Chapter 412: Bonds and City Wanderings

Early Wednesday morning, Xu Chen woke up groggily.

Still half-asleep, he reached out beside him but found no trace of the little rich lady.

“I want a hug!”

He called out playfully, but no one answered.

That’s when he realized Xie Bingran wasn’t in the room.

He got up and checked around, confirming his suspicion.

Xu Chen grabbed his phone, about to call her, when he heard the door card being swiped outside.

The door opened, and Bing Ge walked in wearing workout clothes and a baseball cap.

“Been exercising?” Xu Chen asked with a smile.

Xie Bingran hummed in response:

“I didn’t want to wake you.”

She walked straight to him without a word, slipping into his arms and holding him tight.

“I got a scare when I opened my eyes and you weren’t there,” Xu Chen whispered.

“I’m not like you, vanishing without a word…”

Xu Chen paused, then fell silent.

Those years in middle school when he ignored her still bothered her deeply.

“Why hold a grudge like that?”

Xie Bingran didn’t reply; she just hugged him even tighter.

“Haven’t had breakfast yet?”

“Mm.”

“I’ll move the car over first, then take you all out for breakfast.”

“Why move the car?”

“We’re checking out this morning. Load the luggage into it.

Today, I’ll show Dad and Sister Fang Jun around, and we’ll head straight to the airport later.”

“Oh…”

…

Xu Chen had taken the whole day off to spend it with his dad before he left.

He stopped by the office first to pick up some materials Sun Aimi had printed for him.

That included the proposal draft for Vanke tomorrow, as well as Xie Bingran’s poster…

Xu Chen drove to the Tonghai University Guesthouse and waited downstairs.

Just then, his father Xu Zhiquan, Fang Jun, and Xie Bingran came downstairs.

Xu Chen handled the checkout, and they all loaded the luggage into the car.

Then he drove them straight to the West Garden Cafeteria for breakfast.

Xu Zhiquan sat in the back, rolling down the window to take in the school where his son studied.

In that moment, to Xu Zhiquan, Tonghai University seemed better than Qingda or Beida.

…

At the West Garden Cafeteria, they sat down to breakfast.

“Dad, where else do you want to go?” Xu Chen asked, sipping his bowl of millet porridge with a smile.

Xu Zhiquan thought for a moment:

“Take me to the Jade Buddha Temple.”

Xu Chen: “Jing’an Temple and Longhua Temple are more famous, and there’s also the City God Temple…”

“Why the Jade Buddha Temple?”

Xu Zhiquan: “No particular reason.

I was watching TV in my room last night and it just came up.”

“Sounds good!”

Xu Chen suddenly remembered the jade Guanyin pendant around his neck and the jade Buddha on Xie Bingran’s.

When he first left home for Shanghai to study, Xu Zhiquan had given them both peace talismans.

Xie Bingran’s was tucked in her backpack strap, while Xu Chen’s sat in the car’s armrest box.

…

As they ate, Nie Fei hurried over, carrying two elegant gift boxes.

“For President Xu and Fang Jun, some souvenirs to take back.”

Nie Fei said with a smile.

Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun were surprised but happily accepted, thanking her repeatedly.

The gift for Xu Zhiquan was a bottle of aged Shíkùmén liquor, seemingly a limited New Year edition.

For Fang Jun, it was a set of pastries labeled ‘Seafaring Blossoms’…”

Fang Jun clearly loved it:

“Thanks, Fei Jie. We came from Tiancheng and didn’t think to bring you gifts…”

Since Fang Jun was a bit younger than Nie Fei, calling her ‘Fei Jie’ fit well.

Xu Zhiquan looked at the bottle and said with a laugh:

“Nie Fei, you’re so thoughtful!

Thanks for hosting us on this trip.”

Nie Fei: “When I went to Tiancheng, President Xu and Fang Jun hosted me, so I felt I owed you.”

Fang Jun: “No need to feel that way.

Come again, and I’ll host you properly!”

She gave Nie Fei’s arm a playful squeeze and added:

“Let’s drink together!”

It seemed Fang Jun had found a fellow drinking buddy; she really liked Fei Jie.

Nie Fei: “Absolutely! I’ll find an excuse to visit Tiancheng on business!”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled heartily:

“No need for excuses—just come anytime!

Guo Liang has some business matters he wants to discuss with you.”

