Video Editor

Su Ning quickly learned about the little tricks Su Qing and Su Ming were up to behind the scenes.

Having traversed countless worlds, Su Ning had long seen through these conspiracies and schemes; the real struggle for family fortunes among the wealthy was far more brutal than this.

That day, Su Ning's mother, Li Xiuqin, called him, sounding very troubled. "Su Ning! Your sister and your brother... sigh, don't take it to heart. Your father is in a bad mood right now, so let's put the inheritance issue aside for now."

However, Su Ning sounded very calm on the other end of the phone, "Mom, I understand. You and Dad take care of yourselves and don't get angry over these things."

"I'm glad you understand! But could you please stop contacting that woman? You need to consider how your father and I feel. Do you know how much pain your father and I have suffered all these years?"

"Mom, actually I was just sending money to my adoptive mother. Apart from seeing her once when she was released from prison, I haven't seen her since."

"Even if you give me money, it won't work! After all, the Su family's money doesn't grow on trees. Besides, she's the Su family's enemy. How can we use our money to support her in her old age?"

"Mom, I'm sorry! Perhaps I was inconsiderate. I will pay more attention to this issue in the future."

"Fine! Child, you really can't be so heartless. Your current behavior is like stabbing me and your father in the back."

"..."

After hanging up the phone, Su Ning felt quite helpless.

Su Qing is using such methods to fight for her inheritance rights? That's so low-level.

Su Qing thought Suning would care about the position of chairman of Jianguo Group?
No, I have absolutely no interest in it.

Ningyuan Capital is already too busy with its own affairs, and it also has to manage Hanxin Materials and connect with so many invested companies. How can it have time to manage the traditional business of Jianguo Group?

As for that idiot Su Ming, he's being used as a pawn without even realizing it, and he's not worth my time.

However, the matter concerning the foster mother did indeed overlook the feelings of Su Jianguo and Li Xiuqin.

After all, the same thing can feel different to the perpetrator and the victim, and it is indeed time to settle things with that foster mother.

Seeing that Su Ning's expression was off after finishing the call, Wu Kezhi looked at her with concern and asked, "President Su, what happened?"

“It’s just a small matter at home, don’t worry about it.” Su Ning waved his hand. “Let’s continue talking about the project.”

"Oh, okay." Wu Kezhi continued his report, "The due diligence on that quantum computing project is almost complete. The team is very solid, and the technical approach is reliable. It's just that the valuation is a bit high, at 1.5 billion."

“High valuations are not a problem; the key is whether there is real substance,” Suning said. “I will arrange for me to meet with the founder so I can have a personal talk with him.”

"Ok."

……

Lan Qianyi invited Suning to dinner over the weekend.

Upon seeing her lover, she smiled sweetly and explained, "My parents are coming to Shanghai this weekend, and they want to meet you."

Su Ning was taken aback. "See me?"

"Yes!" Lan Qianyi said a little shyly, "I told them we're dating, and they want to meet you. Is that convenient for you?"

"Convenient." Su Ning nodded. "When? I'll arrange it."

"No need for you to make arrangements, just have a simple meal at my house," Lan Qianyi said. "My mom will cook, and my dad... might ask some questions, please don't mind."

"I don't mind, it's nothing."

"Suning, you're so kind."

"Then how will you repay me?"

"I've given you my body and soul, what more could you want?"

"What do you say?"

"I don't know! But I'll agree to anything you ask for."

"I want your loyalty! No matter what happens in the future, you can't leave me."

"This requirement is too broad! You're making it impossible for me to think."

"As long as you can stay by my side and never abandon me, that's enough."

"No! I, Lan Qianyi, will always be your woman."

Then Su Ning took Lan Qianyi to the hotel again, directly confirming Lan Qianyi's love for him with his actions.

Although she didn't understand Su Ning's words, Lan Qianyi still went along with Su Ning.

……

On Saturday night, Suning arrived at Lan Qianyi's house on time.

Her home is in an ordinary residential area on Chongming Island. It's not big, but it's very clean.

The person who opened the door was Lan Qianyi's father, a middle-aged man who looked very refined.

"Hello, Uncle, I'm Su Ning." Su Ning handed over the prepared gifts—two bottles of Moutai, a box of tea, and some health products.

"Oh! You're too kind. Please come in." Mr. Lan accepted the gift and stepped aside.

Lan's mother came out of the kitchen, wearing an apron, with a warm smile: "Little Su is here? Please sit down, the food will be ready soon."

Lan Qianyi poured Su Ning a cup of tea and said softly, "Don't be nervous, my parents are very nice people."

"I'm not nervous," Su Ning said with a smile.

As expected, Lan's father started asking questions at the dinner table.

"Xiao Su! I heard from Qianyi that you started your own business?"

"Yes, we invest in Ningyuan Capital."

"Investing? That's quite risky, isn't it?"

"Fortunately, we mainly invest in hard technologies, and we only invest when we are sure of the right investment."

"Hard technology is great! The government supports it." Lan's father nodded. "So... how big is your company now?"

