Chapter 230: A Champion’s Warm Welcome

They held each other close for a moment, Xie Bingran looking like a wronged little girl.

Xu Chen found it hilarious—here was the fierce, dominant Bing Ge, now so clingy.

Xu Chen gently took Xie Bingran’s hand and comforted her, saying:

“In just a month, university starts, and we’ll see each other in Shanghai.”

“Mm,” she replied, sounding reluctant.

Then she remembered something else:

“I asked Coach Cheng, and the Osaka competition is in mid-September. He wants me back for training…”

Xu Chen thought for a second. “Then I need to get my passport and visa sorted out fast.”

Xie Bingran smiled with delight, then wrapped her arms around him again, full of longing.

After they lingered in each other’s arms for a while, Xu Chen spoke up:

“We haven’t had lunch yet. Are you hungry?”

Xie Bingran: “I’m not hungry, and eating would just waste time.”

Waste time? Of course, she meant time they could spend holding each other.

Xu Chen felt a bit speechless, then said after a moment:

“How about you have some fruit? I’ll keep you company.”

So they moved to the spacious sofa, still wrapped up in each other.

Xu Chen brought over the fruit plate and popped a big grape into Xie Bingran’s mouth.

Her soft, plump lips moved gently, stirring Xu Chen’s urge to kiss her.

Hmm…

At this age, full of energy, it was a real test of self-control.

Yet Bing Ge was innocently naive about such things, just following her instincts and affection, wanting to stay close to Xu Chen.

The night before on the old village house roof under the moonlight, they had finally opened their hearts, and Xie Bingran confirmed Xu Chen’s feelings.

All through that night while Xu Chen slept with his eyes closed, Xie Bingran stole glances at him by the moonlight.

…

Xu Chen kept staring at those soft lips, silently making up his mind.

I’ll find the right moment, when we have plenty of time, and kiss you until you’re breathless…

Xie Bingran had no idea what Xu Chen was plotting; she just thought his gaze looked dreamy and odd.

She picked a nice grape and slipped it into Xu Chen’s mouth.

“It’s so sweet.”

Xu Chen chewed it while saying it with emphasis.

Xie Bingran seemed to think about their upcoming separation that evening, her expression turning resentful like a young girl as she snuggled back into his arms.

Xu Chen felt both helpless and joyful.

Here we go again, testing my self-control…

He gently held Xie Bingran, one hand resting on her waist.

Suddenly, an wicked impulse surged, and his hand shifted without thinking.

Maybe it was because Fang Jun was outside, reminding him of that night on the Pearl River boat when Fang Jun had a few too many drinks and slurred about ‘peeking.’

Fang Jun had described it all and ended with, “Athletes are really something else…”

Now, Xu Chen couldn’t help but think the same:

Athletes feel amazing to hold…

Xie Bingran had no clue about the naughty thoughts making Xu Chen happy; she leaned on his shoulder, lost in the joy of regaining what she’d lost and getting her wish.

The Xu Chen she’d let slip away was hers again.

It felt perfect…

This happiness outshone any championship win.

“Xu Chen, I really like you…” she whispered softly.

Xu Chen squeezed with his left hand and pinched with his right:

“I really like you too.”

Xie Bingran closed her eyes, her breath filled with the familiar, comforting scent she loved:

“I only like you.”

…

…

Time slipped by, and finally, a knock came at the door.

Then Fang Jun’s voice followed:

“You two, it’s time to head out.”

“Coming!” Xu Chen called back.

Xie Bingran pulled away reluctantly but obeyed, still wearing a resentful look.

Xu Chen smiled and gently pinched her cheek.

…

The event was at a modest, straightforward conference hotel near the City Government Offices.

On the way, Xu Chen drove and called his father Xu Zhiquan ahead of time.

Xu Zhiquan sounded cheerful on the phone:

[I’m still in the city center, waiting to come with the leaders.

I’ve set up Ranran’s friends in the first-floor main dining room. There’s plenty of time, so go there and hang out first!]

After hanging up, Xu Chen explained to Xie Bingran:

“Besides Li Rui and Zhao Feng’s group, I’ve invited a few of your middle school buddies.

The main hall has limits on numbers for the officials, so your friends are in a separate dining room.”

Xie Bingran nodded and said seriously:

“Please thank Uncle Xu for me.

And thank you too…”

Xie Bingran knew this was all Xu Chen’s doing.

He’d already arranged for the high school crowd like Li Rui and Zhao Feng.

But her middle school friends were ones Xu Chen barely knew.

A few months back on the old middle school’s athletic field, Xu Chen had met them once, so he remembered a few.

