Chapter 188: Strategic Alliances

The City Publicity Department’s scheme report went smoothly, just as Xu Chen had anticipated.

After all, Xu Chen presented an irreplaceable, can’t-refuse proposal this time.

When Teacher Xiao Xu steps in, he always hits the mark.

Secretary Xia Gang specifically requested a copy of Xu Chen’s presentation slides, saying he’d use them at a city meeting next week.

The deputy director of the City TV Station and the deputy editor-in-chief of the City Evening News praised Xu Chen’s plan highly.

In front of Secretary Xia Gang, they promised full cooperation with East Morning Star Advertising’s execution plan.

Xia Gang said seriously:

“The publicity project for Xie Bingran’s National Games participation is crucial for Tiancheng City—I’m sure you all understand that!”

We were stalled before because we couldn’t get a solid, standout plan.

Now with Xu Chen’s proposal, let’s all work together and pull off a stellar operation!”

The heads of various media outlets and the department’s leaders voiced their support.

“Don’t worry, Secretary Xia! Xu Chen’s plan is solid—we’ll give it our all!”

“Our newspaper will dedicate the best pages and reporter team to this!”

“The City TV Station will coordinate everything—we just discussed with Xu Chen sending reporters and cameramen to capture exclusive footage on site!”

…

Director Feng Siliang handled the coordination for the City Publicity Department.

Xu Chen had a private chat with Feng Siliang; he preferred channeling all communications with the TV station and newspapers through him.

Xu Chen’s reason was that he needed to focus on Xie Bingran’s requirements and couldn’t spare the energy.

In truth, he just wanted to avoid the hassle and delegate what he could.

Feng Siliang agreed readily—being involved in this project was a big win for him this year.

“Leave it to me, Teacher Xiao Xu!”

“Treat me like your subordinate; I’ll handle any demands or liaisons for you!”

…

…

The next day, Xu Zhiquan, Fang Jun, and the legal affairs head Si Daqing returned from their business trip in Jiangsu Province.

The electric vehicle production line contract was finally signed successfully…

Xu Zhiquan was thrilled, but still smarting over the hasty launch of ‘Chenfeng Technology’ a few days ago, so he quickly organized a formal, grand unveiling ceremony.

He just loved making things lively…

The next morning, congratulatory flower baskets filled the entrance of the ‘Chenfeng Technology Park’.

They came from Xu Zhiquan’s business partners and friends over the years.

One particularly flashy basket was from Boss Huang Furen.

The earlier incident with Boss Yu had created a huge rift between them—it involved trust and even lives.

Later, when Xu Zhiquan secured Bright Factory and gained more influence in the city, Huang Furen rushed to mend ties with several gestures.

Xu Zhiquan accepted the goodwill but kept a slight distance.

Huang Furen had years of experience and plenty of hidden resources and connections, so Xu Zhiquan didn’t want to burn bridges completely.

Even if he couldn’t fully trust him, he didn’t need another enemy…

Another modest basket caught Xu Chen’s eye because it was signed by ‘Feng Qingqing’.

He quickly figured it out.

This basket was actually from Feng Qingqing’s father, Mayor Feng Wenjiang.

As Xu Zhiquan’s good friend, he had to show support, but as a mayor, he needed to avoid any appearance of favoritism, so he used his daughter’s name.

…

The basket placed front and center by Xu Zhiquan was signed by the ‘Tiancheng City Future Industry Development and Support Work Group’.

This was arranged by Secretary Qu on behalf of Wu Yongming’s backing.

Anyone paying attention knew what this basket signified.

As Xu Zhiquan had said before, with Jin Guiyuan and Boss Yu’s downfalls, Wu Yongming’s rise…

East Morning Star Co. and Chenfeng Technology had now firmly established roots in Tiancheng.

They just needed time to grow and thrive.

…

Red cloth draped over the ‘Chenfeng Technology Park’ facade.

The dozens of workers bustling in the factory area gathered at the main gate to watch.

Amid firecracker blasts, Xu Zhiquan solemnly unveiled the new company sign by pulling the red cloth.

Applause drowned out the explosions.

…

At noon, a simple thank-you banquet was held in the factory cafeteria.

Workers still out on various nursery projects who couldn’t attend would each get a red envelope.

Though the amount was small, it carried a joyful gesture.

As they headed to the cafeteria, Xu Chen said:

“Dad, about that trip to Yangcheng to watch Xie Bingran’s competition as a team-building event…”

Xu Zhiquan laughed: “Right! We need to get admin to book tickets and hotels ASAP!”

He turned to call someone, but Xu Chen added:

“Put the travel expenses on East Morning Star Advertising’s account.”

Xu Zhiquan: “Huh?!”

Xu Chen smiled and briefly explained the City Publicity Department project.

Xu Zhiquan paused, then threw an arm around his son’s shoulder:

“My boy, you’re incredible! Saving me a bundle again!”

Xu Chen: “I’ve already turned Xie Bingran’s victory celebration and thank-you banquet into a project and sold it to the City Publicity Department.

Besides the leaders you’re inviting, City TV Station and several newspapers will send reporters for interviews.

We’ll need to align the interview content!”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled heartily:

“Just point the way, and I’ll follow your lead!”

He suddenly remembered something and asked Xu Chen:

“Picked out a car yet? I’ve got the money set aside for you!”

Xu Chen: “Haven’t had time; besides, it’s not urgent. I’ll get one in Shanghai.”

Xu Zhiquan: “Make sure it’s at least 500,000 yuan!”

“…”

Xu Chen: “President Xu, aren’t you thinking of upgrading your own car first?”

Xu Zhiquan: “Mine can wait—kids come first!”

Xu Chen thought for a moment: “I plan to register East Morning Star Advertising in Shanghai too; I’ve already talked to Teacher Fang Jun about it.

