Chapter 1853: Bad News

No matter who this world ultimately belongs to, at this moment, it certainly isn't Zhao Fusheng's.

The feeling that everything was starting to fall into place was wonderful. With a lighter burden on his shoulders, Zhao Fusheng found himself brimming with positive energy.

At times like this, people are often especially cheerful.

So even when Jiang Wen voiced his concerns, Zhao Fusheng didn't take them too seriously.

Li Yuan being able to say those words to Fan Baobao, and Fan Baobao being willing to give up her beloved acting career for him—from any angle, it was a heartwarming thing. But as the saying goes, a sweet life is always monotonous, while a miserable life is forever full of ups and downs. As Zhao Fusheng savored the happiness he had nearly forgotten, he also had to endure the discomfort that came with this joy.

He was no longer a failure, but a successful man.

Or rather, now he was someone in a position of power.

Zhao Fusheng actually lacked this self-awareness, so often he would discuss matters with those around him before acting.

In his view, this was normal, but in many people's eyes, Zhao Fusheng's behavior—to put it nicely—was treating the wise with courtesy; to put it bluntly, it was being overly cautious.

Coincidentally, Jiang Wen was also that kind of person.

So they became friends.

In many people's eyes, people like Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen were too emotional, always giving up their original ideas for one reason or another.

But in Zhao Fusheng's own view, if a person didn't even care about their family, what was there to trust?

"My opinion is that we'd better test the waters cautiously first."

Jiang Wen looked at Zhao Fusheng and proposed his idea.

Zhao Fusheng laughed: "What, not going to send that favor anymore?"

Hearing this, Jiang Wen shook his head: "Favors can be sent, but we can't take too big a risk. A film and television base, even if smaller than Hengdian, still requires an investment of over a hundred million."

Zhao Fusheng naturally understood Old Jiang's concern. He waved his hand: "You, don't worry. A few hundred million, it's not like we can't afford to lose it."

"..."

Jiang Wen felt a pang in his heart.

Chatting with rich people like this was truly exhausting.

"Alright, stop overthinking." Zhao Fusheng smiled at Jiang Wen. "I actually think this project has potential."

"Ah?"

Jiang Wen was startled, looking at Zhao Fusheng in surprise.

He really hadn't expected Zhao Fusheng to say that.

Zhao Fusheng smiled and explained to Jiang Wen: "You have to understand, this film and television base we're building can not only be used for shooting films and TV shows but also leverage the scenic area to develop tourism. I think it's actually quite promising."

"We'll see."

Seeing that Zhao Fusheng was saying much the same as last time, Jiang Wen didn't say anything more.

Clearly, this guy had made up his mind. Even if it meant losing money, he was going to build this film and television base.

"Don't worry about it too much."

Zhao Fusheng waved his hand at Jiang Wen. "Hurry up and finish selecting the location, then start filming 'Wulin' soon. Don't delay starting 'The Bullet' in the spring."

"Okay."

Jiang Wen nodded.

He naturally understood what Zhao Fusheng meant. 'Wulin' was just a TV series, and a self-produced one at that, with a low investment. It could be finished in two or three months. 'The Bullet' was the real priority.

With an investment of 130 million, this was an unprecedented big project for Future Film. Jiang Wen even thought that Zhao Fusheng was either crazy or overly confident. That was 130 million! How could he let Future Film invest all of it?

Such a project should be jointly invested in by several companies.

This was normal in the film and television industry, after all, risk sharing was the right way to handle projects.

Not to mention, if they ran into someone like Director Wong, who could withstand that?

A single film taking several years to shoot—no amount of money could withstand that!

"Don't worry about the investment."

Zhao Fusheng smiled and waved at Jiang Wen. "Don't worry about the money. A hundred million, it's not like I can't come up with it."

He paused and laughed: "Besides, I think this film really has a good chance of being a huge hit."

"You're the boss, you call the shots."

Jiang Wen shrugged helplessly.

...

...

Sichuan was known as the Land of Abundance. During the War of Resistance, Sichuan contributed greatly, and the Sichuan Army's resistance was legendary.

Today, Sichuan's development in the southwestern region was not fast. Apart from a few major cities, the rest of the province's cities were relatively underdeveloped.

Especially many counties in mountainous areas, due to their own limitations, had always been in a state of poverty.

Moreover, a certain big shot competing with Xue Yuanfang's family member was also serving in Sichuan.

To be honest, Zhao Fusheng's visit this time was also taking a risk.

After all, taking one side naturally meant offending the other.

