Chapter 416: Unexpected Offers and Business Ties

Wang Shi brought up the financing needs for Ran Bing Sports, but Xu Chen didn’t jump in right away.

Inside, though, he drew in a sharp breath…

Was this about investing in Ran Bing Sports?

Wang Shi continued, “I have connections with two investment firms.”

I see real potential in Xie Bingran’s track record and future business value.

I just looked at the product your team created, and I’m genuinely interested…

If Ran Bing Sports needs funding, let’s talk about it.”

He paused, then smiled and added:

“On top of that, when I invest, I’m investing in people.

I only back those I trust and believe in…

I have high regard for President Xu’s vision and skills.

The sports brand world really values strong brand management, and that’s right up your alley, President Xu…

So, I’m optimistic about Ran Bing Sports’ future.”

He turned to Xu Chen:

“Think it over, President Xu.”

…

Wang Shi’s offer to invest in Ran Bing Sports caught Xu Chen a bit off guard.

But after a moment’s thought, it made sense.

As a business tycoon, Wang Shi had a sharp eye for opportunities.

With a quick look at Ran Bing Sports’ basics, he’d likely formed an intuitive judgment.

He’d probably already assessed its potential quite well.

Investing, though, meant taking a stake in the company.

Xu Chen wanted to keep Ran Bing Sports’ ownership clean—he and Xie Bingran needed full control.

Right now, the company didn’t really need outside funding anyway.

Xu Chen mulled over his words before speaking:

“It’s an honor to have your interest, Mr. Wang…

Xie Bingran and I are the major shareholders in Ran Bing Sports, but we have another shareholder handling operations—our general manager.

On financing, I really need to discuss it back with the team.”

Xu Chen wouldn’t consider it unless absolutely necessary.

Bringing in investors meant diluting shares, after all.

It could even affect future company decisions and control…

If they ever needed serious capital, his father Xu Zhiquan could step in.

For now, he’d politely set aside Boss Wang’s kind offer.

Wang Shi looked at Xu Chen with a complex smile, mixing admiration and a hint of wariness.

“Sure! If you need funds, just let me know, President Xu.

My two investment firms are always on the hunt for solid projects!”

…

…

…

Vanke’s President Yu Liang wrapped up his meeting with the foreign guests early and hurried over.

He didn’t want to miss connecting with the Asian Games champion.

When he received the pair of Ran Bing 001 shoes from Xu Chen and Xie Bingran, his surprise was clear.

Wang Shi grinned and said:

“Come January, when we head to Sanya for the horse run, we won’t have to worry about shoes!”

Zhou Kai snapped a few photos of Yu Liang and Xie Bingran together…

Knowing Xu Chen and Xie Bingran had a flight to catch, Wang Shi and Yu Liang didn’t hold them back long.

But Yu Liang brought up a key matter:

“Last time you were here discussing the Rancho Santa Fe project, you saw some changes in our market branding.

Our group’s marketing department needs a deputy director to oversee it all…”

Before Xu Chen could respond, Wang Shi chimed in with a smile:

“I’ve already mentioned this to President Xu.”

Boss Wang paused but skipped over Xu Chen’s earlier polite decline, adding:

“Give it some more thought, President Xu!”

Xu Chen felt a bit amused inside—true veteran move.

He’d left the door open without closing it off.

Xu Chen played along, keeping things vague to leave room for the future:

“I’m truly flattered by the recognition from you and President Yu…”

Yu Liang understood the situation and knew not to push further.

…

With business and casual talk wrapped up, Zhou Kai glanced at the time and said just right:

“President Xu and the champion need to head to the airport.”…

Wang Shi and Yu Liang courteously saw Xu Chen and Xie Bingran out.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but chuckle to himself—maybe even those foreign guests didn’t get this level of send-off.

…

Zhou Kai led Xu Chen and Xie Bingran straight into the elevator.

Only after the doors closed did the two bosses turn away.

Zhou Kai glanced at Xu Chen with a strange expression.

Xu Chen put on a puzzled look.