"The assets under management are approximately 30 billion yuan, and we have invested in more than 30 projects."

"Three hundred billion?" Mother Lan nearly choked on her soup. "That much?"

"It's mainly the investors' money; we're responsible for managing it," Suning explained modestly.

Lan's father glanced at Lan Qianyi, his expression somewhat complicated.

I thought my daughter had found an ordinary colleague, but it turns out she's a young and promising boss.

"Xiao Su, what does your family do?" Lan's mother asked cautiously.

"Jianguo Group is an import and export trading company."

Lan's parents exchanged a glance but remained silent.

Although they were not in the business world, they had heard of the Jianguo Group.

After all, such a large company frequently appears in the news, which made me feel even more complicated and worried.

After all, the world of the rich second generation is different from that of ordinary people, and it is unpredictable whether they will be blessed or cursed if they stumble into a wealthy family in a muddle.

"Then... do your parents know about you and Qianyi?" Lan's mother asked tentatively.

“I know, they won’t interfere with my relationship.” Su Ning said naturally, “Don’t worry, Uncle and Aunt, I’m serious about being with Qianyi.”

These words were spoken very sincerely, and Lan's parents relaxed a little.

Lan's father changed the subject, "Su Ning, you must have noticed it too! Qianyi has been strong-willed since she was little, she studies well and works hard. It's just that sometimes she pushes herself too hard, you have to persuade her to take care of her health."

“I will.” Su Ning glanced at Lan Qianyi. “Qianyi is indeed very outstanding and is a backbone of our company.”

Lan Qianyi blushed. "Dad, why are you saying all this?"

"Okay, okay, that's enough. Let's eat."

After dinner, Lan's mother cleared the dishes, and Lan's father called Su Ning to the balcony for a smoke.

“Xiao Su, Qianyi is my only daughter.” Mr. Lan exhaled a puff of smoke. “Although we are of modest means, we have never let her suffer any hardship growing up. We respect her choice to be with you. But as her father, I have to ask you, are you serious about her?”

“Very serious,” Su Ning said with certainty.

"So...what about the future? What are your plans?"

“If Qianyi is willing, I want to marry her,” Su Ning said directly. “But it’s a bit early to talk about that now. We’ve only just started and haven’t really built a foundation for our relationship yet. But I promise I will treat her well and never let her suffer any injustice.”

Lan's father looked at him, scrutinizing him.

After a long pause, he nodded. "Okay, I'll remember what you said. Qianyi seems strong, but she's actually quite thoughtful and prone to overthinking. Please be more understanding." "I will."

……

On the way back, Lan Qianyi asked Su Ning, "Su Ning, what did my dad say to you?"

"He told me to treat you well," Su Ning laughed. "He also told me to advise you not to work too hard and to take care of your health."

"that's it?"

"that's it."

Lan Qianyi breathed a sigh of relief, "I thought he would ask a lot of questions."

“Your dad is great, very understanding,” Su Ning said. “Your mom is too, she’s a wonderful cook.”

"Of course, my mom's cooking is amazing," Lan Qianyi said with a hint of pride. "Will you come again next time?"

"Come on! As long as your uncle and aunt don't find me annoying."

They both laughed.

After dropping Lan Qianyi off at home, Su Ning drove back to his own place.

On the way, he thought about the dinner party tonight and was in a good mood.

Compared to the scheming and backstabbing within the Su family, the simple and warm family atmosphere of Lan Qianyi's family made him feel much more comfortable.

Perhaps this is what he wanted: a normal family, a stable relationship, and a meaningful career.

As for the succession rights of the Jian Guo Group? Whoever wants it can have it.

They have Ningyuan Capital, Hanxin Materials, and so many projects that are growing.

These are the true kingdoms of my own.

As for Su Qing and Su Ming... let them fight it out if they want.

Suning is too lazy to play this childish game of succession among wealthy families.

Moreover, import and export trade is not as glamorous as it appears on the surface; the risks involved are not something anyone can easily predict.

At that moment, Su Ning's phone rang. It was a message from Wu Kezhi: "President Su, the founder of the quantum computing project is available tomorrow. We've arranged to meet at 3 PM in our company's conference room."

"Okay, I'll be there on time."

Putting down his phone, Su Ning looked at the brightly lit street ahead.

I have work to do tomorrow, and new projects to look into; those are the things I should be focusing on.

……

That afternoon, Li Shensi invited Suning to his office at Jinchen Capital for tea.

This is the first time Suning has returned to his old company since leaving Jin Chen Capital.

"Su Ning, I heard things haven't been going well at your home lately?" Li Shensi asked while making tea.

Su Ning sat opposite him and smiled, "Uncle Li is really well-informed."

"This circle is only so big; everyone knows about the slightest thing that happens." Li Shensi handed him a cup of tea. "Those two kids, Su Qing and Su Ming, their methods aren't very sophisticated!"

"You know everything?"

