Chapter 457: The Golden Foundation

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

At the Palms Residence, the top-floor penthouse with a super-sized terrace.

Sicong, holding a glass of watermelon juice, said with satisfaction, “Ah, life is comfortable with Young Master Zhou.”

“Indeed!” Several voices of agreement echoed as Qin Fen, Wen Xuan, and Brother Hu lounged on their deck chairs, each with a glass of juice in hand.

“You guys are really living the high life, aren’t you? We agreed to meet for tea here, but you’ve drained my favorite watermelon juice. I’m the only one left with tea. Oh, how times have changed!” Thinking about how they had divided the only large watermelon as soon as they arrived, Zhou Chao’s mood instantly soured.

“Young Master Zhou, you don’t need to worry about these trivial matters,” Sicong said as he took a few more sips, even making a slurping sound, further irritating Zhou Chao’s nerves.

Zhou Chao sat up and called out loudly to Lin Wu, who was preparing fruit snacks, “Lin Wu, call the property management and have them deliver some fresh watermelons.”

“Understood, boss,” Lin Wu replied, putting down his task and heading downstairs.

At this moment, Brother Hu’s assistant approached with several fruit platters and placed one on each table.

“Brother Hu, do you have any plans lately?”

“I have a movie to shoot soon, it got delayed due to some issues. Is there something you need, Young Master Zhou?”

“It’s not anything significant. I’m planning to invite you as the ambassador for our group’s charity work, to leverage your popularity for promotion.”

Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Brother Hu didn’t immediately agree because he wasn’t sure if Zhou Chao was using his fame for personal gain. However, after a brief interaction, he felt that Zhou Chao was not that kind of person. Nevertheless, he had heard of such cases before, so he wanted to consider it carefully.

Just as he was deep in thought, Sicong, with an astonished tone, said, “Young Master Zhou, are you planning to bring your charity organization into the spotlight?”

Sicong’s words instantly caught the attention of the others, including Brother Hu, who looked at Sicong with curiosity.

“Don’t you know? Young Master Zhou’s charity organization spends at least 500 million yuan annually, and even though it’s been less than two years since its establishment, they’ve already done a lot of charity work. 1 also heard that Young Master Zhou’s wife, Jiang Li, personally went to impoverished mountain areas for research. She even experienced a mudslide during her visit. Fortunately, the vehicle was sturdy, or else…” Sicong glanced at Zhou Chao at the end of his sentence, expecting Zhou Chao to be upset. Zhou Chao remained calm, and Sicong should have no reason to blame him.

Qin Fen and the others looked at Zhou Chao in disbelief, especially Qin Fen and Zhang Wenxuan. They knew about Jiang Li’s background, and for someone of her status to personally visit the front lines and then think about themselves, who indulged in a life of luxury, left them momentarily silent.

On the other hand, Brother Hu looked genuinely admiring. After a brief contemplation, he said, “Young Master Zhou, if you don’t mind, I’m willing to be the spokesperson for your charity project.”

“Brother Hu…” His assistant behind him heard this and anxiously called out, as such endorsements usually required the company’s involvement. But Brother Hu had agreed without a second thought, leaving her uncertain about what consequences she might face when she reported back to the company.

Seeing his assistant’s anxiety, Brother Flu waved his hand gently and said, “It’s okay; I’ll talk to the boss about this.”

The assistant hesitated to speak further and eventually stayed silent.

“Welcome aboard,” Zhou Chao raised his glass and lightly clinked it with Brother Hu’s.

“It’s my honor!” Brother Hu also wore a smile on his face, as he, too, wanted to make a contribution to charity. When he thought about the left-behind children, a hint of melancholy crossed his eyes.

Sicong scanned Qin Fen and the others before looking at Zhou Chao and saying, “Young Master Zhou, I have an idea, if you don’t mind.”

“What’s your idea?”

“I want to get involved in your charity and philanthropic projects,” Sicong said earnestly.

“I want to join too.”

“Me too!” Qin Fen chimed in playfully.

Zhou Chao pondered for a moment upon hearing this and then turned to the group, saying, “How about this? We can establish a foundation affiliated with my group. You can send representatives to oversee the funds, but it will be under our unified management, and you won’t be involved in its administration.”

“No problem!” Sicong agreed without hesitation.

The other two also nodded in agreement.

Just as Sicong was still immersed in joy, Qin Fen loudly declared, “Young Master Zhou, 1’11 invest 2 billion!”

Sicong and Zhang Wenxuan were momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered and exclaimed, “1’11 invest 2 billion too!”

Watching the excitement of the group, Brother Flu rubbed his ears in disbelief, wondering if he had misheard. It was supposed to be 200 million, not 2 billion.

“Thud!” A sound of impact came from behind them. Zhou Chao and the others turned to see Brother Hu’s assistant holding her head, crouched on the ground.

“Xiaoqi, are you okay?”

Assistant Xiaoqi, still holding her head, stood up with a slightly tearful voice, saying, “Brother, I’m fine.”

“Be more careful.” Brother Hu looked at her with a smile, shaking his head. He knew that Xiaoqi had been shocked by the conversation of the group. Even he couldn’t blame her, let alone herself.

Xiaoqi silently nodded, feeling wronged in her heart, thinking, “20 billion from each person, how much money is that? It scared me just now. My head hurts.”

“Continuing the previous topic, Sicong, Qin Fen, and Wen Xuan each contribute

2 billion, totaling 6 billion. I’ll add 4 billion to make it an even 10 billion. What do you think would be a good name for this foundation?”

