Chapter 386: A Leisurely Day’s Preparations

On Saturday, Xu Chen slept in late.

Last night, he watched the Asian Games closing ceremony at the company and didn’t get to bed until 2 a.m. after dropping off the two young ladies.

Xu Chen groggily opened his eyes, still hugging that big wolf dog plush toy.

He pulled it closer and took a deep breath, inhaling deeply.

The plush toy had almost lost Xie Bingran’s pleasant scent; he’d need to borrow it from her for a couple more days.

Or maybe get a piece of her clothing…

Just thinking about it made him inexplicably happy.

…

Xu Chen got up and glanced around; only his roommate Hong Xiaoqiang was in the dormitory, tinkering with some program on the computer.

“The Scholar” Jiao Tianbo was probably at the library.

“Artsy Guy” Chen Wenyi had likely headed to the guitar club again…

His dorm mates each had their own routines.

Xu Chen chatted briefly with Hong Xiaoqiang before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.

His phone buzzed—it was a message from Director Li Yue of the Sports Administration.

[Xu Chen, I’ve just landed in Shanghai. I’ll be here all next week for business talks.

I also need to drop by and chat with you!]

[Welcome, Director Li! You arranged those VIP stands tickets for the Asian Games, and I haven’t thanked you in person yet!]

[You’re too kind, Xu Chen. It was just a small favor.

The main reason I’m reaching out is about Xie Bingran’s business partnerships.

Ever since she won at the Asian Games, several brands that were on the fence are now eager to sign contracts.

We’ve screened and evaluated them internally, and a few are pretty much set.

We haven’t discussed this with Xie Bingran yet, so I thought we’d talk it over with you first.]

Xu Chen smiled, surprised that endorsements for Bing Ge were already lining up right after the Asian Games.

[No problem, Director Li. Let me know what day works—I’ll be in Shanghai all next week.]

[How about Monday? I’ll come find you once I settle in!]

Xu Chen couldn’t help but wonder which brands were interested.

The luxury brand Louis Vuitton that Director Li mentioned last time—who knew if it was on the list.

If Xie Bingran landed a top luxury endorsement, it would boost her image tremendously.

Xu Chen had to admit that Bing Ge’s cool, aloof vibe suited luxury brands perfectly.

Speaking of Louis Vuitton…

Today, as ‘Little President Xu,’ he needed to go shopping.

Tonight’s Jeep appreciation banquet was a business-casual event, so he needed some sharp outfits to make an impression.

Plus, that ‘capital giant’ Anrui Investment was coming for talks…

Xu Chen was set to play the role of a spoiled playboy.

A playboy still needed to look the part…

Xu Chen paused suddenly—Director Li had just arrived in Shanghai; was he also attending the Jeep banquet?

As the official contact for Xie Bingran’s deals, he should be on the invite list.

[Director Li, maybe we’ll run into each other tonight and chat then.]

[Huh?]

Before Xu Chen could reply, Director Li caught on and messaged back:

[I totally forgot about that…

Let’s catch up at the banquet tonight.]

…

Around noon, Xu Chen arrived at the company.

He grabbed some fruit from the fridge, returned to the general manager’s office, and opened a document.

He needed to draft the Vanke Group brand ad today.

Luckily, he had a solid plan in mind, so he finished it in half an hour.

Before starting, Xu Chen double-checked Vanke’s current ads to avoid any overlaps.

…

After over an hour of work, Xu Chen leaned back in his chair and sighed in relief.

Worried he might forget by Monday, he sent it online to Sun Aimi right away.

[Got it, boss! I’ll handle this first thing Monday.]

[Finish it before your Pengcheng trip.

Print it in color for the presentation.]

[Okay, boss…]

Xu Chen suddenly remembered something and added:

[Boss Wang Shi wants a signed photo of Bing Ge.

Find a high-res color photo from her Asian Games win, touch it up a bit, and print it as a poster.

Use good printing materials and techniques.]

[Sure, I understand.]

Xu Chen thought for a moment and replied:

[Actually…

Contact Coach Cheng Hong directly.

She’s tight with CCTV media folks and has plenty of high-quality photos—ask her for some…

Coach Cheng likes you, so she’d probably enjoy the chat!]

[Got it, I’ll reach out to Coach Cheng today.]

