Rebirth: My dad is too obedient

Chapter 515 The traitor will never die
Tuesday.

In the morning, I received a message from the "Youlemei" client that Xie Bingran's shooting schedule has been finalized.

Actually, Xu Chen learned about it earlier from Director Li Yue.

June 1st was the day for the "U-Love-Me" commercial shoot, which started at 7 am when the spokesperson entered and lasted until 4 pm.

The one-hour break in the middle is counted as an eight-hour workday.

This is also the usual practice for artists' commercial schedules.

From 4 pm on the 1st to the entire morning of the 2nd, Xie Bingran had her own time for shooting still images, mainly to meet the material requirements previously communicated by Director Li Yue...

With the release date finally set, both the client and the director's team breathed a sigh of relief and quickly began preparations and execution.

Xie Bingran's individual still photography plan has also been finalized, and the photographer has prepared hundreds of poses.

Xu Chen frowned slightly, thinking that he shouldn't tire out his Bing-ge.

At noon, Xu Chen rushed to the office and held a short meeting with Nie Fei and Jiang Yuze.

"We'll be shooting still some still-customized material for Bing Ge on the evening of the 1st and the morning of the 2nd. 'Ranbing Sports' will also be making some additional requests."

"Ice Bro doesn't have any more time available later, so we'll try to film as many scenes as possible."

Jiang Yuze: "Okay, I was just talking to Amy about this this morning."

Xu Chen thought for a moment and then added:

"We also have 'Burning Ice Lite' to be released in the second half of the year, so let's have Amy and Zhuang Lei come up with some graphic designs in advance."

This time, we just filmed them all together.

Jiang Yuze: "Okay, I've got it."

……

After the meeting ended, Nie Fei called Xu Chen to her small office alone, and then also called Zhou Junjun over.

"Something's up?" Xu Chen asked.

Zhou Junjun put away her usual playful demeanor and said:
"Didn't we say before that someone used their connections at some local contract manufacturers in Licheng to inquire about the situation with 'burning ice'?"

We've basically gotten the information out of them; it's someone from the investors.

Xu Chen: "Investors?"

Nie Fei held a thin cigarette between her fingers:

"It's 'Amrex Investment'."

Xu Chen frowned: "They're still up to no good and have their eyes on us again."

Zhou Junjun: "Amway will definitely pay attention to emerging and competitive new brands in the entire sports category."

Currently, the buzz and sales of "Flaming Ice" are overwhelming, so "Amino Acid" is bound to make some moves, which was actually expected.

He paused and then said:
"There's another thing I heard from other contract manufacturers."

The running shoe that Anta is currently promoting was originally expected to be very popular within the group.

However, it is now being suppressed by 'Ranbing 001', and its sales have not met expectations at all.

This matter will probably be relayed to Amway as well.

Xu Chen: "Anta's running shoes are the product line that Chen Lan endorses, right?"

Nie Fei nodded: "Not bad."

The last time Amrex came to discuss buying out Xie Bingran's business partnership, it was for this product line.

Zhou Junjun: "It has directly affected people's ability to sell goods and make money, so it is inevitable that they are being targeted now."

Nie Fei took a drag of her cigarette and continued:
"Jin Ruibin, whom we talked to last time, has contacted us again, wanting to have another chat."

Xu Chen: "They're really quick."

Zhou Junjun glanced at Xu Chen, then at Nie Fei:
What are your thoughts?

Actually... accepting investment from Amway is also an option.

After they invest, they can actually provide some implicit industry resources.

Anta and Li Ning might not necessarily be considered competitors.

Nie Fei shook her head slightly:

"I've discussed it with Mr. Xu, and this plan is too risky."

In fact, from the perspective of industry layout, several giants, both overseas and domestic brands, have already emerged, so there is no need for a new brand like 'Ranbing' to share the market.

"Amrex's investment in and even controlling stake in 'Gas Ice' may not be motivated by good intentions."

Zhou Junjun:
"for example?"

Nie Fei: "For example, directly shelving or suppressing the development of 'burning ice' in order to protect the interests and profits of existing major brands."

Although AminoAcid will lose some money on 'gas hydrate', it will still make the lion's share elsewhere.

Zhou Junjun seemed to be deep in thought:
“I keep an eye on the factory every day. I really underestimated the tricks and tactics of these upstream capitals.”

Xu Chen pondered for a moment:

"What were the specific proposals Kim Seo-bin put forward last time he came over?"

Nie Fei: "Let's sell Xie Bingran's commercial endorsement to them, or let them take control of 'Ranbing' with a valuation of 4 million."

Zhou Junjun: "How did you refuse?"

