Chapter 0260 Merry Christmas

"What did you say? You want to play the stock market?"

Tan Kaixuan stared at Zhao Fusheng in surprise, his face full of disbelief.

Wang Zhen, standing nearby, looked even more bewildered. If he remembered correctly, Zhao Fusheng had once told him that the stock market was ever-changing and ordinary people had no business being in it.

Zhao Fusheng looked at the two of them and said helplessly, "I'm not trying to play the stock market; I just want to make a short-term investment."

Then he explained to Tan Kaixuan, "I chatted with Old Wang, and we both think that domestic tech stocks are looking good right now, and the prospects for internet development are quite promising."

He paused, then looked at Wang Zhen: "Say something, will you..."

Wang Zhen stood there stunned for a long time before reluctantly nodding and speaking, "That's true. I see that tech stocks in the US are all rising."

Tan Kaixuan rubbed his chin and remained silent for a long time. He felt as if he had caught onto something.

Zhao Fusheng naturally didn't know that his few words with Wang Zhen had made Tan Kaixuan sniff out something unusual. He only remembered clearly that in his previous life, when he and Tan Kaixuan talked about this wave of the market during their school days, Tan Kaixuan had lamented that if he had money, he would have bought a few tech stocks in advance and left them there. They would have hit over a dozen consecutive daily limit ups, more than doubling in value.

Now Zhao Fusheng planned to give it a try.

Of course, that was assuming these stocks were truly worth investing in.

"Take it seriously. When you go back for winter break, keep an eye on it for me," Zhao Fusheng said to Tan Kaixuan after thinking it over.

Tan Kaixuan nodded: "Got it. Don't worry."

Given their relationship, as long as Zhao Fusheng asked, he would treat it as a major matter.

"By the way, Old Zhao, do you think that Mr. Chen will really contact you again?" Wang Zhen asked Zhao Fusheng at that moment.

He was genuinely worried. After all, their funds were limited. If they couldn't find a new investor, they would have to sell the website.

Zhao Fusheng chuckled: "As long as he wants to do this thing, there's no way he won't contact me."

On this point, Zhao Fusheng was one hundred percent certain.

The reason was simple: he knew very well that under current internet development conditions, MyHome was the best-developed virtual community with a huge user base. Coupled with the promotion from the wo123 navigation page, it was no exaggeration to say that if Mr. Chen wanted to impress those old foxes in venture capital, this was his best choice.

Of course, that was assuming the other party truly wanted to develop in the internet sector. If not, then Zhao Fusheng would have to continue funding the website himself.

Doing business is itself a form of gambling. If you lose, you lose money; if you win, you eat your fill.

"After this, what do you plan to do?"

Wang Zhen asked Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "I haven't decided. To be honest, there are plenty of opportunities now, but risks are just as abundant. In the internet sector, I'd better not touch it again in the short term."

He meant what he said. With the internet bubble about to burst and a large number of internet companies going under, rather than struggling in the winter, it was better to take the harvested fruits and quietly leave in the warm autumn sun.

Of course, he couldn't tell Wang Zhen this judgment. If his foresight were exposed, he would most likely be regarded as a freak.

People's fear of the unknown never changes.

Before the arrival of the millennium, society had a dual nature. On one hand, there was a collision between old concepts and the new ideas of reform and opening up. On the other hand, people were gradually realizing the importance of money.

For example, people used to think that holding an iron rice bowl, earning a fixed salary, and working in a factory from father to son until retirement was the norm.

But as the market economy replaced the planned economy, factories went bankrupt or restructured, workers were laid off, the iron rice bowl was gone, and they had to fend for themselves.

At that time, the vast majority inevitably fell into confusion, and missteps were common.

People like Jiang He and Zhao Fusheng's father in his previous life were among them.

They weren't really stupid; it was just that after spending the best years of their lives in the factory, being suddenly thrown into society left them at a loss.

Among them, some were thick-skinned and ruthless enough to rise again, but the vast majority never recovered and could no longer support their families.

"So you mean to make a killing in the stock market and then go into real business?" Tan Kaixuan, seeing through Zhao Fusheng's thoughts, asked him.

Zhao Fusheng nodded and smiled: "Although I can't yet determine what industry I want to pursue, I think I should go to Nanyue and take a trip to Shenzhen."

At the forefront of reform and opening up, it was a miraculous place known for building a floor in three days, and it was also the headquarters of a certain behemoth.

Zhao Fusheng actually wanted to try his luck and see if he could get a piece of the action.

He felt no guilt about this. Business was business. In later generations, some people even turned charity into business. He was just laying the groundwork early; what was there to be ashamed of?