He tracked down a guy named Li Qiang and rallied the group, who came from all directions today.

…

They parked at the hotel lot, and Xu Chen, Xie Bingran, and Fang Jun got out.

In the lobby, signs pointed the way:

“Guests for the ‘National Champion Xie Bingran – Tiancheng Homecoming Celebration’ please go to the second-floor ‘Thick Virtue Hall.'”

Li Rui approached, cigarette in mouth.

“Bing Ge, Xu Chen, Fang Teacher…”

He greeted them and grinned:

“Bing Ge, the crew’s in the dining room!”

Xu Chen said to Xie Bingran:

“Go ahead, there’s still time.

I’ll find Director Feng first and come get you later!”

Xie Bingran nodded and followed Li Rui to the dining room.

Xu Chen and Fang Jun headed to the elevator.

While waiting, they heard chants of “Bing Ge” from the dining room…

Xu Chen chuckled.

He thought those guys had no idea their tough Bing Ge turned into a clingy, pitiful girl around him.

But that was fine.

The sweet, puppy-like Xie Bingran was his alone to see.

…

Up on the second floor, Xu Chen and Fang Jun went straight to the Thick Virtue Hall.

Inside, a huge LED screen displayed: “National Champion Xie Bingran Tiancheng Homecoming Celebration.”

Hotel staff bustled around, with a few directing things.

Besides the company’s admin head Wu Yue, there was Director Feng Siliang and other City Publicity Department colleagues.

Two cameras were set up—clearly from the City TV Station.

Feng Siliang and Wu Yue spotted Xu Chen and smiled as they walked over.

Director Feng greeted them warmly, being especially polite to Fang Jun.

“There you are—just in time to check everything over!” Feng Siliang said to Xu Chen with a laugh.

“No need for me to check; with you in charge, Director Feng, it’s bound to be perfect.” Xu Chen threw in some smooth words, making Feng Siliang laugh heartily.

“Where’s our champion?” Feng Siliang looked around.

Xu Chen: “She’s downstairs; I’ll get her later.”

Seeing Feng Siliang’s puzzled look, Wu Yue explained:

“President Xu set up a few tables in the first-floor dining room for Xie Bingran’s classmates and friends…”

Feng Siliang nodded: “President Xu is so thoughtful!”

He glanced at his watch. “No rush; we can wait until the leaders arrive to bring her up!”

Feng Siliang pulled Xu Chen along to inspect the setup.

Around back, Xu Chen saw that the thoughtful director had even arranged a simple interview room with an official-looking backdrop.

A few reporters and editors from city media were already there; Feng Siliang introduced Xu Chen to each one.

These media folks, even in a small place like Tiancheng, were sharp graduates from top universities.

They knew Xu Chen was the brains behind this event and had even gotten his feedback on some articles and interview outlines.

Meeting him in person, they were surprised at how young he looked, sparking curiosity and wonder.

Xu Chen, with years of work experience from his past life, carried himself with confidence—his words and demeanor quickly won them over in conversation.

Plus, as the son of the Chenfeng Technology boss, he made these proud but underpaid journalists a bit cautious.

After all, he was a local big boss’s kid, which naturally carried some weight.

…

Around 3:30, Secretary Xia Gang from the Publicity Department and Director Gao Guangya from the Sports Bureau arrived early.

Feng Siliang hurried to greet them, a touch flustered.

Xu Chen already knew the leaders and greeted them politely, without overdoing it.

“I’ll go get Xie Bingran; she’s here now,” Xu Chen said with a smile.

Xia Gang said kindly, “No hurry; she’s the star today—we should wait for her!”

Even so, keeping leaders waiting wasn’t right, so Xu Chen and Feng Siliang quickly headed downstairs.

In the first-floor dining room, Feng Siliang waited at the door.

Xu Chen went inside.

As Feng Siliang checked his phone, he heard chants of “Xu Chen” from inside.

He’d heard about Bing Ge’s past and still found it unbelievable.

Soon, Xu Chen led Xie Bingran out.

Xie Bingran had met Feng Siliang in Yangcheng and greeted him politely.

Feng Siliang smiled: “The leaders are here; I’ll take you to meet them first.”

The three hurried to the elevator.

Feng Siliang stood in front, with Xu Chen and Xie Bingran behind. It was just one floor, so the doors closed and opened in a flash.

In that brief moment, Xu Chen and Xie Bingran sneaked a quick hand-hold and shared a quiet smile.

At the door, Xu Chen said:

“Director Feng, she’s all yours.”

Feng Siliang chuckled.

Xu Chen turned to Xie Bingran:

“Just follow Director Feng; he’ll introduce you to the leaders.

