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

A single thought, like a seedling breaking through the soil, grows tenaciously amidst a jumble of thoughts, instantly taking deep root.

I want a child.

A child that belongs to her and Lu Yang.

Success overwhelmed everything and became Du Lingling's secret and intense desire. Like a lighthouse in the darkness, it suddenly illuminated her chaotic heart and instantly reshaped her decision.

My phone is buzzing and vibrating on my desk.

Du Lingling took a deep breath and walked back to the table.

Lu Yang's name flashed on the screen, the message carrying his characteristic roguish charm that she both hated and... hated: "Sister Du, are you done with your work? How about having dinner with me tonight?"

This time, she did not hesitate or resist at all.

Her fingertips tapped rapidly on the screen as she sent a concise and proactive reply: "Okay, I'll pick the place, that old-established restaurant on Songcheng Ancient Street, see you at six."

The moment I pressed the send button, my heart felt like it was being clenched, and I skipped a beat.

This is not like her.

But this will be a new beginning, or... a carefully prepared prelude to a farewell.

When Lu Yang received the reply, he was leaning back in the car with his eyes closed, resting.

He opened his eyes, looked at the words on the screen, and a smile of surprise and delight appeared on his lips.

Did Du Lingling take the initiative to ask him out?
Are you ready to forgive him?

Sure enough, sincerity can move mountains. You have to persevere. As long as you persevere, there is no woman you can't win over. After all, Lu Yang is best at coaxing women.

At 6:00 AM sharp, at the entrance of Songcheng Ancient Street.

When Du Lingling appeared under the mottled ancient wall, Lu Yang's eyes lit up.

She changed out of her usual sharp suit and into a light-colored knee-length dress that accentuated her soft curves. She looked less sharp at work and more gentle and graceful, like the "older sister" he remembered.

"Sister Du looks beautiful today." Lu Yang greeted her with a smile, his tone filled with undisguised admiration.

Instead of avoiding his gaze or retorting as usual, Du Lingling reached out and took his arm naturally, her movements as fluid as if she had rehearsed them a thousand times.

"Stop being so cheeky, I'm hungry." She tilted her head slightly, her tone carrying a rare hint of coquettishness.

Lu Yang was completely stunned.

That ever-present, invisible wall of resistance seemed to have silently melted away at that moment.
The warm touch on his arm and her graceful demeanor stirred a flutter in his heart.

The overwhelming joy overwhelmed the fleeting doubt, and he simply assumed that his "sincerity" had finally won her heart.

Dinner took place amidst the hustle and bustle of a time-honored restaurant.

Du Lingling expertly ordered stir-fried fish from southern Jiangxi and meatballs from Ningdu. When the steaming dishes were served, she picked up her chopsticks and placed a piece of tender fish into Lu Yang's bowl.

"Try this, it's a local specialty, cooked to perfection." She smiled, but her gaze seemed to drift towards the swaying lanterns outside the window.

Lu Yang was flattered and flattered. Du Lingling's closeness made him feel like he was basking in a spring breeze, and he enjoyed the meal very much.

After the meal, she naturally suggested, "It's still early, let's take a walk?"

The two strolled along the bluestone path, flanked by ancient buildings in the style of the Song Dynasty, with lanterns hanging from the eaves, and the faint sound of Hakka folk songs drifting from afar.

Reaching a small stone bridge, Du Lingling stopped and took out the Canon camera she had prepared in advance from her bag.

"Hey little brat, look over here!"

She pulled him closer, pressed her body against his arm, and flashed a radiant smile at the camera.

"Crack!"

Lu Yang smiled in agreement, but inwardly he thought to himself: This enthusiasm is...it's like he's a completely different person?

Although I had doubts.

But he was delighted by this sudden intimacy.

In the following days, Du Lingling seemed to have completely broken some kind of seal.

She no longer waited passively, but instead became the most proactive inviter.

"The weather is so nice today, let's go take pictures at Shangbao Rice Terraces? I heard the light and shadow effects are especially beautiful."

"Nan'an salted duck is a local specialty. I know a long-established shop that makes the most authentic one. Want to come with me to try it?"

"The beef soup in Ruijin is so comforting. Come on, let me take you to try it."

Lu Yang turned down almost all non-urgent matters, happy to keep him company.

Like a couple deeply in love, they traveled all over southern Jiangxi.

At the Hakka walled village, Du Lingling curiously tried on a glittering silver phoenix crown headdress. Lu Yang smiled and took out his wallet to pay. The proprietress said, "Your husband is so generous," which made her ears turn slightly red, but she did not refute it.

On a bustling street stall in Ruijin, she held a bowl of piping hot beef soup, blew on it to cool it down, and naturally fed it to Lu Yang. Watching him pant with satisfaction despite the spiciness, a complex and unfathomable emotion flashed across her eyes.

Even in Lu Yangxin's newly invested navel orange orchard, she personally picked a golden, plump orange, carefully peeled it open, and handed him a segment of juicy flesh.

Sunlight shone on her focused profile, and Lu Yang captured the moment in a photograph, but overlooked the fleeting struggle deep within her eyes.

