Chapter 346: Ambitions in Advertising

East Morning Star Advertising meeting room.

They finished dinner with light conversation and laughter, then cleared away the trash together.

Now, only Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi were left in the company, so they didn’t bother hiring a cleaning auntie.

The two young women handled the daily cleanup effortlessly.

Every month, they’d have the property’s cleaning auntie come for a thorough session, and that was enough…

Back in the meeting room, they briefly discussed the Yichun project again.

Following Xu Chen’s phone proposal, Gu Xinxi would revise a new plan and send it online to Director Lou tomorrow.

Once the project was confirmed, they’d plan the follow-up implementation and execution.

For this project, if they signed the contract, they’d need to involve Jiao Tianbo and Wu Feifei in the execution.

After all, Jiao Tianbo brought the project in, so leaving him out completely wouldn’t be right.

Wu Feifei had already made a clear contribution with her two advertising slogans—solid ideas that became backups for the proposal.

Plus, Jiao Tianbo had some connections with Director Lou, so his involvement would smooth out future communications.

Xu Chen was thinking he’d give Jiao Tianbo and Wu Feifei some project bonuses as rewards—not much, just a token gesture…

Wu Feifei, experiencing a ‘project proposal’ for the first time, was excited and couldn’t help asking:

“Boss, the plan you mentioned on the call—was that something you came up with on the spot?”

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“Of course not. I had a rough idea when I was brainstorming slogans earlier.

I just tidied up the logic a bit during the call.”

Wu Feifei looked impressed:

“You’re amazing!

“You’ve built East Morning Star Advertising from the ground up—that’s real talent!”

Xu Chen enjoyed the compliment from Miss Wu and smiled without a hint of modesty.

Wu Feifei: “So, does that mean we’ve got this project locked in?”

Jiao Tianbo said: “Director Lou just messaged me to say thanks.

So, yeah, it’s pretty much in the bag…”

Xu Chen thought for a moment and added:

“Jiao Tianbo, could you ask which Cheng Vice Mayor is the final decision-maker?”

Jiao Tianbo: “No problem, I’ll ask Director Lou directly.”

Xu Chen turned to Gu Xinxi:

“And Gu Xinxi, please gather some of Cheng Vice Mayor’s recent speeches and articles, especially from his time in Yichun.”

Gu Xinxi nodded in agreement.

Jiao Tianbo looked puzzled: “Why collect all that?”

Xu Chen explained:

“Since it’s almost certain, let’s make it absolutely foolproof…

The only wildcard now is Cheng Vice Mayor.

The ‘Calling Spring’ plan still carries some risk for the decision-maker.

I suspect he might have reservations…

If there’s another round of talks, we can study his past speeches and articles to craft targeted arguments and scripts.”

Jiao Tianbo nodded thoughtfully: “I see…”

Xu Chen: “That’s just how projects work.

When you’re selling ideas, you have to convince people.

So, you need to understand the decision-maker inside out…”

Wu Feifei chimed in: “You’re such a sharp operator!”

Jiao Tianbo added:

“I can collect Cheng Vice Mayor’s speeches and articles—I’ll share them once I’m done…”

He paused:

“Mainly, I want to learn how you summarize scripts, Xu Chen.”

Xu Chen smiled: “Sure!”

This way, the ‘top student’ could feel more involved.

And giving him a bonus later would feel more justified.

Wu Feifei raised her hand:

“Boss, do I have a task?”

Xu Chen smiled: “Actually, yes.

This week, we’re pitching to Vanke, and it’s likely we’ll land that project.

I need you to gather some real estate case studies and standout property brochures.

They’ll serve as reference material for the execution.”

Wu Feifei: “Got it! I’ll make sure it’s done!”

Jiao Tianbo’s eyes widened in surprise: “You guys have a Vanke project too?”

Wu Feifei said proudly: “We’re pitching directly to Vanke’s founder, Wang Shi!”

Jiao Tianbo: “Wait, what?”

Wu Feifei grew even more boastful: “Vanke’s just one thing—Xu Chen’s also handling an auto project!”

The ‘top student’ Jiao Tianbo stared, looking utterly amazed.

He swallowed hard, suddenly understanding why Xu Chen called the Yichun project a ‘simple little gig’ with its three to five hundred thousand budget.

