I have ten trillion licking dog gold

It's a ten-minute walk from the train station.

Greenland Phase II.

The homeowners' arduous struggle has finally paid off.

They lost the lawsuit, but that doesn't mean their struggle was meaningless.

The developers clearly saw their unity, fighting spirit, and determination to defend their rights, so even though they won the legal battle, Greenland still made concessions.

With a large amount of funds allocated and manpower mobilized, the construction site, which had been stalled for more than half a year, started up again.

As a leading regional real estate company, Greenland certainly has the strength; whether or not the project is abandoned depends solely on its willingness.

The ever-expanding construction team worked tirelessly, and the once unsightly landscaping of the community gradually began to take shape.

"Don't follow."

Fan Wanli personally led the team on a tour of the neighborhood, stopping in front of a building.

The large group of subordinates obediently stayed outside.

Surrounded by admirers, Fan Wanli continued forward and entered the building alone.

Also.

With so many people following along, it's easy for the boss to be blinded and unable to see the truth.

This wasn't just a formality; Fan Wanli seemed genuinely interested in reviewing the quality of the project.

Normally, this kind of thing wouldn't require his personal involvement as the top leader, but this particular property development is special.

Ok.

The person in charge here was taken away from the company not long ago, and since that day he has vanished without a trace.

The second phase of Greenland consists of sixteen buildings, all of which have been topped out and the elevators are in normal operation. Fan Wanli entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor.

The elevator door slowly closed.

Fan Wanli had a deep expression on his face, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

The bright red numbers kept jumping upwards.

"Ding--"

33th floor.

The elevator door opens.

Strangely, Fan Wanli did not go to the four unfinished apartments of different sizes on this floor, but instead chose to continue upwards, climbing another half floor before arriving at the rooftop.

"call--"

Today is a beautiful day; the sky is a clear, bright blue, refreshing and invigorating. But it's always colder up high.

The building is on the 33rd floor, over 100 meters high, and the wind here is quite strong, feeling almost tangible against your skin.

"Actually, this is a really good location."

Edge of the rooftop.

Some people bravely stood there, looking down from their high vantage point, surveying the east, west, north, and south, and sighed deeply.

"There are schools, hospitals, hotels, and good food. Oh, and it's just steps away from the train station. This should have become a benchmark community for the new generation in Shacheng, what a pity."

There were people on the rooftop. Fan Wanli was not surprised at all. His solemn expression was not affected by the wind. As he approached, he said, "Young Master Zhou, be careful. It's dangerous there."

Only when the main structure is completed can the developer receive payment. However, the completion of the main structure means that the main building is finished, and some minor details are not so important.

The homeowner has received the purchase price, but the rooftop retaining wall hasn't been repaired, or rather, it's not fully completed. Regulations stipulate that rooftop retaining walls should be at least 1.5 meters high to prevent accidents, but here it's only up to knee-high. It's as if the construction team left immediately after receiving the money, without a second's delay.

Although construction has resumed, there are priorities in the construction process. The landscaping and infrastructure construction in the community are the most urgent tasks. As for places like the rooftop retaining wall, which are not visible for the time being, they can be left until later.

After all, who would go to the rooftop for no reason?

But there really are people who are that bored.

However, this is not a solitary personal hobby.

In movies and TV dramas, rooftops are a popular meeting place for undercover agents or spies.

Ignoring Fan Wanli's warnings, Zhou Shaohua, still pointing fingers and gesturing wildly, stood with one foot on the calf-high "protective wall," completely disregarding the risk of being hundreds of meters above the ground just a step away.

He definitely doesn't have a fear of heights.

"Aren't there protective measures in place? Mr. Fan, does getting older really make you less courageous?"

As he spoke, he deliberately stepped on the retaining wall that had been built but not fully completed.

"We cannot place all our hopes on external things; the safest approach is to avoid all possible risks as much as possible."

Fan Wanli continued to urge, "Young Master Zhou, please come back."

Zhou Shaohua finally pulled his foot back and turned around.

