Chapter 333: Campus and Business Rhythms

Wednesday morning, English class.

Xu Chen had signed up for the Level 4 English exam. Based on his high school English skills, passing wasn’t a big challenge, but he still needed to memorize a few key words.

He sat in the back row, daydreaming while scrolling through his phone, chatting with Nie Fei about various things.

Nie Fei had stayed overnight in Shanghai yesterday and was flying back to Yangcheng that morning.

She hadn’t officially left Jiaduobao yet, so there were still some handover procedures to handle back there.

After arriving in Shanghai, she was still working out of the Tonghai University Business Tower.

Once Ran Bing Sports scales up, they’ll figure out other arrangements.

As for lodging in Shanghai, Fei Jie mentioned she’s planning to stay in hotels long-term.

Xu Chen only learned last night from Nie Fei that she’d been living in hotels during her years in Yangcheng.

She’d never rented a place.

Nie Fei had bought properties, but they were all for investment—currently rented out—and she’d never lived in any of them.

She said hotels offered total freedom, with daily cleaning, and no matter how late she returned, there were restaurants, gyms, and pools available.

No worries about landlords, housekeepers, appliances, utilities, or property management—the hassles of renting vanished.

Sure, it cost more than renting, but compared to the time saved and the stress avoided, it was a steal.

Her words even made Xu Chen consider it; the mindset of a ‘high-end executive’ was worlds apart from the average person’s.

Nie Fei’s free-spirited lifestyle left Xu Chen feeling a bit envious.

In the office, Xu Chen offered to give up his ‘general manager’s office’ for Nie Fei, but she politely declined.

“I can’t take over the young president’s turf. I’ll just sit at the workstation with Aimi and Xin Xin.”

Xu Chen felt a twinge of guilt toward this former foreign executive:

“Then how about using that meeting room exclusively? It’s mostly empty anyway.”

Nie Fei brushed it off casually: “No need! We’ll sort that out once the company really takes off!”

……

Over the next couple of weeks, Nie Fei had a few more business trips lined up.

For the ‘step-in feel’ and ‘soft bounce’ product ideas, she needed to visit domestic material suppliers and even some research institutions.

Luckily, her time at Nike had built up the right connections to tap into those resources.

Back at the Fujian Province factory, Xu Chen’s father, Xu Zhiquan, and Fang Jun were pushing forward with the equity deal.

Once things were set, Nie Fei would head over for a couple of days to discuss product and production details.

This sports goods factory in Fujian Province’s Licheng industrial zone was called Lifeng Footwear, specializing in athletic shoes.

It handled OEM work for some domestic brands and had its own kids’ shoe line, but sales never really took off.

Xu Zhiquan was negotiating the stake, discussing adding ‘East Morning Star’ to the name.

But the order of words was still up for a little debate.

For Xu Zhiquan, ‘East Morning Star Lifeng’ was the clear choice.

For now, Xu Chen and Nie Fei’s shared goal with Ran Bing Sports was to launch their first product, Ran Bing 001, by year’s end.

At least, they needed to lock down the product design and production plans.

Overall, making athletic shoes was far lighter and simpler than electric vehicles, especially with an existing contract manufacturer.

The two biggest hurdles were sourcing the midsole material and finalizing the Ran Bing 001 design.

These would truly set Ran Bing 001 apart and give it a competitive edge.

Naturally, they were the key aspects Xu Chen and Nie Fei focused on most.

……

During the class break, Xu Chen received two photos from Fang Jun.

He opened them and couldn’t help but smile with excitement.

The first Chenfeng Ice Power vehicle had officially rolled off the line!

The first photo showed Xu Zhiquan posing with the Chenfeng Ice Power.

Xu Zhiquan wore a fresh new suit, his hair slicked back, standing proudly in front of his company’s first electric car, beaming with satisfaction.

In the background was a massive mural featuring Xie Bingran, using the key visual Sun Aimi had created recently.

The second photo captured the core team from Chenfeng Technology with the first Chenfeng Ice Power.

Xu Zhiquan, Fang Jun, Yang Congxin, and Guo Liang were all in the shot.

Fang Jun followed up with a message:

[Your dad is thrilled.]

[The only downside is, on this big day, his precious son didn’t come back.]

[Then please, Teacher Fang Jun, join him for a few drinks!]

Xu Chen was genuinely thrilled too.

With the first production vehicle off the line, all production prep was in place.

In the coming days, the assembly line could run nonstop, churning out electric cars one after another.

So, by November and December, the first batch of Chenfeng Ice Power vehicles could start trial sales in Tiancheng and the Provincial Capital.

