Chapter 425: The Great Wall Award Ceremony

The Great Wall Award ceremony reveals the final Grand Prize.

In the second-row VIP section.

Two young people held hands and walked out one after the other, heading toward the stage.

The VIP area was filled with people who had just received gold, silver, and bronze awards—the top ad creatives.

They mostly came from China’s premier 4A agencies.

Watching the two young winners take the stage for the Grand Prize, everyone felt a wave of curiosity.

“What company is East Morning Star Advertising? I’ve never heard of it before?”

“Is it foreign, domestic, or from Taiwan?”

“It can’t be a domestic ad agency, can it…

That would be impossible?”

“A domestic company won the Grand Prize?!”

“Still, the ‘Afraid of Getting Heated’ campaign was brilliantly done—it totally outshone this year’s new beverage launches!”

“No denying it; that ad wave shot the product straight to success. Brutal!”

“Look, look! Is that guy the lead creator?

He’s so young!”

“He looks… not even twenty, right?

How could he be a Creative Director?!”

…

At the back of the venue, in a quiet corner.

A group from Tonghai University stared in disbelief at their junior, Xu Chen, stepping onto the stage, along with the mysterious guy in a baseball cap and black mask following him.

The award presenter had just announced ‘Xu Chen’—and it was their own first-year advertising classmate!

“Damn! It’s really Xu Chen?!”

“No doubt about it! And who’s that mysterious guy who’s been with him the last couple of days?!”

“This is insane! Winning the Great Wall Award’s Grand Prize!

He beat out a bunch of top foreign 4A projects!”

“East Morning Star Advertising… Is that Xu Chen’s own company?”

Zhang Yuchen from the third-year photography class seemed to recall something and spoke up:

“Yeah, it’s his company…

When we went to Doha for the Asian Games, I heard from a couple of his classmates.

They said he started an ad agency—that’s probably East Morning Star Advertising.

I just never imagined he’d snag a Great Wall Award today, let alone the Grand Prize.”

“The real shocker is that the ‘Afraid of Getting Heated’ ad was his work.

It’s become a household name this year.”

“What a legend!

Last month, I saw it featured in the Dragon Chant Rankings column—they broke down the case study…

And it’s our junior who did it!”

“Xu Chen won two first prizes at the University Advertising Competition yesterday, and I was a bit jealous.

But now he’s grabbed a Great Wall Award—talk about shutting everyone up…”

…

…

Xu Chen led Xie Bingran up to the podium.

Bing Ge got dragged up there, trailing behind Xu Chen, probably feeling totally confused.

Luckily, she’s got that cool, tough vibe, especially in crowds where she comes off as dominant…

So she didn’t show any nerves—just kept that aloof, edgy look.

With the baseball cap and black mask, she actually fit right in with the quirky ‘creative type’ style.

The host guided them to the center of the stage.

The male host from Tencent Net eyed the two in front of him, his face a mix of awkwardness and confusion.

He was trying to figure out who the lead creator and Creative Director, Xu Chen, was…

But Xu Chen looked so young.

And the other one was hidden behind a hat and mask, impossible to make out.

The two guests holding the trophy and certificate were equally puzzled—the ad mogul Lao Shuang’an and the Advertising Association’s top leader…

Xu Chen seemed to catch on and stepped forward a bit, whispering, “I’m Xu Chen…”

…

In the front row of guest seats.

Lin Ruyang adjusted his glasses and smoothed his thinning hair.

Peering through the dazzling stage lights, he confirmed that the young man was indeed his protégé, Xu Chen.

The dean burst out laughing and stood up.

But he seemed a bit urgent, turning to pat the shoulder of Xiamen University’s Professor Jin Changhai beside him.

He pointed at Xu Chen on stage, but for a moment, words failed him…

Professor Jin Changhai was completely baffled.

He thought, has Lin Ruyang lost it after getting outshone by me yesterday and today?

What was that pat about?

And now that rushed, stuttering expression…

Oh no!

He’s trying to cause a scene!

Better keep my distance from this old guy…

…

At the center of the stage.