That was why Ye Jing had come to talk to Zhao Fusheng.

He wasn't a time traveler, so he naturally didn't know the course of history, and of course had such concerns.

"Are you really not going to meet him?"

Xue Yuanfang had also come to Sichuan. Of course, he had channels to contact his family. Clearly, word had come from that side hoping Zhao Fusheng would show up.

Zhao Fusheng smiled faintly: "No need."

That was his honest opinion. No matter what the company chose, Zhao Fusheng would remain the same—he wouldn't show his face.

Besides, this time Future Group had sent people from Future Film, Future Advertising, and Future Investment, putting on such a big show. The gesture was already sufficient.

The rest didn't require Zhao Fusheng's worry.

As for meeting that big shot, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't even think about it.

He felt there was no need to get involved with that person. Politics was not something he could handle.

"Alright."

Xue Yuanfang nodded. He could see that Zhao Fusheng wasn't making excuses.

It seemed he really didn't want to meet that big shot from his family.

"Don't worry about me."

Zhao Fusheng smiled at Xue Yuanfang. "In the next few days, Old Ye and the others will inspect the situation in Sichuan and then make investments."

"Okay."

Xue Yuanfang nodded. Just as he was about to speak, Zhao Fusheng's phone rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, Zhao Fusheng frowned, waved at Xue Yuanfang, and stepped aside to answer the call.

"What's up?"

Zhao Fusheng asked Dong Chenxi on the other end.

"Well, is it convenient for you?" Dong Chenxi asked Zhao Fusheng.

"Go ahead." Zhao Fusheng frowned, sensing something unusual in Dong Chenxi's tone.

"It's like this: we've received news that Yahoo is in contact with SoftBank, apparently planning to sell their Alibaba shares."

Dong Chenxi said anxiously to Zhao Fusheng: "I suspect that Ono over at SoftBank is planning something big!"

"That old fox!"

Zhao Fusheng snorted, not surprised by Dong Chenxi's words: "No need to doubt, it's most likely true."

Zhao Fusheng had never let his guard down regarding SoftBank. Neither Ono nor Son Masayoshi were easy marks. If they behaved and made no moves, that would be strange.

Especially now that Alibaba was listed and the situation was excellent. Given SoftBank's usual style, it would be odd if they didn't stir things up.

Zhao Fusheng just hadn't expected this day to come so soon.

And surprisingly, Yahoo had taken the lead in joining forces with SoftBank. He had originally thought Sequoia would contact SoftBank first.

"What do we do? How should we handle it?"

Dong Chenxi hesitated and asked Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment: "Arrange a meeting with Ma Yun. It's time for him to step in."

"Aren't you in Sichuan?" Dong Chenxi was surprised.

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "I'm heading back to the capital immediately."

Matters had their priorities. The situation here was basically settled. Even if he wasn't around, Ye Jing and the others could handle the rest.

Hanging up, Zhao Fusheng explained the situation to Xue Yuanfang, then asked Wu Sijie to buy a train ticket and took an overnight train back to the capital.

...

...

"Yahoo just issued an announcement, officially selling 10% of its shares to SoftBank."

As soon as Zhao Fusheng arrived in the capital, Dong Chenxi told him a not-so-surprising piece of news.

"Huh, they move fast."

Zhao Fusheng sat in the car and said to Dong Chenxi: "What do you think?"

"Me?"

Dong Chenxi was startled, then said: "I think maybe the next step, SoftBank will propose diluting shares."

"I don't think so."

Zhao Fusheng had thought a lot on the way and had already calmed down. Hearing Dong Chenxi's words, he shook his head: "I suspect they are already in contact with Sequoia Capital."

"What!"

Dong Chenxi looked at Zhao Fusheng in surprise: "You mean SoftBank wants to become the major shareholder?"

"Is that not possible?"

Zhao Fusheng retorted: "Do you really think Son Masayoshi is all talk? When he was the world's richest man, we were still nobodies."

Dong Chenxi fell silent. What Zhao Fusheng said was true.

Earlier, Ma Yun had swapped 10% of Alipay's shares for 10% of Zhao Fusheng's Alibaba shares.

Now Zhao Fusheng only held 30% of Alibaba's shares.

If SoftBank really acquired Sequoia's shares, they could indeed become the major shareholder.

"Should we..."

After a moment of silence, Dong Chenxi looked up at Zhao Fusheng and said: "What if we contact Sequoia? What do you think?"

Clearly, she was considering launching a takeover battle.