Chapter 522: Chenfeng Technology’s Grand Celebration

Chenfeng Technology’s victory banquet.

President Xu’s arrival made him the undisputed star.

He carried a wine glass, going from table to table to toast everyone, with Yang Congxin and Guo Liang following behind, each holding their own glasses.

Director Yang was already unsteady on his feet, and Guo Liang’s face was flushed from drinking, though it was hard to tell how much it affected him.

But now that ‘President Xu’ was here, the two of them were no longer the main targets for toasts.

Wherever Xu Zhiquan went with Yang Congxin and Guo Liang, it sparked waves of joyful laughter and drinking.

Old Xu’s bold and enthusiastic personality clearly won over the factory workers.

Xu Chen glanced up at his father’s back, remembering the all-night drinking parties at the foundry in town during his childhood after ‘opening the furnace’—it was much the same boisterous scene.

Back then, there were only twenty or thirty coworkers; now, there were hundreds.

Plus, in those days, Old Xu often drank bare-chested until his face glowed red, but now as ‘President Xu’, he wore a sharp, tailored suit.

Xu Zhiquan loved calling friends together for fun and drinks, traits Xu Chen never inherited and couldn’t pick up later in life.

Fang Jun had a few drinks and was clearly in high spirits, grinning away.

He looked up and saw Xu Zhiquan getting poured drink after drink, then frowned slightly.

She turned and signaled to Zhao Feng and Li Rui; the two young guys caught on instantly, set down their chopsticks, grabbed their glasses, and hurried over.

They were going to help President Xu handle the toasts.

The news of Chenfeng Technology’s six hundred and sixty-thousandth electric bike rolling off the line was a major story in Tiancheng.

Under the City Publicity Department’s guidance, local media hailed Chenfeng Technology as a model for private and tech enterprises in Tiancheng.

This was largely thanks to Director Feng Siliang of the Publicity Department.

“Tiancheng’s renowned private enterprise ‘Chenfeng Technology’ has produced its six hundred and sixty-thousandth electric bike…”

“Vice Mayor Liu delivered an important speech, highly praising Chenfeng Technology’s spirit of innovation and progress!”

“Late last year and early this year, Chenfeng Technology received awards like ‘Top Ten Tech Companies in Shandong Province’, ‘Outstanding Innovative Enterprise in Tiancheng City’, and ‘Exemplary Case of Industrial Patriotism’.”

“Chenfeng Technology is also the 2008 ‘National Sports Administration Training Partner’.”

The women’s hurdles world champion Xie Bingran, who hails from our city, has become the spokesperson for Chenfeng Electric Bikes…

Xu Chen decided to stay in Tiancheng a couple more days and messaged Class Monitor Min Siyang for leave.

He made time to visit Tiancheng No. 1 High School, dropping by Teacher Chen Ming and Teacher Tian Fangfang, and brought them each a pair of the latest ‘Ran Bing X’ shoes.

When Xie Bingran first trained at the City Sports University and the Provincial Team, Chen Ming and Tian Fangfang were her dedicated coaches and gave Bing Ge plenty of support.

With Xu Chen back home, he was also helping Xie Bingran keep those connections strong.

Stepping back onto the high school campus and seeing the younger students in class, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia.

At the school’s main gate bulletin board, he spotted more promotions related to Xie Bingran.

Xu Chen leaned in for a closer look and found an essay contest themed ‘Emulating Xie Bingran’s Spirit’.

He pulled out his mobile phone to snap a few photos; next time he saw Bing Ge, he could show her these ‘over-the-top’ pieces from her juniors.

Teacher Chen Ming also took Xu Chen to the faculty apartments behind the campus to visit Principal Huang Hua.

The old principal was thrilled to see his ‘young friend’ and mostly chatted about Xie Bingran’s world championship win in Zurich a couple of months back.

Clearly, Xie Bingran’s gold medal far exceeded Huang Hua’s expectations, filling him with delight.

Like most people, including Principal Huang Hua, they thought making the finals was impressive enough for Xie Bingran, never imagining she’d outpace black and white competitors to set a new hurdling record for Asians.

On the wall of Huang Hua’s study, there was even a poster of Xie Bingran from her April competition, showing her on the podium.

