Chapter 406: Family Visits and Campus Life

In the evening.

Xu Chen drove Wu Feifei back to Shanghai Foreign Languages University.

Xu Zhiquan, Fang Jun, and Xie Bingran naturally joined them.

Once they entered the university grounds, Wu Feifei led the group on a casual stroll, helping digest their meal.

Xu Zhiquan showed extra concern for Miss Wu’s lifestyle, asking if everything was convenient and if she needed any daily essentials.

He added specifically:

“If you need any help in the future, just call on Xu Chen.”

“Your schools are pretty close anyway.”

Wu Feifei glanced at Xu Chen and Xie Bingran holding hands, worried Bing Ge might misunderstand, so she smiled and said:

“Sure! Xu Chen’s company has a few guys working there.”

“Next time I need to move something, I’ll just head over and ask them.”

Xu Zhiquan nodded with a smile:

“That’s perfect!”

……

On the drive back, Old Xu couldn’t help but speak up:

“I have to say, Shanghai Foreign Languages University doesn’t seem as organized and beautiful as Tonghai University!”

Fang Jun said flatly:

“That’s because your son studies at Tonghai University, so you have a bias.”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily, a touch of pride showing.

Fang Jun chatted on, mentioning that the leadership had considered sending Wu Feifei abroad for studies.

But due to safety concerns overseas and worry for their precious daughter, they kept her in the country.

Plus, Wu Feifei would likely join the system after graduation, so studying domestically gave her an edge.

Besides, getting into Shanghai Foreign Languages University on her own merit made it a solid choice.

……

……

At Tonghai University Guesthouse.

Xie Bingran headed back to her room alone, while Xu Chen first escorted his father Xu Zhiquan and Teacher Fang Jun to the third floor.

Once in Xu Zhiquan’s room, Xu Chen said:

“I picked this room in advance—it’s the most spacious layout.”

Xu Zhiquan: “My son is so filial!”

Xu Chen: “Since we didn’t drink tonight, Dad, did you feel like you missed out?”

Xu Zhiquan: “Not at all. I love a drink, but I’m not a drunkard.”

Xu Chen: “Tomorrow night at the company, I’ll join you for a few more glasses.”

Xu Zhiquan: “Sounds good!”

Xu Chen: “I’ll have classes the next couple of days.”

Fei Jie will take care of President Xu and Teacher Fang Jun.”

Xu Zhiquan: “I don’t need special treatment—just wander around your school.”

Xu Chen: “That won’t do!”

With President Xu visiting Shanghai to guide the work, we have to arrange everything properly!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed cheerfully and added:

“After leaving Shanghai, I need to stop by Hangcheng.”

Xu Chen: “Hangcheng?”

Xu Zhiquan lit a cigarette:

“To check on Feng Wenjiang’s daughter!”

Xu Chen paused, then remembered Feng Qingqing.

Feng Qingqing was studying in nearby Hangcheng.

Xu Chen said:

“I haven’t visited her in Hangcheng for half a year—does that seem off?”

Xu Zhiquan smiled:

“It might be a bit awkward, but it’s fine.”

“I’m close with Feng Wenjiang, and besides, he and his daughter know about your relationship with Ranran…”

“I’ll swing by Hangcheng to visit—it’s just a way to keep the family ties strong.”

Xu Chen thought for a moment: “Maybe wait until after the New Year, next semester. I’ll find a chance to go too.”

He was thinking that ‘Ran Bing Sports’ mainly handles Taobao channels, so he could visit Alibaba in Hangcheng to check the e-commerce side.

Xu Zhiquan nodded:

“Visiting would be best!”

“Feng Wenjiang’s moved up to the district level now, and he’s helped a lot with our nursery business.”

“He’s connected us with several key contacts…”

Xu Chen: “Got it. I’ll keep in touch with Feng Qingqing through messages to maintain the relationship.”

Xu Zhiquan: “Don’t overdo it—just keep it friendly.”

“The main thing is between me and Feng Wenjiang.”

“You young ones can have simple exchanges…”

Xu Chen: “Understood!”

“Chenxin Nurseries” is still crucial to “East Morning Star Co.” for stable profits.

“Chenfeng Technology” is in heavy investment phase; it’ll grow revenue in a few years but will cover early losses for now.

“Chenxin Nurseries” provides essential profit support to the group.