"There are very few people in this world who care about me as much as Chairman Fan does."

"Young Master Zhou, you flatter me. There are countless people who care about you."

"Yes, there are indeed many people who offer words of comfort and concern, but it's important to distinguish between sweet talk and genuine feelings."

Zhou Shaohua looked at Fan Wanli, who had come for their "secret rendezvous".

"Actually, I have always regarded President Fan as my elder."

"Young Master Zhou, please don't say that. I don't deserve it."

"What's there to be ashamed of? Some relatives are even less important than strangers."

That's absolutely true.

A certain ordinary citizen still lying in the ICU is a living example.

Therefore, Fan Wanli did not refuse at this point.

In most cases, blood ties are indeed not as solid as ties based on mutual interests.

Based on their level of intimacy, after so many years of "sharing weal and woe" and "supporting each other," they are indeed closer than family members.

"Looking back, Mr. Fan has given me a lot of life experience. Mr. Fan's family is not in China, and me? Hehe, I'm a wild child who was left to fend for himself, so we should be considered to stick together for warmth."

Upon hearing this, Fan Wanli laughed as well, "Listening to what Young Master Zhou said, it does have a bit of an appeal to it."

"Just a little bit?"

Zhou Shaohua smiled broadly, "Actually, I don't know when it started, but it's been a long time. I just felt that Chairman Fan is an indispensable part of my life."

This sounds kind of creepy.
Fortunately, Fan Wanli is no longer young, he's almost sixty, otherwise he probably would have had to go down there and borrow one of his subordinates' helmets to weld onto his own backside.

"What Young Master Zhou says is called sweet talk."

"Haha, it's a bit cheesy, but that's just what I really think. Don't mind, Mr. Fan."

"I don't mind, but Young Master Zhou, you mustn't do that when you're pursuing a girl, it might scare her away."

He definitely looks like an elder.

"I'm destined to be without love in this lifetime. I'll just follow my family's arrangements and make do with whatever comes my way."

Zhou Shaohua sighed self-deprecatingly.

"It's all fate."

Zhou Shaohua nodded. "Yes, it's fate. I heard that Chairman Fan's son and daughter-in-law were in a free-love relationship?"

Fan Wanli remained silent.

"Chairman Fan is truly enlightened. Chairman Fan's son is so lucky."

"The matter that Young Master Zhou instructed has been completed. He didn't die, but it was worse than death. He won't be in Young Master Zhou's way anymore."

Fan Wanli changed the subject, or rather, got to the main point.

Zhou Shaohua waved his hand, "Chairman Fan is always meticulous in his work and is a role model for me to learn from."

He paused, then asked in confusion, "But did I instruct Chairman Fan on anything?"

Fan Wanli wisely quieted down.

If you're someone's lackey, you have to be prepared to be one.

Just do your job honestly. It doesn't matter how dirty you get, just don't splash anything on the owner.

There's nothing to be ashamed of.

Human civilization is like a giant pyramid, with distinct layers.

There will always be someone who stands above you, and there will always be someone who is trampled underfoot.

Looking up leads to inferiority, looking down leads to arrogance; only by looking straight ahead can one find inner peace.

After exchanging a few words, Zhou Shaohua turned back around and looked down at the bustling construction site below.

How long until it is completed and delivered?

Originally, the plan was just to put on a show and fool people by sending a few workers to perform.

The plan can't keep up with the changes.

"Three months."

"It's too slow," Zhou Shaohua said. "We can't wait that long."

Can't wait that long?

Who can't wait that long?
owner?

Construction has resumed, the abandoned building is no longer abandoned, and people can move into the houses they bought with their hard-earned money. It's already a blessing to have regained what they lost. What more could those homeowners dare to ask for?
Shouldn't we be grateful?

"Three months is already the limit of working day and night, Young Master Zhou. Sometimes you need a little patience."

The wind carried Zhou Shaohua's laughter, but because he had turned around again, his expression was not visible.

"Chairman Fan is so calm and collected. I knew it. Chairman Fan is truly my role model."