After all the struggles and obstacles they’d overcome, seeing real results was a relief.

……

……

Noon, at the Xueyuan Cafeteria.

Xu Chen was eating with a few roommates, chatting casually.

College guys’ topics rarely got too deep—mostly centered on attractive girls.

Chen Wenyi’s failed confession to Su Rong drew some teasing and sympathy.

Chen Wenyi ate in silence, clearly still nursing his heartbreak.

“The boldest suitor wins the lady—Wenyi, you should keep at it.”

“Wenyi, you’re so brave! Who knew the quiet type had it in him to confess first?”

“There are plenty of great girls out there; no need to get too down…”

……

As the ‘older guy’ in the group, Xu Chen found it all a bit childish and amusing, so he just listened quietly.

His phone buzzed—it was a message from ‘the boss’s daughter,’ Wu Feifei.

Xu Chen glanced at Jiao Tianbo, who was eating across from him, and quickly angled his screen away, not wanting Wu Feifei’s admirer to see.

Wu Feifei sent a news link; Xu Chen clicked it open. It was the front-page headline from Tiancheng Daily, the local official media.

It covered the rollout of the first Chenfeng Ice Power from Chenfeng Technology.

“Tiancheng’s star enterprise, the restructured Bright Factory’s Chenfeng Technology, rolls out its first production electric vehicle…”

“Tiancheng City’s future industry development and support team leaders attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony…”

“Wu Yongming delivers a key speech…”

“In the future, more support policies for the tech sector will be introduced, with leading tech firms driving Tiancheng’s overall economic growth and job stability…”

……

The news included a group photo from the ribbon-cutting event.

Wu Yongming and Xu Zhiquan stood out front and center.

Besides the Chenfeng Technology folks, Xu Chen spotted a few familiar officials in the photo.

Like Wu Yongming’s secretary, Qu Fei, and the City Publicity Department’s Secretary Xia Gang.

There were also other city leaders he’d met at Bing Ge’s celebration banquet back in August.

Who knew Wu Yongming would make such a grand appearance for the first vehicle’s launch?

Wu Feifei: [Hey, young president, can you send me an electric car?]

Xu Chen: [Of course! Come to the plant whenever, and pick one right off the line!]

Wu Feifei: [Great! I’ll ask for it when I go home for winter break… Oh, and congrats!]

Xu Chen: [Miss Wu, you’re too kind. We really owe it to you and your father’s support! My dad and I wouldn’t be here without you two.]

Xu Chen’s words were flattering yet sincere.

Without Wu Yongming and the city’s backing, acquiring Bright Factory, setting up the production line, and securing the motor tech from the Chinese Academy of Sciences wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.

In China’s environment, traditional and industrial businesses thrive with official support.

Xu Zhiquan had mentioned to Xu Chen that Wu Yongming was a rising star in the system, with plenty of room for advancement.

Chenfeng Technology’s momentum would boost Tiancheng’s economy, aiding Wu Yongming’s career.

If Wu Yongming moved up, say to the provincial level, it would be a huge win for the Xu family’s business.

Or if he transferred to another province, it could help expand Chenfeng Electric Vehicles there.

Wu Feifei: [Then treat me to a meal!]

Xu Chen: [Absolutely! Pick any spot in Shanghai, Miss Wu.]

Wu Feifei: [Ha! Even your school cafeteria would do… I’m actually at your school right now, watching my debate competition this afternoon!]

Xu Chen paused, surprised that Wu Feifei was at Tonghai University.

This was a perfect chance to keep things friendly.

Wu Feifei was outgoing and sensible, and since she already knew about Xu Chen and Xie Bingran, chatting over a meal felt easy.

[Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’d have come to meet you!]

Wu Feifei: [I didn’t want to bother you. But after seeing the news my dad sent, I figured it was time to crash your meal!]

Xu Chen: [Where’s the debate? I’ll head over to watch and learn.]

Wu Feifei: [At your school’s Humanities College.]

Xu Chen looked up at Jiao Tianbo, still eating quietly, and replied:

[Does Jiao Tianbo know you’re here?]

Wu Feifei: [Please don’t tell him… He makes me so nervous…]

Xu Chen: [Hahaha]

……

……

Around 4 p.m.

With no classes left, Xu Chen skipped Qian Xin’s invite to play soccer and went alone to the Humanities College.

Stepping through the glass doors, he saw a large display stand.

It featured info on the Shanghai University Debate League.

The debate was hosted at Tonghai University, but the teams were from Shanghai Foreign Languages University and East China Law University.

