Financial freedom starts with smiling at life

"President Jiang, it's an honor to meet you here today."

President Yu of the Central Conservatory of Music greeted Jiang Beicheng politely and shook hands with him.

This titan of the performing arts and arts education circles showed particular humility in front of Jiang Beicheng, an elite of the times.

"Dean Yu has stood on the stage and lecture platform for decades, imparting knowledge and promoting national culture. He is the most respectable person."

"I salute you, and thank you for taking care of Jiamin," Jiang Beicheng said politely.

"President Jiang, you flatter me. Jiamin and the other dream-chasing children should be most grateful to you. You are the one who paved the way for them." Dean Yu did not dare to take credit.

In her mind, Jiangbei City changed the rules of the game in this industry, especially by breaking down the barriers of interest within the Beijing elite circle, giving more newcomers hope.

I wouldn't say everyone is as lucky as Zheng Jiamin, who is favored by the market and steps onto the big stage, but at least they can get a glimpse of what it's like inside, see their own shortcomings, and then put in the effort.

Jiangbei City gave those art students a ray of light.

Before he even entered the industry, all the small groups had already closed their doors and sealed them off completely.

An educator like Dean Yu certainly doesn't want to see or hear his students pay a heavy price just to get into the university.

The environment is so much better now than before.

Jiang Beicheng did not mince words when Dean Yu mentioned this point.

The small cliques in Beijing's entertainment circle, whether in film and television or traditional performing arts, are not as domineering as they used to be.

With just a word from him, the leaders of these small groups within the circle would have to think twice.

In terms of capital, they are no match.

In terms of connections, they are no match for him; they can only follow President Jiang's rules.

They weakened their own influence to show Jiangbei City, in order to protect the basic interests of their small group.

Jiang Beicheng smiled and said, "Times are changing, and the rules should change too."

Dean Yu smiled and nodded: "I am a staunch materialist, and I agree with President Jiang's point of view."

"Is this Mr. Jiang's first time seeing my performance?"

"I've been here several times. Dean Yu's charisma on stage is very captivating," Jiang Beicheng praised.

Dean Yu was shocked but also very excited. He shook hands with Jiang Beicheng again to express his gratitude and honor.

Looking at Jiangbei City, it was still a bit hard to believe.

I never expected that President Jiang would come to support her performances so often.

"Have you eaten? Let's find a place to sit together?" Dean Yu invited.

Zheng Jiamin first acknowledged the teacher, then looked at Jiang Beicheng.

If the old man didn't want to go, no one would force him, but she still had to go and have the meal with her teacher.

Dean Yu also looked at Jiang Beicheng with expectant eyes.

Jiang Beicheng agreed to the two of them, and they planned to have a lamb hot pot together that evening and chat.

I'll just consider it spending some free time with my best friend.

At the dinner table, Dean Yu and Jiang Beicheng shared many stories about artists.

To her surprise, the senior figures in the arts and literature circles she mentioned, the masters of various art forms, all had connections with Jiangbei City.

No wonder he was able to carry out a major industry overhaul in such a short time.

This involves not only the power of capital, but also policy guidance and the support of the elderly.

Dean Yu raised his glass to Jiangbei City to express his respect.

She even joked that she, as the dean of the Central Conservatory of Music, was the last to become friends with Jiang Beicheng, which she deeply regretted.

Zheng Jiamin, Zheng Jiamin's best friend, maintained a smile throughout, her eyes filled with admiration for the old man.

The old man earned respect wherever he went.

The meal lasted until late at night, and Jiang Beicheng and Zheng Jiamin said goodbye to Dean Yu.

On the way back to the hotel, Jiang Beicheng sighed, "Dean Yu's personality is more suited to the stage and the lecture hall."

Zheng Jiamin looked at Jiang Beicheng in confusion.

Jiang Beichen smiled and pulled her into his arms. "The information I received is that the head of the Central Conservatory of Music is going to be replaced."

Zheng Jiamin stared at Jiang Beicheng in shock, "Dean Yu will be transferred?"

Jiang Beicheng shook his head, "Be my deputy."

"No way! She's so dedicated..."

“Being diligent does not equate to playing the power game.”

"Does Dean Yu know?"

"Perhaps they are somewhat aware, or perhaps they are completely unaware."

"Then how did you know?"

Jiang Beichen laughed and said, "Your best friend has connections in Beijing."

Zheng Jiamin gazed at Jiangbei City.

I was thinking to myself, how much influence must they have to know this information in advance?

It should be noted that Dean Yu's rank is also very high.

For personnel appointments and removals at her level, it requires...

Zheng Jiamin was stunned.

He stared wide-eyed at Jiangbei City.

Has your best friend already entered the "inner circle"?
Jiang Beicheng: "You guessed it?"

