Chapter 366: Whispers of Opportunity
by xennovelThursday morning, the ‘Introduction to Communication Studies’ class.
During the break, Xu Chen received a QQ friend request.
It was from the ‘Academic Department Minister’ of the College Student Union, a senior from the third-year Advertising major.
[Hello Xu Chen, I’ve received the notice for the ‘University Advertising Competition’ and the college’s arrangements…
On December 28th and 29th, Dean Lin Ruyang will lead the team to Kun City for the ‘China Advertising Festival’ series of events.
You’re a national first-prize winner in the ‘University Advertising Competition’ and are already included in this trip.
I’m reaching out to confirm your schedule for late December…]
The senior sent a message along with two original notices.
For this ‘University Advertising Competition’, all award-winning students from the college will be personally led by Dean Lin Ruyang to Kun City for the activities.
This is naturally a reward from the college for the winning students.
The ‘University Advertising Competition’ awards are just one part of next month’s ‘China Advertising Festival’ in Kun City.
There are also a series of evaluations, lectures, and exchange events—it’s a major gathering in the domestic advertising industry.
For ‘University Advertising Competition’ winners to go with Dean Lin Ruyang is a rare chance to learn and broaden horizons.
Xu Chen checked the dates; by next month, he’d already be back from the Asian Games, so this ‘China Advertising Festival’ was worth attending.
After all, it’s an industry event—maybe he’d network and gain resources to boost his own business.
The ‘University Advertising Competition’ awards and exhibition are scheduled for the 28th next month.
The next day, the 29th, features the ‘Great Wall Advertising Award’ ceremony.
Xu Chen thought about it; the ‘Fear of Overheating’ ad case that Nie Fei and Chen Xinyi submitted—who knows if it’s moving forward.
Nie Fei has left Jiaduobao, so she might not know the follow-up.
He’d have to ask Chen Xinyi from Jiaduobao later.
Xu Chen didn’t care about the ‘Great Wall Award’s tens of thousands in prize money…
But winning a major industry award would help ‘East Morning Star Advertising’s reputation and influence.
The ‘Great Wall Advertising Award’ is one of the largest and most impactful ad awards in the country.
Xu Chen scrolled through the ‘Academic Department Minister’s message and replied:
[Hey senior, my schedule is clear…
I’ll just follow the college’s arrangements!]
[Great, could you send me your ID info? The college will book travel and accommodation.]
…
…
As Xu Chen was reviewing the ‘China Advertising Festival’ schedule, Wu Feifei sent a few messages.
Xu Chen opened them; they were news about the launch of ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’.
Most came from local media in Tiancheng.
Guo Liang had already shared most of these with Xu Chen for approval earlier.
The local Tiancheng media resources were thanks to Director Feng Siliang from the City Publicity Department.
‘Local star enterprise Chenfeng Technology launches its first electric model ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ for sale in Tiancheng…
‘Chenfeng Technology, a reformed state-run enterprise from the original Bright Machinery Factory, is a key supported tech firm in Tiancheng…
‘Tiancheng’s sports star, national women’s 100-meter hurdles champion Xie Bingran, serves as the spokesperson for ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’…
‘Chenfeng Technology Chairman Xu Zhiquan: ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ sales are exploding…
We’ll keep expanding production to meet Tiancheng residents’ travel needs…
Wu Feifei sent a specific message:
[Congrats, little Xu!
My dad says they’re planning a sit-down report for Chenfeng Technology in the city!
Later, provincial leaders will visit your park for an inspection…]
Xu Chen replied:
[Thanks, Miss Wu!
I already told my dad to save one for you.
When you come back, I’ll have it ready for you to ride!]
Wu Feifei: [Sounds good! I haven’t really toured your park yet!]
Xu Chen: [Come during the break; I’ll arrange a special welcome for Miss Wu!]
Wu Feifei: [No need; I’ll hang with Sister Fang Jun!]
Xu Chen: [That’s separate.
You do your thing; I’ll handle mine!]
…
These past couple of days, Xu Chen had been keeping an eye on the Tiancheng launch.
