Chapter 340: Entrepreneurial Rhythms

Monday morning, Advertising Photography class.

Leading the lecture was Xue Dong, the photography department instructor.

The advertising program’s photography course didn’t dive deep into technical skills; it focused on boosting aesthetic appreciation to support ad creation.

The class was engaging, and Xu Chen listened with keen interest.

“For our final exam projects, you all need to start preparing early.”

So everyone should buy a camera.

Beyond this semester’s photography class, you’ll use equipment in more advanced courses in sophomore and junior years.

In our advertising program, you don’t need a professional DSLR—just a Canon or Fujifilm point-and-shoot with basic aperture, ISO, and shutter speed controls.

I’ll provide a equipment list; costs range from 2,000 to 5,000 yuan. Don’t chase expensive gear—pick based on your budget.

Xue Dong paused, then added:

“If anyone faces financial challenges, reach out to me privately.”

I can lend equipment for your final assignments, though supplies are limited…

This was a thoughtful and kind approach, considering some students come from tough backgrounds.

Xu Chen thought it over—he could get a DSLR for the company.

Currently, they rented equipment in Tiancheng for shooting Chenfeng Ice Power materials.

When Sun Aimi worked on the “Great Advertising Competition” designs, she used her own camera.

Getting a DSLR for the office made sense; it’d come in handy for future projects.

Plus, buying with company funds meant tax deductions.

Xu Chen learned since starting the company that taxes truly were endless…

He quickly messaged the company group, assigning Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi the task.

[Aimi, pick a camera model; Xinxi, handle the purchase and reimbursement.]

Sun Aimi replied excitedly:

[Perfect! Now we can shoot our own materials for proposal creatives!]

Xu Chen had a personal motive too.

Next time he watched Bing Ge compete or went out, he could take photos himself.

…

…

At lunchtime, he got a call from Nie Fei.

In just a few days, while handling her resignation and handover at Jiaduobao, Nie Fei had already pushed forward with Ran Bing Sports.

“For the midsole tech, I’ve used my network to find two domestic suppliers and one overseas; they all offer advanced foam options.”

The domestic ones: Meirui New Materials in Yan City has updated EVA foam tech and imitations of TPU foam.

The other is Wanrong Materials in Jiangsu Province, collaborating with Harbin Institute of Technology’s experts on a new TPU foam…

Overseas, it’s BASF in Germany, the partner for Adidas midsoles.

…

“I’ll need to travel to check the materials. BASF’s are top-notch but pricey.”

With our current scale, negotiating costs will be tough…

So Ran Bing 001 will likely use domestic materials first.

We should visit Meirui New Materials and Wanrong to see the actual products and discuss quotes.”

Xu Chen: “No problem, Fei Jie can handle it!”

“Once I get the details, I’ll discuss with you, little boss Xu.”

“Then there’s the design for Ran Bing 001.”

Mainly two companies—I mentioned them before.

One is Pearl Cats design studio in England; their chief designer is a Chinese expat who understands Chinese elements well.

They’ve done famous art exhibits in Europe and America, focusing on modern applications of Chinese design…

The other is Chen Youjian Studio in Hong Kong, one of the top teams in Greater China.

I’ve asked for quotes from both; still waiting on responses…

“And for team recruitment, things are shaping up; I’ll tell you in person when I get to Shanghai next week!”

“Great, thanks for all your hard work, Fei Jie!”

“When you come next week, we’ll throw you a welcome dinner!”

…

Next week, Nie Fei would officially join the team, and Xu Chen was thrilled.

Following Chenfeng Ice Power, Ran Bing Sports was finally taking off.

Thinking about it, Xu Chen felt a wave of emotion.

After rebirth, he got Xie Bingran on the fast track to championship, backed by Chenfeng Ice Power and Ran Bing Sports business lines.

Now, Chenfeng Ice Power was in production, and Ran Bing Sports was emerging.

They’d overcome challenges, but overall, things went smoothly.

