1
Ding Yuanying, Xiao Yawen, and Li Zhijiang returned to Beijing as part of the same group. Their flight touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport at 4:30 PM local time, arriving in the summer heat of Beijing.
Waiting for them at the airport were Liu, the private equity fund's accountant, and Director Ma from Zhengtian Commercial Building. They had arrived earlier with three cars. Liu was driving the fund's Chrysler V6 sedan, now fitted with temporary license plates. Director Ma brought two vehicles: an Audi A6 from Zhengtian's company fleet and a BMW 730 belonging to Han Chufeng.
Director Ma, a polished business professional in his thirties, exuded confidence in his demeanor. Upon seeing Ding, he stepped forward and shook his hand. "Brother Ding, Mr. Han is in a meeting, so he asked me to pick you up. Sister Qiu arrived yesterday. Mr. Han arranged for them to stay in Room 9012 at the Sunshine Hotel, and she's waiting for you there. Mr. Han also said that once you've taken the car, you should use his BMW from now on. You know the driver, Xiao Zhao. Mr. Han asked me to tell you not to make any plans for tonight—he wants to have a drink with you."
Ding nodded. "Got it. You take Zhijiang back; we'll head to the hotel."
Ding got into the Chrysler, with Xiao driving. She placed a bag of records and a small suitcase in the front passenger seat. Liu, the accountant, sat with Ding in the back. The black BMW, now empty, followed behind. The three cars left the airport together.
Liu, a man in his forties with a short stature, a balding head, and thick glasses, produced an envelope from his briefcase and said, "Mr. Ding, I've brought the car transfer paperwork. Everything's in the envelope. There are also two computers in the trunk."
Ding took the envelope and briefly reviewed its contents.
Liu then took out some reports, records, and a stack of cash, explaining each item:
"After your call, all salaries were disbursed. Here is the payroll sheet. Ms. Xiao's annual salary of 200,000 RMB has been deposited in her bank account, and I already handed her the deposit slip earlier. Of the seven computers, two are in this car, and five remain in the office. The inventory list for office supplies is also here. As of now, after settling salaries, rent, utilities, and property management fees, the account has a remaining balance of 6,300 RMB, and I have already withdrawn it.
"There are two unsettled items: the 30,000 RMB Ms. Xiao withdrew last month, which hasn't been accounted for yet, and the cost of your trip to Berlin. Lastly, in the past few days, 14 people came looking for you—here's the record."
Ding took the documents and cash and said, "I'm aware of the 30,000 RMB Xiao withdrew; don't worry about it. Later, you and Ms. Xiao can go to the office in that car to finalize the financial handover, and then take her home. After that, she'll handle the rest. It's been a good year working with everyone—thank you for all your hard work."
Liu replied, "Mr. Ding, if you ever need help in the future, just give me a call."
Ding nodded. "Thank you."
The two cars drove for nearly half an hour before arriving at the Sunshine Hotel. Xiao parked in the lot, handed Ding the car keys and his small suitcase, and transferred the bag of records to the BMW.
Ding instructed Xiao Zhao, "Take them to Rongtai Office Building, then drop Liu off at home. No need to pick me up—Ms. Xiao has cash with her, so stay with her."
He handed $20,000 to Xiao Yawen and said, "Exchange this at the bank first, then finalize the financial handover. After that, contact a moving company to transfer the documents and valuable office equipment to my basement. Go ahead; I'll join you once I'm done here."
Xiao accepted the dollars and said, "I just got paid; I can use my own money for the exchange."
Ding nodded. "Fine."
Liu and Xiao got into Xiao Zhao's car and went off to take care of business.
2
Ding entered the Sunshine Hotel, took the elevator to the ninth floor, and arrived at Room 9012. He pressed the doorbell.
A woman in her thirties opened the door. She bore a slight resemblance to Ding and spoke Mandarin with a Sichuan accent. Beaming, she said, "Brother, you're here!"
