National Tide 1980.

Ning Weimin even joked with her.

"Look, I even sent my own wife to Shanghai to help me with the film studio business, just to help you with the work at Dachuan Entertainment so you can go to Hong Kong with peace of mind. And you're still blaming me?"

To everyone's surprise, these words only made Yao Peifang more agitated, and her eyes reddened slightly.

"How could you do this? It's fine if you don't say anything, but saying it makes me even angrier! I've lost all interest in meeting celebrities, going to parties, or buying clothes. I didn't even go home to see my parents this Spring Festival; I was planning to go back to Shanghai anyway. But instead of letting me go back to Shanghai to see my family, you want me to go to Hong Kong. Do you even remember what you promised me? I…"

Seeing that Yao Peifang was truly agitated, Ning Weimin's smile faded, and he quickly softened his tone to explain.

"Hey, I was just kidding. To be honest, there's no other way. Let's be frank, right now, not to mention you, even I'm tied up here and can't get away. Otherwise, I would definitely let you go to Shanghai and I would fly to Hong Kong. Hey, how about this? I'll arrange for your parents to go to Hong Kong too, let them meet you there, and I'll give you the best suite at the Lihua Hotel. You can stay as long as you want, and the company will cover all the expenses. That way, you can accompany your parents sightseeing in Hong Kong and have a family vacation."

This suggestion changed Yao Peifang's expression; she seemed quite interested.

However, considering the actual situation, she thought for a moment and shook her head, somewhat disappointed, and declined Ning Weimin's offer.

"Thank you for your kind offer, but I'd better not. If my parents were around, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to concentrate on my work, which would definitely affect my official duties. Besides, the exit procedures are too troublesome. And they both have jobs; they can't leave."

Seeing this, Ning Weimin felt even more guilty and spoke very sincerely.

"I'm really sorry for neglecting your feelings. But I have to make it clear to you that your trip to Hong Kong is definitely not optional. Although there are no strict tasks required, the fact that you can see and enjoy yourself in Hong Kong is actually very important for the company's future development."

He then changed the subject and began to explain the mystery behind it.

"Look, the future plans for Beijing Amusement Park definitely include adding several theaters and brand-new performance-based experiences. In the future, spectacular shows will be the main way for Beijing Amusement Park to attract visitors. Even the opening of the aquarium will require corresponding performances. And these projects will ultimately be your responsibility; you'll be in charge of everything, from the actors and equipment to the program arrangement. So you need to go to Gangcheng to learn about the relatively advanced performance methods and equipment available now. Gangcheng also has an ocean park, which is an aquarium built in 1977. It's very necessary for you to go and take a look. Only when you come back can we better plan the program content."

"Furthermore, given the current global popularity of karaoke equipment and Japan's economic downturn, I also plan to acquire a Japanese company that manufactures karaoke equipment. Then, I intend to introduce the Japanese self-service karaoke booth model to China, gradually popularizing this industry, which currently seems somewhat high-end to most Chinese people, in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This would differentiate it from open-air dance halls, making it more accessible and a mainstream consumer activity. You've been to these kinds of places in Japan, right? Then you should know that this project can be chained and replicated, not only generating considerable profits but also promoting music and singers. This would greatly benefit our core business of Dachuan Entertainment."

"So, I want to give you an opportunity to invest, so you can participate in the operation and management of this business in the future. When I go to Hong Kong this time, I will also have someone take you to see the operating model and status of this kind of store there, which will also lay the foundation for your future work. If we really make this a success, I dare not say more, but in three years, if the music-related performance of Da Chuan Entertainment doubles, your annual salary at Da Chuan Entertainment will reach the level of one million RMB, which should not be a problem."

Ning Weimin's empty promises were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples in Yao Peifang's heart.

It is said that wealth can move people's hearts, and Yao Peifang was no exception.

As a woman who is extremely ambitious and eager to achieve success in her career, Ning Weimin's beautiful vision precisely addresses her needs in every word.

Looking at Ning Weimin's resolute expression, she had no doubts whatsoever, only excitement for this future that was within reach.