The first batch of ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ units totaled ten thousand, distributed to Tiancheng and the provincial capital.
Of course, these ten thousand were rolling off the production line gradually, not all at once.
Tiancheng had a direct store, while the provincial capital partnered with local electric vehicle dealers for the launch.
Additionally, Guo Liang arranged sales teams for trial drives and sales events in surrounding counties.
As Director Yang Congxin said in that earlier phone meeting:
‘Line up all the electric vehicles, and customers will mostly go for ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’.
Ask about the price, and they’ll probably buy on the spot!’
The launch success was expected.
Next up: expanding production and building distribution channels.
There would definitely be new challenges ahead.
As Nie Fei mentioned a couple of days ago…
‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ needs to expand to other cities and provinces, right up to the entire north, facing many hurdles.
Chenfeng Technology wants to carve out a market niche, but competitors might counter aggressively.
Overall, though, Xu Chen and his father felt confident.
On the advertising side, the current set for Xie Bingran is sufficient.
With the company still focused on production and distribution expansion, there’s no big ad budget yet.
Of course, the company’s funds aren’t enough for large-scale ads, especially TV spots.
They can plan that once ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ is solid in Shandong Province and ready to hit the northern market.
Since its formation, Chenfeng Technology has been in heavy investment mode, mostly sustained by loans except for ‘Chenxin Nurseries’ funds.
Now, with the launch, revenue is finally flowing in.
The perk of consumer products is that each sale brings profit.
But as sales grow, so does the need for production investment—most earnings will go back into that…
Fang Jun has modeled the revenue; the goal is to break even in three years.
Among Xu’s companies, ‘East Morning Star Advertising’ is the quickest earner right now.
A project nets a million or two with minimal costs and high profits.
But ad agencies have revenue limits.
‘Chenxin Nurseries’ has solid revenue and efficiency but relies on connections and external projects.
It’s a cash cow now, but external factors could change that in a few years…
The real long-term big players are ‘Ran Bing Sports’ and ‘Chenfeng Technology’.
Both have huge potential.
…
…
Noon.
Xu Chen grabbed a quick meal with his roommates in the cafeteria before heading to the company.
Near the south gate, he heard someone call his name—it was ‘top student’ Jiao Tianbo.
Jiao Tianbo caught up, speaking in his usual gruff tone:
“Yichun’s project—I need to sync with Gu Xinxi on the progress.”
He paused, then added:
“I’ve got it set with Gu Xinxi… for today at noon.”
Xu Chen nodded: “Appreciate it, Tianbo!”
The Yichun project was in execution prep, mostly handled by Gu Xinxi, so Xu Chen didn’t micromanage.
They planned to launch the ‘Spring Call’ campaign before the Lunar New Year, still in prep and not urgent.
But official projects involve complex internal coordination, probably a hassle.
With Jiao Tianbo on board, it helped—he already knew Director Lou Ting.
…
They reached the office; the team was busy.
Seeing Xu Chen enter, everyone greeted him warmly:
“Boss!”
“Little Xu!”
…
Jiao Tianbo followed in and noticed a few new faces.
Xu Chen smiled and explained:
“We’ve got some new colleagues on board lately.”
Jiao Tianbo was surprised.
Last time, it was just Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi.
Now, three more employees had joined…
Nie Fei came out with a coffee cup, smiling.
Xu Chen properly introduced her to ‘top student’ Jiao Tianbo.
Jiao Tianbo looked serious, a bit intimidated by Nie Fei’s strong professional vibe.
Nie Fei was friendly and chatted with him briefly…
Gu Xinxi had spotted Jiao Tianbo and waved him over.
…
In the general manager’s office.
Nie Fei sat across from Xu Chen with her coffee:
“Next month, two companies on the seventh floor are vacating.
We could lease them together, knock down walls—about 300 square feet.”
Xu Chen: “Perfect!
Let’s grab it quick; it’s getting cramped for meetings here!”
Nie Fei: “Gu Xinxi’s handling it; they’ll move out early next month. We can clean and spruce it up.”
