Chapter 338: Weekend Escapades

On Friday evening, Gu Xinxi found a Beijing-style restaurant nearby.

Wu Feifei was naturally outgoing and generous, quickly becoming fast friends with Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi.

The three chatted and laughed, leaving Boss Xu Chen on the sidelines.

Of course, Xu Chen didn’t mind; he happily dug into the roast duck.

His phone sat on the table, buzzing with messages.

Wu Feifei glanced over and said:

“Aren’t you going to check your messages?”

Xu Chen smiled, picked up his phone, and set it to silent before diving back into his roast duck wrap.

……

He’d already glanced at the messages on his phone a few times.

His two ‘National Advertising Competition’ first prizes had stirred up quite a buzz across the entire college.

That afternoon, the ‘Academic Department Minister’ from the College Student Union posted an announcement in the college group.

The announcement detailed the competition’s award results.

It included links to the official award list, news, and more from the competition.

The biggest stir came from those two ‘National First Prizes’.

When everyone realized both first prizes came from the same person—a freshman no less—…

Many juniors and seniors started feeling a bit defensive.

“Hey, which handsome guy is Xu Chen from the freshman advertising class?”

“You snag two national first prizes and leave us upperclassmen with nowhere to hide our faces!”

“Kid, how about sharing a photo? That’s impressive!”

“Who’s this Xu Chen? Can we see the first-prize works and check them out?”

“Hold on! Professor Ni said he’ll use them as case studies next week!”

……

……

Xu Chen didn’t bother replying to the flood of messages in the group.

Luckily, he hadn’t changed his real name in the group, or he’d be swamped with private messages and friend requests.

Better to stay low-key and avoid the extra hassle.

Xu Chen did click on a few links in the group to check them out.

Besides the official competition announcements and lists, there were also news posts on Tonghai University’s website.

Xu Chen’s name even made it to the university’s homepage—quite the spotlight.

He thought for a moment and forwarded one of the official university news articles to his father, Xu Zhiquan.

Though Xu Chen didn’t think much of the award himself, he knew his dad would be thrilled.

Might as well make Old Xu happy.

Sure enough, a string of messages from Old Xu came in right away.

Besides congratulations, Xu Chen could feel his father’s pride and joy radiating through the screen.

“I’ll have Wu Yue print this out tomorrow and post it on the park’s bulletin board!”

Xu Chen felt a bit speechless and replied:

“Dad, please don’t! It’s really not necessary…”

……

By the end of the meal, Wu Feifei had gotten super close with Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi.

As they left the restaurant, the three girls linked arms, looking like best friends.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but admire Wu Feifei’s talent for making connections so quickly.

It was the same with Nie Fei—she’d hit it off fast too…

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi shared a place, so they hopped into the same taxi and left first.

Xu Chen flagged down another cab and chivalrously opened the back door for Wu Feifei.

After a moment’s thought, he climbed into the passenger seat.

After all, she was the boss’s daughter; he’d make sure she got home safely.

“Thanks for the ride, Boss Xu!” Wu Feifei said with a smile from the back seat.

“No problem, Miss Wu!”

Xu Chen remembered the business trip and added:

“We’re flying out next Wednesday and back the same day—it’s going to be a tough one!”

A round trip from Shanghai to Pengcheng by plane in one day would be exhausting, but Xu Chen wanted to minimize time off.

Otherwise, he’d risk failing classes due to absences at the end of the term…

Wu Feifei: “No issue, Boss! I can get up early!”

……

……

Saturday morning.

The day to pick up the car was exciting.

Xu Chen headed to the Tonghai Creative Design Building first to get his parking permit.

Since East Morning Star Advertising rented an office there, he could get a free parking spot.

It was right near the school’s south gate, so from now on, Xu Chen planned to park there—easy access.

The school offered monthly parking too, letting people drive in and out freely. Qian Xin’s flashy red Mazda was parked in the dorm area’s lot.

But for Xu Chen, it didn’t seem necessary.

……

Yan Chuan had sent over the contact details early; it was Fang Lan, a client manager at the YP District Jeep 4S store.

They’d talked a few days ago and sorted out the registration.

Today, when Xu Chen picked up the car, it would already have plates—he’d just grab the keys and drive off. Great service.

As soon as Xu Chen got into the taxi, he received a message from Fang Lan:

[Hello Mr. Xu, when do you think you’ll arrive? The car is ready for you.]

[I’m on my way; probably around 10:30.]

[Excellent, Mr. Xu. We’ll be waiting!]

