Chapter 0502: Moistening Things Silently

In Zhao Fusheng's view, ruthless men like Zhu Hongjiang who rose during the reform and opening-up were no pushovers. After all, in that era when laws and regulations were not yet well-established, any one of them was a master at exploiting legal loopholes.

Of course, they were also experts at manipulating people's hearts.

Even having been reborn, Zhao Fusheng couldn't guarantee that he could definitely outwit the old fox before him.

"You know, the scenery the rich see is different from what the poor see," Zhu Hongjiang suddenly said to Zhao Fusheng. "People struggling for food and warmth have no mind to enjoy the scenery along the way."

Zhao Fusheng nodded in agreement. Zhu Hongjiang's words were true, though he didn't know why he brought it up; it was a fact.

"What, do you think I hit the nail on the head?" Zhu Hongjiang saw Zhao Fusheng's reaction and asked with a smile.

Zhao Fusheng nodded, not being pretentious, and said honestly, "So many of us now stop at nothing to become rich, because being rich is really a happy thing. As long as your pockets are full, the whole world becomes better."

Zhu Hongjiang laughed: "Yes, being rich is good. You can drive luxury cars, live in villas, buy whatever you want, go wherever you please. Even standing in a pile of dung, you'd think the air smells great."

Zhao Fusheng blinked, unable to hold back: "Well, standing in a pile of dung is still not quite appropriate—the smell is too strong."

Zhu Hongjiang burst out laughing. Clearly, Zhao Fusheng's quip amused him greatly.

That's how people are: a joke can ease the relationship or atmosphere, turning strangeness into relaxation. Though not exactly close, at least the sense of unfamiliarity disappears.

"Sometimes I think, people are most pure when they're striving," Zhu Hongjiang suddenly said to Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng was startled, then nodded: "Yes, people are probably single-minded only when striving. Once they succeed, all kinds of messy thoughts arise. After all,安逸的日子总是会让人失去奋斗目标的."

He spoke the truth. It's often said that conquering a kingdom is easier than governing it, and the reason lies here. Often, when people forge ahead, they show astonishing execution and action. But once they achieve success, they become extravagant and lazy—in short, they degenerate.

"Hearts are scattered; the team is hard to lead."

Zhu Hongjiang's sudden remark surprised Zhao Fusheng.

He hadn't expected that this iron-fisted figure who had led Gree for years would have such a sentiment.

"Everyone thinks they have merit, everyone feels wronged, everyone wants rewards. Ha, the human heart is never satisfied." Zhu Hongjiang shook his head, looking desolate.

Zhao Fusheng looked at him cautiously and didn't respond, because he didn't know how to answer Zhu Hongjiang's words. He also wondered why the other party was telling him all this.

After all, this was their first meeting. Before that, Zhao Fusheng was certain he had absolutely no connection with the lofty Chairman Zhu. For no reason to be so candid with him—Zhao Fusheng didn't think their relationship was that close.

In short, he never believed in such a thing as a free lunch.

It's better to be cautious in life.

Those who easily call others brothers and confide in them are either fools or great villains.

"What, do you think I talk too much?" Zhu Hongjiang saw Zhao Fusheng silent and suddenly said with a smile.

Zhao Fusheng smiled and nodded: "To be honest, I don't think our relationship warrants you telling me so much."

A smile appeared on Zhu Hongjiang's face: "It's just that I suddenly feel you are very much like me back then—confident, with ideas and persistence."

Then he patted Zhao Fusheng on the shoulder: "If I'm not mistaken, you should be that mysterious designer from Future Advertising, right?"

This was the second time he brought up the question. Earlier, Zhao Fusheng had played dumb and didn't answer. Now Zhu Hongjiang mentioned it again.

Now, Zhao Fusheng knew that avoidance was impossible.

So he smiled and nodded: "That's right. The big deals Future Advertising had before were basically designed by me."

He paused, gave Zhu Hongjiang a deep look, and said, "To be honest, I didn't plan to come in person for this proposal, but if I don't do something, I won't feel at ease."

Zhu Hongjiang was taken aback, then nodded: "I understand. People strive for pride, and Buddhas seek incense. Sometimes when there's anger pent up inside, it's really hard if you don't let it out."

Zhao Fusheng smiled and said nothing more.

At this point, both he and Zhu Hongjiang knew that what Wu De and Minister Chen had done didn't matter. What mattered was that since Zhao Fusheng had brought it into the open, it meant he wanted an explanation.

And Zhu Hongjiang understood that he needed to give Zhao Fusheng, or rather Perfect Future, an account.

Otherwise, if word got out, it would be a huge blow to Gree's reputation.

After all, even with unspoken rules, the word 'unspoken' means they can only stay under the table, not be brought into the open. In other words, if rules are explicit, they must follow certain boundaries. Conversely, if they are unspoken, they cannot see the light.

Once exposed, they naturally die.

For Wu De and Minister Chen, death might not be the outcome, but if their actions tarnished Gree's reputation, Zhu Hongjiang would never allow it.

"I'm curious, if I hadn't sought you out, would you have really refused to cooperate with us?" Zhu Hongjiang smoked quickly; he was a heavy smoker, usually going through two packs a day, lighting up whenever idle.

Zhao Fusheng nodded calmly and said, "Since you know who I am, you should also know that I'm not short of work now. Or rather, if I wanted, Future Advertising wouldn't lack business."

Listening to the young man's confident and assertive words, Zhu Hongjiang remained impassive but sighed inwardly. Though reluctant to admit it, Zhao Fusheng wasn't boasting.

With his current standing in the advertising field, he indeed had the ability to support a company.

More precisely, he was already supporting an advertising company.

For true strongmen, they never need to care who their partners are, because others seek them out for cooperation, not the other way around.