第2268章 无事不登三宝殿

Chapter 2268: One Does Not Visit the Temple of the Three Treasures Without a Reason

As for why Zhao Fusheng understood the situation of Black Americans so well, it actually started with an opportunity from his previous life. At that time, he liked watching basketball and admired a few star players.

But later, he inadvertently learned that several of his favorite stars ended up with bleak late years; few were like Kobe, free from worries about food and clothing.

Especially players and celebrities from poor neighborhoods—most of them didn't live well.

This even included some top-tier stars.

After carefully researching the data, Zhao Fusheng realized that the true bottom of American society was nowhere near as rosy as outsiders imagined.

In the slums of big cities like New York and Chicago, poverty, guns, gangs, and vendettas intertwined. A shooting that might shock the entire nation in China could be a trivial matter there.

In some slums, even the police wouldn't go.

The reason was simple: the police were afraid of being killed by stray bullets from who knows where.

Moreover, Black communities in America had a very peculiar tradition.

Since entertainment and sports stars were the fastest route for poor Black people to climb the social ladder, singers and players who struck it rich overnight had a responsibility to drag along their struggling relatives and close friends to rise with them.

The so-called 'spending money together' might be an exaggeration, but if someone really became a hit and was willing to bring along their fair-weather friends and poor relatives, their lives would indeed undergo a qualitative change.

Of course, these people didn't just sit around doing nothing; they could act as bodyguards occasionally, help order takeout, play video games together, or serve as wingmen.

As far as Zhao Fusheng could recall, there were even cases of taking the blame for others or getting into fights.

It seemed that back then, Iverson had such people around him.

But later, when Iverson went bankrupt, those people disappeared without a trace.

In his previous life, Zhao Fusheng watched a TV series starring Dwayne Johnson, called 'Ballers,' which was about American football players.

The Black players in it had a bunch of hangers-on around them.

One star player earning over ten million dollars a year even went bankrupt!

And it happened a year before his contract expired.

The reason was that he squandered all the money he earned without restraint; his relatives and friends all lived in his house, swiping his card for everything they bought...

Thinking about that scene, Zhao Fusheng couldn't help but admire this peculiar race of Black people.

Truly a godlike existence!

"Chairman..."

Liu Yiming's words brought Zhao Fusheng back to reality. He smiled and said to Liu Yiming, "It's nothing. Since that's the case, pay up quickly and have the yacht shipped to Italy."

"No problem."

Liu Yiming naturally had no objections. After hesitating for a moment, he even suggested to Zhao Fusheng, "What do you think about hiring some professional staff?"

"I don't care about that. You contact Chairman Tan and ask if he has any connections."

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Liu Yiming.

Tan Kaixuan had been in Italy for two years, so he at least had some connections. Besides, he owned a yacht, so he was the best person to ask about such matters.

"Okay, Chairman."

Liu Yiming quickly nodded.

As Zhao Fusheng's assistant, with a team behind him serving Zhao Fusheng, he knew well that he was not just a secretary but also Zhao Fusheng's steward, needing to attend to all matters big and small.

This was something his predecessor, Wu Sijie, had taught him.

He still remembered Director Wu's instructions. In Director Wu's words: "Our chairman sometimes does things entirely on a whim, but don't think he'll forget something just because he mentioned it casually. In fact, he remembers it very clearly and might bring it up again at any time. So, whenever the chairman assigns a task, you must complete it faithfully and dutifully."

Liu Yiming deeply agreed.

Having been Zhao Fusheng's secretary for so long, he naturally understood that Zhao Fusheng's current wealth was not undeserved.

...

...

Zhao Fusheng originally thought that Dong Chenxi going to New York to attend the listing ceremony of Jingdong Mall would be enough, but he didn't expect there to be a follow-up.

"You'd better come over."

Zhao Fusheng, who was in the capital, received a call from Dong Chenxi.

"What's wrong?"

Zhao Fusheng was somewhat baffled: "Why do I need to go there?"

"Ma Huateng and James are both approaching me. Do you remember Ono Masao, the vice president of SoftBank Asia? He also asked to meet me. They all want to buy our shares in Jingdong Mall."

Dong Chenxi explained to Zhao Fusheng: "Given the current situation, everyone is very optimistic about Jingdong Mall's development."

"Heh, that's good news."

Zhao Fusheng smiled and said to Dong Chenxi: "Tell them, if they want to buy our shares, wait until after the IPO."

"But..."

Hesitating for a moment, Dong Chenxi still said to Zhao Fusheng: "Are you really not planning to keep a portion?"

"Why keep them?"

Zhao Fusheng chuckled lightly and said to Dong Chenxi: "Tell them we can sign an agreement to trade after the IPO, but one thing—I only accept cash, no equity swaps."

"Alright."

Dong Chenxi nodded helplessly.

Since Zhao Fusheng had said so, what more could she say?

"But I really do need to go to the U.S. and take a look."

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Dong Chenxi: "Make the arrangements; I'll find time to go."

"Okay."

Hearing Zhao Fusheng say that, she was naturally happy.

However, she didn't know that Zhao Fusheng's goal wasn't Jingdong Mall at all, but something else.

...

...

A few days later, Zhao Fusheng arrived in New York.

"Chairman Zhao, welcome."

In a hotel, Zhao Fusheng met James of Sequoia Capital.

"Heh, Mr. James, you sure are well-informed."

Zhao Fusheng spoke while looking at his watch: "I've been in the U.S. for less than five hours, and you're already visiting. I have to say, I admire America—as long as you have money, you can get anything done, right?"

James gave a slightly embarrassed smile. He was already used to Zhao Fusheng's sharp tongue; the guy was always like this, fond of such remarks.

At first, he wasn't used to it, but now, after more time and more interactions, he just let it go.

After all, they were discussing business, not bickering.

If he liked to mock America, let him mock.

"Mr. Zhao, we're old friends, aren't we?"

James looked at Zhao Fusheng and suddenly spoke.

Zhao Fusheng was startled, looking at James with some surprise. His intuition told him that James speaking in such a tone was a bit off.

What exactly did this guy want?

"Our cooperation with Sequoia Capital has always been quite pleasant."

Since the other party was asking in a formal tone, Zhao Fusheng naturally had to give a serious answer, not just brush it off casually.

That was clear.

James also understood Zhao Fusheng's meaning.

During casual chats, a few jabs and banter were fine, but when it came to serious matters, that wasn't allowed.

If someone talks business with you and you act cynical and talk nonsense, that only happens in movies, TV shows, or novels.

In real business negotiations, beyond the verbal sparring, you must give the other party sufficient respect.

Respect others, and they will respect you.

"In that case, has Chairman Zhao ever considered the possibility of deeper cooperation with Sequoia Capital?"

Looking at Zhao Fusheng, James slowly stated his purpose for coming today.

Holy shit!

Zhao Fusheng raised an eyebrow. He suddenly felt that today James had come with a purpose—no good deed, no visit!