Chapter 300: Under the City Lights

Afternoon 4 PM, downstairs at the hotel.

The black Nissan Teana sat in the ground-level parking lot, with Xu Chen alone in the car, waiting.

He had already said goodbye to his good buddy Chen Dahai, who needed to head back to Tiancheng that night.

Coach Fang Jun had gone off to meet some friends in the Provincial Capital and left in his own car.

Xu Chen was here, naturally, waiting for Xie Bingran to return.

Earlier at Sports University, there was a closed media event, so Xu Chen drove back to the hotel first to meet up with Bing Ge later.

Since they’d be heading straight to the studio and likely skip dinner, Xu Chen had bought some bananas and oranges, now sitting on the passenger seat.

……

Ten minutes later, a minibus pulled into the parking lot.

Xu Chen spotted the Provincial Sports Bureau sticker on the front windshield and knew Xie Bingran was back.

The minibus stopped in front of the hotel, and people stepped out one by one.

In the group, Xu Chen saw Chen Ming, Tian Fangfang, and Xie Bingran’s assistant coach from the National Team, Liu Shengnan……

At the back of the line was Bing Ge, with a brown leather shoulder bag slung over one shoulder.

Everyone headed into the hotel lobby.

Xu Chen didn’t rush out; he waited in the car for a bit.

A few minutes later, Xie Bingran came out alone, backpack on, and stood at the door, looking around.

Her cool expression was natural, but she pressed her lips together, showing a hint of urgency.

Xu Chen watched from afar for a moment before grabbing the fruit and stepping out of the car.

Spotting him, Xie Bingran’s face lit up with a joyful smile, and she hurried over.

“Hungry? I bought some fruit.”

Xie Bingran: “Oh.”

Xu Chen: “Have a bite before we go. It’ll be a long haul ahead.”

Xie Bingran: “Oh.”

Xu Chen: “Want to go to my room?”

Xie Bingran: “Let’s go to mine. You said the shoot can’t have me in the National Team uniform, right?”

“I need to change.”

Seeing no one around, Xu Chen gently squeezed Xie Bingran’s soft hand.

……

The two quickly entered the elevator and rode up to the 7th floor.

Xie Bingran swiped her card and went in, with Xu Chen following.

The moment the door closed, Xu Chen pulled her into his arms.

“You looked amazing up on that stage!”

“Oh.”

“There were so many girls in the audience saying how handsome you are.”

“Oh.”

“Later… could I help you change?”

“……”

Xie Bingran shot him a playful glare and pushed him away.

Xu Chen wouldn’t let go and pulled her back into his embrace.

She struggled a little but then held him tight.

Resting her head on Xu Chen’s shoulder, she nuzzled her nose close to his neck and sniffed:

“You smell so good…”

Xu Chen pressed his cheek against hers, gently rubbing:

“You smell even better.”

……

They held each other for a few minutes before reluctantly pulling apart.

Xu Chen peeled a couple of oranges and shared them with Xie Bingran.

Bing Ge opened her suitcase:

“What should I wear?”

The National Team uniform was off-limits, or Director Li Yue and Director An Jin Xiong would cause trouble.

Xu Chen thought for a second and pointed to a light-colored tracksuit with no patterns.

“That one will do.”

The outfit was from a domestic sports brand; later, Sun Aimi would need to remove the logo.

Plus, they could add some ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ design elements for Sun Aimi to blend in easily.

Xie Bingran held the clothes in her hands.

She hesitated briefly before turning to change in the bathroom.

In no time, she stepped out in the light tracksuit.

Xu Chen looked her over, his eyes lingering.

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?” Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes.

Without a word, Xu Chen stood up and wrapped her in his arms again, full of longing.

“No problem. You’re just too stunning.”

Xie Bingran nestled against him, a shy smile crossing her face.

Maybe from the oranges, her lips looked extra soft and plump, glistening invitingly.

Sensing the desire in Xu Chen’s eyes, she bit her lip and glanced away.

Xu Chen chuckled and leaned in to kiss her forehead gently.

Xie Bingran tensed up for a second, then buried herself deeper in his arms, holding him tight.

……

……

Twenty minutes later, downstairs at Tan Changqiao Photography Studio.

Xu Chen parked the car and led Xie Bingran inside.

The studio looked like an old factory conversion—probably a cotton mill from last century.

They climbed the iron stairs to the second floor, entering the spacious studio.

