Chapter 517: Children’s Day in the City

Children’s Day, Friday.

Shanghai office.

Tang Mo, Nana, and Chen Xinyi started early, handing out candy and chocolate in the office to create a festive holiday vibe.

Chen Xinyi, fresh from Jiaduobao, hadn’t been assigned a permanent role yet. For now, she was assisting Nie Fei, getting familiar with the business while handling some HR and administrative tasks.

Nie Fei had already discussed with Xu Chen that Chen Xinyi would later join Jiang Yuze’s team to handle marketing and promotions for Ran Bing Sports.

The trio had planned to distribute the candy to every desk before work started, but they found Zhou Junjun, Sun Aimi, Gu Xinxi, and a few others already at the office.

Today was the shoot for the You Le Mei ad, so this group naturally headed to the studio.

Zhou Junjun borrowed Fei Jie’s Audi to drive Zhuang Lei, Gu Xinxi, Sun Aimi, and Ma Lingyao, filling the car perfectly.

Xu Chen would drive Su Rong and Wu Feifei, the two young ladies.

Zhou Junjun had considered hitching a ride with ‘Young Xu Chen,’ but hearing that the passenger seat was Bing Ge’s spot, she quickly thought better of it.

Squeezing into the back with Su Rong and Wu Feifei was an option, but Zhou Junjun knew better than to impose on the two ‘princesses,’ especially since Su Rong seemed a bit intimidated by ‘Vice President Zhou Xiao.’ So, she opted for another car.

…

Meanwhile, Xu Chen drove with Su Rong and picked up Wu Feifei at Shanghai Foreign Languages University in Shanghai.

The two young girls chatted in the back seat, happily sharing little cakes and chocolate.

Su Rong was determined to go today to build a good relationship with Li Lizi, the little princess from Xi Zhilang.

With a crowd of strangers around and Wu Feifei there too, the somewhat socially anxious Su Rong felt more at ease.

Wu Feifei, munching on a piece of chocolate, said to Xu Chen up front:

“I have over a dozen autographs to get from Bing Ge today—I already messaged her about it.”

Xu Chen: “Sure, but don’t you already have quite a few?”

Su Rong: “Are you giving them to friends?”

Wu Feifei looked a bit embarrassed: “Actually, they’re for my dad…”

Xu Chen: “Oh?”

Wu Feifei explained:

“My dad mentioned that when he’s out on trips or studies, leaders from other places hear he’s from Tiancheng and always bring up ‘Tiancheng’s Xie Bingran.'”

“He wants some signed photos of Bing Ge to hand out as ‘Tiancheng calling cards’ to these important external leaders.”

“They’re really in demand!”

Xu Chen: “That’s a big deal then—let’s get Bing Ge to sign plenty more!”

“My dad thought about asking the Sports Bureau for help to get them from Bing Ge, but realized going through her own daughter would be easier.”

Wu Feifei chuckled, looking pleased and proud.

…

The shoot was in Minhang District, at a small film base with a section mimicking a European street, perfect for romantic themes.

It wasn’t far from Xin Zhuang Base, so Xie Bingran should have an easy time getting there.

Zhou Junjun, Sun Aimi, and the others arrived first.

Gu Xinxi, Sun Aimi, Zhuang Lei, and Ma Lingyao had already gone into the studio and were preparing with the director’s team.

Zhou Junjun grabbed a coffee and relaxed outside, spotting Xu Chen and the others approaching.

“Let me treat you all to coffee!” Zhou Junjun said with a smile.

“Thanks so much, Vice President Zhou!” Wu Feifei replied sweetly, her social skills shining through.

The two young girls ordered lattes, while Xu Chen went for a energizing breakfast black tea.

“The clients and Bing Ge will be here soon—let’s head into the studio!”

…

Director You Yuhui knew ‘Young Xu Chen’ was coming and quickly led the cinematographer and production head out to greet him.

Gu Xinxi followed, helping with introductions.

Xu Chen had only met the director’s team via video calls before; today was their first in-person encounter.

You Yuhui was the typical polished Bay Islander, speaking politely and gently.

An awkward moment arose when You Yuhui mistook Zhou Junjun for ‘Young Xu Chen.’

