Chapter 328: Honorary Advisor

The final results of the "Pangu" project by the Huaxia Strategic Investment Fund far exceeded even the most optimistic estimates.
The final settlement amount reached a staggering eight trillion yuan!
When that astronomical profit report was placed on the oval conference table, the entire senior management of the Huaxia Strategic Investment Fund fell into a long, stunned silence.
They had won.
Wu Jianlin, with his sheer courage, had secured a tremendous strategic buffer for the nation!
However, the celebratory champagne was not opened.
A high-level internal inquiry meeting was held in the heavily guarded building.
Attending were not only the fund's decision-makers, but also several leaders who were usually only seen in the news.
The atmosphere was even more tense than the previous meeting.
Because this meeting was to discuss the final assessment of the "Pangu" project's merits and demerits.
"Comrade Wu Jianlin," the meeting was chaired by the very same old leader who had given him the "imperial sword."
His expression was calm, his gaze piercing.
"Regarding the unconventional operations of the Huaxia Strategic Investment Fund in the overseas market, the organization requires you to provide a comprehensive and honest explanation."
"Yes, sir."
Wu Jianlin stood up and, in the simplest of words, meticulously recounted the entire process of the "Pangu" project, frankly explaining each step.
From the initial contact with Fang Huan, to secretly building positions under immense internal pressure, and finally, the earth-shattering closing.
He offered no excuses for his "overstepping of authority" and "violation of discipline."
"...The completion of the project was inseparable from Fang Huan's excellent judgment and the tireless efforts of my team.
However, the decision-making process seriously violated organizational discipline and work procedures, and the responsibility lies entirely with me personally.
I am willing to bear all responsibility for this. I request the organization to deal with me seriously."
Wu Jianlin bowed deeply to everyone, taking all the blame upon himself.
Li Weidong stood up as well. This former staunchest opponent, his voice hoarse, said:
"Leader, I...I also need to make a self-criticism.
I was short-sighted back then, only seeing the risks, not the patriotic and people-oriented responsibility behind Secretary Wu's actions.
If, because of my obstruction, we missed this opportunity..."
The old leader waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.
"Comrade Li Weidong's thoughts actually represent the thoughts of the vast majority of comrades within our organization. This is the 'stabilizer' of our system, and it's not wrong."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"However, comrades, we must also admit that conventional 'stabilizers' cannot cope with unconventional 'storms.'
Comrade Wu Jianlin's 'crossing the line' is serious in nature. This door must never be opened, otherwise, if everyone follows suit, the country will cease to exist!"
The meeting room fell silent.
"But his 'achievements' are historic, worthy of being recorded in the national annals.
What he won for us was not just money, but also a huge strategic buffer for dealing with the complex international situation ahead.
This contribution cannot be erased by anyone."
The old leader's voice resonated firmly.
"Therefore, the organization's opinion is: merits should be rewarded handsomely; demerits should also be severely punished. Merits and demerits cannot be simply offset against each other."
Comrade Wu Jianlin's actions seriously violated organizational discipline and work procedures; their nature is extremely serious.
Such individualistic heroism and disorganized, undisciplined behavior must not be tolerated and must be used as a negative example to warn future generations!
His voice paused, then his tone shifted.
"However, we must also recognize that Comrade Wu Jianlin's starting point was for the national interest.
During a specific historical period, he, with extraordinary courage, secured valuable strategic space for the country.
His merits and demerits must be clearly distinguished, and the handling of this matter must be prudent."
A few days later.
The final decision was issued in the form of an internal confidential document:
I. All members of the "Pangu" Project team are hereby awarded the highest level of internal commendation.
II. In view of Comrade Wu Jianlin's outstanding contributions to the "Pangu" project and the procedural irregularities in the decision-making process, the organization, after comprehensive assessment, has decided to approve Comrade Wu Jianlin's application for early retirement, allowing him to enjoy his later years in peace.
This is a seemingly contradictory decision, yet one brimming with Eastern political wisdom.
It affirms the monumental achievement while upholding the absolute authority of the system.
It tells everyone: the nation needs heroes, but the nation needs discipline even more.
