Chapter 467: Corporate Intrigue and Ad Ventures

Tiansheng Mansion.

Xu Chen replied to a bunch of ‘Congratulations’ messages and tackled the work that had piled up over the past few days.

Though Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi handled the day-to-day affairs, key milestones on major projects still needed Xu Chen’s approval.

The ad clips for Xie Bingran’s Head & Shoulders and Chenfeng Ice Power were both ready in their first rough-cut versions.

Xu Chen reviewed them and found no major issues, but he still gave thoughtful feedback.

Especially for the Head & Shoulders ad, he called Sun Aimi to share detailed notes and asked her to compile them into an email for the production team.

After all, they’d secured a hefty budget from the client, so it paid to be diligent.

The clips were just rough cuts, without post-production or color grading yet, so the raw footage looked a bit flat.

Even so, Xie Bingran on screen still amazed Xu Chen, who knew her well and felt a close bond.

“Head & Shoulders” is a hair care product, and the directing team specialized in ads for such items, clearly knowing how to make people look stunning.

It was undeniable that Bing Ge looked great in real life and even better on camera.

In front of the lens, Xie Bingran dropped her usual vulnerable girl-next-door vibe around Xu Chen and exuded a natural dominance and coolness that was oddly captivating.

No wonder Bing Ge’s female fans kept growing…

The Chenfeng Ice Power ad rough cut had no big problems either, but Guo Liang was still waiting on some materials, so Xu Chen messaged director Bao Jun Sen separately:

[Paul, our electric vehicle ad is ready for rollout. Thanks for pushing your team to speed things up!]

Bao Jun Sen: [Got it, Young Xu! We’ve been burning the midnight oil these past few days.]

[The rough cut you got only covers shot sequences, but we’re already working on the special effects in parallel.]

[If the rough cut’s good to go, we’ll merge the effects, do color grading, and wrap it up efficiently.]

[Great, thanks Paul!]

…

Additionally, the Baidu ad shoot on the 13th had its pre-production meeting online yesterday afternoon.

Xu Chen skipped it because he was at a class reunion.

Today, he carefully reviewed the meeting notes and added a few reminders on execution via email.

Right away, the production team replied, asking to hop on a quick call with Young Xu.

The team was a creative company from Yangcheng that originally did film production, and this Baidu spot had a micro-film vibe, making it a perfect fit.

It was one of Sun Aimi’s old industry contacts, and Xu Chen had already checked their credentials and past work—they were solid.

Xu Chen figured getting acquainted over the phone wouldn’t hurt, so he had Sun Aimi set up a call fast.

They mostly wanted to connect with ‘Young Xu,’ not dive into project details.

The director introduced herself as Ba Yu, a young Mongolian woman.

On the call, she was incredibly polite to ‘Young Xu’ and expressed how honored she was about the collaboration.

After listening to her formalities, Xu Chen caught on to why.

Originally, Sun Aimi had reached out through her network, and they hadn’t heard of ‘East Morning Star Advertising’.

But after a quick check, Ba Yu got serious.

The ‘Great Wall Award Grand Prize’ was the real deal, plus clients like Jeep, Vanke, and Jiaduobao—top-tier in China.

Ba Yu and her team loved the script for the Baidu ad they were about to shoot.

On the call, Ba Yu didn’t hide her excitement:

“Our team used to focus on film production, and over the last couple of years, we’ve taken on various ad clients, big and small.”

“But seeing Young Xu’s Baidu concept blew us away—it’s such a surprise!”

“This style of creativity is totally new in ads—at least we haven’t seen it before. It’s innovative!”

“Working on this project with East Morning Star Advertising and Young Xu has everyone in our team buzzing!”

Xu Chen wasn’t surprised at all.

In 2007, something like the ‘Tang Bohu roasting foreigners’ micro-film viral ad was groundbreaking in Chinese marketing.

Over the next decade, as video sites like Tudou and Youku grew, these ads became more common.

On the call, Xu Chen joked back:

“When we meet the client on the 13th, let’s not say that!”

“Huh?”

“We should say it’s an honor to work on Baidu’s project and team up with Director Zhao Ling…”

Ba Yu sounded cheerful and laughed out loud on the phone.