She was Ding's younger sister, Ding Qiuhong. Also in the room were her husband, Xie Hui, and one of Xie's colleagues, who had been brought along to share the driving.
The moment Ding stepped inside, he noticed their luggage neatly packed and asked in surprise, "What's going on? You just arrived yesterday, and you're already leaving?"
After Ding sat down, Xie Hui explained, "We were waiting for you. Qiuhong said once you've sorted everything, we'll head back."
Qiuhong added, "There are two seniors and a little one back home, and we're shorthanded at the teahouse. Xie and his colleague are on leave, so they need to get back to work. Besides, staying in these two hotel rooms costs over 1,000 RMB a night. Whoever pays, it's still money. And talking with you is tiring for both you and us."
For a moment, Ding didn't know what to say.
Qiuhong quickly added, "Brother, I didn't mean anything else—I'm just being honest."
Ding took out the car keys, opened the suitcase, retrieved a document folder and $60,000 in cash, and placed them on the coffee table. He said, "Take this car back with you and get it registered in Chengdu. It has two computers inside, which you can use. Here's $60,000. Let me make this clear: this amount is strictly earmarked. Use $10,000 for the car's upkeep and $50,000 for emergencies, like if our parents fall seriously ill. This money must remain untouched."
Xie Hui nodded. "Brother, I understand your intentions. With Mom and Dad getting older, it's good to have this security. Life back home is fine; we don't really need much money."
Qiuhong said, "Brother, you should really visit home sometime."
Ding replied, "Maybe in a while."
Disappointment clouded Qiuhong's face. She said, "Brother, I want to renovate the teahouse, but Dad doesn't agree. Can you talk to him for me? Just a phone call—your opinion carries weight with him."
Ding said, "I don't agree either. It's not because the teahouse belongs to Dad, but because you've elevated the threshold too much. Ordinary patrons can't afford it anymore, and its grassroots charm has disappeared.
"Dad's run the teahouse for years; he knows how much it's worth. Turning it into a high-end venue, relying solely on a cup of tea, won't attract the kind of big spenders you're imagining."
Qiuhong said softly, "Brother, you don't need to say more. I understand."
Xie Hui said, "Brother, you must be busy after just returning. No need to stay here with us. We've packed everything and will leave after checking out."
Qiuhong echoed, "You go ahead with your work. Brother Han knows we're leaving today. Since he's in a meeting, we won't bother saying goodbye. Please thank him for us."
Ding closed the suitcase and said, "Alright, I won't see you off. Drive carefully on the way home, and let me know when you arrive safely."
As they spoke, everyone stood up.
Qiuhong said to her husband, "You two keep an eye on our things here. I'll walk my brother downstairs."
She accompanied Ding to the ground floor.
As they passed the car, Ding paused and pointed to it. "That's the car."
At the roadside, while hailing a cab, Qiuhong asked with concern, "Brother, you're not going home—is everything alright? You can tell me if something's troubling you."
Ding replied, "No, I just want some time alone to clear my head."
Qiuhong said, "As long as you're okay, we'll be at ease."
A taxi pulled up. After bidding farewell, Ding got in and headed to Rongtai Office Building.
3
The private equity fund's office was located on the sixth floor of a gray-and-white old-style office building. This unassuming structure housed a multitude of small companies, each renting different sections of the premises. Various company signs hung outside the building, but since the private equity fund wasn't a registered legal entity, its name wasn't among them.
A moving company's truck was parked outside the building, empty and with no one in sight. A black BMW sat next to it, but the driver, Xiao Zhao, was nowhere to be found.
Ding Yuanying entered the office to find Xiao Yawen directing movers as they dismantled and packed modular office furniture. Meanwhile, she and Xiao Zhao were packing files into a large cardboard box. The once tidy office was now a mess—discarded paper scattered across the floor, creating a desolate scene of abandonment.
