Chapter 404: Lunchtime Bonds

Noon.

A Shanghai-style Benbang restaurant on Miyun Road.

This cozy, refined Benbang eatery was one Xu Chen had visited many times before. Back in September, when Teacher Fang Jun came over, he had joined Xu Chen for a meal here too.

The place wasn’t large, but the dishes were exquisite and well-prepared.

Besides this midday meal, Fang Jun had already reserved a big private room here for the evening dinner with Wu Feifei and Su Rong.

Xu Chen had wanted to handle the arrangements, but Teacher Fang Jun beat him to it and booked it first.

In the small private room upstairs.

Before all the dishes arrived, Fang Jun’s sister was already cheerfully opening that bottle of Guojiao.

Old Xu seemed eager for a drink too, as he set out two small glasses.

Xu Chen looked on, utterly speechless:

“You two act like it’s been ages since your last drink!”

Xu Zhiquan sighed deeply:

“It really has been ages…

These days, I’ve been cooped up in the factory, just attending meetings with Director Yang and the others.”

Fang Jun: “What about when Yue Jie and I invited you for drinks in the evening? You never showed up?”

Xu Zhiquan: “Can’t drink when we’re in production mode—it could lead to mistakes.”

Fang Jun fell silent, though she seemed a bit put out…

Hearing this, Xu Chen felt a pang of sympathy for his dad.

With a straight face, Teacher Fang Jun handed the opened bottle of Guojiao to Xu Chen.

Xu Chen caught on instantly, took the bottle, and carefully poured a full glass for his father with both hands.

Xu Zhiquan paused for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

“Wine to the brim, tea only half full,” and so it was a full cup.

Xu Chen didn’t forget Teacher Fang Jun either, pouring her glass with utmost respect.

“Aren’t you having any?” Fang Jun asked.

“Bing Ge and I are sticking to fruit juice,” Xu Chen replied with a smile.

The signature Shanghai dishes were served, looking impeccable.

Since Teacher Fang Jun ordered them, they were guaranteed to be perfect.

No matter the restaurant, handing the menu to Fang Jun ensured no mistakes.

Golden braised pork, wine-infused yellowfish, water chestnut stir-fried eel, eight-treasure duck, pickled fresh pork with bamboo shoots…

Fang Jun said flatly:

“I ordered a bit extra, but these southern spots serve small portions—we’ll finish it all!”

Xu Chen raised his glass:

“Welcome, President Xu! Welcome, Teacher Fang Jun!”

Xie Bingran followed suit, shyly lifting her glass of fruit juice.

Xu Zhiquan beamed:

“I’m truly happy for you two kids!”

Fang Jun added flatly:

“I’m happy too.”

…

Xu Zhiquan was a food lover who knew his stuff; after a couple of bites, he nodded approvingly:

“This braised pork is spot-on—salty-sweet and not a hint of porky aftertaste…”

“The wine flavor’s strong, and the key is, the fish is fresh—excellent!”

“This one’s called ‘pickled fresh,’ right?

Bamboo shoots with fresh meat—this pairing is clever…”

Fang Jun, looking knowledgeable, shared some insights on Shanghai Benbang cuisine with Old Xu.

Xu Chen listened from the side, continually surprised.

He had thought about pouring drinks for Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun, but they were happily serving themselves—no help needed.

They looked so relaxed and in sync…

Xu Chen shook his head in amusement and turned to look after his own ‘little rich lady.’

Xie Bingran ate neatly, her bowl full of shrimp, fish, and greens.

“Eat up, champion—you need to keep your strength up!” Xu Chen said with a grin.

“Oh…”

…

After downing his glass, Xu Zhiquan glanced around:

“The afternoon meal with the Wu and Su family ladies is here too, right?”

Fang Jun: “Not satisfied?”

Xu Zhiquan hesitated, then forced a smile:

“Of course not! This place is perfect!

The food’s tasty and it feels warm and casual.”

Fang Jun looked unamused again, tossing back a shot of liquor on her own.

Xu Chen kept quiet, not daring to speak.