In fact, some of the funds “Chenfeng Technology” got from the bank rely on “Chenxin Nurseries” future project payouts.

“East Morning Star Advertising” is a cash cow with high profit margins.

But its earnings are mostly going into “Ran Bing Sports” right now.

Once “Ran Bing Sports” is stable, Xu Chen doesn’t want to shake up “East Morning Star Advertising” too much.

As the young boss, he doesn’t want to overwork himself—just handle fun projects as hobbies.

He’d rather not grind just for money…

Seeing it was getting late, Xu Chen said goodbye:

“Dad, I’m heading back to the dorm.”

“I’ll come by early tomorrow to take you all for breakfast!”

Xu Chen still had to “pretend” to go back to the dorm…

After all, sleeping with Xie Bingran might be too bold for his somewhat traditional father.

Xu Zhiquan:

“Do you want to shower here? Save going to the public bath.”

Xu Chen: “You get some rest, Dad!”

“Don’t worry about me!”

With that, he smiled and left.

……

……

In a room on the top floor, Xu Chen knocked on the door.

The door opened from inside, and the little rich girl stood there.

She’d already showered, wearing a white robe with damp hair, looking soft and fragrant.

Xu Chen felt a sudden urge, wanting to pull her into his arms for a flurry of kisses.

But he hadn’t showered yet and felt grubby, so he held back.

“Wait till I rinse off, then I’ll kiss you senseless!”

Xie Bingran blinked her big eyes, looking innocent and pitiful.

……

A few minutes later, Xu Chen stepped out after showering.

Xie Bingran was sitting on the bed, messaging on her phone.

Xu Chen paused—he’d never seen her messaging late at night before.

“Chatting with someone at this hour?” Xu Chen asked.

Xie Bingran dodged his gaze and said:

“Oh… just updating Coach Cheng on my schedule.”

Xu Chen narrowed his eyes and jumped onto the bed.

Xie Bingran couldn’t dodge in time, and Xu Chen caught a glimpse of her screen.

“What are you doing?” Xie Bingran hid her phone.

Xu Chen: “You’ve learned to fib…”

Xie Bingran bit her lip, looking like a kid caught in a lie.

Xu Chen: “You’re that close with Su Rong now? Messaging each other late at night…”

Xie Bingran: “Is that a problem?”

Xu Chen hesitated, at a loss for words.

Of course not…

It was fine, really.

But it still felt a bit odd.

Xu Chen felt oddly annoyed.

He leaned back on the bed and said:

“Come here.”

Xie Bingran: “Why?”

Xu Chen: “Prove you love me—come kiss me first.”

“……”

Xie Bingran hesitated, her lips pursed in shyness.

She shifted over, straddling his legs.

But then…

Xie Bingran realized the position was too intimate, her face flushing red as she quickly sat back.

Xu Chen grinned mischievously.

He turned and pinned her against the headboard.

Then commanded:

“Stick out that little tongue of yours—nice and obedient!”

Xie Bingran blinked, poked her tongue out to lick her lips, then pulled it back.

Xu Chen: “You’re just too good at this…”

……

……

……

The next morning.

After freshening up, Xu Chen lingered with Xie Bingran a bit before heading downstairs.

He waited in the hotel lobby’s rest area.

A few minutes later, his father Xu Zhiquan, Teacher Fang Jun, and Xie Bingran came down.

Xie Bingran had dutifully put on her baseball cap and mask.

“Let’s go—I’ll take you to our cafeteria for breakfast.”

“Though the options are simple, just everyday stuff.”

Xu Zhiquan: “That’s fine—ordinary is best.”

……

“Xueyuan Cafeteria” is a bit better than “West Garden Cafeteria,” so Xu Chen brought them here.

Steamed buns, wonton soup, various porridges.

Fried dough sticks, soy milk, eggs, corn, scallion pancakes…

Old Xu glanced at the selection and nodded: “Not bad—plenty of breakfast choices…”

“No wonder it’s a top university—the cafeteria food is this good!”

At the long table by the window, they spread out an assortment of breakfast items.

When Xu Zhiquan heard it only cost around thirty yuan, he was amazed:

“The food’s great and so cheap!”

Xu Chen: “University cafeterias have subsidies, so it’s affordable.”

“And you can eat without worry—all ingredients are carefully selected.”

Xu Zhiquan nodded and happily dug into a big pork bun.

Xu Chen: “I’ll be in class during the day, so you can head to the company and find Fei Jie.”