Seeing Ding walk in, Xiao Yawen instinctively stopped what she was doing. She stood up, her outward composure failing to conceal a faint sense of loss in her gaze. She walked over, took the suitcase from Ding's hand, and smiled bitterly. "I still can't believe it's all over."
Ding replied, "Haven't you seen a company shut down before?"
Xiao said, "Not like this. This is my first time working for a 'non-company,' and it's also my first time losing a job this way."
Ding said, "If there's an opening, there's bound to be a closing—it's just the cycle of things. Ours was just a bit shorter than most."
Carrying the suitcase in one hand, Xiao retrieved her handbag from the box and walked into the inner office.
Xiao Zhao turned to Ding and said, "Brother Ding, Liu wouldn't let us give him a ride. He insisted on leaving by himself."
Ding crouched down and started helping to organize the files.
A moment later, Xiao returned from the inner office and placed her handbag and the suitcase to one side of the box. She said softly, "The exchanged money is in the box—166,000 RMB."
Noticing Ding crouched on the floor, she brought over a bundle of magazines and placed them next to him. "Mr. Ding, sit on this. Since you have some time now, let me go over the rental expenses for the old city property."
Ding nodded. "Sure."
Xiao pulled out an itemized bill and a stack of cash from her bag and handed them to Ding. The breakdown read:
Prepaid one year's rent: 7,200 RMBPrepaid utilities (water, electricity, heating) deposit: 2,000 RMBTieguanyin tea, 20 jin: 6,400 RMBClassical symphony CDs: 3,100 RMB555 cigarettes, 40 cartons: 3,800 RMBInternet setup fee: 1,200 RMBLong-distance moving expenses: 800 RMBDoor lock replacement and miscellaneous: 300 RMB
Total: 24,800 RMB
Remaining: 5,200 RMB
After glancing over the bill, Ding said, "Put it in the box."
Xiao placed the bill and cash into the box, then asked, "Mr. Ding, aren't you going to ask me about my future plans?"
Ding replied, "That wouldn't be polite."
Xiao said, "I've worked at two other companies before this. Both times when I left, the bosses asked about my plans—it's just common courtesy."
Ding smiled faintly. "I'm not familiar with that etiquette. What are your plans?"
Xiao waved dismissively. "Forget it. That's all superficial anyway."
As they spoke, a woman in her thirties entered the office. She had a refined appearance and was dressed elegantly. Her name was Chen Ru, Han Chufeng's wife. Although she wore a smile, there was a hint of unease on her face.
Xiao Zhao stood up immediately and asked in surprise, "Sister-in-law, what brings you here?"
Standing at the door, Chen Ru replied casually, "Nothing much. I just came to check in. I was worried there might be too much stuff for the basement to hold, so I came to see if we'd need to find a larger storage space."
Ding stood and greeted her. "Sister-in-law, you didn't have to trouble yourself over such a minor matter."
Chen Ru glanced around and said, "It's just modular furniture. Once it's disassembled, there won't be much left—it should fit. You've been so busy lately, like you're fighting a war."
Ding smiled. "Once the operation is wrapped up, I'll have nothing to keep me busy."
Chen Ru lingered for a moment, then said, "I see there's nothing I can help with, so I'll head back."
Ding gestured to the cluttered room. "You see how cramped it is—there's barely space to stand."
Chen Ru nodded politely to Xiao Yawen and Xiao Zhao as a greeting, then turned and left.
Ding followed her to the stairwell and stopped. "Sister-in-law, is there something on your mind?"
Chen Ru hesitated, looking troubled. "Yuanying, I felt bad coming to you right after you got off the plane, but Chufeng said you're leaving Beijing once everything here is wrapped up. So I figured I'd better come early."
Ding said, "If nothing urgent comes up, I plan to leave tomorrow. What's the matter?"