…

After the director’s team hung up, Gu Xinxi chimed in from the company side:

“Boss, your travel is all set—fly to Beijing on the evening of the 12th and back to Shanghai overnight on the 13th.”

“I’ll send the details to your phone shortly.”

Xu Chen: “Thanks, Gu. Appreciate it.”

“Also, on the 14th, do we have the schedule for Bing Ge’s Louis Vuitton shoot?”

Gu Xinxi: “Just got it—starts at 6:30 a.m. sharp in a studio in Pudong.”

Xu Chen: “6:30? That’s an early call for Bing Ge.”

Gu Xinxi: “Oh, and Director Li Yue will be there too.”

Xu Chen smiled:

“No surprise—Louis Vuitton is a global powerhouse client and a big funder for Li Yue.”

“I heard from Coach Cheng that among Bing Ge’s deals, Louis Vuitton pays the most.”

“But it’s just a still shoot, no TV ads or other rights involved…”

Gu Xinxi sounded excited:

“Friends in the industry say top stars chase collaborations with brands like Louis Vuitton, even waiving fees.”

Xu Chen laughed:

“Forget waiving fees—even if they paid to work with Louis Vuitton, those so-called A-listers might not get in.”

“Luxury brands pick endorsers based on a ton of factors, not just fame.”

“Bing Ge landing this invite means they vetted her thoroughly.”

“Fame, appeal, reputation, looks, vibe—it all has to match the product…”

“We don’t know their decision process, but Bing Ge hit every mark perfectly.”

Gu Xinxi: “Bing Ge is amazing…”

“Plus, our Ran Bing Sports and Chenfeng Electric Vehicles could boost their brand image riding on Louis Vuitton’s coattails.”

Xu Chen: “Spot on, Gu!”

…

…

On the afternoon of the 12th, at Morning Wind Park in Xu Zhiquan’s chairman office.

Xu Chen wandered around the office, waiting for his father Xu Zhiquan to return from his errands.

Xu Zhiquan had gone out that morning to network, but he’d be back for lunch and take Xu Chen out to eat.

With his son heading out on a two-day trip that evening, Xu Zhiquan clearly felt reluctant…

Xu Chen glanced around—his father’s office had a fresh makeover, still heavy with that old-school opulent vibe.

The mahogany executive desk was massive, holding three landlines—who knew where they led, but it screamed ‘always on the go.’

The plush black sofa chair was incredibly comfy.

Behind it, a huge bookshelf displayed photo frames.

Xu Chen checked them out; amid the shots with city and provincial leaders, one stood out: Xu Zhiquan with Xu Chen and Xie Bingran.

It was from last year in Yangcheng, after watching Bing Ge’s National Games match, taken at Yangcheng Restaurant…

The office had a dedicated guest area.

On the wall behind it hung a bold calligraphy piece.

Xu Chen hadn’t seen it before—it was new.

It read:

[Oriental splendor shines, radiant in the morning light]…

The poem carried a great vibe, echoing ‘East Morning Star.’

But the strokes had that unmistakable ‘江湖’ flair, like official government script.

Xu Chen noted the signature: ‘Ink Farmer.’

It wasn’t a name; more like a pseudonym.

As he wondered where this piece came from, laughter echoed from the hallway outside.

Xu Zhiquan burst in, cigarette in mouth.

Behind him was Zhang Minen, the former Bright Factory union chairman.

During the Bright Factory acquisition bid, Zhang Minen was on the review panel and, along with the old secretary Ji Yusheng, backed East Morning Star Co.’s case.

Now at Chenfeng Technology, Zhang Minen still held the union chairman spot, but he was nearing retirement—mostly idle.

Zhang Minen held a notebook, clearly discussing matters with ‘President Xu.’

Spotting Xu Chen inside, he quickly smiled and greeted him before saying:

“I’ll leave you to it, President Xu. I’ll catch you when you’re free.”

Xu Zhiquan offered Zhang Minen a cigarette politely:

“Take your time, Zhang. It’s not urgent.”

“I’ll be free this afternoon—we can talk then.”

Zhang Minen: “Sounds good!”

He nodded respectfully and gave Xu Chen a courteous smile before heading out…

“Dad, what were you chatting with Chairman Zhang about?”