Wu Jianlin calmly accepted all of this.
His lifelong dedication, decades of unwavering public service, today came to a conclusion that appears controversial to outsiders, but is inwardly as weighty as Mount Tai.
As the document was issued, Wu Jianlin was invited to that familiar, simple study, where he met his former leader again.
Without the formality of the meeting, the old leader personally brewed him hot tea and spoke as if in casual conversation:
"Jianlin, do you... feel wronged?"
Wu Jianlin felt a surge of warmth and shook his head:
“You flatter me, sir. For the country and the people, how can I feel wronged?”
“I understand.” The old leader patted his hand, his gaze gentle yet profound.
“Your contributions will be remembered by the nation, by history.
But rules are rules. We ourselves must first wear this ‘golden hoop.’
This ‘bad guy’ role can only be played by me, by the organization.
Letting you retire early is also to protect you.”
Wu Jianlin nodded heavily.
“Rest well, spend time with your family, make up for what you’ve neglected them for these past decades.”
The old leader picked up his teacup, his tone shifting slightly, becoming more relaxed.
“By the way, I heard your son is doing well locally, a promising talent.
Young people need to go to the grassroots to hone their skills.
The road ahead is long, and the organization will be watching him.”
Wu Jianlin’s heart skipped a beat.
This seemingly ordinary encouragement carried immense weight.
This meant that all the sacrifices and contributions Wu Jianlin had made for the country had been repaid to him in another way.
It was a silent, highest-level reward!
"Thank you, leaders, thank you, organization..."
At this moment, this iron-fisted figure, decisive and ruthless on the financial battlefield, could no longer hold back, his eyes instantly reddening...
Leaving the courtyard that had changed the course of his life, Wu Jianlin felt only an unprecedented peace and relief.
As he packed up the last of his personal belongings and walked out of the building to which he had dedicated half his life, a car slowly pulled up beside him.
The window rolled down, revealing Su Hao's young and composed face.
"Uncle Wu," Su Hao's form of address had changed, "would you mind if we got in for a chat?"
Why was he here?
Wu Jianlin was somewhat surprised, but nodded nonetheless.
"I heard about the meeting's outcome." Inside the car, Su Hao's gaze held a complex respect.
"You staked your entire reputation on this project, taking all the responsibility for me and for this project."
"Not at all," Wu Jianlin smiled calmly.
"It was merely my duty. Chairman Su, you are the true mastermind; I was merely the one who authorized and took responsibility."
"No, without your trust and commitment, all my ideas would have been nothing but castles in the air.
You risked everything to trust me; I will remember that kindness. Thank you."
As he spoke, Su Hao handed him a document.
"This is..."
"This is the second phase of the 'Pangu' project's conceptual plan, along with a contract.
Following your previous suggestion, Fanghuan Investment has established a new company, 'Fanghuan Asset Management Company,' and we happen to be short of a lifetime honorary advisor."
Su Hao's eyes gleamed.
"Although you have left your post, your experience and wisdom are the nation's most valuable assets.
I hope to consult with you frequently in the future."
"What?"
Wu Jianlin subconsciously flipped open the contract, his gaze falling on the striking text on the page.
Salary.
When he saw the dizzying string of numbers, his hand trembled uncontrollably.
“You don’t need to feel burdened; this isn’t a contract with any strings attached.”
Su Hao’s smile remained gentle.
“You can think of it as a small tribute from me personally to a hero who sacrificed everything for the national sovereign wealth fund and for the future of Xia Country.
You don’t even need to come to the company to clock in; just being there in name will suffice.”
After the final decision from his superiors, Wu Jianlin received countless messages of condolence.
But that was all.
Not a single person offered him any substantial help.
Because he was no longer the chairman of the sovereign wealth fund who held trillions of dollars.
He was just an ordinary person who had retired early.
But now, he discovered that the world wasn’t as cold as he had imagined.
Wu Jianlin smiled—a genuine smile, a smile brimming with mixed emotions.
He looked at the street scenes rushing past the window; the city lights were just coming on, the long street as bright as day.
But he felt that his second life was about to begin!
The blood that had long been dormant seemed to boil once again!