Chapter 353: Intrigue in the Boardroom

Xu Chen returned to the monitors and saw that He Da Chang had left, with only Liu Wenqin sitting there.

“Where’s Andy?” Xu Chen asked casually.

“He’s on a conference call…”

He turned to Xu Chen:

“Has Zhou Kai synced you on the Lanqiao Shengfei case yet?”

Xu Chen: “Not yet, he said he’d tell me later.”

Liu Wenqin leaned in a bit closer:

“Let me give you a heads-up then. When you meet the project team tomorrow, you might face some rough treatment.”

Xu Chen: “Ah?!”

Liu Wenqin: “But don’t worry, it’s what Boss Wang Shi wants. He’ll smooth things out afterward…

After all, he really likes your proposal.

Or rather, your plan is the ammunition he’s been waiting for.”

Xu Chen frowned: “Is it that complicated?”

Liu Wenqin sighed with a touch of regret:

“Even at Boss Wang Shi’s level, he still deals with all sorts of conflicts.

“Even as the founder, he’s up against checks and challenges…”

Xu Chen drew in a sharp breath:

“Don’t scare me. I just want to handle this ad project smoothly without getting into any messy business.”

Liu Wenqin smiled: “This won’t be messy for you.

And Boss Wang Shi mentioned the budget won’t be an issue—it’s way above industry standards.

Isn’t making good money a plus?”

Xu Chen: “What’s really going on?”

Liu Wenqin glanced around:

“Some details, I doubt even Zhou Kai can tell you everything.

But I know…”

Liu Wenqin took on the air of a secret agent as he quietly explained to Xu Chen.

Xu Chen listened quietly and pieced together the situation.

As Vanke’s founder, Wang Shi had stepped back, handing the general manager role to his most trusted Yu Liang.

But since Yu Liang took over, some personnel issues and power balances remained unresolved.

One key player was a director named Chen Qidong.

Chen Qidong held a board position, so even Wang Shi couldn’t easily remove him.

In the company, a couple of mid-level executives were Chen Qidong’s loyalists, creating obstacles for Yu Liang’s team.

To ensure the company’s growth, Wang Shi needed to clear those hurdles, starting with suppressing Chen Qidong’s faction.

The ‘Lanqiao Shengfei’ project was one Chen Qidong’s side controlled, giving them significant influence.

Currently, Vanke’s market brand vice president, Sun Man, was one of Chen Qidong’s people.

And Sun Man was handling the ‘Lanqiao Shengfei’ promotion.

Wang Shi aimed to use this project to pressure Chen Qidong and Sun Man.

If possible, he wanted to oust Sun Man altogether.

Chen Qidong was untouchable as a director, but having a vice president constantly causing trouble was something Wang Shi and Yu Liang couldn’t tolerate…

Xu Chen looked exasperated:

“So I’m basically being used as a pawn…”

Liu Wenqin: “Who can blame it when your proposal is so good!

To use it as a pawn, it has to be impressive right from the start.

That way, it can overshadow the other side and give Wang Shi an opening to strike.”

Xu Chen just shook his head, lost for words.

Liu Wenqin chuckled: “Whether you’re a pawn or not doesn’t matter. As the service provider, as long as we get paid, it’s fine.

Besides, your proposal is top-notch. Once it’s out, it’ll be a standout case in the industry.

From an ad pro’s view, I can’t wait for your script to go live!”

Xu Chen: “Vincent, you’re too kind…”

Liu Wenqin: “Not at all. I couldn’t write something like that.”

He added with a sigh:

“I’ve been in advertising for over twenty years, thinking experience would make my work more impactful…

But on the Jeep and Vanke projects, you’ve left me impressed, Teacher Xu.

At your young age, you’re a genius in the mainland ad scene…”

Xu Chen: “Vincent, you’re exaggerating!”

Liu Wenqin: “No exaggeration.

Since I came from Taiwan to the mainland…

Honestly, among mainland creatives, none have truly won me over—their ideas are so outdated…

Except for you, Teacher Xu!”

Xu Chen joked: “If you keep saying that, I’ll start believing it!”

Liu Wenqin: “When we’re back in Shanghai, if you have time, I’ll invite you to BBDO to teach our young team!”