After using up dozens of rolls of film, their bed was covered with photos, all of which captured their sweet moments together.

Two people stand on the edge of terraced fields, their arms outstretched as they embrace the mountain breeze.

There's a photo of Du Lingling making funny faces at the camera in front of the red walls of an ancient temple.

Holding up glistening roasted ducks in the bustling night market, they smiled contentedly. Many more photos showed couples holding hands, shoulder to shoulder, smiling at each other, or snuggling together—each radiating the warmth of new love.

Lu Yang was completely immersed in this unexpected and tender embrace.

Du Lingling's initiative and enthusiasm were like a powerful hallucinogenic drug, making him feel as if time had reversed, and he had returned to his teenage years when he first fell in love.

The pressures of work and the cutthroat competition in the business world were temporarily dispelled by this deep affection.

Back home, back on that big bed covered with photos, they would passionately kiss, each taking the initiative to make love, as if trying to completely melt the other into their own body.

This was something Lu Yang had never experienced before, and it made him very happy. He couldn't stop loving Sister Du like this.

As a result, the originally scheduled return date was repeatedly postponed, almost making him reluctant to leave.

However, all good things must come to an end, and even the most beautiful dreams must eventually fade away.

On the fifth day, a long-distance call from the port city broke the brief tranquility.

Lu Yang needs to go to Hong Kong to handle a business deal. This business is very important, and only he can get a chance if he does it personally. Moreover, if he succeeds, it will be the best gift he can give to Sister Du by his side.

After hanging up the phone, Lu Yang found Du Lingling tending to a few potted green plants by the window and said with deep apology, "Sister Du, there's a big business deal in Hong Kong. It's at the most crucial moment, and I have to go there in person."

Du Lingling's hand, which was pruning the branches, suddenly trembled, and with a "snap," a small piece of green branch fell to the ground.

She turned around, and a bright, radiant smile instantly bloomed on her face, so fast it masked everything else: "Great news! Big business is important! I'll give you a ride." That smile was flawless.

Parting is imminent.

Early in the morning, a convoy of several black cars quietly parked on the stone-paved road outside Du Lingling's courtyard.

Lu Yang stood beside the car with his simple luggage, while Du Lingling followed beside him, holding a bag of freshly bought Gannan navel oranges that were still covered in fresh dew.

"Eat this on the way to quench your thirst." She stuffed the orange into his hand, forcing a smile and trying to make her tone sound relaxed and natural.

The golden rays of the rising sun shone on her face, outlining her soft features.

Lu Yang's heart warmed, and he couldn't help but gently pull her into his arms. Resting his chin on the top of her head, he promised in a low, solemn voice, "When I return, if this deal goes through, it will be the best gift I can give you. Do you remember our promise? Then..."

Du Lingling's body stiffened almost imperceptibly in his arms for a moment, but she did not break free. Instead, she buried her head deeper and gently rubbed against his shoulder, letting out a barely audible "hmm".

Upon reaching the car, Du Lingling took the initiative and opened the rear door of the luxury sedan.

"Have a safe journey, let me know when you arrive." Her voice was still light and cheerful, even with a hint of a smile.

Lu Yang kissed her forehead, hugged her tightly, gave her a deep look, and then bent down to get into the car.

The instant Du Lingling closed the car door from the outside, through the dark car window, Lu Yang clearly saw that the almost perfect, radiant smile she had maintained all the way shattered and collapsed like a fragile glass mask.

Two lines of clear tears slid down without warning, reflecting a dazzling light in the morning glow.

Without pausing or even wiping, she abruptly turned around, strode towards the courtyard gate, her back view conveying an almost panicked resolve, and never looked back.

Lu Yang felt as if something had clenched his heart, but the sorrow of parting was quickly overshadowed by the rising ambition and heroic spirit in his chest.

He rolled down the car window and waved to the figure that had disappeared behind the door.

"Let's go!" he ordered in a deep voice.

With a low growl, the convoy slowly started and headed south along the winding mountain road.

Lu Yang leaned back in his leather seat, looking back at the small town in southern Jiangxi that was receding into the distance in the rearview mirror and was eventually swallowed by the mountains. His eyes were filled with a firm and burning light, and with expectations for the future, the convoy continued southward.

three days later.

Lu Yang was already seated in the bidding hall for the Gangcheng Digital Port project.

This was a major initiative undertaken by the Hong Kong government in the 1990s to transform the city from a financial metropolis into an international metropolis where finance and science and technology innovation go hand in hand.

It turns out that the core land was acquired by Li Ka-shing's second son, Li Zekai, who then used it as a shell to develop other businesses. Ostensibly, he was promoting science and technology innovation in Hong Kong, but in reality, he was secretly developing real estate. He made a fortune and also made a name for himself as "Little Superman," with local Hong Kong media praising him to the skies.

The reason Lu Yang was eyeing this Cyberport project wasn't because he saw its potential. To be honest, Cyberport, as a free trade city, still lacked the environment for developing technology. But he came because he wanted to annoy this second young master of the Li family.

At this moment, in the new wing of the Hong Kong Island Convention and Exhibition Centre, the dome of the tendering hall hangs high, crystal chandeliers reflect a cold light, and the air is filled with the lingering smell of expensive cigars and the silent smoke of gunpowder.

