Chapter 514: Corporate Alliances and Ambitions

On Monday morning, Xu Chen had just one badminton class.

After class, he headed back to the dormitory for a quick cold shower and a change of clothes, then rushed to the company.

That morning, he had a scheduled phone meeting with Director Li.

“Chenfeng Technology” was riding the Olympic wave, and Director Li seemed to have made some progress, so they set up a call to discuss it.

This was a top priority, and Young Xu Chen didn’t dare slack off at all.

Additionally, Cadillac’s market director, Hua Shao Jie, was visiting that noon.

Besides showing Hua Shao Jie around and chatting, they arranged a lunch with Nie Fei.

Nie Fei managed “Ran Bing Sports,” and as a high-EQ, charismatic female executive, she could subtly help convince Hua Shao Jie to join the group.

…

As soon as he entered the company, Nana, the warm and sweet receptionist, stood up with a smile and said, “Boss.”

With the team expanding, the once spacious office area was now filling up.

Of course, Wu Feifei and Su Rong’s desks were still reserved for them; those two young ladies dropped by every now and then.

…

Xu Chen checked the time and decided to hold a quick meeting with the “East Morning Star Advertising” team first.

In the meeting room, besides Gu Xinxi, Sun Aimi, and Tang Xiaowei, they now had Pan Mengting, Zhuang Lei, and Ma Lingyao, making the group suddenly larger.

The original two interns had returned to school, as they were nearing graduation or entering their senior year…

It was Zhuang Lei and Ma Lingyao’s first meeting with Young Xu Chen, and each might have had some unspoken thoughts.

The main topic was updating the progress on the “You Le Mei” project.

As the project lead, Sun Aimi first went over the preparations for the ad video shoot.

It was all content Xu Chen already knew, so they breezed through it.

The newcomers, Zhuang Lei and Ma Lingyao, listened in, clearly excited.

They’d heard that Young Xu Chen came up with the project’s creative idea, but this was their first time hearing the full plan.

Zhuang Lei, an experienced creative mind, quickly grasped the idea’s quality.

The “Held in the Palm” concept was cleverly integrated, no wonder the client picked it.

He thought privately that once the ad was out, it could become a widely recognized hit.

For Ma Lingyao, the thrill was in actually collaborating with Xie Bingran.

That was just too cool!

…

After updating on the ad video, Sun Aimi went over the plans for shooting Xie Bingran’s still images.

This was per Director Li’s request, so they had to take it seriously, plus the materials would also go to “Chenfeng Electric Vehicles” and “Ran Bing Sports.”

Sun Aimi and Tang Xiaowei handled the shoot plans, including costumes, poses, lighting, and more.

These were standard still setups, easy to adapt for other materials later.

Xu Chen reviewed it and didn’t have many comments, just said:

“This is Director Li’s request, so we need to show him the value for money.

Let’s shoot as much material as possible.”

Sun Aimi: “No problem. We’ll start in the evening on the 1st and can ask Bing Ge to work a bit late. We also have the morning of the 2nd.

We’ve planned for six outfit sets, which will give us plenty of shots.”

Xu Chen nodded with a smile:

“Of course, the best of those materials should go to ‘Chenfeng’ and ‘Ran Bing.'”

Gu Xinxi then updated on the shoot logistics.

They rented a studio next to the “You Le Mei” ad shoot location.

The photographer was a well-known commercial pro from Shanghai, who had shot endorsements for Huang Xiaoming and Li Bingbing before.

The wardrobe, lighting, and support teams were all arranged by the photographer.

Seeing no issues, Xu Chen nodded and wrapped up the meeting.

Everyone dispersed.

Ma Lingyao seemed to have something to ask and timidly raised her hand.

Xu Chen smiled: “What is it?”

Ma Lingyao: “Boss, can I join the shoot?”

Xu Chen: “Of course. It’s right here in Shanghai, no need to travel. I’ll let you know when.”

Ma Lingyao beamed: “Thanks, Boss!”

…

…

Xu Chen lingered in the meeting room for a bit and soon got a call from Director Li.

After a brief exchange, Xu Chen updated him on the still shoot for Xie Bingran.

Director Li, with high emotional intelligence, thanked Young Xu Chen again.

Then he got to the point: updating on the “Chenfeng Technology” Olympic partnership progress:

“The ‘guaranteed cooperation’ I mentioned last time, I’ve got it approved.

We can give ‘Chenfeng Technology’ and ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’ the title of ‘National Sports Administration Training Partner.’

The administration only opened three spots for non-state-owned enterprises, and I’ve submitted ‘Chenfeng Technology’ for review—everything checks out.”

Xu Chen: “Thank you so much, Director Li.”

He paused briefly: “What’s the cooperation fee?”

Director Li: “I’ve negotiated the lowest fee.

It’s 300,000 yuan in cash plus 50 electric bikes.

That 300,000 yuan will sponsor the administration’s training during the Olympics.

The 100 electric bikes—I mean, the 50—will serve as internal transport for Olympic prep.”

Xu Chen quickly calculated:

“Though I haven’t talked to headquarters yet, I can tell you right now, Director Li, that’s no problem at all.”

