Chapter 1121: "Getting a Haircut"

People's demands constantly change as they grow older.

In youth, one is filled with lofty ambitions, always thinking oneself invincible, that the world would stop turning without them. Only when slightly older does one realize how ignorant and naive such thoughts were.

At thirty, one stands firm; at forty, one has no doubts. When reaching that age and wanting to strive anew, one finds that the best days are already gone, and starting from scratch is not so easy.

Thus, one drifts with the current, echoes others, and looks forward to the next life.

Everyone comes into this world naked, so no one should mock another. Before growing up, no one has life experience to speak of; a messy life is the inevitable result.

The biggest difference between Zhao Fusheng and others is that he is a small account that has been saved and reloaded.

Mr. Lu Xun once said that the meaning of life lies in constant busyness.

Well, whether he said it or not, let's just pretend he did.

But regardless, for Zhao Fusheng, he is very willing to make his relived life more exciting and interesting.

"Director Guan, how much do you plan to invest in this film?" Zhao Fusheng looked at Guan Jinpeng and asked with a smile, seemingly not minding the other's previous concealment.

You see, according to Guan Jinpeng, the film titled "Hongyan" currently only had a script, yet the guy dared to come knocking on his door boldly. Wasn't he treating Zhao Fusheng as a sucker?

Whether in a great era or a small one, we are all just fighters against fate. Life is not easy, and Zhao Fusheng could understand Guan Jinpeng.

Of course, he also hoped Guan Jinpeng could understand him.

"I estimate it will be less than ten million," Guan Jinpeng said nervously to Zhao Fusheng. "Among that, Shanghai Film Group intends to invest a portion, and I have some connections with Yindu, but for the main investment, I still hope you can help, Fusheng."

Zhao Fusheng laughed. Guan Jinpeng was quite sincere, speaking without reservation.

"How much do you need?" Zhao Fusheng asked directly.

"Five million?" came Guan Jinpeng's hesitant voice. Looking at Zhao Fusheng's expression, he continued, "This film is an art film. For its release, I'm not sure about the domestic situation, but in Hong Kong, it should recover some costs."

He paused and lowered his voice: "I plan to invite Li Jiaxin to play the lead."

"Li Jiaxin?" Zhao Fusheng frowned. The leading lady in Guan Jinpeng's mind was not his fellow clansman ball queen; that surprised him.

But on second thought, that was the director's business, none of his concern.

Zhao Fusheng smiled and nodded to Guan Jinpeng: "Alright, for Brother and Director Guan's sake, I'll invest this money."

Five million was nothing; it was just to befriend director Guan Jinpeng. In Zhao Fusheng's view, a good director's value far exceeded a five million investment.

Moreover, making money itself was just a way to gain life satisfaction. For Zhao Fusheng, whether buying a house, a car, or making various investments, it was all to make his life more interesting.

Some people may start making money just to fill their stomachs, then gradually become addicted to the joy of making money, unable to extricate themselves, even forgetting the original purpose. Perhaps they save for a long time just to buy a lipstick for the girl they love.

Nietzsche said: When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.

If a person becomes a slave to money or turns into a miser, they may have truly lost their way.

Fortunately, Zhao Fusheng was not that kind of person.

"Really?"

Guan Jinpeng was overjoyed. He had approached others before, but once they heard the script, they lost interest, making excuses or even avoiding him outright.

He had only come to Zhao Fusheng on a whim, never expecting him to agree directly.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled and nodded: "Yes, it's not a big-budget film. With Director Guan at the helm, I'm at ease."

This was true. A budget of less than ten million was nothing in today's filmmaking; it was just a low-budget art film, a drop in the bucket compared to investments like "Kung Fu Hustle," which ran into the hundreds of millions.

Most importantly, Zhao Fusheng had faith in Guan Jinpeng's ability. Even if it didn't make much money, it wouldn't lose too much.

"Thank you so much, thank you so much." Guan Jinpeng hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

Zhao Fusheng naturally didn't say much; to him, it was just a small favor.

After seeing off the effusively grateful Guan Jinpeng, Zhao Fusheng remained seated at the table, picking up his phone.

His phone had been vibrating all along, but he hadn't answered because he was chatting with Guan Jinpeng.

Glancing at the number, a smile crept onto Zhao Fusheng's lips.

Picking up the phone, he took a deep breath and dialed back.

Soon, Tong Zhenbang's voice came through: "Chairman Zhao, sorry, did I disturb you?"

Zhao Fusheng smiled slightly: "Sorry, Mr. Tong, I was meeting an important guest just now, so I didn't answer your call. What's the matter?"

He was playing dumb on purpose. Tong Zhenbang's call could only be about the investment.

Tong Zhenbang naturally knew Zhao Fusheng was feigning ignorance, but he had no choice. With such a large sum of money in hand, laundering it completely was not easy. If he didn't do it this way, he would have to turn to international money laundering groups, which would charge nearly thirty percent in fees.

When under someone's roof, one has to bow the head; it was unavoidable for anyone.

So, despite being displeased with Zhao Fusheng's attitude, Tong Zhenbang had to grit his teeth and bear it, chuckling: "Chairman Zhao is too kind. Your businesses are big ones; I was the one intruding."

"Is there something, Mr. Tong?" Zhao Fusheng asked with a smile.

"I wonder if Chairman Zhao is available? How about we meet?" Tong Zhenbang didn't answer directly but chose to request a meeting.

Frowning slightly, Zhao Fusheng hesitated: "At this hour..."

Clearly, he wasn't keen on going out.

Hearing the hesitation in Zhao Fusheng's tone, Tong Zhenbang quickly said: "It's important. Please do me the honor, Chairman Zhao."

With the words put that way, Zhao Fusheng knew he couldn't refuse Tong Zhenbang.

After all, the man was sincere and had lowered his stance. If he refused again, he would seem too arrogant.