Chen Ru sighed. "It's my brother again. He got into a fight at a karaoke bar and slashed someone's face—left a scar. I've visited the victim several times at the hospital, and they've agreed to settle privately. Chufeng already disapproves of my brother, so I don't want him to know about this. Chufeng's position doesn't allow for personal favors, and I can't ask anyone else for help. You're my only option."
Ding asked, "How much do they want?"
Chen Ru replied, "200,000 RMB."
Ding had less than 180,000 RMB on hand—his savings to sustain himself for the next few years. After careful thought, he said, "I'm sorry, Sister-in-law. I can only give you 150,000."
Chen Ru said, "That'll do. I have a bit of money myself."
Ding said, "Hold on. I'll get it for you now. I'm supposed to meet Chufeng for drinks tonight, so I might not have time later."
Chen Ru said, "Xiao Zhao's here—it wouldn't be ideal for you to go back for money. Just have Ms. Xiao give me a call and arrange a time and place for me to pick it up."
Ding nodded. "Alright."
Chen Ru handed him a piece of paper with her phone number, then left.
Ding returned to the office and continued sorting through the items.
The movers spent over three hours loading the truck. After the property manager inspected the office, Xiao finalized the lease termination. The two cars then drove in tandem toward Ding's temporary residence.
By now, the sky was completely dark. The interplay of headlights, streetlights, and neon signs transformed Beijing's streets into a dazzling sea of lights.
4
Ding Yuanying's temporary residence in Beijing was one of Han Chufeng's other properties. Located in a residential complex on the north side of the Haidian Teachers' School, the apartment was on the third floor, covering over 80 square meters, with an additional 15-square-meter basement.
The moving company's truck entered the complex and parked outside Ding's building.
Ding said, "Hold on, let me figure out where to place everything. Xiao Zhao, stay upstairs and keep an eye on the items. Yawen, could you help me bring the suitcase down?" With that, he headed down the stairs to the basement.
Ding unlocked the iron door to the basement, with Xiao Yawen carrying the suitcase behind him. Once inside, Ding took out a slip of paper with a phone number from his pocket and retrieved a stack of cash from the suitcase. He handed both to Xiao and said, "Chen Ru's brother got into a fight and injured someone. They're waiting on this money to settle the matter, and she doesn't want Chufeng to know. Once we're done here, have Xiao Zhao take you back. Call Chen Ru and arrange to meet her, then hand over the 150,000 RMB."
Xiao Yawen reminded him, "That leaves you with just over 20,000 RMB in the suitcase."
Ding replied, "That'll do."
Placing the phone number and cash into her handbag, Xiao said with a smirk, "Mr. Ding, your money really lives up to the saying—gone before it's even warmed in your hands."
Ding placed the suitcase against the wall and said, "Go upstairs and tell them to start unloading."
Xiao returned to direct the movers, and the workers quickly began unloading the truck.
Halfway through the unloading, a white Honda drove into the complex. Noticing the car, Xiao Zhao said, "Mr. Han's here," and immediately went to greet him.
Xiao Yawen also stepped forward, smiling. "Mr. Han, you're here."
Han Chufeng, 39 years old and a Beijing native, held a PhD in Business Administration from Humboldt University in Berlin. He was the General Manager of Zhengtian Commercial Building under the Zhengtian Group. Tall and broad-shouldered, his chiseled features were framed by a few sparse strands of hair on his forehead. Wearing a moon-white casual shirt with the buttons undone to reveal a vest, he exuded a relaxed yet commanding air.
Han got out of the car and asked, "Where's Yuanying?"
Xiao replied, "He's in the basement. Shall I call him?"
Glancing at the truck, nearly empty, Han said, "No need. You're almost done. Is Yuanying still set to leave tomorrow?"
Xiao nodded. "Yes. He's been busy since he got off the plane—hasn't even had a sip of water. Everything's already been moved to the old city. He's probably not used to being here without tea or his audio system."
Han asked casually, "Why did you pick the old city for him?"
Xiao smiled. "No matter which city I picked, you'd probably ask the same question. I have a friend on the criminal police team in the old city—someone reliable who can look out for him if needed."