Xu Chen was used to it—his youthful appearance made him seem anything but a ‘boss.’

Gu Xinxi stepped in quickly: “This is our Young Xu Chen.”

Zhou Junjun, holding her coffee, caught on and stepped back, yielding the floor.

You Yuhui masked his embarrassment and politely greeted ‘Young Xu Chen.’

With a little time to spare, You Yuhui showed Xu Chen around the set, letting him check the scenery and outlining the camera setups.

Zhou Junjun wandered off with Su Rong and Wu Feifei to watch Sun Aimi and Zhuang Lei at work.

You Yuhui had good people skills, making an effort to bond with ‘Young Xu Chen.’

They both knew BBDO’s Liu Wenqin, so they chatted about this ‘Vincent.’

Liu Wenqin and You Yuhui were both from Bay Island and old acquaintances in the ad world before coming to the mainland.

“Vincent speaks so highly of Young Xu Chen.”

“When he heard I was taking on your project, he came over specially to say it’s a prime chance for industry classics and even awards…”

“Your concept is incredibly eye-catching. The script blew me away!”

“Getting to work on Xie Bingran’s project is such an honor.”

“Our team’s young folks are huge fans of Xie Bingran…”

“Mainly, your idea is brilliant—the ‘Held in the Palm’ concept is pure genius!”

You Yuhui knew how to boost morale, and Xu Chen thought he’d be great in business roles too.

At the same time, You Yuhui casually mentioned his past projects to build confidence with ‘Young Xu Chen.’

Like the ads he’d done for Wang Wang, Nissin, and Uni-President.

…

…

The You Le Mei clients arrived first in a white Toyota Alphard.

Xu Chen and the director went out to meet them, and Xu Chen waved Su Rong over to join.

The client group was small.

There was Xi Zhilang’s market director Kuang Lili, market manager Zheng Wan, and the ‘little princess’ Li Lizi.

A tall guy tagged along, clearly acting as driver and security.

Xu Chen breathed a sigh of relief—thankfully, Li Lizi’s dad, Xi Zhilang’s chairman Li Yongjun, hadn’t come, saving the need for extra hosting.

The director had already met with the clients and discussed things with Li Lizi multiple times, so greetings were brief.

Li Lizi wore a simple all-white athletic outfit, maybe to match the vibe for meeting Bing Ge.

She lit up at the sight of Su Rong, and the two girls happily linked hands.

Xu Chen exchanged hellos with Kuang Lili, and the director arranged for Li Lizi to go change and get makeup done.

…

A few minutes later, they got word that Bing Ge’s car had arrived.

Xu Chen glanced back and beckoned Sun Aimi.

Sun Aimi was aligning shots with the cinematographer and hurried over: “What’s up, boss?”

Xu Chen: “Come with me to greet someone.”

He added with a smile, “Coach Cheng Hong is here too.”

Sun Aimi adjusted her round glasses and grinned sweetly.

Xu Chen turned to call Zhou Junjun.

But there she was, the usually bold ‘Vice President Zhou,’ oddly subdued and hiding behind Wu Feifei and Su Rong.

Xu Chen decided it was fine—better to introduce Bing Ge and Zhou Junjun in a more private setting later.

…

Word spread that Xie Bingran had arrived, and the director’s team excitedly gathered.

Ma Lingyao from Xu Chen’s team slipped in quietly, buzzing with fan-like excitement.

Everyone pulled out phones and cameras, turning it into a mini fan meet-up.

Director You Yuhui thought it was unprofessional and signaled for them to tone it down; they backed off and waited at the door.

A dark blue GL8 pulled up, and Coach Cheng Hong stepped out first.

As Bing Ge emerged, the crowd burst into applause and cheers.

Xu Chen felt a bit awkward but couldn’t help thinking:

“A world champion really stands out.”

…

Xie Bingran wore all-black athletic gear, looking sharp and confident.

She stepped out and scanned the crowd, locking eyes with Xu Chen for a moment.

That was all it took.

Xie Bingran had already met Kuang Lili; during the last signing at Xin Zhuang Base, Kuang Lili and her boss Li Yongjun had a quick chat with her.

Director You Yuhui was meeting Xie Bingran for the first time, having only done a video call before.

