Chapter 516: Ambitions and Strategies

Nie Fei spoke up:

“Based on a valuation of 4 billion yuan, they’ve offered two options:

First, invest 2.04 billion yuan to hold 51% of ‘Ran Bing’.

If we don’t accept that, they’re still willing to invest 1.2 billion yuan for a 30% stake and a board seat.”

Zhou Junjun:

“They’re really willing to spend big…”

Though it was a joke, Zhou Junjun, being in the sports industry, knew that ‘Anrui’s’ valuation and investment offer for ‘Ran Bing’ were exceptionally high.

Nie Fei continued:

“Both options cross our boundaries.

I haven’t given them a clear answer yet—just said I’d discuss it with the parent company—but I’ve hinted at a refusal.”

Xu Chen nodded:

“Let’s hold off for now and find the right time and way to turn them down.

Whether it’s control or a board seat, no amount of money makes it worth it.

I’m building ‘Ran Bing’ for more than just profit.”

What he didn’t say was that ‘Ran Bing’ was a brand for Xie Bingran, and he needed full control.

If others took control or a board seat, ‘Ran Bing’s’ future decisions would face interference.

They could even sacrifice ‘Ran Bing’s’ interests through board votes and shut it down completely if it suited their strategy.

Xu Chen had seen such tactics in business wars from his past life.

He’d also talked it over with Fang Jun, who believed both ‘Ran Bing Sports’ and ‘Chenfeng Technology’ could grow to hundreds of billions or even over a trillion in value over ten years.

The 4 billion yuan valuation from ‘Anrui’ seemed impressive, but Xu Chen dismissed it.

In 2007, Anta’s market value was about 13 billion yuan, and Li Ning’s was around 30 billion.

From his reborn knowledge, Xu Chen knew Li Ning’s valuation would fluctuate around 35 billion in the coming decades.

But Anta, through capital plays and global expansion, would skyrocket to over 200 billion.

Xu Chen had big ambitions and confidence in ‘Ran Bing Sports’.

Of course, success wouldn’t come overnight—it would take decades of hard work.

Luckily, Xu Chen and Xie Bingran were young, and his father Xu Zhiquan was in his prime, giving them the patience for long-term investment.

Meanwhile, even if Xie Bingran—Bing Ge—was at her peak, her athletic career might only last a few more years, maybe a decade total.

Retirement was inevitable.

But the ‘Ran Bing’ brand could endure for centuries.

Even after Xie Bingran retired, her legacy would remain in sports and public memory.

That was Xu Chen’s deeper plan.

It was a long-game business, not something to alter for short-term gains or outside pressure.

From every angle, there was no reason to cash out now and let ‘Anrui’ in.

The matter needed little discussion; Nie Fei already understood.

Still, she reminded them:

“I’ll try to turn them down gently.

But from here on, we’ll be seen as direct competitors.

We might face aggressive tactics, even marketing attacks coming our way.”

Xu Chen nodded:

“The sports industry is relatively manageable, unlike food, medicine, or real estate where safety or leverage risks are high…”

As long as we maintain product quality and user trust, it’s hard to hit a total disaster.

We’re in it for steady growth, not quick expansion.

Avoiding heavy debt keeps us on solid ground…”

Zhou Junjun straightened up and said suddenly:

“Sometimes, I can’t help but question Young Xu’s age.

Honestly, I thought you were just playing with investments from President Xu and started these two companies.

Now, I’m impressed.

Your industry insights and strategies seem casual, but they’re beyond what business schools teach.”

Nie Fei smiled and said, “I told you so, but you didn’t believe me?”

What impressed Zhou Junjun most was Young Xu’s steady nature.

He always knew what mattered most, what to drop, and what to hold onto.

‘Anrui’s’ terms were already solid.

If it were up to Zhou Junjun, he might have taken the 1.2 or 2.04 billion yuan and cashed out.

Clearly, Young Xu was serious about ‘Ran Bing’ as a real venture, not just a money-maker.