In the basement, Ding was positioning the last item with the movers. After paying the moving company's fee, he locked the iron door and carried his suitcase upstairs. Xiao stepped forward to take it from him.
The moving truck drove away.
Han asked, "Did Qiuhong and her family leave?"
Ding replied, "They left and asked me to pass on their thanks to you."
Han waved it off. "Oh, come on. And you? Leaving tomorrow?"
Ding nodded. "Yes."
Han said, "Then it's all set—Xiao Zhao and Director Ma will take you to the station. Bring your change of clothes with you now, so you can leave directly from the hotel tomorrow. I've already booked two rooms."
Ding paused, confused. "What are the rooms for?"
Han grinned. "For drinking, of course. If we get drunk, we can just crash there. Saves the hassle."
Ding chuckled. "Alcohol's a real willpower killer. Drink too much, and you end up spouting nonsense."
Han replied, "That's the point of a drinking session—to say all the nonsense you wouldn't otherwise. Otherwise, we might as well just have tea."
Ding handed his keys to Xiao Zhao and said, "Go upstairs and grab the travel bag from the bedside table—it has my change of clothes. No need for me to go up."
Xiao Zhao nodded and headed upstairs.
Xiao Yawen asked, "Mr. Ding, what time are you leaving tomorrow? I'd like to see you off."
Ding replied, "You've got the address—no need to trouble yourself. You've worked hard all year. Take some time to rest."
Xiao smiled wryly. "Mr. Ding, your tea gets cold way too fast. You're not even giving me a chance to butter you up."
Ding said, "No point in buttering me up—it wouldn't work anyway."
Xiao teased, "Well, if I take the flattery out of it, that gives me even more reason to go."
Han chimed in, "Let her come if she wants to. Wait for a call tomorrow, and we'll pick you up on the way. Yawen's a good kid—very thoughtful."
Xiao Yawen quickly said, "Thank you, Mr. Han."
Xiao Zhao returned with the travel bag and handed the keys back to Ding.
Ding said, "Put the records, suitcase, and clothes in the car. That way, we won't need to come back tomorrow." Then, handing the keys to Han, he added, "Returning this to its rightful owner."
Xiao Zhao and Xiao Yawen got into the BMW, while Ding and Han got into the Honda. The two cars drove out of the complex—one taking Xiao Yawen back to her apartment, and the other heading to the Zhengtian Hotel.
5
The car was driving on the broad Chang'an Avenue. Ding Yuanying was sitting in the passenger seat. He lit a cigarette and took a deep puff. The thick smoke immediately filled the car and then was blown away by the cool wind, which was extremely pleasant.
Han Chufeng frowned and sighed, "I'm still bothered by that matter. I had meetings all day today and felt as if I'd taken rat poison."
"That matter" refers to the death of the president of Zhengtian Group, who nominated Han Chufeng as the candidate for president in his will to the board of directors. The former president was the most prestigious figure in Zhengtian Group, and the weight of the will's nomination can be imagined. However, nomination is not equal to resolution. The two vice presidents are natural candidates, which has caused quite a stir in the senior management of Zhengtian Group.
Ding Yuanying did not pick up Han Chufeng's words. Such a matter is no small thing, and only the parties involved can comment.
The car passed through Tian'anmen Square. Han Chufeng patted the steering wheel and said, "This round of private equity funds was great. It would've been better if we'd financed from domestic sources at the beginning. Financing from Germany has harsh capital conditions, and the constant currency exchanges make the cost too high." Putting aside the matter that bothered him, his tightly knitted brows relaxed, and his voice revealed some uncontrollable excitement.
Ding Yuanying looked at the brightly lit street outside the car window and said, "Domestic credit is a problem. Private equity funds are a business without support. While doing business, you have to be prepared to fight, and also have to keep an eye on the government's stance."
