Chapter 2343: Father's Task

Zhao Fusheng had no objection to Jiang Wen starting a film company, after all, this industry would be profitable in the future.

But the problem was that Jiang Wen was not really a qualified business manager.

You could let him direct movies, but managing a film company required more than just knowing how to make films.

However, people have their own aspirations. Since he had made his own choice, Zhao Fusheng naturally wouldn't say much.

The plane soon arrived at the island.

After the weary group rested, the family finally gathered together again.

“Why are you out here again?”

Seeing Zhao Fusheng had come over again, Father Zhao asked curiously, “Isn’t the company in the middle of financing?”

“Nothing much, just came to see you all.”

Zhao Fusheng smiled and said to his father, “What, you’re not welcoming me?”

“It’s not that I’m not welcoming you.”

Father Zhao waved his hand: “I just think you’re still young and should focus more on your career.”

Clearly, his father hoped he would spend more time working rather than hanging around his wife, children, and parents.

Zhao Fusheng laughed.

That was parents for you. Deep down, they missed him too, but they preferred him to work and strive, because they believed that was the most suitable thing for him.

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Fusheng said to his father, “Dad, don’t overthink it.”

Father Zhao was taken aback, looking at his son in surprise.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled and explained the situation back home to his father.

Soon, Father Zhao understood what was going on.

“You mean you plan to gradually hand over your power and start transitioning?”

Father Zhao asked Zhao Fusheng in confusion.

Zhao Fusheng nodded: “Yes, that’s what I’m planning now.”

As he spoke, he shrugged: “You know, I’m very rich now, so there’s no need to work as hard as before.”

Father Zhao fell silent.

He had to admit his son was right.

Many times, the truth of things can be laughable or frustrating.

Just like Zhao Fusheng now.

Sure, career was important, but at his age, did he still need a career?

Zhao Fusheng was already very successful.

And he was the kind of person who was exceptionally, extraordinarily successful.

Under such circumstances, the so-called importance of career seemed almost like a joke to him.

After all, Zhao Fusheng’s career was already successful enough.

“Forget it, you decide for yourself.”

After much thought, Father Zhao decided not to meddle anymore.

There was no choice.

His son was too successful, beyond his comprehension.

Other people’s sons were worried about not amounting to anything, but with his son, the worry was never that he wouldn’t succeed, but that he might be too successful.

“Alright.”

Zhao Fusheng smiled and put his arm around his father’s shoulder: “Dad, you and Mom just enjoy your retirement, don’t worry about those things. I’ll handle everything.”

Father Zhao looked at his son with relief, nodded, but said nothing more.

This was the most successful work of his life.

…

……

A long talk with his father lifted Zhao Fusheng's spirits considerably.

In truth, that is how it is between father and son.

In Chinese tradition, fathers are often stern figures; to their children, mothers may more often be gentle, while fathers tend to come across as harsh and severe.

That was how Father Zhao was when Zhao Fusheng was young.

Reserved, stern, and calm.

That was Zhao Fusheng's impression of his father most of the time.

Only now did he notice that his father's ever-straight spine had begun to stoop.

That night, Zhao Fusheng drank a lot alone by the seaside.

He realized that no matter how hard he tried or how successful he became, he could not change one fact.

That his parents would eventually grow old.

The next day, Zhao Fusheng took the initiative to suggest to his father that they go watch Roma's match together.

Because Father Zhao had already completed the acquisition of Roma; he was now the chairman of the Roma football team.

At the time, this news had caused a huge sensation.

After all, this was the first foreign football team acquired by a Chinese person.

Especially since Father Zhao had a special identity—he was Zhao Fusheng's father, a relative of the so-called most mysterious Asian billionaire.

This identity alone was enough to make many people interested in Father Zhao.

Of course, the Roma fans did not react much.

Mainly because, following Zhao Fusheng's advice, after acquiring the team, Father Zhao hired professional managers to handle operations and did not arbitrarily interfere with club matters.

Moreover, after acquiring Roma, Father Zhao publicly stated that he would not allow captain Totti to leave Roma.

As he said at the press conference: 'Totti will only retire at Roma. Even if he can no longer play, the club will provide him with a job, because he is the eternal captain of Roma!'

It is hard for ordinary people to understand what Totti means to Roma.

But in the eyes of those fans, this new club chairman might be a mysterious Easterner.

However, he was not lacking in human touch.

You see, Totti is essentially the symbol of Roma football in Italy.

Born in Rome, Totti plays as an attacking midfielder or forward, with broad vision, excellent passing, superb shooting, and strong physique; his free kicks are his signature skill, earning him the title of the Prince of Rome.

The peak of his career came in 2006 when, as the core of the national team, he led Italy to win the World Cup and subsequently won the European Golden Shoe that season.

As an attacking midfielder, his performances at the club far surpassed those for the national team. He habitually stands behind the two forwards, creating opportunities for them with his passes, while as a shadow striker, he uses his excellent positioning to follow up and score. Totti is one of the few midfielders in world football who combines strength and technique; his on-field command and powerful impact intimidate all opponents.

A ridiculous incident once occurred in Italy. During the secret ballot for the election of the Speaker of the Italian Parliament in the year 2000, a voter actually wrote Totti's name on the ballot.

The teller could not help but remark, 'It seems there are quite a few Roma fans in Parliament!' The many parliamentarians below were bent over with laughter.

Writing in Totti, who was not a parliamentarian, as a candidate for Speaker was, of course, a prank by some parliamentarian, but it also reflected Totti's status in the hearts of Italians.

To date, Totti has played for Roma for twenty seasons.

Throughout his career, regardless of the team's strength, he has steadfastly remained here.

