Chapter 484: Alliances in the Capital

Meng Huiyang had already lit up a cigarette—one that Jiang Huaqin had handed over from across the table.

Even now, as Meng Huiyang exhaled smoke, his eyes remained fixed on the presentation screen, still savoring the script.

He even murmured softly again:

“Let’s down all our unspeakable woes in one gulp…”

“Youth races by like a roar, throat scorched by alcohol…”

“Red Star Erguotou…”

…

Xu Chen had settled back into his seat and exchanged a quick glance with his father, Xu Zhiquan.

Old Xu had been silent since entering the meeting room, staying low-key even during the introductions.

Now, he looked at Xu Chen with a meaningful, proud smile.

Guo Liang, sitting next to Old Xu, could hardly contain his delight.

Though Meng Huiyang hadn’t voiced his feedback yet, the atmosphere made it clear things were going well.

…

Jiang Huaqin had passed the cigarette and now sat back down.

From Jiang Huaqin’s reaction, Xu Chen could see the approval and admiration for the proposal he’d just presented.

Jiang Huaqin turned to Xu Chen beside him and couldn’t help but reach out, giving the young man’s arm a firm squeeze.

His eyes overflowed with praise and gratitude.

Xu Chen responded with a polite smile, though he found it amusing inside.

Jiang Huaqin was a big boss, yet today he seemed anything but calm and composed.

Perhaps his eagerness to secure the connection with Meng Huiyang had led to a bit of flustered concern.

…

Meng Huiyang finished his cigarette, and his subordinate, Xia Mengxiang, handed him an ashtray.

He paused for a moment, then looked at Xu Chen and said:

“Young Xu is full of talent, but I wonder about your drinking tolerance?”

Xu Chen: “Ah?”

Meng Huiyang chuckled happily:

“We’re in the liquor business, so entertaining guests means a proper drinking session!

This project has been stuck for over half a year, but today it’s finally breaking through.

Young Xu’s plan has done our team a huge favor, so I must host you properly!”

His words carried an unmistakable air of boldness.

Meng Huiyang had a rugged face, clearly the type of straightforward northerner.

In his great mood, his speech took on a more carefree and spirited tone.

Xu Chen replied in a half-joking manner:

“My tolerance is average.”

He paused briefly and glanced at Jiang Huaqin beside him:

“But Jiang here has a great tolerance.”

Jiang Huaqin paused, laughed in agreement, and shot Xu Chen a grateful look.

Xu Chen had done it on purpose, of course.

Earlier that morning, Jiang Huaqin had mentioned wanting to invite Meng Huiyang for a meal but never finding the right chance—he’d likely been turned down a few times.

With Meng Huiyang now suggesting a gathering, Xu Chen naturally pulled Jiang Huaqin in to return the favor.

Jiang Huaqin quickly picked up the thread:

“I’ll help Young Xu handle the drinks today!”

Meng Huiyang scanned the room, then turned to Xia Mengxiang behind him:

“Xia, arrange lunch.

I’ll first take Young Xu and Jiang around the company for a tour and some pointers!”

Xia Mengxiang acknowledged and stepped out with her phone.

Meng Huiyang then looked at Sun Aimi, Gu Xinxi, and of course Xu Zhiquan and Guo Liang:

“You’re all from ‘East Morning Star Advertising’, right?

I must thank you all—we won’t stop until we’re drunk!”

Jiang Huaqin stood up: “Let me introduce everyone.”

But as he started, a hint of hesitation crossed his face.

He hadn’t fully remembered the two women’s names, and for Xu Zhiquan and Guo Liang, he wasn’t sure how to phrase it.

Xu Chen had already risen and smoothly took over the introductions with a smile.

“This is our design director, Sun Aimi.

“This is our client director, Gu Xinxi…”

Xu Chen turned to his father, Xu Zhiquan, and said:

“This is the chairman of ‘East Morning Star Advertising’s parent company, ‘East Morning Star Co.’, Xu Zhiquan.

Our President Xu heard we were meeting with Red Star Liquor Factory today and values such a major client, so he came along on the trip.”

Meng Huiyang paused, realizing this ‘President Xu’ was the real behind-the-scenes boss, and quickly stepped forward to greet Xu Zhiquan warmly.

Jiang Huaqin hesitated, then chuckled.

