I changed the world.

Upon hearing Yu Zhiyuan's words, the middle-aged man, referred to as Councilor Yu, smiled noticeably more broadly: "Brother Haogu's friend is my friend... Mr. Wei, you must attend my next campaign reception..."

"Of course, of course..." Wei Hanwen quickly agreed with a smile. The two then exchanged business cards, chatted for a few more minutes, and then parted ways.

“Brother Baek-hsien, you can donate a little to that Councilor Yu’s campaign support earlier. It doesn’t have to be much, just a token. He has a lot of connections in the port area, so you can do more for him… It should be helpful to your business…” Yu Zhiyuan said to Wei Hanwen.

"Thank you so much, Brother Hao Gu. I understand. People are all built up over time..." Wei Hanwen said gratefully.

"Hey... what are you saying? We won't say thank you, we won't say thank you!" Yu Zhiyuan reached out and patted Wei Hanwen's arm, laughing.

Just now in the venue, Wei Hanwen and his wife had never attended a social banquet of this level before. In addition, they didn't know anyone. After walking around for a while, they couldn't find anyone to talk to and felt a bit lonely.

They happened to run into Yu Zhiyuan, who was also strolling around the venue. Compared to Wei Hanwen and his wife, Yu Zhiyuan had a much wider network of connections. He noticed that the two didn't seem to attend such events often, so he simply showed them around. He has already helped Wei Hanwen make several "new friends," who, in Wei Hanwen's eyes, are all very influential people, greatly expanding his social circle...

"Boss Wang, hahaha, what a coincidence..." After walking a few steps, Yu Zhiyuan made eye contact with someone again, so he strode over with his wine glass in hand, patting Wei Hanwen beside him as he did so...

"Hahahaha... Come, come, Mr. Wang, let me introduce you. This is my fellow townsman, my good friend... Hahahaha..."

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After talking with Mr. Wang, Yu Zhiyuan, having probably drunk too much liquid, needed to go to the restroom and temporarily left Wei Hanwen and his wife's side.

"Baekhyun, Chairman Yu is really a nice person..." Wei Zhangli whispered to her husband.

"Yes, he is indeed a friend worth making." Wei Hanwen couldn't help but nod. It has to be said that those who can build a large business are basically not simple characters. This Chairman Yu Zhiyuan is obviously a very approachable person. No matter what his purpose was in approaching him, Wei Hanwen would undoubtedly be grateful for his kindness.

“Look, our Chengguang…” Suddenly, Wei Zhangli nudged her husband with her elbow. Wei Hanwen turned to look at his wife, only to see her gesturing to the other side. He then looked in that direction and saw his son chatting with a woman dressed in fine clothes and with an exceptionally beautiful face on a chair on one side of the hall.

Judging from the way the two were chatting, they didn't seem to be meeting for the first time; they were clearly quite relaxed. The couple exchanged a glance, and their hearts skipped a beat...

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind the History Books: Chapter 1024 Conversation

"Whose daughter is that?" Wei Zhangli whispered in her husband's ear.

"I don't know..." Wei Hanwen shook his head, but judging from the girl's appearance, she was extremely beautiful, and could even be said to be one of the most beautiful socialites in the entire venue.

At that moment, both of them had the same thought pop into their minds: was their son's luck with women just too good...?

"If Miss Zhu sees this..." Wei Zhangli was clearly worried.

"It's a social gathering...it's normal for young people to chat..." Wei Hanwen took a deep breath and tried to reassure his wife in a relaxed manner.

"Hmm?" Wei Zhangli glanced at her husband sideways upon hearing this, and drawled, "Oh... do you also want to find a socialite to chat with...?"

"What... what are you saying?"

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Just as Wei Hanwen and his wife were discussing their son's romantic luck, Shen Bicheng was already walking towards An Zhengquan on one side of the hall before An Zhengquan could even go to meet him.

"Mr. An, it's an honor to meet you..." Shen Bicheng, who was nearly seventy years old, looked energetic and walked towards An Zhengquan with a smile. When he came, the people around him made way and many of them greeted him respectfully. Shen Bicheng also nodded to these people with a warm smile, showing the demeanor of a big boss.

