion.
A meeting in Pengcheng with some meals sounded easier.
He Da Chang glanced at director Bao Jun Sen before replying.
Bao Jun Sen stepped up: “If we get two extra hours, it’ll help a lot. The schedule’s been too tight.
Teacher Xu Chen is our project supervisor, so if needed, we can send footage online for his review.
Aimi can stay, though—we’ll need her for the shooting script and visuals.”
Xu Chen: “That’s fine—it’s why Aimi’s here on the trip.”
Bao Jun Sen nodded without adding more.
He Da Chang smiled at Wang Shi: “No issue on our end. President Xu is all yours!”
Wang Shi shook hands with He Da Chang, smiling.
……
So, just like that, Xu Chen’s Sunday plans shifted to handling the Lanqiao Shengfei project.
For him, it was a win—they were wrapping up the Jeep exec side, and this meant new contracts and budget.
No high-altitude trek meant more relaxation.
Bao Jun Sen checked his watch and said a bit awkwardly: “President Wang, we need to keep the shoot on track.”
Wang Shi: “Right, sorry!”
He waved to Zhou Kai, who hurried over.
“Set up tomorrow’s meeting for President Xu with the Lanqiao Shengfei team and brief him on the details!”
Zhou Kai nodded.
Wang Shi turned to Xu Chen: “This project’s got some complications, so it’ll be a bit of work for you.
But as Vanke’s founder, I’ll back it fully. Don’t worry about contracts or fees—your draft deserves a solid budget!”
He shook Xu Chen’s hand and headed back to the shoot area.
……
Xu Chen glanced at Liu Wenqin, still curious.
Wang Shi mentioned “complications,” likely the same as what Liu Wenqin had hinted at.
Xu Chen wondered what could trouble even Vanke’s founder…
The shoot pressed on.
Xu Chen, He Da Chang, and Liu Wenqin settled back at the monitors.
He Da Chang still held the Lanqiao Shengfei draft, marveling: “No certain height suits such subtlety… Your writing skills are impressive, Teacher Xu Chen!”
Xu Chen opened another box of fruit and set it in front of He Da Chang.
His phone buzzed—it was a message from Wu Feifei: [You’re going to the Vanke meeting tomorrow? Can I tag along?]
Xu Chen thought: [The Sichuan West and Snow District trip might be fun—aren’t you interested?]
Wu Feifei: [I want to join your pitch—please, Boss Xu?]
[……]
[Sure, I’ll check with Wang Shi’s secretary and adjust the travel.]
[Thanks, Boss!]
……
A few minutes later, Zhou Kai approached: “President Xu, let me confirm your schedule.”
Xu Chen followed him to the rest area and gestured for Wu Feifei to come along.
“Wu Feifei from our team will join me tomorrow,” Xu Chen said.
Zhou Kai: “No problem.”
Xu Chen gave Zhou Kai Yan Chuan’s contact info.
Yan Chuan had handled tonight’s and tomorrow’s travel arrangements.
Zhou Kai needed to coordinate the changes, shifting costs from Jeep to Vanke.
“I’ve set the meeting for 10 a.m. tomorrow at Vanke Center. Once you’re there, contact Cindy Chen.”
Chen Xin was another of Wang Shi’s secretaries, handling meetings and admin—she’d managed the last PPM meeting.
“Got it.”
Xu Chen paused: “Wang Shi mentioned some background info I should know?”
Zhou Kai: “Yes.
Give me a moment to sort the travel, then I’ll fill you in.”
“Okay.”
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