"After all, as citizens of Hua Country, who wouldn't want to contribute to charity?"

A group of CEOs took turns promoting their own companies, without feeling the slightest bit embarrassed.

Firstly, given Gu Bai's position, a little flattery was understandable. Secondly, they were businessmen. If there was business to be done, not trying at all wouldn't befit their title as businessmen.

Moreover, Gu Bai's project was large enough, with billions in scale. If they could seize even a part of it, it would be enough to keep them well-fed. Most importantly, it was a charity project, and as long as their company could participate, their reputation would also improve.

Such a profitable project with fame and fortune up for grabs, they'd not proactively compete for it? Hand it over to someone else?

Listening to the clamor around him, Gu Bai still wore a smile, but inside he was already impatient.

"Gentlemen, regarding the Hope Primary School project, as I mentioned on stage earlier, the detailed plan has not yet been finalized, and for now, I cannot promise anything to you. However, I believe the specifics will be drawn up soon, and then I will personally contact you, how about that?"

Though they knew Gu Bai was stalling, they could only respond with smiles and nods.

After all, Gu Bai was already quite polite. They were people of stature, and continuing to pester would only degrade their status.

Suddenly, two groups of people approached Gu Bai from a distance.

One group was led by Wang Jianling and Xu Jiayin, titans of the real estate industry.

The other group was headed by Jack Ma and Boss Huateng from the internet industry.

The entertainment and real estate businessmen around Gu Bai saw the imposing presence of the two groups and found excuses to gradually withdraw.

It was clear to anyone with a discerning eye that these top-tier leaders of Hua Country were all here for Gu Bai.

Although Boss Huateng was close to 50, his face was still youthful, akin to a thirty-year-old, warm and amiable. He smiled as he approached Gu Bai and said, "Chairman Gu, although we've collaborated often, this is our first meeting in person."

Boss Huateng wasn't just trying to cozy up to Gu Bai; indeed, Tencent and Gu Bai had collaborated frequently.

The largest collaboration was in the co-investment of the TV series "Fuyao" with E Factory Film and Television.

Besides this, there were numerous other film projects co-invested with them.

Although someone of Boss Huateng's standing wouldn't micromanage such things, he was well-aware. A mere sentence brought him and Gu Bai closer by a notch.

As he faced the influential figures he once only saw in meme videos in his previous life, Gu Bai wasn't exactly excited, but it felt quite surreal.

He warmly shook the hand that Boss Huateng extended, saying, "President Hua, it's an honor to finally meet you."

As the two conversed, all the subsequent big-shots gathered around Gu Bai.

Principal Wang, standing beside Wang Jianling, looked at so many big-shots conversing with Gu Bai with envy.

Though his title as the leading heir was well-known, amongst this crowd it carried little weight. Each of these big-shots had wealth comparable to Wang Jianling.

In contrast, Gu Bai, who was younger than himself by a whole cycle, was held in high regard by so many tycoons. Just realizing this was enough for Principal Wang to see where he stood.

Awhile back, Gu Bai might not have been as notable as himself, but now, they were not on the same level anymore.

The current Gu Bai stood on equal footing with the seniors of his generation.

Jack Ma stood to the side, and only after everyone had greeted Gu Bai did he slowly say, "Chairman Gu, a pleasure to finally meet you. Now I understand what they mean by 'heroes come from the young.'

At your age, I had accomplished nothing."

In response to Jack Ma's praise, Gu Bai gave a faint smile and said, "President Ma, you're too kind. I'm merely standing on the shoulders of my predecessors, nothing worth boasting about."

With so many big-shots gathered, it wasn't easy for Gu Bai to maintain such a calm demeanor. He had to rely on his family legacy to uphold his position.

Gu Bai's words left Jack Ma momentarily speechless, then he changed the topic, "Chairman Gu, it's impressive that you've achieved so much in charity work at such a young age.

You know, I never claim to be the chairman of Ali Group externally; I prefer when others refer to me as Teacher Ma. After all, being a teacher feels more honorable than being an entrepreneur.

As a teacher, I'm very grateful to Chairman Gu for your dedication to underprivileged students."

Gu Bai remembered Jack Ma's Weibo nickname, "Spokesperson for Village Teachers, Jack Ma." Though unsure of his sincerity, he responded, "I am just doing what someone capable should do; I'm not worthy of such high praise from President Ma."

Jack Ma: "It's one thing for young people to be modest but don't be overly modest; President Hua and I, along with a few others, came not just to meet you, this young leader, but also to join your charitable efforts. I wonder if your charity foundation accepts donations. If it does, I'd like to represent Ali Group in contributing to the education of underprivileged students."

After listening to Jack Ma, Gu Bai hesitated.

He had invested a lot of effort into the Black Swan Charity Foundation and wasn't keen on others getting involved.

It's a simple rationale: if Jack Ma donated, his fame would be widely publicized by the media. The resulting fame and attention for what the Black Swan Foundation had achieved would be shared, something Gu Bai was unwilling to see.

But directly refusing on the spot seemed too blunt, considering Jack Ma's offer was positioned as the righteous thing to do.

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