…

…

After handling these minor tasks, Xu Chen checked the time.

Due to the time difference, Xie Bingran and the national team should arrive in Beijing that afternoon.

Then they’d attend the Sports Administration’s welcome banquet.

He’d already confirmed with Coach Cheng Hong that Xie Bingran would stay in Beijing for about a week, returning to Shanghai on the 22nd.

But on the 22nd and the morning and noon of the 23rd, she had a couple of local events in Shanghai.

Xu Chen’s earliest chance to meet Xie Bingran would be that evening on the 23rd.

The 23rd was a Saturday, and Xu Chen happened to be free.

His father Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun’s travel plans were set for Sunday the 24th in Shanghai.

That Sunday, he could bring Bing Ge to pick them up, and the four could have a small get-together.

He hadn’t seen Old Xu since National Day.

He really missed his old man.

This would be Old Xu’s first trip to Shanghai, so Xu Chen could show him around and have some fun.

And on the 25th, it was the company’s annual meeting.

“Chairman Xu” could meet the staff from both branches and give a speech or something.

…

…

Half an hour later, on Huaihai Road.

Shanghai’s two most famous commercial streets are Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road.

This historic street, born in 1900, is seen as the most stylish in Shanghai.

Tourists from out of town often hit Nanjing Road.

But many locals prefer Huaihai Road.

And the top luxury brands cluster here…

Xu Chen parked at the Grand Era Plaza and headed to the first-floor cafe.

Nie Fei sat by the window, holding a cup of coffee.

To get his outfits sorted, Xu Chen had called Nie Fei for help.

“Little President Xu” didn’t have much of a habit for luxury shopping and usually dressed casually.

Clearly, Fei Jie was more experienced in this.

…

Nie Fei looked Xu Chen over and smiled. “Any specific requirements?”

Xu Chen thought for a moment:

“Tonight’s Jeep banquet is business-oriented.

And next week with Anrui, I need to look like a flashy, arrogant young heir.”

Nie Fei: “Budget?”

Xu Chen: “A few thousand bucks…

I’m not short on cash, but I don’t want to waste it on overpriced junk.”

Nie Fei pondered:

“Let’s start with Armani for a banquet suit.

It’s formal without being too flashy.

Then we’ll hit Louis Vuitton for something with a big logo—pure luxury vibe!”

…

Forty-some minutes later, Xu Chen emerged with bags in hand.

He was now wearing an Armani outfit that cost several thousand.

“Little President Xu,” whether in his past life or this one, had never splurged like this before.

What could he say?

It was pricey, but there was a reason for it.

For instance, the Armani suit made Xu Chen’s figure look remarkably tall and sharp.

Even Xu Chen was surprised when he saw himself in the mirror.

…

Besides the outfits, Nie Fei had picked out a ring for his index finger as an accessory.

According to Fei Jie, a few metal pieces added a more masculine and refined touch.

Back in the store, Nie Fei had also suggested a men’s fragrance called ‘Earth’.

Xu Chen tried it on a scent strip and liked it, but he hesitated and passed.

Mainly, he was worried Xie Bingran might not like the smell.

If he was buying fragrance, it was best to let the ‘little rich girl’ choose.

Little Wolf Dog was picky about scents.

…

Nie Fei checked the time and said:

“Let’s grab a seat somewhere. Sun Aimi’s on her way.

Then we can head straight to the banquet hotel.”

…

The two went to a boutique cafe on Huaihai Road’s midsection.

The hand-ground coffee aroma filled the air, but Xu Chen ordered a cup of plain tea.

The middle-aged male owner looked like he was from Italy, with two young local women as staff.

“Director Li will be there too, so it’s a good chance to keep things friendly,” Xu Chen said.

Nie Fei: “Anything serious to discuss?”

Xu Chen: “It’s about Bing Ge’s upcoming endorsements. I’ll handle the chat.”

Nie Fei nodded.

…

It wasn’t long before Sun Aimi arrived.

Teacher Aimi was dressed more formally today, even with light makeup.

It had to be said, she looked much more polished and mature.

She glanced at Xu Chen, paused for a second, then said, “Boss.”

Since it was still early, they sat for a bit.

Sun Aimi held her hot coffee and snuck a few glances at Xu Chen.

“What is it?” Xu Chen noticed the odd look.