……

Hongliu Road was basically an auto mall, packed with 4S stores, modification shops, and more.

Xu Chen spotted the big Jeep sign from afar and headed straight over.

As he walked in, a pretty salesperson greeted him:

“Good day, sir. Are you here to look at cars?”

She was polite and professional, not judging him by his age.

Xu Chen: “Which one is Manager Fang Lan?”

……

Xu Chen was led to the rest area.

Glancing around the spacious showroom, there were only two models: the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler.

In various colors, totaling seven or eight vehicles.

Xu Chen eyed the Grand Cherokees extra closely; his choice of white was spot-on—it stood out.

A few minutes later, a young, attractive woman with a tall build hurried over to him.

“Hello, Mr. Xu. I’m Fang Lan.”

Xu Chen stood with a smile and shook her hand.

She wore a fitted dark suit, her hair neatly pinned up, and light makeup.

Xu Chen couldn’t help thinking that Jeep’s client managers were clearly handpicked.

Those guys debating car choices might just buy on the spot after a few charming words from her.

Fang Lan showed a hint of surprise:

“I didn’t expect you to be so young, Mr. Xu…”

Xu Chen just smiled warmly; he was used to it.

Fang Lan wasn’t just a regular salesperson; she was a supervisor at the dealership.

She knew Xu Chen was a key client referred by Jeep’s higher-ups, with a solid internal discount.

She’d pictured a middle-aged man, but here was this tall, handsome guy in his twenties.

Fang Lan figured he must be some bigwig’s son but kept it professional and didn’t pry.

But she stayed courteous and on point.

“Let me show you the car first, Mr. Xu!” Fang Lan said with a smile.

“Sounds good!”

They walked side by side to the delivery area.

There sat Xu Chen’s dream white Grand Cherokee, all set.

The area was decked out with black and gold balloons, ribbons, and dried flowers—very upscale.

Fang Lan unlocked the door with the key and handed it to Xu Chen, stepping back to give him space.

“Little Boss Xu” couldn’t hide his excitement for the new toy; he circled the car, admiring its muscular lines.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, it felt spacious.

He’d chosen light brown for the interior—warmer and more comfortable than black.

Even though Xu Chen from his past life had seen fancier models like ‘fridge, TV, big sofa’ upgrades, this Grand Cherokee still felt retro and luxurious.

This was his first car in this life, and with its connection to Xie Bingran, it held special meaning.

It gave Xu Chen a bit of a rose-tinted view.

……

Xu Chen followed Fang Lan to sign a few documents.

He skimmed them—mostly purchase agreements and insurance contracts.

The payment had already been handled through Fang Jun’s company account, so Xu Chen didn’t need to worry.

With Jeep’s top brass like Pang Ming and He Da Chang pulling strings, everything was smooth.

“Mr. Xu, we have a handover photo ceremony…”

Xu Chen returned to the delivery area, where staff had set things up.

“Mr. Xu” held a bouquet in front of the car.

With a couple of pops from the confetti cannons, colorful bits flew, and applause broke out.

Fang Lan snapped a few photos of “Mr. Xu.”

Xu Chen felt a pang of regret; it would’ve been perfect with Xie Bingran there.

……

A few minutes later, the white Grand Cherokee rolled out of the 4S store.

Xu Chen gripped the wheel and headed to fill up the tank.

Then he cruised aimlessly around the city…

The speakers played the system’s demo tracks: ‘Hotel California’ and ‘The Boxer.’

With the music flowing, steering in hand, it was pure bliss.

The Grand Cherokee was imposing, letting him look down on the sedans in neighboring lanes.

Driving something this big boosted his confidence and presence.

It gave off a real ‘big brother’ vibe.

……

Xu Chen wound through Shanghai’s twisty streets and hit the highway.

He wasn’t sure which ring road it was, but he kept to the speed limit, the V8 engine ready at a moment’s notice.

……

……

After driving around until he felt hungry, Xu Chen checked his surroundings.

He’d ended up on the edge of Shanghai, in a town called Huangdu in the JD District.

He got off the highway and looped around until he found the bustling town center.

He stopped at a mutton noodle shop, ordered a fifteen-yuan bowl of soup noodles, and added thirty yuan worth of mutton offal.

It was a satisfying meal.

Xu Chen suddenly remembered that Tonghai University had a new Jiading Campus nearby.

He pulled out his phone to check.

From the news photos, it looked like a rural construction site, so he lost interest.

……

In the college group, the buzz about the competition hadn’t died down.