Zheng Jiamin nodded slightly.

Jiang Beicheng said indulgently, "So just go ahead boldly, because your best friend's connections are strong enough."

Zheng Jiamin hadn't reacted yet.

I was terrified!

Jiang Beicheng managed to amuse her.

……

I woke up early this morning. Last night, my conversation with my best friend was only moderate in intensity. I was full of energy, so I went for a morning run in Chaoyang Park.

He didn't invite any female celebrities from the entertainment industry, nor did he invite his old friends, such as Zhang Chaoyang, who are entrepreneurs who enjoy outdoor activities. He just took a casual stroll by himself.

There were also elderly people who knew him and took the initiative to greet him.

"Is this President Jiang? Wow, he looks much more handsome in the video."

"You don't know Jiang Beicheng? Thirty years old, worth hundreds of billions, a legendary figure in the domestic, no, the entire Chinese entrepreneur circle."

"He's a national-level entrepreneur, appealing to men, women, young and old alike. If you learn more about him, you'll definitely admire him."

"President Jiang should be the most well-known entrepreneur in China."

...Jiang Beicheng listened to these discussions and praises all the way, always with a smile on his face and polite manners.

The people of Chaoyang have good judgment.

The assessment of him is fairly accurate.

After my run, I went to find Uncle Bao to have breakfast together.

Uncle Bao likes to walk his bird in the park and alley in the morning.

Bird walking has become a standard leisure activity for elderly men in Beijing.

"Ah Bao, is it safe for you to stay in China all the time? I have a feeling that the relevant departments will come and talk to you."

"Are you really not planning to go back to Los Angeles?"

“A Bao still has some connections in the capital. Besides, he’s just an ordinary citizen walking his bird now. What can they do to him?”

"Think back to how popular A Bao was in Beijing twenty or thirty years ago."

"Wrong. His most glorious years were in Mexico. Who in China didn't know the name Uncle Bao?"

After walking their birds, the old friends sat down with Uncle Bao for breakfast.

They started talking about what happened back then.

Uncle Bao just smiled and waited until they had finished their boasting before adding, "I served time in Los Angeles, and even according to domestic law, the statute of limitations has expired."

I am now a law-abiding old man, so please don't keep bringing up things from back then.

That era was a chaotic, lawless time; whoever had the ability could rise to the top.

Then again, how many of them have come this far with a completely innocent and upright background?

So now I really look down on some entrepreneurs who always pretend to be experienced and knowledgeable, and who are always lecturing in various situations. I don't know what kind of people these entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in Beijing are, but I'd say eight out of ten are not good people.

I have more respect for those who have risen to prominence in this day and age.

"Uncle Bao, have you spoiled Hongzi again? He's complaining about this and that first thing in the morning!"

Jiang Beicheng reached out and teased Hongzi in Uncle Bao's cage a couple of times.

Red-billed jays are difficult to raise and expensive.

Even the old men who walk their birds in Beijing are divided into different classes; those who raise red-crowned cranes are definitely wealthy gentlemen.

Several old men turned to look at Jiangbei City upon hearing the sound.

Uncle Bao's disdain vanished instantly, replaced by a smile. He warmly invited Jiang Beicheng to sit down and ordered the breakfast shop owner to stir-fry a couple more livers.

"This is the entrepreneur I admire most, the person I respect from the bottom of my heart, Young Master Jiang." Uncle Bao introduced with a smile: "In today's environment of severe class division and resource monopoly, the person who can still climb to the top of the times is far superior to those investors who enjoy the dividends of the times."

Everyone, let me introduce myself. This is Jiang Xiaoye, my good friend.

"Young Master Jiang from Jiangnan City?"

"I've long admired your name, Young Master Jiang."

"Young Master Jiang is no longer just an identity; he is truly a mark of an era."

"Young Master Jiang, please have a seat!"

These old men, twenty or thirty years ago, would have been known as "old hands" by Beijing residents.

The glory days are over.

Jiang Beicheng sat down and joked, "Uncle Bao has become a Jiang fanboy now."

Uncle Bao chuckled and said, "I'm not the only one who's into Jiang Zemin. My old brothers from the Southwest, North China, Chaoshan... are all Jiang Zemin fans."

"Only the Northeast is possible..."

Jiang Beicheng smiled and waved his hand, "After we cross Shanhaiguan, we still have to talk to Lao Zhao."

You've reminded me; I should find some time to have tea with Old Zhao.

They chatted and ate their meal at the same time.

“There’s no custom of drinking early in the morning in the North, otherwise I’d like to have a drink with you guys.” Jiang Beicheng finished breakfast, got up and said goodbye: “Alright, you guys keep strolling.”

