Chapter 72: A Fortuitous Opportunity

Xu Chen reflected.

In his previous life, Xie Bingran spent the next two years locked up in a correctional facility, missing the 2008 Olympics.

Xu Chen vaguely remembered that in his past life, Xie Bingran only rose to prominence after 2010.

Now, with Xu Chen’s help, Bingran’s timeline had shifted. Maybe she really could compete in the Olympics two years from now.

……

Li Rui gripped the steering wheel, driving smoothly and calmly.

That was a stark contrast to his usual brash, impulsive nature.

Fourth Uncle sat in the back, turning to look at Xu Chen with mixed emotions.

He half-joked to Xu Zhiquan in the passenger seat:

“Second Brother, we’ll have to reimburse Xiao Chen for that 120,000 yuan worth of fertilizer, right?”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily.

“You handled the purchase, so that’s on you and Xiao Chen. You two can square accounts yourselves.”

Xu Zhilin smiled and turned to Xu Chen.

“Xiao Chen, could Fourth Uncle owe you that 120,000 for now? The company’s cash flow is tight with all the purchases. I’ll calculate interest for you.”

Xu Chen said, “Fourth Uncle, you said it! I’ll come collect when the time comes!”

Beside them, Maternal Uncle adjusted his glasses and said with a grin,

“Xiao Chen, you worked some miracle for that Zhao executive and got rewarded with 120,000 worth of goods…

With your brains, you’re guaranteed a spot at a top university!”

Xu Chen replied, “I’ll take your good omen, Uncle! I’ve got to get into a 985 school!”

……

They arrived at the factory just as evening fell.

Fourth Aunt came out into the yard and, seeing them get out, asked,

“Everything sorted?”

Fourth Uncle beamed.

“Of course!”

Fourth Aunt blinked in surprise, then smiled at Xu Chen.

“I never expected little Chen to handle the fertilizer deal!”

Fourth Uncle said,

“And not a single yuan spent!”

Fourth Aunt gasped, “What? How?”

Fourth Uncle chuckled,

“Our Xu Chen has skills. The fertilizer factory owner gifted us 120,000 worth of product!”

Fourth Aunt blinked, utterly amazed.

Zhang Yongqing adjusted his glasses and chimed in,

“Better yet, from now on we can buy directly from the distributor. No more dealing with small merchants!”

Fourth Aunt asked, “Really?!”

Fourth Uncle sighed with satisfaction,

“Yes. No one can trip us up on fertilizer anymore. I was worried sick this morning, but Chen here sorted it all out.”

Xu Chen gave a shy laugh in his father’s style,

“Pure luck!”

Indeed, it was pure luck.

He’d suggested to Guo Liang that they offset the 80,000 yuan payment with 120,000 worth of fertilizer on a whim, thinking of his father’s mention of Fourth Uncle’s fertilizer woes—and it had just worked.

Everyone joked as they went into the yard.

Xu Zhiquan said,

“Let’s put up the new company signs!”

……

Fourth Uncle and Maternal Uncle each carried a sign out.

Li Rui somehow procured two strings of red firecrackers and hung them by the gate on bamboo poles.

The “East Morning Star Co.” and “Chenxin Nurseries” signs went up.

There was no ribbon-cutting, no lucky date chosen.

Everything was simple and casual, yet everyone’s joy was unmistakable.

Li Rui flicked a lighter, igniting the firecrackers. The crackle of explosions couldn’t drown out their laughter.

Xu Zhiquan took a drag from his cigarette and said,

“I’ve got good news in advance. We’ve already won the bid for the South City Nursery Project.

They just need internal approvals before announcing it publicly…”

Maternal Uncle’s face lit up. “Really?!”

Fourth Uncle smiled,

“Fantastic! Our first deal is officially underway! With this under our belt, more business will flow in.”

He glanced at Zhang Yongqing,

“Yongqing, we’ll be busy!”

Zhang Yongqing adjusted his glasses,

“Busy is good. Gives us purpose!”

Xu Zhiquan waved them over,

“Let’s go celebrate with drinks!”

Fourth Aunt said, “Wait—let’s get a group photo!”

Xu Chen pulled out his Nokia N70. Li Rui stepped forward to help take the picture.

Xu Chen glanced at the Accord parked by the gate.

“Just set the phone on the car roof and snap. Everyone line up!”

“Ten-second countdown!”

Xu Chen hit the timer and dashed back.

Xu Zhiquan grabbed him and, laughing, dragged him to the center.

The flash popped with a mechanical click.

That two-megapixel Nokia captured the humble start of East Morning Star Group.

……

The yard was filled with potted saplings, but a clearing had been made.

Two square wooden tables were pushed together, piled with meats and vegetables.

Li Rui had ordered them from the neighboring restaurant—two hundred yuan per table for a feast of fish and meat.

Xu Zhiquan fetched two bottles of wine from the inner room—two bottles of Guojiao baijiu.

“Second Brother, you’re bringing out the good stuff!” Fourth Uncle laughed.

“Of course! Today’s the grand opening—plus Chen here sorted the fertilizer. We deserve fine wine.”

The corks popped, and the aroma hit their nostrils.

Fourth Uncle licked his lips, clearly eager.

Only Xu Zhiquan and Xu Zhilin could handle alcohol. Zhang Yongqing took a small sip and already flushed.

Xu Chen and Li Rui were both eighteen, so they didn’t touch any—Li Rui still had to drive.

Fourth Aunt bustled around, serving, until Fourth Uncle shoved a cup into her hand and she stuck out her tongue at the burn.

……

After a few rounds, Xu Zhiquan and Xu Zhilin, arm in arm, grew sentimental.

Maternal Uncle Zhang Yongqing lifted a cup of tea and said to Xu Chen,

“Xiao Chen, I’ll toast you with tea!”

Xu Chen hurriedly grabbed his cup,

“Uncle, you’re the elder—this one’s for you!”

Zhang Yongqing smiled,

“I have you to thank for bringing me here to work.”

Xu Chen said,

“Uncle, why thank me? You should thank my father.”

Zhang Yongqing nodded,

“Your sister’s husband told me that you mentioned me to him, so he went back home and brought me out. I’d been unemployed for half a year. Thank you!”

Xu Chen felt moved and clinked cups with him,

“Uncle, no need to be polite. Our nursery business wouldn’t be what it is without you.”

Zhang Yongqing smiled awkwardly and downed the tea.

Li Rui brought over a cup of tea.

“Thank you too, Brother Chen!

I’m not great with words—I’ve only been here a few days, but President Xu, Fourth Uncle, Uncle Yongqing, and Brother Chen have all been so loyal.

I’m lucky to be working here… I really appreciate it!”

Xu Chen smiled and said nothing, just patted Li Rui on the shoulder.