Chapter 511: Naïve College Student

Fanghuan Investment, banquet hall.
Today, Su Hao spent more time in front of the mirror than ever before.
He practiced his prepared congratulatory speech over and over again in front of his impeccably dressed reflection, striving for perfection in every pronunciation and gesture.
"Damn, this is more nerve-wracking than the college entrance exam," he chuckled self-deprecatingly.
But this was a task he had to complete, a situation he absolutely couldn't afford to mess up.
After a final check, he took a deep breath, straightened his tie, and walked out of the lounge.
As soon as he stepped outside, he saw an unexpected person waiting for him.
"Hey? Brother Huang, what are you doing here?"
Huang Fengwen was smiling at him, like a kind older brother.
"Haha, you little rascal. What am I doing here? Of course, I'm here to accompany you inside and help you set the tone."
Strangely enough, seeing Huang Fengwen's calm and collected face instantly soothed Su Hao's tense heart.
"Honestly, the thought of giving a speech in front of those top global business leaders from all walks of life makes my palms sweat."
"Haha, it's normal to be nervous. You don't do this all the time," Huang Fengwen patted him on the shoulder.
"After all, it's the inaugural ceremony of the ESG Association; it's a big event.
Besides, those arrogant old foxes who are here today, aren't they all here for you?"
"You know what? They all flew all the way from overseas, just to see you in person,"
"For me?"
"Of course." Huang Fengwen chuckled.
"You're the real 'brain' and 'decision-maker' of Fanghuan Investment. Of course they want to see for themselves what kind of big shot is stirring up the world. Haha."
"Don't flatter me, Brother Huang. You're the one who makes the final decision."
"Hahaha, you little rascal, you're all sweet talk, aren't you? But I like hearing that."
The two chatted and laughed, and soon arrived at the banquet hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, the Chairman of Fanghuan Investment, Mr. Huang Fengwen, and Mr. Su Hao!"
As the emcee announced the names in a powerful, resonant English voice, hundreds of eyes in the banquet hall, like iron filings drawn to a magnet, instantly focused on the two men at the entrance.
In that instant, Su Hao felt as if he had been stripped naked and thrown under a spotlight; the muscles in his face stiffened.
In contrast, Huang Fengwen beside him was completely at ease, his steps steady, his smile natural and effortless.
That composure and demeanor—truly befitting the pillar of the Fanghuan Group!
"Good evening, Mr. Su."
"We've long admired your name; it's legendary. It's an honor to finally meet you in person!"
Everyone in the hall was a top-tier tycoon, the kind you'd only see on the cover of a financial magazine.
But now, they were like devoted fans at a meet-and-greet, swarming forward to shake hands with Su Hao, leaving Huang Fengwen standing to the side.
Su Hao felt his face was almost frozen from smiling, his wrist aching from shaking hands, barely managing to cope with this initial wave of overwhelming enthusiasm.
However, this was merely the appetizer.
The real test was just beginning.
The emcee's voice rang out again:
"Next, let us give a warm round of applause to Mr. Su Hao of Fanghuan Investment, the founder of the ESG Association, to deliver his opening remarks!"
"..."
Su Hao took a deep breath, stepping onto the stage. Each step felt like walking on clouds, spotlights shining from all directions, scorching like interrogation room searchlights.
His fingertips trembled slightly, and he even felt a pang of regret. Damn it, how much water had gotten into his brain to come up with this idea of ​​an ESG Association to torture himself like this!
***
The grand banquet with its clinking glasses and abundant gifts was merely a glamorous prelude.
The real feast had only just begun.
In a secluded corner of the banquet hall, the newly appointed tycoons who had just secured their positions within the ESG Association gathered in small groups for an informal, private discussion.
“That guy… that was him, wasn’t it?” a voice asked in a low voice, suppressing excitement.
“Yes, it was him.” Another voice replied with a hint of awe.
“The young man who decided on Fang Huan’s investment, created the ESG Association, and single-handedly molded us—people who would otherwise never have sat together—into a community of shared interests.”
The true purpose of everyone present today wasn’t some trivial socializing or networking.
Those polite exchanges were meaningless to them.
Their sole purpose was to see the legendary young man—Su Hao—with their own eyes.
“Although I’ve seen countless photos, seeing him in person… how should I put it… he seems so… so kind? Like an innocent boy next door.”
A European banker murmured, his voice filled with bewilderment.
“Heh, that’s the most chilling part.” Another Wall Street tycoon’s eyes flashed with apprehension.
“That kind of approachable charm that instantly lowers your guard is almost magical.
When he smiles at you, there’s not a trace of scheming or calculation on his face; he’s as pure as an innocent college student.
But frankly, it’s that face that gives me the creeps.”
A series of seemingly coincidental events, in reality, are a series of interconnected financial attacks, a series of bloody and ruthless business mergers…
Those “accidental” events that could bring down any business empire…
Everyone knows that these moves came from Fang Huan Investment.
And when you peel back the layers of mystery and trace it back to the source, you’ll find that all these earth-shattering plans point to the same person—
Su Hao!
But the problem is, from any angle, this young man doesn’t seem like the ruthless character capable of stirring up such a bloody storm.
He's like a friendly, approachable boy next door, fresh out of school—harmless, even a little shy.
You could throw him into a university campus and he'd blend in perfectly.
Although the interaction was brief, the genuine purity of his presence was palpable.
Especially during his speech on stage, his nervousness, almost to the point of stumbling, seemed utterly genuine.
"I've heard that Mr. Su rarely appears in public like this."
"Yes, it's said this is the first time in many years.
So… don't you think his deliberately displayed 'nervousness' and 'uncomfort' today is itself a performance?"
These words caused a stir among the crowd.
"You mean... his harmless smile, his nervousness during his speech, everything... was calculated?"
"Otherwise?" the questioner sneered.
"Why did Fanghuan Investment create the ESG Association?
Because they understand better than anyone that in this media age, while cold, hard technology and strength are important, a likable 'persona' that wins public favor is the most lethal weapon!
They want to turn 'image' itself into a quantifiable, controllable weapon that can be used to attack opponents!
Think about it, after meeting Su Hao in person, weren't you all shocked, finding him completely different from the rumored image?"