"It's never too late to mend the fence after the sheep are lost."

As he spoke, Fan Wanli also walked towards the edge, but unlike Zhou Shaohua who stepped on the low wall, he was still two steps away.

Do people become more timid as they get older?

Not necessarily.

However, the decline in physical fitness is an inevitable law of life, and looking down too closely can easily cause dizziness.

"We can't afford to give anyone more ammunition. The remaining projects need to be completed to the highest quality and quantity, and to the best of our ability."

All that could be seen was Zhou Shaohua nodding at the back of his head. “It is a great virtue to admit one’s mistakes and correct them. Chairman Fan’s willingness to make corrections is commendable. But does Chairman Fan really think that doing this can erase the stains that have already been left behind? It only takes a drop of ink to turn a glass of clear water murky, but to make the ink clear again is a challenge that is a thousand times more difficult.”

"I'll do my job. As for the rest, I'll have to trouble you, Young Master Zhou."

"Haha."

A hearty laugh was carried by the wind, swirling across the entire rooftop.

"I am honored to realize that I am a superman in Chairman Fan's eyes."

"In Shacheng, there is no problem that Young Master Zhou cannot solve."

Praise and kill.

What a low-level tactic.

I'm afraid only young ladies would fall for this.

The once all-powerful Young Master Zhou shook his head this time, raised his neck, and gazed at the boundless blue sky.

“Shacheng is not the Zhou family’s Shacheng after all, Chairman Fan, I am not omnipotent.”

"I have completed everything that Young Master Zhou asked me to do..."

"Chairman Fan, some things are not as simple as you think, nor as simple as I think."

Zhou Shaohua lifted his foot and stepped on the parapet again.

"This hurdle will probably not be so easy to overcome this time."

"If there's any trouble, I'll go and take care of it."

"Several senior executives from Greenland have been arrested one after another. Can Chairman Fan resolve this? There might be more to come. Can Chairman Fan get rid of all the senior executives? It seems unrealistic."

Lu Xu was just the beginning. Since he was taken away, several senior executives of Greenland Group have "disappeared" one after another. They were clearly present at the company the day before, and there was nothing unusual about them. But the next day they could not be contacted.

Therefore, Greenland Group has recently been shrouded in a terrifying atmosphere. Although it will not be shut down because of a few senior executives, the company atmosphere is very strange. It is as if there are invisible monsters hiding in the air, and a lucky person will be picked and carried away at any time.

If ordinary employees are already feeling the pressure, then what about Fan Wanli, the highest-ranking executive at Greenland Group?
"Is Young Master Zhou blaming me?"

"of course not."

Zhou Shaohua sighed, "I know Chairman Fan certainly didn't want to see what happened today, but Greenland Group has just too many problems..."

"Click."

A very fitting sound suddenly rang out.

It turned out that the "protective wall" under Zhou Shaohua's feet could not bear the weight, and two bricks collapsed. Fortunately, he was only standing on one foot. If he had been standing on both feet, he would have lost his balance and stumbled, and he would have truly been knocked to the ground.

Looking at the bricks under his feet that could be crushed, Zhou Shaohua couldn't help but laugh.

"Look, Greenland has far too many hidden problems."

It's a shoddy construction project. Nothing to be surprised about.

This is not a common phenomenon in today's society.

The rooftop wall was easily trampled down right before his eyes. As the developer, Fan Wanli showed no emotion whatsoever. A man like him might not even flinch if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him, let alone when it was just a few bricks that collapsed.

"The hidden problems at Greenland Group are all caused by hard work. They work day and night, but their wages have to be handed over to the government, so when they get sick they don't have the money or time to treat their illnesses. They still have to keep working, which is why their condition gets worse and worse."

After hearing this, Zhou Shaohua laughed. Knowing the quality of the construction here, he finally didn't dare to keep his feet on the retaining wall. "So, is Chairman Fan blaming me?"

"What I mean is, complaining is useless. When problems arise, you should think about solutions, not waste your energy and time on meaningless things."

“Look, why is Chairman Fan making excuses? He’s clearly teaching me how to do things.”