Xu Chen was touched and specifically asked the old principal for his shoe size, promising to send over a couple of pairs of ‘Ran Bing’ shoes.

The principal chuckled and mostly asked about Xie Bingran’s current situation.

Hearing she was in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics’ intensive training, Huang Hua couldn’t hide his emotional pride.

The old principal pulled a photo frame from his bookshelf—it was a picture of him and Xie Bingran.

It was taken last time when Xu Chen brought Xie Bingran for a visit, with Teacher Chen Ming snapping the shot; who knew the principal had printed it out for his shelf.

Huang Hua thought for a moment and carefully removed the photo.

He picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote a few words on the back:

[Time flies as Ranran soars with the wind]…

“When you see Xie Bingran next, give this to her.

If my legs hold up by next August, I’ll definitely head to Beijing to cheer her on!”

Fourth Uncle Xu Zhilin had bought a new house in the city, and Xu Chen went to check it out.

The place was still under renovation, likely ready to move in before winter.

Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt showed Xu Chen around, clearly thrilled with their new home.

The layout was spacious and bright, and Xu Chen praised it endlessly.

“Haven’t got the appliances yet? Let me sponsor you a big Sony color TV!”

Fourth Aunt quickly said, “No need, no need,” and Fourth Uncle laughed heartily.

Xu Zhilin was managing ‘Chenxin Nurseries’, and Xu Zhiquan had pretty much handed the reins to him.

Fourth Uncle kept his reliable, hardworking nature, supporting his older brother without complaint.

Late last year, Xu Zhiquan gave his younger brother a good share of dividends but specifically advised him not to spend recklessly.

“At your age, guard your wealth wisely” and “Keep a low profile for a steady life”—that sort of thing.

Xu Zhilin listened to his brother on everything, and Fourth Aunt was always practical and kind; even with the money, they didn’t get carried away and stayed humble.

Though the couple never had children, which was a regret.

Now in middle age, they took it in stride, focusing on business and enjoying life in their free time.

Xu Zhiquan actually cared more about it and was still looking into hospitals and doctors for them.

Maternal Uncle Zhang Yongqing still lived in the old factory district.

When Xu Chen drove over to visit, a pack of cats and dogs Zhang Yongqing had taken in rushed out, tails wagging.

Zhang Yongqing was as easygoing and content as ever, living a peaceful life away from the world in the old factory.

Old Xu had arranged for the three rooms behind the factory to be renovated, with new fridge, water heater, and all—quite comfortable now.

Apparently, when Fourth Uncle bought his city house, he tried to get Zhang Yongqing to buy one nearby as neighbors, but he preferred the factory life and didn’t want to bother.

Next to Zhang Yongqing’s three rooms, there was even a half-open shed set up just for the cats and dogs.

Xu Chen wandered over and saw that Zhang Yongqing had set it up meticulously, with special food and water setups, plus a ‘medical cabinet’ for the animals.

Zhang Yongqing adjusted his glasses and explained a bit sheepishly:

“Though I studied landscaping and nurseries at the Agricultural University, I sat in on some veterinary classes.

I can handle minor illnesses for these cats and dogs…”

Xu Chen recalled what Old Xu said last time on Beishan—that Zhang Yongqing was living the kind of carefree life many envied—and it made sense.

Xu Chen played with the cats and dogs for a while and took some photos to send to Su Rong.

Last time he brought Su Rong over, she hit it off with them.

Su Rong saw the photos and was over the moon, even recognizing several:

[Little White’s gotten so fat! Must be sneaking snacks!]

[Piggy looks so silly—I think it’s a bit dim-witted…]

[Even Dora’s grown this big, but she’s still the prettiest little princess.]

[Oh no, Johnson looks like he’s in heat! Uncle won’t neuter him, will he?!]

Xu Chen fell silent, wondering how this scatterbrained girl knew so much.

News about Chenfeng Technology had spread to the Tiancheng No. 1 High School alumni group.

Now everyone knew it was Xu Chen’s family business.

“Boss Xu” had gone from a nickname to a real title.

The group buzzed with discussion, led by Chen Dahai and other high school buddies teasing and envying “Boss Xu”.