…

Xu Zhiquan showed extra concern for Xie Bingran, asking about her daily training and competitions.

In front of ‘Uncle Xu,’ Bing Ge was a bit reserved, answering softly and politely.

Xu Chen found it funny—normally cool and tough, Bing Ge rarely acted this meek.

She must really see ‘Uncle Xu’ as an elder.

Xu Zhiquan also asked about her holiday plans.

Xu Chen jumped in, mentioning they’d take Xie Bingran to Kun City for a trip.

Hearing his son was going for an ‘award,’ Old Xu swelled with pride and clinked glasses with Xu Chen.

After the drink, he added:

“Don’t bully Ranran out there, or I’ll tan your hide when you get back.”

“…”

…

Over more rounds, Xu Zhiquan talked about family matters.

Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt were still running the seedling company, busier than ever.

Fourth Aunt hadn’t had a child all these years, and Fourth Uncle had come to terms with it.

Without kids, they lived more freely.

Near year-end, Xu Zhiquan gave them a hefty bonus—after all, Chenxin Nurseries was a cash cow, raking in profits.

Fourth Uncle was even thinking of buying a house downtown.

Maternal Uncle Zhang Yongqing was as usual, holed up at the seedling base in West of the City, rarely stepping out.

Xu Zhiquan and Xu Zhilin had set him up on a few dates.

Zhang Yongqing was quite a catch—a proper university grad, good-looking, and now well-off…

The women were interested, but he found it too much trouble and turned them down.

After a few tries, Xu Zhiquan and Xu Zhilin stopped pushing.

Zhang Yongqing was content with his plants.

With Xie Bingran there, Teacher Fang Jun specifically mentioned Bing Ge’s group of ‘brothers.’

Li Rui, Fang Tao, and Cheng Yong still took turns driving for President Xu.

Of course, reliable ‘Little Rui Ge’ was the main one.

The company had events where these three handled pickups and drop-offs around meals…

The security team in the park was still led by Zhao Feng.

Now, the company’s Security Department was mostly made up of Xie Bingran’s old crew.

As for the original guards from Bright Factory, they were nearing retirement age.

A couple had shifted to logistics, now under Wu Yue in the Administrative Department…

Yang Congxin was fully focused on production—after Chenfeng Ice Power’s first launch, demand surged.

As production head, Director Yang had even been living at the company recently.

But the one under more pressure now was sales head Guo Liang.

He was tackling the entire northern market expansion, which was intense.

Privately, he even consulted Nie Fei for strategies on distribution.

They’d settled on a core approach: set up direct Chenfeng Electric Vehicles stores in key cities but partner with local dealers.

Partnering cut into profits but helped roll out the vehicles fast.

Dealers would handle pre-sales, after-sales, and cover costs, saving Chenfeng Technology a ton of upfront investment.

“Little President Xu” listened, feeling thrilled.

He poured another round for Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun:

“Tell me more about the new park and building!

When can I visit?”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled heartily:

“We’ll start with the factory and production line—production’s the priority right now.

The new building’s planned, but it’ll take time to build…”

Fang Jun, her face slightly flushed from the drinks, smiled faintly despite her usual blank expression:

“I’m handling the new building—I’ll save you an office!”

Xu Chen quickly topped up Fang Jun’s glass:

“Thanks, Sister Fang Jun!”

As Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun chatted more, Xu Chen listened quietly and pieced it all together.

“Chenfeng Ice Power” launched spectacularly, with strong sales and great feedback.

Leader Wu Yongming took Xu Zhiquan to several promotion events in the city and province.

“Chenfeng Technology” was now seen as a rising star in Tiancheng’s economy.

The city added more support and incentives, including a massive 100,000-square-meter manufacturing base.

Their main goal was to keep “Chenfeng Technology” in Tiancheng.

The province had offered incentives to lure them to build near the Provincial Capital, but…

Xu Zhiquan wanted to repay Leader Wu Yongming by keeping headquarters in Tiancheng.

It was their way of giving back, since the city’s support had been crucial for their success…

Plus, the company secured big funding to cover expansion costs.

With city backing, Teacher Fang Jun was coordinating it—all set to arrive early next year.

