Chapter 364: Weekend Reflections and City Rides

On Sunday morning.

Xu Chen got a delivery call and hurried to the school’s small post office to check. It was two boxes of yellow apples sent from Tiancheng.

Xu Chen snapped a photo and sent it to his dad, Xu Zhiquan, to show he’d received them.

His father, Xu Zhiquan, replied right away:

[This is the last batch of apples for the year. You’ll have to wait until next year for more…]

[Thanks, President Xu!]

…

The two boxes of apples were heavy, so Xu Chen went to the company building downstairs, grabbed his car, drove to the school’s small post office, and loaded the bulky boxes into it.

The rich aroma of apples seeped from the cardboard boxes, quickly filling the car.

Xu Chen loved the scent, so he decided not to rush unloading them to the office.

Leaving them in the car would let the apple fragrance linger inside.

He pulled out a golden apple, washed it at the faucet by the athletic field, and bit into it with big bites.

These apples from home made him a bit homesick.

But winter break wasn’t far off, so he’d hold out a little longer.

Besides, Old Xu mentioned he’d visit next month, so they’d meet soon.

…

With the weekend free, Xu Chen hopped into his Grand Cherokee and cruised around Shanghai.

He called it cruising, but the windows stayed shut—downtown was full of exhaust fumes and dust from ongoing overpass construction.

…

…

The Grand Cherokee sped along the overpass, gliding smoothly without any hold-ups, which lifted his spirits.

The car radio played a local station’s program.

After some host’s silly jokes, it suddenly mentioned the Asian Games.

“On December 1st, the 15th Asian Games opened grandly in Doha…”

“Reports indicate that 45 countries and regions from Asia sent sports delegations…”

“China sent 647 athletes to compete in 37 major events and 362 sub-events…”

Xu Chen listened closely, but there was no specific report on the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

However, yesterday, Director Feng Siliang from Tiancheng’s Publicity Department sent over a few news releases.

They focused on “Tiancheng’s athlete” Xie Bingran gearing up for the Asian Games.

And they wanted “Teacher Xiao Xu” to review and approve them…

Tiancheng was just a small place, so promoting something like “boosting its reputation” made sense.

With a sports star like Xie Bingran, they had to make a big fuss about it.

“The hometown of champions” was definitely worth promoting.

…

Gripping the steering wheel, Xu Chen suddenly felt hungry and steered off the overpass.

He glanced around at the area and chuckled to himself.

Somehow, he’d driven near the Xin Zhuang base without realizing it.

Deep down, he was still thinking about Bing…

He turned the car and headed straight for the Xin Zhuang base.

But Xie Bingran was probably already gone from Shanghai.

A few days ago, he asked Coach Cheng Hong, and she said they’d fly to Beijing this weekend.

The national team’s main base was in Beijing; the Shanghai group needed to gather there for a pre-Asian Games “rally…”

Since Xie Bingran entered her intensive training for the Asian Games, Xu Chen couldn’t visit her anymore.

The last time he brought a new car over, Coach Cheng Hong even sent a message scolding him.

And apparently, Bing Ge got a reprimand when she returned.

The national team’s strict military-style management had its reasons and was fair.

After all, athletes represented national honor.

“Fun sports” was just an ideal, not reality…

Back in middle and high school, Bing Ge wasn’t one to follow rules.

But once she hit the track, everything changed.

Xu Chen knew the track meant everything to Bing Ge, and she’d take it seriously.

…

Xu Chen pulled up outside the Shanghai Track and Field Sports Center and parked.

He turned off the engine, got out, and stretched.

Looking around, he spotted a small noodle shop across the street.

Xu Chen felt his stomach but suddenly lost his appetite.

He dashed to the nearby supermarket, grabbed two bottles of water, and came back.

Then he fetched a yellow apple from the car, rinsed it with the water, and crunched into it.

Back in the car, he rolled down the window halfway and reclined the seat a bit.

He enjoyed the apple in the quiet, comfortable afternoon.