Some even jokingly called him the “Son of Tiancheng’s Richest” or “Tiancheng’s Top Young Tycoon”.

But someone mentioned how “Boss Xu and Bing Ge make a perfect pair,” which made Xu Chen smile.

Xu Chen played along in the group, and they all said, “Summer break, Boss Xu has to treat us,” which he happily agreed to.

A few local news articles were shared in the group.

Xu Chen clicked through and in a Tiancheng Daily photo of the big group shot, he spotted himself as “Young Xu”.

To his surprise, Zhao Linlin sent him a message saying she was happy for him and his uncle.

Xu Chen felt a headache coming on, thinking he had deleted her from his QQ friends ages ago.

He shot back a half-hearted emoji then opened her profile and deleted her for good.

This must have been a mistake.

In the company group chat in Shanghai, everyone was talking about the good news from Tiancheng.

Nie Fei chimed in:

[Tiancheng’s already at six hundred and sixty thousand electric bikes— that’s pressure for our Ran Bing side!]

Fang Jun saw the message and replied:

[Based on the sales trends of ‘Ran Bing 001’ and ‘Ran Bing X’, we’ll soon surpass them in volume.

Of course, the average price is much lower, so for revenue, Ran Bing needs more time to build up.]

Before leaving, Old Xu said he’d take his son out for a meal.

Xu Zhiquan drove his Mercedes S, taking his son into the old city’s narrow streets.

It wasn’t far from Morning Wind Park—just a fifteen-minute drive.

This was the old district, with winding, tight alleys.

Xu Chen, visiting for the first time, said:

“Dad, found a new great spot?”

Old Xu laughed heartily:

“You’ll see when we get there.”

The car wound around and pulled up to an unassuming courtyard with no sign.

A white-haired old man opened the gate and, seeing Xu Zhiquan roll down the window, smiled and called him ‘boss’.

Inside was a small yard with three connected wooden low houses.

The father and son got out, Xu Zhiquan lit a cigarette, and arm in arm, they headed in.

Xu Chen stepped inside and realized the three wooden rooms had been opened up into one huge kitchen.

There were over a dozen pots and pans of various sizes, and four or five different stove tops.

On a long table, fresh ingredients were already laid out.

Xu Zhiquan washed his hands and put on an apron:

“Son, assist me.”

He handed Xu Chen an apron.

“So… this is President Xu’s new venture?”

Xu Zhiquan: “This used to be a boutique private kitchen. I tried it with friends a couple times.

Last month, when I heard it was for sale, I snapped it up.”

As he worked on a piece of pork belly, he added:

“I don’t have many hobbies; coming here to cook for myself is a way to unwind.”

Xu Chen stayed quiet, feeling a pang of sympathy.

Father Xu Zhiquan ran Chenfeng Technology and Chenxin Nurseries, looking successful from the outside, but entrepreneurship was tough.

As the big boss, he couldn’t easily share his stresses.

Tinkering in the kitchen here was his way to relax.

Xu Chen smiled and said, “What do you need me to do?”

Xu Zhiquan: “Help me wash the green and red peppers and garlic shoots; I’m making twice-cooked pork.”

Xu Chen: “On it!”

Washing, chopping, and cooking, the father-son team worked together for over an hour.

Xu Chen found enjoyment in it and started to get why Old Xu used this as stress relief.

It demanded focus, leaving no room for other thoughts.

Bringing delicious dishes to life step by step was incredibly satisfying.

Twice-cooked pork with Sichuan flavor, sweet and sour ribs, braised shrimp, vinegar-glazed cabbage, three fresh delights…

And a dessert of caramelized sweet potatoes.

Xu Chen was amazed—Old Xu’s cooking skills had really leveled up.

Xu Chen grabbed his chopsticks and couldn’t resist tasting a few pieces before sitting down.

He gave a thumbs-up and praised nonstop.

Old Xu laughed with delight, looking pleased.

They savored the meal until evening, enjoying a rare, quiet father-son moment.

Old Xu had plenty of drinking events lately, so he skipped alcohol today.

Xu Chen brewed a pot of simple green tea and poured half a cup for his father.

“Let’s sit in the yard!”

The moon hung bright, casting a frosty glow.

Two bamboo chairs, a small table, and a pot of tea.