Xu Chen: “No, no…

I’d rather visit and learn from you!”

Liu Wenqin laughed: “You said it, so I’ll set it up when we get back!”

…

Xu Chen thought more about the Vanke situation:

“So tomorrow’s meeting is basically a trap waiting to spring!”

Liu Wenqin nodded: “Most likely a trap.

So when you present tomorrow, it’s just for show, and you might even face some criticism.

But don’t worry, Wang Shi will make sure you come out on top.”

Xu Chen felt helpless but thought to himself:

Well, for the money…

…

…

During a break in filming, Xu Chen checked on Sun Aimi.

For this trip to Sichuan West and Snow District, East Morning Star Advertising only had her, and Xu Chen was a bit worried.

“Boss, don’t worry about me. It’s just one day, and I’m familiar with the director’s team…”

Director Bao Jun Sen quickly approached:

“Teacher Xu, relax. We’ll take good care of Aimi!

My team has two girls who’ll stick with her…”

Xu Chen: “Thanks a lot, Paul. Girls can be delicate, and conditions in Snow District are tough.

Aimi, please be understanding and look out for her!”

…

…

Wu Feifei pulled Xu Chen aside:

“Is it okay that I’m not going on the shoot? Leaving Sister Aimi alone…”

Xu Chen: “It’s fine. Aimi’s not some fresh grad; she can handle herself.

The team is from big companies and pros, and she’s already familiar with them, so no issues.”

He looked at Wu Feifei and smiled:

“Besides, if you got hurt in Snow District, Miss Wu, I couldn’t face your dad!”

Wu Feifei stuck out her tongue:

“I’m off to help Sister Aimi!”

…

…

As evening approached and filming wrapped up, Zhou Kai found Xu Chen again.

“Travel arrangements are set. I’ll send the hotel details to your phone. The return flight is tomorrow evening.”

“Got it, thanks.”

Zhou Kai: “How about I treat you to a coffee downstairs?”

Xu Chen: “Sure!”

The two headed down together.

A few minutes later, outside the cafe.

Zhou Kai held a cup of coffee, Xu Chen a cup of hot tea.

As expected, Zhou Kai was here to update him on the “Lanqiao Shengfei” project’s underlying troubles.

But since it involved Vanke’s internal management, Zhou Kai was very cautious and didn’t reveal much.

Luckily, Liu Wenqin had already filled Xu Chen in, so he knew the score.

Zhou Kai hinted at a few things and then emphasized:

“For tomorrow’s meeting with the project team, just go and sync the proposal.

Don’t sweat any feedback on the spot.

This plan has Wang Shi’s approval, so our deal is locked in.

No matter how the team reacts, Wang Shi will push it through directly.”

Xu Chen: “Okay, I understand.”

Zhou Kai hesitated before adding:

“Will you be free on Monday, President Xu?”

Xu Chen: “I’ll be back in Shanghai by then.”

Zhou Kai smiled: “Perfect timing.

Wang Shi will be in Shanghai too, with a meeting lined up…”

He paused:

“Not sure yet, but you might need to stop by on Monday.”

Xu Chen: “No problem, just give me a heads-up so I can clear my schedule.”

Zhou Kai nodded: “Appreciate it.”

Xu Chen: “It’s all part of the job.”

Zhou Kai took a sip of coffee and asked:

“Is East Morning Star Advertising your only company?”

Xu Chen paused: “I have a few other ventures…

Why do you ask?”

From Zhou Kai’s tone, it didn’t seem like small talk.

Zhou Kai smiled:

“Our boss just asked…

He might want to invite you to join Vanke!

He’s not happy with the market brand team and could have management spots opening up.”

“…”

Xu Chen was speechless, surprised they were already eyeing him.

In another life, he’d have seriously considered a Vanke management offer.

But now, he had no interest.

Why work for someone else when he had his own companies? Not to mention his dad’s Chenfeng Technology, or even Ran Bing Sports, which could become a top domestic brand.

Being his own boss was far better.

Plus, from what Liu Wenqin said, Vanke had its share of internal fights—the typical big-company headache—and Xu Chen wanted no part.

Liu Wenqin mentioned Sun Man was the one Wang Shi wanted out.

