Chapter 477: Awakening Winds

The eighth day of the Lunar New Year at Morning Wind Park.

In the grand auditorium, Chenfeng Technology’s opening ceremony was underway.

The event was hosted by Union Chairman Zhang Minen.

Zhang Minen was a veteran of Bright Factory, handling union affairs for nearly twenty years, and he was well-loved by the frontline workers.

Before the New Year, he had taken on the task of organizing the opening ceremony from Xu Zhiquan and treated it as a crucial matter.

He started with a brief yet passionate speech, then introduced the honored guests seated in the front row.

It was basically just Chairman Xu Zhiquan, along with the company’s various department heads.

Xu Zhiquan wanted a casual, internal celebration, so he didn’t invite any external leaders or partners.

Xu Chen had come to join the fun and was quietly sitting with Fang Jun in a seat near the edge of the row.

To his surprise, during Zhang Minen’s guest introductions, he spotlighted ‘Young Xu Chen’.

Amid thunderous applause, Xu Chen felt a bit awkward but stood up, turned to face the workers and employees in the back rows, waved, and bowed.

After introducing the guests, Zhang Minen invited Chairman Xu Zhiquan to give a speech.

Old Xu was dressed in a new suit today, even sporting a bright red tie, with his hair perfectly slicked back.

He stepped onto the stage with a beaming smile, and the audience erupted in applause.

Xu Zhiquan came prepared, pulling out a speech manuscript from his pocket.

As Xu Chen listened from the audience, he couldn’t help but comment:

“The speech that President Xu wrote is pretty top-notch!”

Xu Chen wasn’t just flattering.

Old Xu’s speech was well-crafted in content, language, and emotion—it was sincere and impressive.

It just didn’t seem like something Old Xu’s background could pull off.

As Xu Chen pondered this, Fang Jun beside him said flatly:

“I wrote it for him.”

Xu Chen paused, realizing, then gave Fang Jun a thumbs-up…

“Chairman Xu” finished his speech, and then they held departmental “rally sessions,” complete with slogans and banners—classic rituals from state-owned factories of old.

You had to say, for the workers of “old Bright Factory,” it was incredibly relatable and motivating.

Next, Chenfeng Electric Vehicles was set to expand into the entire northern market, putting huge pressure on the production lines.

Holding this “rally session” was clearly effective for boosting morale.

The production department’s sessions were full of energy and formality, while other departments like administration, legal, and finance each had their own flair.

Wu Yue’s administration department arranged for three groups to take the stage.

There were a few gentle office girls, some sturdy logistics and cleaning aunts, and a group of cafeteria chefs waving iron ladles.

Li Rui, Fang Tao, and Cheng Yong, the three drivers, unexpectedly joined in.

They chanted unified slogans, creating a quirky and funny scene…

Finance and legal had fewer people, so they combined for the stage.

They were all polished university graduates, looking reserved and shy.

Fang Jun was pushed to the middle, but Si Daqing from legal led the chants with his booming voice, full of spirit.

The security department was now led by Zhao Feng, though there was still a ‘department head’ above him, an old-timer from Bright Factory.

That head was getting on in years and nearing retirement, mostly handling desk work.

Zhao Feng led his team on stage and even marched in formation, which made Xu Chen chuckle in disbelief.

…

Once the rally ended, everyone gathered on the open ground outside the auditorium for a ceremony like a “work commencement blessing.”

No one knew who organized it, but it was done properly.

Then they set off some firecrackers for the opening, creating a lively racket…

Today wasn’t for actual production—just a day to celebrate together.

Lunch and the afternoon were all about feasting in the cafeteria, with drinking and chatting.

Old Xu loved a good party, so in this gathering with the workers, he was grinning ear to ear and thoroughly enjoying himself.

The cafeteria was packed; Old Xu carried his wine glass, accompanied by Guo Liang, Fang Jun, Yang Congxin, and other supervisors, going table to table for toasts.

Young Xu Chen couldn’t handle his liquor, so he stayed put, sitting quietly next to Wu Yue and focusing on his meal.

…

Today, Ran Bing Sports and East Morning Star Advertising in Shanghai also officially started operations after the New Year.

Nie Fei organized activities, including a lunch gathering.

Since Xu Chen couldn’t make it back, he mentioned in the group chat that he’d send out opening red envelopes when he returned.