In Zhao Fusheng's view, such a player deserves respect.

Father and son watched the match together. After the game, Zhao Fusheng followed his father to the team's locker room.

'Hello, Mr. Chairman.'

Although he was the new boss, it must be said that Father Zhao's series of measures had earned him considerable prestige within the team.

Everyone was quite approving of the new boss.

Of course, perhaps the more important reason was that he was wealthy, and very wealthy at that.

'This is my son.'

Father Zhao introduced Zhao Fusheng to the team's main management, coaching staff, and players.

After all, this was what he was most proud of.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled and greeted them without any airs.

Of course, his appearance surprised many.

Regarding Zhao Dad's identity, it was no longer a secret in the club. Everyone knew that the new boss had an incredibly wealthy son.

And obviously, it was the man before them now.

"Totti, I really like you."

Zhao Fusheng greeted Totti with a smile.

Of course, he spoke in English.

After all, he truly didn't know Italian.

"Hello."

Totti greeted Zhao Fusheng politely.

Few who become great stars are fools.

Rarely is anyone as brainless as Balotelli; true top stars are very shrewd.

Soon, the meeting ended in a pleasant atmosphere.

"How was it?"

Walking through the Roman stadium, father and son, Zhao Dad asked Zhao Fusheng proudly.

Clearly, he was quite satisfied with his management over the past six months.

"Not bad."

Zhao Fusheng smiled and naturally flattered his father.

"I plan to have Roma play a few commercial matches in China against our domestic teams during the off-season."

Zhao Dad continued, "The management says it will help expand the domestic market."

"That's fine too."

Zhao Fusheng thought of the level of the Chinese Super League and curled his lip, "Anyway, it's just casual play."

"You brat."

Zhao Dad glared at his son.

He naturally knew that Zhao Fusheng had no goodwill whatsoever toward the Chinese football circle.

As an old fan, he actually felt the same.

But the problem was, Zhao Fusheng was the type who, if he didn't like domestic football, simply stopped paying attention or watching.

Zhao Dad, however, was different.

He was a genuine old-school fan—love runs deep, criticism is harsh.

So, after owning a team himself, he always thought about whether he could help improve the level of domestic football.

"As you wish."

Zhao Fusheng was helpless; his father was too thoughtful and had probably already contacted them.

To be honest, Zhao Fusheng could close his eyes and know exactly how certain leaders of the Football Association operated.

But there was no helping it; his father always clung to some unrealistic ideas.

Little did he know, China's football cause could not be changed by one person or one company.

Even burning money wouldn't help.

…

…

Originally, Zhao Fusheng thought the matter had no follow-up, but he hadn't expected that in less than a week, his father would land him in trouble.

"People from the Football Association have arrived. Help me receive them."

Zhao Dad found Zhao Fusheng and instructed him.

"Me?"

Zhao Fusheng looked at his father with slight surprise, "Are you kidding? Can't you just have the Roma staff handle this?"

He meant what he said.

What was he, a big boss, supposed to chat about with a few FA leaders?

It was clearly beneath him.

"I plan to help the FA cultivate some talented young players and have them come to Italy to play."

Zhao Dad explained to Zhao Fusheng, "I think it's better for you to talk about this."

"And you?"

Zhao Fusheng asked, puzzled.

"Your mother is a bit unwell; I need to stay home with her."

Zhao Dad said frankly.

Zhao Fusheng was instantly speechless.

Was he being force-fed dog food?

But since his father said so, he had no choice but to obediently take a large group of bodyguards and ride to the club.

His father's business was his business.

Zhao Fusheng had no objection to that.

Soon, the group arrived at Roma's club grounds.

"Hello, sir."

The club manager quickly appeared before Zhao Fusheng.

"Hello, Mr. Paolo."

Zhao Fusheng smiled at the general manager named Paolo.

He was a professional manager Zhao had hired for his father. Though not as capable as old hands steeped in football for years, he had a good sense of propriety and was sufficient to assist his father in managing the club.

"The other party has arrived."

Paolo briefed Zhao Fusheng, "We previously sent an official letter to the Chinese FA, hoping they would send someone to negotiate."

"Got it."

Zhao Fusheng nodded, "Please invite them to my father's office."

After all, guests from afar; he certainly had to treat them well.

Otherwise, if his dad found out, he'd surely make a fuss.

Zhao Fusheng didn't want such a trivial matter to affect their father-son relationship.

Soon, the group appeared in Zhao Dad's office.

The FA sent three people: a translator and two men who looked like leaders.

"This is our Director Chen, and this is Director Zhou."

The translator, who called himself Lin Sen, introduced them to Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng nodded, "Hello everyone, I'm Zhao Fusheng."

Zhao Fusheng?

The few exchanged puzzled glances.

Director Chen spoke first, "Um, wasn't the club chairman supposed to be that Zhao, Zhao what's-his-name?"

Clearly, he meant Zhao Dad.

Zhao Fusheng frowned slightly, dissatisfied with Director Chen's condescending attitude.

Roma Club was clearly helping the FA train young players, but Director Chen's attitude was completely off, as if Zhao was begging them.

He didn't even know his father's name—what were they here for?

"That's my father."

Zhao Fusheng looked at Director Chen and said coldly.

"Oh, sorry, sorry."

Lin Sen reacted quickly and promptly apologized on Director Chen's behalf.

For some reason, instinct told him that the young man in his early thirties before him was not easy to get along with.

Or to put it bluntly, Director Chen's bureaucratic ways were utterly useless on him.

"Well, Mr. Zhao, right? After discussion, our FA has agreed in principle to your club's request. We will select twenty young players domestically and send them to your club."

But then, Director Chen's next sentence made Zhao Fusheng's face change!