"Fan is not qualified."

Fan Wanli said in silence, "However, I am several decades older than Zhou Shaochi, and there are some things I would like to say. Don't be fooled by the illusions before your eyes. That's life. Some troubles that seem like headaches at the time are not a big deal when you look back on them after they've passed."

What a great attitude!

really.

Being older still has its advantages.

With his back to the other person, Zhou Shaohua nodded as if he had been taught something. "I wonder at what age I will be able to have the same mindset as President Fan. Indeed, there are traces to be found in everyone who achieves success in this world."

Fan Wanli twitched the corners of his mouth, his expression full of sarcasm and indifference.

After all, he couldn't see the other person's face.

The other person couldn't see his face either.

Once upon a time, he was a businessman with principles and a bottom line. Even though he inevitably pursued maximizing profits, he would never risk human lives and would never produce shoddy civil engineering projects.

But everything changed after he failed in a bidding process and was summoned by this young master Zhou.

The other party did not give him a choice.

After all, capitalists have no voice on socialist soil.

Soar to great heights or perish.

He has no choice.

Of course, over the years, prime plots of land have been acquired at prices far below market value, and cost-effective commercial buildings have sprung up one after another. The company has been like a rocket taking off, constantly setting new records. Without realizing it, he has become accustomed to this business model and takes it for granted.

indeed.

It only takes a drop of ink to turn the heart black.

Of course.

Just like the philosophy of life he shared with visitors who brought gifts.

No regrets now that it's over.

He enjoyed glory, honor, wealth, and power, then turned around and said he was forced into it all—how utterly despicable and shameless!

He's a grandfather, after all.

Amidst the whistling wind, Fan Wanli's mind wandered back to his life.

Hypothesis.

If time could really go back to that turning point, he would probably still make the same choice.

No.

Yes.

A man born between heaven and earth, is he destined to spend his whole life playing minor roles, or to be the protagonist at least once?
"So, Mr. Zhou, do you think I can succeed on my own?"

Yes.

There seems to be another key point that is easily overlooked.

He doesn't need external help, but he also doesn't face external suppression? Following a normal trajectory, can't he reach the center stage through steady and diligent effort?
“I remember that Chairman Fan never liked hypothetical questions.”

"I don't like it, but I'm genuinely curious about this question."

Zhou Shaohua gazes into the distance.

"Then I'd like to ask, why did those opponents who fell at Chairman Fan's feet become losers? Was it because they didn't try hard enough?"

Fan Wanli laughed, his laughter filled with relief.

"Therefore, everything is predestined."

"If that's what Chairman Fan thinks, then he's right."

Zhou Shaohua raised his hand and said, "Look, what a beautiful view. After seeing it for so many years, what is there to regret?"

Fan Wanli's smile faded slightly, but it didn't disappear.

"Yes, I must thank Young Master Zhou. Without Young Master Zhou, I would never have the chance to stand here and survey all the mountains below."

Zhou Shaohua quieted down and spoke again after a long while.

Will Chairman Fan resent me?

"How could that be? Mr. Fan's life has been remarkable enough. As a person, one should repay kindness."

Zhou Shaohua did not turn around, seemingly because from the very beginning he was afraid to face the other person.

"I had no choice."

He seemed to be talking to himself, or perhaps explaining to Fan Wanli behind him.

Fan Wanli smiled calmly, and even at this moment, he was still imparting life experience to the other party.

"Young Master Zhou is sometimes too emotional. Taking a step back will open up a whole new world."

Zhou Shaohua stood at a point where one step further would mean certain death, facing the rising sun, his back straight.

"How does Chairman Fan know I haven't withdrawn?"

Only the sound of the wind.

A sound came a few seconds later.

"Then, is it possible that not enough refunds have been issued?"

Zhou Shaohua's figure trembled slightly, and he gave a wry smile.

"Perhaps Chairman Fan is right, but everyone has self-respect, right?"

"Well, Chairman Fan will probably say I'm being emotional and immature again. I know that self-esteem is like a punching bag; you can pick it up again once you lose it. But..."