The heatwave of 1988 seemed to be kept out of the thick glass curtain wall, leaving only the undercurrents beneath the suits and ties.

On the podium, several representatives from the Hong Kong government's Planning Department sat upright with formal smiles on their faces.

Today, the ownership of the core land for the first phase of Cyberport, the future digital heart of Asia, will be decided.

Offstage, two distinct forces were clearly divided.

On one side is Li Zekai, the youngest son of the Li family, young and ambitious, with an arrogant determination and absolute confidence in his local connections.

On the other side is Lu Yang, the helmsman of the "Century Group," a mainland conglomerate that has risen like a comet.

The bidding process will be conducted through a combination of sealed bids and comprehensive evaluation.

When the assistant collected the final sealed bids, the lobby was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Li Zekai smiled faintly and said in a low voice, "See? You bumpkin from the mainland. Hong Kong is a deep and treacherous place. Do you think your few newly established shell companies are worthy of it?"

He firmly believed that the Lee family's deep-rooted influence in the Hong Kong government would play a decisive role.

However, when the presiding judge read out the final result clearly and calmly, the confidence on Li Zekai's face froze instantly.

"After comprehensive evaluation, Century Investment is the preferred partner for the core plots A1, A2, and B1 of Cyberport. Yingke Digital Real Estate and Century Investment will jointly develop plot C."

A suppressed gasp rippled through the room.

Area A is a unique seaside location, Area B is the future core of the CBD, while Area C, although large, is located further back and is scattered.

Joint development?
This is clearly a condescending form of comfort!

Li Zekai stood up abruptly, his face ashen: "Sir! This result is unfair. How can a newcomer compare to PCCW's understanding of the local economy, technology, and talent? The Planning Department must be responsible for Hong Kong's future!" He stared intently, trying to find support in the eyes of the officials.

The leading official adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, speaking calmly and deliberately: "Mr. Li, please be patient. The bidding process is open and transparent, and the comprehensive evaluation criteria have already been published. Century Group's scores are indeed... particularly outstanding in terms of forward-looking technological planning, the amount of initial investment guarantee, and its commitment to driving the linkage of high-tech industries in the mainland. The Hong Kong government welcomes healthy competition, and jointly promoting the development of Hong Kong is the fundamental goal. Cooperating with Century Group to develop Area C is also a powerful alliance with enormous potential."

The words sounded grand and dignified, but the phrase "particularly outstanding" subtly revealed that Lu Yang's astonishingly high and unexpectedly extravagant offer was the real key to victory.

What the Hong Kong government wants is a rapid start and a blueprint for leapfrog development with real money. Faced with huge profits and the "future," even the Li family's social skills have to give way.

As long as the procedures are acceptable and things don't turn sour, why not?
"Healthy competition? Strong alliance?" Li Zekai felt a surge of anger rising to his head.

He saw the almost imperceptible curve at the corner of Lu Yang's mouth, so calm it was blinding.

This is hardly competition.

This is a blatant humiliation! By paying an almost insane premium, they forcefully broke down the seemingly solid threshold of the Hong Kong government, pushing this local pride to the sidelines!

The other party displayed a terrifying ambition that showed no regard for short-term returns and only sought to devour core resources, as if what they were throwing out was not money, but waste paper.

"Lu Yang!" Li Zekai could no longer contain himself and suddenly grabbed the latest "big brother" Motorola 3200 on the table. The huge black brick, a symbol of status and wealth, seemed particularly heavy in his trembling hands due to extreme anger.

He glared at Lu Yang, his eyes blazing with fury, and he spat out a few words through gritted teeth: "Good! Good methods!"

The next second, with a loud crash, accompanied by the ear-piercing sound of plastic and electronic components shattering, he slammed the phone, worth tens of thousands of dollars, onto the polished marble floor with all his might!
Fragments flew everywhere, startling those around who quickly retreated.

Lu Yang merely raised his eyelids slightly, glancing at the pile of expensive wreckage on the ground as if it were nothing more than an insignificant fallen leaf.

He calmly stood up, straightened the hem of his suit, nodded slightly to the officials on the stage, and then gave Li Zekai a nod that seemed polite but was actually full of the magnanimity of a victor.

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Li. It's been a pleasure working with you in Zone C." The voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

After saying that, Lu Yang, surrounded by his assistants, was the first to leave.

His back was straight, his steps were steady, leaving behind a room full of uproar and a mess.

Li Zekai stood there, his chest heaving violently, his face turning from pale to white.

He lost, he lost humiliatingly, he lost face completely.

Lu Yang managed to snatch all the prime pieces of meat, but despite his best efforts, he only managed to tear off a piece of bone, along with some broth.

Lu Yang's words, "It's a pleasure to cooperate," were more like a resounding slap across his proud face.

The blueprint for Cyberport on Hong Kong Island has thus been etched into the minds of a mainland "marry-in" company in the most forceful and effective way, leaving the "Century Group" imprint. This also officially declared the bankruptcy of his strategy of acquiring land at low prices, resulting in another exceptionally heavy loss today. (End of Chapter)