He thought Xu Chen’s introduction was perfectly seamless.

It highlighted Xu Zhiquan’s boss status while subtly flattering Red Star as a key client.

This young man had an impressive knack for social finesse.

Earlier at breakfast, Jiang Huaqin had jokingly envied Xu Zhiquan for having such a son, and now he truly meant it.

Not only was Xu Chen skilled in advertising, but he handled people and situations with effortless grace.

At such a young age, it was remarkable…

Jiang Huaqin joined in, chatting warmly with Meng Huiyang and Xu Zhiquan.

Xu Zhiquan handled the occasion masterfully, keeping the conversation balanced and appropriate.

He was enthusiastic in getting to know Meng Huiyang and smoothed over details, while still steering the spotlight toward Jiang Huaqin to build goodwill:

“We really have to thank Jiang for making the connections.”

“I met Jiang through a project, and he recommended your Red Star and convinced us to join…”

Jiang Huaqin beamed with smiles.

He fully grasped the deeper meaning in Xu Zhiquan’s words and felt even more admiration for the father and son.

Clearly, the son had learned from the father—both were experts at conversation and strategy.

They knew how to talk and get things done.

Meng Huiyang, in high spirits, glanced at Xu Zhiquan’s face, then at Xu Chen, with a touch of curiosity in his smile.

Xu Zhiquan caught the hint and laughed heartily:

“Xu Chen is my son.”

Meng Huiyang acted surprised…

…

…

The project was settled without any doubts.

The budget and fees hadn’t been discussed with Xu Chen beforehand, likely standard in the industry, so he didn’t push for negotiations.

But this project wasn’t just about the service fees.

The key was the dealer expansion tied to ‘Chenfeng Technology’.

Even without payment, ‘East Morning Star Advertising’ would have taken it on.

Meng Huiyang assigned Xia Mengxiang from marketing to handle it, while Xu Chen assigned Gu Xinxi.

As the bosses continued their pleasant chats, Gu Xinxi, Sun Aimi, and Xia Mengxiang had already slipped away to coordinate the follow-up.

Xia Mengxiang and the other young folks from Red Star’s marketing team were exceptionally polite to Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi.

…

Meng Huiyang led Xu Zhiquan, Xu Chen, and Jiang Huaqin to tour the ‘Red Star Spirits’ display area, with Guo Liang and Jiang’s assistant, Wei Xinyao, following behind.

‘Red Star Liquor Factory’s headquarters is in Huairou District, but this ‘Red Star Tower’ serves as a smaller base in the capital for daily leadership and client hosting.

The entire second floor is a historical exhibit for Red Star Liquor Factory, like a looping gallery museum.

Meng Huiyang personally guided them, sharing the factory’s history, major events, and accolades.

He highlighted how the first bottle of ‘Red Star Erguotou’ in 1949 was created as a tribute to New China.

He also detailed the origins with ‘Niulanshan’, emphasizing Red Star as the true legacy and subtly mocking the competitors.

Xu Zhiquan and Xu Chen listened quietly, nodding and responding to keep Meng Huiyang engaged.

Jiang Huaqin chimed in with jokes, though inwardly he couldn’t help but think:

Previously, when he’d tried approaching Meng Huiyang, the man had been so aloof and serious.

But today, in good spirits, he was chatty and welcoming.

…

Lunch was set at a hotel next to ‘Red Star Tower’, the usual spot for Red Star’s official receptions.

Even at midday, Meng Huiyang had someone send over a jar of original brew.

He said politely:

“We’re in the liquor business, so we entertain with drinks.

This Red Star original has no fancy packaging, but once you try it, you’ll see it’s better than ‘Qinghua Fen’!”

“Red Star Erguotou” is often seen as a strong, fiery drink by the public, but like Fenjiu, it’s a ‘light-aroma’ type.

Meng Huiyang mentioned ‘Qinghua Fen’ as one of the priciest ‘light-aroma’ liquors currently.

Old Xu was a connoisseur; though he preferred ‘strong-aroma’ types, he knew his liquors well.

He sniffed the jar lightly and couldn’t hold back:

“Rich aged scent, smooth and lingering!”

Meng Huiyang lit up:

“President Xu really knows his drinks!”

…

During the meal, Meng Huiyang repeatedly praised and thanked Young Xu.