“Young Master Zhou, 1…”

Brother Hu was about to speak, but Zhou Chao interrupted him.

“Brother Hu, you’ll be the public face of our foundation in the future. You don’t need to worry about the money; this amount is not a significant issue for them.” Zhou Chao could tell from Brother Hu’s expression that he wanted to contribute, but Zhou Chao wouldn’t allow it. After all, Brother Hu had the smallest fortune among them, and he didn’t earn money as quickly as the others. So, Zhou Chao shut down his idea directly.

Seeing Zhou Chao’s firm stance, Brother Hu knew that a small contribution wouldn’t make much difference. However, he still wanted to do his part.

Before he could speak, Zhou Chao continued, “They have each earned hundreds of billions following me this time, so contributing a bit of money is only fair. If you really want to help, do it when you’ve achieved financial freedom in the future.”

Brother Hu suddenly felt discouraged and chose to remain silent, combining what he had discussed with Sicong earlier. The whole situation had struck him hard, leaving him reluctant to speak.

Meanwhile, Sicong and the others began discussing the name of the foundation.

“How about ‘Cong Foundation’? What do you think?”

Sicong looked smugly at the other two, but their response was a unanimous and ruthless rejection.

“Sicong, do you have no shame? How could you even suggest that? We’re talking about the ‘Cong Foundation’ here. If we follow your logic, I think ‘Qin Foundation’ sounds better.”

“No, no, no, 1 think ‘Xuan Foundation’ is better.”

“Onion Foundation!”

“Qin Foundation!”

“Xuan Foundation!”

At this point, the three of them locked eyes with anger, almost ready to start a fight.

“Cough, cough, have you three forgotten that we’re still here?” Zhou Chao glared at the heated argument.

Hearing Zhou Chao’s words, the three who were just arguing calmed down immediately. They exchanged glances, snorted in unison, and turned away from each other.

“I mean, are you three going crazy? Even if you want a name like that, it should be called the ‘Zhou Foundation’!” Zhou Chao said with a smirk.

“Tsk!” The three of them responded in unison and then burst into laughter. They resumed their lively conversation.

Watching them, Zhou Chao shook his head helplessly.

“You’re all grown-ups, but you act like children. Alright, enough nonsense, let’s talk about something serious.”

Hearing Zhou Chao’s words, the three quieted down and stopped their playful banter.

“Young Master Zhou, do you have any ideas?”

“Well, my suggestion is to choose a name that is simple and easy to understand but also gives people a warm feeling.”

For a moment, everyone fell silent and began to contemplate. Even Brother Hu rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.

“How about ‘Sunshine Foundation’? It symbolizes bringing a bright future.”

“Guiding Light! It signifies not only illuminating your path forward but also leading you back home. It brings warmth to others and guides them onto the right path,” Brother Flu suggested, looking at everyone.

“Guiding Light! Guiding Light!” Zhou Chao and the others whispered softly.

Zhou Chao looked at Sicong and the others, asking, “I think ‘Guiding Light’ is a good choice. What do you all think?”

“I think it’s a great choice. It carries a positive message and gives hope.”

“I agree.”

Seeing that everyone agreed, Zhou Chao finalized, “Our charity foundation will be called ‘Guiding Light.’ As for the follow-up procedures, whoever among you is available can take care of it. If none of you has the time, I’ll have Ling Chen handle it.”

“Young Master Zhou, you can just let Ling Chen handle it directly. We can transfer the funds to the foundation later.”

“Alright, tomorrow, I’ll have Ling Chen take care of it. As for the board members, we can each appoint one. Brother Hu, are you interested in being one of the directors?” Zhou Chao turned his gaze to Brother Hu beside him.

“Well… why not?” Brother Hu didn’t really object to this director role. After all, it was about contributing to future charitable endeavors, and standing high allowed for a broader view.

“There’s nothing wrong with it. As the sole image ambassador of our foundation, you becoming one of the directors is perfectly fine.” Zhou Chao smiled at Brother Hu.

“That’s right, Brother Hu, you’ll be one of the directors of our foundation in the future. Don’t worry about the minor details. If Zhou Chao says you’re suitable, then you are!” Sicong chimed in.

Brother Hu had gathered from their previous conversation that Zhou Chao was a principled person. “Well… 1’11 accept.”

“Haha, come on, let’s raise our glasses and celebrate.”

Sicong, Qin Fen, and others raised their glasses.

The group continued chatting until 11 o’clock, discussing some details and the people they needed to arrange. Of course, most of the time was spent in casual conversation. Zhou Chao also learned from Brother Hu that the movie he was working on was the Southern Train Station.

“You guys can leave; 1 won’t see you off. Lin Wu, take Sicong and the others back, don’t let them drive,” Zhou Chao said at the door to the departing group.

Don’t worry; I won’t joke with my life. Let’s go!”

Sicong and the others entered the elevator and headed straight to the underground parking lot.

“Brother Hu, we’ll take off as well. Let’s have tea together sometime in the future,” Sicong said as he held onto the car door.

Sure, we’ll stay in touch,” Brother Hu replied, shaking his phone in his hand.

Sicong nodded and got into the car. Lin Wu drove away.

Watching Sicong and the others leave, Brother Hu rubbed his tired face and said, “Let’s go!”

As soon as Brother Hu got into the car, his phone rang. Seeing the familiar contact name, he glanced at Xiaoqi, who was sitting in the passenger seat, and answered the call..