Xu Chen stepped up to make introductions.

Bing Ge kept her cool demeanor around strangers, especially now as a world champion—her presence felt towering.

She shook hands with the director and Kuang Lili, polite but reserved.

This only made the group of young fans behind her adore her more.

Xu Chen was about to introduce Coach Cheng Hong to the director when he realized she was gone.

Looking around, he found Cheng Hong happily chatting with Sun Aimi, both grinning.

“We should get Bing Ge into makeup…” Director You Yuhui said.

The director couldn’t help stealing a few extra glances at Bing Ge, thinking how athletes like her had such striking looks and poise—it was no wonder she was popular.

You Yuhui had worked with plenty of stars in Bay Island and the mainland, so the glamour had worn off for him.

Especially since some polished on-screen celebs looked ordinary without makeup.

But Xie Bingran was clearly bare-faced, and her fresh features still impressed him.

On camera, that face could rival any top star…

“Youth is power,” he mused, since she wasn’t even twenty yet.

Or maybe “Exercise is the best beauty treatment”—top physical condition showed in her skin and presence.

Bing Ge, with her aloof expression, didn’t notice the director’s thoughts and headed into the studio.

The director’s team—young women and men—followed, holding back excited squeals.

Wu Feifei and Su Rong squeezed through and shyly called out, “Bing Ge.”

The usually distant Xie Bingran softened into a warm smile at the sight of them.

Zhou Junjun, peeking from behind Wu Feifei and Su Rong, whispered:

“Bing Ge is seriously cool…”

Ma Lingyao had sidled up, eyes sparkling, hands clasped to her chest:

“Bing Ge looks amazing—way better than on TV or posters!”

Zhou Junjun teased:

“Don’t go all fan-girl; that’s your boss’s partner!”

“…”

…

Bing Ge followed the assistant director to the makeup room.

Xu Chen called Zhou Junjun and took the clients Kuang Lili and Zheng Wan to the lounge, where monitors showed the live shoot.

A sharp-dressed woman in a dark business suit lingered outside the lounge, looking a bit out of place.

She seemed eager to chat with ‘Young Xu Chen’ but couldn’t find the right moment.

She glanced around and spotted Coach Cheng Hong chatting with Sun Aimi in the shooting area.

Cheng Hong noticed her and realized she had work to do, but gently told Sun Aimi:

“Aimi, you go ahead with your work. I’ll introduce someone to Young Xu Chen and catch up with you later.”

“Okay.”

“Mm-hmm.”

…

With Xie Bingran in the makeup room, Wu Feifei and Su Rong tagged along as her little entourage.

Sun Aimi, Gu Xinxi, Zhuang Lei, and Ma Lingyao joined the director’s team to get things rolling.

In the lounge,

Xu Chen had introduced Kuang Lili to Zhou Junjun.

Zhou Junjun, ever the smooth talker, was already deep in conversation with Kuang Lili.

Xu Chen was glad he brought her along to keep the clients engaged.

Through the chat, Xu Chen learned that when Li Yongjun and Kuang Lili went to Xin Zhuang Base for the signing, the ‘little princess’ Li Lizi had come too.

So, Li Lizi and Bing Ge had already met and chatted, which was great.

It would make today’s on-screen chemistry smoother and more natural.

…

Coach Cheng Hong walked in with the sharp woman.

“Young Xu Chen, let me introduce a friend.”

Xu Chen turned, saw it was Cheng Hong, and stood up with a smile.

“I was going to greet you earlier, Coach Cheng, but you vanished.”

Cheng Hong: “We’ve met so many times, no need for formalities. I just hadn’t seen Aimi in a while and wanted to catch up first.”

Xu Chen joked: “Next time I see you, Coach Cheng, I’ll bring Aimi along.”

Cheng Hong gave a playful scold: “You only say that.”

Xu Chen: “…”

Cheng Hong turned to her companion:

“Let me introduce you:

This is Huang Xueli, a new colleague of Director Li Yue’s.

She’ll handle the business side for Bing Ge moving forward.

And this is Young Xu Chen…”

Huang Xueli looked professional and friendly, around thirty, similar in age to Fei Jie.

“Hello, Young Xu Chen. You can call me Xueli or Shirley.”

“…”