From Lifeng’s and Zhou Junjun’s view, partnering with someone like that was reassuring—no fear of them suddenly bailing.

Xu Chen smiled and said to Nie Fei and Zhou Junjun:

“Whatever ‘Anrui’ or other rivals try, we just focus on our own game.

Prepare mentally, strategize defenses, and build cash reserves.

Keep products strong and reputation solid—avoid any nonsense—and we’ll hold our ground.

Like I said, we don’t aim to get fat overnight; take steady steps for healthy growth.

Even with short-term ups and downs, the big trend is positive, so no need to panic or overreact.

For outside threats, we’ll handle them as they come.

Let him be strong; the breeze brushes the hill.

Let him be fierce; the moon shines on the river.”

Nie Fei and Zhou Junjun both nodded seriously.

The three raised their glasses and toasted across the table.

……

……

Over the weekend, Xu Chen stayed home in Tonghai New Village.

The locust flower dumplings he and Xie Bingran had made were still in the freezer, perfect for finishing up.

Eating the dumplings they wrapped together, Xu Chen missed the little foodie.

Luckily, he’d see her next week for the ‘You Le Mei’ ad shoot, easing his longing…

On Sunday afternoon, Xu Chen got a call from his father Xu Zhiquan about Hua Shao Jie.

Over the weekend, Hua Shao Jie was touring the Tiancheng park at their invitation.

With ‘Datuo Car Dealership’ demanding stock, workers were overtime on the production line even on weekends.

Guo Liang had just returned from a trip, so he joined Xu Zhiquan in hosting Hua Shao Jie.

Xu Chen asked how the talk went, but Xu Zhiquan just chuckled and praised Hua Shao Jie:

“He’s a top talent—not just in brand marketing, but he connects with Guo Liang on distribution too.”

“And he’s thorough; he arrived a day early, checked out the market on his own, and even looked into ‘Chenfeng Technology’s’ reputation here.”

Xu Chen: “That’s some detailed scouting—like Jiang Huaqin’s style back then.”

Xu Zhiquan: “It’s a good thing; shows he’s careful and organized.

For us, it’s about bringing in a key executive; for him, it’s a major career move.”

Xu Chen: “High praise from President Xu!”

Xu Zhiquan: “He’s excellent; our business chats were clear, and his insights were sharp.

He’s already shared ideas on marketing for ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicles’ that inspired Guo Liang.”

Xu Zhiquan paused slightly:

“The only issue is his ‘Cadillac’ background might be a bit out of touch; he’d need to adjust if he joins.

But since he’s doing market research, having him shadow Guo Liang in northern counties should ground him.

Also, from his foreign company days, he throws in English phrases that confuse people—minor quirks he can fix…”

Xu Zhiquan went on at length, overall giving Hua Shao Jie high marks.

Xu Chen: “What’s next? Any feedback from him?”

Xu Zhiquan: “That’s his style—detailed. He hasn’t committed yet, but he’s sincere and open.

He seems interested but needs to think it over.

It’s a big shift from a foreign firm, plus the relocation with his wife.”

Xu Chen: “Alright, we’ll wait for his response.

He’s back in Shanghai; I’ll check in later.

We don’t want to come on too strong.”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled: “Exactly!”

Then Xu Zhiquan remembered something:

“You need to come back on the 6th!”

He thought again: “Actually, be there by the 6th, so at latest, return on the evening of the 5th.”

Xu Chen paused: “Such a specific request—what’s up?”

Xu Zhiquan: “Around the 4th, the production line will stop and wait to restart on the 6th.”

Xu Chen: “Huh? But we said it never stops.”

Xu Zhiquan: “I’ve held back one unit; it has to roll off on June 6th.”

Xu Chen: “No more suspense, President Xu!”

Laughter came through the phone as Xu Zhiquan paused, then said:

“June 6th marks the 660,000th ‘Chenfeng Ice Power’ unit coming off the line!”

