Chapter 140: Father-in-law’s Antique

While they were talking, Zhang Yurong observed the surroundings attentively. Sure enough, there were other similar children, like the little boy earlier. After running away, he went to cling to another man and woman. They might not have been a couple and were unwilling to give money, so the boy wouldn’t let go, no matter how much they tried to pull him away.

She sighed silently, wanting to help in such situations, but she didn’t know how. These things need to be handled by the most powerful branch of the government — the relevant department. But the ’relevant department’ is often elusive, and may not even pay attention to such minor issues.

"Forget it, let’s go." Zhang Yurong sighed. She wanted to help these children and let them return to where they belong—at an age for learning and playing, not learning to extort by selling things. But she was powerless; if the government couldn’t solve it, and media exposure didn’t help, what could she do?

Li Yan held her hand and comforted, "It’s good that you have a sense of social responsibility, but don’t pressure yourself. There are things that you can’t solve. As an entrepreneur, managing Paradise Group well can provide jobs for tens of thousands, and that influence extends to other industries and their families... Doing your job well helps hundreds of thousands of people."

"Am I really that impactful?" Zhang Yurong widened her eyes. No one had ever explained it to her this way. She always thought her efforts were just to preserve her father’s hard work.

"You can’t help everyone, but as an entrepreneur, managing the company well is a huge contribution to society. Of course, as a capitalist, the primary goal is profit. But in doing so, you inadvertently help people. So there’s no need to feel powerless for not being able to help those kids," Li Yan continued to comfort her.

Being the smart person she was, Zhang Yurong quickly understood the broader perspective inspired by Li Yan, and her mood lifted. "What about you? You say I’m an entrepreneur, a capitalist, but can you contribute to society?"

"Me?" Li Yan felt a bit awkward, thinking that he’s in the business of killing, and eliminating targets isn’t always good. If the target is a big boss, it might have several negative consequences.

"Uh... I’m working for you, so technically all I do is for you. If you want to account for my personal contributions, here’s an example: the recent movie project I spearheaded led to a ten million investment. At face value, it might only produce a movie, potentially a flop and resource waste. But from an economic perspective, it’s not wasteful. Our investment flows into actors, props, makeup, cinematography, art, and so many professionals’ pockets, who will then spend their income, and that spending stimulates further investments and consumption... Theoretically, regardless of the movie’s quality, it achieves a sixfold economic impact."

As they walked and chatted, Zhang Yurong listened to Li Yan and felt a sense of appreciation.

"Li Yan... truthfully, putting you in charge of the film company was largely due to our relationship. For one, you did help my father and me without asking for returns, and no matter the outcome, I owed you. On the other hand, it reassured my father to see you trusted with responsibility. Although he seems muddled, I believe he understands everything clearly."

"Understood!" Li Yan squeezed her hand. "There’s no need to apologize. You’ve always been fair in promoting people, and making an exception for me is something I should be happy about."

Zhang Yurong nodded, "You haven’t changed, making me believe my judgment isn’t wrong and that you are indeed capable." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Heh, if you keep complimenting me like that, I might get cocky."

...

Since arrangements with Yue Yao were already in place, they went straight to her family’s home, bypassing their own. Upon arrival, Li Yan noticed two additional cars in the garage, one belonging to Jiang Xueyin, and the other was a luxury car he hadn’t seen before.

"We’re back!"

Zhang Yurong was extremely excited as she entered the house, shouting loudly.

"Cousin! Happy Birthday!" Jiang Xueyin immediately shouted and rushed out.

’You were here yesterday and again today. Are you here just for free meals and drinks?’ Li Yan followed, ready to jest with Jiang Xueyin, but noticing an unfamiliar man with her, he refrained, thinking he might be her boyfriend.

"Hand over the gift!" Zhang Yurong happily extended her hand, teasingly asking Jiang Xueyin for a present.

After speaking, she noticed the man behind Xueyin, sharing Li Yan’s initial assumption. But when she saw her cousin sending signals, she paid closer attention and was surprised, "Liu... Yuyang? Is it really you? When did you come back?"

"Yurong, happy birthday!" The unfamiliar man was very elegant and gentlemanly, possessing a handsome yet masculine charm. As he smiled and extended his birthday wishes, he handed over a well-prepared gift.