Sun Aimi showed a mix of shyness and nervousness, whispering:

“Boss… you look really handsome in that outfit!”

Xu Chen laughed.

Nie Fei: “You could consider dressing like this every day.”

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“Nah, not practical. I still have classes.

More importantly, it’s too uncomfortable—hard to move around in.”

…

…

The Jeep appreciation banquet was at the Lujiazui Peninsula Hotel.

This was the same place for the earlier welcome gathering for Fei Jie.

…

In the banquet hall.

A Grand Cherokee and a Wrangler were parked at the entrance—who knew how they got them in.

Flanking them were large posters of endorsers Wang Shi and Xie Bingran.

Xu Chen stopped in front of Xie Bingran’s poster and looked up closely.

He thought if Bing Ge were really that tall, she’d have broken world records by now.

But at that height, it would put pressure on him—kissing her might mean looking up…

He shook off those wandering thoughts and handed his phone to Sun Aimi:

“Snap a photo for me!”

…

By the massive logo wall, the check-in and photo area.

Yan Chuan was greeting guests at the door and spotted Xu Chen’s group from afar, hurrying over.

“President Xu, welcome!”

Xu Chen and Sun Aimi knew him, so they exchanged polite greetings.

Xu Chen gestured to Nie Fei beside him:

“This is Nie Fei, or Fei Jie.

Our company’s partner…”

In this setting, introducing her as a East Morning Star Advertising partner fit best.

Yan Chuan quickly introduced himself to Nie Fei, full of respect.

“Let me show you all in.”

The banquet hall was already buzzing with people.

They stood in small groups, chatting over wine or drinks.

Yan Chuan:

“We’ve set this up as a casual cocktail event…”

“Attendees include Jeep’s major dealers and partners.

Plus external companies in marketing and branding…

Besides your group, President Xu, there are media agencies, production companies, and leaders from Shanghai’s Wen Guang Group…”

Xu Chen perked up—meeting Wen Guang Group’s leaders could build key connections.

As Yan Chuan spoke, two figures approached: BBDO Tianlian Advertising’s Liu Wenqin and director Bao Jun Sen.

“Teacher Xu Chen, Teacher Aimi!”

They greeted politely.

Xu Chen turned to Yan Chuan: “Go ahead and mingle; we’ll be fine on our own!”

Yan Chuan smiled:

“Alright, bosses. Our CEO Leo and Director Andy should be here soon.”

…

Xu Chen introduced Nie Fei to Liu Wenqin and Bao Jun Sen.

They could tell from her appearance she wasn’t just any employee.

And Nie Fei carried a strong executive presence, handling the business talk with ease.

…

A moment later, voices called from behind.

It was Jeep’s vice president Pang Ming and brand director He Da Chang.

“CEO Leo, Director Andy, thanks for hosting!”

“How’d you get those two cars in here? What a statement!”

“Congrats on the big sales! I heard Wrangler orders are backed up until mid-next year!”

…

Everyone showed plenty of respect to the event hosts, exchanging pleasantries.

Pang Ming and He Da Chang lit up at the sight of Nie Fei—probably the beauty factor.

Xu Chen introduced her with a smile.

Pang Ming joked:

“President Xu, how many stunning women do you have hidden in your company?”

…

After some chit-chat, Pang Ming, looking thrilled, turned to Xu Chen:

“Let me tell you, President Xu…

At least half the people checking out or ordering the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee are here because of endorser Xie Bingran!

We rode that Asian Games wave perfectly.”

Xu Chen: “That’s all thanks to CEO Leo and Director Andy’s timing and strategy…

Jeep’s brand is set to explode next year!”

Pang Ming laughed heartily:

“We’ll take that as a good omen from you, President Xu!”

He raised his glass to clink with the group:

“Most of all, thanks to all of you for making our ad so outstanding!”

Liu Wenqin: “It’s the Jeep vehicles that make anything look great!”

…

More back-and-forth compliments followed—that’s standard business talk.

But Pang Ming and He Da Chang’s excitement was genuine.

Clearly, Jeep’s promo had some major wins lately.

The Asian Games and Xie Bingran’s buzz played a big part.

…

Xu Chen remembered something and quietly asked He Da Chang:

“Director Andy, has Director Li Yue arrived?”