Chapter 318: Office Intrigues and Deals

On Friday morning, with no classes, Xu Chen went for a run and caught a refreshing nap before wandering into the office.

Sun Aimi was in a phone meeting, and Xu Chen overheard it was about Jeep’s ad campaign as she confirmed the storyboard with the director team.

Xu Chen skipped the minor details and headed to his own office.

He flipped through his email and found the latest project update from Jeep’s brand manager Yan Chuan.

This week had two key milestones.

First, Xie Bingran’s contract was signed and now they were finalizing her shooting schedule with the national team.

Second, East Morning Star Advertising and the director team had connected, pushing forward the storyboard and preparations for Xie Bingran’s ad shoot.

Endorser Wang Shi had signed on earlier, and his schedule was more flexible, so they’d film him after Xie Bingran, tentatively in mid-November.

…

The service contract between East Morning Star Advertising and Jeep was also signed, handled by Coach Fang Jun.

Payments would come in three installments, with the first due in two weeks.

Xu Chen didn’t need to worry about these; Fang Jun would keep an eye on them.

…

Once the call ended, Sun Aimi returned to her desk and dove into her computer work.

Xu Chen brought over a fruit platter and set it on Aimi’s desk.

“You’ve worked hard, Aimi!”

Sun Aimi jumped, surprised; she hadn’t noticed Xu Chen arrive during her meeting.

“Thanks, boss!”

Xu Chen: “How’s the storyboard discussion going?”

Sun Aimi: “It’s going smoothly, boss. Want me to show you?”

She opened the storyboard document on her computer.

This script mainly came from the director team, with BBDO and Sun Aimi providing support and guidance.

The overall theme and framework stayed exactly as Xu Chen had proposed last time, without a single change.

After all, the brand owner Big Boss Pang Ming had fully endorsed it, so neither BBDO nor the directors dared alter it.

The directors’ job was to match Xu Chen’s framework with fitting shots and visuals.

That meant selecting locations, setting scenes, breaking down shots, and weaving the visual language.

Xu Chen pulled up a chair and sat next to Sun Aimi, carefully reviewing it.

Xie Bingran’s schedule was tight, just one full day from dawn to dusk, so choosing filming spots was a challenge.

They needed to cover multiple scenes while keeping everything nearby to avoid wasting time on travel.

The director team’s plan followed Xu Chen’s earlier suggestions, scouting around Dunhuang in Western Xinjiang.

They picked three main outdoor locations.

First, around Dunhuang city for desert scenes, including sand racing and camping shots.

They’d originally considered Crescent Moon Spring but dropped it due to high costs and logistical issues.

Second, Yadan Devil City, a remnant of ancient Lop Nur with an otherworldly, desolate beauty, often called the ‘Mars Base’.

Third, the Gobi Desert beyond Jade Gate Pass and nearby Shule River…

All three spots clustered around Dunhuang, each within an hour’s drive, making it tough but doable in one day.

A few indoor shots would show Xie Bingran pretending to drive.

Those were set for Shanghai, along with still photos, all wrapped up in half a day.

…

The storyboard looked solid overall, with minor flaws that didn’t matter much, so Xu Chen skipped detailed feedback.

He left it all to Sun Aimi to handle.

Sun Aimi was clearly excited about joining the shoot in Western Xinjiang.

This southern girl had only been to Tiancheng during the National Day holiday, and Western Xinjiang was a first for her, so she was thrilled.

Xu Chen was happy too about heading to the northwest with Xie Bingran for the shoot.

Filming was tough work, but there’d be breaks to have fun with Bing Ge.

They could explore the vast landscapes beyond Jade Gate Pass and hit the roads for some adventure.

“Little Rich Girl” trained hard daily at Xin Zhuang Base in a strict, monotonous routine.

This northwest trip would be a nice getaway for Bing Ge.

Xu Chen recalled his past travels in the northwest and smiled as he reminded her:

“Temperatures drop by late month in Western Xinjiang, especially at night, so pack extra layers.”

“It’s dry there, so stock up on moisturizers and sunscreen.”

Sun Aimi smiled sweetly: “Got it!”

…

As Xu Chen prepared to head back to school, his phone buzzed with a message from Coach Cheng Hong.

[Call me when you’re free.]

Xu Chen frowned, curious, and stepped into his office.

He closed the door and dialed Cheng Hong.

After a moment, Coach Cheng Hong answered.

“Listen…”

An Jin Xiong’s been suspended; details are unclear.

Director Li Yue has taken over his role; everything’s shifted there.

I’m in the capital for meetings and just ran into Li Yue; he mentioned it.

He’s been in back-to-back sessions and asked me to pass this to you…”

Xu Chen chuckled, surprised at the speed.

“Thanks for the heads-up, Coach Cheng!”

Cheng Hong: “This works out; your Chenfeng Technology and Ran Bing Sports endorsements should be smooth now.”

Li Yue won’t block you…”

“And it’s not just An Jin Xiong; his superior got suspended too.”

“I saw Li Yue at lunch, and he looked triumphant.”

Xu Chen feigned ignorance and said excitedly:

“That’s great! We can push ahead with Bing Ge’s materials for Chenfeng Electric Vehicles promotions!”

Cheng Hong: “Also, Xie Bingran’s schedule for late month is set.”

We’ve cleared three days for your Kunlunshan Mineral Water and Jeep off-road projects.”

“Since you’re handling it, make sure to look after Bing Ge—no scrapes or bruises; she’s the national team’s treasure.”

Xu Chen: “Don’t worry, Coach; I’ll bring her back safe and sound!”

Cheng Hong: “The team will send an assistant coach to help watch over her.”

“They’re still sorting that out, but I wanted to let you know.”

Xu Chen: “No problem!”

…

Hanging up, Xu Chen let out a long sigh of relief.

