Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

"I'll think about it."

After saying that, she hurriedly hung up the phone.

"Reform... restructuring... introducing external capital..."

Du Yuanyuan muttered to herself.

Fingertips unconsciously glide across the smooth mahogany tabletop.

Calls for reform have been ongoing within the station, especially in some departments with a high degree of marketization, who believe that introducing fresh talent is essential to cope with increasingly fierce media competition.

But the resistance is equally enormous.

The voices of the conservatives have never stopped, and accusations such as "undermining" and "enriching oneself" are enough to silence anyone with ideas.

Although Du Yuanyuan had considered it, she never dared to take that step, fearing that she would become the target of public criticism and ruin her promising future.

"How would Xu Changping know about what's going on at the station? Did he hear something?"

The thought made her heart skip a beat.

Could it be that... the provincial TV station's restructuring plan has already quietly gained tacit approval or even support from certain levels?

Is it no longer just a baseless rumor?
If it's true... Du Yuanyuan's heart suddenly raced.

This means a huge window of opportunity is opening!

As a core member of the management team, she would undoubtedly have the highest priority "ticket" once the restructuring was launched, and could obtain shares in the newly established "Broadcasting and Media Company" under relatively favorable conditions.

This is no longer a risky "going into business," but a natural transformation!
"No, if that's the case, then I need to start preparing some funds immediately!"

The thought emerged with crystal clarity. Bidding for shares required real money, and the amount would certainly not be small.

Her meager savings were a drop in the ocean.

Almost instinctively, she picked up the phone again and dialed Xu Changping's number.

This time, the tone was no longer heated like in an argument, but rather urgent and unquestionable calm: "Xu Changping, Siqi... give me her contact information in Singapore."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, perhaps surprised by the speed of her change of attitude, or perhaps weighing her options.

Finally, Xu Changping's deep voice came through, tinged with weariness: "...Okay, the number is..."

After obtaining the contact information, Du Yuanyuan immediately contacted her daughter Xu Siqi, who was in Singapore.

Xu Siqi was still recovering from childbirth when she received a call from her mother. She had mixed feelings. Since the last time she and her mother had parted on bad terms at her aunt's house, the last time the two had spoken was the last time.

Du Yuanyuan didn't exchange many pleasantries.

She didn't even have time to blame her daughter for suddenly getting pregnant or having a child out of wedlock—she herself was completely unprepared and suddenly became a grandmother. Unlike her ex-husband, she was already prepared for this situation and could even say she had some expectations. The only possible disappointment was that her daughter would give birth to a girl instead of a boy.

However, that kid is a billionaire, so he probably wouldn't look down on his own flesh and blood, right?

"You little rascal, Mommy misses you."

"Look at you, how come you haven't contacted Mom in so long?"

"By the way, where is he? It must have been so hard for you giving birth, Mom felt so sorry for you. Wasn't he there to be with you?"

They talked for a while.

Du Yuanyuan believed that she had already warmed her daughter's heart.

can not wait anymore.

She then directly expressed her desire to resign from her public office and participate in the reform of the provincial TV station, hoping that her daughter would support her.

immediately
She emphasized that if she could successfully secure a place in the restructured company, she would have a more flexible status and reason to spend more time in Singapore with her daughter and granddaughter.

Xu Siqi was caught off guard by her mother's sudden "career plan" and the desire to get closer to them that it contained.

On the one hand, she longed for her mother's company, especially when she became a mother for the first time and was far from home.

On the other hand, she was uneasy about her mother's highly purposeful plan and was well aware of the risks involved.

After hanging up her mother's call, she hesitated for a long time before finally dialing the number of the man who had recently returned to China.

. . .

"Daddy... Bug... Catch!"

A soft, sweet child's voice, trembling with excitement, interrupted Lu Yang's thoughts.

Lu Fan, who had only learned to walk a few months ago, was sticking his little bottom out, his chubby little hands clumsily trying to catch a cricket jumping among the grass blades.

The little guy was wearing a light yellow onesie, and the sunlight fell on his soft hair, creating a fluffy halo around it.

Lu Yang squatted down beside him, a smile playing on his lips, his gaze gently following his son's every move. His fingers were lightly placed beside the little guy to prevent him from losing his balance and falling headfirst into the grass.

He has been back in China for three days.

At this moment, he was neither the CEO Lu who was strategizing in the wafer fab, nor the "stock god" Lu who could manipulate the stock market on Wall Street; he was simply a father clumsily learning how to accompany his young son.

The fragrance of soil and grass in the garden, mixed with the unique milky scent of children, created a strange and comforting aroma.

Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket, breaking the tranquil warmth.

Lu Yang frowned almost imperceptibly, knowing that anyone who could get through to this number was no unimportant person.

