3-5:On Chang'an Avenue

As the car cruised down the wide expanse of Chang'an Avenue, Ding Yuanying sat in the front passenger seat, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag. The thick smoke filled the car before being dispersed by the cool breeze from the air conditioning, providing a moment of tranquil pleasure.

Han Chufeng frowned and sighed, "I'm still worried about that matter. I spent the whole day in meetings, and it felt like I was on poison."

"That matter" referred to the passing of Zhengtian Group's president, who had nominated Han Chufeng as a candidate for the presidency in his will. The late president was a highly respected figure in the company, and his nomination carried significant weight. However, a nomination was not a decision, and the two vice presidents were also natural candidates, stirring quite a storm among the upper echelons of Zhengtian Group.

Ding Yuanying didn't engage with Han Chufeng's topic. Such matters were too serious for an outsider to comment on.

As they drove past Tiananmen Square, Han Chufeng patted the steering wheel, "That private equity fund move was brilliant. It would have been even better if we had raised the funds domestically. Financing from Germany came with harsh conditions, and the currency exchange costs were too high." Putting aside the matter troubling him, his tightly furrowed brow relaxed, revealing a suppressed excitement in his voice.

Ding Yuanying gazed out at the brightly lit streets, "Domestic credit is an issue. Private equity funds are orphaned ventures; you have to be ready for knife fights while keeping an eye on the authorities."

Han Chufeng laughed, "Zheng Jianshi voted against you on ethical grounds. I didn't expect that."

Ding Yuanying chuckled lightly, "Jianshi evaluates based on principle and relationship, adhering to Buddhist righteousness. But his understanding lacks true wisdom, seeing me as harmless when I handle small fortunes and as greedy when larger sums are involved. His Buddhism seeks future merit, and he should consult the Buddha more."

Han Chufeng asked, "And you?"

Ding Yuanying replied, "As for me, achieving true enlightenment is out of the question; I've accepted my fate."

Han Chufeng glanced at Ding Yuanying, "Some call you a traitor, saying you lead German capitalists to plunder Chinese wealth and disrupt the domestic financial market with international hot money."

Ding Yuanying's face remained expressionless, "At least a traitor is still considered a person. It's better than being called inhuman. I'm content with that."

...

Zhengtian Hotel was a five-star hotel under Zhengtian Group, located in a bustling commercial district. Its architecture, reminiscent of ancient Roman palaces, featured a spacious parking lot and a magnificent lobby with an elegant and regal atmosphere.

After parking the car, Han Chufeng and Ding Yuanying entered the hotel. While Ding Yuanying waited at the elevator, Han Chufeng collected the keys for two rooms from the front desk. They went up to the 16th floor and opened Rooms 7 and 9. These were single suites, each priced at 2,400 yuan per night. With Han Chufeng's membership discount, the actual rate was 1,200 yuan.

Han Chufeng asked a waiter to bring out the menus and selected four Tan family dishes, two cold dishes to go with the drinks, two bottles of Maotai liquor, and four packs of 555 cigarettes. The waiter went to fulfill the order.

Ding Yuanying joined Han Chufeng in his room, where the central air conditioning maintained a comfortable 23 degrees Celsius. They sat facing each other at the square coffee table in the living room and made tea.

Lighting a cigarette, Han Chufeng explained, "I'm not trying to show off. In the capital, under the imperial foot, I'm nothing special. I just wanted a place where we could drink and talk freely. Tonight, we have three things to discuss, no beating around the bush."

Ding Yuanying pondered for a moment, "That matter is not for me to comment on."

Han Chufeng said, "You're forgiven."

Ding Yuanying smiled faintly, "Forgiven implies guilt."

Han Chufeng, somewhat perplexed, said, "Yuanying, you've changed a lot over the years, becoming more reserved. Where's that sharp edge you used to have?"

After chatting for a while, a waiter arrived with a trolley, setting up a beautifully arranged table with the dishes and drinks. The four dishes were clear soup with bird's nest, braised shark fin, Buddha shrimp, and steamed white fish—signature Tan family dishes, known for their generous ingredients and authentic flavors, representing one of China's most famous cuisines.

Han Chufeng poured two glasses of liquor, raising his glass, "First, that private equity fund move earned me 1.88 million marks. No need for thanks, just one word: Cheers!"

They clinked glasses and drank three consecutive cups, quickly draining half the bottle.

After a few bites to offset the liquor, Han Chufeng continued, "Second, about that matter. I've told you a lot about Zhengtian. Whether to compete or not, your silence is a stance. I just want to know the reasoning behind your 'non-compete.' If you don't explain, you're truly at fault."

Ding Yuanying said, "Stepping back to let the two vice presidents fight could increase your chances of success but isn't without risk. It's a significant matter, and I can't afford any missteps."

Han Chufeng smiled faintly, "I haven't even picked it up yet, so how can I talk about putting it down?"

Ding Yuanying took a sip of his drink, "The late president trusted you, but the board might not. The board cares about profits, not the will. Additionally, there's an issue of seniority, which is a potential obstacle for you. Stepping back and letting the vice presidents clash would highlight their flaws. When the board sees who's power-hungry and who's effective, they'll naturally support you, establishing real authority. Otherwise, you might unite them against you and become the first casualty."

Han Chufeng asked, "What if they don't clash?"

