Chapter 383: Boardroom Whispers

East Morning Star Advertising Meeting Room.

Gong Ming expressed sincere thanks to Xu Chen and East Morning Star Advertising.

We’re working on our long-term market planning.

In the brand advertising module, we’ll have a separate budget coming up…

We hope Xu Chen and East Morning Star Advertising can get involved then.

Gong Ming said politely, his expression courteous.

This was an invitation for future projects.

Xu Chen didn’t really want to dive deeper into the Kunlunshan project unless it involved Xie Bingran.

Typically, brand advertising projects for new product launches or positioning come with bigger budgets and scale.

Long-term advertising efforts, though, tend to be more conservative.

They’re often just the grunt work of material design.

Only with major market expansion goals would they launch a full-scale campaign for the year.

For Kunlunshan Mineral Water, positioned as premium and priced high, it’s not like everyday consumer goods that keep pouring money into ads…

Of course, Xu Chen didn’t refuse outright and smiled as he said:

“No problem!

We’ve already connected with Chen Xinyi.

When you need us, just have her send over the details, and we’ll discuss specifics then.”

Gong Ming: “Thanks a lot, Xu Chen!”

…

Once they’d wrapped up the main talk, Gong Ming suggested a dinner meeting that afternoon.

Xu Chen stayed quiet, but Nie Fei picked up on what ‘Little President Xu’ was thinking…

She jumped in smoothly, mentioning that ‘Little President Xu’ had other meetings, effectively turning it down for him.

Gong Ming was savvy too and didn’t push the issue.

…

Xu Chen and Nie Fei saw Gong Ming and his group out.

Nie Fei led Gong Ming on a quick tour of the office area and mentioned the new office being renovated on the 6th floor.

Gong Ming smiled and said:

“No wonder…

I was just thinking this office seems a bit small for you, Xu Chen and Nie Fei!”…

While Nie Fei chatted with Gong Ming, Chen Xinyi slipped over to Xu Chen:

“Don’t forget the Great Wall Advertising Award ceremony, Xu Chen!”

Xu Chen chuckled:

“Of course not, I’ve got it all scheduled!

And I owe you for helping with the registration process back then.”

Chen Xinyi: “You’re too kind, Xu Chen!

Having Wang Laoshun as an industry case study is great for us too.”

…

Chen Xinyi spotted Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi and happily went over to say hi.

They’d been working together for a while and were already quite familiar.

Chen Xinyi was outgoing and lively, so she greeted Jiang Yuze and Sun Lingfeng right away.

Jiang Yuze introduced himself, while Sun Lingfeng seemed a bit shy.

Gu Xinxi helped with the introductions, and Chen Xinyi learned that these two weren’t from East Morning Star Advertising but from Ran Bing Sports.

Chen Xinyi let out a subtle sigh and murmured:

“Your team’s atmosphere is really great!

When we heard Nie Fei partnered with Xu Chen, we were all surprised.

We thought she’d joined ‘East Morning Star Advertising,’ but it turned out to be Xie Bingran’s sports brand.

That’s how we found out Xu Chen had this promising business hidden away!”

Gong Ming overheard nearby and looked a bit odd.

Gu Xinxi winced, realizing Chen Xinyi had misspoke, and quickly shot her a look.

…

…

That afternoon, Gong Ming met Nie Fei separately for coffee.

As a former company leader and board member, she couldn’t easily turn him down.

After some small talk, Nie Fei noticed Gong Ming was being evasive.

She didn’t press, just waited for him to get to the point.

After beating around the bush, Gong Ming finally revealed his intent.

“The group’s situation is stable now.

We’ve completely cut ties with Chen’s issues…

Even though he’s dodged responsibility by fleeing overseas, legally, it’s all severed and won’t affect future operations.”

“You got caught in the crossfire back then, and the board saw it.

But we had no choice; sacrifices were needed to make the cut…”

“Everyone on the management team, including me, recognizes your capabilities, Nie.

Kunlunshan’s success is all thanks to your persistence…”

Nie Fei sipped her coffee, smiling without responding.

Gong Ming chuckled and said:

“You’re a smart one, Nie Fei; you get what I mean.

The group needs talent right now. I want you to come back.

We’ll hand over the entire Kunlunshan line to you, and future product lines too…”

Nie Fei just sipped her coffee in silence.