Xu Chen looked on, a bit exasperated:

“President Xu, that’s over the line…

Fei Jie works for Ran Bing Sports; she’s just helping Chenfeng Technology on her own time.”

…

After more small talk, Nie Fei remembered something and said:

“Young Xu Chen asked if I knew any good MBAs for President Xu to apply to.

I checked around—Fudan and Jiaotong Universities have solid programs, and I can recommend you through contacts there…

But for you, President Xu, I recommend Yangtze Business School more.

Li Ka-shing founded it, with entrepreneurs like Ma Yun, Warren Buffett, and others involved…

Their CEO class is for established business leaders.

Beyond the courses, it’s about building a strong network…”

Xu Chen glanced at Xu Zhiquan:

“Dad, that sounds perfect!”

Nie Fei: “But there are two conditions for enrollment.

One is the scale and revenue of your company.

East Morning Star Co.’s might fall short now, but once Chenfeng Technology and Ran Bing Sports ramp up in six months, it’ll qualify.

The other is that they require recommendations from past participants.

I can arrange that—I have some connections.”

She turned to Xu Chen:

“And you, Young Xu Chen…”

Xu Chen: “Me?”

Nie Fei: “You’re pretty familiar with Boss Wang from Vanke, right?

He could recommend you directly.”

Xu Chen smiled:

“I see…”

He looked at Xu Zhiquan:

“Dad, the CEO program at Yangtze Business School is worth signing up for.”

Xu Zhiquan thought it over:

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead!”

Xu Chen: “We’ll wait until around mid-year…

Then I’ll talk to Boss Wang about it.

Meanwhile, we should keep building that relationship with him.”

…

Nie Fei chatted a bit more before saying goodbye with a smile.

Xu Zhiquan turned to Xu Chen and couldn’t help saying:

“Bringing Nie Fei on board was a huge win for the company!”

Xu Chen smiled:

“President Xu hiring Fang Jun was the real masterstroke.”

Fang Jun glanced at Xu Chen:

“That’s so fake—minus points.”

…

After breakfast, Xu Zhiquan wanted to wander the campus a bit, as if reluctant to leave.

Fang Jun and Xie Bingran waited in the car while Xu Chen walked with his dad along the path behind the dorms.

Xu Zhiquan puffed on a cigarette as they strolled slowly, tall cedar trees lining both sides.

He looked around and said:

“Son, seeing you in such a great school makes me truly happy!”

He exhaled a plume of smoke with a sigh:

“It’s a shame your mom isn’t here…

She’d be over the moon if she could see this.”

Xu Chen stayed quiet, just wrapping an arm around his dad’s shoulders.

…

The Jade Buddha Temple was in Putuo District, tucked away in the city center’s quiet midst.

Maybe because it was a weekday, the temple was peaceful with few visitors…

Outside the walls, the city buzzed with chaos; inside, it was a serene Zen haven.

The temple wasn’t large—given Shanghai’s high real estate prices, it might always have been this size, or like Liu Rong Temple in Yangcheng, it could have been downsized.

Xu Zhiquan visited every hall carefully, offering respects at each.

Xu Chen, Xie Bingran, and Fang Jun followed, catching glimpses of the place while feeling a quiet calm settle in.

…

They wandered at a leisurely pace until noon.

Before leaving, Xu Zhiquan stopped at the Dharma merchandise area.

He bought a few more peace talismans and gave them to Fang Jun, Xu Chen, and Xie Bingran.

Fang Jun took hers, seeming to hold back words before simply saying, “Thanks.”

…

Near noon, with the temple offering vegetarian meals, Xu Zhiquan suggested they eat there out of curiosity.

They tried assorted Luohan noodles, vegetarian wontons, pineapple ‘sweet and sour pork,’ and veggie ‘pork chops’…”

Of course, nothing was meat-based—just mushrooms, taro, bamboo shoots, beans, and carrots.

Even picky Xie Bingran could eat without worry.

Fang Jun bit into a veggie ‘pork chop’ and looked surprised:

“It really tastes like meat…”

“Must be made from beans and taro—the chef’s skills are impressive.”

Xu Chen chewed on a lotus root sandwich and nodded:

“Yeah, it’s spot-on. There’s real depth to it…”

Fang Jun turned to Xu Zhiquan:

“You’re really into Buddhism, huh?