Xu Zhiquan: “For the post-New Year startup, I asked the union and admin to organize a kickoff ceremony.”

“Turns out they’re really into it and have a few plans to run by me.”

He chuckled: “Zhang’s about to retire, but he’s got deep ties to the factory and the old workers.”

“He wants to stay involved and make the most of it.”

“It’s a good thing!”

Xu Zhiquan grabbed his bag from the desk as he spoke.

Seeing Xu Chen eyeing the calligraphy, he grinned:

“This piece is something, right?”

Xu Chen: “Ink Farmer—who’s that?”

“The brushwork and layout don’t scream pro calligrapher…”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

“With calligraphy, it’s not about skill—it’s about who wrote it.”

He slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped beside Xu Chen.

Xu Zhiquan draped an arm over his son’s shoulder and gazed at the piece:

“Wu Yongming took me around the province to meet folks, expanding Chenfeng Technology’s network.”

“This came straight from the provincial capital.”

He paused dramatically: “Let me put it this way—if city or provincial leaders visit the park, or savvy business partners, I always bring them here.”

“The point is to show them this piece…”

“Stuff that was tough to discuss suddenly gets easier.”

Xu Chen got the hint and said no more.

Xu Zhiquan:

“Come on, let’s eat!”

“There’s a new rustic spot in the north— their turtle and eel dishes are spot-on!”

With an arm around his son, Xu Zhiquan headed out:

“My boy is back for a few days and already off on another trip.”

Xu Chen: “Dad, it’s just two or three days—I’ll be back.”

Xu Zhiquan smiled: “I know!”

“Since you won’t be here on your birthday, I’ll celebrate early.”

“We’ll do another one when you return…”

…

…

At 8 p.m., Xu Chen landed at Capital Airport in Beijing.

In the arrival hall, he glanced up at a billboard for Vanke Group’s just-launched ad.

[The warmest lights are on your way home]

[No tree is as noble as the one in your memories]

[Vanke: Building endless living]

…

This campaign was supposed to launch post-New Year, but Vanke’s founder Wang Shi loved it so much he pushed it out early.

Places like Capital Airport, packed with high-end travelers, were prime real estate for property ads.

Right next to Vanke’s was space for Hengda and Greenland’s ads.

[Hengda Dreams, A Grand Future—Hengda Group, Fortune 500]

[Greenland Group: Making Life Better]…”

Compared to those, Xu Chen’s Vanke spot was miles ahead.

Xu Chen snapped a photo with his phone and posted it to the company group, tagging Gu Xinxi:

[Vanke’s campaign is live—add it to the website as a case study!]

[On it, boss!]

…

Out of the airport, Xu Chen hailed a taxi himself.

Baidu, being an internet firm, didn’t fuss with luxury pickups like Vanke did.

Of course, ‘Young Xu’ didn’t mind—as long as the project paid well.

The shoot tomorrow was at Huairou Film Base in northeast Beijing, near a Beijing Film Academy sub-campus.

His hotel was nearby too, making it easy to shuttle to the set.

In the taxi, Xu Chen called Sun Aimi to double-check preparations and tomorrow’s schedule.

She’d arrived two days early to scout locations and finalize costumes and props.

This short film involved over a dozen actors, including a ‘foreigner,’ so setup was a hassle.

Luckily, Beijing had endless options for actors—from extras to pros, many straight out of Beijing Film or Central Drama Academy.

The entertainment world was as cutthroat as sports—millions competed, and only a few like Xie Bingran rose to the top.

Beyond talent, fame hinged on connections and luck…

Baidu’s assistant Miao Xiaoyu reached out to Xu Chen, confirming his arrival.

After some pleasantries, she added:

[Our Director Zhao asked me to let you know—our boss’s wife, Melissa Ma Dongmin, will be on set tomorrow!]

[Got it.]

Xu Chen felt a twinge of resignation— with Baidu’s ‘boss lady’ overseeing, there’d be less chance to slack off.

From the Baidu gossip Gu Xinxi shared, Li Yanhong’s wife Melissa was a force to be reckoned with.

Tomorrow’s shoot would need a bit more focus.