The world of film and television begins with university lecturers

Lin Yu was taken aback by the question, his brows furrowing slightly. He clearly hadn't expected Han Tao to throw out a question with no standard answer.

He hesitated for a few seconds, his tone tinged with resentment: "It depends on the industry and personal ambition, right? At the very least, you need to be financially independent."

For example, owning a car and a house, with millions or tens of millions in savings in their accounts, or even more.

Han Tao did not respond immediately. Instead, he picked up the chalk again and wrote the words "financial freedom" on the blackboard, then drew a big question mark next to it.

"So, your understanding of freedom is owning a car and a house, and having seven, eight, or even nine-figure sums in your bank account?"

He turned around, his gaze slowly sweeping across the entire room, his tone steady and powerful:

"I've seen many investment banking managers with annual salaries of millions. Many of them are still revising PPTs at 2 a.m., rubbing their temples in front of the screen, with bloodshot eyes."

"They have indeed made money, and they own cars, houses, and savings, but do you think they are truly free? Is this so-called financial freedom really freedom?"

The classroom remained silent. Han Tao didn't pause and continued speaking, his voice carrying a rare certainty:

"I chose to stay at the university, not as a second-best option."

On the contrary, making money is easier for me than teaching.

To be honest, I'm not that interested in money.

Because for me, money, no matter what, is only a tool to serve me, not something to make me its slave.

His last few words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly stunning Lin Yu.

All the students stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief.

Some people opened their mouths, as if to speak, but hesitated; others exchanged a glance, and the same thought simultaneously popped into their minds:

"We've been tricked! Teacher Han Tao is definitely showing off! But unfortunately, no one can find any evidence to refute it."

Han Tao seemed to see through the doubts in the students' eyes. He chuckled, gently placed the chalk on the podium, and patted the chalk dust off his hands.

"I know what you're thinking." He placed his hands on the edge of the podium and leaned forward slightly.

"You think I'm bragging, or, in your words, 'showing off'."

The classroom erupted in laughter from the students, who had been suppressing their laughter for so long, some of them almost suffering internal injuries from holding it in.

Han Tao's gaze fell on Lin Yu: "Lin Yu, I have one last question for you. If you suddenly had ten million more in your account, what would you do?"

"Ten million?" Lin Yu was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously replied, "First I'll buy myself an apartment, then a car, and save the rest to earn interest. Then... maybe I'll travel the world?"

  

"How much do you think you'd have left after buying a house and a car in Shanghai with ten million?"

What exactly is freedom?

Han Tao turned around, wrote a few more words on the blackboard, and emphasized the question mark:

"Remember, true freedom is not about doing whatever you want, but about being able to say 'no' with a clear conscience when you don't want to do something."

He paused, his gaze deep: "Take me for example, I can definitely say no."

I stay here because I love every minute I stand on this platform; it's more valuable than any number.

Lin Yu had by then recovered from the earlier commotion. He curled his lip dismissively, his tone laced with sarcasm:

"Teacher Han's words are beautiful, but what's the use? Without money, you can't even muster the confidence to say 'no'."

Anyone can say something as noble as "not for money," but what's the truth? It can't put food on the table.

Han Tao still showed no sign of anger. Instead, he slightly raised the corners of his mouth, his smile carrying a meaningful tone, as if to say, "You've fallen into my trap again."

"You're right. Without an economic foundation, so-called freedom is nothing but a castle in the air, seemingly lofty but actually without roots."

He paused, then changed the subject: "But then again, how can you be so sure I haven't used my expertise and corresponding abilities to earn enough wealth?"

This rhetorical question instantly froze Lin Yu in place. All the students stared wide-eyed at the podium with disbelief.

Before everyone could fully process the implications of his words, Han Tao continued:

"Since we're on the topic, I might as well talk a bit more today. Although I did my master's and doctoral studies at Mogu University, I graduated with my undergraduate degree from the School of Political Science and Law at Wuhan University."

Because of his average family background, he worked with several close classmates, senior students and older students to make money while he was in school.

We started by setting up a stall at the night market, then contracted a printing shop on campus, and later acquired three private companies to establish our own company with a registered capital of 100 million yuan. Our business covers 11 universities in Handong.

During that time, they also worked in e-commerce, ran a cafeteria, and eventually entered the stock market together, catching the bull market of 08 and gradually accumulating some initial capital.

"I divided the money I accumulated during my time at Han University into three parts. 25% of it was invested in funds and stocks, and the returns have been consistently good."

"Another 25% is invested in companies and law firms founded by several of my junior classmates."

"The remaining 50% was invested in long-term overseas funds and stocks on Wall Street during my time at Shanghai University."

They were also very lucky, coinciding with a bull market in US stocks during those years, causing their assets to appreciate like a snowball.

"So, I have now basically achieved the financial freedom that Lin Yu mentioned."

Besides purchasing property in the city center and buying a car, I also have over ten million yuan in disposable cash.

As the numbers slowly landed, the entire lecture hall erupted in chaos, with gasps of surprise rising and falling.

"This money didn't just appear out of thin air."

Han Tao spoke calmly, as if he were telling someone else's story, "Aside from some luck, it mainly relied on proactive learning and actively seeking to bridge the information gap."

It's also based on fundamental professional knowledge, the analysis of industry data, and the judgment of market trends—which is what I want to teach you today: 'planning ability.'"

At this moment, everyone in the classroom was in an uproar, and the classroom was instantly filled with discussions.

Tens of millions in cash assets? And real estate in the city center? This completely overturns everyone's understanding!

In the heart of Shanghai, even a simple residential property can cost over ten million yuan. If it's an old villa or a large flat, it can be worth tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of yuan.

Who would have thought that this seemingly ordinary university lecturer was already worth far more than the "middle-level executive of a Fortune 500 company" that the student had just mentioned?

Although he is not yet on par with business tycoons like Tan Zongming and Ye Jinyan, he has already surpassed 99% of people and has truly achieved financial freedom.

Lin Yu froze on the spot, all his previous rebellious and defiant arrogance vanished. He stood there helplessly, unable to utter a single word in rebuttal.