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That afternoon, Suning was looking at the factory design drawings of Hanxin Materials when his personal cell phone suddenly rang.

It turned out to be Li Shiyan.

"Suning, are you busy?" Li Shiyan's voice sounded a little down.

"Not bad, looking at some documents. What's up?"

“I…I’m going to study abroad,” Li Shiyan said. “My flight is next month. I’m going to the UK to study for a Master of Education degree for a year. I wanted to say goodbye to you before I leave.”

Su Ning was stunned; she hadn't expected Li Shiyan to suddenly go abroad.

Moreover, based on my own assessment of Li Shiyan, I feel that she is a woman without ambition, otherwise she wouldn't have stayed in a kindergarten for so long.

What level of expertise do kindergarten teachers possess? Those who know, know.

So when Su Ning first learned that Li Shiyan was Li Shensi's daughter, she was quite surprised.

"When are you leaving?" he asked.

"Next Wednesday." Li Shiyan paused. "Are you free tonight? How about we have dinner together?"

"Okay, I'll make arrangements."

"Then... see you tonight."

"See you there or see you."

……

At 7 p.m., the two met at an upscale French restaurant.

Li Shiyan wore a light blue dress and light makeup today, looking more mature than usual.

But there was some weariness and confusion in her eyes, and Su Ning couldn't figure out what she was struggling with.

However, there was always an indescribable "desire" in her eyes when she looked at Su Ning. As someone who had been through it all, Su Ning naturally noticed Li Shiyan's thoughts.

"Why do you suddenly want to go abroad?" Su Ning asked while ordering food.

“It wasn’t entirely sudden,” Li Shiyan said. “Actually, I’ve always had this idea, but I only recently made up my mind. After living in China for so many years, I wanted to go out and see the world and learn something new.”

"What about the work at the kindergarten?"

"I resigned." Li Shiyan smiled. "The principal was very supportive and said that I would be welcome back anytime after I finish my studies."

The dishes are here.

The two ate and chatted, their topics rambling on...

We talked about everything from study abroad plans to the weather in the UK, from educational philosophies to future plans.

"Su Ning, do you think... I should go?" Li Shiyan suddenly asked.

“It mainly depends on your own wishes,” Su Ning said. “If you want to learn, then go. If you’re just trying to escape, then you might as well stay.”

"Running away?" Li Shiyan's eyes flickered, and she quickly lowered her head to hide her panic. "What am I running away from!"

"Isn't that right?" Su Ning looked at her. "Because I'm dating Lan Qianyi, and you feel there's no hope, so you want to leave?"

These words were so direct that Li Shiyan was stunned. "You're still so sharp."

“I’m just telling the truth,” Su Ning said. “Shiyan, you’re a good girl and you deserve someone better. There’s no need to waste your time on me.”

“But I like you!” Li Shiyan blurted out, then blushed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

"It's alright." Su Ning poured her a glass of red wine. "Come on, have a drink! Let's drown our sorrows in wine."

"Can it really be done?"

"Why don't you give it a try and see? You might be pleasantly surprised."

"..."

……

After dinner, Li Shiyan was clearly a bit tipsy, after all, Su Ning had urged her to drink a lot of alcohol.

Although it was just a low-alcohol red wine, Li Shiyan was still noticeably a little dizzy.

Su Ning suggested going to see a movie, and Li Shiyan didn't object at all, obediently following the man.

"There's a new movie out recently that's getting good reviews," he said.

"Okay."

When they arrived at the movie theater, Suning had actually bought couple seats, the kind of sofa seats where two people sit very close together.

Li Shiyan was a little surprised, but she didn't say anything, and couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

The movie is a romance film with a very clichéd plot and mediocre acting.

That's how the Chinese entertainment industry is these days. It has developed to such an advanced level that it no longer needs an audience. It can form a closed loop of film and television dramas on its own. It's truly ironic and ridiculous.

Less than half an hour later, Li Shiyan started to lose focus, mainly because her thoughts were on the man beside her.

She secretly glanced at Su Ning.

