Shen Bei'an often invited Zhou Zhi to his home, and the two became acquainted over time.

Shen Beian discovered that Zhou Zhi was not only proficient in biomedicine, but also had his own insights into finance.

“I understand what you mean. If more people get involved, it’s inevitable that there will be instances of corruption similar to those in other foundations in the future. But Bei’an, if you want to expand and spread it throughout the entire empire, these people alone are far from enough.”

Unlike the Polygonum multiflorum Research Institute, the Chuya Foundation is content to focus on its small territory in Beijing, while its other operations are handled by its own agents.

“I know,” Shen Beian said helplessly, sprawling on the large doll on the tatami mat.

Since it was a business discussion, it wasn't in the nursery; there were two caregivers there, so Shen Beian felt at ease.

“But it’s too difficult.” Shen Bei’an sighed helplessly, toying with the cotton doll in his hand. “Many foundations start with good intentions, but later… they become like 7-Eleven, don’t they?”

Zhou Zhi also sat on the tatami mat, leaning against a cushion, and frowned as he looked at the things on the screen in the air. "The legal education is still not perfect. Let's wait for her to take the stage. The last thing they have is money and connections."

Shen Bei'an knew, of course, that they had no shortage of money and connections. "But isn't it true that even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake?" He wondered if things would be difficult in some places.

Zhou Zhi cracked his neck, his voice cold, "Anyone with a modicum of intelligence would know not to provoke them. Guess why Qingchuan City underwent such a major transformation back then?"

He was only a teenager back then, yet he was already able to change Qingchuan City drastically. Now that he has been in his twenties for many years, how could those people dare to provoke him?

“Bei’an, Zi Yan and his group have far more influence than you imagine. For many years, the powerful families in the capital and the provinces have formed deep intermarriages. Those eleven of them almost represent the most powerful force in the entire capital, and every family has connections with powerful families in the provinces.” Zhou Zhi was, after all, someone who had spent time with them at the academy.

“None of them are like they appear on the surface, including Jiang Yuzhu and Yu Ci.” Zhou Zhi did not use the usual “zi” to address them.

He knew some things about Shen Bei'an and Gu Nan'an.

He and Gu Nanyan were good friends, and he should think of Gu Nanyan's feelings, but after spending time together these past few days, he was even more unwilling to hurt Shen Bei'an.

Shen Beian blinked, somewhat confused as to why Zhou Zhi was telling him all this.

But after spending more time with him, it's no wonder Zhou Zhi's nickname isn't "Ice Cube." He looks aloof and noble, but he's actually just like a cat. If you pet a cat, it's really nice!

“In short,” Zhou Zhi sighed, “you’ve been well taken care of by Zi Yan, as expected, “you won’t be hurt.”

"But... I also hope you can give Ziyan another chance, okay?"

“Ziyan… she would never hurt you.” Zhou Zhi knew very well how much Gu Nanyan loved Shen Bei’an.

He couldn't believe that Ziyan had gone mad like that.

In Zhou Zhi's eyes, Gu Nanyan, their senior sister, has always been capable of handling everything with ease, calmness, and composure.

Even someone as seemingly simple as her could go mad for Shen Bei'an.

"I know, believe me. I will never leave Yan Yan no matter what." He knew that Gu Nan Yan would never harm him.

She frightened her friend and made a promise.

Zhou Zhizai looked at him carefully for a long time before nodding, "Cooperating with Zili to expand, and then finding some veterans through Ziqian, would be the most suitable."

The Empire's soldiers are not only required to have a clean family background and talent, but more importantly, they must be of good character.

The empire has high standards for moral character.

Shen Bei'an felt that this might be why there were no morally questionable people in the original book, and even Tang Ruowei did not use any seemingly low-level methods to deal with Xie Yunyu.

“Use them when you need them. It’s a win-win situation for both of them, and they might even benefit more. You can take advantage of this opportunity to…make some more money.” Considering that his wife was on the other end, Zhou Zhi didn’t directly tell her to pressure them to the death.

For Hua Yueli, achieving success after taking office is necessary; for Fu Muqian, it is necessary to make arrangements for veterans and find suitable positions for them.

Shen Beian actually has quite a few people to choose from. If he chooses these two, wouldn't that be helping them out?

Shen Bei'an couldn't help but widen his eyes. No wonder he called him "Boss Zhou"!

He even betrayed his own best friend.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Zhou Zhi picked up the water next to him and took a small sip. “Back in the academy, I was tricked by Zi Yan more or less. Tricking each other was also common. Only Zi Yan was a bit of a… scoundrel, and I was never tricked.”

The old man never interfered with the loving relationship between classmates.

Shen Beian smiled awkwardly, realizing that he and his friend had never tricked each other.

Why do I feel like something's off about Yan Yan's friends?

"Let's not talk about that. There are still more than six months left, so you can take your time to choose people," Zhou Zhi said softly. "There are plenty of opportunities to give to newcomers when graduation season is approaching. They are full of vigor and few of them have ulterior motives."

"They are mostly passionate young people, which fits your requirements, Bei'an."

"As for what happens next, it depends on how you manage Bei'an."

Unwavering in our original aspiration

These four words are simple to write, and even simpler to say.

But putting it into practice would be incredibly difficult.

Shen Beian nodded, "Indeed."

"It's almost time. Aunt Wang has prepared some lunch. Let's have some together."

Zhou Zhi did not refuse and went downstairs to have dinner.

Shen Beian discovered that Zhou Zhi was also quite picky about food, and even had some of the same tastes as himself.

I didn't pay much attention to it; being a picky eater is normal.

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!