Chapter 436: The Consensus Between the Old Fox and the Little Fox

Zhao Xiao’an was shocked by how direct Wang Chenning was—he wanted Grandpa Zhao to give him his full support.

Not only was her grandfather not angry, he even agreed on the spot, promising he would do everything in his power to help him.

How could she not be surprised that the two men were speaking so frankly with each other?

But she didn’t ask any questions. Instead, she tactfully got up to prepare tea and snacks for the two men.

After Zhao Xiao’an left, Zhao Jiefang asked Wang Chenning directly, “Why do you have this idea?”

“It’s no longer possible to emulate the great generals of old and conquer the world. After much thought, I realized I can only achieve my goals through a more indirect approach,” Wang Chenning replied with a smile. “And the more I test the waters, the more I feel this idea could succeed. In this day and age, the economic base often determines the superstructure. If it doesn’t, it just means you don’t have enough money. I’m confident that my deep expertise in traditional medicine can make me a lot of money. And that money, used as sugar-coated bullets, might just accomplish what warships and cannons cannot.”

After a pause, he added, “You have to have a dream. What if it actually comes true?”

Zhao Jiefang nodded lightly and asked, “These agents you choose—do you think you can keep them under control forever?”

“I’ve successfully developed a drug that can help me achieve this,” Wang Chenning admitted frankly. “This drug is extremely difficult to produce, and the person taking it must have frequent contact with me throughout the treatment. On top of that, I must achieve enough in my own right to make them admire me from the depths of their hearts. All these factors combined should be enough to ensure their absolute loyalty.”

Wang Chenning’s words made Zhao Jiefang’s expression change slightly.

Wang Chenning quickly added, “This drug has to be customized for each individual. The raw materials are incredibly rare, and the treatment cycle is very long, so it’s impossible to mass-produce!”

Zhao Jiefang’s expression relaxed a little. He nodded lightly again. “Since you have a plan and you think the chances of success are high, then go for it. You can tell me whatever ideas or requests you have. But whether you succeed or fail, you must remember one thing: you can never act against the interests of the Zhao family!”

“You can rest completely assured on that point, Grandpa Zhao,” Wang Chenning said with great sincerity. “I am incredibly grateful for your patronage, and for Xiao’an’s deep affection for me. I would never scheme against the Zhao family, no matter the circumstances. In the future, should the Zhao family ever need my help, I will do whatever is asked of me without hesitation.”

“Good.” Zhao Jiefang broke into a smile and asked Wang Chenning, “Then, do you want to marry Xiao’an?”

“To be honest, I’m not thinking about marrying anyone right now,” Wang Chenning answered frankly. “I came to Yandu to build a legacy. It might sound a bit pretentious to echo Huo Qubing’s grand declaration, ‘How can I settle down before the Xiongnu are defeated?’ but I genuinely want to leave my mark on history. Who I marry could certainly help me to a degree, but it would also become a constraint. So, for the next few years at least, I don’t want to think about marriage. If I do get married one day, it will be for practical reasons, not necessarily for love. The emotional aspect of marriage isn’t as important as people think, and I’m sure you understand that, Grandpa Zhao.”

Zhao Jiefang remained expressionless, listening quietly as Wang Chenning continued.

Wang Chenning added, “If I were to marry Xiao’an now, I wouldn’t be able to do many of the things I have planned. She would undoubtedly become a major constraint on me, and it could ultimately ruin our relationship.”

“We also feel it would be inappropriate for you two to marry right now,” Zhao Jiefang said, his face impassive. “But you can continue to be good friends, helping and encouraging one another. Once you’ve both fully matured, you can reconsider whether or not you want to build a family together.”

Wang Chenning’s eyes narrowed slightly at Zhao Jiefang’s words.

He understood the underlying meaning of Zhao Jiefang’s words but chose not to say anything.

‘Grandpa Zhao’s thinking is quite progressive. Or maybe it’s just pragmatic. He’s willing to sacrifice the feelings and happiness of his own descendants, as long as it benefits the family’s prosperity and growth.’

Having grasped the old man’s true meaning, Wang Chenning felt many of his own reservations disappear.

He told him about his collaboration with Yang Xiaofei, his scheme with Luo Yuqing, and his plans to deal with Li Fuzhen and Li Yanxian.

“You kid, you really have a lot of tricks up your sleeve!” Zhao Jiefang couldn’t help but exclaim after listening. “With a mind like yours and so many methods at your disposal, how can those other people even hope to compete with you?”

“Grandpa Zhao, I’ll enjoy playing the game with them. We’ll see who’s really on top!” Wang Chenning said with a laugh. “Completely breaking some of them and then recruiting them to my side will be a huge help to me, and to the Zhao family! Li Mingchao and the Li family are just the first test. I hope it will be a success.”

The more he spoke with Wang Chenning, the more Zhao Jiefang felt the young man’s ideas were both practical and viable. Considering Wang Chenning’s past actions, Zhao Jiefang’s approval of him grew.

And when Wang Chenning mentioned how he could leverage his exceptional medical skills to build a powerful network of contacts, Zhao Jiefang found himself even more impressed.

As he was preparing to receive Wang Chenning’s treatment, he said, “Whatever ideas and plans you have, just go and do them. Don’t worry about Xiao’an raising objections. If she’s unhappy, I’ll persuade her myself.”

Though Wang Chenning felt a pang of guilt, he still expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Grandpa Zhao.”

‘Now, he could truly act without any reservations.’