As expected, he was trying to lure her back…

Seeing no response, Gong Ming’s expression shifted as he added:

“This ‘Xu Chen’ is talented, sure, but he’s so young.

His company’s small—this little setup is beneath someone like you, Nie Fei…”

“Our group can offer you budgets in the billions annually.

What can they give you?!

Advertising firms have high margins, but their revenue caps are low.

As for that sports brand, starting from scratch will take years to build…”

“If you return now, you could get vice-president level equity.

You know the math, Nie Fei.”

“Plus, I looked into it—’Little President Xu’ is backed by a family business.

Father-son operation…

Places like that are all about the boss’s word; fair governance is tough.

Even if they promise you equity, who knows if it’ll actually land in your hands.”

He looked at Nie Fei with a serious air:

“Why put yourself through this, Nie Fei?”

…

His words were blunt.

From Gong Ming’s view, Nie Fei staying here was unwise.

Of course, he wasn’t really looking out for her.

He just wanted to bring back a star player like ‘Nie Fei’ to bolster the group’s lines.

…

Nie Fei remained calm.

She set down her coffee cup and finally spoke:

“Thanks for the invitation from you and the group, Gong Ming.

But I’ll stick around here.”

Gong Ming paused, surprised by her firm stance.

She hadn’t hesitated at all.

He frowned, looking incredulous:

“Give me a reason, Nie Fei.”

Nie Fei smiled and replied:

“You’re underestimating Xu Chen and East Morning Star…”

Gong Ming fell silent, his face darkening a bit.

Nie Fei picked up her coffee again.

She still smiled, but her interest in talking had faded.

She paused, then continued:

“I can’t really explain Xu Chen and East Morning Star’s potential to you.

Let’s just let time show it.”

“And besides…

When I was in a tough spot, Little President Xu lent a hand.

I owe him that favor.”

“Most of all, I believe in Xu Chen and Xie Bingran.”

“…”

…

…

A few minutes later, they left the café.

Gong Ming extended his hand and shook Nie Fei’s:

“The group’s offer to you stands for six months.

If you change your mind, just reach out.”

Nie Fei smiled politely and said no more.

…

…

That evening, Xu Chen headed to the company to interview Sun Aimi’s mentee.

He was a short guy named Tang Xiaowei.

As Sun Aimi’s junior from the same art school, he was a bit tongue-tied in the interview.

But as a designer, he didn’t need much sales talk—just solid skills.

Xu Chen reviewed his work from Yangshi Advertising and asked about his creative approach; his expertise held up well.

Nie Fei had already vetted him, so there weren’t major issues.

Xu Chen saw him out, then turned to Sun Aimi:

“Sort out his start date quick; he’ll help share your workload.”

Sun Aimi adjusted her round glasses:

“Got it, boss!”

She was truly grateful that Xu Chen was hiring for her team.

Back at Black Duke Advertising, her old director was all about squeezing people dry.

Few bosses ever thought of their staff like that.

…

Xu Chen remembered something and went to Nie Fei:

“Nie Fei, should we plan a company year-end party?”

Nie Fei: “Sounds good! We’re moving to the new office soon, and new folks are joining.”

She thought for a moment and added:

“I’ll team up with Gu Xinxi to figure out the best way.”

Gu Xinxi looked excited, eager to dive in:

“Awesome!”

…

Nie Fei recalled something and stood up:

“There’s an important matter I need to discuss.”

Xu Chen paused, sensing it was serious from her demeanor.

…

In the General Manager’s Office.

Nie Fei lit a slim cigarette and said:

“I mentioned before that other sports brands have inquired about licensing Xie Bingran…

Several have reached out through various channels to talk with me privately.”

“Nike offered 20 to 30 million to buy out Xie Bingran’s endorsement from Ran Bing Sports.

They based it on an 8 to 10 million endorsement fee valuation.

That valuation roughly quantifies Xie Bingran’s current market worth…

They’re willing to pay two to three times that to break her contract with us.

This 20 to 30 million is for one year.

They’d renegotiate if they want to extend.”

Xu Chen smiled: “Just turn them down; it’s not on the table.”

Nie Fei nodded: “I already did, but I wanted to keep you in the loop.”

