Chapter 474: New Year’s Dawn

Lunar New Year’s Day, early morning.

After waking up, Xu Chen and Xie Bingran grabbed a quick bite at the hotel restaurant, then hailed a cab to the airport.

Not many people were traveling on Lunar New Year’s Day, so the departure hall at the airport felt more spacious than usual.

Xie Bingran paused, staring at an advertisement board in the departure hall.

It featured the Vanke group’s brand campaign.

She turned to Xu Chen and said, “You did this.”

Her tone carried a hint of pride.

Xie Bingran had seen this ad campaign before.

It was the creative pitch Xu Chen presented when they went to Pengcheng…

The plane wasn’t crowded either; in first class, it was just Xu Chen and Xie Bingran.

It was peaceful, and it spared Xie Bingran from strangers recognizing her and asking for photos.

Still, she couldn’t completely avoid signing autographs and posing for pictures with the flight attendants.

Bing Ge seemed completely at ease in these situations, showing no sign of discomfort.

Over the Spring Festival, Xie Bingran had four straight days off, from the first to the fourth, which was a rare treat for her.

After the holiday, Bing Ge needed to return to Beijing for a national team training camp—the one Guo Jingjing mentioned last night.

At just eighteen, Xie Bingran was in the prime of her athletic career, so she didn’t slack off on training at all.

The national team and coaching staff were pushing to test and develop Bing Ge’s full potential.

More resources were pouring her way.

Xie Bingran had already proven herself at the Asian Games, and with veteran Feng Youping retiring, her senior Chen Lan was approaching that age limit, so the spotlight and national team support shifted to Bing Ge.

Besides, the 2008 Olympics were right around the corner, and with Bing Ge already breaking Asian Games records, competing in Beijing was a sure bet.

The question was whether she could advance from her group, reach the finals, and maybe even contend for a medal.

For the entire State Athletics Team, that would be a groundbreaking achievement.

Based on Bing Ge’s current performance, making it to the finals from her group was highly likely.

Just getting there as an athlete of Asian descent would make history.

Li Yue had mentioned to Xu Chen that Coach Sun Mouping and the State Athletics Team had high expectations for Xie Bingran in the 2008 Olympics.

Their key performance indicators ranged from conservatively advancing to the finals, to boldly aiming for an Olympic medal.

In sprint events like the 100-meter hurdles, athletes of Asian descent faced natural challenges.

If Xie Bingran reached the finals, it would be historic; winning a medal might never be matched.

At a commendation ceremony after last year’s Asian Games, a top leader personally encouraged Xie Bingran.

For Coach Sun and the State Athletics Team, this was both motivation and immense pressure.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics had everyone’s full attention, from officials to the public.

Before that, Xie Bingran had chances to compete in two or three international events as Olympic prep.

The coaching staff believed she needed more major competitions to build her ‘big-game mentality’.

After all, Bing Ge hadn’t been in the scene long and was still young.

In Xu Chen’s eyes, the last thing to worry about was Bing Ge’s mindset.

She was the fearless, bold ‘Bing Ge’.

Apart from being sweet around Xu Chen, he hadn’t seen her back down from anyone or anything.

…

Around noon, the plane landed at the Provincial Capital Airport.

Xu Chen picked up the car from the parking area and drove straight back to Tiancheng.

By about 1:30 PM, they arrived at their home in Tiansheng Mansion.

Stepping out of the elevator, they saw fresh Spring Festival couplets posted on the door.

[Joyful move brings heaven, earth, and people together; New home brings honor, fortune, longevity, and prosperity]

[Abundance of blessings in the courtyard]…

Xu Chen was pleasantly surprised, figuring Fang Jun must have arranged it.

They went inside.

Xie Bingran glanced around and couldn’t hide her delight.

The home’s soft furnishings and furniture were all set up—this was Bing Ge’s first time seeing it complete.

“What do you think?” Xu Chen asked with a smile.

“It’s great…” Bing Ge replied.

Xu Chen set down their things and took Xie Bingran’s hand, showing her every room.

“The style matches your decor choices—simple and elegant.”

“Everything’s in place, furniture and appliances too, but we’re still missing some decor pieces.

