56: Chapter 56 You're a Good Person

Zhu Shasha had thought things through clearly and summoned her courage to speak.

"I know you mean well, but you're just an ordinary person. You can't fight the powerful; we have no way of contending with Director Zhang."

"I know a powerful figure who can help me through this. With just one word from him, my current crisis will be resolved, so I plan to go find him."

"Chen Hao, you're a good person, and I'm very grateful to you. But under these circumstances, your suggestion is no longer possible. I can't drag you down with me."

Chen Hao caught the subtext and knew what she intended to do. His tone turned cold.

"Have you made up your mind?"

Zhu Shasha sat on the bed and shook her head slightly.

"I have no choice."

Chen Hao questioned her.

"You don't believe I can help you."

"It's not about belief, it's... never mind."

Zhu Shasha didn't continue. She squatted before Chen Hao with deep affection and caressed his face.

"The past is the past, and the present is the present. Although I have feelings for you, I don't want to hurt you. If you can't understand me, there's nothing I can do."

As she spoke, she leaned in for a kiss.

The two kissed, their breaths mingling sweetly.

After they parted, Zhu Shasha cast aside her last bit of reserve.

"At most, I'll satisfy you tonight. After dawn, we'll go our separate ways."

With that, she took off her clothes and threw herself into his arms.

...

Zhu Shasha was born in a remote rural village to a farming family. After graduating high school, she failed to get into university and moved to the city to work. She had washed dishes and worked as a part-time domestic helper.

By a stroke of luck, she participated in a talent show. Because of her outstanding looks, she was signed by a scout and entered the entertainment industry.

She wasn't very talented. In the collective training arranged by the company, she showed no aptitude for singing or acting, consistently ranking at the bottom in both singing and dancing.

The company suggested she start as an assistant. Thus, she drifted among stars and artists, serving tea, pouring water, and being ordered around, eventually becoming the junior assistant for the big star Yu Yaowei.

More than once, she had fantasized about being a shining star herself, stepping onto the path of stardom under the dazzling flashbulbs.

But reality was like a heavy blow to the head, striking her down.

A signed artist turned assistant—the road to fame was bleak. She only occasionally got roles as an extra, treated no differently than a high-tier background actor at Hengdian, with no real prospects for development.

Gradually, her mindset changed. Her eyes were only on fame. To become a star in the spotlight, she felt she had to give up her dignity.

It wasn't that she didn't accept Chen Hao's proposal; on the contrary, his suggestion had acted like a key to the shackles of her mind.

The reason she had been hesitating and hadn't agreed was mainly because she remained skeptical of Chen Hao.

Choice is more important than effort. Even if one had to sacrifice themselves for fame, choosing a company executive versus choosing a capitalist were two completely different concepts.

In terms of status and background, Chen Hao was not the best choice.

Therefore, after the kidnapping incident involving the Black men, Zhu Shasha decisively gave up on Chen Hao as a potential prospect. She chose the bloated, older, but powerful and wealthy capitalist, CEO Wei.

Firstly, it could solve her immediate crisis. Secondly, with capital support, she might be able to take her career further.

A future as a star would no longer be a dream.

Since she was going to fall anyway, she might as well let herself indulge one last time before she did.

Chen Hao was young and fit, exactly her type.

Doing it with him didn't repel her; at the very least, he was a hundred times better than CEO Wei.

Just this once, it would serve as repayment for Chen Hao saving her life and provide a perfect conclusion for the two of them.

They would both leave with the best of memories.

...

After the passion subsided.

Zhu Shasha snuggled in Chen Hao's arms, savoring the madness from moments ago.

Chen Hao asked.

"Have you really thought this through?"

Zhu Shasha repeated her earlier sentiment.

"I don't want to hurt you, so I have no choice."

Chen Hao asked again.

"Who is this person you're looking for? Tell me, maybe I know him?"

"Impossible."

Zhu Shasha got out of bed and put on her clothes.

"He is high and mighty, the richest man in the region. You are just a member of the masses. Even if you knew him, he would be an unattainable existence to you."

"Sigh."

Chen Hao stopped trying to persuade her. Since Zhu Shasha had made her choice, further words were useless.

Zhu Shasha finished dressing and looked at the faint light of dawn outside the window.

"It's light out. I'm leaving. If we meet again in the future, we'll be strangers."

"As you wish."

Zhu Shasha left a gentle kiss on Chen Hao's forehead.

"I will keep you buried in my heart. You'll find a better woman."

She finished speaking and left without looking back, resolute and decisive.

Morning, in the bathroom.

*Splash, splash*

Under the showerhead, Chen Hao thought about the future with mixed emotions.

Zhu Shasha was the most special among the bound goddesses. Her goddess token was tears, and the reward for winning her over was the rare cultivation technique, the Heart-Clearing Art.

Unfortunately, he was only 20 points away from completing her route. From now on, there might never be another chance to increase her favorability.

Zhu Shasha's choice left Chen Hao feeling very resistant.

Under his grandfather's subtle influence, Chen Hao had never thought about using his knowledge of economic theory to chase fame and fortune.

It was different now. Chen Hao felt a strong need for social status.

Originally, Chen Hao hadn't been very interested in the business development seminar this morning. Even if he went, it would have been with the intention of just being a spectator.

Now, Chen Hao's mindset had changed, primarily provoked by Zhu Shasha's words.

He didn't want to prove anything specific; he just wanted to prove his own value. Compared to those capitalists, he was certainly not just one of the common masses.

After his shower, Chen Hao combed his hair and put on a formal suit, dressing up solemnly.

With everything ready at 8:00 AM, he drove straight toward the convention center.

...

The Business Development Forum held in Guangcheng was an official, large-scale conference. Led by the government and organized by various economic colleges, it was held to discuss current economic development and the spread of new business models.

A little after 8:00 AM, the entrance to the convention center was already crowded with people.

Participants came from all over the country, and there was no shortage of foreign businessmen, all keeping a close eye on current trends to stay in step with the times.

The entire staff of the Jiangcheng Innovation Company was gathered, including President Ma, Vice President Wang, two assistants, two HR staff, and ten employees from the marketing and sales department.

Ma Botao was chatting with familiar businessmen, while Vice President Wang Liguo was speaking with great eloquence.

"You all need to be at one hundred and twenty percent alertness for this conference. Listen carefully. This is a rare opportunity to discover better business prospects and the future."

"Ah~"

Sun Nana yawned lazily, letting Wang Liguo's speech go in one ear and out the other.

"Sun Nana, what are you doing? Can't you listen seriously while I'm speaking?"

Vice President Wang Liguo barked sternly, putting on his managerial airs. Other employees chimed in with cold mockery.

"Yawning while the leader is speaking—you deserve to be scolded."

"She probably stayed out late last night; no wonder she's sleepy today."

"Xiaomeng, make a note of this. According to the regulations, she's fined 100 yuan."

"Noted. Do you think I'd let her off?"