The screen light shone on his face, highlighting his defined features and focused gaze.

Suddenly, I realized that just sitting next to him like this is quite nice.

Just then, Su Ning suddenly reached out and grasped Li Shiyan's hand.

At first, Li Shiyan was startled and instinctively tried to pull away, but Su Ning held on tightly.

“Suning…” she whispered.

Su Ning didn't speak, but simply turned to look at her.

The light from the screen danced in Suning's eyes, creating an indescribable ambiguity.

Then he leaned in and kissed Li Shiyan.

The kiss came suddenly, but it was very gentle.

Li Shiyan's mind went blank for a moment, and by the time she came to her senses, she had already begun to respond.

When they parted, both of them were a little out of breath.

"You..." Li Shiyan blushed, "What are you doing?"

"I don't want you to leave," Su Ning said directly. "Stay with me."

"But you...you have a girlfriend..."

“That’s my business,” Su Ning said. “You just need to answer whether you’re willing or not.”

Li Shiyan looked at him, her heart pounding.

I know that doing this is wrong and immoral.

But she just couldn't control herself, because she liked Su Ning, liked him for a long time, and it had even reached the point of infatuation.

Now that the opportunity is right in front of her, Li Shiyan is reluctant to give it up.

"I...I do."

"Let's go! I'll take you to a beautiful place."

"where?"

"You'll know when it arrives."

……

After leaving the movie theater, Su Ning took Li Shiyan directly back to her home in Tomson Riviera.

As soon as the door closed, the two kissed.

This was much more intense than in the movie theater; it felt like I was venting all my emotions.

Clothes were scattered all over the floor from the living room to the bedroom.

Li Shiyan was very nervous; this was her first time.

But Su Ning was very gentle and patiently guided her, skillfully making Li Shiyan unable to resist.

The process was intense, so it can't be described in detail here. Anyway, those who know, know. You'll just have to use your imagination.
After it was over, Li Shiyan leaned against Su Ning's chest, still trembling slightly.

"Are you still going to study abroad?" Su Ning asked her.

Li Shiyan was silent for a moment, then shook her head: "I'm not going."

"Have you thought about it?"

“Yes.” Li Shiyan looked up at him. “I want to stay by your side, even if… even without a formal title.”

These words sounded a bit humble, and Su Ning's heart softened, so she hugged her tightly.

“I will be good to you,” he said, “but some things need to be made clear: Lan Qianyi and I will not break up. Can you accept that?”

Li Shiyan bit her lip: "Yes."

"No regrets?"

"No regrets."

"Besides Lan Qianyi, I have other women."

"what?"

"What? You can't stand it anymore?"

"You...you really have more than one woman?"

"Really! I don't have many personal hobbies, it seems like this is the only one."

"..."

The two lay down for a while longer. Suddenly, Li Shiyan asked, "Su Ning, why did you keep me here? Was it because you like me, or because... I'm Li Shensi's daughter?"

This question is very sharp.

Su Ning thought for a moment and answered honestly, "Both. I like you and admire you. Especially your stunning figure, which is very attractive to me. But your identity is definitely a plus." This answer was honest, even a little hurtful.

But Li Shiyan breathed a sigh of relief, at least Suning was honest, although this honesty made Suning seem like a scoundrel.

"Okay, I understand. So... what will our relationship be from now on?"

"What do you think?" Su Ning retorted.

"I don't know." Li Shiyan gave a bitter smile. "A lover? A third party? Or... a backup plan?"

"Don't talk about yourself like that." Su Ning kissed her forehead. "You are you, Li Shiyan. We're together, just be happy. Don't think too much."

"Ah."

That night, Li Shiyan didn't leave, and they made a lot of noise again.

The next morning, Li Shiyan, whose body ached all over, sent her father a WeChat message: "Dad, I'm not going to study abroad. I want to stay in Shanghai."

Li Shensi quickly called back: "Why?"

"I just... don't want to go anymore," Li Shiyan said vaguely. "I want to develop my career in China."

Li Shensi was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Is it Suning?"

"……Um."