Zhou Kai smiled, pulled out his phone, and whispered:

“Can I get a photo with the idol?”

In the tight elevator space, Zhou Kai stood beside Xie Bingran, turning into a respectful fanboy…

…

Once out of the elevator, Zhou Kai checked his phone and said:

“The car’s waiting at the entrance—I’ll take you straight to the airport.”

As they reached the rest area, Zhou Kai hesitated a bit before asking:

“Can I borrow a couple more minutes of your time, President Xu?”

Xu Chen: “Sure, what’s up?”

Zhou Kai: “We need to confirm the follow-up on today’s project proposal, including contracts and processes.”

Xu Chen: “No problem.”

It was serious business, after all—involving two million in fees…

As he spoke, Zhou Kai waved toward the rest area.

Two male colleagues headed over quickly.

Xu Chen recognized them—they were from Vanke’s marketing department.

One was Marketing Manager Liu Sen, who had handled the Rancho Santa Fe proposal last time.

The other was Liu Sen’s boss, the Marketing Director—Xu Chen couldn’t recall his name right now.

During the previous proposal, that director had sat next to Vice President Sun Man, acting all arrogant.

Zhou Kai introduced:

“You probably know these two already.

Marketing Director Wu Xiao Ding and Marketing Manager Liu Sen…

They’ll handle the group brand advertising project moving forward.”

Xu Chen smiled warmly and politely.

Marketing Director Wu Xiao Ding beamed, slightly bowing as he shook Xu Chen’s hand:

“Hello, President Xu. We didn’t get a proper introduction last time…”

Xu Chen kept his thoughts to himself and just smiled.

Last time, Vice President Sun Man had been aggressive, and Wu Xiao Ding had played the sycophant, showing no warmth to Xu Chen or East Morning Star Advertising.

Xu Chen didn’t dwell on it and smiled.

Wu Xiao Ding went on:

“I’ll be managing the project with Liu Sen. If you have any needs, just reach out directly.”

Xu Chen: “I might not be involved in the details.

My company’s other colleagues will handle the对接.”

Wu Xiao Ding nodded eagerly:

“No issue—we’ll cooperate fully!”

Zhou Kai stepped in:

“I’ll set up a project group chat later. Appreciate you adding in the East Morning Star Advertising team, President Xu.”

Xu Chen nodded with a smile.

Zhou Kai: “I should get you and the champion to the airport now.”

Wu Xiao Ding and Liu Sen stood half-bowed, watching Xu Chen and the others leave respectfully.

…

…

Once Xu Chen’s group was gone, Wu Xiao Ding and Liu Sen dropped their overly polite act and headed to the elevator lobby.

Liu Sen glanced at his boss and murmured:

“Director Wu…

There’s talk that President Yu wants to bring in this Xu Chen as our top boss. Is that for real?”

Wu Xiao Ding frowned.

He didn’t answer but looked irritated.

Liu Sen added, “He seems barely twenty, right?

Leading our big department feels off…

People might not buy it.”

Wu Xiao Ding: “Who cares about buying it?

Haven’t you figured out the situation yet?

Sun Man got taken down, and we’re lucky not to be dragged in…

President Yu ousted Sun Man and President Chen partly because of that East Morning Star Advertising proposal.

Xu Chen made a big impression on President Yu and Boss Wang!

If he takes the role, no one needs to ‘buy it’—disagree, and you’re out.”

Liu Sen adjusted his glasses and stayed quiet, shrinking back.

Wu Xiao Ding: “President Yu likely has that in mind, and there’s no better candidate.

He won’t promote from inside; it’ll be an external hire…

It’s just a rumor for now.

Whatever happens, give full effort on the East Morning Star Advertising and Xu Chen side—we need to handle them perfectly.”

Liu Sen paused, then couldn’t help whispering:

“But they’re the service provider, and we’re the client…”

Wu Xiao Ding clicked his tongue:

“Didn’t I make it clear?

If you don’t want to, I’ll replace you.”

Liu Sen: “Boss, that’s not what I meant…

I get it!

We’ll cooperate fully with East Morning Star Advertising!”