We can put the car under the new company for the Shanghai plates and some tax deductions.”

Xu Zhiquan frowned, considered it, then said:

“No problem.

Chenfeng Technology is a city-priority project, so we can’t move it…”

East Morning Star Advertising is flexible.”

That’s why Chenfeng Technology gets so much city support—it’s a trade-off.

The city sees the future taxes, jobs, and growth it can bring.

Of course, Chenfeng Technology and East Morning Star Co. benefit too, as this level of support is unmatched elsewhere.

Fang Jun walked up, straight-faced: “I think I heard you mention my name.”

“…”

Xu Chen: “We’ve got a new project; I’ll need your help with some finances, Teacher Fang Jun.”

Fang Jun: “What project? How much?”

Xu Chen smiled: “The one taking us to Yangcheng to watch Xie Bingran—budget’s 250,000 yuan.”

Fang Jun paused, his usually expressionless face breaking into a grin: “Teacher Xiao Xu, just say the word.”

…

…

The cafeteria celebration buzzed with energy.

At Xu Zhiquan’s table sat the company’s key staff, including Fang Jun and Yang Congxin, plus heads of legal and admin departments.

Xu Chen sat next to his father and was introduced to the legal and admin managers he hadn’t met closely.

As the boss’s son, he received plenty of compliments and flattery.

Xu Chen took it in stride, even finding it amusing.

Xu Zhiquan, however, basked in the praise, laughing proudly whenever someone complimented his son.

That’s what made Xu Zhiquan endearing—he wasn’t always stiff and shrewd like some bosses.

Around trusted people, he showed a childlike side, which only boosted his popularity among staff.

Xu Chen seized the moment to get acquainted with the admin manager.

Wu Yue, a kind-faced woman in her thirties, said:

“Wu, I have some travel arrangements that need sorting—could you handle that?”

“No problem; I’ll get on it right after lunch!”

…

As the meal wound down, Xu Zhiquan chatted with veteran workers at another table.

He had an evening engagement at Chenxin Nurseries, so he skipped alcohol and stuck to tea, yet his bold spirit shone through…

Xu Chen stood and moved to a table at the back.

There sat Li Rui, Zhao Feng, Fang Tao, Cheng Yong, and the rest of Bing Ge’s crew.

Seeing Xu Chen approach, they jumped up and called out, “Morning Bro!”

Xu Chen grinned and settled casually between Li Rui and Zhao Feng.

He mimicked Xie Bingran’s style, waving an arm, and they all sat down.

Xu Chen glanced at Li Rui and Zhao Feng: “Your Bing Ge’s racing in Yangcheng at month’s end!”

Li Rui: “We saw the news; the brothers are planning to watch the live stream on a big TV!”

Zhao Feng laughed: “Right here in the factory!

Security has a large meeting room; I’ll bring in a big screen!”

Xu Chen: “Watching on TV’s boring—I’m taking you all to Yangcheng!”

Zhao Feng blinked: “Wait, what?!”

Li Rui took a drag of his cigarette: “Morning Bro… is that for real?”

The others stared at Xu Chen, a mix of nerves and excitement on their faces.

Xu Chen: “You guys are what, over twenty strong?

We’ll have to take the train and squeeze for beds…

Plus, there’s some publicity work involved, so keep things low-key—don’t look so intimidating.”

Of course, the ‘over twenty’ included some old brothers not yet with East Morning Star.

Zhao Feng squinted, confused: “Huh?!”

Li Rui eyed Zhao Feng: “Morning Bro means we should ease up, smile more.”

He forced a stiff grin that made him look even shadier.

Xu Chen: “…”

Zhao Feng copied it, his smile even worse.

Xu Chen: “…”

Li Rui glanced at the group: “Don’t just sit there—thank Morning Bro!”

Everyone: “Thanks, Morning Bro!”

…

…

With a budget of only 250,000 yuan, not all could go to travel; Xu Chen needed to save for some online media promotions.

He also invited Teacher Chen Ming and Teacher Tian Fangfang.

They were thrilled and quickly requested leave from school.

Hearing it was for Xie Bingran’s event under the City Publicity Department, the school approved it easily.

Of course, they assigned a task: see if First High School could get mentioned in the promotions.

Xu Chen agreed: “Easy; I’ll arrange an interview spot for you two with City TV reporters.”

He thought it over and had Teacher Chen Ming invite Principal Huang Hua too.

As a sports figure in Tiancheng with connections to the national team, he was key in Xie Bingran’s network.

Xu Chen knew Bing Ge wasn’t great with formalities, so he handled it.

Principal Huang Hua responded that day; due to his health, he couldn’t travel, but he sent an old notebook from his Asian Games days with encouraging words for Xie Bingran via Chen Ming.

…

…

For the Fuyan Jie ad shoot, Li Fengfeng submitted several detailed plans as per Xu Chen’s requests, covering shots, makeup, costumes, sets, and visuals…

Xu Chen, with a touch of mischief toward Li Fengfeng, sent back a pile of revisions.

Li Fengfeng went silent in the group for a while before replying: “Thanks for the feedback, Xu Chen; we’ll adjust and resubmit for your review!”

Xu Chen couldn’t help but chuckle.

He knew Li Fengfeng well from their past life and figured he was fuming inside…

Those revisions seemed professional to the Renhe Pharmaceuticals client but were nitpicky from an ad perspective, especially with the shoot date looming.

Li Fengfeng would likely pull all-nighters to fix it.

In this life, without even meeting Xu Chen, he was already getting payback, which amused Xu Chen greatly.

In their previous life, Xu Chen had endured Li Fengfeng’s pressures countless times; now, with roles reversed, he enjoyed every moment.