Chapter 521: Factory Celebrations and Milestones

Nie Fei:

“We were just talking about setting up a victory dinner for tonight, but it’s a shame Young Xu Chen is away on business.”

Xu Chen laughed and said, “Go ahead with the celebration dinner. We can have another one when I get back!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the meeting room erupted in laughter and cheers.

“Ran Bing” had just hit a monthly sales milestone of over 100,000 pairs, which surprised even Xu Chen.

After all, their target with Nie Fei at the end of last year was to reach that number by December this year.

The biggest boost came from Xie Bingran’s world championship win in Zurich last month, which brought huge attention and traffic to “Ran Bing Sports”.

And that traffic naturally turned into sales.

As for what a “monthly sales of 100,000 pairs” meant for the shoe line, Young Xu Chen hadn’t fully grasped it at first.

He had only heard Nie Fei mention that even for giants like Nike and Adidas, hitting that number for a new product line was cause for a celebration.

Nie Fei continued:

“The production and sales of ‘Ran Bing 001’ are now stable.”

“‘Ran Bing X’ is still building momentum, but with its higher price, it’s unlikely to match ‘Ran Bing 001’s numbers in the long run.”

Based on the current sales curve, the next few months should hold steady at around 100,000 pairs per month.

By year-end, when ‘Ran Bing 001’s sales start to dip naturally, we can launch the affordable ‘Ran Bing Lite’.

That way, next year’s first half will see steady growth in sales figures.”

Xu Chen replied, “That’s great. We aim for this kind of solid, step-by-step progress.”

Aggressive growth might work, but this feels more secure.”

Nie Fei paused before adding:

“Though next year’s goals and ambitions will be bigger, especially to capitalize on the buzz from Xie Bingran’s 2008 Olympics.”

She turned to Xu Chen:

“For next year’s product plans and promotions, we’re discussing them internally. Once they’re more fleshed out, we’ll loop you in to review the plans.”

Xu Chen said, “Sounds good! I’m looking forward to it.”

……

……

June 6th, the 21st of the fourth lunar month, Grain in Ear.

A good day for attracting wealth, praying for blessings, and construction.

In Tiancheng Morning Wind Park, inside the northern production building, hundreds of Chenfeng Technology employees gathered around the production line.

They had set up a small stage in the factory, with a backdrop displaying large letters:

[Warmly Celebrate the 660,000th Chenfeng Electric Vehicle Rolling Off the Line]

With so many people, those at the back couldn’t see the front, so they hauled over benches and chairs, climbing on them to crane their necks.

In that moment, gongs and drums burst into sound.

Then came thunderous applause from the crowd.

The 660,000th ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ vehicle officially rolled off the line, now adorned with a bouquet of red flowers on its hood.

It glided along the semi-automatic production track and stopped right at the newly built stage.

More applause and noise erupted, synced with the lively gongs and drums from the performance team.

Chairman Xu Zhiquan clapped as he stepped onto the stage, warmly inviting several key leaders and guests.

Old Xu wore a new navy blue suit today, even with a bright red tie.

His slicked-back hair shone, and with his slight paunch, he looked every bit the successful entrepreneur.

Among today’s attendees, the most important were a vice mayor from the city overseeing private enterprises and Qu Fei, the secretary of the high-ranking leader Wu Yongming.

Feng Siliang from the Publicity Department was there too, along with a few local Tiancheng media reporters he had arranged, snapping photos below the stage.

Xu Zhiquan had also invited back the old secretary from Bright Factory, Ji Yusheng, along with the recently retired Union Chairman Zhang Minen.

Another guest was a vice principal from the Provincial Capital’s Institute of Technology, whose school had just partnered with Chenfeng Technology for graduate employment programs…

Xu Chen and Teacher Fang Jun stood in the crowd below the stage, blending in.

Li Rui and Fang Tao quietly stayed nearby, as if to shield ‘Brother Chen’ and ‘Sister Fang Jun’ from the press of people.

Hosting the event were two young people from Guo Liang’s team, a man and a woman.

