Chapter 1254: Independent Director

British media once ranked thirty things that bring happiness. Among them, 'finding ten pounds in the pocket of old jeans' was the thing that made Britons happiest. In addition, 'lying in freshly washed sheets' and 'seeing an elderly couple walking hand in hand' were also considered happy things. Also, 'sitting in the sun' and 'taking a casual walk in the countryside' were deemed the happiest things.

After reading this, Zhao Fusheng couldn't help but smile. These happy things are right beside many people, so why do they overlook their existence?

Actually, the reason is simple: many people live at too fast a pace and have no time to care about other things.

As for why life is fast-paced, naturally it's because they have to survive.

Sometimes humans and animals aren't that different. If even the most basic survival becomes a luxury, then naturally there's no mood to experience what happiness is.

Zhao Fusheng in his previous life was like that—busy every day making money and working, with no mood to look at the scenery by the roadside. As for the saying that life isn't just about the present grind, but also poetry and distant places—ha, most of the people who say that are damn well-fed and clothed.

Ask Gao Xiaosong: if he couldn't get enough to eat, with no guarantee of his next meal, would he still play rock?

Even Dou Wei, revered as a god, only likes to ride an electric scooter because he wants to, not because he can't afford a car. Even Pu Shu, who appeared on shows because he needed money, can casually lend a friend over a hundred thousand. For ordinary people, can they pursue such a life?

Obviously, the nine-to-five office worker, the farmer facing the earth with their back to the sky—how could they have the mood to pursue poetry and distant places? Every spontaneous trip is backed by the whimpering of Ant Check Later and credit cards.

Life, sometimes, is just that cruel.

…

…

“Baby, are you interested in being an independent director of Alibaba?” Zhao Fusheng suddenly said to Fan Baobao, who was drinking water, during dinner one evening.

Pfft!

Fan Baobao couldn't hold back the water and sprayed it out.

Well, sitting across from her was Fan Beibei.

“Wah!”

The little girl, drenched like a drowned rat, stared at her sister in bewilderment, then started crying: “Wuwuwu, sister, I was wrong, I shouldn't have drawn a turtle on your clothes, wuwu… shouldn't have hidden your bra…”

“What the heck!”

Zhao Fusheng stared dumbfounded at the two sisters, instantly feeling that everything was off.

Fan Baobao had originally intended to soothe her sister, but after hearing the little girl's words, she flew into a rage, and the sisters immediately entered war mode.

Watching the two chasing each other with great relish, Zhao Fusheng helplessly shook his head and turned back to his room.

About an hour later, Fan Baobao pushed open the bedroom door and came in.

“Where's Beibei?” Zhao Fusheng smiled.

“Tired from playing, fell asleep.” Fan Baobao glared at him: “So you saw the turtle on my pajamas a long time ago?”

Zhao Fusheng nodded: “She didn't do much. Kids like to make trouble. If she were quiet all day, wouldn't you worry she'd bottle things up?”

“What's wrong with being quiet? Isn't being quiet good? I was so gentle when I was little, I…” Fan Baobao widened her eyes and shouted at Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng blinked, looked at Fan Baobao, and after she finished, said: “Are you sure you were quiet when you were little? As I recall, when you were nine, there was a chubby kid in the neighborhood who said someone named Fan might as well be called Rice Bucket, and you dragged me to chase him for two blocks. And when you were eleven, I…”

Before he could finish, Fan Baobao glared at him: “Shut up! Think you're the only one with a good memory, huh?”

The worst thing about childhood sweethearts is this: a couple who grew up together knows all the good and bad things about each other. Occasionally teasing each other with them is also a way to strengthen their bond.

“Ahem, I'm just helping you recall.” Zhao Fusheng smiled, stood up, pulled Fan Baobao into his arms, and sat down on the bed, saying softly: “Beibei is still young. Her mother isn't around, and your father is who knows where. Honestly, if we don't let her release her emotions and keep controlling her, I'm afraid she'll go astray when she grows up.”

Hearing Zhao Fusheng's words, Fan Baobao sighed softly and was silent for a long time. She leaned her head on his shoulder and finally said: “I know what you mean. But whenever I see her, I want to control her, afraid she won't be obedient. They say raise a son poor and a daughter rich, but the problem is, our family's situation now is so different from when I was little. And you spoil her without limits. I'm afraid she'll become a little tyrant. What then?”

The worries of the rich are sometimes as many as those of the poor.

The poor worry about food, clothing, shelter, and transportation; the rich worry about how to preserve and increase their wealth. The poor hope the next generation can escape poverty, while the rich also consider how to make the next generation elites instead of idle parasites. Moreover, they have to ensure their children don't fight among themselves, lest internal strife lead to family decline.

Actually, Zhao Fusheng was the same. He even wondered how he would educate his own next generation.

After much thought, he still felt that children should be allowed to choose their own path in life.

Just like when he was reborn and chose business over politics or something else.

And frankly, Zhao Fusheng never thought about entering politics. Not to mention whether he could outplay the old foxes who had weathered many storms in officialdom, the path of politics itself made him keep his distance. Being an incorruptible official was boring—working hard for the people might not earn a good reputation; people might think you were seeking fame, and corrupt colleagues would find ways to bring you down. But being a corrupt official went against his principles and carried risks at every turn. If Xue Yuanfang's uncle came to power, he might be made an example of.

After much thought, Zhao Fusheng decided it was best to stick to business and make some money. Even when his time travel advantage faded, he could rely on the money he'd earned to ensure a comfortable material life for himself and his family.

That's not being cowardly; it's about making choices.

“Don't overthink it.” Zhao Fusheng held Fan Baobao and said softly: “I believe Beibei won't disappoint us in the future.”

Rolling her eyes at him, Fan Baobao said matter-of-factly: “Of course, she's my sister.”

Well, this woman was sometimes unreasonable. Zhao Fusheng felt it was better not to argue with her.

“Enough about that. Why do you want me to be an independent director of Alibaba?” Fan Baobao, having finished talking about her sister, remembered the matter Zhao Fusheng had brought up during dinner and asked curiously: “Is there no one at the company?”

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: “Nothing special. I just think having that identity might be a good thing for you.”

He didn't expect Fan Baobao's celebrity status to bring anything to Alibaba; rather, he felt it could redefine her identity.

An actor, even a star, is just a star after all. But a successful businessman leaves a completely different impression.

For Fan Baobao, this independent director position had only benefits, no drawbacks. Even those with ulterior motives would have to be cautious upon learning of this identity.

“Whatever you say.” Fan Baobao said indifferently: “If you want me to go, I'll go.”

She didn't understand the ins and outs, but since Zhao Fusheng asked her to do it, it couldn't be a bad thing. After all, the man beside her was her fiancé, the one she would marry in a wedding dress. If there was one man in the world she could trust wholeheartedly, it was Zhao Fusheng.

Hold your hand, and grow old with you.