Han Chufeng said with a smile, "I didn't expect Zheng Jianshi to vote for you with an immoral motive."
Ding Yuanying also smiled faintly and said, "Jianshi judges kinship and strangers based on his heart and reason, which is in line with the original intention of Buddhism. But in his Buddhist roots, there is only a melting point but no true wisdom. So he thinks that I won't lose my virtue for one silver ingot, but will murder for fortune when it comes to a jar of silver ingots. His kind of Buddhism is about cultivating the right fruit in the afterlife. He still needs to consult the Buddha more."
Han Chufeng asked, "What about you?"
Ding Yuanying said, "Me? I don't want to achieve the right fruit anymore. It's all settled."
Han Chufeng glanced at Ding Yuanying and said, "Some people call you a traitor, saying that you brought the German devils to plunder the Chinese and used international hot money to disrupt the domestic financing market."
Ding Yuanying said expressionlessly, "A traitor is still a human being at least. It's better than being called not a human being. I should be content."
...
Zhengtian Hotel is a five-star hotel under Zhengtian Group. It is located in a prosperous business district, with the architectural style of the ancient Roman palace. The parking plaza is broad and grand, and the lobby is resplendent everywhere, having both elegant charm and kingly demeanor.
Han Chufeng parked the car, and the two entered the hotel. Ding Yuanying waited at the elevator entrance for a while. Han Chufeng went to the front desk to get the keys of two rooms and they went up to the 16th floor together and opened Room 7 and Room 9. These are two single suites. The price of each suite is 2,400 yuan. Han Chufeng enjoys the member price with a 50% discount, so the actual price is only 1,200 yuan.
Han Chufeng asked the waiter to take out the menu in the room. He picked four Tan family dishes and two cold dishes for drinking from the menu and ordered two bottles of Moutai and four packs of Sanwu cigarettes and handed them to the waiter to handle.
Ding Yuanying came to Han Chufeng's room. The central air conditioner controlled the temperature in the room at about 23 degrees Celsius, making people feel very comfortable. The two sat face to face at the large square coffee table in the living room and made tea.
Han Chufeng lit a cigarette and explained, "I'm not showing off. Under the feet of the emperor and on the land of the dragon, I, Han Chufeng, am not a big deal. I just want to find a place to drink and talk freely. There are three things today, and I won't beat around the bush."
Ding Yuanying pondered slightly and said, "That matter is not something I can comment on."
Han Chufeng said, "I forgive you, and you're not guilty."
Ding Yuanying smiled faintly and said, "Just one word 'forgive', and I'm already guilty."
Han Chufeng said with some puzzlement, "Yuanying, you've changed a lot in recent years and become more and more low-key and taciturn. Where did your previous sharpness go?"
After chatting for a while, the restaurant waiter pushed a dining cart to deliver the wine, dishes, and tableware, and a table of exquisite banquet was set up in an instant. The four dishes were respectively clear soup bird's nest, braised shark fin, arhat prawn, and steamed white fish, all of which were the signature dishes of the Tan family cuisine. The Tan family cuisine uses a lot of ingredients and pays attention to the heat, emphasizing the original flavor and is one of the most famous official cuisines in China.
Han Chufeng poured two glasses of wine and raised his glass and said, "For the first thing, I earned 1.88 million marks from this round of private equity funds. I won't say thank you. Just one word, cheers!"
The two clinked glasses three times, and a small half of the wine in the bottle was gone in an instant.
After eating a few mouthfuls of dishes to suppress the wine, Han Chufeng continued, "For the second thing, I still have to talk about that matter. I've told you a lot about the situation of Zhengtian. Whether to compete or not, you've already expressed your attitude by not speaking. I just want to know the reason for your 'not competing'. If you don't say it, you're really guilty."
Ding Yuanying said, "For this matter, it may be more likely to win if you step back and let the two vice presidents go first, but there's also the possibility of miscalculation. It's just that the matter is of great importance, and I can't afford this mistake."
