Chapter 0190 The Old Fox

"Shanghai is a city, not anyone's hometown. Or, as my father put it, it's just a place to store letters. People come and go, or wander the streets of Shanghai in confusion. You can't imagine people placing themselves in a mailbox after death. Of course, this has been influenced by nearly a century of changes in the world, but it's the fate of this city, Shanghai. If we cannot gather by our ancestors' graves, then we can only drift aimlessly."

The person who said this to Zhao Fusheng was Han Bin's father.

At this very moment, the father and son of the Han family were standing with Zhao Fusheng on the summit of Sifeng Mountain in Ninghai.

It had to be said that the thinking of the wealthy was often hard to understand. Perhaps it was truly because poverty limited his imagination, but Zhao Fusheng couldn't comprehend why this man named Han Pojun, instead of resting at the hotel after getting off the plane, had asked which mountain in the area was the highest and insisted on coming here.

"Are you from Shanghai?" Zheng Yao was still in Beijing, so Zhao Fusheng had to take on the task of accompanying them. Giving Han Pojun a strange look, he asked in confusion.

Originally, he thought the Han father and son were from the eastern part of Guangdong, since he could tell from Han Bin's accent.

"The elders in the family used to live in Shanghai. You could call them 'baixiang ren' (idlers or gangsters)," Han Pojun said lightly. "Later they went to Hong Kong. As for what happened afterward, it's hard to say..."

Zhao Fusheng fell silent for a moment and didn't dare to ask further. In the 1950s and 1960s, Hong Kong was like a chaotic world, with gangs running rampant, corrupt police everywhere, and even the sea in turmoil. How the Han family managed to survive in such an environment—Zhao Fusheng didn't dare to think about it, nor would he ask.

"Standing on the mountaintop feels really good."

After a moment of silence, Han Pojun suddenly sighed, "I never liked climbing mountains since I was a child, because I think it's a waste of energy. You exhaust yourself climbing to the top, but going down is even harder."

Han Bin curled his lips: "You know that too—it's easier to go up than to come down."

Zhao Fusheng didn't say a word. In front of such an old fox, the more you said, the more mistakes you made. It was better for him to stay quiet.

This was workplace experience from his previous life. People always liked to show off, not realizing that the more they spoke, the more they revealed. Sometimes, staying silent was more appropriate.

"Brother Zhao, what do you think?" Seeing Zhao Fusheng silent, Han Bin naturally steered the conversation toward him.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "I don't usually climb mountains, so I don't know much about this."

"Haha, good. If you don't understand, don't comment. Not bad." Han Pojun smiled slightly and said to Han Bin, "You're too impatient. In this regard, you're not as good as him."

With that, he teased Zhao Fusheng, "So, are you interested in changing jobs? If so, come to my place. In the marketing department, I'll definitely give you a position. First, be a deputy director, and after you graduate from university, you'll be made permanent."

Zhao Fusheng smiled awkwardly but didn't take it seriously.

When falsehood is taken for truth, truth becomes falsehood; some words may be heard but need not be taken to heart.

"Dad, you're not thinking of having him follow me, are you?" Han Bin asked his father in surprise.

Han Pojun nodded: "Being able to write that proposal, young Zhao's level is not just a little higher than yours."

After speaking, his face beamed with smiles: "So, young Zhao, are you interested?"

"Chairman Han, please don't tease me. I'm only a junior; let's talk about work later," Zhao Fusheng said, gently shaking his head, looking flattered.

This harmonious atmosphere was the norm today. The few of them didn't talk about work, just chatted casually, occasionally with Han Pojun recounting old stories from the business world. Of course, in this regard, Zhao Fusheng had nothing to contribute; he could only be a listener, occasionally teased by Han Pojun or asking a few questions that hit the right spot to please Han Pojun. In such an atmosphere, the mood was quite pleasant.

Faced with reprimands, lessons, or even provocations, Zhao Fusheng could maintain a calm and unruffled expression, but when faced with praise, he was unexpectedly embarrassed. He was far from having the thick skin to take it for granted, so when confronted with Han Pojun's commendatory teasing and jokes, he felt very awkward.

Han Pojun was no ordinary man. Being friends with Zhu Yushi, his wealth went without saying. Zhao Fusheng only now learned that his main business was real estate development. It was said that in Hong Kong and eastern Guangdong, Han Pojun's properties were worth over a billion. Aipu Mobile was just a small attempt, a trial for him to transition.

"Fusheng, you still don't know the importance of balancing work and rest. When I was young, I was like you, very hardworking, not cherishing my health, always thinking I was young. Only now do I realize that a good body is more important than anything else. Now the doctor forces me to do outdoor exercise three times a week, rest on time every day, and there are many dietary restrictions. Not to mention anything else, just those lobsters and abalones—if I could eat my fill once, I'd be happier than during the New Year," Han Pojun said self-deprecatingly. As for his impression, what struck Zhao Fusheng most was the gold watch on his left wrist, an ordinary Rolex, glinting in the sunlight, exuding a nouveau riche vibe.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: "You're right, health is the capital of revolution."

He paused, then smiled self-deprecatingly: "But there's no choice. No one can succeed casually. I don't want to end up like the saying, 'If a young man doesn't work hard, he will regret it when old.'"

Han Bin suddenly said: "Exactly, Dad, don't waste our time here. Let's go down the mountain."

"That's not what I meant..." Zhao Fusheng was momentarily speechless. He glanced at Han Bin, unsure whether the guy did it on purpose or unintentionally.

Han Bin looked innocent, as if he hadn't just said those words.

Han Pojun laughed heartily and led the way down the mountain. As he walked, he asked Zhao Fusheng: "Since that's the case, let's talk business as we go. Zhao Fusheng, if you were in charge of the domestic promotion plan for Aipu Mobile, what would you do?"

Han Bin opened his mouth to speak but shrank back under his father's sharp glare. Han Pojun's gaze fixed on Zhao Fusheng, clearly testing him.

Opportunity always favors the prepared mind. To put it more clearly, opportunity always favors those who have the ability to seize it. Without real skill, even if you seize the opportunity, it's useless.

Without shoes, one can still run freely. Life has its autumn chills. While we envy others, they may envy us too.