Chapter 392: Campus Life and Company Moves

On the way to the library at noon.

Chatting about Xu Chen’s upcoming trip to Kun City at the end of the month, his roommates couldn’t hide their envy.

Pei Qian: “I’ve never been to Yunnan Province or Kun City in my life!”

Qian Xin: “Kun City’s great—the girls are from ethnic minorities, all talented singers and dancers with beautiful voices.”

He switched to a teasing tone:

“And the folk songs in Yunnan are so bold.

Hey, show me the ropes…

Boss Xu, watch your step when you’re there!”

Xu Chen: “…”

Pei Qian: “??!”

Hong Xiaoqiang: “Don’t talk nonsense—Jiang Han from our class is from Yunnan, and she’s a pretty well-behaved girl.”

Qian Xin suddenly threw an arm around Xu Chen’s neck:

“Boss Xu, be straight with us—have you and Goddess Su Rong really hooked up?

You two are always together; it’s seriously enviable.”

Hearing this, Hong Xiaoqiang and Pei Qian leaned in with curious expressions.

Xu Chen: “Don’t spread rumors!

Su Rong and I are nothing serious; it’s just company stuff…

You can joke about me, but leave the girl out of it.

Su Rong’s a really innocent girl.”

Qian Xin nodded:

“Your company’s full of beauties, Boss Xu…

Still hiring?”

Xu Chen: “…”

Pei Qian: “Is that for real?”

Qian Xin: “Go ask Huang Hao—we saw them in Doha.

Besides Su Rong, he just brought out a couple of girls, and they were all stunning!”

“…”

…

Xu Chen shook his head, already tired of the banter.

The group chatted and laughed as they entered the library and got to work.

These roommates seemed carefree on the surface, but when it came to studying, they turned into total academic stars.

After all, getting into Tonghai University, especially as out-of-towners, meant they all had solid academic foundations.

While browsing books on the shelves, Xu Chen and his friends ran into the class’s top studier, Jiao Tianbo.

He sat alone at a table by the window, surrounded by a pile of books.

He was flipping through a notebook, jotting down notes with intense focus.

“The study king” was always the most dedicated in the class.

Jiao Tianbo’s family was fairly well-off; his parents were mid-level officials.

He wasn’t as loaded as Wu Feifei, but he didn’t face any real pressures either.

His hard work came from his own nature—he just set high standards for himself.

In a way, though, “the study king” had ambitions that outpaced his abilities.

This mindset often left him exhausted, twisted up in self-inflicted stress…

Xu Chen spotted Jiao Tianbo and walked over to greet him quietly.

Jiao Tianbo paused, then nodded at Xu Chen.

Xu Chen hesitated before speaking softly:

“With finals coming up, you can hand the Yichun promotion project entirely over to Gu Xinxi…”

Jiao Tianbo frowned.

He thought it over and replied:

“It’s fine. I’ll handle the communications with Director Lou’s side.

It won’t take much time, and it’s a good chance for me to learn from Xinxi about project execution.”

Xu Chen smiled:

“Alright…

If you get too busy, just tell Gu Xinxi—she can take over.

We’ve got others in the company too.”

Jiao Tianbo nodded expressionlessly, though a touch of gratitude stirred inside.

As Xu Chen turned to leave, he remembered something and added:

“At year-end, every employee at our company gets a bonus.

The bonus depends on project contributions…

For the ‘Yichun’ project, you’ve put in a lot of effort, and you were the one who brought it in, so you deserve a project bonus.

It’s your earned fee—Gu Xinxi will discuss the details with you…”

Jiao Tianbo froze.

He showed a flash of refusal and embarrassment, about to politely decline, but when he looked up, Xu Chen had already walked away.

“…”

Truth be told, when Jiao Tianbo first pulled Xu Chen into the ‘Yichun’ project, he had some spiteful motives.

Back then, Xu Chen won two national first prizes in the University Advertising Competition, which left Jiao Tianbo feeling jealous and skeptical.

He’d looked at Xu Chen’s entries and didn’t think they were that impressive.

He figured Xu Chen’s wins were just luck or some hidden advantage.

So, Jiao Tianbo roped him into the ‘Yichun’ city promo to test his theory.