Han Chufeng smiled indifferently and said, "I haven't even picked it up. How can I put it down?"
Ding Yuanying picked up the wine and drank a glass by himself and said, "The old president trusted you in handling affairs, but the board of directors may not. The board of directors is not concerned about the old president's will but the profit. At the same time, there's also a seniority problem, which is also a potential obstacle for you. Take a step back and let the contradiction between the two vice presidents become the main contradiction and let them consume each other. When they fight to the point of mutual destruction, the enterprise will inevitably suffer losses. There's a comparison between the decrease and increase. When the board of directors sees clearly who is competing for power and who is doing things, you'll naturally become the one everyone expects, and you may be able to establish real authority. Otherwise, as soon as you step onto the stage, you'll prompt them to form an alliance first, and you're very likely to be the first sacrifice."
Han Chufeng asked, "What if they don't consume each other?"
Ding Yuanying said, "This is the cultural attribute, and it doesn't change with their will."
Han Chufeng pondered for a moment and said, "Let's make a bet. It'll be a story in the future. Let's bet on my car. That BMW is discounted by 70% and priced at 700,000. How about that?"
Ding Yuanying said, "As you like. If I bet, I'll bet five to one."
Han Chufeng asked, "Are you so sure?"
Ding Yuanying said, "It's not that I'm sure, but the odds of winning are a bit higher, and it's fair."
Han Chufeng poured the wine and said with a smile, "The annual salary of the president is more than 600,000. Even if I become the president, I may not be able to hold the position for more than five years. If I win, I win. If I lose, I still win. What else is there to say? Let's have three more glasses!"
The two clinked glasses three times again, and there was little wine left in the bottle, and Ding Yuanying was already a bit drunk.
Han Chufeng said, "For the third thing, the private equity funds are on the upswing of making profits, but you stopped it as you said. Jenny is the biggest beneficiary, and she doesn't object, and I can't say anything more. What a good way to make money. There's no need for factories or machines, and there are no environmental restrictions and labor disputes, but you stopped it as you said. Why?"
Ding Yuanying said, "Private equity funds are like taking meat from the wolf's mouth. You have to stop when it's appropriate. Otherwise, they'll turn on you."
Han Chufeng frowned and poured two glasses of wine and pushed one forward and said, "Yuanying, am I really so vulgar that we can't communicate?"
Ding Yuanying lit a cigarette and said, "If I say more, it won't be human language."
Han Chufeng said with a smile, "If it's not human language, I have to listen more."
Ding Yuanying was silent for a long time and said, "I always have a sense of inferiority towards Chinese traditional culture and I always feel out of place. I just want to find a place to stay alone, without any ideology, no conflict of concepts, and without interfering with each other. In the past, I couldn't do it. Now that I have some money, it's possible."
Han Chufeng frowned and thought for a moment and said, "It doesn't sound like human language."
The two drank another glass of wine each. Ding Yuanying put down his glass and exhaled a thick puff of smoke and said, "It is said that the business field is like a battlefield, but this battle of private equity funds can't be fought anymore. It's not a battle but a massacre. Why has China's stock market become a cash machine? Whoever deciphers the cultural password can open the box and take the money. Ignorance is indeed a social resource for the wise, but the more benefits one obtains by using this resource, the more uncomfortable one feels. At this time, you don't need to go to New York or Berlin. Just standing on the Great Wall, you'll think that I'm Chinese."
Han Chufeng nodded and sighed, "Yes, even you, a rogue of the underworld, can't do it. Buddhism talks about nirvana, which is the Buddha's realm. For our mortal bodies, silence should also be a realm."
Ding Yuanying said self-mockingly, "What kind of realm is this? Resentful yet submissive. I myself am moderate and harmonious. How can I comment on the Tao of our ancestors? Once I comment, I'm even less of a thing."