…

…

…

Meanwhile, Zhou Kai got Xu Chen and Xie Bingran into the car.

At the same time, the driver handed over two large gift boxes.

Zhou Kai took them and passed them to Xu Chen and Xie Bingran:

“This is from Boss Wang…

We didn’t have time to host you properly today.”

Xu Chen glanced down—they were two sets of elegant purple clay teapots, branded with the Vanke logo.

Clearly custom gifts from Vanke.

“Thanks, Kevin. Please pass on my thanks to Boss Wang too!”

After a quick exchange, the white Toyota Alphard headed toward the airport.

…

…

…

The car sped along the highway, Pengcheng’s towering buildings flashing by the window.

Xu Chen watched the scenery for a bit, then turned and noticed Xie Bingran looking at him.

She still wore her baseball cap, blinking her big eyes.

“Why are you staring like that?”

Xu Chen took her hand and asked with a smile.

Xie Bingran smiled, lips pursed:

“Everyone’s so polite to you.”

She probably meant Wang Shi, Yu Liang, and the Vanke team.

Xu Chen grinned:

“That’s because of you!

I brought the Asian Games champion, so they’re extra courteous.”

Xie Bingran: “No, it’s not just that. They’d be polite even without me.”

She snuggled closer, wrapping her arm around his.

Then, tilting her head up, she blinked and said:

“How are you so amazing?”

Xu Chen gently pinched her cheek:

“It’s mostly because Bing Ge’s incredible!

I have to step up to match you!”

Xie Bingran smiled to herself, then nestled into his embrace like a puppy.

…

Zhou Kai set up the project chat group.

Xu Chen checked it—sure enough, it included Marketing Director Wu Xiao Ding and Marketing Manager Liu Sen.

There was also a legal colleague for contract handling.

As soon as Xu Chen joined, Wu Xiao Ding and Liu Sen greeted ‘President Xu’ warmly.

Xu Chen replied:

[Give me a moment, I’ll add in the East Morning Star Advertising team.]

He updated his company group on the Vanke project first.

Gu Xinxi, Sun Aimi, and the others were thrilled that the boss had landed another project.

“Congrats, boss!”

“You’re awesome—snagging clients so easily!”

…

Xu Chen enjoyed the morale boost from his team.

Then he outlined the next steps:

[Gu Xinxi, handle the contracts and communication.

Once fees and terms are set, send them my way for approval.]

[Sun Aimi, lead on design revisions and layouts with Xiao Wei.]

[Got it, on it!]

…

With that sorted, Xu Chen added Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi to the Vanke group.

After a quick intro, Wu Xiao Ding and Liu Sen politely welcomed ‘Teacher Xinxi’ and ‘Teacher Aimi’.

…

Back in the East Morning Star Advertising group, they couldn’t help asking:

[Why does Vanke seem so polite to us?]

[It’s like they’re treating us as the clients!]

Xu Chen saw the messages and shook his head a bit.

He could guess why Wu Xiao Ding and Liu Sen were being so deferential.

[Just focus on delivering great work. Don’t worry about the rest.]

[Roger that, boss!]

…

…

…

Xu Chen checked the time—they had plenty left.

He thought for a moment and messaged his anxious senior Zhao Siting:

[Hey, Senior, I’ve boarded. I’ll be there on time this afternoon.]

He scrolled through the Kun City Advertising Group chat.

Counselor Song Yidan had shared several morning photos.

Xu Chen opened them—shots of viewing exhibits and attending lectures.

The group was mostly juniors and seniors; he didn’t spot anyone he knew.

The only familiar face was Advertising Department Director Ni Zhi.

…

Xu Chen glanced at his little rich girl:

“Hungry?”

Xie Bingran: “Not really.”

Xu Chen: “No time for a proper meal—we’ll grab something in the airport lounge.”

Xie Bingran nodded.

His phone buzzed with Zhao Siting’s reply:

[No rush on your end. Take your time getting here.]

Xu Chen paused, surprised.

The senior who’d been so insistent earlier was suddenly laid-back?

…

…”