So the resentment that had been building up inside vanished without a trace, replaced by a surge of enthusiasm.

Her tense lips unconsciously relaxed, and the redness in her eyes faded.

His eyes sparkled, full of anticipation for the future.

But after the initial excitement subsided, she couldn't help but look at Ning Weimin with a wry smile, her tone tinged with a hint of helpless teasing.

"President Ning, you're really pushing me to the limit. From bar preparations and band signings to film promotions and copyright negotiations, now you've added amusement park performances and karaoke projects... You've assigned me so many things, I'm practically becoming your slave."

She paused, then asked curiously.

"Honestly, I'm curious how you manage to handle so many things all by yourself. You don't even have a secretary or assistant, and you still have to deal with so many trivial matters every day, yet you still come up with so many interconnected business plans. How does your mind work?"

"Haha, this is probably what you call a gifted individual."

Ning Weimin was amused by her and said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, with a hint of relaxed pride in his tone.

Yao Peifang gave a helpless, bitter smile and offered her advice earnestly.

"Please don't be modest. No matter how talented you are, you can't overwork yourself like this. For your own sake and for the sake of us subordinates, I think you really should hire a secretary and assistant as soon as possible. At least leave us a fixed contact person in Beijing. Otherwise, we can't find anyone to report to you or coordinate work with you. We have to make many phone calls to find you every time, and sometimes it takes several days to get a reply. It's too inconvenient."

When this was mentioned, Ning Weimin's smile faded slightly, and his tone became more helpless.

“You’re right. I’ve realized that myself a long time ago. It’s not just about my secretary and assistants; I also plan to integrate the resources of the companies I currently hold shares in and operate them as a group. If we can have a unified command, it will undoubtedly be more efficient.”

He changed the subject and explained.

"But suitable secretaries and assistants are hard to find. They need to be reliable and meticulous, understand business logic, and be able to keep secrets. More importantly, we need to wait for policies to be implemented in the group, and now is not the time. We can only move forward after next year when the policies are clear. So there's nothing we can do but ask you to work hard for a while longer and wait."

Upon hearing this, Yao Peifang's curiosity intensified. Just as she was about to ask, "What policy are you waiting for?", there was a sudden knock on the office door.

"Come in," Ning Weimin called out.

The door was pushed open, and Yao Peifang's secretary poked her head in and said respectfully, "President Ning, President Yao, Mr. Zou from Pierre Cardin is here to see you, President Ning."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zou Guodong walked in, and a delighted smile immediately appeared on his face when he saw Ning Weimin.

"Great, Weimin, you're really hard to find! I heard you were here today, so I walked around this floor twice and asked about several of your companies. I never expected to find you here with President Yao."

What's even more ingenious is that his subsequent words perfectly reflected the topic that Yao Peifang and Ning Weimin had just discussed, once again hitting Ning Weimin's weak spot in his current career situation.

“I’m telling you, almost all of these floors in this building belong to your company. Why are you running so many companies? Putting aside the waste of office costs, the key point is that it makes you look like a scheming fraudster. You might as well just merge them into one.”

To show respect to Zou Guodong, Yao Peifang stood up to greet the guest, but couldn't help but smile at Ning Weimin, leaving Ning Weimin speechless.

However, a good subordinate will certainly not embarrass the boss.

Yao Peifang knew when to stop, and she was also good at reading people. She guessed that Zou Guodong must have something important to discuss with Ning Weimin, so she quickly greeted Zou Guodong warmly and proactively.

"President Zou is here. President Ning and I have finished discussing work, and there's nothing else."

Upon hearing this, Zou Guodong immediately smiled and said, "That's great! Perfect timing, I have some business to discuss with Weimin, so I'll take him with me."

"Won't you sit down? I'll have my secretary make you some tea."

"No, no, thank you. You're the head of a company now, and you're quite busy. I've already bothered you. Let's talk somewhere else."

As he spoke, he pulled Ning Weimin away.

Just as he reached the door, he suddenly remembered something and turned back.