Han Chufeng said, "In fact, who doesn't want to be quiet? But everything around you pushes you to drift with the tide, and you can't help yourself. Think about it carefully. In such a big city as Beijing, it's really hard to find a corner to relax."
Ding Yuanying said, "Beijing is like a gold rush field. Everyone thinks that they're the descendants of dragons and phoenixes. It's too noisy."
Han Chufeng poured himself a glass of wine and drank it in one gulp and said, "Your prejudice against traditional culture has penetrated to the bone. It's a circle that doesn't listen to anything, and there are so many sacred words waiting for you, and it's so practical."
Ding Yuanying said, "Our nation always claims to have culture, but forgets to ask: What kind of culture is it? Is it the culture of truth and reality or the weak culture? Is it the culture that conforms to the law of things or the culture that goes against the law of things? Any kind of fate is ultimately the product of that cultural attribute and doesn't change with people's will."
Han Chufeng poured the wine again. Just a few drops were poured out and the bottle was empty. So he opened another bottle and filled a glass for each of them. He clinked glasses with Ding Yuanying and drank it in one gulp and put the glass on the table and said, "The term 'cultural attribute' is well put and hits the point."
Ding Yuanying said, "Reform and opening up, crossing the river by feeling the stones. We rushed into the battlefield without knowing what was going on and had to survive first. When we calmed down, the times had changed, and it was really poverty that led to change. But after all, China is a stage where political culture sets the stage and traditional culture performs. I don't know how far the things of our ancestors can support this ship."
Han Chufeng said, "So we need to change our concepts."
Ding Yuanying said, "Is it to change the concept of political culture or the concept of traditional culture? Are traditional culture and traditional concepts two cakes in the same oven? If our culture meets the requirements of the development of productive forces, then there's no need to change the concept. Let the Chinese be the banker and let others connect with us. We always hide in the house and sing 'My Chinese Heart'. How sad!"
Han Chufeng leaned back slightly on the sofa and said, "The drastic changes in Eastern Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall... The world pattern has changed greatly. China's politics is based on both Marxism and traditional culture. The requirement of changing concepts has plunged both into a theoretical vacuum and there's no landing point."
Ding Yuanying said, "The truth of Marxism boils down to one sentence: The objective law does not change with people's will. What is the objective law? It also boils down to one sentence: Everything changes with time, place, and conditions."
Han Chufeng poured two more glasses of wine and clinked glasses with Ding Yuanying and drank it in one gulp and said comfortably, "Great! Great! Only when the wine is drunk to this extent can we taste a little bit of it."
Ding Yuanying's alcohol capacity couldn't compare with Han Chufeng's. The hand holding the wine glass had begun to shake. He just finished drinking a glass and poured himself another glass and drank it in one gulp and put the glass down out of control and said, "Today, you and I, in such roles, are also so bold as to talk about culture. We're no longer things. So we just rant like fishwives."
Han Chufeng laughed out loud and made a very gentlemanly gesture and said, "Please! Please!"
Ding Yuanying said drunkenly, "Chinese traditional culture is a culture of great imperial grace. Its practicality is based on the prerequisite that the emperor is above. Why is China poor? It's poor because of the childish thinking and the culture of expecting the savior and the grace of salvation. This is a value judgment system that penetrates to the bone of the nation. It's too terrible."
Han Chufeng's heart suddenly twitched and he couldn't laugh anymore. His alcohol capacity was much larger than Ding Yuanying's. At this time, he calmly poured two glasses of wine, handed one to Ding Yuanying without shaking his hand or the wine and picked up one himself, clinked glasses and drank it in one gulp and then quietly looked at him. After a while, he said only one sentence, "Brother, I'll draw a circle for you with the words of a philosopher. You just stay in it. Once you make a sound, you'll be buried alive by another voice."
Ding Yuanying asked, "What circle?"
Han Chufeng didn't answer, and in his mind he was thinking of a sentence of Nietzsche: The higher philosopher lives alone. This is not because he wants to be lonely, but because he can't find his kind around him.