"It's truly impolite of you to come, Elder Laoshan..." An Zhengquan was surprised that Shen Bicheng would take the initiative to strike up a conversation. Even he was somewhat taken aback. Having navigated the ups and downs of the business world for decades, An Zhengquan, although a native of Jin'an, was far more knowledgeable about the upper echelons of the empire than a "small merchant" like Wei Hanwen. Although he didn't know this "Elder Laoshan" before, he was familiar with the man and his family.

The Shen family of Linzhou was a true aristocratic clan, with generations of officials holding high positions. They had provided manpower and financial assistance to Emperor Huanzong during his northern expedition, and were later granted the title of Earl of Chengyi. It is said that the plaque inscribed "Family of Loyalty and Righteousness" on their ancestral hall was written by Emperor Huanzong himself. In short, they were truly prominent figures among the gentry of the southeastern part of the empire.

An Zhengquan's acquisition of Southern Bank, in the eyes of many, was, in fact, a political act of forming a community of interests with the gentry of Southeast China, using Yunxiao Mountain as a link.

Given An Zhengquan's wealth, he had attended many social banquets like today's over the years. Even so, the current head of the Shen family in Linzhou rarely appeared. It was said that he preferred quiet and always kept to himself. Unexpectedly, he was here today and even wanted to chat with him, which made An Zhengquan feel quite flattered.

In the eyes of ordinary people, the Shen family of Linzhou is far less well-known than the Qianluo Group. After all, the Qianluo Group has a wide variety of internet products, especially the Qianluo communication software, which is used by almost everyone and is known to all.

In comparison, the Shen family appears much more low-key. However, someone like An Zhengquan would never see it that way. Leaving aside the political arena, the Shen family's influence is deeply entrenched. Through nobles, in-laws, teachers and students, and fellow villagers, the political power they can leverage far surpasses that of the An family, a mere internet upstart. Not to mention their equally vast economic resources. Unlike the Qianluo Group, which primarily invests in the internet, established families like the Shen family invest more in local infrastructure. They have deep roots in industries such as electricity, water supply, telecommunications, and even banking and real estate. In fact, it could be said that, apart from themselves, no one knows exactly how much money these long-established families possess…

"I was just thinking of coming to visit you, but seeing so many wise men around you, I was going to wait. I didn't expect you to come here so soon..." An Zhengquan saw Shen Bicheng extend his hand and felt something was amiss. He quickly took Shen Bicheng's hand and his smile widened.

Unlike the handshake greetings in Zhang Jing's previous life, Eastern customs in this world are more conservative. People more often greet each other with a cupped-hand salute, while handshakes and hugs are more commonly used by Westerners. Of course, handshakes also exist in the East, but they are generally used between close friends. Shen Bicheng's initiative to shake hands with An Zhengquan at this moment is clearly a gesture.

"Mr. An, you're too kind... I've long heard of your extraordinary courage and ability to build such a vast empire from scratch. I've long intended to join you, hahaha..." Shen Bicheng shook An Zhengquan's hand, then patted it. He turned to the various guests gathered around him and laughed, "I'd like to have a few more private words with Mr. An. Hahaha, I hope I won't interrupt your conversation with him?"

Everyone present was shrewd and understood the implication in Shen Bicheng's words. They immediately smiled and stepped back to a distance. Shen Bicheng and An Zhengquan's entourage also subtly adjusted their positions, separating the two from their surroundings.

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An Huiling had just parted ways with Wei Chengguang and was thinking of going to find Zhang Jing when a man suddenly walked up to her and respectfully whispered, "Miss, Mr. An would like to ask you to come over for a moment."

Upon hearing this, An Huiling glanced at her father and saw him chatting happily with an old man. She nodded, straightened her clothes slightly, and walked towards her father...

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"So the Shen family also has shares in Southern Bank?!" Hearing Shen Bicheng's introduction, An Zhengquan suddenly realized why the old man in front of him had come to talk to him.

"Speaking of which, it was my great-grandfather Hanqing who proposed the establishment of Southern Bank back then..." Shen Bicheng smiled and introduced to An Zhengquan: "Back then, Hanqing was a devout follower of the Xuanmen sect and was an old friend of Master Cao, the abbot of Yunxiao Temple at the time. Master Cao was a highly accomplished Taoist master who felt that his disciples were becoming increasingly business-minded, which was not conducive to the pure cultivation of the Xuanmen sect. Therefore, he intended to separate the pawnshop business of Yunxiao Mountain from the operation of the sect."

