After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

When Zheng Tao saw Gong Yuelong, he paused, and the smile on his face faded.

"Uncle Fu. And who is this?"

Fu Mingde laughed and said, "Gong Yuelong, Boss Gong. Xiao Tao, you're back just in time. You two are in the same industry, so let's get to know each other."

Zheng Tao put down his tea leaves, reached out his hand, and said with a smile, "Boss Gong, I've heard so much about you. Your name has been making waves in the High-tech Zone lately."

When shaking hands, he suddenly tightened his grip with a heavy and rapid force.

Gong Yuelong let him hold his hand, his grip as steady as a rock, his face calm: "President Zheng, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Zheng Tao released his grip, his smile fading slightly, his words carrying a thorn:

"Boss Gong has a lot of strength. Well, without some strength, you can't stir up the muddy waters of the High-tech Zone."

There was a moment of silence in the courtyard after he said that.

Zheng Shu looked up and frowned slightly.

"Xiao Tao, how dare you speak like that?"

Zheng Tao's lips twitched slightly: "Dad, I was just joking. But Boss Gong..."

He turned to Gong Yuelong and said, "The High-tech Zone has its own rules. You can't go far by just relying on force."

Gong Yuelong met his gaze: "President Zheng is right. I've got it."

Zheng Shu put down his teacup, his voice turning serious: "Is your rule to intimidate people upon first meeting them? Boss Gong made a name for himself single-handedly, and what about you? Besides organizing drinking parties, what else can you do?"

Zheng Tao's face stiffened, and he said stiffly, "I'm doing things too..."

"Get things done?" Zheng Shu interrupted him. "Without my old face, how many of your little tasks could you possibly accomplish?"

Fu Mingde interjected at the opportune moment, smiling as he smoothed things over: "Old Zheng, Xiao Tao is young, take your time. Boss Gong also made his way up through hard work, it hasn't been easy for anyone."

Zheng Tao pulled up a stool, sat down, and crossed his legs.

"I'm just curious, with Boss Gong's audacious methods, what are you planning to do next—cross the line, or will you know when to stop?"

That's a direct question, even a bit harsh.

Zheng Shu's voice wasn't loud, but it was deep: "Xiao Tao, are you here today to discuss business, or to interrogate someone?"

Zheng Tao stiffened his neck: "Dad, I'm just asking. There's all sorts of nonsense going around outside. It's better for everyone to find out things in advance, so we don't get into trouble later and drag our family into it."

"Trouble?" Zheng Shu's face darkened completely. "Those fair-weather friends of yours, those borderline debts of yours, aren't they all trouble? Have you even cleaned up your own messes yet, and you still have the nerve to meddle with others?"

Zheng Tao's face flushed red and then turned pale as he was rebuked. He opened his mouth but couldn't utter a word.

Gong Yuelong saw this scene and understood what was going on.

This is a spoiled rich kid. He's not very capable, but he's incredibly jealous. Relying on his family's wealth, he wants to kick anyone who stands out.

Instead, he smiled and spoke very politely:

"Mr. Zheng is right to remind me. I'm new here and don't know many of the rules. I'll have to rely on Mr. Zheng's guidance in the future."

He turned to look at Fu Mingde, "As for whether my methods are unorthodox or not, Director Fu knows. I'm just a worker who takes orders and follows the rules."

Fu Mingde spoke at the opportune moment, his tone appreciative, also addressing Zheng Shu:

"Mr. Zheng and General Manager Gong are both capable, and most importantly, they are steady and grounded. Such young people are rare."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Shu's expression softened slightly, and his gaze towards Gong Yuelong became less scrutinizing and more complex.

He was disappointed in his son, but seeing his son's composure in front of outsiders, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

"Did you hear that?" Zheng Shu said to Zheng Tao, his tone tinged with disappointment. "Study harder! Stop making a scene all day and doing things that are beneath you!"

Zheng Tao lowered his head, his fists clenched tightly, feeling a burning anger rising within him.

He glared at Gong Yuelong fiercely, his eyes clearly saying: This is not over.

Gong Yuelong pretended not to see it, picked up his teacup, and slowly took a sip.

Zheng Tao was scolded, but he wasn't afraid. He changed to a more ingratiating tone:

"Dad! I'm just worried! Look, all sorts of cats and dogs are out and about now, but our family has to stay put?"

I also aspire to accomplish great things like Boss Gong. Could you at least point me in the right direction?

Looking at his son's lazy and irresponsible behavior, Zheng Shu couldn't bring himself to get angry; his heart softened in the end.

He sighed, his voice softening considerably:

"What's the rush? Things have to be done one step at a time. You haven't even sorted out your own affairs yet, so focus on settling down first. Once you're truly capable of handling things, I'll naturally arrange what's due for you."

Upon receiving this confirmation, Zheng Tao's face immediately lit up. He glanced sideways at Gong Yuelong with a smug look on his face.

Seeing this, Fu Mingde picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled, but inwardly shook his head slightly. Old Zheng had been shrewd his whole life, yet he just couldn't bring himself to be hard on this son.

Gong Yuelong's face remained expressionless; he simply sat quietly.

He could see clearly that Zheng Tao, this spoiled good-for-nothing, only relied on having a good father. If he were outside, he would have been devoured long ago, leaving not even bones behind.

Zheng Shu seemed to feel a little embarrassed and stopped talking about it, waving his hand: "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Mingde, let's play chess."

Zheng Shu jumped off his horse and looked at Fu Mingde:

"Mingde, let's talk about something serious. The supporting project for the old city redevelopment in the eastern part of the High-tech Zone, is it about to start?"

Fu Mingde understood immediately and nodded: "I heard the plan is almost finalized, Mr. Zheng. It's a large-scale project that will affect many people's livelihoods."

Zheng Shu said slowly, "Yes, a job. I'm an old man, I can't worry about anything else, I'm just thinking about whether Xiao Tao can hold onto a decent job."

Fu Mingde immediately understood. Old Zheng was paving the way for his son Zheng Tao, but he was also worried that Zheng Tao wouldn't be able to handle things on his own, so he wanted to find a reliable partner or... a shield.

"Mr. Zheng, what do you mean?" Fu Mingde threw the question back at him.

Zheng Shu didn't mince words, turning his gaze to Gong Yuelong beside him: "Little Gong, you've been doing well lately. I heard you have a connection with Boss Han, a reliable supply of materials at fair prices?"

Gong Yuelong nodded: "Yes, the cooperation with Boss Han is going very smoothly."

"That's good." Zheng Shu looked away and said to Fu Mingde, "Xiao Tao has his own small company, but he lacks a partner who can manage the situation and get the channels open."

He paused, as if carefully choosing his words: "My idea is to have Xiao Tao's company take the lead and secure the designated supply qualification for a portion of the core sections."

In practice, including distribution channels... we'll find a capable partner to take the lead. Profits will be split according to contribution.

Fu Mingde understood. Zheng Shu wanted to find a capable person to handle the actual operations, share a portion of the profits, and ensure the project's smooth progress while allowing his son to earn money steadily without bearing the main risks.

That's a very shrewd plan.

Zheng Tao's company has the qualifications and background, while Gong Yuelong has practical ability and newly developed channels. The combination of the two seems to be complementary.

"Old Zheng has considered everything thoroughly." Fu Mingde smiled and looked at Gong Yuelong. "Young Gong, what do you think? This is an opportunity, but of course, the responsibility is not light."