"It doesn't matter to me personally, but I don't represent myself. I can lose face, but the Zhou family cannot."

It comes down to it.

It's still arrogance that runs deep in your bones.

If it's just a flaw, it can be changed, but this isn't a flaw; it's a set of values.

Trying to correct an adult's values ​​through mere persuasion is futile, so Fan Wanli didn't waste his breath.

"I understand. So, is Young Master Zhou confident?"

"confidence?"

"Does Young Master Zhou think he can win?"

"At least, I won't lose."

Fan Wanli didn't say anything, he just smiled.

"What are you laughing at, Chairman Fan? Do you disagree with what I said?"

Fan Wanli strode forward and unexpectedly arrived at the edge of the rooftop, standing next to Zhou Shaohua. He looked down at his project site and over the sand city that had dominated half his life.

"Whether Zhou Shao wins or loses, I won't be able to see it."

Zhou Shaohua, who was just inches away, pursed his lips and couldn't help but turn his head to the side.

"If you know that, why did you come today?"

"Schrödinger's cat. Only by lifting the lid can we know the answer."

Schrödinger's cat exists in both dead and alive states; only by opening the box can the two possible interpretations collapse into a single conclusion.

Of course, uneducated people might not understand, but Zhou Shaohua, as the son of an official, certainly wouldn't be lacking in education. He smiled wryly, looking at the unusually calm Fan Wanli.

"I underestimated Chairman Fan's magnanimity. I thank Chairman Fan for giving me this final lesson."

"Young Master Zhou, shall I do it myself?"

Zhou Shaohua remained silent, gazing into the distance with a hint of regret and pity. "Does Chairman Fan have nothing more to say?"

"I've said enough today."

Zhou Shaohua remained silent.

Seeing that he didn't move, Fan Wanli smiled, just like when he climbed up to the rooftop earlier, knowing the outcome.

The elderly man, who was about to turn sixty, lifted his feet again.

They stood conspicuously on a protective wall that, in fact, was seriously substandard in quality.

Both feet.

"call--"

The wind grew stronger.

Zhou Shaohua ignored him, his face expressionless.

"I've had enough in my life."

"Click."

as predicted.

It wasn't that Zhou Shaohua was unlucky; the entire project had serious quality problems. It could collapse with a single careless step, and Fan Wanli stood on it, so how could it not collapse?

Unfortunately.

Fan Wanli didn't fall backward; as the broken bricks fell from a height of 100 meters, he was thrown forward as well.

Zhou Shaohua stood there motionless, watching this unexpected scene unfold.

"despair."

downstairs.

The large group of people waiting for the chairman were stunned as they watched the broken bricks fall down.

really.

It makes sense to require helmets to be worn on construction sites.

After a moment of stunned silence, the group of people wearing white helmets all looked up at the same time.

then.

Everything is frozen in place.

A shadow blocked the light, descending rapidly, carrying with it the potential energy that made their hearts stop beating.

"Oh!"

Everyone involuntarily shuddered.

It has been proven that a human body falling from a great height does not bounce back.

It's under the building I developed myself.

The only thing that could be vaguely discerned was that Fan Wanli was lying face up, his shape twisted and no longer human, with blood seeping out and spreading rapidly, along with an unknown white fluid. The scene was comparable to an 18+ horror movie, shocking and horrifying!

The scene was initially quiet, then descended into chaos!

"what!!!!"

Some women are psychologically fragile; their eyes widen, their faces are filled with terror, and they scream.

"That's... the chairman?"

"Ambulance! Call an ambulance!!!"

In this situation, should we call an ambulance?

Contact the Great Immortal of the Golden Age immediately.

Someone screamed.

Someone called an ambulance.

Someone called the police.

There are still people—

A breeze is blowing.

Rooftop.

Zhou Shaohua remained standing there, not bothering to leave to avoid suspicion. Listening to the chaotic sounds downstairs, he slowly exhaled, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"It's magnificent." (End of chapter)