The next day.

Beijing First People's Hospital.

He Zongfu lay on the hospital bed with a pale face, just as Gu Bai had said: chugging down a 700ml bottle of vodka might be dangerous, but with timely stomach pumping, you can still be lively the next day.

However, He Zongfu was too deeply corroded by alcohol and indulgence, leaving him weak. The stomach pumping only made his already depleted body even more fragile; he wouldn't be able to get out of bed without staying put for a few days.

He Fangshan is over seventy now, and he had his precious son He Zongfu when he was forty, always spoiling him. Ten years ago, when He Zongfu was in his twenties, he got into a public brawl with a son of a Xiangjiang tycoon over a small-time celebrity. Both the Xiangjiang and domestic media were eager to report it.

In such situations, it's typical for the family elders to either clean up their messes or let the matter fade; no distinguished person wants to be publicly mocked for such disgraceful incidents.

But He Fangshan not only jumped into the fray himself but also backed his son.

Ultimately, this matter ended with He Zongfu's triumph under He Fangshan's maneuvering, though the Old He Family's reputation was almost ruined, while He Fangshan's reputation for nepotism spread in the upper circles.

So, when people say that He Zongfu behaves arrogantly in the Capital City without much opposition, it's not because the He Family's influence is exceedingly vast, but because those with real power somewhat value their reputation and abide by certain norms.

But this father and son are reckless, completely disregarding the rules, which is why Principal Wang preferred to bow slightly than to be entangled with He Zongfu, whom he likened to a piece of stinking dog shit—easy to shake off but hard to get rid of the smell.

However, this time He Zongfu obviously picked the wrong opponent.

Because Gu Bai, like him, also ignores the rules, and does so more thoroughly.

"Uncle He, this is what happened."

A few second-generation elites standing in front of He Fangshan yawned through an embellished account of last night's events. Although He Zongfu was weak, he was conscious. He knew they were adding fuel to the fire but did not stop them, as he was indeed seething with rage towards Gu Bai. In over 30 years, no one had ever treated him like this before.

Listening to the second-generation elites, and then looking at the pale, speechless He Zongfu on the bed, He Fangshan's eyes were full of heartache, and his expression gradually turned cold.

He Fangshan is the chairman of Capital City Rongsheng Chemical Holdings Group, which began as a state-owned chemical factory. During the early days of the reform and opening-up, He Fangshan used his connections to privatize the factory. After decades of effort, it became an energy giant engaged in import and export trade, even topping Hua Country's private petroleum companies list in 2010.

His long-standing high position exudes a commanding presence which made the yawning young successors instantly alert, shivering slightly.

"Uncle He, now that you've come and Zongfu is awake, if there's nothing else, we'll head back first."

These second-generation elites weren't too bad; they stayed in the hospital all night until He Fangshan arrived and clarified the situation.

Yet, it wasn't due to their deep affection for He Zongfu but rather because they were mere bystanders when Gu Bai forced liquor down He Zongfu's throat. If they didn't show support now, who knows if they would be resented by He Zongfu later?

Hearing this, He Fangshan smiled and replied, "Thank you for looking after Zongfu last night. Do come by my place when you have the time."

"Certainly, certainly."

With that, the group of second-generation elites left the ward.

"Dad..."

He Zongfu lay on the bed, no longer exhibiting the arrogant demeanor from last night, instead looking rather pitiful.

He Fangshan gazed at He Zongfu with a look of frustration.

"I've told you before, I'm already over seventy, with not many years left. The family business will eventually pass to you, but what do you do? Engaging in idle pursuits, clinging to that nightclub of yours. If you continue like this, how can I be assured when I leave the company in your hands?

How will you earn the respect of the board?

I sent you abroad for education, hoping you'd learn Western advanced corporate management, but instead, you mastered the Westerners' vices of indulgence!"

"I..."

He Zongfu knew his father was right and was deeply ashamed, not knowing how to respond.

"Sigh..."

He Fangshan sighed.

"Zongfu, people say I'm spoiling you because I had you late in life, and I admit it. But what father doesn't hope for his son to succeed?

I won't be your shield for long, nor do I have grand expectations, but I do hope you can at least safeguard our He Family's legacy."

The wrinkles etched on He Fangshan's aged face revealed his earnest counsel.

Whether He Zongfu listened or not remained unknown, as he lay silently on the bed.

After a long silence, He Fangshan continued, "But since outsiders say that I, He Fangshan, protect my shortcomings, I've reached an age where I no longer care about their opinions. If I, whose son ended up in the hospital, don't do something, can I still call myself He Fangshan?"

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