Xu Chen drew in a sharp breath, surprised:

“660,000 units already…”

Xu Zhiquan sighed with emotion:

“Yes! We figured it out in a meeting with Director Yang and Guo Liang.

It lines up perfectly for June 6th!”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled again:

“I’ve planned a ceremony for the 660,000th ‘Chenfeng Electric Vehicle’ in the park—got to make it lively!

Also, I’m talking with Fang Jun about inviting some officials…

Wu Yongming might not make it, but we can get other city leaders!

At least, invite his secretary Qu Fei.”

Xu Chen: “That’s a big milestone…”

Xu Zhiquan: “A huge step!

Oh, and two more pieces of good news.”

Xu Chen: “What are they?”

Xu Zhiquan: “First, the new line from ‘Yamaha’ in the north park is in final testing and will start soon!

Second, besides ‘Datuo Car Dealership’, ‘Aixing Car Dealership’ has now partnered with us.

I had Guo Liang set aside stock to seal the deal.

With ‘Datuo Car Dealership’ and ‘Aixing Car Dealership’ as channels, plus Guo Liang’s direct stores in key cities, we’ll dominate the northern market!”

Xu Chen joked: “Congrats, President Xu!

You’re moving so fast; it’s putting pressure on my ad agency and ‘Ran Bing Sports’!”

More laughter came from the other end:

“Remember to be back by the 5th—book your ticket now!”

Xu Chen: “Got it.”

……

……

Monday arrived in a flash.

Xu Chen taught a badminton class in the morning, showered in the dorm, then headed to the office.

As he reached the building, the new admin, Ho Guolong, was waiting.

Xu Chen’s Grand Cherokee needed maintenance, so he asked Ho Guolong to take it.

Ho Guolong, with his steady driving from military days, handled it well.

“Anything not running smoothly, boss?” Ho Guolong asked.

“Nothing’s off; just a routine check,” Xu Chen replied with a smile.

“You got it!”

……

Stepping into the office, he heard excited chatter; everyone clustered around Gu Xinxi’s desk.

“What’s the buzz?” Young Xu asked.

Nie Fei: “Bing Ge’s new endorsement…”

Xu Chen leaned in; Gu Xinxi’s screen showed an English news article.

It was ‘Omega’s’ announcement of their latest global ambassador.

The piece included photos from Xie Bingran’s win in Zurich last month with ‘Omega’ officials.

At the end, Xie Bingran’s photo sat alongside George Clooney and Nicole Kidman’s as fellow global ambassadors.

The new designer, Ma Lingyao, was thrilled:

“Bing Ge is amazing! She’s on the same level as George Clooney!”

Gu Xinxi smiled: “More than that! She was already with Scarlett Johansson for Louis Vuitton!”

Ma Lingyao: “I’ll meet Bing Ge on the 1st—I’m so nervous, what do I do?”

Xu Chen: “No need to be; she doesn’t bite.”

Ma Lingyao blinked, then stuck out her tongue with a grin.

Zhou Junjun joined in, arm around Xu Chen’s shoulder:

“Hey, can I ask for something?”

Xu Chen: “What’s up?”

Zhou Junjun grinned: “I haven’t gotten to know Bing Ge better yet!

I’m free on the 1st too…”

Xu Chen: “Alright, help with the shoot and join us for dinner afterward!”

Zhou Junjun beamed: “Perfect! I’ll dress up a bit.”

Xu Chen turned to Gu Xinxi:

“Add Wu Feifei and Su Rong; we’ll have a crowd for the 1st shoot.

Talk to the director about blending some into the crew to avoid looking odd to the clients.”

Gu Xinxi: “Understood, boss!”

Ma Lingyao quickly added: “Don’t worry, boss! We’ll disguise as lighting or props folks!”

Zhou Junjun eyed Ma Lingyao:

“Lighting and props are for guys like Ho Guolong; you could pass as a wardrobe assistant!”

“Okay… fine.”

……