That settled An Jin Xiong’s issue completely.

Chenfeng Technology and Ran Bing Sports could now move forward with Xie Bingran’s endorsements without obstacles.

He stepped out and told Sun Aimi:

“Hey, stock up on more moisturizers and sunscreen; I’ll cover the costs.”

Sun Aimi adjusted her round glasses:

“Sure… Is this for you? Should I get men’s versions?”

Xu Chen: “No, for Bing Ge…”

She probably won’t think of these little things.”

Sun Aimi: “Okay, I’ll pick some up this weekend!”

Xu Chen: “Gu Xinxi starts next Wednesday; brief her on the trip too.”

“Divide the work with BBDO and the directors—you handle the pro stuff.”

“Pass the admin tasks to Gu Xinxi gradually.”

Sun Aimi: “Got it!”

Xu Chen grabbed his bag to leave and added at the door:

“Stick around after work; let’s brainstorm the ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ poster copy.”

Sun Aimi: “Sure!”

…

…

The afternoon brought another ‘Computer Graphic Design’ class.

Xu Chen settled in the back, finished the in-class assignment quickly, and squeezed in some personal work.

He logged into his email and spotted a message from Director Li Yue.

It was unusual, so he opened and read it carefully.

He couldn’t help but smile; this email was clearly aimed at him.

It was a thank-you note to East Morning Star Advertising, also confirming their partnership.

Recipients included East Morning Star and Xu Chen, with copies to national team and Sports Administration leaders—likely Li Yue’s superiors.

The email thanked East Morning Star for supporting the national athletics team, especially in the Kunlunshan Mineral Water and Jeep collaborations with Xie Bingran.

In Li Yue’s words, ‘East Morning Star Advertising and Teacher Xu Chen played a crucial role in securing these partnerships’.

It also touched on Chenfeng Technology and Ran Bing Sports’ work with Xie Bingran.

Without specifics, it stressed that the national team and Xie Bingran would assist with future needs from Chenfeng and Ran Bing.

It listed promo guidelines, like using only Xie Bingran’s image and avoiding mentions of ‘national team’.

The email was short but vital for Xu Chen.

It served as Li Yue’s post-promotion assurance, validating the Chenfeng and Ran Bing deals.

If anyone challenged it later, this official email paired with Xu Chen’s contracts would provide solid backing.

Xu Chen smiled approvingly…

Director Li Yue knew how to play the game.

With An Jin Xiong suspended, Li Yue’s bold move meant his promotion was almost certain.

And since Xu Chen had hinted about An Jin Xiong and Chen Jinru to Li Yue, his quick action showed real savvy…

Xu Chen thought it over and replied briefly:

“Thank you for the trust from Director Li and the national athletics team leaders…”

“East Morning Star Advertising will deliver on our commitments and support Xie Bingran and related projects…”

…

…

After class, class rep Su Rong and monitor Min Siyang organized a meeting.

The topic was the college’s New Year gala in late December.

Min Siyang outlined the background, then Su Rong led a discussion on performance ideas.

Everyone was more enthusiastic than expected, brainstorming plenty of concepts.

Beyond singing and dancing, they suggested skits and stand-up comedy.

It was a lively group effort.

Xu Chen sat in the back, watching the energetic young crowd without jumping in much.

His phone buzzed—it was Wu Yue.

[Xiao Xu, your Yangcheng trip is booked; details are in your email!]

[Thanks, Wu Yue!]

The Yangcheng visit was to chat with Nie Fei about Ran Bing Sports.

He’d already touched base with her; they’d meet for dinner tomorrow afternoon.

Xu Chen kept it casual, saying he was in town for a project and wanted to catch up.

Nie Fei agreed and mentioned a new spot for California rolls.

…

…

At Tonghai Creative Design Building, Xu Chen grabbed takeout from the cafeteria and joined Sun Aimi for a chat over food.

He spread it out on Aimi’s desk and fetched two cans of soda from the fridge.

On the screen, Sun Aimi had pulled up two ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ key visuals.

One showed Xie Bingran full-body with the electric vehicle; the other was a half-body shot with the bike.

They’d adapt sizes for different channels.

The designs had a clean, high-tech vibe, perfect for a premium brand.

Xu Chen opened a Word doc, pondering as he typed the copy.

[Chenfeng Ice Power]

[Better looking, more premium, safer…]

[Limited release: 10,000 units at pre-order price XXXX]

[From Chenfeng Technology, formerly State-run Bright Factory, a key Tiancheng-supported enterprise…]

After drafting, he reviewed it.

“Check the pricing and deals with Guo Liang later.”

Sun Aimi: “Okay.”

Xu Chen glanced at Sun Aimi and saw her adjusting her glasses with a puzzled look.

“Think it’s too basic or down-to-earth?”

Sun Aimi blinked but didn’t respond.

She did find it a bit straightforward.

Especially after the high-end Jeep campaign and Kunlunshan proposals, this felt too plain…

Xu Chen laughed and explained:

“We’re in it for sales.”

Chenfeng Ice Power’s initial trial is in Tiancheng and the provincial capital.”

Especially Tiancheng—a small county town where folks aren’t as culturally savvy.”

Our target buyers are everyday working families, even those with modest incomes.”

Fancy ad copy would just confuse them…”

“‘Better looking, more premium, safer’—it’s direct, simple, and effective for local consumers.”

Sun Aimi nodded, starting to get it.

“And mentioning the former Bright Factory taps into local pride; it’s a big name in Tiancheng.”

Xu Chen added: “When we go national or TV ads, we’ll amp up the sophistication.”

For now, this fits the trial run.”

Sun Aimi: “I see, boss.”

“Wait till we launch Ran Bing Sports; that’s where we’ll make some stylish ads.”

Take it slow.”

…”