Take certain celebrities, for example. Under the guise of charity, they deceived the world and amassed huge sums of money, claiming boundless love, yet most of the donations remained in the foundation's accounts. When questioned, they replied that charity work was difficult and outsiders didn't understand.

Then they turned around and donated millions to a certain real estate tycoon's mountaineering association.

Zhao Fusheng even thought that if he had the chance, he might test his strength against that real estate tycoon and see what it meant to be a big shot who could turn clouds into rain with a flip of the hand.

Of course, that required strength, and one had to keep growing stronger.

With that thought, Zhao Fusheng nodded firmly: "I definitely have to go to Shenzhen for a visit."

Wang Zhen and Tan Kaixuan exchanged glances, neither understanding what had gotten into Zhao Fusheng—suddenly, as if possessed, he insisted on going to Shenzhen.

But they had grown used to it; over the past six months, Zhao Fusheng seemed like a different person, much more mature in both his actions and his thinking.

At first, everyone found it hard to adjust, but after a while, they got used to it.

No matter what, as long as Zhao Fusheng still considered them friends, that was enough.

In human relationships, often there's no need to mix in too many other things.

"Alright, you won't be going to Shenzhen until winter break anyway." After a moment of silence, Tan Kaixuan waved his hand and said to Zhao Fusheng, "But is that information of yours reliable? Last time you told me the stock market might not change that much after the new year."

"Heh, some people might die from popping a pimple, while others live on for decades with a bullet lodged in their brain."

Zhao Fusheng glanced at Tan Kaixuan and said flatly.

"So it all depends on luck?" Tan Kaixuan said blankly.

"That's one way to put it." Zhao Fusheng reached out and patted Tan Kaixuan on the shoulder: "So I think, starting tomorrow morning, you should care more about your friends—like Old Wang, like me. Treat us to meals, buy us nice things, think of us when good stuff comes up..."

"And then I'll be healthy and rich?" Tan Kaixuan suddenly felt Zhao Fusheng was stretching it.

Zhao Fusheng shook his head: "No, I mean, if you do die, at least there'll be a few more people to see you off."

"Get lost!"

Tan Kaixuan shouted that word with full force.

Zhao Fusheng and Wang Zhen were already laughing together.

After the commotion, Zhao Fusheng washed up and was about to get into bed to read when his phone rang.

Glancing at the number, he broke into a smile.

"Hello."

"Hello, it's me."

"I know it's you."

"How did you know it was me?"

"Of course I know. Who else in Beijing would call me from a landline?"

"Fine, you're so smart."

Fan Baobao's tone suddenly turned sulky. She had planned to surprise Zhao Fusheng, but before she could speak, he had already guessed it was her.

"Merry Christmas!" But regardless, she still had to say what needed to be said.

"Yeah, you too, Merry Christmas." Zhao Fusheng said softly.

"You didn't go out?"

"No, it's too cold. I didn't want to go out. You?"

"Zhou Yun and I both didn't feel like moving. We just grabbed a bite at the cafeteria and came back to read." Fan Baobao's mood suddenly brightened. She didn't tell Zhao Fusheng how many suitors' invitations she had turned down.

"Reading is good. You started school late, so you're probably behind in your major courses." Zhao Fusheng didn't seem to notice the change in her tone and continued to advise her.

"I know, I know. Why are you more talkative than my mom?" After a few words, Fan Baobao grew impatient. Zhao Fusheng was too annoying, always lecturing her.

Zhao Fusheng laughed heartily: "I'm not as talkative as Auntie. Besides, aren't you afraid I'll tell on you?"

"You dare! If you tattle on me, I'll tell Uncle Zhao that you secretly sold one of his bicycle wheels when you were in sixth grade."

Fan Baobao suddenly raised her voice.

Zhao Fusheng was utterly dejected: "Fan Baobao, do you have a conscience? Didn't you eat the popsicles bought with the money from selling that wheel?"

"I was coerced by you." Miss Fan said with utter confidence.

Zhao Fusheng suddenly felt he shouldn't have been thinking about that damned girl.

"Just wait. When you get back, I'll make you pay!" Zhao Fusheng said fiercely.

"Fine, Zhao Fusheng, you've grown some balls, daring to threaten me!" Fan Baobao said dismissively. "I'll be on break in early January. Wait till I get back, and we'll see who gets whom."

With that, she hung up with a click.

Zhao Fusheng hung up indignantly as well, but made up his mind to set a trap for Fan Baobao before she returned, so that Li Yuan would give her a good scolding.

Then he would go to Shenzhen for an inspection—yes, leave early.