Chapter 1108: Aggressive

In the value system of adults, no one cares whether you are happy; they only care whether you are useful.

Tong Zhenbang understood this better than anyone.

He had long known a truth: though all roads lead to Rome, some people are born in Rome—a chasm he could never cross in a lifetime.

Tong Zhenbang was actually a talented man. As one of the earliest batches of college students after the restoration of the college entrance examination, he had tried to walk the straight path after graduation, even working as a grassroots cadre for a few days.

But unfortunately, he soon realized how cruel reality was.

In officialdom, checks and balances were everywhere, constraints constant, and there was rarely a time when one could truly act freely without restraint. No matter how high an official, every step had to be taken with caution, for fear of making a wrong move—one careless slip and the whole game was lost.

As for business, he had little capital. Watching his parents suffer from incurable illnesses, Tong Zhenbang finally realized that if he wanted to get rich quickly, the only choice was to take the crooked path.

A poet he admired once said: "Like a boat scoured by the river's current, you rush into middle age—your physique, face, eyes, and heart all stamped with the seal of midlife. Looking back, birds have flown, cicadas have fallen silent, red has withered, green has thinned—youth has slipped away without a trace; looking ahead, white hair and wrinkled skin, frailty and stumbling are drawing near."

Tong Zhenbang did not want to reach the day when he was old and frail, worrying even about whether he could afford to go to the hospital. Taking the crooked path was his means of making money; now that he had made enough, he naturally had to find a way to launder himself clean.

This was a common thought in the hearts of all those who did shady business.

No one is born willing to be a criminal. In the end, it's all about survival, about that trace of greed in one's heart.

So after Tong Zhenbang reviewed Zhao Fusheng's personal assets, he was immediately tempted.

"Chairman Zhao, forgive my frankness, but I'm surprised you thought of me," Tong Zhenbang said slowly, looking at Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "Mr. Tong, why do you think I chose you?"

Tong Zhenbang looked at Zhao Fusheng, waiting for him to give the answer. To be honest, he was also curious, because as Zhao Fusheng said, if he wanted to, raising such a sum of money was not a problem.

Whether through bank loans or his network of connections, Zhao Fusheng should be able to find a group of partners.

In comparison, Tong Zhenbang did not consider himself the most suitable candidate.

"Simple, because of secrecy," Zhao Fusheng said slowly, looking at Tong Zhenbang. "I need a sum of money, and my partner must not disclose this matter. Moreover, I don't intend to explain to my partner how the money will be used. But I can guarantee that the annual return on this investment will be at least thirty percent."

"How much?"

Tong Zhenbang was taken aback, then looked at Zhao Fusheng in surprise: "Chairman Zhao, are you joking?"

He was certainly not a fool who knew nothing. The return on investment was a crucial factor in venture capital; after all, people handed over their money to make a profit, unless they were crazy—taking out tens of millions or millions for charity?

And the minimum return of thirty percent that Zhao Fusheng offered was undoubtedly quite high.

In other words, if the sixty million US dollars Tong Zhenbang had mentioned were handed over to Zhao Fusheng to manage, in less than a year, it would have to become at least eighty million.

Of course, compared to the business Tong Zhenbang's criminal group was engaged in, this thirty percent return was not much. But the problem was that this money was earned legitimately and could be spent openly and boldly, while their money had to be carefully shielded from police attention.

Those walking in the sunlight might never know that for those walking in the darkness, the air they breathe and the sunlight they enjoy every day are often things the other side can only yearn for but never attain.

Not to mention, Zhao Fusheng had made it very clear: at least thirty percent return.

In other words, the figure could very well be higher.

Of course, Zhao Fusheng's conditions were also harsh. According to his statement, once the money was handed over to him to manage, the other party could no longer have any say.

For Tong Zhenbang, this was quite inconsistent with his original money-laundering plan.

"Chairman Zhao, may I ask, if I come across a project I like, can I invite you to invest?" Tong Zhenbang said slowly, looking at Zhao Fusheng.

This was his real purpose, the original plan Tong Zhenbang had in mind.

Hand the money over to Future Investment Fund, then have them invest in certain projects to launder the money.

In essence, Future Investment was just a springboard; Tong Zhenbang could never lose control over that money. But now it was clear that Zhao Fusheng's plan was far from his goal.

Zhao Fusheng narrowed his eyes, glanced at Tong Zhenbang, smiled, and shook his head: "I said, Mr. Tong, that's a matter for later. The current situation is that in this plan, I don't want to be interfered with. Everything is my responsibility."

"What do you mean?" Tong Zhenbang looked at Zhao Fusheng in surprise. "Are you saying we just need to hand the money over to you?"

"Yes. If you want to withdraw your capital, you need to inform me three months in advance. At other times, you may not inquire about how I manage the money, but I promise to report the project's progress to you every month," Zhao Fusheng said slowly.

Tong Zhenbang's brows were tightly furrowed. Clearly, Zhao Fusheng's demand was hard for him to accept—it was too domineering.

Zhao Fusheng was not anxious either. He knew that if he appeared too eager, it would instead arouse Tong Zhenbang's suspicion. After all, these people walked on the edge of a knife all year round; their hearts were undoubtedly extremely dark, and their wariness and suspicion far exceeded that of ordinary people. One slight carelessness in his plan, and Tong Zhenbang might see through it.

So the best approach was to let him walk right into the trap.

After all, the benefits were right in front of him. Zhao Fusheng didn't believe that Tong Zhenbang and his boss behind him would not be tempted.

"Mr. Zhao, to be honest, I think your plan is a bit too much," Tong Zhenbang said to Zhao Fusheng after a long silence.

He was telling the truth. To ordinary people, Zhao Fusheng's plan was nothing short of forcing someone to do the impossible, even like a dream.

Would anyone be crazy enough to hand over their money to Zhao Fusheng to manage?

At the very least, Tong Zhenbang felt that if it were him, he certainly wouldn't do that.