Chapter 1143: Each Has His Own Ambition

In Zhao Fusheng's view, Chen Tianqiao was an excellent merchant but not a qualified businessman.

Some might not understand, but if you distinguish carefully, a businessman and a merchant are actually quite different. The former considers pros and cons in his actions, while the latter cares more about immediate gains.

To be precise, a businessman won't easily stake all his chips on one table, because if he loses, he'll go bankrupt. A merchant, on the other hand, often ignores the future impact of his actions for the sake of immediate profits.

Of course, even if he had thoughts, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't say anything to Chen Tianqiao. Shengda Technology was at its peak, and Chen Tianqiao himself was riding high. Even if Zhao talked until he was blue in the face, the other wouldn't take it to heart and might even think he was jealous.

So Zhao Fusheng only discussed Kaixin.com with Chen Tianqiao and then dropped the matter.

Seeing that Zhao Fusheng agreed to sell Kaixin.com to Shengda Technology, Chen Tianqiao was in a good mood. He was a charismatic person himself and didn't dislike a young talent like Zhao Fusheng; instead, he felt a sense of kinship with a kindred spirit.

Geniuses often feel an indescribable mutual admiration for others of equal brilliance.

"I hope we have a chance to cooperate," Chen Tianqiao said sincerely, shaking Zhao Fusheng's hand.

Zhao Fusheng smiled. He could tell that Chen Tianqiao meant it. Although he disapproved of the other's political opportunism, he believed Chen Tianqiao still held many valuable resources worth attention.

With that in mind, he smiled and nodded: "Alright, I hope we can make money together."

Though it sounded clichéd, the purpose of doing business was to reap profits. By saying this, Zhao Fusheng made Chen Tianqiao feel he was being candid.

People are like that, especially in the eyes of the intelligent. The more others play mind games, the more they feel their dignity is being challenged. But being straightforward makes them think you're genuine.

…

…

"Are you really selling it to him?"

After Chen Tianqiao left, Zhang Qian appeared beside Zhao Fusheng and asked quietly.

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "What, you think I shouldn't?"

It was rare for this guy to take an interest in his affairs, so Zhao Fusheng didn't mind explaining to Zhang Qian.

Zhang Qian shook his head: "It's not that you shouldn't; I just don't understand. Didn't you dislike having too deep a connection with Shengda Technology?"

As Zhao Fusheng's closest assistant, he knew that Zhao had always maintained a high level of vigilance toward Shengda Technology and Chen Tianqiao. Even when he held shares in Shengda, Zhao had said he never intended to be a long-term shareholder.

"I don't like Shengda Technology, but that doesn't mean I dislike the industries under Chen Tianqiao's name," Zhao Fusheng laughed, explaining to Zhang Qian. "Chen Tianqiao may not be great at interpersonal relations, but his business acumen is quite sharp."

Even a decade later, many in the business world had to admit that Chen Tianqiao's vision in business was exceptional; he could often pick the most promising project from countless options.

"I see," Zhang Qian said thoughtfully, finally nodding.

Knowing Zhao Fusheng, he wouldn't do this unless he had his eye on some company under Chen Tianqiao.

"Alright, don't overthink it." Zhao Fusheng smiled and waved his hand. "There's plenty of time. Future Group is just getting started, and Shengda Technology hasn't hit rock bottom yet. Even if we want to do something, we need to wait for the right moment."

That was his honest opinion. In fact, as far as Zhao Fusheng remembered, even in Chen Tianqiao's worst times, the project he had his eye on never encountered major difficulties.

So even if he wanted that project, he needed the right timing.

…

…

The matter of Kaixin.com was left to Dong Guoxiang and the others. Zhao Fusheng was the boss, not an employee. Since the general direction had been set, the details were for the ordinary staff to handle.

As the saying goes, the higher-ups move their lips, and the lower-ups run their legs off—that's about it.

Zheng Yao and the others at the group headquarters approved of Zhao Fusheng's decision.

Not because they didn't think highly of the Kaixin.com project, but because the deal would bring a substantial profit to the group.

Although Zhao Fusheng had always said the company wouldn't go public, that didn't stop Zheng Yao from considering financing. After all, for a company to grow stronger, introducing capital was inevitable—provided Zhao Fusheng maintained absolute control and prevented capital from becoming a stumbling block.

In this regard, Zhao Fusheng greatly admired Mark Zuckerberg in the US and Wang Wei in China from his previous life. Their control over Facebook and SF Express was extraordinarily tight.

At the very least, they ensured their rights as founders weren't eroded by later-entering capital. On this point alone, many entrepreneurs fell short.

After all, the struggle between capital and founders is a common drama in many large companies. Even a business genius like Ma Xiaoyun had to create Alipay to shake off SoftBank's control over Alibaba.

So financing was imperative, yet it had to be handled with caution.

Zhao Fusheng was well aware of this issue, but he was considering whether he could find another suitable solution.

Of course, before that, he had another matter to attend to.

"This?"

Sitting in his chairman's office, Zhao Fusheng pointed at an invitation in front of him and asked Zheng Yao casually.

Zheng Yao nodded: "Yes, this year's CCTV Annual Top Ten Economic Rising Stars. Our Future Group is on the list. Do you want to go?"

Zhao Fusheng knew about this. CCTV liked to hold such awards, which were naturally tied to the higher-ups. In essence, it was a sponsorship event: the attending entrepreneurs got publicity, and CCTV got sponsorship—everyone was happy.

"I won't go. You go," Zhao Fusheng said after a moment's thought. "It's the same if you attend."

Zheng Yao was the CEO of Future Group; she was qualified for such occasions.

Rolling her eyes, Zheng Yao looked at Zhao Fusheng helplessly: "Can't you go yourself? I really don't want to socialize with those bosses."

She paused and muttered: "That Mr. Ma keeps saying he wants to cooperate with Future Group, but I don't know what he's up to..."

Hmm?

Zhao Fusheng was startled, then suddenly remembered something. He smiled and said: "How about this: I'll go with you, but you'll accept the award on stage. Deal?"

Zheng Yao looked puzzled but finally nodded: "Fine, as long as you come with me, anything goes."

She had already decided that she would accept the award on stage for Zhao Fusheng and leave the socializing with those people to him, the boss.

And Zhao Fusheng had his own plans.

From start to finish, his target wasn't the Annual Economic Rising Star award. He was interested in two other people.

If Zhao Fusheng remembered correctly, at this year's event, two bosses surnamed Ma appeared simultaneously on CCTV's screen. Ma Huateng received the Economic Rising Star award, while Ma Xiaoyun was named Economic Person of the Year.

The gap between them was considerable.

Simply put, the former was still a business newcomer, while the latter had become the center of attention.

The reason Ma Huateng won was simple: in June of this year, Tencent Technology was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As a fresh face, Boss Ma naturally qualified as an Economic Rising Star.

As for Ma Xiaoyun, although his Taobao hadn't gone public yet, he had long become a hot favorite among investors. Compared to him, Ma Huateng was slightly behind.

No one knew what impact these two men would have on China's economy in the future.

Except for Zhao Fusheng.