Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared

Chapter 744 - 744 744 There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

744: Chapter 744: There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch 744: Chapter 744: There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch One day, Du Jun was surprised because Gu Fan invited him to eat out, which was a first.

Even though Du Jun and Gu Fan were no longer enemies, they weren’t exactly at the stage of friendly dining and heart-to-heart discussions.

Du Jun was clear that he could never become like Lu Yi, who had a great rapport with Gu Fan.

Gu Fan wouldn’t visit him without reason.

That’s why Du Jun agreed and was punctual for the meal even when he was sure there would be a request coming his way from Gu Fan.

When Du Jun arrived at the appointed restaurant, he saw Gu Fan already seated at the reserved table waving at him: “Du Jun, over here!”

“Sorry, to have kept you waiting.” As Du Jun sat, he noticed Gu Fan’s grinning face, who quickly replied, “No problem, I was early.

Let’s order.”

As Du Jun took the menu, he observed Gu Fan’s wily smile.

Gu Fan seemed up to no good.

Gu Fan said: “I don’t have much money, so I could only afford a regular restaurant.

I hope you don’t mind.”

“Back in college, I used to eat at roadside stalls with you lot.

Do you think I would mind?” replied Du Jun nonchalantly.

After ordering, he stared at Gu Fan, hoping to pressure him indirectly,”What’s with the sudden invite?

Anything up?”

True enough, Gu Fan, seeming a bit guilty, quickly changed the topic: “Just realized we haven’t caught up in a while.

Sometimes I wonder if we might drift apart because of our own busyness.”

“That can’t happen, I arrange a reunion dinner every year.

Our friendship will last forever.

Plus, we’ve been through so much together, we can’t just drift apart,” replied Du Jun with an insinuating smile.

Making Gu Fan awkwardly smile back, “Yeah, I believe our friendship can withstand tests.

But friendships also need maintenance, not letting a sense of distance become the norm.”

“Well said, here’s to our friendship.” As Du Jun raised his glass, Gu Fan followed suit, and they cheerfully clinked their glasses together.

After a bit of small talk, Gu Fan asked: “What have you been busy with recently?

Just your father’s company stuff right?”

To which, Du Jun nodded, “Yeah, I’ve been working for my father’s company recently.

I had to familiarize myself with a lot of operations.

It’s really busy.

But for you, Gu Fan, I had to make time for this meal.”

“I appreciate your effort.” Gu Fan seemed grateful.

Then with a bit of concern, he continued, “I’ve been busy too, but I’m always getting scolded by my boss.

I can’t seem to do anything right.

I feel like I’m losing confidence.

Sometimes, I envy you, working at your dad’s company must be a lot less pressure.”

Du Jun sighed, “You think I don’t have any pressure?

In the company, people are polite to me.

But this only makes me uncomfortable.

Even when I mess up, no one scolds me.

Everyone respects me, some even try to flatter me.

My pressure is even greater.”

Gobsmacked, Gu Fan couldn’t help asking, “How is that pressure?”

Unable to hold back a self-mocking smile, Du Jun elaborated, “You know why people in the company respect me?

Not because I’m competent or have good character, but because of my father.

Even if I underperform, it doesn’t matter to them.

If I do well, they won’t acknowledge that either, because in their eyes, whatever I have today is all thanks to my father, not my ability.”

Seeing the frustration on Du Jun’s face, Gu Fan understood this common pain point of the rich second generation, they loathe it when people say they are nothing without their rich father.

So, Gu Fan gave this advice: “If you’re not happy with this, why not start your own business?

That way people won’t say you’re depending on your father.”

“I’ve thought about that too, but what should I do?” Du Jun’s contemplative remark left Gu Fan feeling hopeful.

So, he started promoting his boss’s idea, “My boss, Boss Ding, is ready to flex his entrepreneurial muscles, but is lacking a bit on capital.

You could borrow some money from your father and invest in Boss Ding’s company, owning a company of your own.

The achievements of this company would be proof of your personal abilities.”

With this, Du Jun finally understood why Gu Fan was treating him to this meal.

So he grudgingly queried, “Gu Fan, so you tricked me here to start a business with you, did you?”

“How can you call this a trick?

I have never deceived a friend.

I genuinely believe that you have a promising future in business.” replied Gu Fan with a sobered look.

Du Jun voiced his concern, “But why must I invest in Boss Ding’s company if I start a business?

Why can’t I start my own company?”

Gu Fan explained, “Because Boss Ding has a Big Boss, Boss Lei, behind him.

Boss Lei is a big entrepreneur.

If you invest in Boss Ding’s company, you will be able to access Boss Lei’s resources, combined with those from your father.

The chance of success in starting a business would be high.”

It sounded reasonable but Du Jun still had doubts, “Gu Fan, didn’t you say I should start a business on my own and not depend on my father?

But you want me to borrow money from my father and use his resources again.

Isn’t that contradictory?”

Gu Fan, looking absolutely serious, began to clarify, “We should make good use of our resources.

Do you really think your father built everything from scratch?

Without friends’ help or noble assistance?

It’s impossible for anyone in this world to accomplish great things all by themselves, certainly people have helped him, either by providing loans or resources.

Borrowing money and resources from your father depends on how you use them to validate your own abilities.”

Du Jun was slightly taken aback.

He felt Gu Fan made a lot of sense, something was still off, and it seemed as if he was being coaxed into this.

“Do you know about the recent financial storm involving starCoin?

Boss Ding was involved but due to insufficient capital, his involvement was limited.

That was his biggest concern.

Since I am sure that Boss Ding’s business has a promising future, I thought of you first.” Gu Fan finished and clutched Du Jun’s hand earnestly, “Trust me, Du Jun, when have I ever lied to you?”

“Ah…

well…” Du Jun began to waver, fearing of being lured into trouble.