“She’ll handle hosting President Xu and Teacher Fang Jun…”

Xu Zhiquan: “Perfect—I can meet your company staff!”

“I think I’ve only seen Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi before?”

Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi had visited Tiancheng during the National Day holiday, so Old Xu knew them.

Xu Chen: “We’ve hired three new colleagues—all guys.”

“This is a great chance for them to meet the real Chairman Xu!”

Fang Jun sipped a bowl of millet porridge and said:

“We’ll be at the company in the morning—there’s some year-end financial wrap-up…”

“For ‘East Morning Star Advertising’ and ‘Ran Bing Sports,’ I’ll handle it here.”

Xu Chen knew about this beforehand—Tiancheng’s finance department head, Gu Xuewei, had mentioned it:

“For ‘East Morning Star Advertising,’ check with Gu Xinxi—she has all the details.”

“For ‘Ran Bing Sports,’ ask Fei Jie first—she’s probably got everything sorted.”

Fang Jun: “And the financial plans for next year—I need to go over them with you and Nie Fei.”

Xu Chen: “Just talk to Fei Jie!”

“I don’t dive into the fine details of accounting.”

Fang Jun nodded:

“I’ll keep an eye on it for you…”

Xu Chen quickly smiled: “Thanks for the hard work, Fang Jun. Even in Shanghai, you’re handling all this.”

Fang Jun: “Then you owe me drinks tonight!”

Xu Chen: “No problem!”

Fang Jun remembered something and told Xu Chen:

“Oh, right…”

“I’ll take your Bing Ge out for the afternoon and bring her back in the evening.”

Xu Chen blinked: “Wait, I didn’t know about that.”

He glanced at Xie Bingran, who hadn’t mentioned it.

Fang Jun: “We discussed it in the elevator this morning.”

Xie Bingran chewed on some corn, her soft lips moving, but she stayed quiet.

Xu Chen: “Alright, that works…”

“I’ll be in class all day, so she’d just be bored.”

He thought again:

“You’re going out at noon, right?”

“Then Bing Ge can do her own thing in the morning—stay at the hotel or come to the company.”

“Or head to the South Campus sports field for practice—it’s usually quiet there.”

Xie Bingran ate a piece of egg:

“I’ll go with Su Rong to class in the morning.”

Xu Chen: “What?!”

……

……

In the morning ‘Introduction to Communication Studies’ class.

The lecturer was Chen Wei Lun, the head of the journalism department—a highly nearsighted, balding professor.

Xu Chen sat in the back, not paying much attention, occasionally glancing toward the door seats.

There sat two people: Su Rong and Bing Ge, wearing a baseball cap and black mask…

Xie Bingran had actually hooked up with Su Rong and come to class.

It left Xu Chen feeling caught off guard.

The class beauty and class rep, Su Rong, sitting with a mysterious ‘guy’ in the back row drew plenty of stares and whispers.

“Jiang Zhe Little Prince” Qian Xin turned and said:

“Is that Su Rong’s boyfriend?!”

He looked at Xu Chen: “Weren’t you close with Su Rong? So you two aren’t together after all!”

Xu Chen: “……”

Pei Qian: “That guy with the hat and mask—probably handsome under it.”

Huang Hao: “Tough luck for Chen Wenyi now.”

Chen Wenyi sat at the next table, head down, lost in thought.

……

Among the girls, there were plenty of discussions too.

Su Rong sat quietly beside ‘Bing Ge,’ looking sweet and content, not minding the attention.

Xie Bingran sat with hands in pockets, still as a statue, but seeming to listen intently.

Luckily, today’s lecturer wasn’t the homeroom teacher, so he didn’t know the advertising class students well and didn’t notice the extra ‘guy’.

……

During the break.

Su Rong and ‘Bing Ge’ still sat in the back, chatting and laughing.

With Su Rong acting all lovey-dovey, it pretty much confirmed ‘Bing Ge’s’ status as her boyfriend.

The class buzzed with surprise, and curiosity about the masked ‘guy’ grew.

Su Rong was basically the college’s ‘goddess’—even guys from other departments and upperclassmen had asked about her.

Rumor had it her family was wealthy, a rich girl from Jiangsu Province.

Whoever won her over, this hat-and-mask-wearing guy in LV gear, must be something special.

Just his clothes suggested a well-off background.

And from the vibe he gave off, he was likely a real heartthrob…”