He even revisited the ad lines Xu Chen had presented, savoring them over the drinks:

“Let’s down all our unspeakable woes in one gulp!”

“Use bullets to take down enemies, use Erguotou to bring down friends!”

“Today, we won’t stop until we’re drunk!”

Meng Huiyang, as a liquor factory leader, had an impressive tolerance.

In the room, Xu Zhiquan, Jiang Huaqin, and Guo Liang were all avid drinkers, now like old buddies toasting nonstop.

Amid the clinking glasses, Xu Zhiquan skillfully created opportunities to strengthen ties between Jiang Huaqin and Meng Huiyang.

After all, the main goal today was to do Jiang Huaqin a favor.

The conversation stayed light and fun, avoiding work details, but the key points had already been covered casually.

As it wrapped up, Meng Huiyang said to Jiang Huaqin:

“I must specially thank you, Jiang. I’ll set up another meal and include you.”

The word ‘also’ was key—it hinted at that behind-the-scenes ‘father-in-law’.

Jiang Huaqin’s motives were clear to Meng Huiyang from the start.

“Thank you, Meng!”

Jiang Huaqin said no more and finished his glass.

…

The drinking session stretched into the afternoon.

It was Xu Chen’s first time joining such a liquor client’s gathering, and he hadn’t expected it to start at noon and go on this long.

Chatting with Guo Liang over drinks, Guo Liang mentioned:

“In the liquor business, sales and distribution networks are crucial.

Meng handles marketing, so he’s always out building regional channel relationships.

He’s probably in a drinking scene every day.”

…

…

As evening approached, in a private tea room.

Jiang Huaqin hosted another gathering, with only Xu Zhiquan, Xu Chen, Guo Liang, and his secretary Wei Xinyao present.

Wei Xinyao poured the tea as Jiang Huaqin toasted Xu Zhiquan and Xu Chen.

Without further words, he drank his tea.

Jiang Huaqin smiled thoughtfully and finally said:

“I’ve always struggled to break through with Meng, but today was a big step forward.”

“I can’t spare time the next couple of days; I need to follow up with him.”

He looked at Xu Zhiquan and Guo Liang with a smile:

“If you two have time, stay in the capital area a bit longer and visit our ‘Datuo Car Dealership’ headquarters in Shimen City.”

Xu Zhiquan: “We’re honored by your kind invitation.”

Jiang Huaqin: “Getting to know you, President Xu, is my good fortune.”

He paused slightly and added:

“I’m under some pressure—Aibang and Shenbiao are big manufacturers and won’t want ‘Chenfeng Technology’ cutting in.

But now that things are set, if I still keep you at arm’s length, I’d seem ungrateful.”

Xu Zhiquan raised his teacup in respect to Jiang Huaqin.

…

That evening, Guo Liang organized a spa session at a club.

Xu Chen opted out, leaving the scene to the three older men.

The collaboration between ‘Chenfeng Technology’ and ‘Datuo Car Dealership’ was likely to progress tonight.

Xu Chen had helped his father resolve a major issue, easing his mind.

Gu Xinxi and Sun Aimi had been busy all afternoon.

They first handled the business handoff with ‘Red Star’, and Gu Xinxi was already working on the contract.

Then they headed to the studio to prepare for tomorrow’s ‘Cadillac’ shoot.

Young Xu took a break, heading back to the hotel to rest.

He’d had quite a few drinks at lunch and felt a bit foggy.

…

In the hotel room.

Xu Chen napped to shake off the buzz, then got up and went to the restaurant for dinner.

He ordered a bowl of Beijing-style zhajiangmian and a cold pork knuckle plate, digging in heartily.

Gu Xinxi sent a message with the initial updates on the Red Star project and the execution schedule.

Sharing the Red Star win in the company group chat sparked cheers, with everyone congratulating Young Xu.

For Xu Chen, the real thrill was the advancements in ‘Chenfeng Technology’s channel expansion.

He sighed suddenly.

Xie Bingran was also in the capital, at the Sports Administration’s training center near the Temple of Heaven.

But Bing Ge was in intensive training, so a visit wasn’t possible.

This session was for upcoming competitions in March and April.

The national track and field championships were next week in Chengdu.

And the more talked-about international track meet in April had already stirred online buzz.

…