He took out his phone, and the screen clearly displayed the area code from Singapore, as well as that familiar name: Xu Siqi.

"Hello?" Lu Yang answered the phone, his voice very soft, his eyes still following his son who was thrashing about in the grass.

Xu Siqi's voice came from the other end of the phone, gentle like she was after giving birth, but with a hint of hesitation and barely perceptible annoyance: "...It's me, am I bothering you?"

"No, I'm helping Xiao Fan catch crickets," Lu Yang said gently.

She gestured for her son to play by himself for a while, then stood up and walked a few steps away to sit down in a wicker chair.

"What's wrong? You sound off. Did our daughter upset you?"

“Baby is very good,” Xu Siqi said hurriedly.

He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

Lu Yang frowned slightly.

"What's wrong? Tell me."

"Yes... my mom just called me."

Lu Yang's eyes narrowed slightly, and he instantly understood the purpose of the call.

Although he hadn't witnessed the letter he wrote to his father-in-law Xu Changping that ignited the powder keg, and the ensuing heated argument, he was already fully aware of it.

He asked calmly, "Oh? What instructions does my mother-in-law have?"

Xu Siqi sighed softly and revealed her mother Du Yuanyuan's "grand plan":
Rumors circulated about the reform of the provincial television station, and that she wanted to seize the opportunity of restructuring to acquire shares as a private investor and become a director of the new "Broadcasting and Media Group," thereby gaining a flexible status so that she could stay in Singapore for an extended period to accompany her daughter and granddaughter and enjoy family life.

Her tone conveyed both her hope and excitement that her mother longed to resolve their conflict and reconcile, as well as her unease and doubts about the enormous risks of this plan.

Lu Yang listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the smooth armrest of the rattan chair.

In the garden, Lu Fan, a little boy who was just over one year old but not yet two, finally managed to catch the unfortunate cricket in his palm and excitedly giggled as he held it up to show it to him.

Lu Yang gave his son an approving smile, indicating that he was great, but his gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, as if piercing through space, landing on his shrewd and calculating "cheap" mother-in-law far away in Hunan Province.

"Siqi".

Lu Yang's voice was steady and calm, carrying a knowing understanding of the world. "Money has never been a problem. Let alone supporting your mother-in-law's participation in the reform, even buying the entire provincial TV station is something we can discuss if you want." Xu Siqi on the other end of the phone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to speak, Lu Yang changed the subject: "However, your mother's wishful thinking is probably going to fall through."

"Hmm?" Xu Siqi responded with a puzzled look.

"First of all, as far as I know."

Lu Yang's voice was deep and resolute: "The restructuring of Hubei Provincial Television Station is still in the 'rumor' stage; there's not even a hint of it yet."

"Moreover, even if that day really comes, based on my understanding of the mainland system, would the first reform involve a large-scale introduction of external private capital?"

"The possibility is extremely slim."

"This involves too many sensitive issues, such as asset pricing, the distribution of discourse power, and ideological security... The resistance will be beyond imagination."

"The timing is too early and too risky. If we're not careful, we risk being accused of stealing state-owned assets."

My mother-in-law was most likely blinded by so-called 'insider information' and her eagerness for quick results.

He could clearly hear Xu Siqi gasp on the other end of the phone.

Clearly, Lu Yang's analysis was more direct and cruelly shattered her mother's illusions than she had anticipated.

"Then...what should we do?"

Xu Siqi's voice sounded somewhat blank and helpless, "My mom... seems very insistent, and she says that this way will..."

"So I can legitimately come to be with you and take care of you and the baby, right?"

Lu Yang picked up where she left off, his tone softening and carrying a reassuring undertone.

“Siqi, I understand your feelings, and I also understand your mother-in-law’s desire to get closer to you.”

"How about this."

Since she wanted a platform, a 'career' as a reason to come to Singapore, and didn't want to be completely idle, I gave her a more secure and feasible option.

"What choice?" Xu Siqi asked hurriedly.

Looking at his son's innocent smile in the sunlight, Lu Yang's lips curled into a slight smile, but his words carried an undeniable weight:
"How about this, I'll provide the funds to register an entertainment investment company in Singapore or Hong Kong in your name."

As for the registered capital... let's start with a token amount, say ten million US dollars.

This company is registered under your name, and you serve as its legal representative or chairman.

If your mother-in-law really wants to come to Singapore, let her serve as the general manager of this company to assist you. Her main job would be to remotely control the company and invest in cultural industries and film and television projects in China, especially in Hunan Province and surrounding areas.

That way, she has something to do, a status, and a reason to stay here with you for a long time. The money is spent transparently, and the risks are manageable. What do you think?

"Ten...ten million US dollars?!"

