Chapter 2331: A Different Zhao Fusheng

Jiang Wen wasn't deliberately trying to fool Zhao Fusheng.

He just said it casually; if Zhao Fusheng was willing to invest, that was best, but if not, it didn't matter—he had nothing to lose anyway.

Over the years, this had always been Jiang Wen's routine when persuading others to invest.

Zhao Fusheng knew his habits too, so after a few jabs, he dropped the subject.

They had a meal together, and that was that.

This was how Zhao Fusheng's life was now: occasionally gathering with friends, or else just wandering around.

In his own words, with such good weather, not going out for a stroll would be a waste of time.

The financing plan for Future Advertising was progressing smoothly.

Under Zheng Yao's leadership, Future Advertising quickly completed its financing, becoming an advertising company valued at one billion.

Of course, as for shares, Zhao Fusheng kept only ten percent, converting the rest into cash.

Originally, he had intended for Zheng Yao to keep a portion as well.

But Zheng Yao directly diluted the management shares Zhao Fusheng had given her, converting them into cash.

For this reason, Zhao Fusheng specifically called Zheng Yao to his home to discuss it.

"You didn't have to do that."

Zhao Fusheng said to Zheng Yao earnestly.

"What, you think I should have kept the shares in Future Advertising?" Zheng Yao said with a smile.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "Of course. I'm retiring, but you're not. Besides, after all the hard work to get here, if you're willing, I could leave Future Advertising to you."

He meant what he said.

Given his relationship with Zheng Yao, handing over Future Advertising, worth that much, gave him no psychological pressure at all.

Zheng Yao looked at Zhao Fusheng and suddenly laughed.

"You know, I once thought this might be a dream."

After laughing, Zheng Yao said calmly to Zhao Fusheng: "I'm afraid that when the dream ends, everything will go back to ten years ago."

Zhao Fusheng was taken aback.

Somewhat surprised, somewhat unexpected.

He really hadn't expected Zheng Yao to have such thoughts.

In many people's eyes, Zheng Yao was a very capable corporate manager.

She was very strict, as could be seen from the company's daily operations.

At the company, Zheng Yao was never late. Even though as CEO, no one would care if she was late, she never did that.

In Zhao Fusheng's memory, Zheng Yao came to work early every day.

Back when Future Advertising was just a studio, she was the first to arrive.

Later, as the company grew larger, she remained in a high position but still arrived at work first.

In his memory, except for that hospitalization, even Zhao Fusheng had never seen Zheng Yao rest for long.

To be honest, Zhao Fusheng sometimes wondered if choosing Zheng Yao as his partner back then had harmed her.

Without him, she might have chosen to go abroad after her breakup, perhaps not necessarily happier, but maybe not so exhausted that she collapsed in the office.

He was ambitious, satisfying material needs and then seeking spiritual fulfillment, longing for a brilliant life, wanting to reach the pinnacle of the industry, driving those around him to run desperately forward—was he a jerk?

He didn't know what to say for a moment, wondering if he had unconsciously exploited Zheng Yao, and she keenly noticed the guilt on his face.

With a smile, Zheng Yao placed her hand on his and said: "Fusheng, you don't need to overthink. This was my own choice. I'm an adult, capable of taking responsibility for my decisions."

Zhao Fusheng remained silent.

Zheng Yao continued with a smile: "Doing business has never been easy, even for someone with natural talent like you. Fusheng, you've also given a lot, you're also very tired. As your partner, I should make an equal effort. Don't look down on me because I'm a woman, and don't feel guilty about it."

Finally, she paused and added softly: "Fusheng, I'm a woman, but I'm not weak. I also have career ambitions. I also crave success, even if my talent isn't as great as yours."

Zhao Fusheng nodded silently. True success was never easy; it invited ridicule, abuse, hostility, resentment, exhaustion, mental strain, inner pain, countless self-doubts about whether it was worth it, and even the risk of sudden death. But ultimately, some people were willing to give up an easy life, take risks, pursue excellence, and see the scenery ordinary people never saw.