He actually said to Yao Peifang, "Oh right, there's something I almost forgot. Ms. Yao, didn't your company want to buy imported cars? Recently, the German Embassy is scrapping a few Mercedes-Benz cars. I can give you two, it will cost about 300,000 yuan. Do you want them?"

You can buy two Mercedes-Benzes for 300,000!
This is like a pie falling from the sky.

The most prestigious imported cars in Beijing right now are German Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and a used one will cost at least 250,000 yuan.

Moreover, Yao Peifang knew Zou Guodong's influence; the sources he obtained were not only legitimate, but their quality was also absolutely guaranteed.

This made Yao Peifang overjoyed, and she immediately beamed with delight, saying, "Yes, I want it."

He nodded and thanked her, saying, "I can't accept this, Mr. Zou, thank you so much."

Even Ning Weimin couldn't help but chime in and tease her.

"Wow, little girl, you've got Mr. Zou personally delivering a car to your door. You've got quite the influence."

With that, Yao Peifang smiled and saw the two out of the office, politely saying goodbye all the way until their figures disappeared at the end of the corridor before turning around and closing the door.

The office fell silent instantly, as if the noise and busyness from just moments before still lingered in the air.

Yao Peifang took a deep breath, and her tense nerves finally relaxed, but the smile on her face lingered for a long time.

She turned around and walked to her desk, picked up the notebook where she had recorded Ning Weimin's various requirements, looked at it for a while, closed the notebook, and then slowly walked to the glass curtain wall of the office, opened the side window to let the breeze in.

Outside the window, the cityscape of Beijing stretched out before her, bustling with traffic and vibrant with life. Sunlight streamed through the glass, bathing her in its warmth.

She gazed quietly at the bustling scene, her mind involuntarily replaying her experiences of recent years.

She went from an ordinary girl who had just stepped out of a modeling competition and only won third place, to going abroad to Japan, then becoming an actress by chance because of Ning Weimin, and now serving as the general manager of Dachuan Entertainment, overseeing various large-scale projects.

The dramatic change in identity and the soaring career flashed through my mind like scenes from a movie.

She recalled her initial confusion when she first entered the workforce, her anxiety when she took on her first variety show project, the hardships she faced in overcoming difficulties step by step under Ning Weimin's guidance, and the two Mercedes-Benz cars she was about to finalize, the million-dollar annual salary within her reach, and the vast career platform she was about to gain.

A sense of satisfaction welled up inside me, gradually filling my entire chest.

The tasks ahead may be arduous, but every step is a step towards a better future.

She let out a soft sigh, a genuine smile playing on her lips.

Come to think of it, I'm really lucky.

After that modeling competition ended, countless girls like her, harboring dreams, were still struggling to make a living and feeling lost about their future. But she, simply because of a chance encounter and the right boss, had a completely different life.

If Ning Weimin hadn't been willing to trust her, give her important responsibilities, and provide her with opportunities to hone her skills, how could she have gotten to where she is today with just a third-place finish in a modeling competition?
A gentle breeze blew in through the crack in the half-open window, ruffling her hair.

She raised her hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze growing increasingly resolute.

The confusion she once felt due to her relationship has faded, and her success in her career has opened up a wider world for her.

However, the script of fate is often full of ironic contrasts.

Just as Yao Peifang was enjoying the warm afternoon sun in Beijing and feeling grateful for her good fortune, far away in another corner of Singapore, Ye Jihong, the champion of a model competition who came from the same school as her, was caught in a nightmare that she would never forget.

Ye Jihong was once incredibly successful and glamorous.

As the champion of that competition, her halo was far more dazzling than that of Yao Peifang, who came in third place.

She is the spokesperson for Air China and a cover girl sought after by major magazines.

Back then, she was the main character in almost every calendar. She even looked down on Yao Peifang, who always smiled at everyone, thinking that Yao was just a lucky supporting character and that even if she tried to please others, she wouldn't get a better career opportunity.

But fortunes change, and in less than two years, their circumstances had become completely different.

Yao Peifang actually left the modeling industry, became a movie star in Japan, and after returning to China, she became the head of an entertainment company.