"At that time, my great-grandfather Hanqing gave Cao Zhenren an idea: to transform the pawnshop business into a bank. Hanqing's idea was that if you're going to do it, do it big. This prosperous southeast region has a thriving trade and a great demand for capital. If we open a large bank, it will surely be able to operate successfully."

"Hanqing even suggested inviting a few more shareholders to join, so that the bank could leverage its strengths when conducting business, and that a portion of the profits could be distributed to ensure the business's longevity..."

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind the History Books: Chapter 1025 The Little Girl Huiling

"Truly visionary! We juniors can only look up to you..." Hearing this, An Zhengquan roughly understood the background of the Southern Bank. It turned out that the Shen family of Lin'an was a major driving force behind it. It must be said that the Shen family's ancestors had incredibly far-sighted vision in this regard; it was practically a golden goose. Besides, from a later perspective, there were many other interests behind it that went beyond money. For An Zhengquan, these were precisely the interests he was after.

“Yes, it’s also thanks to the blessings of the Heavenly Venerable. The Southern Bank has indeed grown and prospered as Master Hanqing predicted back then…” Shen Bicheng said with a sigh, then remained silent for a moment before turning to look at An Zhengquan: “When I heard Master Li mention this matter that day, I immediately agreed. Of course, Master Li’s influence played a part, but it was also because I had high hopes for Mr. An and for the future of the Qianluo Group…”

“Therefore, a wise man first cultivates virtue. With virtue comes people, with people comes land, with land comes wealth, with wealth comes usefulness… The inheritance of our family business, in the final analysis, still comes down to the word ‘people’.” Shen Bicheng reached out and patted An Zhengquan’s arm: “I know Mr. An. To be able to build the family business to this extent, he truly deserves to be called an ‘outstanding person’.”

"I am truly grateful for your high regard, Elder Shan... It was just a stroke of luck, just a stroke of luck..." An Zhengquan said with a sincere bow, "To receive such high regard from you, Elder Shan, I am truly unworthy of such praise..."

“Pine and cypress grow in the mountains and forests. In the beginning, they are trapped by weeds and suffer from cattle and sheep; but in the end, they remain unchanged through the four seasons and for thousands of years. This is the will of Heaven…” Shen Bicheng stroked his beard and smiled.

An Zhengquan was not like those young people who were just entering society and would get carried away by a few compliments. However, even someone as experienced in the business world as him had to admit that the head of the Shen family in Linzhou was indeed not a simple character.

The meeting was brief but sincere. An Zhengquan's entry into the Southern Bank was originally due to Li Zhenren's favor, but now he also had to owe the Shen family a share of the favor, without him feeling forced in any way.

However, An Zhengquan was still willing to accept this favor. After all, in many situations, mutual help is far better than a superficial friendship.

“Old man, you are kind and honest. I will have to learn from you in the future…” An Zhengquan cupped his hands and said, “By the way, my courtesy name is Boyue. You can just call me by my courtesy name.”

"Then... I shall presume to address you as my virtuous brother Boyue." The two exchanged pleasantries again, and with the change in their address, their relationship clearly grew even closer.

“By the way…” Shen Bicheng beckoned to the side, and a young man stepped forward: “This is my son Hanming. Hanming greets Uncle An.”

This man was Shen Bicheng's third son, Shen Hanming. He had studied in the Holstein Empire and dressed in a very Western style. He had no hair, wore a woolen suit, and a gray fedora. He was in his early twenties, handsome, and had a slight air of arrogance on his face.

"Greetings, Uncle An..." Shen Hanming stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, but did not bow deeply. His gaze involuntarily passed over An Zhengquan and looked behind him...

A shadow crossed Shen Bicheng's eyes upon seeing this, but with his composure, he wouldn't let others see it. An Zhengquan, on the other hand, laughed heartily, "Hahaha, what a handsome man, what a handsome man..."

After asking a few questions, and hearing that Shen Hanming had studied at the Imperial University of Holstein, he immediately praised him again, making Shen Hanming look proud.

“Come here… Huiling, come here.” An Zhengquan reached out and beckoned to Shen Bicheng. He smiled even more as he watched An Huiling gracefully walk forward, her temperament as pure as a classical lady. He introduced her to Shen Bicheng, “This is my daughter, Huiling. Huiling greets the old man.”

An Huiling bowed respectfully and greeted them.