Subconsciously, Jiao Tianbo hoped to see Xu Chen fail or get criticized by the clients…

But to Jiao Tianbo’s surprise, Xu Chen landed the project easily with his own plan.

Jiao Tianbo was involved throughout the discussions and pitches, and he went from not understanding Xu Chen’s ‘Calling Spring’ idea to genuinely admiring it.

Only then did Jiao Tianbo realize Xu Chen’s national wins were pure skill, no luck involved.

He was really strong in ad creativity.

Jiao Tianbo had heard Xu Chen’s phone reports and pitches—his speaking skills, logic, and persuasion were eye-opening.

…

…

Jiao Tianbo snapped back to the present.

He glanced at his notes and suddenly felt a wave of discouragement.

Here he was, scrambling with these pointless exams and assignments…

Meanwhile, his roommate Xu Chen had already built his company to this level.

And now, he was even getting a project bonus…

A sense of uncertainty hit him.

Effort… seemed pointless.

…

…

That evening, there was a hot pot feast for the company’s move.

After his afternoon classes, Xu Chen grabbed his bag and headed out.

Qian Xin and Hong Xiaoqiang invited him to the cafeteria, but he waved them off:

“Got company stuff…”

Qian Xin joked:

“Boss Xu must have too many beauties at the company; you’re lost in the fun!”

“…”

Xu Chen thought to himself that he could introduce Vice President Zhou to Qian Xin—these two wisecrackers would get along.

…

Xu Chen waited in the hallway for a bit until Su Rong walked up with her pink MK backpack.

They headed to the company together.

She shook her backpack, showing off the toys and tags hanging on it to Xu Chen.

Xu Chen glanced down and noticed one shiny tag with Xie Bingran’s face on it…

It was a cartoon version, but the signature short hair and big eyes made it clear it was Bing Ge.

“How’d you get that?” Xu Chen asked.

Su Rong beamed with pride:

“I drew it myself…

My dad’s company makes these tags!”

Xu Chen: “You’re so talented—I had no idea you could do that!”

He examined the cartoon Bing Ge—it was lively, cute, and spot-on.

Especially those big eyes that captured a feisty, puppy-like vibe.

Xu Chen liked it and said with a smile:

“Got any more? Could I have one?”

Su Rong smiled sweetly and pulled one from her pocket, handing it over.

Xu Chen took it, feeling a bit touched.

Miss Su really adored Bing Ge…

The two left the teaching building and walked toward the south gate.

Xu Chen remembered something and half-joked:

“We’ve been hanging out a lot lately—hope I’m not causing you any trouble?”

Su Rong: “Some girls in class asked about it, wondering if we’re together…

I told them I’m interning at your company and working on projects.”

Xu Chen nodded, thinking that excuse worked fine.

Su Rong smiled sweetly again:

“We don’t have anything going on, so I don’t care what people say.

Girls can be weird—sometimes they make something out of nothing.

If there is something, they act like there’s not…”

Xu Chen laughed: “Sounds complicated.”

Su Rong: “That’s why I love hanging with Bing Ge—she’s cool, like a guy.

Not like other girls; you have to tiptoe around them.

I also really like Wu Feifei—she’s so honest and straightforward, full of energy!”

She turned to Xu Chen:

“I should thank you.

I wouldn’t have met them without you.”

Xu Chen smiled: “That’s because you’re genuinely kind-hearted, and Bing Ge and Feifei are too—that’s why you’re great friends.”

Su Rong thought about it, then flashed a sweet smile:

“You put it so well!”

…

…

…

Tonghai Creative Design Building.

Xu Chen and Su Rong entered the elevator lobby and went straight to the sixth-floor office area.

Before they reached the office, they heard a burst of noisy laughter inside.

Two companies, two reception areas.

East Morning Star Advertising’s reception was closer to the elevator.

Xu Chen and Su Rong got to the door and saw a group of people chatting and joking.

Su Rong spotted Wu Feifei through the glass and ran in with a smile.

…

Xu Chen followed, and Sun Aimi, Gu Xinxi, and the others greeted him with smiles, calling out “Boss.”

Xu Chen noticed the petite Tang Xiaowei and warmly said:

“Started today?

