"Uncle Chen."

When he spoke, his voice was no longer its usual nonchalant tone, but was filled with unprecedented sincerity and determination.

“I know that in your eyes, I may have been a good-for-nothing, unreliable young man in the past. I completely understand your concerns and worries about me.”

"You love Shuling and are afraid that she will be wronged if she marries me. This shows that you are a responsible and good father."

"But, Uncle, people can change. My feelings for Shuling are genuine. For her, I'm willing to give everything and accept any test you give me!"

These words were spoken with neither arrogance nor servility, and were delivered with resounding force.

A slight relaxation finally appeared on Shen Weijun's usually tense face.

He raised his eyes and, for the first time, truly examined the young man before him.

He saw that Ye Sheng's eyes were no longer exaggerated and mocking, but full of frankness and a resolute determination to burn one's bridges.

"test?"

Shen Weijun snorted coldly, seemingly finding it somewhat laughable: "What makes you think you can pass my test?"

"Because I love Shuling!"

Ye Sheng met his gaze without flinching: "It is because of me, Ye Sheng, that I dare to stand here today and prove to you that I am not just an empty shell who only knows how to talk sweet words! I am worthy of your daughter!"

"All the betrothal gifts today were purchased with my own money. I'm saying this only to prove that I, Ye Sheng, am not just a show-off! I'm capable of giving Shuling happiness!"

Good lad! You've got some guts!

A barely perceptible hint of approval flashed through Shen Weijun's mind.

He put down his teacup, stood up, and his tall figure exuded an extremely strong sense of oppression.

"good."

He looked at Ye Sheng and said, slowly and deliberately, "Come to the study with me."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as you give them a chance, there is still hope!

The Shen family study was simply and solemnly furnished. Rows of bookshelves were filled with books on military affairs, politics, and history, and the air was filled with the faint scent of ink.

Shen Weijun didn't speak immediately. He simply walked behind the desk and personally poured Ye Sheng a cup of tea.

"sit."

Ye Sheng sat down as instructed, his back ramrod straight.

"I heard that you've been trading business between the south and Haicheng for the past two years?"

Shen Weijun got straight to the point.

"yes."

Ye Sheng nodded: "It's not a big business, it's just following the country's policies and making a little money through hard work."

"Can speculation and profiteering be called following national policy?"

Shen Weijun's tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Uncle, times have changed."

Ye Sheng remained calm and spoke eloquently: "In the past, under the planned economy, everyone ate from the same pot, and doing business was naturally considered speculation. But things are different now. The country has clearly stated that it wants to revitalize the economy and allow some people to get rich first."

"The newspapers talk about 'reform and opening up' every day, and the special economic zones in the south are changing rapidly."

"I believe that in the coming decades, the focus of the country's development will inevitably shift from simple planned production to a market economy. Whoever can seize this opportunity will be ahead of the times."

“This is not speculation, this is ‘seizing the opportunity’ and responding to the country’s call.”

His words were clear, logical, and well-founded, unlike what a young man in his early twenties would say.

The disdain in Shen Weijun's eyes faded slightly.

"Oh? Then tell me, what are your thoughts on future developments?"

"I believe the future belongs to individuals and to business!"

Ye Sheng's eyes gleamed with confidence: "Clothing, food, housing, and transportation are the four basic necessities of the people. The clothing industry, the catering industry, and... the real estate industry will all have huge development potential in the future."

"Especially housing, people may not realize it yet. But with economic development and urban expansion, more and more people will flock to the city."

"By then, a house will no longer be just a place to live; it will become the most important and valuable asset! Investing in real estate now is like seizing the biggest gold mine of the future!"

This "real estate theory," which was almost thirty years ahead of its time, left Shen Weijun speechless!

Although he was within the system, he was keenly aware of the changes of the times.

But he never expected that this young man in front of him could see so far and so clearly!

This kid is not only courageous, but also has vision and intelligence beyond ordinary people!

He was born to be a businessman!

Shen Weijun remained silent.

Looking at Ye Sheng, he realized that his previous impressions of him as "slick-talking and idle" were being overturned little by little.

This young man is far more composed and methodical than he appears!

"That's quite right."

Suppressing his shock, Shen Weijun pointed to a chess set beside him: "Do you know how to play chess?"

"I know a little," Ye Sheng said modestly.

"Have a plate with me."

This is the real test.

Talking about anything and everything can be like engaging in empty talk.

But the battles on the chessboard can most realistically reflect a person's character, vision, and methods.

The game begins.

Shen Weijun is a master, with a steady and methodical style of play. He defends flawlessly, and his moves are like thunderclaps in the silence. He is a typical example of a steady and reliable player.

Ye Sheng, on the other hand, took a completely different approach.

His playing style is just like him – he seems nonchalant at the start, and may even deliberately create openings to lure you into attacking.

But once you take the bait, his hidden pawns will strike like venomous snakes from the most unexpected angles, delivering a devastating blow!

His chess style is unpredictable, domineering, and full of imagination and adventurous spirit!

The back-and-forth battle left Shen Weijun trembling with fear and sweating profusely!

He had been playing chess for decades, but this was the first time he had encountered such a tricky opponent who played so unpredictably!

After dozens of rounds, Ye Sheng tore open one gap after another in Shen Weijun's already impregnable defenses, throwing them into chaos.

In the end, Ye Sheng's decisive "double chariot cross" move cornered Shen Weijun's "old marshal" into a dead end, with no way out.

"I lost."

Shen Weijun leaned back in his chair, let out a long sigh, and looked at the chessboard with a complicated expression.

He accepted his defeat wholeheartedly.

He finally realized how one-sided and ridiculous his past views on Ye Sheng had been.

Judging a young man solely based on his appearance and rumors.

This young man may seem frivolous, but he is actually a man of great vision and profound knowledge.

He was bold, but not reckless.

He took risks, but proceeded cautiously step by step.

Such a person either doesn't fly at all, or when he does, he will soar to the sky!

Perhaps... handing my daughter over to him isn't such a bad choice after all.