Over the weekend, he received photos from Fang Jun.

They showed the first batch of electric bikes off the production line.

Neatly lined up in the factory, they looked impressive.

He heard Guo Liang was setting up a Chenfeng Ice Power direct sales store in Tiancheng’s downtown.

Surprisingly, people were already inquiring when the bikes would be available.

It turned out they’d seen the news about the first Chenfeng Ice Power release on Tiancheng TV.

Hearing it was from the original Bright Factory with city leaders at the ribbon-cutting, they figured the quality was solid.

This was a promising sign.

Next month, Bing Ge would compete in the Asian Games.

He hoped Bing Ge would soar to victory and that Chenfeng Ice Power and Ran Bing Sports would ride the wave to big sales!

…

That afternoon, heading to class, Xu Chen brought four or five cups of milk tea, mainly for Class Monitor Min Siyang.

She usually hung out with a few girls like Su Rong and Huang Qiqi, so he grabbed some for them too.

He caught up with the girls in the hallway and handed over the drinks.

They took the milk tea, a bit puzzled, but politely said, “Thanks.”

Min Siyang thought for a moment and asked:

“Xu, the talented one, are you taking another day off?”

Xu Chen flashed a cheeky smile: “Just Wednesday.”

…

…

On Wednesday, Xu Chen woke up early.

He grabbed a quick bite at the south gate, then hit the road in his white Grand Cherokee.

It was a day trip, so he’d park at the airport.

Driving himself was more freeing and convenient.

First, he drove to Shanghai Foreign Languages University and picked up “Miss Wu” at the north gate.

Wu Feifei dressed a bit formally—a white collared shirt with a tailored suit jacket.

Her straight black hair fell loose.

She opened the back door, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and got in.

Naturally, she avoided the front passenger seat, Bing Ge’s spot.

Xu Chen glanced back with a smile: “Wu, you look every bit the professional executive!”

Wu Feifei blushed slightly but replied confidently:

“I asked Fei Jie; she said this outfit works for the occasion.”

Xu Chen: “You’re so thorough!”

Wu Feifei: “Of course! Can’t let little boss Xu lose face.”

Xu Chen: “You’re too kind, Miss Wu…”

Let’s buckle up; we’re hitting the highway.”

Wu Feifei: “Yes, boss!”

She looked excited and eager.

Xu Chen: “Feel free to nap; it’s at least an hour drive.”

Wu Feifei: “I won’t sleep; let’s chat instead!”

…

…

Soon, they merged onto the highway.

They chatted casually; Wu Feifei updated him on Chenfeng Ice Power’s production in the park—she knew all the details.

Probably from Fang Jun or maybe Xu Zhiquan briefed Wu Yongming, who told his daughter.

Of course, she didn’t monopolize the conversation to avoid distracting Xu Chen while driving.

Xu Chen played some music from his phone.

In 2006, it was the peak of pop from artists like Zhou, Lin, Tao, and Wang.

But reborn Xu Chen had lost interest in trendy youth tunes; his playlist was full of odd, mature tracks.

Wan Qing, Wild Child, Xiao He, Wan Xiaoli…

In 2006, this was niche and strange.

Xu Chen gripped the wheel, cruising the quiet morning highway, feeling content.

In the back, Wu Feifei listened to the weird songs and teased:

“What kind of odd stuff are you playing?”

The speakers echoed a melancholic tune:

[Life’s like a long road in the dark night; those who’ve walked it never speak of it…]

Xu Chen just gave an awkward smile.

…

A few minutes later, strange sounds came from the back.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, Xu Chen saw Wu Feifei wiping away tears.

It startled him; he asked:

“Why are you crying?”

He wondered if he’d upset the boss’s daughter somehow…

Wu Feifei wiped her eyes and smiled: “Sorry about that…”

This song just hit me emotionally, even if I don’t fully get it. Don’t mind me.”