Welcome aboard!”

Tang Xiaowei already knew Xu Chen was the boss and looked a bit nervous.

He smiled at Xu Chen and said:

“Hello, Boss Xu!”

After learning Xu Chen was the boss, Tang Xiaowei felt a bit uneasy—especially since Xu Chen seemed so young, which made the contrast even more intimidating.

Plus, he’d heard some impressive stories about “Boss Xu” from Sun Aimi that afternoon…

Xu Chen smiled and nodded kindly.

Luckily, as a designer, Tang Xiaowei just needed to focus on his work in the office without much client interaction.

Otherwise, his reserved personality might not last long at East Morning Star Advertising.

In comparison, Sun Lingfeng was also introverted, but he struggled with business dealings.

Still, Xu Chen had reviewed Tang Xiaowei’s designs and tested his creativity—they were solid with some standout points.

Everyone had their roles; skills varied accordingly.

Since Sun Aimi worked well with him, Xu Chen didn’t interfere much.

…

…

…

In the tea and rest area, they pushed together two long tables.

The tables held four hot pots, plus heaps of various ingredients and drinks.

Gu Xinxi, Jiang Yuze, and Sun Lingfeng had just picked everything up from the big supermarket at Chifeng Road intersection.

Xu Chen took one look and felt his appetite kick in.

All spicy and mild broth pots.

The ingredients mixed meats and veggies, with fresh seafood, fish, shrimp, and beef and lamb slices.

These days, synthetic meat wasn’t common, and Gu Xinxi had chosen freshly cut stuff—it looked top-notch.

Everyone sat down.

“Boss Xu” got pushed to the middle seat, next to Fei Jie.

Wu Feifei suddenly said:

“Aren’t we having drinks?”

Xu Chen grinned: “I’ll grab some good ones!”

…

A few minutes later, Xu Chen brought over several bottles.

There were four bottles of Penfolds Bin 128 red wine and even one of Guojiao.

All premium stuff.

Wu Feifei pointed at the Guojiao:

“I’m telling Fang Jun you stole her wine!”

Xu Chen rolled his eyes: “You’re the one who wanted drinks, and now you’re snitching?”

Wu Feifei stuck out her tongue with a playful grin.

Xu Chen: “Relax, this one’s from my own stash!”

…

In the end, they opened two bottles of red wine.

Everyone was young, so no one went for the hard liquor.

Gu Xinxi brought out the wine glasses and set them up.

“Boss Xu” happily poured the drinks.

Once everyone had a glass, Xu Chen said:

“Let’s raise our glasses! Good luck in the new office, and welcome our new colleague, Tang Xiaowei!”

Wu Feifei eyed Xu Chen’s glass and pouted:

“Boss Xu, why are you drinking cola?”

Xu Chen: “I’ve got to drive later!”

Wu Feifei paused, then got it.

She pouted unhappily, grabbed an empty glass, poured half a cup of red wine, and swapped it with Xu Chen’s cola:

“I’ll take a cab home tonight—you don’t need to drive me!”

She handed it over directly.

Xu Chen chuckled and didn’t argue.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“To the new office—smooth sailing ahead!”

…

…

Half an hour later, Xu Chen was feeling a bit buzzed.

Mainly because everyone kept toasting the “Boss.”

Fei Jie was another target for toasts.

Overall, she handled her wine better than Xu Chen, staying composed after a few glasses.

Later, when Xu Chen was struggling, Nie Fei even stepped in to block a couple for him.

Xu Chen looked at Nie Fei and smiled:

“That’s great—when my dad comes, you can drink with him.”

Nie Fei smiled: “I’ve already shared a few rounds with President Xu in Tiancheng and Lifeng.”

…

Among the girls, Gu Xinxi and Wu Feifei could hold their liquor okay.

Gu Xinxi especially had a decent tolerance.

As the client director, dealing with people, a bit of drinking skill was a plus.

Sun Aimi and Su Rong, though, weren’t great with alcohol—their faces were flushed red.

Sister Aimi leaned on Gu Xinxi, her round glasses hiding a slightly dazed look.

Su Rong clung to Wu Feifei’s arm like a tired kitten.

…

…”