Chapter 1130: A Gathering

Most people want to change the world, but few want to change themselves. However, Zhao Fusheng felt that to change the world, he truly needed to change something about himself.

This was his honest thought. Although the reason he had fought all along was to keep the world from changing him, the problem was that if he didn't make changes himself, he would likely end up destitute, just like in his previous life.

Having come back for another round, Zhao Fusheng was quite afraid of death, quite afraid of poverty, and quite selfish.

So, he preferred to change himself a little.

In fact, Dong Chenxi didn't quite understand why, since Zhao Fusheng could guarantee an annual return of over thirty percent on his investments, he wasn't willing to turn Future Investments into a large private equity fund and accept idle capital from society.

After all, if Zhao Fusheng was willing, countless people would be eager to invest their money. Especially people like Tong Zhenbang, who wanted to launder money—they would be as numerous as carp crossing a river.

And using private equity to launder money was no longer a secret in China.

Zhao Fusheng's answer at the time was simple: in his view, a side path was a side path. Since it had the word 'side,' even if it could yield huge profits, it was ultimately not the right way. It was like the clear green water beside a great river—though deep and endless, it could never form a major current. If you wanted to build a big business, small-scale operations wouldn't do.

In a lifetime, nothing is easy, but since you're doing it, you must do it to the best of your ability.

As a businessman, you shouldn't settle for being a profiteer, nor should you only think about being a merchant-official. Instead, you should aim to be the leader of the industry.

"In business, of course you must use every means, but you have to grasp a certain measure. You can't be too cunning or take a devious path, because if you walk the night road too often, you're bound to run into ghosts. Moreover, in life, you should ultimately be kind to others and stand in the light as much as possible." Zhao Fusheng said this to Dong Chenxi with great seriousness.

A poor man is a poor man. Having been poor for too long, his mentality naturally becomes that of a poor and pedantic person.

That's why Zhao Fusheng worked hard to change himself, because he knew clearly that only by doing so could he truly change the future.

……

……

Capital, a certain hotel.

If any paparazzi from later generations were here, they would be overjoyed, because anyone sitting at this table today, if taken out at random, would be a big shot in the future.

From Huayi, the Wang brothers led the way, with most of their artists present. The same went for Zhao Baogang—all the artists from Xinbaoyuan were there too.

Overall, today was a big gathering of the Beijing circle. Anyone with even a slight connection had shown up.

Of course, the excuse was solid: Jiang Wen claimed it was his birthday today.

To this, Zhao Fusheng could only say that the older the ginger, the spicier it gets. That guy had way too many tricks up his sleeve.

Zhao Fusheng knew most of the people in the Beijing circle. Even if he wasn't familiar with them, he at least had a nodding acquaintance, because everyone knew his relationship with Jiang Wen and Yu Feihong. Moreover, with the official establishment and exposure of Future Group, Zhao Fusheng's identity had gradually come to light.

No one dared to underestimate this billionaire. Although he didn't like to show his face, no one in the entertainment industry was stupid. With a little cross-referencing, they could confirm his identity.

So throughout the meal, Zhao Fusheng was constantly being toasted and greeted.

Fortunately, he was seated at the table with several big shots of the Beijing circle. Those who came to greet him were also familiar faces in the circle—they clinked glasses, chatted a bit, and then took their leave.

"You guy, how come you're becoming more and more like a businessman?" Jiang Wen said helplessly to Zhao Fusheng after sending off the person who had come to greet them.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled: "You're wrong there. I am a businessman to begin with."

Jiang Wen was speechless and shook his head helplessly.

Ye Jing, sitting nearby, nodded and said: "Fusheng is right. We are businessmen, different from you artists."

"Hey, hey, hey, who are you calling an artist?" Jiang Wen's eyes widened. "I've noticed that ever since you became the general manager of Future Film and Television, your skill at insulting people has improved."

Ye Jing shrugged and gave Jiang Wen a deep look: "I wonder which one of us is cursing here. Ah, people really do become bad when they get rich..."

As soon as he said that, he quickly looked at Zhao Fusheng: "Uh, I didn't mean you."

Everyone burst into laughter. They all knew that the three of them were now a community of interests, so they understood it was a joke.

"Can't you three just chat nicely?" Yu Feihong stepped in to mediate, saying to the men: "If you ask me, you should all be sent to live a few days of hardship and see if you still have so much to say."

None of them dared to say a word, after all, her deterrence was quite strong.

"But seriously, Future Film and Television has been making quite a few moves lately. It looks like Fusheng is gearing up for a big push," Zhao Baogang said first, smiling at Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "You're asking the wrong person. The film and television side is now handled by Brother Ye; I don't get involved."

Everyone's gaze turned to Ye Jing, who simply nodded: "That's right. One movie and one TV series are about to start promotion."

As he spoke, he looked at Zhao Baogang and the Wang brothers: "When the time comes, I'll need your help."

They exchanged glances, not expecting Ye Jing to be so direct in bringing this up.

Seeing their expressions, Zhao Fusheng sighed silently to himself. This was the limitation of vision and mindset. What was the difference between the poor and the rich?

Simply put, the poor person's thinking every day is either about saving or daydreaming, only focused on survival, never considering other things. Their horizons gradually narrow down to trivial matters. Over time, even if they once had grand ambitions, they will eventually be worn away, and they will never accomplish anything in life.

To stand out, you ultimately need to set your sights further.

"Well..."

Wang Zhonglei hesitated, looking at Zhao Fusheng: "Fusheng, are you planning to cooperate with us?"

Zhao Fusheng swirled the glass in his hand and said with a smile: "I told you, matters of Future Film and Television are handled by Brother Ye. I'm going to the US in a few days to negotiate a hundred-million-dollar investment. I don't have time for these things."

With that one sentence, Wang Zhonglei shut his mouth and dared not speak further.

At that moment, they realized that Zhao Fusheng was no longer the young friend who could casually drink and chat with them. His net worth had already surpassed theirs. Though he seemed unchanged, in reality, Zhao Fusheng's business was far bigger than anyone present.

Looking at Zhao Fusheng, Zhao Baogang sighed with emotion. In his view, Zhao Fusheng's demeanor was perfectly normal. At their age, right and wrong were no longer so important. Having made it this far in the entertainment industry, few were filled with righteous indignation; there was plenty of sleazy scheming. If Zhao Fusheng had acted approachable today, that would have been strange.

Uninvited attentiveness is either villainy or theft.

How many adults wouldn't understand that?