Besides formal employees like Sun Aimi and Gu Xinxi, those seven or eight third- and fourth-year interns showed up on time and got to work—exceptionally dedicated.

…

With a few days of holiday left, Xu Chen mostly stayed home.

The latest ‘Naruto Shippuden’ had just premiered, and online resources were already available, so Xu Chen dove in.

He’d seen it in his past life, but rewatching now brought a fresh wave of nostalgia.

Xu Zhiquan tried to clear his schedule, coming home early each day to spend time with his son.

When the father and son chatted, their topics often revolved around business matters.

Plus, Old Xu went out of his way to cook delicious meals for Xu Chen.

It was partly to nourish his son and partly to indulge his own love for cooking.

Xu Chen had long known that his father, Xu Zhiquan, enjoyed tinkering in the kitchen.

If he hadn’t started a factory, Old Xu might have opened a restaurant instead.

Watching Old Xu chop and stir these past couple of days, Xu Chen started to understand his father’s joy in it.

Beyond the tasty results, the whole cooking process was relaxing.

Even scrubbing pots and wiping the stove spotless seemed to bring Old Xu a unique pleasure…

Xu Zhiquan took a day to take Xu Chen to visit the two direct-operated stores of Chenfeng Electric Vehicles, one in Tiancheng and one in the provincial capital.

The Tiancheng store was larger, right on the city’s busiest commercial street.

Xu Chen had visited last year, but this time he saw it had expanded, having absorbed the neighboring mobile phone store and knocked down the walls.

The staff were hired externally and didn’t immediately recognize ‘President Xu’ and ‘Young Xu Chen,’ politely asking if they wanted to buy an electric bike.

The store manager quickly came out with a big smile, warmly greeting ‘President Xu’.

The two young assistants in the back hurried over, calling out to Xu Chen as ‘Chen Ge’.

Liu Ao and Li Xing were buddies from Zhao Feng’s group and Xu Chen’s former classmates at Tiancheng No. 1 High School—they used to hang with Bing Ge.

Before the New Year, troublemakers had hit the two direct stores, so they arranged for Li Rui and Zhao Feng’s people to watch over them.

Liu Ao and Li Xing ended up at the Tiancheng store.

The issues were resolved through various means, but they still had them drop by occasionally to help out.

The ones stirring trouble behind the scenes were from a rival called ‘Dafeng Car Dealership’.

They were jealous of Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’ booming business and losing customers to them.

Electric bikes are a big purchase; once someone buys from Chenfeng, they won’t need another soon, hurting other dealers’ sales.

Meanwhile, ‘Dafeng Car Dealership’ has shareholders from the northern brand ‘Shenbiao Electric Vehicles’.

So, you can guess ‘Shenbiao’ is pulling strings in these troubles.

As Chenfeng Electric Vehicles pushes into the northern market, grabbing shares from competitors, it’s drawing open and covert defenses.

Guo Liang has taken his team on a business trip, heading to Shimen City and Lang City in Hebei Province.

They’ve set core strategies for expanding dealerships; Shimen City and Lang City are key targets, with new Chenfeng stores already opened there.

Over the past couple of days, Guo Liang sent back some updates.

Xie Bingran’s Spring Festival Gala appearance was a huge surprise, giving a big boost to Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’ promotion in the north.

They were negotiating store openings and ads before the New Year and faced some resistance.

But after the holiday, armed with Xie Bingran’s endorsement materials, talks went much smoother…

In Shimen City, the Chenfeng store is right near ‘Datuo Car Dealership’ headquarters.

And ‘Datuo Car Dealership’ is exactly the major dealer Xu Zhiquan and Guo Liang want to partner with.

For now, due to rivals’ interference and doubts about the new ‘Chenfeng’ brand, Datuo is still on the fence.

…

…

Shimen City, Hebei Province.

Datuo Electric Vehicle Sales Co., Ltd. is the parent company of the largest northern electric bike dealer network, ‘Datuo Car Dealership’.

Right after the New Year restart, Chairman Jiang Huaqin sat in the meeting room listening to subordinates report on holiday sales data.

The store director giving the report also updated on recent developments with ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’.

“The new electric bike brand ‘Chenfeng’ from Shandong Province has been pushing sales hard during the New Year.

They’ve opened stores in Shimen City and Lang City and started market campaigns.”