She glanced around:
“I asked Fang Jun; she said this office is leased for a year. Want to keep it?”
Xu Chen thought: “Yeah, let’s keep it!
‘East Morning Star Advertising’ and ‘Ran Bing Sports’ started here—it’s nostalgic.
Plus, if things get noisy, I can duck in here.”
Nie Fei: “If you’re redecorating, let me know; we can sort it all at once.”
Xu Chen pondered:
“The workstations outside aren’t needed; move them to the new spot.
Just clear out the outside for me—I’ll handle it myself.”
Nie Fei: “Got it!”
Xu Chen added:
“For the new office downstairs, save a window spot for Fang Jun.
Overall style can mimic this one, or ask Fang Jun for her thoughts.”
This decor was Fang Jun’s doing; she put a lot into it.
…
Nie Fei sensed Fang Jun’s importance in the company.
She didn’t know Fang Jun’s full background, but clearly Xu Zhiquan and Xu Chen treated her specially.
Nie Fei suggested:
“Maybe give her an office?”
Xu Chen laughed: “Nah, a prime workstation’s enough.
We’re not giving up this space, so her hidden stash of wine stays safe.
She can chime in on the decor—if she’s interested, let her run with it.”
Nie Fei nodded: “Understood!”
Then Nie Fei remembered something and smiled:
“Chen Xinyi told me yesterday—they got an invite for the ‘Great Wall Advertising Award’.
It’s for ‘East Morning Star Advertising’, but since Chen Xinyi handled the submission, it went to her email.”
Xu Chen chuckled.
He’d been thinking about that this morning, and here it was.
Nie Fei:
“I’ll forward the invite to you.
It goes to all shortlisted entries.
But the awards and ceremony are at next month’s ‘Advertising Festival’.
This invite’s just for the event.”
Xu Chen: “I’m heading there anyway for the ‘University Advertising Competition’, so I’ll pick up the ‘Great Wall Award’ too.”
He thought and said:
“If you’re free, come with me, Nie Fei!”
Nie Fei: “What for? I’m not with Jiaduobao anymore.”
Xu Chen: “But ‘Wang Laoshun’ was your creation!
The ‘Fear of Overheating’ ads were just one part; you orchestrated the whole strategy.
‘Wang Laoshun’s market success, including awards like the ‘Great Wall’, has your stamp on it.”
Nie Fei felt a touch of emotion and said sincerely:
“Thanks, little Xu!”
Xu Chen smiled: “Don’t worry!
‘Ran Bing Sports’ will bring you new honors!”
…
…
When Xu Chen was about to leave, he noticed ‘top student’ Jiao Tianbo had already gone.
Typical low emotional IQ—no goodbye or anything.
For the Yichun project, Xu Chen checked with Gu Xinxi:
“It’s moving steadily; I’ve set up a project timeline and am coordinating with Yichun’s tourism bureau and media!”
“Great work, Gu Xinxi.”
As Xu Chen headed out, Sun Aimi stopped him.
“Boss, take a look at this!”
Xu Chen glanced at Sun Aimi’s computer screen and his expression turned serious; he pulled up a chair and sat down.
It was the Jeep ad; the director team had delivered the A Copy, the first rough cut.
Since it involved Xie Bingran, Xu Chen was taking it seriously and felt some excitement.
The A Copy focused on shot sequences and structure.
No final voiceover or music yet—just a placeholder track for tone.
The visuals weren’t color-graded either.
Xu Chen put on headphones and started the video.
The ad had versions: one minute, 30 seconds, and 15 seconds.
He was watching the full one-minute cut.
Spokesperson Wang Shi and Xie Bingran’s shots were intercut based on Xu Chen’s original ad plan.
Xu Chen watched intently.
…
A minute later, the ad ended.
Xu Chen removed his headphones and leaned back, thoughtful.
By then, the rest of the office had gathered around.
“Xie Bingran looks amazing!”
“This ad has such a high vibe…”
“Off-road in the desert really suits her style and image.”
“That Wrangler makes her look even better!”
…
…
“…”