Chapter 380: Morning Goodbyes

Early the next morning.

Snuggled under the warm blanket, Xu Chen and Xie Bingran lingered, reluctant to leave its comfort.

They held each other close for a long while before finally getting up with a sigh.

In the bathroom, they brushed their teeth and freshened up, still sticking together.

Even while brushing, Xu Chen wrapped his arms around Xie Bingran from behind.

He just couldn’t bear to let go.

Xie Bingran packed her things simply and slung her backpack over her shoulder.

She hesitated about wearing the ‘Ran Bing 001′ shoes, but Xu Chen smiled and said:

“Once production ramps up, I’ll send you ten pairs at once…”

That brought a happy smile to her face, and she slipped the shoes on.

Zipping up her jacket, Xie Bingran was all set.

Suddenly, she gave a pitiful, puppy-like look, ducked her head into Xu Chen’s arms, and hugged him tight.

Xu Chen gently stroked her head, soothing her like a wronged puppy.

“You’ve won the Asian Games gold medal, and I haven’t given you a proper gift yet.”

Xu Chen said softly.

“Just coming to see me is enough…”

As she spoke, she hugged him even tighter.

In the hotel’s buffet restaurant.

Xu Chen and Xie Bingran stepped out of the elevator and ran into Nie Fei, Fang Jun, Wu Feifei, and Su Rong exiting the next one.

“What brings you all up so early?”

Xu Chen asked with a smile.

He had to drop off Bing Ge, but the others didn’t need to rise this early.

Wu Feifei already linked arms with Xie Bingran, putting on a playful pout:

“We want to see Bing Ge off too!”

Breakfast passed with lively chatter.

Wu Feifei remembered something and tentatively asked:

“Can we get a peek at Bing Ge’s Asian Games gold medal?”

Before Xie Bingran could respond, Xu Chen smiled and said:

“I’ve already checked. The team collected all the medals, so Bing Ge doesn’t have it right now.”

Wu Feifei and Su Rong blinked, looking disappointed.

Xie Bingran added, “Once I get back and finish the events, it should be returned. I’ll show you then…”

Wu Feifei lit up instantly:

“Great! Sounds perfect!”

After breakfast, the girls pulled Bing Ge aside for more group photos to remember the moment.

As they said their goodbyes, Wu Feifei and Su Rong gave Bing Ge warm hugs.

Xu Chen drove Xie Bingran back to the Athletes’ Village.

After parking, they took the village’s shuttle to the Forest Zone apartment complex as usual.

In the cafe downstairs from the athletes’ apartments, they met Coach Cheng Hong again.

Xie Bingran approached and greeted her softly, “Coach Cheng.”

Xu Chen smiled and said hello, then added:

“I’ve brought her back safe and sound!”

Coach Cheng Hong chuckled:

“Want some coffee? It’s on me.”

Xu Chen didn’t refuse:

“I’ll take a local Persian red tea then!”

They sat under an outdoor canopy, and Xu Chen pulled gifts from his backpack for Coach Cheng Hong and Coach Sun Mouping.

A pearl bracelet and a brass lighter.

Coach Cheng Hong opened them, clearly delighted, and teased:

“Thanks a lot, young President Xu!”

As they chatted, Coach Cheng Hong mentioned that after Xie Bingran’s Asian Games win, various bonuses were already in the works.

Though Bing Ge hadn’t returned home yet, congratulatory messages from back home hinted at substantial rewards.

Winning gold for the country at the Asian Games came with big bonuses…

And since Xie Bingran broke a record over a decade old, many prizes got bumped up.

From the Sports Administration, Shandong Province Sports Bureau, Shanghai Athletics Center, Huahai Normal University…

Plus that ‘mystery prize’ from her hometown Tiancheng that Wu Feifei had quietly mentioned.

Xu Chen couldn’t help wondering how much Bing Ge’s bonuses would total.

Coach Cheng Hong smiled and said:

“We’re not sure yet, but it’s shaping up to be way more than the National Games or East Asia Youth Games prizes.”

After all, Bing Ge shattered the Asian record.

Coach Cheng also noted that Director Li Yue had received inquiries from brands.

She didn’t know the details yet, but business deals would likely start once they returned.

As Asia’s top female sprinter, Xie Bingran’s collaboration fees were soaring.

Combining sponsorship deals with competition bonuses made for a huge income.

Though the national team might take a cut, it was still an impressive amount.

Xu Chen felt a twinge of amusement.

Bing Ge earned money so much faster than he did.

“Little rich girl” fit her perfectly now.

He felt proud thinking about it.

If athletics was Bing Ge’s career…

Then this eighteen-year-old had reached the top in Asia.

And was reaping rewards beyond her peers.

Xu Chen mused…

Maybe he could just relax and let the little rich girl support him—it didn’t sound bad.

After all, Xie Bingran had said, “What’s mine is yours.”

She’d even offered to hand over her winnings for him to manage…

Xu Chen glanced at her; she blinked with wide eyes, as if the conversation barely concerned her.

A strange pang of sympathy hit him.

Bing Ge had grown up in tough times, often going hungry and cold…

Yet she seemed detached from material things.

Maybe it was her naturally pure nature.

When Coach Cheng wasn’t looking, Xu Chen sneaked his hand under the table and squeezed Xie Bingran’s soft, warm hand.

Sipping her coffee, Coach Cheng remembered something and said:

“Director Li Yue will probably want to discuss things with you…”

Xu Chen knew what she meant and jumped in:

“He came to Shanghai last time and we talked it through.”

“We reached some agreements…”

Knowing Li Yue and Coach Cheng got along well, Xu Chen added:

“We synced up last time…”

“East Morning Star Advertising will help manage Bing Ge’s PR risks.”

