"Dad, the project has been discussed and went very smoothly. We just had a meal, and young Su didn’t even look at the contract before agreeing. That’s only because it’s our family; otherwise, this would be a huge taboo. Young Su is still inexperienced and seems unsuitable for business."

In a villa on the outskirts of Jiang City, Wen Jingqi was reporting the situation to his father.

Before he came, the old man at home had repeatedly instructed him on various details. Now that the cooperation was achieved, he naturally had to come back and report in person, as this matter was essentially facilitated by Wen’s old master.

Although he admired Su Qing for amassing such wealth at a young age, he still felt that Su Qing was indeed too young, and some behaviors were quite irrational.

A project worth 1.5 billion, but didn’t even look at the contract, always gives people an unreliable impression.

However, after listening to his son’s description, Wen’s old master looked at him with a half-smile, his expression gradually becoming serious.

Seeing this, Wen Jingqi’s heart skipped a beat. He knew that whenever his father showed this expression, it meant he did something wrong or suboptimal.

Sure enough, the next second, Wen’s old master let out a cold snort and said: 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"How many times have I told you not to judge things by their appearance and not to judge people by their looks? Also, don’t hastily make comments about someone. You’re not a child anymore, already forty years old, yet you haven’t improved a bit. I’ve taught you all these years, and you still think the same way. As long as I’m alive, it’s fine as long as you don’t make big mistakes, just follow the routine, but what about when I’m no longer around?"

Wen’s old master’s tone was very stern, with some disappointment over his son’s lack of progress.

Is this eldest son a good-for-nothing? Clearly not. In fact, he can now handle many things independently, but it’s hard to say he’s exceptionally outstanding.

It’s just that the family legacy left to him is quite substantial, plus he learned some things from being around for many years, so he’s more familiar with these matters. In terms of talent in this area, Shen Yi is the most outstanding young person Wen’s old master has ever seen.

Yet, his son dares to comment that someone in their early twenties, who amassed a fortune of three billion on his own, is unsuitable for business and irrational. How can he say that? Although never voiced to anyone, Wen’s old master holds a very high opinion of Su Qing in his heart.

Not only high, but extremely high, because there aren’t many people who can exert some pressure on him, let alone a young person.

"Dad, don’t be upset. Did I do something wrong again?" Wen Jingqi asked apprehensively.

Though the lady landlord is unafraid of the old master, she’s a girl, and the son’s situation at home is different.

"You don’t know where you went wrong? I’ll tell you the truth; young Su has already seen through everything. Do you think he’s really naive? A project worth over one billion, and he doesn’t look at the contract? That’s just for show to give me face, understand? Can a truly naive person earn three billion in a month?

You think you’re not naive? Then you try earning three billion in a month for me to see.

Just because you’re now a boss, don’t use that experienced status to look down on others. Without me, you wouldn’t necessarily be doing anything more than moving bricks at some construction site. At least your sister went to university, but you? You stopped at high school. If I hadn’t kept you by my side, what do you think you’d be worth?"

Although Wen’s old master’s voice wasn’t loud, his tone was increasingly intimidating.

From his daughter’s description and his son’s report today, he’s now very certain that Su Qing has already understood the essence of this so-called cooperation.

Su Qing didn’t care about Wen Jingqi at all; it was entirely out of respect for the old master, and of course, the daughter being the intermediary was significant too. Is that naive? In his eyes, Su Qing is astoundingly astute.

Even though young, newly wealthy, he conducts himself meticulously. From helping his daughter face lurking troubles and resolving issues at her company, one can glimpse his capabilities.

Especially this time, after he showed goodwill through his daughter, Su Qing immediately reciprocated, agreed to this request, and even spent the money prudently.

With 1.5 billion, half of his fortune, showing full sincerity, yet without investing all three billion, whether it’s to avoid over-dividing benefits or retaining some caution, it shows he’s a thoughtful person.

And what caught his eye was precisely Su Qing’s ability to grasp people’s hearts, conduct himself appropriately, and his sagacity and depth.

Initially, when they met, although they didn’t talk much, he could sense as if his thoughts were transparent to that young man, presenting an old familiar sense of pressure. From then on, he realized that young man was extraordinary.

"Dad, are you saying young Su knew you facilitated this?" Wen Jingqi asked in surprise.

"Do you think it was because of you? Think about it, what relationship do you have with him? Although we’re offering benefits to them, with you just having earned three billion, would you dare to invest half of it in real estate? You know this industry can take a year or more to see returns, which means he’s bearing the risk alone."

Upon hearing this, Wen Jingqi realized that he wasn’t worth the risk of someone investing half their fortune, but for his old man, it was no issue.

Simply put, Su Qing wasn’t interested in him. He neither has his father’s prestigious reputation nor his sister’s relationship with Su. So why would Su Qing cooperate with him if not for the sake of his sister and father?

"No way? Do you think my sister told him?" Wen Jingqi asked, still a bit incredulous.

He found it hard to believe that someone in their early twenties could play such a strategic game with his father from afar. After all, if it were as his father said, this wasn’t a simple transaction of offering benefits; it was clearly two savvy individuals connecting under the pretense to strengthen bonds.

His father showed goodwill, Su Qing received it, understood, and responded in kind, affirming his stance. Both the old master and young man seemed satisfied, perhaps even pretending ignorance while fully aware, paving the way for deeper ties and shared benefits as the project advanced, strengthening the family bond with Su Qing.

"Don’t underestimate people, even your sister didn’t initially grasp my intentions. Young Su is absolutely no simple character; despite his age, his ability to understand situations is commendable. In the future, if you’re unsure about any matter, you could ask for his opinion, although it might not always be of use, it might just surprise you," Wen’s old master suggested softly as he squinted his eyes.

Despite being an old man with greying hair, no longer as vigorous as before, there was still a compelling glint in his eyes.

Already at a retired age, encountering such an intriguing young person made Wen’s old master feel as if he was brought back to his younger days facing old foxes.

Clever individuals usually don’t need to say much; sometimes, a simple signal can convey their stance.

For his father to suggest consulting Su Qing when faced with indecisive matters no longer surprised Wen Jingqi. After his father’s guidance, he now understood a bit more.

Though there might be lingering doubts in his heart, there’s one thing he wouldn’t deny: his father’s discerning eye and foresight are vastly superior. Even if he didn’t trust Su Qing, he couldn’t distrust his father.

"Got it, Dad, I will!"

"Good, just know what you’re doing. Remember, as long as interests don’t clash, no need to dwell; it’s just a matter of profit margins. Work honestly if earning by physical labor. Be sharp if using your mind. Be ruthless if using money. Be tactful if using connections and resources."

"Yes, rest assured, I know what to do."

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Su Qing rushed to East City District Public Security Bureau, meeting the officers who summoned him along with Li Zijun, Du Qiang, and even Lin Chengcai and Zhao Minghui, who both came along for the spectacle.

That’s right; they were there for the show.

"Hahaha, Susu, there’s really such a situation. Frankly, I can understand impersonating you to teach stock trading and scam money, but using your photo for online dating scams, and only getting a few thousand, that genuinely cracks me up. You, in real life, don’t even have any suitors! Hahaha!" Du Qiang laughed aloud.

Su Qing: ...

...