356: Chapter 353 Each on Their Own Path

Having such things said about him by a person like Wan Qianhe, Li Changsheng felt somewhat undeserving.

However, just at this moment, Zhang Zhao, who was standing nearby, became a bit displeased.

"Hey, Old Wan, what's that supposed to mean? What? Am I, Old Zhang, not good enough for you?"

Zhang Zhao was a bit annoyed; he put down the barbell and glared at Wan Qianhe.

The other man cast a disdainful glance at Zhang Zhao, snorted, and turned his head away. "I have no interest in associating with you. You are too calculating; I'm afraid I'd be sold by you and still end up counting the money for you."

"You... slander! Pure slander!"

Zhang Zhao was furious. Wasn't this just blatantly lying?

He, Zhang Zhao, was an upright and honest man; his actions were straight and his conduct was correct. How could he possibly be the type of petty person who enjoyed scheming?

Li Changsheng couldn't help but chuckle. This Old Zhang really had that certain vibe to him.

They were both descendants of famous masters, but the difference between them was truly undeniable.

But thinking about it carefully, Master Wan's ancestors were truly upright and served the country and the people, whereas Old Zhang's ancestors were indeed a bit less honorable.

"By the way, Master Zhang, what do you plan to do after returning to the country?"

Li Changsheng looked at Zhang Zhao, curious about what plans someone with his personality would have upon returning.

"What do I plan to do? What else can I do?"

Zhang Zhao helplessly spread his hands, as if thinking of something troubling. "I really don't know what to do when I go back. I originally came abroad to make money—make big money—and then return home to live like an ordinary person."

"But the result... I looked into it, damn it, the company was unscrupulous, all my money was frozen, and the US dollars I earned while with Durant were all frozen too."

"Game over! Game over! It's completely over. I don't even have enough money for the travel expenses back home."

He was utterly depressed. This trip abroad was a total loss—a loss so great it defied belief.

Li Changsheng had already anticipated this. After thinking for a moment, he said, "If I give you one million, could you open a martial arts school? Consider it an investment from me. If it goes well, I will increase my investment later."

"Really? Master Li, please don't lie to me. I, Old Zhang, am an honest man. If you say that, I'm very likely to take it seriously."

Seeing Old Zhang's enthusiastic expression, Li Changsheng knew that the man likely had the idea of fleecing him all along.

He reckoned that even if he hadn't brought it up, this guy would have found a way to borrow some money.

But how on earth did this guy know he had money?

Zhou Sheng certainly wouldn't tell outsiders about that.

Looking at Zhang Zhao, Li Changsheng felt that this seemingly simple and bold Old Zhang was actually a shrewd person.

He probably noticed that the car he rode in was different from theirs. While he might not have guessed whether there was a bonus, he was definitely certain that he had some money.

"Fine, I said I would invest in you. But you need to produce some results. One year—I'll give you one year. I don't need to see much revenue, but you must build up the reputation of the martial arts school for me."

"Don't worry!"

Zhang Zhao thumped his chest loudly and chuckled, "Master Li, don't look at me like I'm just a brute; when it comes to operations, I'm familiar with that."

"First, I'll teach a few students some Hard Qigong and Iron Sand Palm, start a livestream to perform breaking bricks with bare hands, and then train some combat apprentices to participate in various major Traditional Martial Arts competitions in the country. Whatever competition it is, once I, Old Zhang, make a move, it's a championship."

"That's quite a bold claim!"

Li Changsheng smiled. He didn't mind this kind of investment. If it succeeded, he would consider it a contribution to promoting Traditional Martial Arts, and he could earn some money too.

If it didn't work out, it was fine; he would just consider it a way to make an acquaintance.

"By the way, Master Wan, are you short on money?"

Li Changsheng didn't really have any urgent need for money. Having perfectly completed his mission, his grandmother's future medical care and security were guaranteed by his superiors, and he didn't have any need for large sums of money.

"I'm not short on it. My family is very wealthy. I've forgotten exactly how much, but in any case, I'm not short on it."

Wan Qianhe shook his head. He really wasn't short on money.

After all, his ancestors had a good reputation in modern times, and there was much support from the authorities. Many local martial arts associations even invited his family members to hold honorary titles, and just by holding those titles, they didn't have to worry about food or drink each year.

Without realizing it, they had been on the ship for nearly a month, and gradually, a few more figures appeared in the gym.

Old Chen was probably bored of seeing the same things; there were only so many beautiful women on the ship, perfectly highlighting his fickleness.

Li Changsheng felt that while he couldn't vouch for anything else about this guy, he certainly wasn't the type to use money to flirt around; he was mostly just looking to feast his eyes.

It made sense; at the research base, there were few women to begin with, and beautiful women were even rarer.

Before, he used to stare at the consultant, Ms. Lux, often, but gradually, he grew tired of looking at her too.

Besides him, Zhou Sheng also appeared in the gym, though he was lazy. He came purely to sleep, or he would just squat on the floor, reading the fortunes of passersby, muttering incoherently.

But most of the time, he just looked like he was yawning continuously. Li Changsheng was a bit confused, but Old Chen revealed the truth.

"Hey, this guy Old Zhou must be out of medicine. Once he finishes it, he looks like this. Watch, if he doesn't get any more medicine soon, he'll just end up sleeping all day."

"According to him, he is imitating the Old Ancestor Chen Tuan."

Li Changsheng felt somewhat helpless. Old Zhou was actually a pretty decent guy, but he was stubborn and refused to listen to any advice.

Gradually, the cruise ship had left Hawaii for several days, and today happened to be the day it docked in Hong Kong.

Early this morning, just as Li Changsheng was preparing to go out, he saw Brother Jie waiting at the door.

Over these past few days, Li Changsheng had occasionally helped Brother Jie with Massage. Now, the man could walk freely and looked no different from a healthy person of his age, with a rosy complexion and good color.

"Master Li, I'll be getting off the ship soon. Who knows when we'll meet again after today? This is my business card and my address in Hong Kong and Beijing."

"I don't know..."

Seeing this, Li Changsheng smiled and also recited his address and phone number in the country.

"Master Li, then it's settled. Give me a call when you have time, and if I'm in the mainland, we'll get together."

"Alright!"

"Until we meet again in the Jianghu, Master Li!"

As he said this, Brother Jie smiled and cupped his hands in a salute toward Li Changsheng, who returned the gesture.

In the moment of turning to leave, Brother Jie looked left and right, then lowered his voice. "Master Li, try not to offend Boss Ma too much. Although a master like you doesn't need to care about a businessman like him, it's best not to offend such people if you can avoid it."

"Of course, Master Li, it's your decision. I'm just saying—Boss Ma is actually decent to us people in the martial arts circle. Just use your own judgment."

With that, Brother Jie waved his hand and, accompanied by his caregiver, walked toward the outside of the cabin.

Seeing this, Li Changsheng smiled and shook his head.

Boss Ma had indeed approached him a few times recently. He probably heard from the people around that he had some skills and wanted to befriend him, but Li Changsheng had consistently declined.

He had asked a few times, and it was the same every time, but recently, he had quieted down.