I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2229 - 1421: Water Can Carry a Boat, But Can Also Overturn It

Woof, woof, woof...

A fierce, intimidating bark shattered the silence.

On the estate lawn, Shi Zhenhua, who had long since entered retirement, halted his morning fitness routine to glance toward the noise.

A massive white bear, currently barking aggressively at an unexpected visitor, stood in the woman's path. She wore no extravagant jewelry, yet she radiated an undeniable aura of prestige.

The dog had grown significantly since Jiang Chen first laid eyes on it. Its sheer size was enough to strike terror into anyone, and its relentless barking only intensified the atmosphere.

Despite the commotion, the female guest remained entirely unfazed and kept her composure, though she did pause as the beast let out its thunderous cries.

Take him away, Shi Zhenhua commanded. Clad in a loose, snow-white workout suit, he looked perfectly at ease and detached.

His bodyguard promptly stepped forward to secure the great white bear on a leash.

While animals are known for their intuition, they lack the complex discernment of humans.

Not that it mattered.

It wasn't fair to blame the creature, either.

The estate's security staff and household maids were all part of the original team that served him, but the dog arrived long after that establishment phase. Naturally, it had no way to recognize faces or events from his past.

The beast, now leashed, continued to bark fiercely.

However, it displayed no signs of lunging or actual aggression.

A rare guest indeed, Shi Zhenhua said with a smile once the animal was restrained. Retirement had softened the once-fearsome tycoon, making him appear far more approachable.

The woman, who had entered the grounds without seeking permission, showed no hint of happiness or frustration on her face.

Is this yours? she asked.

Indeed. In my twilight years, I have come to appreciate the value of companionship. Qian Qian is constantly swamped with work, so I keep this dog just to occupy my time, Shi Zhenhua replied with a sigh. He gestured, adding with a grin, The morning sun is quite pleasant. Why don't we sit outside for a while?

The two individuals, bound by an enigmatic history, settled into their seats once more.

Past the age of fifty, their relationship was certainly no longer defined by youthful sentiment; their children remained the only bridge between them.

Was constructing that factory in Kyoto your idea? The woman, who had once held the position of mistress of this estate, went straight to the point.

I am retired, countered Shi Zhenhua, his face maintaining that signature smile which, despite his age, continued to hold a dangerous allure.

Do you have any idea what you are doing? Meng Meiling completely ignored his disclaimer. Her voice was flat, yet it carried an oppressive, heavy weight.

Even post-retirement, few would dare address the founder of Jinhai in such a manner. But as an ex-wife speaking to an ex-husband, the normal rules of hierarchy simply did not apply.

Divorced partners might usually maintain a veneer of politeness.

If you doubt my word, feel free to ask Qian Qian, Shi Zhenhua suggested. Meiling, have you lost touch with Qian Qian lately? If you disapprove, this is hardly the moment to voice your opposition.

I had hoped that, as a father, you would show some consideration for your daughter. Instead, I see you are still the same old Shi Zhenhua.

The smile on his face dimmed only slightly. Qian Qian has assumed control, he said calmly. In the two years since she took over, she has proven with concrete results that she can steer Jinhai effectively. As long as the decision is hers, I will not interfere. Meiling, whatever grievances you held against me in the past, they are gone. Do you still intend to exert control over your own daughter?

Did I ever try to control you? Meng Meiling remained stone-faced.

Shi Zhenhua offered a bland smile, looking out over the estate built upon immense fortunes, and chose to remain silent.

Everyone knows the type of person you are. Jinhai means more to you than life itself. You are simply using your daughter as a tool, she stated.

I have already expressed this many times: I no longer meddle in Jinhai’s corporate matters, he replied softly. Of course, if Qian Qian wishes to speak with me, as her father, I am more than happy to share the experience I have gathered over these decades.

Meng Meiling appeared determined to tune out her ex-husband's justifications.

Morning Light was launched just recently. The priority should be stability and solidifying a foundation, not reckless expansion. Rushing to build a factory in Kyoto is equivalent to pulling stalks to help them grow. It is a massive waste of resources.

Whether he agreed internally or found her critique grating, Shi Zhenhua listened with saintly patience until she finished.

The youth of today are different, he remarked. The reports from Morning Light One are outstanding. In the new energy sector, even a second of hesitation can mean falling behind indefinitely. Jinhai entered this track late; if we hold back now, we will be left staring at the heels of our competitors. Qian Qian is our daughter—do you honestly believe she is a person who would be content subordinating herself to others?

You seem remarkably confident, she noted.

Shi Zhenhua gave a faint smile. As you said, Jinhai is my life’s work, and Qian Qian is my daughter. Why would I lack confidence? He paused briefly before continuing with a grin, Kyoto has already committed to providing robust support for the Jinhai factory project, alongside full policy benefits.

As the former mistress of Jinhai and the biological mother of its successor, one might assume Jinhai’s growth aligned with her own goals. Yet, even hearing of these assurances, she did not look pleased.

Promises are not legally binding contracts, she reminded him. A verbal pledge can be revoked as easily as it is made.

Shi Zhenhua fell silent, seemingly lost in thought.

The southern region is Jinhai’s home turf. By venturing north and committing such colossal capital, are you truly without any fear of failure?

The days of old cannot be relived.

Given that she once stood by a man like Shi Zhenhua, it is clear that Meng Meiling was no ordinary woman. Consequently, there was no emotional baggage or hesitation when discussing these cold, business-related matters.

Fortune favors the bold. When I first established Jinhai, no one believed I would succeed, he said, then added as an afterthought, Save for you.

You intend to exploit the Jiang family’s connections, don't you? Meng Meiling hit the nail on the head.

Shi Zhenhua smiled. Meiling, you really haven’t changed at all.

You are the same as well. Always the Shi Zhenhua I knew, never missing an opportunity and capable of squeezing every ounce of utility out of any resource.

Does the method matter? Shi Zhenhua’s expression remained unreadable. Whether through Jinhai or Qian Qian, there will be no negative consequences. You are her mother, you understand her ambitions better than anyone. So, why not embrace it?

So that is your justification for using your daughter?

At their level of standing, debating morality felt rather trite. Meng Meiling’s voice remained steady. You men always see things with such naive simplicity. Have you considered that the same water which floats a ship can also capsize it?

Shi Zhenhua’s eyes flickered.

Meng Meiling rose to her feet.

I concede that you are a hero, she said, but that only applies to how you have lived until today. The legacy and fame you have built could turn to smoke in an instant. Even the name 'Shi Zhenhua' might eventually become a laughingstock.

Shi Zhenhua’s composure returned.

Meiling, you are Qian Qian’s mother as well, he said softly. Just because I failed you, it does not mean there isn't a single man on earth who is capable of genuine devotion.

Meng Meiling let out a soft, cold chuckle, the first sign of a smile since her arrival.

She stood tall, looking down at him with a majestic air.

So, you are staking everything on 'conscience,' Shi Zhenhua? she asked.

He offered no response.

If you fail, you lose everything. But since you have a dog, I suppose you won't be entirely alone.

With that, Meng Meiling turned and departed without a backwards glance.

Left sitting in the courtyard, Shi Zhenhua closed his eyes, soaking in the clear, brilliant sunlight while he sat in deep, silent contemplation.