Xu Siqi's voice trembled with shock at the number, "This...this is too much! Even just a token amount...we don't need this much! And, my mom..."

"Is it a lot?" Lu Yang chuckled, with a casualness that Xu Siqi found almost "outrageously extravagant."

"This is just the start-up capital, Siqi. Remember, this company is a gift I gave to my daughter, and it's also a guarantee for you. It's a guarantee that will put your minds at ease, and it will also put your mother at ease, so she has something to do. I will provide the money. For the time being, you will manage the company's direction and accounts until our daughter comes of age. Your mother will be responsible for the specific operations and finding projects. This way, we can both fulfill her wishes and keep the risks within our control."

There was silence on the other end of the phone, with only the sound of soft breathing.

Xu Siqi was clearly going through a fierce internal struggle.

The impact of ten million US dollars, an astronomical figure, and the blueprint drawn up by Lu Yang.

A future she could hardly refuse—one in control of her own life, managed by her mother, where they could reunite at any time and she could also pursue a career—was something she couldn't refuse.

She admitted that she was attracted to him.

Although she wasn't the daughter of a materialistic woman, she still wanted to ensure the future of her breastfed daughter.
Lu Yang didn't urge him, and waited patiently.

I understand that the other person is not at peace with themselves at this moment.

He bent down to pick up the cricket cage that his son had dropped in his excitement and handed it back to the eager little guy.

Finally, Xu Siqi's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of resignation, yet also a faint glimmer of new expectation: "...Okay. Thank you...for thinking so much for us, but, ten million US dollars...is that really possible? If my mother finds out, I'm afraid..."

"Will he be so excited he can't sleep?"

Lu Yang smiled and replied, his tone becoming more relaxed.

"You don't need to worry about the money. As I said, this is a gift for our daughter. You just need to rest and take good care of yourself and the baby."

"I will have my assistant start working on the company registration immediately. Once the relevant documents are ready, I will send them to you for your signature."

"As for how to talk to your mother-in-law, how to say it in a way that makes her happy while also making her understand the boundaries... that's up to you, the future chairman of the entertainment group."

. . .

"Beep...beep...beep..."

Star City, Broadcasting and Television Building.

The busy tone mechanically repeated in the receiver, but Du Yuanyuan seemed frozen in place, gripping the phone stiffly for a long time without putting it down.

Her daughter Xu Siqi's last words, tinged with uncertainty, "Mom, Lu Yang said... he's willing to offer ten million US dollars..." echoed repeatedly in her mind like a thunderclap.

Ten million US dollars!

It wasn't a share restructuring that caused a stir, nor was it bidding funds that required selling everything to raise. Instead, it was the start-up capital for an entertainment investment company established in his daughter's name, which he casually offered up!

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest, almost shattering my ribs.

The luxurious mahogany desktop in the office is cool and smooth. My fingertips unconsciously run over it, but I can't feel any coolness. Instead, a burning sensation spreads from my palms to my limbs.

An overwhelming ecstasy instantly engulfed her.

The risks of restructuring, funding problems, and obstacles to reuniting with her daughter that had troubled her for so long were all easily solved by that rascal in such a simple, brutal, and irresistible way!
His breathing became rapid and hot.

Du Yuanyuan abruptly stood up and paced back and forth in the large office, trying to calm herself down from the sudden, enormous shock that was enough to overturn the course of her life.

Sunlight streamed in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air and the almost greedy gleam in her eyes that she could hardly conceal.

That kid... he actually spent so much money on Siqi, no, on that little girl who's only a month old?

Just to put Siqi at ease and to give that little girl a "guarantee", he was willing to give away a "toy company" worth ten million US dollars?
This realization stirred a bittersweet feeling within her, but it was quickly replaced by an even stronger excitement.

General Manager! Singapore! A man of real power!

This is far better than scrambling for a few shares with an uncertain future during restructuring!

She stopped, took a deep breath, and tried to regain her composure.

After the initial euphoria, a sliver of doubt crept into my mind.

That kid... is he really that generous?

Could there be some trap behind this money and this position that she hasn't seen through?

You really can't blame her.

It's her perception that's flawed; she can't understand that 1000 million US dollars is an astronomical figure for her, an unimaginable sum, but nothing to Lu Yang. Moreover, this money isn't for outsiders, but to provide a future guarantee for his own flesh and blood.

As for whether it's too cheap for this snobbish mother-in-law?
Lu Yang had never thought of that.

A woman in her fifties, already menopausal, with only one daughter who is also her young lover, and about to retire... what can she possibly do as the executive general manager of this newly established entertainment company?
Just a "tool".

Regardless of the process, the ultimate beneficiary is Lu Yang's own flesh and blood, his biological daughter who is still in swaddling clothes. (End of Chapter)