He liked Zheng Yao's character; such people were worthy of being considered his comrades.

Of course, it wasn't the same kind of liking as for Fan Baobao. Fan Baobao was his spiritual comfort; Zheng Yao was his right hand at work—completely different.

He couldn't help but laugh, took her hand, and said: "You're right, so I won't feel guilty. But even if we're going to work hard together, you need to make sure your health is okay. I don't want to attend your funeral too early."

He paused and smiled: "Even though I've chosen to retire now, maybe in a few years, I'll cause you some trouble."

"No, women live longer than men. I'll definitely be the one to read your eulogy."

"Good, then make sure to praise me well."

After a few more jabs at each other, the matter was settled.

But Zhao Fusheng knew.

Zheng Yao felt some reluctance inside.

After all, getting Future Group to where it was today had been very difficult.

Having turned a small studio into a large conglomerate, just when success was in sight, her body had to fail.

To say Zheng Yao didn't care at all was absolutely impossible.

But she was smart; she didn't show her displeasure. Even when Zhao Fusheng wanted to retire, she actively cooperated with his decisions.

That was her cleverness.

The more she acted like that, the more Zhao Fusheng valued her.

Of course, that wasn't to say Zheng Yao was calculating; it was just the most normal way of handling things.

But regardless, in Zhao Fusheng's view, Zheng Yao was someone worthy of trust and entrusted with major matters.

A person willing to work hard and diligently cultivate the career they love, even if a woman, deserved respect from men.

At the very least, Zhao Fusheng felt that if it were his previous life's self, he probably couldn't have done what Zheng Yao did.

……

……

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was mid-2011.

The bored Ms. Fan Baobao, along with her daughter and son, flew back to China from Italy.

Of course, little Fan Beibei came along too.

She was on summer break, had nothing to do, and was coming back for a few days.

Zhao Fusheng was overjoyed.

For him, being reunited with his family was undoubtedly a delightful thing.

At thirty, having passed that milestone, Zhao Fusheng was more mature and naturally preferred to spend time with his family.

When Fan Baobao returned, she naturally wanted to catch up with her friends.

Fortunately, there was a nanny to help, so it wasn't a problem.

Zhao Fusheng became the busiest, taking his two children and a sister-in-law to almost every amusement venue in the capital.

He had only heard that taking care of kids was tiring.

Now he realized it was more than just tiring.

It was practically torture.

"So exhausting."

One day, when Zhao Fusheng finally found time to lie down and rest, he felt terrible.

That day, he had taken the kids out for a full six hours. Including Fan Beibei, all three children were now asleep in their rooms.

But Zhao Fusheng was so tired his legs were trembling.

This was pure torment!

Just think how hard it must be for Fan Baobao and his parents on a daily basis.

Sighing, Zhao Fusheng thought, no wonder some women, after raising their kids, complained about depression. If it were him, he'd probably feel the same way.

Facing children who understood nothing and needed constant care day after day was indeed a tormenting thing.

Just as he was resting in bed, his phone rang.

"What are you doing?"

Xue Yuanfang's voice came through.

Zhao Fusheng was a bit surprised: "What's up?"

"Well, something's come up."

Xue Yuanfang said awkwardly.

"Go ahead, do you need money?"

Zhao Fusheng raised an eyebrow and asked directly.

He thought Xue Yuanfang had run into some trouble and needed to borrow funds.

"No, it's Zheng Yao."

Xue Yuanfang then quickly explained the situation to Zhao Fusheng.

Last night, Zheng Yao, on behalf of Future Real Estate, attended a gathering of real estate companies. Since she was the CEO of Future Group and Future Real Estate was a notable newcomer in the domestic real estate scene, she had been invited.

The attendees were all heads of various real estate companies.

Although Zheng Yao wasn't Zhao Fusheng, everyone knew she was his representative, so they welcomed her without any reluctance.

Then.

Trouble struck!

During the meal, Ren Zhi of Huayuan Real Estate kept making sarcastic remarks to Zheng Yao and kept pressuring her to drink.

