"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Mr. Chen Yang, Chairman of Zhenhua Group, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Zhenhua Elementary School in Shuizhai Town, Changyang County."
"Clap clap clap!"
Amidst enthusiastic applause, a middle-aged man wearing a noticeably oversized "school uniform" similar to those of the children seated below stepped onto the stage. Although the stage was temporarily erected and somewhat rudimentary, the man paid it no mind.
Despite his ordinary school uniform, no one present regarded him as an ordinary person. After all, this was the richest man in China, who had topped the Forbes China Rich List for over twenty consecutive years!
"Distinguished leaders, business colleagues, teachers, and students, hello. I am extremely happy today. This is the one thousandth school I have donated and successfully built."
"I recall it was twenty-three years ago, when my daughter and son were still in middle school, just like the children here, that my wife and I decided to start donating money to build schools."
"At that time, I stated that I would donate money to build 10 schools and sponsor one hundred impoverished students each year. If I were to follow the original plan, I likely wouldn't reach the current number even after I was in the ground."
"Fortunately, we encountered a good era and a prosperous motherland. Since deciding to donate to build new schools twenty-three years ago, I have personally overseen the funding, bidding, and construction acceptance for almost all of them."
"I ensured that every donation reached its intended purpose, and for that, I am very proud. Over the past twenty-three years, from these one thousand Zhenhua schools, 390,000 university students and 11,000 postgraduate students have graduated."
"Some of them have become engineers, some have become technical experts, and some outstanding individuals have become leaders in a certain technological field in our country. Others have joined the army and become soldiers guarding our borders..."
"I am very fortunate, fortunate to be able to contribute to the nation's education."
"Students, I hope you will take these predecessors as role models, study hard, strive to be admitted to university one day, diligently acquire knowledge, and contribute to building our great nation in the future."
Chen Yang said no more, but as his voice faded, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Undoubtedly, in the current domestic education sector, whether in terms of school construction or long-term student sponsorship, Chen Yang was second to none.
Of course, what inspired countless people was not only Chen Yang's sponsorship of education but also his earlier purchase of that large sightseeing platform for the motherland. This year, it was officially commissioned and deployed to sea, guarding the nation's vast maritime territory.
Many remembered how those countries had made things difficult for Zhenhua Group that year, intercepting it multiple times, prohibiting passage, even threatening to detain it, forcing it to reroute repeatedly, and even paying hundreds of millions of US dollars in transit fees.
It was through repeated hardships that the immense value of this grand vessel became evident. And it was from that incident that countless people rallied behind a slogan.
Support Domestic Products, Revitalize China!
"Thank you all, but please bear with me for a moment longer. I still have a few things to say."
"Perhaps the media will sensationalize this again, so from today onwards, I will likely not be attending any more ribbon-cutting ceremonies."
"Of course, Zhenhua Group's endeavor of donating to build schools and sponsoring students will continue as long as the group stands."
"I also hope that everyone will not try to deify me. Not buying Zhenhua appliances or products does not mean you don't love your country. I, Chen Yang, do not have the authority to represent the nation."
"I have always encouraged rational consumption. Please choose products that suit your actual needs. Zhenhua's products are not necessarily suitable for everyone."
"I also welcome everyone to criticize and provide feedback on any shortcomings or deficiencies in Zhenhua's various products. Our website has a prominent section for complaints and feedback, and every branch store has an opinion box."
"Indulging a company is pushing it towards bankruptcy. Only companies that can withstand scrutiny and accept criticism can endure."
Chen Yang felt a pang of sadness. Some things were on his mind and he felt compelled to speak, but saying too much might lead to some media outlets taking his words out of context and making a big fuss.
Zhenhua Group had been plagued by all sorts of negative press over the years. Even he, as the chairman, was constantly under scrutiny, with people wishing for a single flaw to emerge so they could expose him and brand him a historical disgrace.
Chen Yang was well aware that with the advent of the internet era, more and more media outlets would resort to rumors and fabrication, and some would become increasingly unscrupulous in their pursuit of sensationalism.
He himself was not afraid, but what about his family? Last year, Shen Xue had fainted and was hospitalized due to a smear article about Zhenhua Group, almost leaving her with a chronic illness.
Those people accused him of being a black-hearted businessman cloaked in patriotism, making ill-gotten gains, and exploiting the nation's patriotic sentiment...
He knew it was time for him to step back. The future belonged to the younger generation, and he, an old man, was too conspicuous.
"Chairman Chen, are you serious? Who will represent Zhenhua Group in future donation ceremonies and ribbon-cuttings?"
"Also, does this signify your complete withdrawal from the management of Zhenhua Group? Will this impact Zhenhua Group's business direction and strategic planning?"
"Chairman Chen, does this mean Zhenhua Group is about to change leadership? Who will be at the helm? Is it your son, Chen Hao, or your eldest daughter, Chen Mengyan?"
As soon as Chen Yang finished speaking, the reporters below swarmed like sharks smelling blood.
Chen Hao, who had not yet taken the stage, suddenly panicked. He quickly instructed the on-site security to control the situation. For a large listed company like Zhenhua, any change in policy-making decisions could potentially cause stock prices to surge or collapse. His father had blurted everything out without any prior consultation.
"You're overthinking it. I'm just getting old and don't want to be in the spotlight anymore."
"I've lived for more than half a century and experienced all sorts of limelight. It's time for the younger generation to have their turn in the spotlight and to help the children in need."
Chen Yang knew he had been a bit impulsive today. He quickly spoke and then, under the escort of a group of bodyguards, left the venue.
...
Three days later, the domestic business community was abuzz, with countless people trying to gather information. Meanwhile, Chen Yang, the instigator, found himself facing his two glaring children, feeling like a child who had misbehaved.
"You two will have to take over sooner or later anyway. If I let it slip, I let it slip. The sooner you two manage things, the more leisure I'll have."
"Your younger brother is in research, fully dedicated to that nano-level chip now, so I can't count on him. It's up to you two. For minor matters, make your own decisions. If you disagree, discuss it. If you can't decide on major issues, come to me for advice."
"Enough, enough. I've already booked flights to the Maldives. Tomorrow, I'm taking your mother on vacation. When we return, we'll be settling in Dali. If you miss us, just fly over. I've built a helipad in the backyard, and we have a small courtyard by Erhai Lake."
"Facing the sea, with flowers blooming in spring."
...
"Dad, you're not even sixty yet, and you're already thinking of retiring? We can't manage it..."
"If you don't want to manage the company, then hurry up and give me a grandson. It's one or the other, you choose."
"And you, Chen Mengyan, when are you going to bring your boyfriend home for us to meet?"
As soon as Chen Yang spoke, Chen Mengyan and Chen Hao, who had been intending to argue, instantly wilted like frost-bitten eggplants and fell silent.
Well, their father had them completely cornered!
...
The end of the book!