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi were there to greet them, calling out, “Boss.”

It was their first time meeting Xie Bingran, and they weren’t sure how to address her.

Her cool and striking appearance made the two young women feel a bit awkward.

The day before in Tiancheng, Wu Yue had mentioned Bing Ge over lunch.

Of course, Wu Yue hadn’t experienced Bing Ge’s past but had heard bits from Li Rui and Zhao Feng.

Now, seeing her tall and imposing presence, Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi sensed a real “boss” vibe.

And she was undeniably gorgeous……

Xu Chen smiled and introduced her:

“This is Xie Bingran. You can just call her Bing Ge.”

The two young women smiled and quickly said, “Bing Ge.”

Xu Chen introduced them in turn:

“These two are new colleagues from East Morning Star Advertising, here to help with your shoot.

This is Sun Aimi, and this is Gu Xinxi.”

Knowing they were with Xu Chen, Xie Bingran nodded politely with a smile.

As they talked, photographer Tan Changqiao and his two assistants approached.

“Mr. Xu…”

Xu Chen smiled and introduced Xie Bingran to Tan Changqiao.

Tan Changqiao already knew her well; news about her had flooded TV, newspapers, and radio in Shandong Province lately.

After greetings, Tan Changqiao said:

“We have a makeup artist here…”

He looked at Xie Bingran’s face and added:

“But I wouldn’t recommend much makeup. Just tidy the hair a bit…”

“And touch up the right eyebrow slightly.”

Xu Chen nodded: “That’s the idea. Bing Ge’s an athlete, so keep it natural.”

Tan Changqiao studied her more:

“Natural is perfect. Already so beautiful.

Bing Ge’s facial structure will photograph amazingly…”

……

Inside the studio, the green screen and lights were all set up.

Sun Aimi had detailed notes on lighting positions and settings, since they’d need similar setups back for the Chenfeng Ice Power vehicle shots.

In the center of the space, apple boxes were stacked and covered with green fabric to mimic the car’s position.

Xie Bingran got a quick touch-up and emerged from the dressing room.

Sun Aimi led her to the computer, where she and Tan Changqiao showed Bing Ge some pose references.

……

The shoot went smoother than expected.

They’d worried Bing Ge might be stiff, but the poses were straightforward and easy.

No need for forced expressions; her cool demeanor fit the Chenfeng Ice Power concept perfectly.

Xu Chen sat by the monitor, flipping through the fresh shots on screen.

Nearby, Gu Xinxi sipped her milk tea and couldn’t help saying:

“Bing Ge has such long legs!”

……

Tan Changqiao was thorough, snapping at least a dozen shots per pose.

By the time they wrapped up, it was past 9 PM.

Xu Chen browsed the hundred-plus photos on the computer and gave Tan Changqiao an OK sign.

Xie Bingran had an early morning training session back in Shanghai, so Xu Chen didn’t want to keep her out late.

Sun Aimi handed Xie Bingran a bottle of mineral water.

Tan Changqiao stepped over to the computer:

“Mr. Xu, want to select the shots tonight?”

There were over a hundred raw images; they’d need to pick about ten for fine editing.

Xu Chen: “It’s too late. I’ll come with Sun Aimi in the morning to choose.”

Tan Changqiao nodded: “Alright. How about a group photo before you go?”

Xu Chen grinned: “Sure!”

……

One of Tan Changqiao’s assistants took the camera, and Xu Chen, Sun Aimi, and Gu Xinxi posed.

Bing Ge stood in the middle.

With a click, they snapped a few group shots.

As everyone started to disperse, Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi thanked Tan Changqiao.

Xu Chen glanced at Xie Bingran and noticed her biting her lip with a strange expression.

He chuckled and patted Tan Changqiao’s shoulder:

“Tan, could you take one just of me and Bing Ge?”

Tan Changqiao paused, then smiled: “No problem!”

He took the camera from his assistant.

Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi stepped out of the frame, knowing the drill.

Xu Chen turned to Xie Bingran:

“What pose do you want?”

Xie Bingran: “Just standing is fine.”

Xu Chen: “……”

Tan Changqiao lined up the shot.

But they were just standing side by side, a picture of cool detachment.

Click, click—he took a few.

Thinking it was over, Xie Bingran started to move, but Xu Chen suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

Caught off guard, she fell into his arms, looking a bit flustered.

Tan Changqiao captured the moment with rapid clicks.

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi exchanged glances, smiling but pretending not to notice.