…

…

After a while, a bus rumbled up and stopped at the Shanghai Track and Field Sports Center entrance.

Ten minutes later, a group filed out the side door and boarded the bus in a line.

Xie Bingran wore a pure white tracksuit with a light, thin down jacket over it.

Her hair had grown a little longer, slightly covering her sharp eyebrows.

She had a backpack slung over her shoulder, hands in her pockets, trailing at the end without a word.

The group had about ten young athletes, plus coaches, team doctors, and others.

Bai Miao was in the mix.

Today, she had two cute pigtails, with a bunch of little plush toys dangling from her backpack.

Bai Miao seemed fresh from training, looking tired and yawning nonstop…

Xie Bingran boarded and headed straight to the back.

The young team members already seated looked up at Xie Bingran and politely called out, “Bing Ge.”

But Xie Bingran was actually the youngest among them.

“Bing Ge” kept her cool demeanor, just nodding slightly without speaking.

…

A young assistant coach stood up, holding a list to check attendance.

Xie Bingran sat alone in the back, her head lightly against the window.

Her bright, clear eyes blinked, and she suddenly frowned at something outside.

…

The assistant coach called out “Xie Bingran’s” name but saw her heading forward.

As confusion crossed her face, Xie Bingran said coldly:

“I need to get off for a minute.”

“??”

“What for? We’re heading to the airport…”

“Did you forget something? As long as you have your passport, nothing else matters. The team in Beijing has everything…”

“We’re about to leave. Go back to your seat!”

…

The young assistant coach blocked the door, not budging.

Xie Bingran furrowed her brow, glanced out the front window again, and repeated:

“I need to get off for a minute.”

The assistant coach looked baffled and turned to the back, where Coach Cheng Hong, in charge of Xie Bingran, sat.

Cheng Hong had heard the commotion and hurried over.

She peered outside and quickly figured it out.

Cheng Hong checked the time and said to the assistant coach:

“Can we spare ten minutes?”

“Ah?”

She hesitated, glancing at the driver.

The driver said flatly:

“We have to leave in five minutes, or we might miss the flight…”

Cheng Hong smiled and gave the assistant coach a knowing look.

Xie Bingran said nothing, squeezed past in the narrow aisle, and got off.

…

…

Xu Chen was half-lying in his car, eyes closed in a light nap.

He sensed something and opened his eyes slightly.

Turning his head, he saw that familiar, beautiful face he’d missed.

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes; she must have run over, as her chest rose and fell a bit.

“What brings you here?” she asked.

Xu Chen sat up:

“I thought you’d already flown out…”

“We’re on our way to the airport.”

Xu Chen composed himself and stepped out of the car.

He looked around and spotted the bus at the entrance, piecing it together.

“Hungry?” Xu Chen asked with a smile.

“A little.”

“Come with me.”

Xu Chen walked to the back of the car, and Xie Bingran followed.

The trunk opened slowly, releasing a strong apple scent.

Xu Chen opened a box and grinned, pulling out a big golden apple:

“My dad just sent these.”

He rinsed the golden apple with half a bottle of mineral water and handed it to Xie Bingran.

She took it.

With both hands, she twisted it gently, and the apple cracked in half with a snap.

She gave him the larger piece.

Xu Chen chuckled and crunched into it.

He glanced back; the bus was still parked.

Hiding behind the trunk, they were out of sight from the bus…

Thinking that, he quietly reached out and took Xie Bingran’s left hand.

Without a word, they stood there hand in hand, sharing the apple behind the car.

“I have to go back,” Xie Bingran said.

Xu Chen replied with a simple “Oh,” mimicking her style.

“Next time you come, tell me ahead of time.”

“Oh.”

“If I knew you were coming, I’d be happy all day waiting.”

Xu Chen stayed silent.

He leaned in and gently kissed her soft, juicy lips that still tasted of apple.

…

…

On Monday noon.

After class, Xu Chen picked up his car from downstairs and drove to Wujiao Square.