We know the industry, so we’re aware of potential issues.

We won’t force our way into deals Li Yue sets up.

But we’d like to know about the brands and terms.

That way, we can spot and avoid any risks early.

It’s all for Bing Ge’s long-term image and business value…”

Coach Cheng Hong laughed:

“All that professional talk goes over my head—I’m just in sports.”

“But I get the gist. I’ll loop in Li Yue.”

Li is always cautious, and after the Kunlun Mountain and Jeep projects, he respects you a lot, so he won’t mess up.”

She glanced at Xie Bingran and added with a smile:

“Plus, there’s Bing Ge’s input to consider…”

“Anyway, Li Yue will reach out; you two can sort the details.”

Xu Chen nodded: “Sounds good, thanks Coach Cheng!”

Coach Cheng and Xie Bingran had a team meeting that morning.

Xu Chen needed to head back to the hotel, pack, and catch his flight…

So they stood, said their goodbyes.

Xie Bingran watched Xu Chen with longing, puppy-like eyes full of quiet sadness.

Seizing the moment while Coach Cheng turned away, Xu Chen leaned in and kissed her soft lips quickly.

Xu Chen drove back to the hotel and quickly packed his bags.

Down in the lobby, Nie Fei, Fang Jun, Wu Feifei, and Su Rong were already waiting.

“Time to head home!” Xu Chen said with a grin.

An hour later, at Doha Airport in the VIP lounge.

Fang Jun’s flight to the Provincial Capital was first, so she said her farewells.

Xu Chen and Wu Feifei stood to see her off.

Wu Feifei clung to Fang Jun’s arm, acting like a spoiled kid.

As they walked to the gate, Xu Chen asked:

“When will Fang Jun and my dad get to Shanghai?”

Fang Jun replied, “Hard to say—it depends on your dad’s schedule. The factory’s lining up production once he’s free.”

Xu Chen said, “Okay, let me know when it’s set; I’ll drive to pick you up.”

Fang Jun turned to Wu Feifei:

“When your dad arrives in Shanghai, we’ll make sure to treat Miss Wu properly!”

Wu Feifei thought for a moment and said:

“I’ll bring Su Rong along too.”

Fang Jun: “That works best.”

Xu Chen stayed quiet, but inside he admired Wu Feifei’s sharp social skills.

When his father Xu Zhiquan visited, both Wu Feifei and Su Rong needed proper hosting—it tied into family business and connections.

Of course, as elders, it would feel casual.

Wu Feifei knew Xu Zhiquan well, but Su Rong was new and a bit shy…

With outgoing, savvy Wu Feifei there, no one would feel awkward.

After seeing Fang Jun off, Xu Chen and Wu Feifei headed back to the VIP lounge—they still had time.

They spotted the group from Tonghai University, about thirty people strong, lining up at the next gate.

Qian Xin and Huang Hao waved from afar at Xu Chen.

“Not joining us on this flight, Boss Xu?”

“Nah, see you back at the dorm tonight!”

On the way back, Xu Chen teased Wu Feifei:

“Jiao Tianbo mentioned wanting to come to Doha with you back then!”

Wu Feifei paused, then sighed:

“Jiao Tianbo’s just too immature—like dealing with a kid.”

Xu Chen smiled but didn’t reply.

Wu Feifei always seemed fun and youthful, but she was actually quite mature and insightful.

Around girls like her, many guys their age came off as childish.

Back in the VIP lounge.

Nie Fei sat next to Xu Chen as he returned, clearly with something on her mind.

“I’ve set up the PR for Jiang Yuze—it’s going out today.”

“We’ll start with big platforms like Tianya, Mop, and Sohu Sports, teasing ‘Ran Bing 001’ material.”

Mainly the banners from the competition day and the shots of Bing Ge’s shoes yesterday…

“Once it sparks discussion, we’ll direct traffic to the ‘Ran Bing 001’ teaser site…”

“From tomorrow, we’ll roll out more PR to hype the topic.”

“Early tomorrow, the ‘Ran Bing 001’ store site will update with shoe designs and features.”

Nie Fei went into detail, updating him on what Jiang Yuze and Sun Lingfeng were handling.

Xu Chen nodded:

“You’re on top of it, Nie Fei; I trust your call.”

Nie Fei nodded and added:

“Zhou Junjun’s overseeing production.”

“I just checked—the first batch of shoes hits the line on the 18th.”

We’ll send some for inspection then…

“If all good, pre-sales start on the 20th, but official sales and shipping wait until New Year’s Day.”

Xu Chen thought it over and agreed—it all sounded solid.

These details were Nie Fei’s domain, but she wanted to keep him in the loop early on.

Nie Fei hesitated before saying:

“Once PR drops tomorrow, traffic to our ‘Ran Bing 001’ site will surge.”

I wonder how many pre-orders we’ll get…

Xu Chen grinned: “I’m optimistic.”

“I just hope releasing only 1,000 pairs first doesn’t upset people for being too few.”

Nie Fei: “Actually, that could work in our favor—makes it feel exclusive and generates more buzz.”

Xu Chen pondered:

“Let’s check pre-order numbers in a couple of days.”

For now, stick with 1,000 for the first batch…

We can decide on more production based on that.”

Inventory’s a key factor long-term.”

Nie Fei was surprised.

“Inventory” affected everything from production to pricing and distribution.

It was crucial in sportswear, and big brands like Nike or Adidas handled excess through stores and outlets.

But for “Ran Bing Sports,” that wasn’t an option.

They lacked the stores, and discounting could hurt the brand’s image.

“Inventory” strategy was something Nie Fei had been mulling over.

She hadn’t expected non-industry Xu Chen to spot it so quickly.

It was another surprise from the young president.

He always zeroed in on the core business issues.