Nie Fei smiled and said, "Mr. Xu said that a valuation of 4 million is too low, it should be at least 100 billion."

Zhou Junjun was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.

This is indeed an "exorbitant price."

After all, at this point in 2007, Anta's market value was only a little over 10 billion yuan, and Li Ning's was slightly higher, but only around 30 billion yuan.

With "Ranbing" being a completely new brand and currently only offering two products, its valuation could absolutely never reach 100 billion...

Xu Chen pondered for a moment, then turned to Nie Fei and said:

“Since ‘Amrex’ is coming this time, let’s talk to them first, Sister Fei. Sister Fei knows my attitude. Let’s see what their intentions and conditions are first.”

Nie Fei: "What is our bottom line?"

This is naturally the key to the problem, and it's also the point that Nie Fei had to reach a consensus with "General Manager Xu" before she could probe the other party's intentions.

"Amre" is not an ordinary small or medium-sized company, but a capital behemoth hidden behind the entire sports category. It is not possible to directly break off relations or refuse outright in communication.

Xu Chen:

"First, Xie Bingran will absolutely not sell out her commercial endorsements."

Second, the absolute decision-making power over the present and future of "gas hydrate" must remain in our own hands.

Nie Fei: "Then I understand."

Zhou Junjun: "So, there's basically nothing to talk about."

Xu Chen: "Let's first look at their intentions and conditions..."

It's not impossible for them to want to invest and get a share of the profits.

But absolutely do not even think about acquiring a controlling stake.

He paused for a moment, then said, "Although we are not large in scale, we are not short of money and do not need financing."

The daily sales turnover is enough to support the cash flow, not to mention the backing of Dongchen Shares.

I want to keep the 'Roasted Ice' shares clean, but if they just want to share the investment risk, they can come in and get some profits, but they cannot have access to the company's decision-making process.

Nie Fei exhaled white smoke:
"Given their personality, even if they don't pursue controlling stake, they would still want a seat on the board of directors."

Xu Chen shook his head decisively:

“A seat on the board of directors is absolutely unacceptable.”

If the other party is determined to destroy 'Ranbing', all they need is a board seat; they just need to obstruct and muddy the waters on some key decisions.

In fact, since its establishment, "Burning Ice" has not fully defined a so-called "board of directors". Basically, all matters are decided by Xu Chen and Nie Fei.

So far, the two have not had any major disagreements.

If we had to define the board of directors, it would consist of Xu Chen, Xie Bingran, and Nie Fei.

Expanding to five people means adding Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun from the parent group.

Ultimately, it was still "General Manager Xu" who made all the decisions.

This simple decision-making structure must not be broken. Just as Xu Chen just said, "Roasted Ice" doesn't need financing now, so it won't "let the wolf into the house."

Nie Fei stubbed out her cigarette:
"Now I understand. I'll talk to them first."

Once you've clarified the other party's intentions, then you can coordinate with both of you.

……

……

The next morning.

During a break in class, Xu Chen received a message from Hua Shaojie, who was named "Cadillac".

He glanced at it briefly and couldn't help but smile.

[Thank you so much, Mr. Xu and Ms. Fei, for your attention. I've been thinking about it for the past couple of days, and I'm quite interested in learning more about Chenfeng Technology...]

It seems that the dinner with Hua Shaojie on Monday went very well.

Hua Shaojie is a smart man. He doesn't need to say too much. Just lay out the current situation of "Chenfeng" and he can go back and study the industry and basically see the company's huge potential.

Of course, there are still risks involved in leaving a mature foreign company to join a growing local private enterprise.

It depends on his own character and preferences, and whether he is willing to take the risk for a greater future.

Xu Chen replied:
Thank you, Jack, for your trust!
I'll have my administrative colleague contact you and arrange a visit to the Tiancheng headquarters.

You'd like to learn more about Chenfeng Technology and also have a face-to-face chat with our General Manager Xu.

Okay, thank you very much, Mr. Xu!

Xu Chen immediately sent a message to his father, Xu Zhiquan, to let him know.

I had discussed this matter with Xu Zhiquan in person before, so he naturally knew the background.

Mr. Xu was naturally happy to have the opportunity to bring in another marketing talent from the automotive industry.

I asked Wu Yue to arrange the reception. The new production line in the North Industrial Park is almost complete, so I'll take him on a tour!

Old Xu remembered something else:
[Will he be stationed in Shanghai, or can he come directly to Tiancheng to establish a presence?]

Xu Chen: [We haven't discussed this in detail yet!]
However, Hua Shaojie has settled down and started a family in Shanghai, which may be a dilemma.