Xie Bingran recovered and shot Xu Chen a icy stare.

Xu Chen burst out laughing.

He went over to Tan Changqiao and said:

“Send me and Bing Ge’s photos to my phone, and make sure nothing stays on your end.”

Tan Changqiao hesitated, then nodded: “I’ll transfer them to you right now, Mr. Xu.”

After all, Xie Bingran was rising as a sports star; those private shots couldn’t leak.

It was all about protecting her.

……

Once Tan Changqiao sent the photos and confirmed everything was deleted from his devices, Xu Chen was satisfied and left.

He thanked Tan Changqiao again before heading out of the studio.

The Creative Park was deserted under the night sky.

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi walked ahead, in high spirits after a full day.

Xu Chen and Xie Bingran followed, sneaking a hand-hold.

“Hungry?” Xu Chen asked.

“A little.”

“Coach Fang Jun found a spot for dinner.”

“Sounds good…”

……

……

Twenty minutes later, they drove back to the downtown area.

Following Fang Jun’s directions, they arrived at an ancient-style courtyard.

Gu Xinxi peered out the window:

“Is this a restaurant? It looks like some old historical site.”

Sun Aimi was surprised too, expecting a lively night market spot.

Xu Chen gripped the wheel and smiled:

“Fang Jun picks places that are truly special. Most people wouldn’t even know about them.”

Security at the gate stopped them, but Xu Chen showed the reservation info Fang Jun sent, and they were let in.

Ancient trees lined both sides, looking decades old.

Driving further, they reached the brightly lit entrance of the “manor,” feeling like stepping into a Ming or Qing dynasty estate.

They parked, and as they got out, Fang Jun appeared:

“Thought you might get lost!”

Xu Chen: “This fancy hidden gem is tough to find!”

Fang Jun led them inside the manor.

It didn’t feel like a restaurant at all—more like an old family compound with winding paths, ponds, and landscaped gardens.

Each elegant building served as a private room.

The setup was incredibly private.

After navigating the twists, they entered a large room with massive lanterns hanging outside.

Inside, it was tastefully sophisticated, blending modern touches with classic design—not overly flashy, but refined.

……

The table was a spacious square one, not the usual round banquet style.

Once seated, Gu Xinxi said:

“This is next-level!”

Sun Aimi looked at Fang Jun hesitantly: “Fang, can I take some photos?”

Fang Jun: “Go ahead.”

Sun Aimi beamed and started snapping pictures while admiring the room.

Fang Jun turned to Xie Bingran: “I ordered fish and seafood for you, Bing Ge—no beef or lamb. And the ingredients here are safe.”

Xie Bingran didn’t reply but smiled at him.

Fang Jun gestured, and a server quickly brought a bottle of Guojiao.

Seeing Fang Jun’s setup, Xu Chen felt a twinge of apprehension.

Fang Jun said flatly: “Don’t worry, I arranged a driver.”

Xu Chen: “……”

……

……

An hour later, things had spiraled out of control.

Fang Jun had an arm around Gu Xinxi and the other around Sun Aimi, mumbling incoherently.

The two young women had a few drinks too and were flushed, eyes glazed.

Xu Chen was out cold, his head on Xie Bingran’s lap, snoring away.

Xie Bingran stroked his warm cheek, lost in thought.

Fang Jun grinned slyly and slurred to Xie Bingran: “I got him drunk. He’s all yours tonight.”

Xie Bingran blinked, confused.

Xu Chen, even in his stupor, reached up and hugged her waist tight.

……

……

Half an hour later, the drivers dropped them back at the hotel.

Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi, still somewhat alert, helped Fang Jun upstairs.

Xie Bingran supported Xu Chen out of the car.

The cool air seemed to wake him a bit, but he felt like a helpless chick in Bing Ge’s grip.

……

……

In the hotel room, Xie Bingran carefully laid the drunken Xu Chen on the bed and removed his shoes.

She hesitated, then took off his dirty T-shirt.

Glancing at his pants, she bit her lip, feeling it was too much.

In his haze, Xu Chen beckoned her: “I want a hug…”

She paused, then snuggled into his arms.

Xu Chen nuzzled her hair and face, satisfied, and drifted off again.

Xie Bingran nestled against him, tilting her head to gaze at his handsome face…

Unable to resist, she lightly kissed his lips.

Like a guilty child, she quickly ducked her head and buried herself deeper in his embrace.

……