46: Chapter 46 Chen Hao, the Grandson of the Ceiling
"So amazing?"
When Zhang Menglu looked at Chen Hao, her eyes were sparkling.
Chen Hao explained.
"It's nothing really, every industry has a training sector. Those learning English have English tutoring, those preparing for the college entrance exam have pre-exam training, and naturally, those doing business have business training."
"Not all businesspeople know how to run a business. In the early years, the country strongly supported commercial development, encouraging people to venture into business."
"This led a large number of people to enter the market. To clean up the chaos, the state invited economics professors from major economic colleges to give lectures, imparting business wisdom and training merchants in economic concepts."
"My grandfather was among the first practitioners. In the beginning, it was free, but as the number of students grew, the training lectures gradually formed an industry chain, and the formats became varied."
"In the end, it's just cutting the leeks of business owners. Everyone wants to make money, and now, commercial training lectures are just that."
Hearing Chen Hao say this, Zhuang Hua picked up the conversation with a wry smile.
"There are indeed some misunderstandings. When Professor Chen was active in the industry, there was state support and economic subsidies, so in the early years, they could afford not to charge training fees."
"But the lectures have developed to this day. Businesspeople making money have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, and the training industry has long since changed its original intention."
"Every businessperson rushes to participate in the training, and even if we are doing it for money, it truly can solve the problems existing within enterprises."
Chen Hao said while eating.
"Existence implies rationality; I won't refute that."
Zhuang Hua shifted the topic and began to flatter Chen Hao.
"Professor Chen is the founder of our field, and you are Professor Chen's grandson. You have achieved unity of knowledge and action, transitioning from theory to practice, and you've been so successful that many legends about you circulate in the industry. You are the guiding light for our field, and I have admired you for a long time. Truly admirable!"
Since meeting Chen Hao, Zhuang Hua had been praising him endlessly. Chen Hao almost thought Zhuang Hua was one of his little fangirls.
"Is Chen Hao really that amazing?"
Zhang Menglu asked, not understanding the situation. Zhuang Hua's next words were even more exaggerated.
"You aren't in this industry, so you don't understand. Professor Chen is the cornerstone, the pioneer, the textbook of the training industry. Many of Professor Chen's students back then have become highly successful now."
"As Professor Chen's grandson, CEO Chen has inherited his mantle and even surpassed his predecessor."
Zhang Menglu sighed internally. She never knew Chen Hao was this outstanding.
"Zhang Menglu Favorability +5, Current Favorability 70"
Chen Hao looked up at Zhang Menglu, surprised that his favorability had increased just by hearing others praise him—an unexpected delight.
He then looked at Zhuang Hua, who was still praising him nonstop.
Zhuang Hua showed up uninvited and started showering him with praise upon meeting. She must have an ulterior motive, right?
"Stop flattering me to death. Just tell me what you need; don't beat around the bush."
Chen Hao got straight to the point, and Zhuang Hua finally spoke frankly.
"I actually do have something I need your help with."
She said with a serious expression.
"Tomorrow, a Commercial Forum Development Discussion will be held in Guangcheng. I am the organizer. Among the registered participants is a company that has encountered issues with its capital chain and wants us to provide a solution."
"Because their industry is a bit obscure, we have never dealt with it before. With the conference tomorrow, if we can't present a solution, my reputation will be ruined. So, I want to ask you to help me devise a plan."
Chen Hao put down his chopsticks and crossed his arms.
"Just by opening your mouth, you expect me to help solve a problem? Is this how shameless the current training industry has become?"
Zhuang Hua said earnestly.
"I won't let you help for nothing. Here's the deal: as long as you can propose an effective solution that resolves the company's existing problems, I won't keep a single cent of the consultation fee; it will all go to you."
Chen Hao casually asked.
"How much is it?"
"One point two million after tax."
Chen Hao's body stiffened, but thanks to his strong composure, his face showed nothing.
The consultation fee was that high?
To think that Chen Hao's grandfather died without money for medical treatment when he was poor and destitute in his early years. If he had known this line of work could earn so much, Chen Hao wouldn't have ended up in sales. Earning money just by talking and lecturing on economics—why not?
He was very excited internally, but he feigned difficulty in his tone.
"I'll give it a try. Send me the company's materials first, and give me an hour to study them."
"Add me on WeChat, and I'll scan you."
After they exchanged WeChat contacts, the materials were sent to Chen Hao immediately. He reviewed them while eating.
After lunch, Qian Zhaodi, Zhang Menglu, and Zhuang Hua dared not breathe heavily; the atmosphere was very oppressive. They left the private room first to get some fresh air.
Zhang Menglu, not understanding this field well, asked the two women about corporate training, consulting services, and related business.
Zhuang Hua spoke eloquently, detailing how many companies her team had advised and how many corporate dilemmas they had solved. She even revealed the true nature of commercial forums.
"We hold commercial forums from time to time. Companies facing difficulties will proactively seek our consultation. We provide solutions and charge consultation fees—it's a matter of mutual benefit."
"Secondly, the nature of commercial forums has changed. While training and advanced study are one aspect, the other is creating opportunities for businesspeople to network, expand their connections, and form their own business circles."
Zhang Menglu asked again.
"What level is Chen Hao in the training industry?"
Zhuang Hua looked longing, her tone solemn.
"Like father, like son. His grandfather was the ceiling of this field, and Chen Hao is also a legendary figure."
Zhang Menglu's eyes widened.
"Is Chen Hao really that amazing?"
Zhuang Hua continued.
"You don't understand. No matter how much we talk, we are just theorists with rich knowledge but zero practical experience. Chen Hao is different. After inheriting his mantle, he has a professional theoretical background, but his practical application skills are even more formidable."
Qian Zhaodi chimed in.
"I heard that during the years CEO Wei was in sales, he helped many factories in Guangcheng not only overcome difficulties but also successfully transform and make money."
"One investor worth tens of billions, CEO Wei, gained control of nearly half of Guangcheng's garment processing plants through CEO Chen's connections."
Zhuang Hua interrupted to ask.
"Are you talking about Wei Xinglong? He also registered for tomorrow's forum. Many businesspeople registered just to curry favor with CEO Wei. I didn't know CEO Wei and Chen Hao knew each other."
While the three women were chatting and laughing, Qian Zhaodi happened to spot Wang Lichun carrying her bag. She immediately pulled Zhuang Hua aside.
"Let's talk about this later. Come with me for a moment; I need your analysis on something."
She winked conspiratorially and said to Zhang Menglu,
"CEO Zhang, please look around for a bit. I need to excuse myself for a moment."
Qian Zhaodi led Zhuang Hua away, leaving Zhang Menglu standing alone, lost in thought.
Zhang Menglu recalled Chen Hao's guidance from last night, but she had been too petty and hadn't taken it seriously.
Today, she realized that Chen Hao's casual advice was actually worth 1.2 million!
"Zhang Menglu Favorability +30, Current Favorability 100"