"Shiyan, have you thought this through? He has a girlfriend. Being with him won't end well."

“I know,” Li Shiyan said, “but I’m willing to give it a try.”

Li Shensi sighed: "Fine, you chose this path, so walk it yourself. But remember, protect yourself."

"I will."

After hanging up the phone, Li Shiyan looked at Su Ning, who was still fast asleep, and felt a mix of emotions.

She knew this path would be difficult, but she just couldn't let go.

She might regret it later, but at least for now, she doesn't want to miss out.

From this moment on, her relationship with Suning entered a new phase.

Thinking of this, Li Shiyan once again embraced Su Ning, feeling wonderful being by his side.

……

Ningyuan Capital has been making frequent moves lately and is becoming increasingly prominent in the industry.

First, I invested in a company that makes industrial robots.

This company's collaborative robots are highly precise and easy to operate, and they have already signed orders with several car manufacturers.

Ningyuan invested 80 million yuan, taking a 15% stake, and will continue to invest depending on the situation.

Then they invested in civilian robots, not the kind of sweeping robots, but real humanoid robots and dexterous robotic arms.

The company is called "Zhixing Technology". The founder is a PhD who returned from overseas. The team is young, but the technology is very solid.

The robots they made can move things, open doors, and even do simple housework.

Ning Yuan invested 100 million yuan, acquiring a 20% stake.

"Zhixing Technology's goal is to achieve mass production within three years," Chen Xi said at the investment decision meeting. "Their technology roadmap is very clear: first focus on industry applications, and then gradually shift to consumer applications. The market potential is huge."

Zhang Yuan added from a risk perspective: "There are technical risks, especially in the balance and control algorithms of humanoid robots. But we saw the demo during our due diligence, and it was already very advanced. Moreover, they have applied for more than 30 patents, so their competitive advantage is quite strong."

Suning made the decision: "Invest! We can also provide some technical support to shorten the specific R&D and mass production time."

"Yes, Mr. Su."

……

The vaccine research and development industry has also kept pace.

Ningyuan invested in a startup company that develops mRNA vaccine technology.

Although the pandemic is over, the application prospects of mRNA technology are very broad...

Cancer vaccines, rare disease treatments, and personalized medicine are all directions to explore.

"The company's founder is from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the team has more than ten years of R&D experience," Chen Xi introduced. "They are currently focusing on developing tumor vaccines, which have already entered Phase I clinical trials."

"Is it expensive?" Su Ning asked.

"It's incredibly expensive," Chen Xi said frankly. "But the technological barriers are high, and once it's successful, the returns will be high too. We invested 50 million, which is 10% of the total."

“Follow suit.” Su Ning nodded. “Pay close attention to the character of the company’s founder and be ready to invest in the corresponding advanced technologies at any time.”

"understood."

……

In the field of public health and safety, Ningyuan has invested in two companies.

One company makes high-end medical masks, not ordinary masks. They are professional-grade masks that can filter viruses, have breathing valves, and are highly comfortable.

This company previously mainly exported to Europe and the United States, but now wants to expand into the domestic market.

The other company is engaged in the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine.

They modernize traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, extract the effective ingredients, and make them into capsules and tablets, which are convenient to take and also facilitate quality control.

“Neither of these companies is particularly attractive, but they are very stable,” Chen Xi said. “The mask company is already profitable, and the traditional Chinese medicine company has also obtained several approvals. We invested 30 million yuan in each, and our shareholdings are not large, but the safety margin is high.”

“Okay.” Suning agreed. “Investment can’t just chase trends; it also needs a solid foundation.”

These three industries are all preparing for the upcoming public health challenges, since the arrival of COVID-19 is not something that can be avoided by human effort.

……

The most eye-catching projects are the large AI model and the lithography machine accessories.

The AI ​​large-scale model company is called "Shenyuan Technology," and it develops a general artificial intelligence underlying framework.

The founding team consists of PhDs from Tsinghua University and Stanford University, and they have strong technical capabilities.

However, this field is highly competitive, and money is burned even faster.

