Gao Hu’s Shock

Bai Xin was undeniably beautiful.

Tight-fitting jeans paired with a white down jacket, her pure and delicate face—she was mesmerizing at first glance.

When Gao Hu heard that she was just a janitor here, he almost jumped ten meters high in shock.

"Don't believe her. She's not just a janitor; she's also my niece An An's tutor, a future superstar. Back in school, she was an absolute top student, way out of our league."

Though Gao Hu was doing fairly well for himself, owning two hot pot restaurants in Shacheng, he was still far from being in Bai Xin's league.

Simply put, he wasn't qualified.

"Uncle, I'm no superstar. You guys haven't eaten yet, right? Should I order some food?"

Bai Xin had a keen sense of propriety. Knowing that her boss's friend was visiting, she quickly prepared to leave, giving them space to catch up.

"No rush with the food. Bring me the portfolios of the production teams that have approached me recently, along with photos of their actresses."

Bai Xin was no stranger to the hidden rules of the entertainment industry, and her boss understood them as well.

He just chose not to participate.

Yet today, he was actually asking for actress photos. It was clear this was to entertain his friend.

There was nothing more to it—just business as usual. Production teams looking for investors had to bring their actresses along. If someone of his level wanted to host a friend, they had to be prepared.

Afterward, the investment talks would proceed. That's just how the entertainment industry worked.

"Got it, Uncle. One moment."

Apart from her other duties, Bai Xin also handled secretarial work. In no time, she returned with portfolios from seven or eight small production teams.

Each folder contained several pictures of actresses.

Some were pure and innocent, some seductive, some full of youthful energy—and of course, there were also the curvy, voluptuous types that men loved most.

"Pick a few."

Chen Pingsheng didn't even glance at them. He handed the photos and files directly to Gao Hu.

Gao Hu was completely stunned.

"Old Chen, forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is going on here?"

"It's just as you see."

Chen Pingsheng explained, "This is one of my investment companies in the entertainment industry. These production teams are looking for funding. You probably know a bit about the industry's hidden rules—if you want to have some fun, all it takes is a few million from my end."

"With my current standing, I can't get first-tier actresses, and second-tier ones are a bit pricey. But these third-tier and lower ones—you can take your pick."

"This…"

Gao Hu chuckled slyly. "This is a bit high-end for me. If I indulge this time and you spend a few million on my behalf, how could I live with myself? Besides, I came here for a matchmaking meeting, not to fool around with women."

Though Gao Hu was shameless, he wasn't shameless enough to let his friend drop millions just for him to have some fun.

As attractive as these women were, it wasn't worth putting his brother out of pocket by that much.

Chen Pingsheng laughed. "Why so hesitant? Spending money isn't a one-way street—it's just a matter of how much you make in return."

"To be honest, I don't really understand you anymore."

Gao Hu felt like this whole setup was too deliberate, as if his friend was trying to showcase his power.

Of course, if he really wanted to have fun, he knew Old Chen would arrange it.

But that wasn't his thing.

"Actually, I do have something serious to discuss with you."

Chen Pingsheng continued, "We've been brothers for decades, so I'll get straight to the point. I want you to open a hot pot restaurant in Beijing. I'll invest, you'll run it, and together, we'll build something big."

"Are you out of your mind?"

Gao Hu grinned. "I'm doing just fine in Shacheng. Next year, I'll open a second store, and I'll be making at least a million a year. I've got stability—why would I move to Beijing?"

"Brother, don't be so quick to decide."

Chen Pingsheng leaned back on the couch, lighting a cigarette. "I have no doubt you'll make a million next year if you stay in Shacheng."

"But is a million a year really that much?"

"Last month, I bought a nearly ten-million-yuan apartment for an actress I invested in. The property your sister-in-law owns in Wanliu Academy, Second Ring, is worth around forty million. The first drama I funded crossed a billion in revenue."

"Now, do you still think a million a year is impressive?"

Gao Hu was completely dumbfounded.

At thirty, he had already achieved a stable career.

But everything was relative.

Compared to his old buddy, he might as well be a beggar.

"Did you rob a bank or something this year? How the hell did you get so rich overnight?"

"Not at all."

Chen Pingsheng led him to the floor-to-ceiling window, pointing at the towering buildings outside. "That's the CCTV headquarters. Next to it, CITIC Tower, China World Trade Center, and countless internet giants."

"In Beijing, a group of young entrepreneurs can start a company today, have it acquired by BAT next year, and suddenly be worth billions."

"The only thing stopping you here is a lack of ambition—not a lack of opportunity."

Chen Pingsheng continued, "To be honest, opening a hot pot chain is just an experiment for me. I want to see if I can excel in other traditional industries besides fruit trading."

"You aim to open two stores a year. I plan to invest fifty million and hit a billion in valuation within two years."

Gao Hu touched his forehead, then his friend's.

"No fever. Old Chen, your words are making my blood boil, and I don't doubt you have fifty million to throw around, but hitting a billion in two years? That sounds ridiculous."

"Why is it ridiculous?"

Chen Pingsheng smirked. "In this city, if you dare to dream big, nothing is impossible. If I bring in a first-tier celebrity as a partner and use their name for rapid expansion, as long as we perfect the recipe, management, and service processes, do you really think a billion in two years is far-fetched?"

"And where exactly are you getting a first-tier celebrity?"

Gao Hu couldn't believe it. In the restaurant business, the hardest thing wasn't service or food quality.

It was attracting customers.

Having a top celebrity endorse them would be a game changer. If they maintained good service and great flavors while keeping prices competitive, every location would be packed.

"Did you forget? I own an entertainment investment company. What do you think it's for?"

"For playing around with women?"

Chen Pingsheng patted his shoulder. "Brother, Shacheng has stunted your imagination. Come to Beijing. This city is filled with ambitious dreamers and home to countless Fortune 500 companies."

"And most importantly, you've got me investing in you. What's there to be afraid of?"

"Even if it fails, you can always start over."

"But if we succeed, let me tell you the real deal—no more sneaking around alleyways."

"Instead, you'll be watching TV, spotting a beauty, and making one phone call to have her come over."

"Think about that feeling."

Gao Hu couldn't help but grin.

For men, life boiled down to three things:

Making money, supporting a family, and enjoying women.

Power? That depended on family background.

If you had connections, you could climb the ladder.

If not, even becoming a lowly county official would take a miracle.

Compared to that, making money was a much easier goal.

Just imagining the possibilities, Gao Hu's grin stretched into a wide V-shape.

He couldn't stop smiling.