I’ve seen you visit temples a few times…”

Xu Zhiquan smiled gently:

“I’m no scholar, don’t know much about Buddhism.

Just getting older, starting to believe in fate.”

“Fate?”

Fang Jun frowned:

“If everything’s predestined, what’s the point of all our striving?”

Xu Zhiquan didn’t push it, but glancing at the three young faces, he added:

“Fate and outcomes are set, but you don’t know them in advance, so you keep pushing forward with effort and struggle.”

Fang Jun: “That’s just saying nothing…”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled:

“The end is fixed, but our efforts bring it to light.

Those struggles are unavoidable, so we accept them.

Yet since the end is ‘fated,’ we don’t need to fear what hasn’t come.”

Fang Jun shook her head:

“You old guys are something else.”

Xu Zhiquan: “‘You’ old guys?”

Fang Jun glanced at Xu Chen:

“He’s young, but he’s an ‘old guy’ too.”

Xu Chen: “…”

Xie Bingran: “?”

…

Leaving the Jade Buddha Temple, they still had time.

Xu Zhiquan thought it over:

“Nie Fei reminded me earlier—I need to pick up some gifts and souvenirs to take back.

For the company folks and some partners and leaders.”

Xu Chen drove them to the shopping district near People’s Square.

They hit several malls and streets, and Xu Zhiquan ended up buying gifts worth several thousand yuan.

All Shanghai specialties, including aged liquor and pastry boxes—they shipped everything directly to Tiancheng…

Passing a home goods store, Xu Zhiquan paused.

He bought a few bedding sets—two for Xu Chen and two for Xie Bingran.

He even asked about their color preferences.

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“Simple black, gray, or white works—we’re not into flashy stuff.”

Xu Zhiquan carefully selected the most premium ones.

“Wash them once before using.”

“Thanks, Dad!”

“Thanks, Uncle Xu…”

…

Time was running short, so Xu Chen drove straight to Pudong Airport.

Xu Zhiquan watched the street scenes out the window:

“Winter break starts end of January, right?”

Xu Chen gripped the wheel:

“Mine’s January 29th, back in early March.

Xie Bingran’s still waiting on her team’s notice.”

He added with a grin:

“But Xie Bingran might head back sooner for some events in the province and city…

There’s a house in Tiancheng waiting for her to pick up the keys!”

Xu Zhiquan said with admiration:

“Xie Bingran’s got real talent!

At such a young age, she’s secured a place in the city center all on her own!”

Fang Jun perked up:

“I need to handle the decorating! We agreed on that in Doha.”

Xu Chen: “When did we agree on that?”

Fang Jun narrowed her eyes:

“Are you doubting my taste in decor?”

“No, no…”

He paused, smiling:

“It’s probably fully furnished, so once Xie Bingran gets the keys, we’ll check it out first!”

Xie Bingran stayed quiet, then suddenly spoke:

“Uncle Xu…

I checked my bank account the other day—I’m still getting a few thousand from you each month.

I don’t need it anymore; you can stop the allowance!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

“That’s not allowance…

Xie Bingran’s involvement in the Bright Factory bid was a big help!

And then the electric bike ad you shot—I’m not taking advantage for free.

A few thousand a month is just a small token from me.”

Xie Bingran blinked and glanced at Xu Chen.

She hesitated, as if about to say more, but Xu Zhiquan smiled warmly:

“Kid, just keep the money I give you.

If you don’t spend it, save it!

I know it’s been tough for you, so young…

If you don’t mind, think of me as your dad for now.

Dads give pocket money and allowances—that’s just how it is!”

Xie Bingran sat in the passenger seat, silent.

Xu Chen looked over; she had turned her face away, hiding the tears that threatened to fall and reveal her hidden pain.

…

At Pudong Airport, the four went through security together, their flights departing around the same time.

Xu Zhiquan walked ahead with his arm around his son’s shoulders.

Fang Jun linked arms with Xie Bingran, following behind.

…

At a junction, the father and son stopped.

Xu Zhiquan squeezed his son’s shoulder:

“This is far enough.”

Xu Chen hesitated, then hugged his dad.

Xu Zhiquan chuckled awkwardly and patted his son’s back.

…

Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun, Xu Chen and Xie Bingran…

They parted ways, heading in different directions.

(End of Volume One.)