“They are currently burning through 10 million yuan a month, mainly due to computing power costs,” Chen Xi said. “But the model is indeed performing well, ranking in the top three in several public evaluations. We invested 150 million yuan, taking an 18% stake.”

Lithography machine parts companies are even more hardcore.

They don't manufacture complete machines; they only produce core components, such as high-precision lenses, laser light sources, and motion control systems.

These components have long been monopolized by foreign countries, with almost no domestic presence.

“This company was revamped from a state-owned enterprise. It has a solid foundation, but it lacks funds and personnel,” Chen Xi said. “We invested 200 million yuan, taking a 25% stake, and also helped bring in several overseas experts.”

With the addition of the AI ​​medical project (Zhiying Technology) and the photoresist project (Hanxin Materials) already underway, Ningyuan Capital's investment portfolio is becoming increasingly clear.

Healthcare, high technology, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence... each sector is stuck in a crucial position.

At this point, people in the industry had already started talking about it:

"Ningyuan's investment strategy is quite ambitious! From healthcare to chips, from robotics to AI, they're investing in everything."

"The key is that they've made some pretty good investments. Zhiying Technology's valuation has already doubled, and I've heard that Hanxin Materials is also making rapid progress; they might actually be able to achieve mass production of photoresist."

"I heard their team is very strong. Investment director Chen Xi used to work at Goldman Sachs, and risk control director Zhang Yuan is from Harvard Law School."

"A rich kid can dabble in something like this? I don't think it's just a hobby; he's serious about it."

The offices of Ningyuan Capital have been very busy lately.

Chen Xi and Zhang Yuan worked overtime almost every day, reviewing projects, conducting due diligence, writing reports, and holding investment decision meetings.

The newly recruited investment managers and analysts are also extremely busy.

Suning holds five or six meetings and reviews more than a dozen reports every day.

But I truly enjoy it; this is what I want to do: invest in good projects, support good teams, and create real value.

On Friday afternoon, Suning called a meeting with everyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Ningyuan Capital has been established for six months and has already invested in eight projects, with assets under management reaching 3 billion yuan." Su Ning stood at the front of the conference room. "The results are good, but not enough. Our goal is to reach 10 billion yuan in assets under management within three years and become a top-tier fund in China."

Applause erupted from below.

"Next, we will focus on two things," Suning continued. "First, we will do a good job in the projects we have already invested in, help them grow, and strive to exit as soon as possible. Second, we will continue to explore new projects, especially in areas such as bottleneck technologies and import substitution."

Chen Xi added, "We have already shortlisted a second batch of twelve projects, distributed across four areas: semiconductors, biomedicine, new energy vehicles, and industrial software. Due diligence will begin next week."

Zhang Yuan said, "Our risk control and compliance system is already well-established and can support larger-scale investments. In addition, we are applying for QFII qualification and preparing to introduce overseas funds."

Everything is proceeding according to plan.

After the meeting, Su Ning returned to his office and stood by the window.

Outside the window is the bustling scene of Lujiazui, with towering buildings and a constant flow of traffic.

Six months ago, Ningyuan Capital was just an idea.

Currently, they have invested in eight projects, managed 3 billion yuan in funds, and gained a reputation in the industry.

This speed is even faster than I expected.

But we also know that this is just the beginning.

The road to investment is long, and there are many stories to tell!
Making good investments now shows keen insight; making good investments three years from now shows a strong system; making good investments ten years from now shows true skill.

What he wants to do is not to enjoy temporary glory, but to build an investment institution that can continuously create value.

However, now he has a professional team like Chen Xi and Zhang Yuan; practical partners like Wu Kezhi, Lin Yuming, and Sun Yiqiu; and confidantes like Lan Qianyi, Gao Yue, and Li Shiyan; he also has the technical support of the space world and the backing of family resources.

More importantly, Suning has a clear strategy and a firm determination.

The story of Ningyuan Capital has only just begun.

Each subsequent page will be quite exciting, with new story content and dungeons unfolding and unlocking.

...(End of chapter)