As someone in commercial advertising, Xu Chen was familiar with various deals.

He knew Director Li’s offer was a steal.

Director Li:

“As for the Olympic Committee, there’s no clear progress yet, but I’m pushing hard.

Can’t guarantee results, but rest assured, I’ll give it my all.

The leader handling their external business is an old colleague of mine; we get along well privately.

I’ll set up another meal to chat. Young Xu Chen, just wait a bit—I’ll update you when there’s news.”

Xu Chen: “Thanks so much, Director Li. If you need any help from us, just say the word!”

By now, they were quite familiar, so they skipped the formalities and talked straight about progress.

With no issues on the ‘Sports Administration Training Partner’ deal, they moved to execution.

Director Li outlined the contacts and next steps; Xu Chen would coordinate with Tiancheng first, maybe have Xu Zhiquan or Guo Liang fly to Beijing to sign the official agreement.

Once done, they could use the ‘Sports Administration’ name and catch the first wave of Olympic buzz…

After hanging up with Director Li, Xu Chen called his father, Xu Zhiquan, right away.

Old Xu was thrilled to hear about the Sports Administration partnership.

Xu Chen added:

“With the ‘Sports Administration Training Partner’ title, we can play it up in promotions—it’s tied to the 2008 Olympics after all…”

Of course, Old Xu might not know the details; they’d let Guo Liang handle that.

“I’ll follow your lead, son. Guo Liang and I will fly to Beijing.

It’s perfect timing—the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Physics Institute needs some relationship maintenance.

Plus, that PhD expert we want to bring on board is in Beijing too.

I’ll take him out for a meal.”

…

…

Hua Shao Jie arrived right on time.

He wore a relaxed Polo shirt that showed off his fit, upright build—he clearly kept up with fitness.

Nana greeted him, and Young Xu Chen came out to welcome him.

“Welcome, Jack!”

Hua Shao Jie politely responded and asked the key question:

“Is this two companies?”

He noticed the connected offices with different company signs as he walked from the elevator.

Xu Chen smiled: “Yes, ‘East Morning Star Advertising’ and ‘Ran Bing Sports’ are both under our group.”

Hua Shao Jie didn’t reply right away but looked surprised.

He was familiar with ‘Ran Bing Sports,’ of course.

After all, Xie Bingran’s world gold in women’s hurdles was all over the news lately.

And now, with ‘Ran Bing Sports’ linked to ‘East Morning Star Shares,’ he regarded the young Xu Chen with more seriousness.

Xu Chen casually showed him around the office, especially the newly renovated display area.

Sun Aimi had designed it with ‘East Morning Star Advertising’ project showcases and a small ‘Ran Bing Sports’ exhibit.

Using these as props, Xu Chen explained the two companies and his connection with Xie Bingran.

Hua Shao Jie kept his thoughts hidden but was impressed.

He realized he’d underestimated this Young Xu Chen—not only running a thriving creative agency but also owning a promising sports brand…

In the display area, a “Chenfeng Ice Power” electric bike was on show.

Guo Liang had shipped it from Tiancheng for ad shoots.

Behind it hung a large Xie Bingran endorsement poster, drawing the eye.

Hua Shao Jie said:

“No wonder your company has so many Xie Bingran projects…”

Xu Chen, eyeing the “Chenfeng Ice Power” bike, continued:

“‘Chenfeng Technology’ is more than just a project for us…”

Hua Shao Jie: “Oh?”

Xu Chen seized the moment to explain:

“The parent company of ‘East Morning Star Advertising’ and ‘Ran Bing Sports’ is ‘East Morning Star Shares,’ led by my father.

‘East Morning Star Shares’ also has ‘Chenfeng Technology,’ which makes electric and new-energy vehicles—my father runs that now.

It started last year, focusing on the northern market, and hasn’t reached Shanghai yet.”

Hua Shao Jie stayed composed but was stunned inside.

A sports brand and an electric vehicle company? As someone in the auto industry, he knew the potential in electric bikes for years to come.

He couldn’t help but think the future for Young Xu Chen’s family businesses was immense.

He paused and said seriously:

“I thought running a creative agency in Shanghai at your age was impressive enough.

But I need to look at you with fresh eyes…”

Xu Chen chuckled:

“Let me introduce you to my partner, Fei Jie.”

…

Nie Fei had just finished her meeting and greeted them warmly.

As someone who excelled at networking, she quickly built rapport with Hua Shao Jie.

She asked his shoe size and gave him a pair of the latest “Ran Bing X.”

Hua Shao Jie, a regular runner, glanced at the shoes and said:

“This midsole quality rivals Nike’s thousand-yuan models!”

Nie Fei: “We use top domestic TPU foam technology—it’s got real barriers, so competitors can’t copy it easily.”

She added:

“It’s like our ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’—our brushless motor comes from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Physics Institute’s latest tech, top of the line.

It’s already dominating the northern market.”

Xu Chen silently admired how skillfully Fei Jie was making her pitch.

…

Lunch was at a nearby Shanghai restaurant Nie Fei often chose—dishes were refined without being flashy, and the private room allowed for open talk.

With Fei Jie there, the conversation flowed smoothly and relaxed.