At first, Zheng Yao responded politely, but in the end, she didn't give him any face and left in a huff.

"That's how it is. Now there are rumors that Future Real Estate looks down on the capital's real estate circle and plans to go it alone..."

Xue Yuanfang said: "This is very bad for our reputation."

Zhao Fusheng's expression turned very grim.

He really hadn't expected something like this to happen.

"Hmph, Ren Zhi, does he really think he's someone important?"

Zhao Fusheng said coldly.

"Huh?"

Xue Yuanfang was stunned.

What was going on?

Zhao Fusheng's focus seemed off.

"Where are you? Come pick me up."

Zhao Fusheng said coldly.

"Huh?"

Xue Yuanfang was dumbfounded; he had never heard Zhao Fusheng speak in such a tone.

Soon, Xue Yuanfang's car appeared at Zhao Fusheng's door.

Zhao Fusheng handed the kids over to the nanny and Fan Baobao, who had rushed back, and got into Xue Yuanfang's car.

"Is their gathering still going on?"

Zhao Fusheng asked Xue Yuanfang.

"Probably. It's a three-day real estate forum. What happened yesterday, and rumors spread today. I thought I'd let you know right away."

Xue Yuanfang explained to Zhao Fusheng.

Then, looking at Zhao Fusheng, he asked: "What are you going to do?"

"Find out."

Zhao Fusheng said calmly: "You have many connections. Find out where they're gathering now. I'm going there."

Holy crap!

Xue Yuanfang felt his head spin.

He wasn't stupid.

Zhao Fusheng's attitude clearly indicated he wasn't going for a friendly chat.

The guy was obviously going to crash the party!

"Is that, appropriate?"

After hesitating for a moment, Xue Yuanfang asked.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled: "Perfectly appropriate. If they dare to mess with my people, they should be ready for me to crash their party!"

Having been a babysitter all day, Zhao Fusheng was already in a bad mood.

At times like this, people get irritable.

Even if it was his own kids, spending the whole day around them was still frustrating and unpleasant.

Now someone had walked right into his line of fire—they had only themselves to blame!

Seeing Zhao Fusheng's expression and hearing his words, Xue Yuanfang knew he couldn't talk him out of it.

Soon, Xue Yuanfang used his connections to find out where Ren Zhi and the others were gathering.

They were meeting today at the Guomao Building.

"Let me say this first: no hitting people or breaking things when we get there."

Sitting in the car, Xue Yuanfang tried to prepare Zhao Fusheng.

"I'm not a barbarian."

Zhao Fusheng smiled at that: "Don't worry, I'm just going to have a few words with them."

"Hmph."

Xue Yuanfang didn't believe a word.

Given Zhao Fusheng's current state, who would believe he wasn't going to cause trouble?

All he could do was pray that the guy wouldn't blow things out of proportion.

Soon, the car arrived at the Guomao Building.

Zhao Fusheng got out. At the entrance, a man he recognized—a friend of Xue Yuanfang's—approached.

"They're inside."

Xue Yuanfang's friend said to him.

Zhao Fusheng nodded and looked at Xue Yuanfang: "Don't come in, to avoid trouble."

"Will you be okay?"

Xue Yuanfang frowned.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled lightly: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

He wasn't a kindergartner; he knew how to handle this.

Soon, led by Xue Yuanfang's friend, Zhao Fusheng entered the restaurant.

The two walked one after the other to the door of a private room.

"It's here."

The man, naturally aware of Zhao Fusheng's identity, said quietly.

"Alright, thank you for your trouble."

Zhao Fusheng said with a smile.

Since the man had helped him, he would treat him politely.

That was just how he was.

Respect me a foot, and I'll respect you ten feet.

If someone was foolish enough to provoke him, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't let them off easy.

After all, after all these years of hard work, wasn't it so that one day he wouldn't have to live by others' whims?

Always talking about the bigger picture.

The bigger picture, the bigger picture—if everyone always considered the bigger picture, what would be the point of living?