"Oh, call him Uncle, Uncle..." Shen Bicheng's face was beaming with smiles, appearing as a kind and honest man: "I've long heard that Mr. An has a beloved daughter, and seeing her today, she truly is a lady of high birth, naturally beautiful..."

As Shen Bicheng spoke, he inquired a few more questions about An Huiling's recent situation. Upon learning that she was studying at Tianfu University and would soon graduate, his expression became even more amiable. He turned to his son and said, "Han Ming, you accompany Shimei around. You younger generation should interact and communicate more. You don't need to chat with us old men."

An Zhengquan glanced at Shen Hanming beside him, then smiled and said to his daughter, "Huiling, let your brother show you around." As he spoke, he looked at Shen Hanming beside him and said, "Huiling doesn't usually attend these kinds of events, so you can introduce her to more things."

Shen Hanming's eyes were fixed on An Huiling. In fact, ever since Shen Bicheng and An Zhengquan started chatting, his attention had been on An Huiling, who had walked up behind An Zhengquan. In his eyes, this "younger sister" was truly stunning. Her figure, clearly the result of ample exercise, was tall and voluptuous—perfectly proportioned, neither too plump nor too thin. Her temperament and appearance were exceptionally outstanding, even possessing a hint of ethereal beauty. Even with his seasoned experience in the world of romance, he had to admit that compared to this "younger sister," the internet celebrity he had previously been pursuing suddenly seemed insignificant. In terms of looks, figure, and temperament, she was completely outshone—a world of difference…

"Please rest assured, Uncle." Shen Hanming adopted a refined and courteous demeanor, which, combined with his handsome appearance, gave him the air of a refined gentleman. If his appearance and family background were posted online, he would surely attract a bunch of female fans.

He smiled and gestured to An Huiling, who was standing to the side, saying, "Sister, let's go for a walk over there."

An Huiling nodded and led her maid Mei'er to follow Shen Hanming to the side...

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“Sister, look, that’s Director Wang Shichang. Director Wang and I are friends. And look, the one next to him is Wang Mingzhang, who just won the Golden Bell Award. In this year’s entertainment industry, he’s one of the top ten most well-known male artists. If you want to…” In a corner of the hall, Shen Hanming enthusiastically introduced some guests not far from them to An Huiling.

“Brother, actually, Qianluo has also invested in some companies in this field. However, I personally don’t know much about this industry and haven’t paid much attention to it before…” An Huiling responded to Shen Hanming’s words with a reserved expression.

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind History Books: Chapter 1026 Shock

Shen Hanming paused slightly upon hearing this. His usual opening techniques, which had always worked when he was with women, had failed him on his first try. This made him realize that the outstanding young woman in front of him was not one of those seductive women he could easily get his hands on. Behind her was the Qianluo Group, which possessed enormous wealth.

Girls of this age generally have unrealistic fantasies about the entertainment industry, directors, and celebrities. In Shen Hanming's experience, as long as you approach things from these angles, you can usually successfully start a relationship with a young man.

However, the woman in front of me was clearly not like that; she was obviously not interested in this aspect.

However, this realization only fueled his growing fervor. Such a woman would undoubtedly ignite an even stronger desire to conquer him. He had even decided that this woman was undoubtedly his perfect match…

The old man always tells him to settle down. He can go and whisper in the old man's ear. If he can make progress with this young lady, then all he has to do is let the old man go to the An family to propose marriage. With the old man's influence, Uncle An will probably not refuse.

Compared to his eldest brother, he was the third son and the son of a second wife, so he was destined to have no right to inherit the family business. While the old man was still alive, he had to establish his own foothold. Even though he was usually cynical, he was very clear about this point.

Therefore, he did make some attempts, but most of them ended in failure. He even had some dealings with the local Liantai Society, but Wang Deyao, that good-for-nothing, ultimately failed to get things done and even got himself scolded by the old man.

However, it seems those small businesses are better left undone. If he could win over this stunningly beautiful young lady... wouldn't the vast future of the Qianluo Group be his for the taking? After all, An Zhengquan only has this one daughter...

Even the old man, I suppose, would support me...

As his heart burned with passion, his expression grew even more refined and elegant. He chuckled and continued following Meng An and Hui Ling's words: "Actually, the so-called entertainment industry is just like that. I've heard a lot of secrets about the entertainment industry from friends, and they're really quite different from what we usually see in front of the camera..."