Then there was the new production line progress.

Fang Jun had mentioned it to Xu Chen in Doha before.

Director Yang Congxin was eyeing a line from Japan.

It was a downgraded Yamaha motorcycle line.

Though downgraded, it was still way ahead of any domestic electric vehicle lines.

It even had IBM’s digital management system integrated.

If they pulled it off, it would boost production efficiency and quality control big-time.

And as electric vehicle models evolved, this line would only get more efficient…

Xu Chen couldn’t help but say:

“Our Chenfeng Technology is on its way to being number one in the country!”

Xu Zhiquan: “We’re confident in the products and lines for now.

Sales and revenue will take time to build…”

Old Xu glanced at Xu Chen and Xie Bingran before adding:

“Fang Jun and I came here with something to ask you two!”

Xu Chen: “Dad… what are you saying?

Should I bow to you or something?”

Fang Jun: “…”

Xie Bingran: “?”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily before continuing:

“After the new year, Guo Liang will expand into the northern market.

He’s got three main tasks.

First, ramp up production—that’s on Director Yang.

Second, expand distribution channels—Guo Liang’s on that now.

Third, that’s where you two come in…”

Xu Chen nodded, already guessing what his dad meant.

Xu Zhiquan: “We need to push market promotion. With that, Guo Liang’s channels can hold up.

In his budget for next year, he set aside a lot for TV ads!”

Xu Chen thought it over:

“Bing Ge has events before the year ends, probably in the Provincial Capital.

We could shoot new ad material there—videos and posters…

And then there’s the Lunar New Year.

If needed, I’ll talk to her team’s leaders for some extra time.”

Xu Zhiquan smiled: “That’s the idea!”

Xu Chen turned to Xie Bingran:

“Sorry to bother you again.”

Xie Bingran didn’t speak, just shook her head slightly, meaning ‘no trouble.’

Xu Chen reflected that “Chenfeng Ice Power” really needed a solid ad video.

The concept and shoot wouldn’t be too complex—they could find a director and team in the Provincial Capital.

Electric bicycle ads didn’t need to be fancy or upscale; they should feel down-to-earth and everyday.

That fit the product’s vibe and what consumers expected…

“I’ll handle this. My team will draft a plan, then line up a good time for Bing Ge to film the video and posters!”

Fang Jun said:

“Put the budget through ‘Chenfeng Technology’—don’t use your side.”

Xu Chen: “Of course!

I’ll still ask for project profits and Bing Ge’s appearance fee!”

Fang Jun: “Bing Ge’s fee is fine, but forget about your profits.”

Xu Chen: “…”

…

After the meal, the server cleared the dishes, and Xu Chen ordered a pot of Longjing tea.

He poured it respectfully for President Xu and Teacher Fang Jun.

Xu Zhiquan had drunk quite a bit, his face glowing red.

He looked at Xu Chen and Xie Bingran with a proud father’s smile.

Old Xu paused, then pulled something from his pocket:

“I didn’t bring much this time…

When I was on a business trip to Fujian Province, they took me to Kaiyuan Temple, so I got this pair.

Since I ran into you two today, I’ll give them to you…”

He opened a cloth pouch.

Inside were a jade Buddha and a jade Guanyin.

Xu Chen glanced down, feeling a stir in his heart.

He said softly:

“Thanks, Dad!”

Xie Bingran beside him whispered: “Thank you, Uncle Xu…”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled warmly and pushed them forward:

“I’m a bit tipsy, hands are unsteady.

You two take them.”

Xu Chen accepted them with both hands, full of emotion.

“Men wear Guanyin, women wear Buddha, right?”

Xu Zhiquan nodded:

“That’s what the temple master said!”

Xu Chen smiled, picked up the jade Buddha, and gently put it on Xie Bingran.

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes, staying still…

Once he had it on her, Xu Chen put the jade Guanyin around his own neck.

He turned to show it off to his dad with a grin.

Xu Zhiquan, all smiles, nodded:

“Looks great!”

Fang Jun: “It really does—both the pieces and the people.”

…