“Their main model, ‘Chenfeng Ice Power,’ has a popular design and great value for money.

Plus, they have sports star Xie Bingran as their endorser.

Xie Bingran won an Asian Games gold medal and just appeared on the Spring Festival Gala, so his fame is skyrocketing.”

“From the feedback we’re getting, plenty of consumers here are already interested in Chenfeng products.

Even in our ‘Datuo’ stores, people are asking if we carry Chenfeng electric bikes…”

Another vice president in charge of brand partnerships added:

“We noticed this ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’ before the New Year.

They reached out to us wanting to discuss dealership deals to get their bikes into Datuo stores.

But ‘Aibang’ and ‘Shenbiao’ have put pressure on us not to engage with Chenfeng.”

He glanced at Jiang Huaqin:

“Of course, it’s ultimately up to you, Chairman Jiang.

We don’t have exclusive agreements with Aibang or Shenbiao anyway.”

Jiang Huaqin seemed lost in thought before snapping back.

He paused and said:

“Let’s put the ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’ thing on hold for now; no rush to bring them in.

Over the New Year, I had meals with the bosses of Aibang and Shenbiao.

Their stance is clear—they don’t want Datuo dealing with Chenfeng…”

“Chenfeng is a new brand; who knows if it’ll last, and it’s from out of town.

We’re making good money selling ‘Aibang’ and ‘Shenbiao’; no point risking it for some new out-of-towner and upsetting the locals.”

“Got it, boss. So if Chenfeng approaches again, we’ll turn them away.”

Jiang Huaqin waved his hand:

“Don’t rush to shut them out.

Business is business; we can talk first without burning bridges.”

“Understood.”

…

Twenty minutes later, Jiang Huaqin returned to his chairman’s office.

His secretary brought a cup of hot tea and said:

“Chairman Jiang, there are two things to report…”

“A company called ‘Chenfeng Technology’ from Shandong Province used connections through Director Liu to reach out and wants to visit and meet.”

Jiang Huaqin chuckled:

“They’re persistent, even going through Director Liu.

Set up a meeting; in business, it’s good to make more friends.”

“Right away, Chairman. Oh, and another thing—the State-Owned Assets Commission in Beijing…

It’s confirmed that the leader’s son-in-law is Meng Huiyang from Red Star Liquor Factory.

He hasn’t been there long, but through him, we might get a word with the leader…”

Jiang Huaqin lit a cigarette, deep in thought:

“Good, I see.”

Datuo Car Dealership might look thriving, but there are hidden issues from the past that are best left unsaid.

One involves a matter tied to a leader at the Beijing State-Owned Assets Commission.

For the last half-year, Jiang Huaqin has been trying to connect with that leader but hasn’t found the right opportunity.

Then, before the New Year, word came that the leader’s son-in-law, Meng Huiyang, works at the state-owned Red Star Liquor Factory.

And conveniently, Jiang Huaqin could link up with Meng Huiyang first…

The secretary handed over a lighter.

Jiang Huaqin took it, lit his cigarette, and mused:

“We need a solid reason to make the approach…”

…

…

In the blink of an eye, March arrived, and Xu Chen’s winter break ended.

University registration was on the 3rd and 4th, with classes starting on the 5th.

Young Xu Chen planned to head over two days early to handle some year-start projects at the company.

He also needed to tidy up his place in Tonghai New Village and buy some new furniture.

On the morning of the 1st, Xu Chen drove with his father, Xu Zhiquan, to the provincial capital airport.

Xu Chen was flying to Shanghai, while Xu Zhiquan was headed to Hebei Province.

He’d meet up with Guo Liang first, then go to Datuo Car Dealership’s headquarters for the scheduled visit and talks.

Additionally, Xu Zhiquan would stop by Beijing and Tianjin.

Chenfeng Technology had previously bought out the ‘Brushless DC Hub Motor’ from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Physics Institute and used it in their first model, ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’.

Xu Zhiquan was going to Beijing to maintain those relationships and to Tianjin to meet the boss of their partnered motor manufacturer over a meal.

Suppliers in Zhejiang and Guangdong Provinces would wait until mid-March for visits.

The father and son had breakfast together at the airport.

As they parted, Old Xu patted his son’s shoulder with a big hand.

He laughed heartily and waved goodbye.

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