No rush, we can add to it slowly.

Next time we travel or you compete abroad, we can bring back little souvenirs to display…”

“And we should thank Fang Jun—she handled most of the decor plans.”

Xie Bingran: “Oh… I set up a meal with her these next couple of days, and Wu Feifei too.”

Xu Chen: “Sounds good. You three are real close now.”

Xie Bingran remembered something else:

“I have to go out tomorrow night.”

Xu Chen: “What’s up?”

Xie Bingran: “Meeting Li Rui and the others…”

Xu Chen: “Can I tag along?”

Xie Bingran: “Sure, you know them all anyway.

Plus, they call you ‘sis-in-law’.”

“…”

As Xie Bingran wandered the house, Xu Chen lounged on the comfy sofa and sent a message to Fang Jun.

[The door has New Year’s couplets! Thanks, Fang Jun!]

[It was your dad who arranged it—he had Li Rui drive over to post them.]

Xu Chen was surprised that his father, Xu Zhiquan, had remembered.

Fang Jun: [You and Bing Ge are back in Tiancheng?]

Xu Chen: [Just got home!]

Fang Jun: [We’re having a gathering at Tiansheng Mansion on the third day of the New Year—I already talked it over with Bing Ge.]

[Oh.]…

Xie Bingran wandered back and noticed Xu Chen looked like he had something on his mind.

“What’s up?” Xu Chen asked.

Xie Bingran: “Should I go pay respects to Uncle Xu first?”

Xu Chen: “I’ll call him. He might not even be home today.”…

A few minutes later, after hanging up with Xu Zhiquan, Xu Chen said:

“Dad’s in the city center, making rounds with some leaders and partners this morning.

He said he’ll drive over soon to check out Bing Ge’s ‘mansion’.”

Xie Bingran said, “Oh.”

Xu Chen remembered something:

“The TV I ordered arrived. I’ll contact them now.

We’ll drive out, pick it up, and get it set up so we can watch tonight.”

Earlier, Xu Chen had ordered a large Sony TV, which arrived just before the New Year, but he hadn’t picked it up yet.

Xu Chen thought again:

“While we’re out, let’s hit the supermarket and stock up on food.

If we don’t feel like going out these next couple of days, we can just cook at home.”

Xie Bingran smiled slightly:

“Sounds good…”

She paused:

“Don’t you need to spend New Year with your dad?”

Xu Chen: “I’ve got the next four days off to be with you. No worries.

Besides, he’s swamped, out networking and maintaining connections—he’s hardly home.”

Xie Bingran smiled happily and said, “Oh.”

…

Half an hour later, Xu Zhiquan arrived by car.

Xu Chen thought about going down to meet him, but Xu Zhiquan found his way up on his own.

Today, while handling business in the city, Xu Zhiquan wore a neat but loose-fitting suit, giving off a real executive vibe.

Seeing his son and Xie Bingran, he beamed with joy and warmth.

Xie Bingran was a bit shy around Xu Zhiquan, greeting him politely and wishing him a happy New Year.

Xu Zhiquan chuckled and pulled two thick red envelopes from his pocket, handing one to each.

He came prepared.

Xu Chen took his and felt its weight: “Dad, this red envelope’s bigger than usual!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

“You’re just riding on Ranran’s coattails!”

“…”

Xu Zhiquan toured the house, praising everything.

He complimented the place and Xie Bingran’s achievements.

Xie Bingran followed ‘Uncle Xu’ around, acting every bit the sweet, well-mannered girl.

Xu Chen found it amusing—this side of ‘Bing Ge’ was rare.

After wandering and sitting on the spacious sofa, Xu Zhiquan stood with a smile:

“I won’t interrupt you two kids. I’ve still got gifts to deliver.

Xu Chen, take good care of Ranran—don’t you dare mistreat her!”

“…”

Xu Chen and Xie Bingran walked Xu Zhiquan downstairs.

Watching his father drive off, Xu Chen took Xie Bingran’s hand:

“Let’s go—first shopping for groceries, then get that TV!”

…

A big market nearby was closed for New Year’s Day, so Xu Chen drove to a large supermarket in the city center.

