Chapter 59: Dinner Plans and Future Paths

Xu Chen smiled.

“The college entrance exam results aren’t out yet. How would I know which university I can get into?”

Xie Bingran said, “Just let me know when you find out.”

Xu Chen: “Mm.”

Suddenly realizing why Bingran asked, he added,

“Once you win one or two championships, you’ll get plenty of invitations from top schools.

But don’t choose your university just because of me!”

He joked half-seriously,

“What if I end up at a lousy school—will you still follow me there?”

Xie Bingran was silent for a moment before replying,

“Like I said, just let me know when you decide.”

Xu Chen laughed heartily.

“Don’t worry—your servitude contract’s still in my hands. No way I’ll let you off the hook.”

…

After leaving McDonald’s, Xu Chen saw a crowd gathered at the entrance of the street.

He realized they were all Bingran’s followers.

They swarmed around, calling out “Brother Bing” and “Brother Chen.”

Xie Bingran explained,

“I’m leaving tomorrow. We’re just grabbing a farewell dinner.”

Xu Chen teased,

“You sure can eat—Brother Bing has quite the appetite.”

“Want to die…”

…

On his way back to school alone, Xu Chen stopped to buy two packs of cigarettes—his promise to Chen Dahai.

The shrewd shopkeeper recognized Xu Chen and didn’t dare sell him fakes. Instead, he tossed in four extra packs of Red Double Happiness, hoping Xu Chen would keep coming back.

They weren’t top‐tier smokes, but Xu Chen didn’t refuse and slipped them into his pocket.

Midway, he received a call from his father, Xu Zhiquan:

“Xu Chen, I happen to be in town tomorrow. Let’s have lunch together!”

Xu Chen thought it was perfect—just the chance to give his dad a little lesson, adding some challenge to his path as a future tycoon.

…

…

Thursday and Friday were practice exams.

In senior year, classes were shuffled, and the exams followed real gaokao procedures.

Thursday morning they only tested Chinese.

Xu Chen breathed a sigh of relief as he left the exam room—he felt his review had gone well.

At least, that was his gut feeling.

The essay prompt asked for an 800-word piece inspired by a modern poem he’d never seen.

Xu Chen forced a connection to his previous life’s gaokao essay “Starry Sky,” weaving in a few strong examples he’d prepared.

…

He slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out the school gates toward the parking lot across the street.

He scanned around but didn’t see his father’s yellow van.

Then a black Honda Accord’s headlights flickered. Xu Zhiquan stepped out of the driver’s seat with a grin, waving at Xu Chen.

Xu Chen approached and eyed the black Accord.

“Dad, what’s going on?”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled. “Upgraded the ride!”

Xu Chen took a closer look—the Accord was a bit worn, clearly a used car.

But it’d been freshly cleaned and looked immaculate.

That era’s Accord was a proper business luxury. A new one went for twenty to thirty thousand, and even used models weren’t cheap.

Xu Zhiquan lit a cigarette and patted the roof,

“Can’t roll up to clients in a van if I want to impress leaders and customers. Business talks won’t go anywhere.”

Xu Chen smiled. “Worth every penny.”

“Get in and see!”

Black leather seats with dark brown wood trim—slightly retro but undeniably upscale for the time.

Xu Zhiquan clearly loved it.

Xu Chen glanced back and saw five or six bags of Moutai on the rear seat.

Xu Zhiquan grinned,

“I’ve got a few project bids this afternoon—must grease some palms. Can’t show up empty-handed.”

Xu Chen nodded, understanding the give-and-take of favors.

Whoever invented those Moutai tote bags was a genius.

Three bottles wouldn’t fit, two bottles left a gap.

Add two cigarette packs and it was a perfect fit.

If you thought there was extra room, you slipped an envelope under the bottles—it sat seamlessly.

A quick glance told the recipient how much help you expected.

Social politics weren’t simple like high-level math.

…

Xu Zhiquan drove Xu Chen to a proper hotel restaurant near the school and ordered a feast.

“Son, eat up—exams take a lot out of you.”

As Xu Chen devoured his food, Xu Zhiquan proudly shared updates on his Seedling Nursery business.

“Supply issues are mostly solved. North Mountain Joint Village is locked in for six plots—has ready seedlings and skilled workers.

We’ll cover this year’s projects…”

“We’re also considering securing land near our old factory to start planting early for next year’s orders. Fourth Uncle’s handling that…”

“He’s become an expert—spent the last two days studying cost-saving methods for fertilizer!”

“The South City Highway bid’s going smoothly. Among competitors, our quote and plan are the best…”

“I’ve pulled a few strings to help with upcoming bids…”

“Several highway sections will open bids soon; Mother’s brother picked it up fast—he’s got the process down!”

…

Xu Zhiquan spoke excitedly, and Xu Chen listened with a smile.

“Xu Chen, the path you suggested is really lucrative!”

Xu Chen smiled—it matched his forecasts.

His recommendation for his father to start with the nursery business had been well thought out.

He’d weighed external market opportunities, his father’s funds, ability, and connections.

It wasn’t surprising Xu Zhiquan got the nursery up and running so quickly.

Leaning closer, Xu Zhiquan lowered his voice,

“A potted plant costs maybe tens of yuan, but you can sell it for two or three hundred. Of course, that two or three hundred…”

Xu Chen inhaled sharply and made a shushing gesture,

“Dad, keep this to yourself. Don’t brag about it.”

Xu Zhiquan peeled a shrimp and handed it to Xu Chen,

“Anyway, our family’s doing well. We’re still in the investment phase and low on cash flow.

Once payments roll in from a few projects, I plan to upgrade to an Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E.

Land more bids and I’ll go straight for an A8.

Picking you up will look good, too!

After you get into university, Dad will buy you a car!”

“If you head to a big city, don’t let classmates look down on someone from our town.”

Xu Chen quietly ate a few shrimp, then said,

“Dad, you don’t have to buy me a car yet. I suggest you hold off, too.

Save more capital for the next round of investments.”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled twice,

“The nursery business can last—each order brings profit. We’ll have cash soon.”

Xu Chen poured his father a cup of coconut juice,

“Dad, you don’t actually plan to stick with the nursery forever, do you?”

Xu Zhiquan paused, waiting for Xu Chen to continue.

Xu Chen went on,

“The nursery’s profit margin’s good and you can run it for a few years, but it’s still hard-earned money, selling plant by plant.

It relies heavily on connections—highway and urban projects.

If upstream projects dry up or key relationships break, business takes a hit.

Plus, you’re at the mercy of weather, pests, and accidents…

But that’s not the main issue.

You have to bow and scrape, entertain, give gifts, say nice things.

Dad, I know you hate that…”

Xu Zhiquan was silent as he lit another cigarette.

He picked up the coconut juice and refilled Xu Chen’s glass.