Chapter 457: The Golden Foundation
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
At the Palms Residence, the top-floor penthouse with a super-sized terrace.
Sicong, holding a glass of watermelon juice, said with satisfaction, “Ah, life is comfortable with Young Master Zhou.”
“Indeed!” Several voices of agreement echoed as Qin Fen, Wen Xuan, and Brother Hu lounged on their deck chairs, each with a glass of juice in hand.
“You guys are really living the high life, aren’t you? We agreed to meet for tea here, but you’ve drained my favorite watermelon juice. I’m the only one left with tea. Oh, how times have changed!” Thinking about how they had divided the only large watermelon as soon as they arrived, Zhou Chao’s mood instantly soured.
“Young Master Zhou, you don’t need to worry about these trivial matters,” Sicong said as he took a few more sips, even making a slurping sound, further irritating Zhou Chao’s nerves.
Zhou Chao sat up and called out loudly to Lin Wu, who was preparing fruit snacks, “Lin Wu, call the property management and have them deliver some fresh watermelons.”
“Understood, boss,” Lin Wu replied, putting down his task and heading downstairs.
At this moment, Brother Hu’s assistant approached with several fruit platters and placed one on each table.
“Brother Hu, do you have any plans lately?”
“I have a movie to shoot soon, it got delayed due to some issues. Is there something you need, Young Master Zhou?”
“It’s not anything significant. I’m planning to invite you as the ambassador for our group’s charity work, to leverage your popularity for promotion.”
Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Brother Hu didn’t immediately agree because he wasn’t sure if Zhou Chao was using his fame for personal gain. However, after a brief interaction, he felt that Zhou Chao was not that kind of person. Nevertheless, he had heard of such cases before, so he wanted to consider it carefully.
Just as he was deep in thought, Sicong, with an astonished tone, said, “Young Master Zhou, are you planning to bring your charity organization into the spotlight?”
Sicong’s words instantly caught the attention of the others, including Brother Hu, who looked at Sicong with curiosity.
“Don’t you know? Young Master Zhou’s charity organization spends at least 500 million yuan annually, and even though it’s been less than two years since its establishment, they’ve already done a lot of charity work. 1 also heard that Young Master Zhou’s wife, Jiang Li, personally went to impoverished mountain areas for research. She even experienced a mudslide during her visit. Fortunately, the vehicle was sturdy, or else...” Sicong glanced at Zhou Chao at the end of his sentence, expecting Zhou Chao to be upset. Zhou Chao remained calm, and Sicong should have no reason to blame him.
Qin Fen and the others looked at Zhou Chao in disbelief, especially Qin Fen and Zhang Wenxuan. They knew about Jiang Li’s background, and for someone of her status to personally visit the front lines and then think about themselves, who indulged in a life of luxury, left them momentarily silent.
On the other hand, Brother Hu looked genuinely admiring. After a brief contemplation, he said, “Young Master Zhou, if you don’t mind, I’m willing to be the spokesperson for your charity project.”
“Brother Hu...” His assistant behind him heard this and anxiously called out, as such endorsements usually required the company’s involvement. But Brother Hu had agreed without a second thought, leaving her uncertain about what consequences she might face when she reported back to the company.
Seeing his assistant’s anxiety, Brother Flu waved his hand gently and said, “It’s okay; I’ll talk to the boss about this.”
The assistant hesitated to speak further and eventually stayed silent.
“Welcome aboard,” Zhou Chao raised his glass and lightly clinked it with Brother Hu’s.
“It’s my honor!” Brother Hu also wore a smile on his face, as he, too, wanted to make a contribution to charity. When he thought about the left-behind children, a hint of melancholy crossed his eyes.
Sicong scanned Qin Fen and the others before looking at Zhou Chao and saying, “Young Master Zhou, I have an idea, if you don’t mind.”
“What’s your idea?”
“I want to get involved in your charity and philanthropic projects,” Sicong said earnestly.
“I want to join too.”
“Me too!” Qin Fen chimed in playfully.
Zhou Chao pondered for a moment upon hearing this and then turned to the group, saying, “How about this? We can establish a foundation affiliated with my group. You can send representatives to oversee the funds, but it will be under our unified management, and you won’t be involved in its administration.”
Watching them, Zhou Chao shook his head helplessly.
“You’re all grown-ups, but you act like children. Alright, enough nonsense, let’s talk about something serious.”
Hearing Zhou Chao’s words, the three quieted down and stopped their playful banter.
“Young Master Zhou, do you have any ideas?”
“Well, my suggestion is to choose a name that is simple and easy to understand but also gives people a warm feeling.”
For a moment, everyone fell silent and began to contemplate. Even Brother Hu rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
“How about ‘Sunshine Foundation’? It symbolizes bringing a bright future.”
“Guiding Light! It signifies not only illuminating your path forward but also leading you back home. It brings warmth to others and guides them onto the right path,” Brother Flu suggested, looking at everyone.
“Guiding Light! Guiding Light!” Zhou Chao and the others whispered softly.
Zhou Chao looked at Sicong and the others, asking, “I think ‘Guiding Light’ is a good choice. What do you all think?”
“I think it’s a great choice. It carries a positive message and gives hope.”
“I agree.”
Seeing that everyone agreed, Zhou Chao finalized, “Our charity foundation will be called ‘Guiding Light.’ As for the follow-up procedures, whoever among you is available can take care of it. If none of you has the time, I’ll have Ling Chen handle it.”
“Young Master Zhou, you can just let Ling Chen handle it directly. We can transfer the funds to the foundation later.”
“Alright, tomorrow, I’ll have Ling Chen take care of it. As for the board members, we can each appoint one. Brother Hu, are you interested in being one of the directors?” Zhou Chao turned his gaze to Brother Hu beside him.
“Well... why not?” Brother Hu didn’t really object to this director role. After all, it was about contributing to future charitable endeavors, and standing high allowed for a broader view.
“There’s nothing wrong with it. As the sole image ambassador of our foundation, you becoming one of the directors is perfectly fine.” Zhou Chao smiled at Brother Hu.
“That’s right, Brother Hu, you’ll be one of the directors of our foundation in the future. Don’t worry about the minor details. If Zhou Chao says you’re suitable, then you are!” Sicong chimed in.
Brother Hu had gathered from their previous conversation that Zhou Chao was a principled person. “Well... 1’11 accept.”
“Haha, come on, let’s raise our glasses and celebrate.”
Sicong, Qin Fen, and others raised their glasses.
The group continued chatting until 11 o’clock, discussing some details and the people they needed to arrange. Of course, most of the time was spent in casual conversation. Zhou Chao also learned from Brother Hu that the movie he was working on was the Southern Train Station.
“You guys can leave; 1 won’t see you off. Lin Wu, take Sicong and the others back, don’t let them drive,” Zhou Chao said at the door to the departing group.
Don’t worry; I won’t joke with my life. Let’s go!”
Sicong and the others entered the elevator and headed straight to the underground parking lot.
“Brother Hu, we’ll take off as well. Let’s have tea together sometime in the future,” Sicong said as he held onto the car door.
Sure, we’ll stay in touch,” Brother Hu replied, shaking his phone in his hand.
Sicong nodded and got into the car. Lin Wu drove away.
Watching Sicong and the others leave, Brother Hu rubbed his tired face and said, “Let’s go!”
As soon as Brother Hu got into the car, his phone rang. Seeing the familiar contact name, he glanced at Xiaoqi, who was sitting in the passenger seat, and answered the call..