Chapter 1554 Eight Years Without Contact, the First Contact Was for a Loan

Before inviting Li Ye to his house for drinks, Master Ni thought he had figured out a lot of things, only to find out in the end that he was completely wrong.

He thought Li Ye came from a poor background and had a deep desire to make money.

And that's certainly true; Li Ye's performance over the years has been incredibly lucrative.

But Ni Dashen never expected that Li Ye had an extremely wealthy mother.

How could Li Ye, a test-taker from a small county, be so successful? How could he have been involved with Hong Kong businessmen since college, receiving all sorts of investments and sponsorships?

How could a Hong Kong tycoon like Pei Wencong be so close to Li Ye? He gave away three Mercedes-Benzes at the opening ceremony!

Moreover, Hao Jian and others from Fenghua Clothing were originally a group of unemployed people. How could they become a well-known enterprise in mainland China within a few years?

Because they have Li Ye's mother investing in them!

It turns out that Li Ye's encounter with Pei Wencong wasn't a case of a poor boy meeting his benefactor, but rather that they were originally kindred spirits.

When Fu Guiru first started working with Pengcheng Red Bull, she was not well-known, but things have changed in recent years. Her fame is no longer limited to Pengcheng Red Bull.

Although Shenzhen Red Bull has now become a well-known national brand, in the eyes of people like Ni Dashen, Fu Guiru is not just an entrepreneur who sells beverages.

Because Fu Guiru donated a lot of money, invested in many industries in mainland China, and was featured in newspapers many times.

Newspapers in those days were not like the self-media of later generations; they represented a kind of "approval".

Furthermore, Fu Guiru's return from Malaysia added to her special aura.

During the war decades ago, countless young Malay Chinese returned to the mainland, giving money and risking their lives, which is why Malay Chinese have a very high reputation in the mainland.

Fu Guiru's approach is more like that of an overseas Chinese returning to their roots, seeking recognition and protection from the mainland.

It's infuriating to compare people so quickly. Back then, when Ni Dashen was trying to get some research funding, he begged and pleaded with everyone, making all sorts of promises and oaths, but in the end, he still might not have succeeded.

But look at Li Ye. All the companies associated with him, like Fengyu Electronics and the First Factory, have never had to worry about funding since their inception.

So it turns out Li Ye is a rich second-generation heir from a wealthy family, and he spends all his own money!

When people have money, they'll spare no expense to educate their offspring. Ordinary people will go all out for education, attending tutoring classes and one-on-one sessions, tightening their belts to send their children to school.

For a mother like Fu Guiru, spending a little money on her son's computer industry is just a drop in the ocean, isn't it?

So Master Ni finally understood.

Li Ye's goal was to make a name for himself and gain the attention and favor of those in power; he wasn't after money.

Seeing Ni Dashen's bewildered expression, Li Ye knew that he was imagining a series of incredible loopholes, and he was probably about to stumble upon something unexpected.

Then Li Ye said with a smile, "Old Ni, do you understand now? If I just wanted to make money, I wouldn't be involved in this kind of physical manufacturing. I wouldn't even need to work. So from now on, you must trust me."

"I"

Ni Dashen didn't know what to say. Was it too late to apologize to Li Ye now?

I've already said so many offensive things, it's so embarrassing.

After thinking it over, Master Ni could only pick up the wine bottle and pour himself a drink.

"I'm sorry, Li Ye, I'll punish myself with three drinks!"

Li Ye stretched out his arm and covered Ni Dashen's wine glass.

"Don't drink anymore, Lao Ni. You don't look well. Let's have some tea and talk."

"Want to talk?"

Master Ni said with a wry smile, "I've already said what's on my mind. Can I swallow it back now?"

Hahaha~

Li Ye laughed heartily, and after he finished laughing, he said, "Old Ni, don't swallow these words. Because we will encounter many unexpected things in the future. I am only one person, and at most I can do my best to make things happen for my own dreams."

But to make this happen, we need you, me, and many, many others like us. So, whenever you're ever confused about something, remember to come and talk to me right away.

"Put everything out in my mouth, whether it's nice or not. Don't keep it bottled up inside. It's not worth ruining your health, and it'll only delay our important business."

"Alright, alright, I'll definitely confide in you from now on if I have anything on my mind. Today, let's have some tea and some food."

The dishes on the table were actually cold, but Master Ni could only keep urging Li Ye on to ease the awkwardness in his heart.

He had already made up his mind that he would definitely not go to see Li Ye again for the next few years; it was too embarrassing.

But as Li Ye said, in this rapidly changing era, there are too many unexpected things, and Ni Dashen soon had no choice but to turn to Li Ye.

...

In July, a major event occurred in China.

On July 23, a cargo ship belonging to China suddenly lost its GPS navigation signal in the Indian Ocean and was then ordered to stop for inspection. It was eventually stranded for more than a month before being released.

This event has been etched in the memories of many, serving as one of the "bitter lessons" that inspire them to strive for success and endure hardship.

When this happened in his previous life, Li Ye was still young and had teachers and parents to take care of him. He could only get angry and there was nothing he could do but envy the older students who were protesting.

When Li Ye experienced this incident again in his life, he was filled with righteous indignation, but he was older and needed to be more mature, so he couldn't "mess around" with a bunch of kids.

So, how many years in a person's life are truly "free and unrestrained"?

However, just as Li Ye was feeling annoyed, Master Ni called.

"Hey, Li Ye, do you have time today?"

"Yes, yes, definitely! Lao Ni, what's on your mind that you want to tell me? Should I go to your place or mine after get off work today?"

Li Ye quickly agreed to Ni Dashen's request, because Ni Dashen's haggard appearance last time had startled him, and he really didn't want the other person to do anything rash again.

After a few seconds of silence, Ni Dashen said apologetically, "Li Ye, I'm not upset about anything, I just have something I'd like to ask you for help with."

Li Ye readily agreed, "Just tell me what it is, not just one thing, but two or three!"

Ni Dashen became even more embarrassed and said awkwardly, "Do you remember Bu Qingjun? She's the one you met a few years ago when we first connected with the other side of the strait, the one who was only two cents."

Li Ye immediately remembered that person and guessed the purpose of Ni Dashen's search for him.

So he said with a hint of reproach, "Of course I remember. He said his project was having some difficulties, so I helped him get Pei Wencong to build two dormitory buildings for him. I also told him to let me know if he needed anything in the future, but I haven't heard from him since."

Do you think he's a liar, or does he think I'm stingy and afraid I'll come after him for my money back?

"By the way, Lao Ni, why did you suddenly bring him up? Do you need to ask me for alms again?"

Ni Dashen on the other end of the phone was frustrated.

When Bu Qingjun approached Li Ye, Li Ye immediately helped resolve the issue of two dormitory buildings. However, the two parties subsequently lost contact, and even Bu Qingjun's promise of "mutual technical assistance" did not materialize.

So many years have passed, and now they're asking Li Ye for money again. How is this any different from a classmate who hasn't been in contact for years suddenly asking for money?

Unfortunately, the project Bu Qingjun is currently working on is confidential, and even Ni Dashen only has a vague understanding of it. How can he explain it to Li Ye?

However, Li Ye's next words deeply moved Ni Dashen.

"Hey? Lao Ni, are you listening? What kind of trouble is he in this time?"

(End of this chapter)