Xu Chen took the gleaming Golden Great Wall from the ad mogul Lao Shuang’an.

The Advertising Association’s leader presented the award certificate with both hands…

Xu Chen pulled Xie Bingran forward from behind.

Xie Bingran hesitated but leaned in and accepted the red certificate from the leader.

…

Lao Shuang’an shook Xu Chen’s hand, smiling with a hint of surprise.

Then, in his heavily accented Mandarin, he said:

“Didn’t expect someone so young?”

Xu Chen: “Hello, Teacher Shuang’an. I’m a huge fan of yours. It’s an honor to receive this trophy from you…”

Lao Shuang’an chuckled.

A few simple words showed the young man’s sharp social skills and thoughtfulness.

…

They posed for photos.

As the lights flashed, Xu Chen caught sight of Dean Lin Ruyang in the guest row, applauding vigorously with eyes full of pride and affection.

For some reason, that sense of affection reminded Xu Chen of his father, Xu Zhiquan.

…

The host asked the group to stay a moment longer.

He specifically interviewed the judging panel chair, Lao Shuang’an.

“This ad’s excellence speaks for itself among industry peers.

And coming from a purely domestic ad agency makes it all the more impressive.”

He glanced at Xu Chen with a smile:

“Our lead Creative Director is so young—it’s quite the surprise.”

The host jumped in, handing the microphone to Xu Chen, asking if he had any acceptance speech.

Xu Chen wasn’t prepared, but he handled it with ease.

His speech focused on gratitude.

“Thanks to the Great Wall Award, thanks to the judges…

Thanks to my alma mater, Tonghai University…”

As he finished, Xu Chen noticed Dean Lin Ruyang in the front row laughing heartily.

And Professor Jin Changhai next to him finally pieced it together.

He looked at the overly excited Lin Ruyang, then at the young man on stage, his face full of disbelief…

Only then did the somewhat nearsighted and face-blind Professor Jin Changhai realize this ‘Xu Chen’ was the one who won two national first prizes at the University Advertising Competition yesterday…

From the back corner, the group from Tonghai University erupted in applause and cheers.

…

…

Xu Chen paused briefly.

He glanced at Bing Ge beside him and added with a smile:

“And thanks to the people around me…”

Xie Bingran’s face was hidden behind her mask, but her eyes sparkled with a warm smile.

…

…

The ceremony wrapped up successfully.

As soon as Xu Chen and Xie Bingran stepped off the stage, Dean Lin Ruyang pulled him aside.

The professor grabbed Xu Chen’s arm with a grin:

“No more skipping classes—you’re coming to the evening banquet with me.”

Xu Chen smiled awkwardly but replied:

“Can I bring someone along?”

Lin Ruyang looked at the person in the hat and mask:

“Of course!”

Just then, other guests crowded in.

They were judges from the Great Wall Award, including big names from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and Professor Jin Changhai from Xiamen University.

In front of the beaming Lin Ruyang, Jin seemed to tone down his usual sharpness, clearly outmatched.

Lin Ruyang smiled widely, pulling Xu Chen forward for introductions:

“This is my star protégé!”

Xu Chen felt a bit amused inside.

We only officially met yesterday—when did I become his ‘protégé’?

Of course, Lin had no ill intentions.

With his open personality, he was just a straightforward old professor.

Lin Ruyang introduced Xu Chen to a crowd of ad and academic luminaries, helping him network.

Xu Chen felt a quiet thrill—this was building some solid connections.

Under Lin’s guidance, he exchanged business cards and phone numbers with the big shots.

Conversations flowed easily.

…

…

An internal judges’ meeting followed, and staff came to hurry them along.

Lin Ruyang eyed Xu Chen warily, saying:

“Don’t even think about running off—you’re joining me at the banquet tonight!”

Xu Chen chuckled awkwardly:

“Yes, sir, Dean Lin.”

…

Meanwhile, a group surrounded them, offering congratulations.

Xu Chen turned to see his fellow students from the department.