At the same time, he recalled Xu Chen’s two national first prizes in the big advertising competition.

Though the ‘top student’ felt a bit competitive, thinking those wins might involve luck…

But now, it seemed they weren’t just flukes.

Xu Chen’s works were public, and Jiao Tianbo had seen them.

The real issue was he couldn’t quite grasp what made them award-worthy.

In that moment, self-doubt crept in.

Can’t understand it…

Am I just not smart enough?

…

…

Once business wrapped up, they headed downstairs together.

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi took a cab home, while Jiao Tianbo went back to school alone.

Xu Chen fetched his car and dropped Wu Feifei off at school.

It was just a short drive from Shanghai Foreign Languages University—barely a press of the accelerator.

Xu Chen was still in his ‘honeymoon phase’ with driving, enjoying the engine’s roar.

It felt like a quick joyride.

Wu Feifei sat in the back and murmured: “Xu Chen, you’re incredible…”

“…”

Wu Feifei sighed softly: “You and Bing Ge are on another level—people can’t catch up no matter how hard they try.”

Xu Chen: “Bing Ge’s a genius on the track; that’s incomparable.

As for me, with enough effort, others can catch up.”

Wu Feifei: “At least I can’t. We’re the same age, but I don’t get a thing about running a company like you do.”

She looked deflated.

Xu Chen glanced at the leader’s daughter in the rearview mirror and said encouragingly: “You’re already skilled. Just starting in advertising, and your slogans beat out many others.

For instance, advertising major Jiao Tianbo got outshone by your talent.”

Wu Feifei chuckled: “How low is that bar if I’m comparing to him?”

Xu Chen: “…”

Well, the ‘top student’ got slighted again.

Xu Chen continued: “You’re from a leader’s family, so you started ahead of 99.99% of your peers.

My dad and I came from the countryside; we had to hustle harder…”

He paused and added quietly: “Bing Ge went through the same…”

Xie Bingran had it tougher—if not for sports, university would’ve been a struggle.

Back when Tiancheng No. 1 High School expelled her, she was set to work in a southern electronics factory.

And her past life had even more hardships…

Thinking about it, Xu Chen felt a mix of fear and nostalgia.

He knew Xie Bingran cherished the track deeply—it changed her life.

Of course, she valued Xu Chen too…

…

He pushed aside thoughts of missing Bing Ge and checked the rearview mirror at Wu Feifei, smiling: “Free tomorrow at noon?”

Wu Feifei: “What’s up?”

Xu Chen: “Fei Jie’s starting officially tomorrow.

I’ve booked the buffet at Junyue Hotel for lunch—you in?”

Wu Feifei lit up: “Absolutely!”

Xu Chen: “Great, I’ll drive over to pick you up tomorrow at noon.”

Wu Feifei: “Thanks, Boss Xu!”

…

…

That evening at ten, the barbecue stall on Miyun Road.

His roommates each held a beer bottle, toasting Xu Chen with congratulations.

Winning two national first prizes in the big advertising competition meant a 40,000 yuan bonus—not chump change for students.

Xu Chen treating them to dinner made perfect sense.

The garlic-roasted oysters here were fresh and delicious; Xu Chen dug in with gusto.

After a bottle each, they felt a light buzz, especially Vice Class Monitor Huo Dashan and Stock Guy Pei Qian—they clearly couldn’t hold their liquor and were slurring words.

Xu Chen noticed his eighteen- or nineteen-year-old tolerance had improved, thanks to training from his father Xu Zhiquan and Teacher Fang Jun…

Everyone was there except Chen Wenyi.

Xu Chen eyed ‘Jiangsu-Zhejiang Little Prince’ Qian Xin, who was still going strong.

Right now, he was happily bragging with a beer in hand.

This meant Chen Wenyi and his brother Chen Long hadn’t caused trouble—reason had won out over emotion.

Stock Guy Pei Qian downed two more cups, looking downcast.

Hong Xiaoqiang slung an arm around his neck: “Money’s just stuff; don’t sweat it.”

Xu Chen asked: “What’s going on?”

Pei Qian clinked glasses with Xu Chen: “Got stuck in a bad investment…”

Xu Chen: “…”

No surprise there.

That stock traps everyone equally.