Stick to his plan for the stage and everything else…”

Xie Bingran didn’t say much, just nodded obediently.

…

On the table by the door, there were fruit plates and cookies.

Xu Chen grabbed a couple of cookies and munched on them with a crunch.

Fang Jun came over and picked one up too.

In the hall, Feng Siliang was introducing Xie Bingran to Secretary Xia Gang and Director Gao Guangya.

Two reporters snapped photos with their cameras.

“Why aren’t you joining?” Fang Jun asked.

Xu Chen: “Bing Ge’s the main act; everyone’s here for her.

This is the Publicity Department’s show, with Feng Siliang running it—I don’t want to steal his spotlight by butting in…

Mostly, though, I’m just socially awkward.

I don’t like or do well with dealing with officials.”

Fang Jun gave Xu Chen a blank look:

“You’re socially awkward? Doesn’t show.

And you handle people fine, officials or not…”

She grabbed another cookie and popped it in her mouth:

“I’m the real socially awkward one, so I’ll stick with you. I hate talking to officials too.”

…

“Xu Chen!”

“Fang Jun!”

A bright voice came from behind—it was Wu Feifei and Huang Qianqian.

Surprisingly, they’d actually shown up.

Xu Chen picked up the cookie plate and offered it to them.

Wu Feifei and Huang Qianqian each took one, looking pleased.

“Where’s Bing Ge?” Wu Feifei asked.

Xu Chen glanced at the hall: “Chatting with the leaders!”

Huang Qianqian: “We want a group photo with her later!”

Xu Chen: “Didn’t we take plenty in Yangcheng?”

Wu Feifei: “That’s different, and today’s got pro photographers!”

Xu Chen: “What about your dad?”

Wu Feifei: “He’s with your dad; they’ll be here later.”

Xu Chen nodded: “Figures for a leader.”

Feng Siliang came out smiling, clearly to welcome ‘Miss Wu.’

Xu Chen looked back; Xie Bingran was at the main table, a bit stiff as she sat with the two leaders.

In the gap while Feng Siliang greeted Wu Feifei, Xu Chen texted Xie Bingran:

[Hang in there]

[Okay…]

…

Feng Siliang seated Wu Feifei and Huang Qianqian at a side table, and Xu Chen and Fang Jun joined them.

Wu Feifei and Huang Qianqian set down their bags and dashed over to say hi to Bing Ge.

They’d hung out with Xie Bingran for a couple of days in Yangcheng, so they were pretty familiar, and Bing Ge seemed more relaxed around them.

Secretary Xia Gang and Director Gao Guangya were surprised to see Wu Feifei; they hadn’t expected the leader’s daughter to be so close to Xie Bingran.

…

A few teachers from First High School arrived, including Chen Ming, Tian Fangfang, the old principal Huang Hua, and the current Principal Yang.

Huang Hua, still influential in the provincial sports world, had the Sports Bureau director treating him with great respect.

The old principal beamed, clearly fond of Xie Bingran, as he held her arm and chatted warmly.

…

After a short wait, more than a dozen leaders and key figures showed up—one after another, some from the city, others from the province, though Xu Chen didn’t know them all.

Leader Wu Yongming arrived, with Xu Zhiquan by his side.

Xu Zhiquan wore a fresh suit, his hair slicked back neatly.

Today was a big deal for East Morning Star Co. and Chenfeng Technology.

Ever since Chenfeng Technology took over Bright Factory and started the electric vehicle plant, Xu Zhiquan had wanted to thank the city’s support, especially from leaders like Wu Yongming.

But he hadn’t found the right public opportunity—until now, with Xie Bingran’s celebration fitting perfectly.

Chenfeng Technology signed her as a spokesperson, so they could host the event.

Officially, it was organized by the City Publicity Department and Sports Bureau, letting leaders attend openly.

And Xu Chen had bundled it with the earlier ‘Tiancheng friends group’ into the department’s promo project.

It was all above board.

A clever move that achieved multiple goals at once.

So ‘Chairman Xu’ got his chance to connect with the leaders.

It could clear away future obstacles for Chenfeng Technology.

Beyond that, the event sent messages to partners; photos of Xu Zhiquan with the leaders would hit the city’s main media.

The leaders entered the hall, and applause erupted.

Feng Siliang led Xie Bingran around, introducing her to everyone.

Tiancheng’s pride, national champion Xie Bingran, was surrounded by figures and leaders offering congratulations and encouragement.

Xu Chen sat at his corner table, munching a cookie, genuinely happy for that silly girl.

Xu Zhiquan smiled and came over, giving his son’s shoulder a firm squeeze.

…