Chapter 302: Whispers of Ambition

Jinfeng Business Tower, East Morning Star Co. office.

Xu Chen ended the call with Coach Cheng Hong, his face clearly troubled.

The first model of Chenfeng Ice Power was about to launch its promotion, but if An Jin Xiong blocked it now, it would be a real headache.

Worse, this issue might drag on endlessly.

Last time in Osaka, he had a brief encounter with An Jin Xiong.

The man had a square face, wore gold-rimmed glasses, and looked kindly, seeming easy to talk to with a good temperament.

But from his past life, Xu Chen knew people like that, especially in official circles—the more polite they appeared, the harder they were to deal with.

Pushing aside his irritation, Xu Chen quietly considered his options.

He couldn’t just give in; otherwise, more problems would follow.

After all, besides Chenfeng Ice Power, there was also Ran Bing Sports to handle.

If An Jin Xiong meddled with Ran Bing Sports too, it could cut off the business line between him and Xie Bingran—something Xu Chen absolutely wouldn’t allow.

His contracts were solid, and Xie Bingran stood firmly with him.

The only hurdle was An Jin Xiong himself…

As Xu Chen pondered, a notification flashed on his computer screen.

It was Sun Aimi, sending over some draft posters for Kunlunshan Mineral Water. These were for the proposal to Nie Fei after the National Day holiday.

[Boss, I’ve revised these drafts. Take a look and see if there’s anything else to fix…]

Xu Chen flipped through them and couldn’t help but admire Sun Aimi’s professional skills once more.

Sun Aimi’s talent in creative design was undeniable.

She was quick on her feet, picking up ideas instantly.

These drafts were fine, just basic concepts for flat posters, not needing fine details yet.

[No issues here, thanks for the hard work, Teacher Aimi.]

[After National Day, we’ll reach out to the client for a conference call.]

[Then we’ll coordinate the shoot for Bing Ge’s material…]

[Got it! I’ll go set up the studio now. We have a sample car to shoot tomorrow.]

…

Looking at these Kunlunshan Mineral Water drafts, Xu Chen recalled a suspicion from a few days ago.

He scrolled through his QQ messages and found the chat history with Chen Xinyi from Jiaduobao’s Marketing Department.

From there, he pulled up a news link.

“Herbal Tea Brand Wang Laoshun Signs Exclusive Promotion Deal with the State Athletics Team…”

The article included a photo of the signing ceremony, featuring An Jin Xiong and Jiaduobao’s boss, Chen Jinru.

Xu Chen had probed Chen Xinyi about this deal—it was directly negotiated by Chen Jinru and An Jin Xiong, wrapped up quickly with terms settled fast.

The process was even smoother than the endorsement contract for Kunlunshan and Xie Bingran.

Xu Chen had suspected then if there was something shady in Chen Jinru and An Jin Xiong’s collaboration.

In his past life, Jiaduobao and Guangzhou Pharmaceutical fought a long battle over the Wang Laoshun trademark.

Eventually, Jiaduobao’s secret bribes to Guangzhou Pharmaceutical’s general manager came to light, leading to Jiaduobao losing the trademark.

The story wasn’t complicated.

The Wang Laoshun trademark always stayed with Guangzhou Pharmaceutical. Jiaduobao got usage rights until 2010 back in the 90s.

Later, they signed an extension agreement, pushing rights beyond 2020.

During that extension, Jiaduobao’s boss made under-the-table deals with Guangzhou Pharmaceutical’s general manager, securing the extension at a rock-bottom price.

In the end, the Wang Laoshun trademark was worth billions, but that extension deal sold it cheap.

It wouldn’t hold up under scrutiny…

People tend to stick to their patterns.

If such shady dealings were Chen Jinru’s usual tactic, Xu Chen had to wonder if their recent collaboration with An Jin Xiong had issues too.

On the surface, it was suspiciously quick and easy…

If problems existed and could be exposed, An Jin Xiong would be finished.

Then, Xu Chen’s current troubles would vanish.

He trusted Coach Cheng Hong.

That trust came from past interactions and Xie Bingran’s faith in her.

Cheng Hong trusted Li Yue, so overall, Xu Chen could believe in Li Yue too.

With An Jin Xiong out, Li Yue would rise, giving Xu Chen some protection.

Of course, he’d need some subtle talks with Director Li Yue.

So, how to verify and expose An Jin Xiong’s issues?

…

Everything connects like dominoes.

Xu Chen wasn’t sure yet if An Jin Xiong and Chen Jinru’s deal was problematic.

But he knew the Wang Laoshun trademark extension was.

Based on his past life’s timeline, that issue would erupt in three to four years.

If he pushed it to blow up early, it would reveal Chen Jinru’s problems.

A little nudge, and the State Athletics Team and Sports Administration would investigate deals involving Chen Jinru and Jiaduobao…

If An Jin Xiong was involved, he’d likely get dragged in.

If An Jin Xiong was guilty, Xu Chen exposing it from the shadows would help the administration clear out corruption.

And conveniently, solve his own problems.

…

After thinking it through, Xu Chen had a rough plan.

First, he needed to confirm An Jin Xiong and Chen Jinru’s deal sideways…

He thought for a moment and messaged Coach Cheng Hong:

[Coach Cheng, I have another question.]

[I have other clients interested in partnering with the State Athletics Team.]

[Since Wang Laoshun’s deal is public, could I ask about the fee scale?]

[It would help as a reference for my clients…]

[I’m not sure, but I’ll check with Director Li Yue and have him contact you directly!]

[Great, thanks Coach Cheng!]

…

Xu Chen got up and stretched, and soon received a call from Director Li Yue.

Li Yue was polite, and they exchanged pleasantries.

