Chapter 1038: Interview

A hero needs three helpers. Zhao Fusheng never thought he could achieve success alone. Even Ma Xiaoyun had his Eighteen Arhats when starting his business, let alone himself.

Dong Chenxi, Bai Jie, and Zheng Yao—these three formed his core team.

With them as the center, others would follow.

As for Zhang Qian, that was Zhao Fusheng's personal connection, unrelated to the overall business. Although Zhang Qian was quite capable, his personality was not suited for management. Zhao Fusheng couldn't force him and could only let him serve as a sort of head steward.

Everyone has things they are suited for and things they are not. One's personality and abilities determine their ceiling.

Take Zhao Fusheng himself, for example. He knew very well that he was not good at administrative management or business operations. So most of the time, he only controlled the general direction and left the specific execution to others.

Unless it was absolutely necessary, Zhao Fusheng would not step in; otherwise, he would not easily meddle in the operations of his companies.

Zhao Fusheng did not intend to be a prodigy, because prodigies usually become targets for everyone and are eventually dragged into the domain where mediocre people excel and drowned by their numbers.

Only those prodigies who know to leave a way out for the mediocre can become leaders supported by them.

It wasn't that his subordinates were mediocre; rather, in Zhao Fusheng's view, if he as the boss did everything himself, what need would there be for these people?

Make the best use of everyone and everything.

That was the correct model for business management.

"By the way, any news from Ono Masao?" Zhao Fusheng asked Dong Chenxi casually before leaving, remembering the matter of Xiaonei.com.

Dong Chenxi shook her head. "It's only been a day; they're surely waiting for us to think it over before asking again."

"Yeah, I bet Ono thinks we're still discussing it now," Zhao Fusheng said with a shrug and a smile.

"I think we don't need to rush," Dong Chenxi said after a moment's thought. "Let him wait another week. The longer it takes, the better for us."

Xiaonei.com was on a good development track. In the end, it wasn't Zhao Fusheng who was anxious, but Ono Masao.

Zhao Fusheng nodded. "Handle it yourself, as long as it doesn't delay the main business."

His main concern now was the funding shortage at Future Films. After all, once the negotiations with Stephen Chow ended, the crew would officially form and start filming. Plus, there was the collaboration project with the People's Art Theatre. Yesterday, Bai Jie had called to complain that they were out of money.

Zhao Fusheng had no solution either. His funds were limited; all his money was tied up in the investment company.

It wasn't that he couldn't scrape some together, but robbing Peter to pay Paul was hardly a proper way to do things.

Taking the car home, Zhao Fusheng asked Zhang Qian to notify Li Zhijie to come see him.

Regardless, the comic studio was an industry he valued highly, so Zhao Fusheng would definitely interview him personally. Even if it was someone Fan Baobao had recommended, it was the same.

Business is business, personal is personal. Zhao Fusheng would never let personal feelings affect his career.

…

…

Li Zhijie was two years older than Zhao Fusheng and Fan Baobao. The moment he entered, his first words made Zhao Fusheng laugh.

"Brother-in-law, hello."

Li Zhijie's first sentence made Zhao Fusheng laugh.

This guy was quite cheeky.

"Have a seat." Zhao Fusheng smiled and pointed to the sofa in front of him, gesturing for Li Zhijie to sit.

To be fair, his impression of this man was decent. He was not tall, wore glasses, looked honest, and always had a smile on his face.

Yeah, a typical otaku.

Zhao Fusheng silently made that judgment in his mind.

No wonder that girl named Qiao Qiao had dumped him for someone else. Honestly, this guy's template was exactly that of someone who gets hurt.

But calling him 'brother-in-law' right at the door showed that this guy was also an interesting character.

Zhou Qing and Fan Baobao were like teacher and friend. If you traced the relationship from that side, calling Zhao Fusheng 'brother-in-law' was not inappropriate.

"You really like comics?" Zhao Fusheng asked with a smile.

"Yeah, I love them," the chubby guy replied without wasting words, nodding.

Although he was a shut-in, he wasn't stupid. This opportunity was hard-won by his mother, and he would not miss it for anything.

Many people think that otakus are just idiots who waste their lives, but that perception is wrong.

Being a shut-in is a lifestyle choice. Many people choose to stay home because they can live well there.

"Did Teacher Zhou tell you about the situation at my studio?" Zhao Fusheng continued asking.

He had already told Fan Baobao to brief Zhou Qing on the studio's specifics—like how it was still in its early stages and understaffed.

After all, given the relationship between Zhou Qing and Fan Baobao, Zhao Fusheng couldn't put Fan Baobao in a difficult position.

"Yeah, don't worry. I have no objections. As long as I can draw comics, I'll do anything," Li Zhijie said, his eyes burning with passion.

Clearly, for him, comics were almost his entire life.

"Do you have any works?" Zhao Fusheng asked after a moment's thought.

"Yes, yes," Li Zhijie quickly took out a stack of drawings from his bag and handed them to Zhao Fusheng, apparently prepared in advance.

Zhao Fusheng took them and glanced through. To his surprise, it was clear that effort had been put in. Although the content was average, the drawing skill was quite good.

"I didn't expect you to draw so well," Zhao Fusheng said with a smile.

He was telling the truth; there was no need to hide it.

A look of joy appeared on Li Zhijie's face. For him, receiving recognition from others, especially in comics, was no easy feat. Many people behind his back said he was indulging in trivial pursuits and wasting his time on pointless comics.

Although his parents didn't say it, Li Zhijie knew it well.

The purpose of ideals is often to be realized. He had always believed that one day he would achieve his dream. Now, it seemed that dream might soon come true.

"Go check out the studio later. If you have no other requirements, sign the contract," Zhao Fusheng said with a smile.

Since he basically met his requirements, Zhao Fusheng had no other objections. He wasn't the type to be overly particular.

In his view, as long as this chubby guy could get things done, Zhao Fusheng didn't mind giving him more freedom.