Xu Chen, the double national first-prize winner, was still the talk among classmates and seniors.

The competition officials had released the winning works and critiques.

Xu Chen’s entries were shared in the group, sparking lively discussion.

“That ‘Bite the Bullet’ concept is solid—deserves the first prize.”

“I don’t get it; this idea’s way too abstract.”

“It’s for a competition submission; it has to be a bit complex to even pass the prelims.”

“So, entries for these contests need strategy.”

“Didn’t think much of it at first, but compared to the others, it stands out.”

“That Baidu ad slogan is on a whole different level of thinking…”

“Xu Chen from the freshman class, how about a photo? Your senior’s curious!”

……

……

Xu Chen quietly scrolled through the messages, staying under the radar without a word.

The first prize came with a cash reward—two thousand yuan each, so four thousand total.

It wasn’t a fortune for “Little Boss Xu,” but it made him happy.

This Grand Cherokee with its 4.7-liter V8 engine was a gas guzzler.

He’d use the prize money to cover future fuel costs!

……

In the class committee group, the monitor was calling a meeting to plan the year-end welcome party program.

Xu Chen groaned inwardly—he’d forgotten about that.

Checking the map, driving back to the YP District from here would take too long.

He had no choice but to ask the monitor, Min Siyang, for another leave.

Xu Chen didn’t make up some lame excuse; he messaged her straight:

[Sorry beyond words, Monitor. I totally spaced on the committee meeting…

I’m out in the countryside of JD District right now and probably can’t make it. Have to ask for leave!]

A little later, Min Siyang replied:

[No worries, Xu the Prodigy. I’ll cover for you and let everyone know.]

Xu Chen: [Really sorry and thanks a ton!]

Min Siyang: [We’ll discuss getting milk tea later—you’re treating!]

Xu Chen: [Ha, deal! Go wild with the orders, Monitor, and add some Pizza Hut or McDonald’s. I’ll cover it.]

Min Siyang: [Thanks a bunch, Xu the Prodigy and Boss!]

……

……

After eating, Xu Chen fired up the engine and cruised back toward the city, just wandering.

He drove to the docks and gazed at the Yangtze River’s mouth.

Then passed by Baosteel, eyeing the massive chimneys and industrial giants from afar.

He even hit The Bund, grabbing a coffee at a shop, where light and shadow blended, like stepping between eras.

……

……

As evening approached, Xu Chen was still driving aimlessly.

He glanced at the roadside and couldn’t help shaking his head with a smile.

He eased off the brake, pulling the Grand Cherokee to the curb.

Turning his head, he spotted the Shanghai Track and Field Sports Center sign again.

Somehow, he’d wandered back to Xie Bingran’s spot.

Bing was in closed training, so Xu Chen knew she couldn’t come out.

She was prepping for the Asian Games and needed to avoid all distractions.

And men were definitely a distraction…

Xu Chen sat in the car, reclining the seat, and relaxed for a bit.

He let out a long sigh, then picked up his phone to message Bing.

……

As dusk fell.

A figure slipped out the side door.

Xu Chen spotted her and quickly opened the door, hurrying over.

Xie Bingran was still in her training gear, sweat on her face and neck, a white towel in hand, and even spikes on her feet.

She looked at the guy in front of her, lips curving into a pretty smile.

A drop of sweat trickled down her cheek and lingered on her sharp chin.

Xu Chen gently caught it with the back of his finger.

Behind them, at the door.

Coach Cheng Hong suddenly stepped out, frowning with displeasure.

She cleared her throat and called out loudly:

“Twenty minutes.”

With that, she turned and went back inside.

Xie Bingran didn’t look back; she just responded to Cheng Hong.

Her eyes stayed locked on the guy before her.

“I just picked up my new car—want to see it!” Xu Chen said softly.

“Mm.” Xie Bingran wiped the sweat from her face and neck with the towel.

Xu Chen took her hand and led her to the street.

Like showing off a treasure, he gave her a full tour of the car, inside and out.

He opened the passenger door and helped her in.

Then adjusted the seat to the perfect position for her.

Satisfied, he said:

“This seat’s yours from now on.”

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes and smiled happily.

She looked at Xu Chen and lightly bit her lip:

“I want to kiss you…”

Xu Chen glanced at the back seat: “Then let’s move to the back.”

……

The doors shut with a couple of clicks.

The tinting from the 4S shop was top-notch; no one could see inside.

The two embraced, savoring their brief moment together.

……

……