It didn’t seem like the school had promoted it much; Xu Chen wouldn’t have known if Wu Feifei hadn’t mentioned it.

Of course, he’d been so busy with company stuff that he hadn’t paid attention.

Xu Chen always thought debates were a bit absurd.

You end up defending a view based on a random draw, not because you truly believe it—just for the competition.

That made all the conviction and intensity feel hypocritical, almost performative.

For Xu Chen, it was impossible to get invested or side with anyone.

……

In the Humanities College lecture hall.

Xu Chen slipped in through the back door and found the place packed— at least two-thirds of the seats filled.

Up front, three cameras were rolling, with crew wearing Shanghai TV Station vests.

He picked a spot in the middle near the aisle.

Glancing around and listening to the chatter, he realized the audience included students from Tonghai University, plus supporters from Shanghai Foreign Languages and East China Law.

Some waved banners and signs.

Besides the school names, he spotted a couple directly cheering for ‘Wu Feifei.’

Clearly, this ‘Miss Wu’ was a big name at Shanghai Foreign Languages University.

Soon, the host called for quiet as the debaters took the stage.

Applause erupted.

Shanghai Foreign Languages held the negative side, with Wu Feifei as the third debater.

She and her teammates wore matching outfits, her hair in a high ponytail, looking sharp and confident.

The host introduced the judges and guests, then the topic.

Affirmative: The internet brings people closer.

Negative: The internet drives people apart.

Xu Chen shook his head inwardly—what was the point of arguing so passionately over this?

……

……

An hour and a half later.

Xu Chen was bored stiff, even dozing off, but he made it through.

The debaters were red-faced and intense up there, but he felt zero connection.

Finally, with closing statements done, he joined the crowd in enthusiastic applause.

……

In the end, Shanghai Foreign Languages, Wu Feifei’s team, won, but the ‘best debater’ award went to the second debater from East China Law University.

Xu Chen pulled out his phone and, with good tact, messaged Wu Feifei first:

[Congrats, Miss Wu! You were outstanding— I think the best debater award should’ve been yours!]

……

Twenty minutes later.

On Miyun Road, at a Hong Kong-style tea house.

Xu Chen and Wu Feifei sat in a quiet corner booth.

Wu Feifei had suggested the university cafeteria, but Xu Chen thought that was too casual—after all, she’d taken him to a proper spot last time at her school.

He kept up the compliments and pleasantries, praising her performance.

Wu Feifei seemed to enjoy it, laughing and glowing, but eventually said:

“Okay, we’re close enough that you don’t need to say all these nice things. I know I wasn’t that great…”

Xu Chen knew better—when a girl says that, you double down without hesitation:

“You’re way too hard on yourself! Among your team’s debaters, you were the standout—in content, delivery, and presence!”

“They probably gave the award to the losing side; otherwise, it would’ve been yours for sure!”

Wu Feifei burst out laughing, clearly pleased.

“Flattery gets you everywhere,” as the saying goes, and it worked on her too.

The server brought over a spread of dishes.

Xu Chen had ordered Hong Kong-style treats to suit her tastes—fiery pineapple buns, milk tea, and golden sand buns.

This tea house on Miyun Road wasn’t as fancy as Yangcheng’s, but the food was solid.

Wu Feifei sampled a few and was clearly delighted.

As they ate and talked, she brought up the Chenfeng Ice Power launch.

With Xu Zhiquan’s Chenfeng Technology hitting this milestone, Wu Yongming and the city officials were thrilled too.

In her casual chat, Wu Feifei dropped hints about her father’s thoughts.

Xu Chen realized this meal might have been nudged by Wu Yongming—things officials couldn’t discuss openly could flow more easily through the kids.

Wu Yongming fully backed Chenfeng Technology, but there were differing opinions in the city, and he faced some pressure.

That’s how the system worked—always about balance.

In a way, it mirrored the debate Wu Feifei just had—no clear winners.

Supporting Chenfeng Technology was a bet on Wu Yongming’s future.

If it succeeded, he’d rise with it; if not, his career might stall.

The first sales of Chenfeng Ice Power would be the first reveal.

Wu Feifei’s words were putting on the pressure, though she phrased it lightly.

“My dad said if Chenfeng Ice Power sells well in trials, the city could push for even more support! Maybe even expand your Morning Wind Park!”

“It’s a race across Shandong Province… But Tiancheng’s got its eyes on your dad’s company as the top bet!”

Wu Feifei clinked her milk tea against Xu Chen’s glass.

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“No need to worry— we’ve run through all the prep for our first model. The trial sales in Tiancheng and the Provincial Capital will go smoothly!”