It's not unreasonable for him to work in Shanghai; the brand marketing of 'Chenfeng Technology' can be separated and wouldn't be a big problem either.

When I talked to him, I didn't say anything definitive. He's not opposed to business trips and can frequently switch between the two locations...

Xu Zhiquan: [Okay!]

Guo Liang happens to be here these days, so we can arrange to have a meal together.

I've already spoken with Guo Liang, and he's very happy to hand over the marketing module.

The distributor business has completely drained his energy; he simply can't handle it all.

……

……

Friday arrived in the blink of an eye.

Wu Feifei and Su Rong came over to play again, chatting and laughing in the office area.

When Su Rong saw the arrival of several new colleagues, she became somewhat shy and shrank behind Wu Feifei.

Miss Wu, a woman skilled in social interaction, was introducing Su Rong to several new colleagues.

Nie Fei had Tang Mo from the HR department briefly inform a few new colleagues about Miss Wu and Miss Su.

The gist of it is that "they are all Mr. Xu's friends" and "we cannot neglect them," etc.

Sister Fei's arrangements were thoughtful and meticulous, after all, these two young ladies are very important to the Xu family's business.

Xu Chen pulled Sun Aimi and a few others into a meeting, and Su Rong and Wu Feifei quietly followed them in.

Upon realizing that they were discussing the filming plan for "U-Love-Me", the two young ladies' eyes widened instantly.

Xu Chen was speechless, so he interrupted Sun Aimi, who was giving her report, and said:
"If Su Rong and Fei Fei are free, they can also come and work on the film."

Su Rong nodded vigorously, and Wu Feifei smiled and said:
"Okay, okay!"

……

Nana ordered afternoon tea again: pizza, fried chicken, roast meat, and soft drinks...

This is a regular Friday perk: a group of people gathered in the rest area, chatting and laughing.

Jiang Yuze and Sun Lingfeng have been busy with the initial sales launch of "Ranbing X" lately, and they both look a bit thinner from the stress.

Nie Fei joked, "Let's save the good meat for them."

……

When news broke about "Amrex," Nie Fei said she wanted to talk to Xu Chen and Zhou Junjun about it.

Seeing the noise on the 6th floor, Xu Chen led the two to the "small studio" on the 8th floor.

Zhou Junjun came in and, upon seeing this, smiled and said:

"I never imagined that Mr. Xu had made this place so comfortable!"

Xu Chen: "If Vice President Zhou wants to find a quiet place in the future, he can come up here directly."

Zhou Junjun joked:

"I don't like quiet; I like liveliness."

He quickly looked around and saw a wine rack that Xu Chen had set up earlier, then smiled and said:
"I'd like to give Mr. Xu two bottles of fine wine!"

"Thank you so much, Vice President Zhou!"

Xu Chen also walked up to the wine rack:

"Let's open a bottle of good wine!"

He thought for a moment, then casually picked up a bottle of Penfolds Bin 407:

"This bottle is from 90!"

Zhou Junjun rubbed her hands together, clearly feeling a sudden urge to drink.

……

While waiting for the hangover to subside, Nie Fei got down to business and started talking about the situation with "AminoAcid".

"This time, it wasn't just Jin Ruibin who came to talk; there was also a senior partner from Amray."

This shows that they really value 'burning ice'.

Their internal project investment rating is estimated to be very high.

Zhou Junjun: "What exactly do they want?"

Nie Fei: "They have completely abandoned the plan to buy out Xie Bingran."

The main reason is that 'Ranbing Sports' has been officially launched, and both 'Ranbing 001' and 'Ranbing X' products have received positive market feedback.

She paused slightly:

"They... do indeed want to acquire a controlling stake in 'Burning Ice' through investment."

Zhou Junjun had already taken a sip of red wine.

He nodded vigorously, indicating "This is truly excellent wine," and continued the discussion:

"Amrex really hasn't given up its evil intentions!"

Xu Chen: "What conditions did they offer this time?"

Nie Fei: "They raised the valuation of 'burning ice' from 4 million RMB to 20 billion RMB."

But when it comes to investing with us, they're willing to double the amount to 40 billion RMB, which is 5.3 million USD.

Zhou Junjun joked:

"40 billion? That's still far from Mr. Xu's 100 billion!"

Xu Chen ignored Zhou Junjun's joke and said:
“Anta’s market value is only 130 billion RMB now. They are willing to give ‘Burning Ice’ a valuation of 40 billion RMB, which can be considered as being willing to spend a lot of money.”

He then looked at Nie Fei:

What specific investment plan was offered?

……

(End of this chapter)