True to their sales background, with a little polish, they handled the hosting like pros.

Xu Zhiquan waved a hand, signaling the crowd to quiet down.

Only then did the hosts continue, inviting the leaders to speak.

The first to be invited was the most important figure today, the vice mayor who had made time for the celebration.

The leader gave an enthusiastic speech, highly praising Chenfeng Technology’s contributions to Tiancheng’s private economy.

He extended sincere congratulations and encouragement to Chairman Xu Zhiquan and all Chenfeng Technology employees…

Xu Zhiquan led the applause vigorously, then took the stage to express heartfelt thanks for the leaders’ and city’s support and encouragement.

He pulled a speech from his pocket, cleared his throat, and began speaking earnestly.

The speech wasn’t long, but Xu Chen thought it was quite polished.

It basically celebrated the milestone of the 660,000th Chenfeng Electric Vehicle and looked ahead to a bright future.

The core focused on thanking everyone and building team spirit to motivate the staff.

The wording was careful, and the emotional build-up hit the right notes.

Xu Chen wondered if this exceeded his father’s usual style, then realized and glanced at Teacher Fang Jun beside him.

Fang Jun listened with a neutral expression and whispered:

“I helped him revise it.”

Xu Chen nodded vigorously and quietly gave her two thumbs up.

The moment Xu Zhiquan finished his speech, thunderous applause broke out.

Xu Chen clapped with enthusiasm, not just for his father but also for the real writer, Sister Fang Jun.

Xu Zhiquan beamed and waved lightly for quiet:

“Today, I’m honored to have invited Secretary Ji back.”

“I know the workers from old Bright Factory still hold him dear…”

“Let’s welcome Secretary Ji home and invite him to say a few words!”

Amid the applause, Xu Zhiquan personally helped the old secretary, Ji Yusheng, onto the stage.

Ji Yusheng paused at the front, seeming a bit awkward but deeply moved.

After all, Ji Yusheng had genuinely supported East Morning Star Co. in winning the bid for Bright Factory and had put in real effort.

Xu Zhiquan still appreciated that and had even visited him during the New Year.

Today, with Chenfeng Technology’s big win, it was also a glory for old Bright Factory, so they brought Ji Yusheng back.

Of course, there were team management considerations too.

Many frontline employees at Chenfeng Technology were former Bright Factory tech workers who still felt connected to Ji Yusheng.

Bringing him back helped maintain and strengthen their loyalty.

This was clear from the applause as he took the stage.

Ji Yusheng waved his slightly trembling hand, and the applause died down.

He smiled with emotion and began:

“I didn’t prepare anything, but since Chairman Xu invited me, I’ll say a few words…”

“Thank you, Chairman Xu, for welcoming this old-timer back and even putting me on the stage.”

“What a great day!”

“The glory goes to Chairman Xu and all the employees of Chenfeng Technology!”

“I’m standing here feeling honored, a bit nervous, and somewhat unworthy…”

“I saw many old colleagues and friends from Bright Factory today and chatted with them.”

“Though I didn’t join in building Chenfeng Technology, my heart swells with the same pride and emotion as yours…”

“Our decades-old Bright Factory nearly fell apart in our hands.”

“But who could’ve imagined that in just a year under Chairman Xu, it transformed completely…”

“I’m proud of this old man because I helped a bit when Chairman Xu bid for Bright Factory and spoke up for it.”

“Back then, many opposed it, whispering criticisms.”

“Luckily, those critics didn’t get their way, and Chairman Xu led Bright Factory to a new life…”

“Chairman Xu is a visionary and a kind soul.”

“I’m happy for the old crew of Bright Factory!”

“Sadly, I’m too old now, or I’d join you all to turn our old Bright Factory into the famous Chenfeng Technology!”

……

His words grew heartfelt.

Ji Yusheng spoke sincerely, and the crowd listened, deeply touched.

Even some former Bright Factory employees were wiping away tears.

Xu Zhiquan stood behind him, struggling to contain his own emotions…

Ji Yusheng paused, sighed softly.