…

…

Shanghai local Huang Hao suddenly said: “The draw results for the Asian Games are out next Monday—I’m so nervous!”

He meant the college draw for attending the Asian Games.

As Bai Miao’s biggest fan, Huang Hao had high hopes.

There were twenty spots to cheer for Bai Miao overseas.

Going abroad to watch games was a huge perk; nearly every student signed up.

The odds weren’t great, but it was worth trying.

Qian Xin said: “Hope you all get in—we can go together!”

Hong Xiaoqiang teased: “Aren’t you going with Su Rong?”

Qian Xin scratched his head, reminded of Chen Wenyi, and took a glum sip.

Hong Xiaoqiang pressed on: “Got your trip with Su Rong sorted?”

Qian Xin: “What do you mean ‘my trip with Su Rong’?

Not yet. She said to wait for the college draw results next week.

But I doubt she’ll get in—the chances are slim, so she’ll probably book her own travel…”

Hong Xiaoqiang: “Man, jealous! Going with Su Rong to the games!”

Qian Xin: “My only goddess now is Xie Bingran!”

Xu Chen: “…”

…

…

Xu Chen calculated the time—Xie Bingran’s Asian Games were just a month away.

He wondered how her training was going…

With the whole Asian spotlight, live broadcasts, and billions watching and discussing…

Just thinking about it made him tense.

Athletes really needed nerves of steel.

But for the formidable Bing Ge, Xu Chen had full confidence.

Xie Bingran only showed her softer side around Xu Chen.

On the track, to everyone else, she was pure power, coolness, and edge.

What a proud thought!

…

…

Tuesday morning, another dry higher math class.

When the teacher called roll, the absent Chen Wenyi finally showed up.

He walked straight to the back, found a corner, and sat quietly.

Qian Xin shot him a glare and huffed.

Xu Chen decided not to get involved further.

These young romance squabbles were just silly and immature.

During a break, Xu Chen got a message from Nie Fei.

Fei Jie had arrived in Shanghai yesterday and settled into the hotel.

Today, she was meeting former Nike colleagues and partners to tap into resources.

In the afternoon, she’d see more people, even some from Adidas and Li Ning—old contacts and friends.

Bringing Nie Fei into Ran Bing Sports was spot-on.

Her network in sports gear was a rare asset.

Even before starting, she’d pushed forward on manufacturing, design, and midsole materials.

If Xu Chen had handled it alone, it might’ve taken three or four months to get anywhere.

The key was lacking connections—effort alone wouldn’t cut it.

This wasn’t self-doubt; breaking into an industry needed groundwork.

[Xiao Xu, I’ve got a meeting with a former colleague at noon, might be a bit late.]

[No worries, Fei Jie—just come when you’re done!]

Xu Chen thought and messaged the company group for Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi:

[You two head over first; the Junyue Restaurant spot’s reserved until 12:15…]

Gu Xinxi: [Got it, boss! We’ll be there by 12:15!]

Xu Chen figured Ran Bing Sports would need to expand the team soon.

The current small office at East Morning Star Advertising wouldn’t suffice.

He wondered if the other companies on the 8th floor were subletting.

Other floors or nearby buildings could work, but keep it close to Tonghai University for easy commutes.

No rush though—let Nie Fei decide.

Actually, after launching East Morning Star Advertising and Ran Bing Sports, his father Xu Zhiquan hadn’t visited yet.

Mainly because of the Chenfeng Ice Power launch; the Tiancheng site was too busy…

If Old Xu came, he’d probably throw a ribbon-cutting or opening ceremony—he loved the spotlight.

Xu Chen planned to have his dad visit Shanghai once things calmed down.

To check out the new ventures and enjoy the city.

As Xu Chen daydreamed, his phone buzzed.

It was Yan Chuan from Jeep.

The business trip for spokesperson Wang Shi was all set.

For East Morning Star Advertising, it’d be Xu Chen with Sun Aimi and Wu Feifei.

Jeep’s client side, with General Manager He Da Chang, would join for the shoot…

For Xu Chen, one key thing loomed: he had to buckle down and draft the Vanke ‘Rancho Santa Fe’ proposal.

It was for a face-to-face pitch with Wang Shi, so it deserved full attention.

…

…