“…”

The speakers now played another haunting melody:

“Whose father has died, tell me how to grieve…”

“Whose lover has left, tell me how to forget…”

We are born lonely, born alone…”

Xu Chen fell silent.

He recalled a night in his past life, in his thirties, listening to such tunes while drinking alone.

But in this life, his father and loved ones were still here.

He wasn’t alone anymore.

…

…

Around 11 a.m., the plane landed in Pengcheng.

In the arrival hall.

“We need to head to Yantian District, so let’s grab a quick bite at the airport,” Xu Chen said.

Wu Feifei looked around and pointed: “That Hong Kong-style tea restaurant over there is great!”

Xu Chen marveled; as expected of the boss’s daughter, she knew the spots even in Pengcheng’s airport.

Minutes later, they were seated.

Wu Feifei confidently ordered a few signature teas and dim sum.

Xu Chen tried a bite and nodded: “Didn’t expect such a good spot in the airport.”

Wu Feifei: “Pengcheng’s airport has some of the best food in domestic airports! Hong Kong’s is another winner.”

As they ate, Liu Wenqin from BBDO messaged Xu Chen.

[Teacher Xu, have you landed? I’ve arranged a business van; it’s waiting at the exit.]

[Just landed. Thanks, Vincent; I was dreading a taxi ride!]

…

Vanke Headquarters was in Yantian District’s Dameisha, basically crossing all of Pengcheng—a real trek.

A spacious van was way more comfortable than a cab.

…

They finished quickly, grabbed two milk teas to go, and headed out.

At the exit, among the crowd, a noticeable burly man held a sign: [East Morning Star Advertising – Mr. Xu Chen].

Xu Chen smiled and greeted him, then they all walked to the parking lot.

…

The black Odyssey sped onto the highway.

Pengcheng’s dense, modern buildings soon filled the view.

You had to admit, as a city built from scratch post-reform, Pengcheng’s pure modern vibe outshone even Shanghai.

In a past life, Xu Chen worked in Pengcheng for over a year.

He’d left advertising for a big internet firm—the only other major one, Tencent.

Looking back, those years were pretty relaxed.

Tencent got a lot of flak from players, but it paid well and treated employees decently.

Of course, it was intense and full of office politics.

Compared to being his own boss now as “little Xu,” it was night and day.

Back then, a six-figure salary felt huge and satisfying. Now, a single ad deal started at a million or more.

No comparison, no pain.

…

…

An hour later, they arrived in Dameisha.

A cluster of towering seaside buildings marked Vanke’s headquarters.

The black Odyssey pulled up at a cafe in the complex.

The door opened, and Liu Wenqin greeted with a smile:

“Welcome, Teacher Xu…”

Wang Shi is still in a meeting. Let’s relax here first!”

Xu Chen and Wu Feifei got out; he didn’t rush introductions and followed inside.

Around a long table sat seven or eight people.

Xu Chen noticed Liu Wenqin’s three subordinates and the rest from Director Bao Jun Sen’s team.

Both teams took this pitch to Vanke’s founder seriously.

They stood as Xu Chen entered.

Bao Jun Sen smiled politely: “Glad you made it, Boss Xu!”

Xu Chen, ever the smooth operator, chatted easily with these Hong Kong directors, Taiwanese creatives, and 4A pros.

He pulled Wu Feifei forward and introduced her to everyone.

As the boss’s daughter, Wu Feifei handled the big crowd with grace, greeting each one.

Internally, though, she felt a mix of awe.

Working at Xu Chen’s company, she hadn’t realized he dealt with such major projects and industry heavyweights.

Some were from Hong Kong and Taiwan, clearly top talents, and they all treated “Teacher Xu” with respect.

Wu Feifei couldn’t help but think: Xu Chen’s skills and vision kept surprising her.

While he networked with these pros on huge ad campaigns…

Her classmates and crushes back home were still wrapped up in gaming, failed confessions, skipping classes—that seemed so small.

He was truly outstanding.

Maybe outstanding enough that she couldn’t reach his level…”