She paused:

“Then there’s Anta, proposing a profit-sharing deal.

They’d handle production and distribution; we’d just license the Ran Bing brand and Xie Bingran’s endorsement to them.

In return, we’d get 40% of the profits…”

Xu Chen shook his head: “It sounds appealing, but they won’t develop Ran Bing seriously.

They’d treat it as a minor line, just to neutralize a potential rival.”

Nie Fei smiled and nodded: “So I turned them down too.”

Xu Chen: “Selling off Ran Bing Sports and Xie Bingran’s rights might bring in a quick fortune…

But I didn’t start Ran Bing just for the money.

It’s Xie Bingran’s brand; we need to build it ourselves, no matter what.”

Nie Fei nodded.

She took a drag and continued:

“There’s one more I couldn’t dismiss outright.

They’re delicate, so even a rejection needs to be handled carefully with the right words and approach.

You might need to join the discussion too.”

Xu Chen: “Oh?”

He was a bit surprised.

Nike and Anta were already top players; who could be even more formidable?

Nie Fei paused again: “Overseas, you have Nike, Adidas, Puma; domestically, Anta, Li Ning, 361…

Those are the visible brands, but behind sports, there are major investors.

They’re like unseen forces, investing in or controlling various brands—hidden giants underwater.

Even industry insiders might not know them all…

“The one approaching us is called ‘Anrui Investment’; it’s a behind-the-scenes capital firm in sports.

They started with stock investments and later bought into sports brands directly, but they keep it under wraps with different identities…

Most major global sports groups probably have their capital involved, including the ones we mentioned.

Recent acquisitions of European brands by domestic capital? They’ve got a hand in that too…”

“These investment firms have complex backings.

Anrui has major overseas institutions and two big domestic private funds behind it.

Especially those domestic ones—their connections and influence run deep…”

Xu Chen drew in a sharp breath, his expression turning serious.

He sensed something off.

Who knew Ran Bing Sports would attract these ‘hidden giants’ before even launching its first product?

Nie Fei went on: “They initially approached under another firm’s name, but knowing my background, they came clean about their identity.”

“I don’t know their exact intentions or offers yet.

But if we’re rejecting them, we need to think about how to say it.

In capital circles, some tactics can get dirty…”

Xu Chen: “Ideally, we should find out what they want first—equity in Ran Bing, Xie Bingran’s endorsement, or something else?”

Nie Fei thought for a moment: “I’ll probe them first.”

Xu Chen nodded.

He frowned, mulling it over: “Ran Bing Sports is backed by my family’s East Morning Star Co.—simple funding and decisions.

No outside financing or shareholders, so we’re in full control.

No one can force us into anything we don’t want.”

“The issue is what you said—those dirty tricks afterward…

But if they’re on us, we can’t avoid it.”

Xu Chen had heard stories from his past life.

Companies facing capital invasions often paid a heavy price if they didn’t give in—like Boss Wang’s Vanke, which got hit by raiders, and even Wang himself got ousted…”

Xu Chen pondered seriously and said:

“If they’ve targeted us, it’s because they see value in Ran Bing Sports.

The best move now is to make them think Ran Bing is unreliable and won’t go anywhere…

Buy us time.

Send them packing for now.

We’ll develop quietly, build up scale, strength, and brand loyalty, then we’ll be more resilient.”

Nie Fei considered it: “Make them think we’re unreliable?”

Xu Chen: “Exactly…

And we’ve got a big advantage.”

Nie Fei: “What advantage?”

Xu Chen pointed at himself: “Me.

I’m an eighteen-year-old brat with a rich dad.

Family’s just a small-town business, a rural upstart…

That screams unreliable!

Make them believe I’ll run Ran Bing into the ground, and they might lose interest.”

He frowned again: “So when we meet, we’ll have to play it up.

I’ll act like a spoiled, unreliable kid, and you’ll back me up.

Plus, if I rudely turn them down, it’ll just seem typical for a cocky eighteen-year-old with money…

That’ll shake them off.

Then Ran Bing can grow under the radar and build strength!”

Nie Fei took a drag, laughing: “You’re something else!”

She looked him over: “To pull off spoiled, you’ll need the look.

You’re too understated right now.”

Xu Chen grinned: “Alright, I’ll splurge on some flashy clothes over the weekend!”

…”