He headed straight to a fancy Japanese restaurant and into the private room at the back.

Inside, Nie Fei and Director Li Yue were already seated.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Director Li!”

Li Yue stood up quickly:

“No need to be so formal, Teacher Xu. Besides, I have Fei Jie here with me!”

Director Li Yue from the Sports Administration had scheduled this lunch last week.

Xu Chen wasn’t sure if there was serious business to discuss.

He didn’t rush to ask, just chatted about everyday things and gossip while they ate.

“Fei Jie” was great at this kind of social talk, making Li Yue feel right at ease.

As they talked, the conversation naturally shifted to An Jin Xiong and Chen Jinru’s situation.

After all, the three in the room were all connected to it.

From Li Yue, they learned An Jin Xiong was officially in custody.

But to manage public opinion, nothing had been announced.

The long-standing business deal An Jin Xiong led with Chen Jinru and the national athletics team was canceled.

From Nie Fei, they heard Chen Jinru fled overseas before things blew up and was now missing.

“A crafty rabbit has three burrows.”

This showed Chen Jinru knew his dealings were dirty and had prepared an escape.

…

As the meal wound down, Li Yue finally circled to the main topic.

“In the Osaka competition, brands like Jeep, and even your side, Fei Jie, were watching Xie Bingran’s results.

It was to assess her potential commercial value…”

“The Asian Games will be the same.

Lately, a few brands have been in touch with me.

This will be another big boost for Xie Bingran’s commercial value…”

“The administration has lined up media coverage.

If Xie Bingran wins gold or silver, we’ll flood the news with stories and buzz.”

He paused and lowered his voice:

“Including central media…”

“Internally, we see Xie Bingran as the athlete with the highest potential commercial value in recent years.

Everyone’s pushing to elevate her.”

…

Nie Fei sipped her tea and listened quietly without interrupting.

Xu Chen didn’t speak, but he guessed what Li Yue wanted.

In the previous Jeep deal, Xie Bingran specified East Morning Star Advertising as the partner, which caused some issues for Li Yue.

Though Xu Chen secured the project, Li Yue might still be worried or facing problems.

Xu Chen had thought about this before.

As long as the brands didn’t cause any PR crises for Xie Bingran, East Morning Star Advertising didn’t have to get involved.

Xu Chen’s time was limited, and not every project interested him.

…

Li Yue danced around the topic without spelling it out.

That’s just how bureaucracy works—never straight to the point, always letting you infer.

Xu Chen didn’t want to waste time and asked directly:

“Among the brands talking with you, Director Li, which ones won’t accept third-party ad agencies?”

Li Yue gave an awkward smile, took a sip of tea, and continued:

“My stance is consistent: All of Xie Bingran’s deals should get East Morning Star Advertising and your approval first!”

Seeing Li Yue sidestep again, Xu Chen said:

“I’m mainly concerned about brands that might push inappropriate ad content…

It could accidentally trigger a PR disaster for Xie Bingran.

Like a couple years back, when a female celebrity wore clothes with a Japanese military flag design.

Or if a brand has a history of anti-China statements…

As long as we avoid that, East Morning Star Advertising doesn’t need to step in.

I can discuss it with Xie Bingran so she doesn’t block deals too rigidly.”

Li Yue nodded:

“That’s reassuring, Teacher Xu.

How about this?

For all future deals involving Xie Bingran, I’ll send them to you for review first.

If the brand accepts third-party agencies in bidding, I’ll push for East Morning Star Advertising…”

Xu Chen cleared his throat:

“So, which brand is discussing a deal that’s worth you coming all this way?”

Li Yue paused dramatically:

“One of the absolute top luxury brands globally.”

Xu Chen and Nie Fei exchanged looks, understanding the weight of that.

For celebrities, partnering with a top luxury brand was the rarest prize.

Landing such a deal would prove Xie Bingran’s commercial value and status.

It would also benefit Ran Bing Sports.

This could elevate her image significantly.

For Ran Bing Sports, it was a major win.