The Secret Realm of Time, His and Her Life Through the Changes

Chapter 139 Father and Son Reconcile

At this moment, Shang Yibo seemed to have a deeper understanding of the current situation of Rushang Group, as well as the heavy pressure and helplessness that Chu Fanqing, as the chairman of the group, was under.

Feeling apologetic, he took the initiative to bring up the topic: "Dad, you just mentioned that the group is facing difficulties?"

Chu Fanqing nodded and said, "Indeed, although the situation is not the worst, the main reason lies with me. My investment in Bangkok two years ago was too risky, and the domestic economic environment was also unfavorable."

Changing the subject, Chu Fanqing continued, "Speaking of which, the reason I asked you about Hong Yun is because it's related to my upcoming arrangements. Old Master Hong proposed through an intermediary that Hong Yun has a strong liking for you and even claims to be some kind of fan. He feels that if the two families could be united by marriage, not only would they know each other's backgrounds well, but their social standing would also be quite equal..."

Upon hearing this, Shang Yibo abruptly stood up, glancing at Zhou Yanruo's reaction out of the corner of his eye before loudly proclaiming in an extremely dissatisfied tone, "Dad, are you confused? The Qing Dynasty has long since perished, and the Republic of China is already history. Now you're trying to arrange marriages between families of equal social standing with me!"

This time, Zhou Yanruo was determined not to side with Chu Fanqing. Regardless of whether it was appropriate to speak or not, she had to speak now. She frowned slightly and said with a mix of resentment and formality, "Chairman Chu, Shang Yibo is still young, and besides, he is a popular star and a public figure. It is indeed not appropriate for him to discuss marriage in this way."

Ignoring their back-and-forth banter, Chu Fanqing continued, "I must know Yibo's intentions. If he doesn't have feelings for Hong Yun, we'll have fewer entanglements in our investment negotiations with Hongliang Group. In business, everything should follow commercial logic. Chairman Hong of Hongliang Group is a seasoned veteran. At this time, whether his request to bring this up through someone is genuine or a strategy, I must discern clearly."

Chu Fanqing glanced at Shang Yibo and said with a hint of reproach, "Are you just going to stand there like this forever? I remember you were quite composed when you were little, how come you've become more and more impatient these past two years? Could it be that becoming a star and being the center of attention has made you arrogant and conceited?"

Shang Yibo realized he had misunderstood his father and felt guilty, but he still argued, "It's your fault for not expressing yourself clearly. You didn't explain yourself clearly and you blame me for misunderstanding. Okay, I won't interrupt. Please continue and explain more clearly." With that, he sat back down on the sofa.

Seeing this, Zhou Yanruo suggested, "Since Chairman Chu already has a plan in mind, I don't need to go to the set with Shang Yibo next week. The crew is well-staffed, with Assistant Ding Jiajia and the acting coach, plus a male assistant, which is enough. I'd better go back to the group to follow up on the negotiation progress."

Before Chu Fanqing could respond, Shang Yibo said, "Actually, you don't need to be stationed on set all the time. The filming location is at the Zhuocheng Film and Television Center, which is only a two-hour drive from Beijing. You can arrange your time flexibly and manage both. But speaking of which, I think it's more important for you to get your driver's license renewed first."

Chu Fanqing nodded in agreement: "You just need to arrange your time. The company doesn't require you to be in the office. But now that you're with Yibo in the entertainment industry, there are things that need your attention."

Zhou Yanruo asked, "Chairman Chu, what specific aspects of the work would you like me to be responsible for?"

Chu Fanqing replied, "It's still related to Hong Yun. At the charity gala, she expressed her desire to start her own business to Xi Chen. She studied media and plans to start a film and television company, not wanting to rely entirely on her grandfather. Although Hong Yun was spoiled by her grandfather because her parents died early and she has some temperamental issues, overall she is an ambitious child."

Shang Yibo asked in surprise, "My mom is planning to start a company with Hong Yun? A film and television company?"

Chu Fanqing nodded in confirmation: "Xi Chen has already discussed it with me. She has done an evaluation and decided to invest in this project. I also plan to invest some funds."

Shang Yibo and Zhou Yanruo exchanged a glance simultaneously. Zhou Yanruo then asked, "Chairman Chu, does this mean that Rushang Group plans to enter the film and television industry?"

Chu Fanqing leaned back on the sofa, her tone carrying a deeper meaning: "This can no longer be considered a 'plan,' because we've already actually entered this industry, haven't we?"

Zhou Yanruo realized she was somewhat slow to understand. Shang Yibo had already carved out a niche for himself in the entertainment industry through his own talent, but even so, he was merely one link in the industry chain. The best way to avoid being controlled by capital was to become part of that capital itself. Considering Shang Yibo's family background, this wouldn't be difficult. Clearly, Chu Fanqing and Fang Xichen had foreseen this and begun making their plans.

With the support of three major groups—Hongliang Group behind Hong Yun, Rushang Group of Shang Yibo, and Fangrun Group of Fang Xichen's mother's family—the newly established film and television company will undoubtedly have a very high starting point.

Shang Yibo secretly admired Chu Fanqing and Fang Xichen, and sincerely praised their keen insight and long-term planning ability in the business field.

He was also deeply moved. Chu Fanqing's apparent reproach and lack of support were actually expressions of deep love and expectations for him, a kind of anxious frustration at his perceived lack of progress. Behind every stern criticism lay Chu Fanqing's careful consideration and meticulous planning for his future path.

Shang Yibo's heart is filled with complex emotions, and who can understand his true thoughts?

Looking back on his initial motivation for entering the entertainment industry, it wasn't out of pure love and dreams; it was out of necessity, and he had ulterior motives. Now, the person he had his 'motives' for is right in front of him, yet he acts like a coward, doing nothing but worrying about gains and losses. So what's the point of continuing to stay in this industry?

Therefore, Shang Yibo secretly made up his mind. He planned to officially retire from the entertainment industry after completing the remaining contracts.

Chu Fanqing continued, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty: "Hong Yun has been appointed as the CEO of the film and television company. Considering the significant positions of Rushang Group and Fangrun Group as major shareholders, we have decided to each send a senior executive to the company to ensure that the interests of both parties are properly managed. After careful consideration, Xi Chen and I believe that you are the most suitable candidate, Zhou Yanruo."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanruo subconsciously raised one eyebrow, a look of unbelievable surprise flashing in her eyes. She suddenly looked up at Chu Fanqing, her voice trembling with excitement: "Can I really do it? Chairman Chu?"

Shang Yibo watched Zhou Yanruo's reaction quietly, his heart filled with mixed feelings. Seeing Zhou Yanruo's excited yet slightly nervous expression, it was clear that she genuinely loved this industry. Her childhood dream hadn't faded with time; instead, it had grown even more anticipated.

Seeing the light shining in her eyes, Shang Yibo couldn't bear to dampen her spirits at this hopeful moment.

So Shang Yibo chose to remain silent, only giving Zhou Yanruo an encouraging look, as if to tell her in this way: "You can do it, I believe in you."