“They know everything they need to know,” Li Shensi said. “Su Ming is making a fuss about not letting you hand over power, and Su Qing is fanning the flames. She even exposed that you were sending money to your adoptive mother. Your parents are in a dilemma now, aren’t they?”

Suning took a sip of tea and did not deny it.

"Do you need my help?" Li Shensi looked at him. "I've known your father for so many years, so my words carry some weight. If I go and persuade him to stop listening to Su Qing and Su Ming's nonsense and hand over the company to you, it should work."

This is a very tempting offer.

Given Li Shensi's status and his relationship with Su Jianguo, his words could indeed change the situation.

But Su Ning shook her head, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle Li, but it's alright."

"Why?" Li Shensi asked, somewhat surprised. "Don't you want to take over the Jianguo Group?"

“It’s not a matter of whether I want to or not.” Su Ning put down her teacup. “This is a family matter of the Su family, and outsiders shouldn’t interfere. Besides… I really don’t have the time.”

"Do not have time?"

“Ningyuan Capital currently manages over 30 billion yuan and has invested in more than 30 projects, each of which requires close monitoring,” Su Ning stated frankly. “Hanxin Materials has just started mass production, orders are overflowing, and production capacity is still ramping up. Japanese photoresist companies cannot sit idly by and have to handle the situation carefully. Add to that several other key projects, and I can’t even keep up with the workload of two days in one. How can I possibly have the energy to manage the traditional businesses of Jianguo Group?”

Li Shensi nodded: "That's true. Jianguo Group mainly focuses on import and export trade, which is not the same path as your hard technology investment."

“Yes,” Su Ning said. “And I think my sister, Su Qing… is actually quite suitable to take over the Su Group. She has worked in the drone company for so many years; she has experience and ability. If it weren’t for the fact that she’s a daughter, my dad probably would have handed the group over to her long ago.”

"You're quite open-minded," Li Shensi laughed. "You don't fight or compete, and you even speak up for your sister."

“It’s not that I’m easygoing, it’s that there’s no need to fight for it,” Su Ning said calmly. “I have my own business, and whether I do it well or not depends on my own abilities. I don’t rely on inheriting family property. Whether Jianguo Group goes to my sister or my brother makes no difference to me.”

“But that’s assets worth hundreds of billions!” Li Shensi reminded him. “Aren’t you really even a little bit tempted?”

"I'm tempted! Who doesn't love money?" Su Ning admitted frankly. "But money isn't everything. Besides, my experience is rather unique. There's always been an inexplicable distance between me and the Su family. What I'm doing now is far more meaningful than simply making money. Investing in hard technology, supporting innovation, breaking foreign monopolies, creating jobs... The sense of accomplishment from these things is far greater than inheriting hundreds of billions."

Li Shensi looked at him with a hint of appreciation in his eyes, "Su Ning, you have a better vision than your father."

"Uncle Li, you flatter me."

"However..." Li Shensi changed the subject, "Although you don't want to compete, Su Qing and Su Ming won't think the same way. They see you as a rival now, and they might try to sabotage you later. What do you plan to do?"

"We'll meet force with force and water with earth," Su Ning said calmly. "As long as they don't cross my bottom line, I can ignore them. But if they go too far... I won't hold back."

“What’s the bottom line?”

"Lan Qianyi is my adoptive mother, and she represents the fundamental interests of the Su family." Su Ning stated clearly, "Anyone who touches them, I will turn against them."

Li Shensi nodded. "I understand. Okay, since you've decided, I won't interfere anymore. But Xiao Ning, remember this: the business world is like a battlefield. Sometimes, even if you don't cause trouble, trouble will come to you. You still need to be prepared."

"Thank you for reminding me, Uncle Li. I will be careful."

"Also, how have things been between you and Shiyan lately?"

"This……"

“Actually, I was young once too. Your father and I went through the same things you are thinking now, but I don’t want you to hurt Shiyan.”

"Uncle Li, don't worry! I respect any opinion Shiyan may have."

"Yes, remember your promise today! Don't let me down."

"Yes, Uncle Li."

……

After leaving Jin Chen, Su Ning sat in the car for a while.

He listened to what Li Shensi said.

The business world is like a battlefield; one cannot be too naive.

But I really don't want to waste my time and energy on family infighting.

Instead of wasting time on that, it would be better to invest in more good projects and help more startup teams.

The phone rang. It was Lan Qianyi calling. "Are you free tonight? My parents said they'd like to invite you over for dinner again. My mom is going to cook her specialty dishes."

"Are you free? What time?"

"Six-thirty, shall I pick you up from the company?"

"No need, I'll go by myself."

After hanging up the phone, Suning started the car.

He was more looking forward to the home-cooked meals tonight than to the messy affairs of the Su family.

Lan Qianyi's parents are ordinary people, but they are genuine and warm.

When dining at the Lan family's house, Su Ning can temporarily set aside all her status and pressure and be an ordinary person.

This feeling is wonderful, like returning to home in the real world, where warmth and hospitality permeate every corner.

...(End of chapter)