They were all eyeing the Great Wall Award trophy with envy and curiosity, so Xu Chen let them handle it.

“This Golden Great Wall is heavy! Is it solid gold?”

“Probably just gold-plated—if it were pure, it’d weigh a pound…”

These third- and fourth-year seniors were now taking Xu Chen seriously, reintroducing themselves.

They’d met briefly yesterday, but no one had paid much attention.

Xu Chen hadn’t even remembered their names…

But now, they treated him like a key contact, giving detailed self-intros.

They were curious about Xu Chen’s East Morning Star Advertising and asked about ad business.

A few even inquired about internship spots.

Xu Chen dodged with a laugh, saying he’d have to check with his HR director first.

He glanced at Xie Bingran, not wanting her to get bored, and shifted the topic:

“Where’s Teacher Ni Zhi? I didn’t see him this afternoon?”

Senior Zhao Siting replied:

“Professor Ni was sent by Dean Lin to a forum event, so he skipped this.”

Xu Chen nodded with a smile: “Ah, got it.”

Senior Zhang Yuchen said enthusiastically:

“Xu Chen, are you taking the train back with us tomorrow?”

Xu Chen: “I’m sticking around Kun City for a couple more days—it’s the New Year’s holiday.”

Zhang Yuchen: “What a shame. I was hoping to pick your brain.”

Xu Chen: “We’ll catch up when we’re back at school…”

Zhang Yuchen smiled: “Sounds good!”

Senior Zhao Siting checked the time and added:

“We’re heading out for some Yunnan hot pot. Xu Chen…

You and your friend want to join?”

Xu Chen looked embarrassed:

“Dean Lin invited me to the Great Wall Award banquet.”

Zhao Siting smiled, a touch awkward.

Some classmates overheard and showed envy:

“The Great Wall Award banquet! That’s huge!”

“Think of all the ad bigwigs you could network with?”

“Yeah, even just introducing yourself could land a post-grad job.”

Xu Chen stayed silent.

These third- and fourth-years were already thinking about careers post-graduation.

“Young Xu Chen” didn’t sweat it—after all, he had his own company, plus vice-president offers from Vanke…

…

As Xu Chen looked for a way out, his eyes caught Baidu Group’s marketing VP Zhao Ling and her assistant Miao Xiaoyu in the third row.

They were smiling, clearly waiting to talk.

Xu Chen remembered Zhao Ling’s project mention.

He turned to Zhao Siting:

“Senior, I have some business to handle…”

Zhao Siting nodded: “Go ahead…”

The group of seniors finally calmed down and said their goodbyes to Xu Chen.

…

Xu Chen and Xie Bingran broke free from the crowd.

He turned to the little rich girl:

“Not too tired?”

Bing Ge smiled through her mask:

“You’re the one who’s busier.”

Xu Chen: “I still have to chat some business.”

Xie Bingran: “Oh… I’ll just stick with you.”

Xu Chen: “If it gets boring or you don’t want the banquet, I’ll drop you back at the hotel first.”

Xie Bingran: “I want to stay with you.”

…

By then, Zhao Ling and Miao Xiaoyu approached with smiles.

“Congratulations, President Xu!”

Zhao Ling shook his hand warmly.

“Thanks, VP Zhao! Didn’t expect you to still be here…” Xu Chen replied with a smile.

Zhao Ling: “I hung around just to catch you—I want to dive deeper into that project!”

Xu Chen smiled, knowing it was coming.

Zhao Ling: “How about I treat you to dinner?”

Xu Chen: “I’m really sorry, but I have the organizers’ banquet.

No worries, we’ll have other chances.

Let’s quickly go over the project details…”

Zhao Ling glanced around, leading Xu Chen and Xie Bingran to a quiet corner on the east side of the venue.

A refreshment area was set up there.

“Does President Xu know about Baidu’s business?”

Xu Chen: “Of course—search engines, Baidu Tieba, Baidu Knows… I’m a user myself.”

Zhao Ling: “Perfect.”

She paused briefly:

“This project is personally overseen by our big boss, Li Yanhong…”

…”