Chapter 111: A Timely Gift Before the Pitch

Xu Chen: “Oh? What do you mean by that?”

Xu Zhiquan: “After Fang Jun exposed the factory’s problems, she chose to resign on her own.

If she’d wanted to stay at the Mechanical Factory, no one could have touched her.

Despite its flaws, Bright Machinery Factory wasn’t something just any twenty-five-year-old employee could tear open like that.

Director Yang told me that after Fang Jun quit, two leaders from the factory even went to her parents’ house to apologize.

Though Bright Machinery Factory has been failing for years, it’s still a decades-old state-run enterprise with high-ranking leaders…”

Xu Chen: “…”

That was certainly unexpected.

Xu Zhiquan continued:

“On the surface, her mother is the vice president of the People’s Hospital and her father holds a mid-level position at the Health Bureau. That already looks like a solid background.

But her family roots might be even deeper than they appear…

Only, this young woman always acts like she doesn’t want to rely on her family. When I chatted with her, I sensed that attitude.”

Xu Chen was speechless:

“So many people wish they could lean on family or parents, and they can’t. Every day they lament they weren’t born into a good family.

Someone like Fang Jun should give up her good fortune…”

Xu Zhiquan laughed, took a drag of his cigarette and said:

“They say her grandparent once carried a gun… but the details are unknown.

Tiancheng is a small place, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t big players. Who knows how far her family’s connections reach.

Having someone like her in our company could quietly solve major issues at key moments.”

Xu Zhiquan exhaled a ring of smoke and suddenly sounded contemplative:

“After years of struggling since leaving the village, I’ve built some contacts, but I can’t call it a real backing.

Sometimes you realize that ability and money aren’t as good as having someone powerful behind you…”

He suddenly chuckled:

“I shouldn’t have told you all this!”

Xu Chen poured his father a full cup of tea:

“Why not? You can tell your son anything!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

“Now I tell you everything because I find it’s worth consulting my son on every matter.

After each chat, I always feel enlightened!”

Xu Chen: “Don’t worry, Dad. Whether Fang Jun joins or not, I’m confident I’ll win this pitch in Shanghai.

Though I don’t know why she insists on being part of this project…

But if this pitch affects her joining us, then it’s perfect timing.”

Xu Zhiquan took a drag, looking at his son with pride:

“Hearing that makes me feel reassured!

But your main mission in Shanghai is to enjoy yourself…

Fang Jun may be important, but nothing’s more important than my son having a good time!”

Xu Chen laughed and poured his father another cup of tea.

Xu Zhiquan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray:

“Dad prepared a gift for you!”

He stood up, walked to the boss’s desk behind him, and pulled a black box from the cabinet below.

“I wanted to give it to you when you got into college, but since you’re heading to Shanghai for this pitch, you’ll need it now.”

Xu Chen stood and took the surprisingly heavy black box.

Inside was a Sony VAIO laptop.

Xu Chen glanced at the model and realized it was a brand-new 2006 release, retailing for around ten to twenty thousand yuan.

He felt a wave of emotion.

In his previous life, his father’s company had already gone under by the time he entered college.

My first computer was a bunch of secondhand parts from Computer City that I assembled myself for about eight hundred yuan…

“Thanks, Dad! I really needed a computer.”

Xu Zhiquan let out two hearty laughs:

“I should be the one thanking you!

Our family business now relies on your direction, guidance, and advice!”

Xu Chen had already opened the box and held the thin, lightweight laptop in his hands.

Having a laptop was perfect—he could work on his pitch and finalize documents without hunting down an Internet café…

Xu Zhiquan: “I don’t know much about electronics, but the people at Computer City told me this is the newest, most expensive, and best one!

The moment I heard that, I bought it.

My son should only use the newest, most expensive, best stuff!”

Xu Chen fidgeted with his new laptop, clearly delighted.

He casually said:

“Dad, what do you think of Guo Liang?”

Xu Zhiquan: “He’s a genius. Someone like him could strike out on his own and build a business!”

…

…

Over the next week or two, Xu Chen focused on his studies.

With the college entrance exam approaching, teachers had little new material to cover.

Every day was just practicing problems and going over answers.

The thick book Five Years of College Entrance Exams, Three Years of Simulations was dog-eared from constant use.

Besides daily drills, Xu Chen also drafted two versions of his exam essay on “The Starry Sky.”

He carefully compared them to the grading criteria and past top-scoring essays, feeling confident about both drafts.

He still had time to refine them…

As for the pitch proposal, Xu Chen sketched strategies and ideas in his mind to form a rough draft.

He’d transfer it to the computer before his trip.

…

By late April, Xu Chen finalized his travel schedule with Fuyan Jie’s brand team.

The client’s admin booked his flight and hotel.

He sent the detailed itinerary to his father to reassure him.

His father forwarded the pitch schedule to Fang Jun; they’d meet Xu Chen in Shanghai.

The pitch was set for April 29.

And Xie Bingran’s competition happened to be on May 1.

Xu Chen quietly messaged Teacher Chen Ming, asking for a ticket to her competition.

Teacher Chen Ming, being understanding, replied:

【I won’t tell Xie Bingran for now. Let’s surprise her on the day.】

…

As the business trip neared, Xu Chen felt a bit of pressure.

He reviewed his plans and contacted Guo Liang.

【General Manager Guo, regarding the Fuyan Jie pitch, I want to know which ad agencies are competing. Could you help me find out?】

【That’s easy. Someone in their Marketing Department switched over from my old protégés years ago…

I’ll ask and get back to you, Mr. Xu!】

A day later, Guo Liang replied, sending a list of competing agencies:

Shengshi Great Wall, Meigao Creative, Nanyue Advertising, Black Duke Marketing, East Morning Star Advertising…

Seeing those names, Xu Chen murmured to himself:

“Small world, huh…”