Ding Yuanying said, "It's their nature, beyond their control."

After pondering, Han Chufeng said, "Let's bet on it. If it turns out as you say, it'll make a good story. Let's bet my car, valued at 700,000 yuan after a 30% discount."

Ding Yuanying said, "As you wish. If we're betting, I'll take 1 to 5 odds."

Han Chufeng asked, "You're that confident?"

Ding Yuanying said, "Not confident, just a better chance. It's fair."

Han Chufeng poured more drinks, "The president's annual salary is over 600,000 yuan. Even if I became president, I might not last five years. With your odds, I win either way. What's the point? Let's have another three drinks!"

They clinked glasses three more times, leaving little liquor in the bottle. Ding Yuanying was already tipsy.

Han Chufeng said, "Third, you stopped the private equity fund while it was profitable. Jenny, the biggest beneficiary, didn't object, so I won't say more. Such a good source of income, without needing a factory or machines, free from environmental and labor issues, yet you stopped it. Why?"

Ding Yuanying said, "The private equity fund is like taking meat from a wolf's mouth; you must know when to stop, or they'll turn on you."

Han Chufeng frowned, pouring more drinks, "Yuanying, are we so estranged that we can't talk about this?"

Ding Yuanying lit a cigarette, "Any further and it won't be a human conversation."

Han Chufeng laughed, "If it's not human conversation, it's even more worth hearing."

After a long silence, Ding Yuanying said, "I've always felt inferior about traditional Chinese culture, always out of place. I just want a place to be alone, with no ideology or conflicts, where no one bothers anyone. I couldn't do it before, but now I have some money, and it's possible."

Han Chufeng thought deeply, "That doesn't sound like a human conversation."

They each took another drink. Ding Yuanying exhaled a heavy cloud of smoke, "Business is like war, but the private equity fund battle is over. It's not a battle; it's a massacre. Why has China's stock market become an ATM? Whoever deciphers the cultural code can cash out. The more you exploit this ignorance, the worse you feel. Even if you stand on the Great Wall, you'll think, 'I'm Chinese.'"

Han Chufeng nodded, "Yes, even you, a seasoned hustler, can't do it anymore. Buddhism speaks of Nirvana, a realm of enlightenment. For us, silence must be a form of enlightenment too."

Ding Yuanying said self-deprecatingly, "What enlightenment? It's just aversion and submission. How can I criticize our ancestors' wisdom when I'm so mediocre myself?"

Han Chufeng said, "Who doesn't want peace? But everything around us pushes us to go with the flow. In such a big city, there's no corner to rest your mind."

Ding Yuanying said, "Beijing feels like a gold rush, with everyone thinking they're destined for greatness. It's too noisy."

Han Chufeng downed another drink, "Your bias against traditional culture runs deep. It's a perfect circle, with so many sacred words waiting for you, and it's so practical."

Ding Yuanying said, "Our nation prides itself on having culture but forgets to ask: What culture? Is it a culture of truth or a culture of weakness? Is it a culture that aligns with reality or one that defies it? Any fate is ultimately a product of its cultural attributes, beyond anyone's control."

Han Chufeng poured more drinks, finishing the bottle and opening another, filling their glasses. They clinked and drank, "Cultural attributes, good point."

Ding Yuanying said, "Reform and opening up, crossing the river by feeling the stones. We stumbled into the battlefield without understanding what was happening, just trying to survive. By the time we got our bearings, the times had changed. But China is still a stage for political and traditional culture. I wonder how long our ancestors' wisdom can sustain this ship?"

Han Chufeng said, "So we need to change our mindset."

Ding Yuanying said, "Change the political culture or traditional culture mindset? Are traditional culture and traditional mindset two sides of the same coin? If our culture met the needs of productive forces, we wouldn't need to change. The Chinese could lead, and others would follow. But we're always hiding, singing 'My Chinese Heart,' which is so poignant."

Han Chufeng leaned back slightly, "The Eastern Bloc collapsed, the Berlin Wall fell, and the world order changed drastically. China's politics are based on Marxism and traditional culture. The need for a mindset shift has left both in a theoretical vacuum, with no clear direction."

Ding Yuanying said, "Marxism boils down to one truth: objective laws aren't swayed by human will. What's an objective law? Ultimately, everything is governed by time, place, and conditions."

Han Chufeng poured more drinks. They clinked and drank again, "Refreshing! This is what drinking should be about."

Ding Yuanying's hand was already unsteady, but he poured himself another drink and downed it, "Talking about culture like this, we're no good anymore. Let's go all out."

Han Chufeng laughed heartily, "Go ahead!"

Ding Yuanying, drunk, said, "Traditional Chinese culture relies on imperial grace. Its practicality depends on a higher power. Why is China poor? It's the immature thinking, the culture of expecting salvation. It's a value system ingrained in the nation, terrifyingly so."

Han Chufeng felt a pang in his heart, unable to laugh. He poured more drinks, calmly handed one to Ding Yuanying, and clinked glasses, then quietly watched him, finally saying, "Brother, I'll quote a philosopher to put you in a circle. Stay there, or you'll be buried by another voice."

Ding Yuanying asked, "What circle?"

Han Chufeng didn't answer, thinking of Nietzsche's words: "Higher men are isolated not because they want to be alone, but because they cannot find their equals around them."