If they offered Xu Chen the role, it’d drag him into the mess with Yu Liang and Chen Qidong’s power struggles, which sounded exhausting.

And salary-wise, a director at Vanke might pull one to two million, a vice president three to five—decent, but nothing compared to running his own projects, where a few ads could easily net three to five million with full freedom.

In response to Zhou Kai’s hint, Xu Chen didn’t outright refuse and just smiled:

“It’s an honor that Wang Shi thinks highly of me.”

…

…

As dusk fell and shooting ended, Director Bao Jun Sen announced:

“Spokesperson studio shoot—wrapped!”

The crew erupted in applause.

Wang Shi resumed his “big boss” demeanor, thanking and shaking hands with staff.

The photographer set up for a group photo.

Wu Feifei had been in the back, but Xu Chen pulled her to the front.

…

That evening, the filming team headed to the airport for an overnight flight to Sichuan West’s Shangri-La.

Xu Chen gave Sun Aimi a few more instructions, covering work and safety.

The group gathered to escort spokesperson Wang Shi downstairs.

As Wang Shi got into the car, he shook Xu Chen’s hand:

“The ‘Lanqiao Shengfei’ project will be tough on you.”

“Don’t worry, Wang Shi, I’ll give it my all and deliver.”

Wang Shi nodded seriously:

“Giving it your all and delivering… that’s well said!”

…

…

Xu Chen wrapped up the Jeep project, saying goodbye to He Da Chang, Liu Wenqin, Director Bao Jun Sen, and others.

Wang Shi’s secretary, Zhou Kai, had arranged a Toyota Alphard for Xu Chen, waiting at the door.

Xu Chen and Wu Feifei grabbed their bags and got in.

…

…

The hotel was right by Vanke’s headquarters, one of their business properties.

It was a weekend evening in Pengcheng, with traffic jams, so it took an hour of stop-and-go to get from Nanshan District to Yantian.

The Alphard pulled up at the hotel lobby, and the dark-suited driver helped with the luggage.

Xu Chen thanked him, then walked in with Wu Feifei.

“What do you feel like eating tonight?” Xu Chen asked.

“Coconut chicken,” Wu Feifei replied, as if she’d decided earlier.

Xu Chen smiled: “Sounds good, I could go for that too.”

Pengcheng wasn’t exactly a food haven, lacking much local flair, but coconut chicken was a popular, tasty option.

Xu Chen had enjoyed it plenty in his past time here and was craving it now.

…

They checked in and went to their rooms on different floors.

Xu Chen entered his 48th-floor suite—it turned out to be the presidential one.

Spacious at least 120 square meters, with plush sofas, tables, chairs, and beds—all top-tier luxury.

This hospitality was impressive; Zhou Kai must have booked it to Vanke exec standards.

No wonder Wu Feifei was on another floor—her room was probably more standard.

Xu Chen set down his bags and sank into the wide brown leather sofa, feeling utterly relaxed.

This was the life of a “president”!

…

Near Da Mei Sha, though farther from Pengcheng’s downtown, it had good eats and spots to explore.

Xu Chen and Wu Feifei wandered a bit and found a couple of coconut chicken places.

They picked the priciest one.

Watching the staff crack coconuts and pour them into the pot was fun.

The sweet coconut water made the tender chicken aromatic and flavorful, stirring up appetites.

As they ate, Xu Chen chatted with Wu Feifei about tomorrow’s meeting.

Hearing it might be a trap, Wu Feifei looked shocked.

Xu Chen reassured her with a smile:

“We know in advance, so it’s no big deal.

Just treat it as a formality, play along.

We’ll still pocket a big payday from Vanke—what’s not to like!”

Wu Feifei frowned:

“The adult world is scary, full of fights everywhere.”

Xu Chen: “Your dad’s environment is even more complex—internal politics in his field are subtle and intense.”

Wu Feifei: “He never talks about it with me, but I know he faces a lot of pressure.”

She brightened up:

“I just sent the group photo with Wang Shi to my dad, and he’s thrilled, praising me!”

Xu Chen teased:

“Praising you how?”

Wu Feifei blushed a little: “Saying I’m pretty…”

Xu Chen: “…”