The mall was packed, so he had Xie Bingran wear a hat and mask.

Just inside, Xu Chen heard the background music and couldn’t help smiling.

Glancing up at the big TVs in the mall, he saw they were playing a Spring Festival Gala segment.

It was the ‘Olympic Dream’ performance Xie Bingran was in.

Xu Chen: “Bing Ge, this ‘Olympic Dream’ might loop all year in Tiancheng.”

Xie Bingran: “Oh…”

…

In the basement supermarket.

Xu Chen held Xie Bingran’s hand and laughed as soon as they reached the entrance.

A huge cutout of Xie Bingran stood in the spotlight, with stacks of Kunlunshan Mineral Water behind it.

It was a Kunlunshan brand promotion, perfect for her hometown.

Xu Chen led Xie Bingran into the supermarket and headed straight for the personal care section.

Sure enough, there was a big display of Head & Shoulders, featuring a massive poster of Xie Bingran.

“Bing Ge’s a star!” Xu Chen joked.

Xie Bingran didn’t seem to care and didn’t respond.

The supermarket’s background music wasn’t ‘Olympic Dream’ anymore.

It was the festive favorite ‘Congratulations, Congratulations’.

Most people just saw it as a New Year staple, unaware it was written in 1945 to celebrate the war’s end…

In the electronics area, the TVs were all showing the ‘Olympic Dream’ from the Spring Festival Gala.

Xie Bingran frowned and pulled Xu Chen away.

Xu Chen chuckled: “Why avoid it?”

Xie Bingran: “We rehearsed that thing so many times, I’m sick of hearing it.”

Xu Chen: “…”

They hit the fresh food section and picked up plenty.

Fish, meat, fruits, plus staples and seasonings.

Xu Chen worried about carrying too much, but Xie Bingran grabbed a bag from the cart and said dismissively,

“No problem, I can handle it.”

“…”

They also grabbed some toiletries and household items.

Including bedding and sheet sets.

The sheets could be washed and dried quickly, but the bedding would have to do for tonight—no big issue.

…

On the drive back, Xu Chen called the Sony TV store.

They were eager to help and offered delivery, saving Xu Chen the trouble.

By the time they got home, the TV arrived too.

Once set up in the living room and turned on, the Sony screen was impressive.

Xie Bingran glanced at the receipt and said:

“This TV costs over 20,000 yuan…”

Xu Chen: “That’s how electronics are these days.”

Having returned from the future, Xu Chen knew TV prices wouldn’t drop until a decade later.

Xie Bingran: “We’re only here four days—it feels like a waste.

Maybe take it to your place later?”

Xu Chen thought: “Yeah, I’ll ask Dad if he wants it.

It can stay here too—we’ll be back.”

Xie Bingran: “Oh… 20,000 yuan for a TV just seems extravagant.”

Xu Chen: “You’re the little rich girl here—who cares about waste?”

Xie Bingran blinked, and that seemed to ease her mind a bit.

…

Dinner was simple: Xu Chen whipped up a couple of hot dishes, added some store-bought cold appetizers, and prepped fresh fruit.

Bing Ge wasn’t much for cooking but insisted on steaming some buns and the eight-treasure rice they bought.

…

The TV played the news, full of harmonious New Year stories from around the country.

Xie Bingran finished eating and looked around their new house.

She recalled last year, right after the winter break, when school started again.

With no hope for college entrance exams, ‘Bing Ge’ had planned to head south and work in a factory.

Back at that rundown town middle school, on the bleak, coal-dust-covered field, Xu Chen had told her seriously:

“Trust me, everything will get better.

You’ll go to a great university, become wealthy, and live a fantastic life…”

Xie Bingran had thought it was just talk, but it all came true as he said.

And it exceeded anything she imagined.

Back then, she never believed that in just a year, she’d have this house and so much money in her bank account…

Xu Chen was enjoying a braised pork knuckle, looking pleased.

He glanced up and saw Xie Bingran watching him.

“What is it?” Xu Chen asked.

Xie Bingran hesitated, then suddenly stood.

She headed to the bedroom and said casually:

“I’m showering first. Finish up and join me.

I want to kiss you hard…”