Ye Jihong, on the contrary, began to decline because of her aloof personality, disdain for cultivating connections, and abhorred social drinking and socializing.

In this circle, without personal connections, resources are depleted faster than imagined.

When the civil aviation endorsement contract expired and was not renewed, advertisers flocked to newer, more compliant and cooperative models.

Therefore, in order to maintain her former high standard of living, Ye Jihong had to lower her status and start taking on some commercial fashion shows of varying quality.

This trip to Singapore was a "big deal" she took on in order to "gild her resume" and make money.

The other party on the phone made a lot of promises, calling it a "Southeast Asian Cultural Exchange Fashion Week," promising to cover food, accommodation, and airfare, and offering an even more attractive appearance fee.

Ye Jihong was tempted. She thought this was her chance to bounce back from rock bottom and a springboard to return to her peak.

However, when she walked out of the airport full of anticipation and was taken to her destination, everything in front of her shattered her illusions in an instant.

The so-called "fashion week" was actually held in a hidden underground "adult bar".

There's no runway under the spotlight here, only deafening heavy metal noise.

There were no well-dressed fashion editors, only drunkards with murky eyes and foul mouths.

Those so-called "performance costumes" are made with very little fabric; they are more like lingerie than fashion.

A strong feeling of nausea rose in my throat.

Ye Jihong's face turned deathly pale instantly. Suppressing her fear, she held her suitcase in front of her and coldly said to the burly manager, "This isn't a performance I'm participating in. I want to cancel the contract and leave immediately."

Upon hearing this, the agent's fake smile vanished instantly, replaced by a ferocious and greedy expression. He crossed his arms and looked at Ye Jihong like she was prey, his tone sinister.

"Cancel the contract? Miss Ye, do you think this is where you are? Someone who can come and go as they please?"

He pulled a receipt from his pocket and waved it in front of Ye Jihong. “We paid for the plane tickets, we booked the hotel, and we set up the venue for you. You’re just going to say you don’t want to perform now? Fine. Settle the round-trip airfare, hotel costs, and our penalty for breach of contract. It’ll be around this amount—two hundred thousand Singapore dollars.”

He gestured an exaggerated number, then gave a cold laugh.

"No money? If you have no money, then get on stage! If you don't keep the guests happy tonight, don't even think about leaving this house!"

"This is fraud! This is kidnapping!"

Ye Jihong was so angry that she trembled all over and her cheeks turned red.

She instinctively tried to back away, but found that her retreat was blocked by two burly bodyguards.

In this foreign land where she knew no one, her championship title, which she was so proud of, was useless. Her pride was as fragile as a sheet of paper in the face of naked violence.

"Fraud? Call it whatever you want. Either pay up or take off your clothes and come on stage. You have five minutes to think it over."

After the agent finished speaking, he ignored her and turned to greet the guests who had started to make a fuss.

Ye Jihong stood frozen in place, surrounded by men's malicious whistles and scrutinizing gazes. Those gazes felt like needles pricking her, making her feel suffocated.

To go, or not to go?

This is no longer a matter of "face," but a choice about "survival."

Looking at the group of repulsive people before her, and recalling the high expectations she had before coming, a wave of overwhelming resentment and panic instantly shattered her defenses. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face, blurring her vision.

She couldn't understand how she, who was clearly the champion standing at the highest point, had fallen to this state.

If she had been like Yao Peifang, willing to humble herself and learn more, or even a little more tactful... no, she wouldn't even have anyone to regret her actions.

At this moment, she finally tasted the bitterness of being abandoned by fate, a feeling even more nauseating than the murky air in the bar.

Meanwhile, in the distant capital, Yao Peifang gently closed the sunshade curtains.

She was unaware of Ye Jihong's ordeal, but silently rejoiced in her own growth.

Perhaps this is the wonder of life.

Two paths that originally started similarly diverged completely at this moment.

One path leads to the stars and the sea, while the other plunges into a muddy swamp.

But why is this happening?

No one could offer a reasonable explanation. (End of Chapter)