"Young Master Jiang, how about noon or evening? I'll make the arrangements," Uncle Bao said.

Jiang Beicheng waved his hand: "Let's meet again next time. Young Master Li has a gathering tonight."

Upon hearing the name "Young Master Li," Uncle Bao cleared his throat.

He had just returned to China last year when Mr. Li gave him a hard time.

The people inside are not to be trifled with.

“Alright, Young Master Jiang, you go ahead with your work. If it’s convenient, please give my regards to Young Master Li.” Uncle Bao behaved in a very proper manner.

Jiang Beicheng nodded and left first.

At noon, I received officials from several European consulates general in the courtyard of the Beicheng Hotel.

He is quite famous in Europe.

I know many wealthy families, especially among European celebrities.

Officials from these consulates often come to show their support.

People in Jiangbei City treated each other with courtesy.

After receiving the guests, I invited some friends from the compound over for afternoon tea.

We'll go to Mr. Li's dinner party together tonight.

"I don't need to introduce you, do I?" Li Xiancheng said to his friends in the private room, putting his arm around Jiang Beicheng's shoulder.

"That's completely unnecessary. Who doesn't know President Jiang's reputation?"

"President Jiang, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"President Jiang, you have a very strong influence among the international students at Cambridge University. People often mention you."

"President Jiang, our MIT even uses your story as course material for discussion."

"President Jiang, you have set a very good example for us young people."

...Most of the friends around Young Master Li are second or third-generation descendants who have returned from studying abroad.

They were all quite polite.

He didn't appear too arrogant.

Of course, I am also aware of my own limitations and know that I cannot compare with Jiangbei City.

Even with the abundant resources brought by family background, they couldn't achieve the same success as Jiangbei City.

Jiang Beicheng doesn't really like these kinds of dinner parties with the second and third generations anymore.

It was entirely out of respect for their friend, Young Master Li.

Because in his eyes, most of these second and third generation descendants are useless.

In terms of understanding, we don't have much in common.

Moreover, given his current network of connections, there's absolutely no need for him to pander to or curry favor with these second- and third-generation rich kids.

Show your face politely, give their parents some face, and make things easier for them in the future.

Tonight's dinner was spent amidst flattery.

However, these sea turtles are quite good at flattery.

If you want to advance, suppress it first.

First, elevate your own status, then lower yourself to flatter Jiang Beicheng.

While portraying himself as someone important, he also emphasizes that Jiang Beicheng is an even more formidable figure.

Jiangbei City treated it as listening to a crosstalk performance.

After the meal, Jiang Beicheng said goodbye. Li Xiancheng sensed that he didn't really like the dinner party and took the initiative to apologize.

Jiang Beicheng didn't let him finish speaking, and put his hand on his shoulder, "When Young Master Li needs me, I will definitely show up."

There's no need to say anything else.

The Li family's foundation is very solid.

No one else can compare.

Lee Hyun-sung was also proud to have a friend like Jiang Beicheng.

I'm starting to talk about Jiangbei City more and more often.

Because mentioning him, especially in the workplace, really brings prestige.

"Get some rest." Young Master Li patted Jiang Beicheng's hand.

Jiang Beicheng smiled, got into the car, and went to Liu Yifei's mansion in Beijing to rest that night.

……

The day before leaving Beijing, Jiang Beicheng received a call from his old friend Zhou Hongyi, inviting him to go rock climbing at 360 headquarters.

For his personal hobby, Lao Zhou built a high-standard climbing gym at the company headquarters.

If policy allows, he estimates he'll want to bring the firing range to the company.

Jiangbei City had nothing to do in the afternoon, so he went over to stretch his legs.

In the business community, whether they are seniors or peers, Jiang Beicheng has virtually no rivals in the fields of sports and art.

Old Zhou's invitation to rock climbing today was a self-inflicted humiliation.

"Old Zhou, you still need to practice," Jiang Beichen joked, taking off his gloves.

"Just because I'm not as good as you in these aspects, you don't even want to mention me once during the live stream?" Zhou Hongyi said.

Jiang Beicheng smiled.

I didn't expect anyone to care about this kind of thing.

He was just doing it for the sake of the live stream, using wealthy people in the business community as topics and making all sorts of jokes.

While many people were ridiculed, Zhou Hongyi was not mentioned.

They actually took it to heart.

"What? Do you feel proud if I tease you a bit?" Jiang Beichen laughed.

Zhou Hongyi said directly: "With your huge influence and national-level IP, Mr. Jiang, Lei Jun and Liu Qiangdong can ride on your coattails, so why can't I?"

Jiang Beichen shook his head. "Old Zhou, Ma Huateng is right. You've become obsessed with being an internet celebrity." (End of Chapter)