He smiled and recited gently:

“If the morning wind pities the flowers,”

“Might it grant me youth once more…”

……

……

Lunch featured a lively celebration banquet in the park’s large cafeteria.

Xu Zhiquan went to entertain the guests and leaders, leaving Yang Congxin and Guo Liang to manage the banquet.

As a veteran of Bright Factory and now head of tech and production, Yang Congxin knew the frontline staff well.

Guo Liang was a natural at handling such lively events.

Together, they made a perfect team for hosting.

There wasn’t much formal ceremony; Yang Congxin and Guo Liang went table to table with their drinks, toasting everyone.

Yang Congxin wasn’t great with alcohol, but Guo Liang could handle it, so they complemented each other well.

The employees at each table eagerly joined in, creating a noisy, joyful atmosphere.

……

Xu Chen sat with Fang Jun and Sister Wu Yue, along with a group of young folks from finance and administration.

They were all familiar with ‘Young Xu Chen,’ so things stayed relaxed.

Xu Chen played the dutiful role, pouring wine for ‘the money goddess’ Fang Jun.

Fang Jun remembered something and said:

“Let me introduce someone to you.”

She waved to the next table.

A scholarly man in his forties approached, smiling warmly and wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

“This is our new HR director, Ding Shaohui. You missed him on your last couple of visits.”

Ding Shaohui nodded respectfully and said, “Young Xu Chen.”

Xu Chen stood up quickly:

“Director Ding, nice to meet you. I’ve heard Dad mention you, and I’m glad to finally connect.”

Xu Chen had already heard about Ding Shaohui from his father.

He was an HR expert from the Provincial Capital, previously at a manufacturing plant, and Fang Jun had recommended him.

Ding Shaohui had already made significant contributions since joining.

For instance, he pushed through the talent development program with the Provincial Capital and Tiancheng tech institutes.

Plus, he recruited several senior tech workers from other factories in recent months.

Xu Zhiquan had noted that Ding Shaohui offered solid advice on company management and team motivation…

Xu Chen was very polite to key managers, showing full respect and appreciation.

Ding Shaohui seemed the practical type, speaking straightforwardly, which left a good first impression on ‘Young Xu Chen’.

……

During the meal, a few people came over to toast ‘Young Xu Chen’ and ‘Director Fang’.

Some Xu Chen didn’t recognize, so Fang Jun introduced them.

Xu Chen felt a bit overwhelmed, thinking how he’d never remember all these names at once.

Li Rui, Zhao Feng, and Fang Tao with their group came by, grinning as they drank with ‘Brother Chen’.

Li Rui and Zhao Feng exchanged secretive glances, then pulled something from their pocket and handed it to Xu Chen:

“Brother Chen, next time you see Bing Ge, pass this to her,” Zhao Feng said with a grin.

Xu Chen took it and saw it was a small, delicate square jade plaque.

Flipping it over, he noticed the traditional character for ‘righteousness’ etched in, which made him chuckle inwardly.

Zhao Feng dropped the playful act and explained seriously:

“A while back, Li Rui and I went with Manager Guo to check out markets outside town.”

“We got this from a Guandi Temple in Luoyang.”

“The locals swear by it—supposedly, it brings protection from Guandi himself!”

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“I’ll make sure to give it to Bing Ge. Thanks on her behalf.”

“Awesome, thanks Brother Chen!”

……

Wu Yue scrolled through her phone and nudged Fang Jun:

“Check this out—it’s already on the news!”

Xu Chen leaned over and saw that the morning’s ‘660,000th vehicle celebration’ at Chenfeng Technology had made it to local Tiancheng news.

This was likely arranged by Director Feng Siliang from the Publicity Department—he’d have to send a thank-you message later.

Feng Siliang had been a big help with ongoing promotions for Chenfeng Technology.

……

Suddenly, the cafeteria filled with loud applause and cheers as people stood up.

Xu Chen turned to see that Chairman Xu Zhiquan had arrived.

……