“Teacher Xu, do you have more clients to introduce?”

Clearly, he thought Xu Chen was bringing another big sponsor and sounded excited.

Xu Chen: “Our East Morning Star Advertising has two other clients.”

“We discussed projects recently, and they’re interested in the national team, but as small businesses, they’re worried about costs, so they asked me to inquire privately.”

Li Yue chuckled and said:

“Partnerships with the State Athletics Team depend on the term and rights.”

“For a two-year deal, fees start at eight million, varying by rights, up to about sixteen million…”

“Of course, since you’re introducing them, we can discuss specifics.”

Xu Chen pondered and probed:

“That pricey?”

“I heard from Jiaduobao that Wang Laoshun’s deal was quite affordable.”

This was his way of fishing for information, the core of this chat.

Li Yue didn’t hesitate and replied:

“You can’t compare to Wang Laoshun.”

“That was a direct push by Jiaduobao’s Chen and our Director An.”

“Director An set it up as a ‘national brand’ framework, so the fee was under two million.”

“That framework is exclusive, arranged by Director An—other brands can’t get it…”

Xu Chen: “Under two million? That’s a steal…”

“I saw in the news it was a ten-year joint promotion.”

Li Yue: “Exactly, that’s why it’s called a framework deal…”

“Director An really pulled strings to get that approved.”

As he said this, a hint of sarcasm crept into Li Yue’s tone.

Xu Chen suppressed a smile.

Things were becoming clear—this deal was probably dodgy.

A ten-year partnership with the national team for under two million? Purely from a business angle, that was unbelievable.

Based on Li Yue’s earlier figures, eight million for two years meant forty million over ten years, yet they got it for under two million. Unbelievable.

If Xu Chen remembered right, in his past life, for the Wang Laoshun trademark extension, Jiaduobao’s boss slipped a few million Hong Kong dollars to Guangzhou Pharmaceutical’s general manager.

With that small bribe, they secured the extension…

Similar patterns everywhere.

Xu Chen had what he needed, so he said:

“Alright, thanks Director Li.”

“I’ll talk it over with my clients.”

Li Yue: “Sure, Teacher Xu, keep me posted if there’s movement!”

“I really need more projects here!”

…

After hanging up, Xu Chen mulled it over.

Weighing all the evidence, An Jin Xiong and Chen Jinru were likely involved in something shady.

The next step was to expose the Wang Laoshun trademark issue early.

Then, through investigating Chen Jinru, push the Sports Administration to look into An Jin Xiong…

But how to trigger the Wang Laoshun problem? He’d need to think and find leads.

…

…

Later that afternoon, Sun Aimi sent over a few photos.

They showed the setup in the park’s small warehouse studio—lights in place, green screen up, looking quite professional.

Sun Aimi followed with a message:

[Still need two more lights; they’ll arrive tomorrow morning.]

[I just tested it, and it can recreate yesterday’s lighting and vibe for Bing Ge’s shoot.]

[Thanks, Teacher Aimi!]

[I’ve got a dinner tonight; Yue Jie will take you all out to eat!]

[Okay, boss! Yue Jie’s already reached out!]

[Okay!]

…

As evening fell, Li Rui drove Xu Zhiquan to the base of Jinfeng Business Tower.

Xu Chen got the message and headed down to the car.

Tonight’s dinner was hosted by Town Chief Feng Wenjiang.

Just four people: Xu Zhiquan, Feng Wenjiang, Xu Chen, and Feng Qingqing.

Yesterday afternoon, Xu Zhiquan had texted Xu Chen about it.

At first, Xu Chen found it odd, since Feng Wenjiang had once tried to set him up with Feng Qingqing.

But Xu Zhiquan hadn’t explained much, just told him not to overthink and to relax.

…

Xu Chen climbed into the back seat and asked:

“Dad, what’s this dinner about? Why drag me along?”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

“Your Uncle Feng likes you. Can’t he just invite you for a meal?”

Xu Chen: “…”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled again:

“Don’t worry, no hidden agendas.”

“Our town has seen big economic growth this year, and your Uncle Feng’s moving to the district as a deputy—quite the promotion!”

“He wanted to treat me before leaving.”

“Knowing you’re back for National Day, he suggested we all go together…”

“Since you’re around, he invited his daughter too.”

“You’re the same age, so it’ll be casual at the table…”

Xu Chen nodded, surprised that Town Chief Feng had advanced so quickly.

But he soon figured out why…

The town’s economy was tied to the Xu family’s business.

“Chenxin Nurseries” had become the biggest in Tiancheng and surrounding areas, boosting the whole town’s nursery industry.

Meanwhile, through events like Xie Bingran’s celebration, Xu Zhiquan had made sure Feng Wenjiang got visibility in the city…

Feng Wenjiang’s rise from town to district was thanks to Xu Zhiquan, so he was grateful.

Plus, as old friends, a farewell dinner made sense.

Xu Zhiquan added:

“Chenxin Nurseries got a lot of support from Town Chief Feng.”

“Now that he’s in the district, it’ll help our company too.”

“For instance, things at North Mountain Joint Village will stay stable…”

…

Twenty minutes later, the car pulled up at a restaurant in the east of the city.

Xu Zhiquan and Xu Chen walked in to find Feng Wenjiang and Feng Qingqing waiting.

The two men were close friends, so there were no formal greetings—they just threw an arm around each other and headed inside.

Feng Qingqing spotted Xu Chen from afar and smiled awkwardly:

“Xu Chen, long time no see!”

Xu Chen smiled back warmly but kept it proper: “Long time no see!”

They walked in together, and Feng Qingqing said:

“I watched Xie Bingran’s competition on TV…”

“She’s amazing!”

Xu Chen grinned: “It’s all about talent—no way around it!”