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On this day, Mr. Lin, the Hong Kong distributor, hosted a banquet for Suning at the Peninsula Hotel.

Mr. Lin is in his fifties and has been in the electronics business for over twenty years. He is the largest distributor of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics in Hong Kong.

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 mobile phone has been listed in Hong Kong for almost half a year and has sold more than 150,000 units, making Mr. Lin a fortune.

"Mr. Su, welcome to Hong Kong!" Mr. Lin said warmly. "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is now the hottest brand in Hong Kong. Thanks to you, I've made a lot of money this year."

"Mr. Lin, you're too kind. It's all thanks to your excellent management." Su Ning raised his glass.

The table was laden with delicacies, and Mr. Lin had invited several friends from the Hong Kong entertainment industry to join him, including a few young Hong Kong actresses.

"Mr. Su, these are all rising stars from Hong Kong," Mr. Lin introduced. "This is Ms. Li, who has acted in several movies. This is Ms. Wang, a singer. This is Yang Ru, who was just crowned Miss Asia this year."

Su Ning looked at Yang Ru.

Twenty-one-year-old Yang Ru is young and beautiful with a pure temperament. She is wearing a simple dress and sitting in the corner, looking a little reserved.

"Hello, Ms. Yang," Su Ning greeted her.

"Hello, Mr. Su," Yang Ru said softly, her Mandarin accented with a Cantonese tinge.

"Ms. Yang, are you from Shanghai? Why did you come to Hong Kong to develop your career?"

"Mr. Su knows me too?"

"Of course! There aren't many pretty girls in Shanghai to begin with, so the sudden appearance of someone like Miss Yang is something we all know about."

“I… my mother is from Shanghai, and my father is American. I grew up in Shanghai and later came to Hong Kong to participate in the beauty pageant.” Yang Ru couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

Suning was naturally aware of Yang Ru's situation.

In 1995, Yang Ru participated in the Miss Asia Pageant in Hong Kong, winning the title and Miss Photogenic. She then signed with ATV and began her acting career.

But this path is not easy. The Hong Kong entertainment industry is highly competitive, and it is extremely difficult for a newcomer to make a name for themselves.

After a few rounds of drinks, Boss Lin asked the female celebrities to perform to entertain the guests.

Miss Li sang a song, and Miss Wang danced a dance.

When it was Yang Ru's turn, she said shyly, "I... I can't sing or dance, I'll pour drinks for everyone."

She quickly got up and poured wine for everyone, her movements gentle and her attitude humble.

Su Ning looked at Yang Ru and had an idea in mind.

As the event was ending, Boss Lin approached Su Ning and asked, "President Su, which one did you fancy? I'll arrange it."

Su Ning glanced at Yang Ru and said, "Let's go with her."

Mr. Lin understood, "I understand, I'll have the driver take you."

……

In the car, Yang Ru sat next to Su Ning, looking very nervous.

"Miss Yang, how old are you this year?" Su Ning asked.

"twenty one."

"She won a beauty pageant and is now acting in a TV series for ATV?"

"Yes, I just signed the contract, and filming hasn't started yet."

Do you like acting?

“I don’t know…” Yang Ru shook her head. “I’ve never studied acting. I just… I just happened to participate in a beauty pageant and unexpectedly won the championship. The company said they would promote me, but I don’t know if I can become famous.”

“The Hong Kong entertainment industry is tough,” Su Ning said. “The competition is fierce, and there are many unspoken rules. As a newcomer with no background or connections, it’s very difficult to make it big.”

Yang Ru lowered her head. "I know... but I have no choice. My family is poor, my mother is in poor health, and we need money. I can only try."

The car drove to the Regent Hotel where Suning was staying.

"Shall we go upstairs and have a seat?"

Yang Ru hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Once inside the room, Su Ning poured her a glass of water. "Relax, I'm not a bad person."

“I know…” Yang Ru said softly, “Boss Lin told me that you are a big boss from the mainland, the owner of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics. You are very rich.”

"It's true that you're rich, but money isn't everything. Ms. Yang, I'd like to have a talk with you."

"What do you want to talk about?"

“Let’s talk about your future.” Su Ning sat down opposite her. “You’re twenty-one now, young and beautiful. But how many years can youth and beauty last? Five? Ten? The Hong Kong entertainment industry is full of beauties, and new faces emerge every year. What makes you so special? Luck? Talent? Or something else?”

Yang Ru fell silent.

"A woman's life boils down to two choices," Su Ning continued. "Either be with one man, or with many men. With one man, life may be mundane, but it's stable. With many men, life may be glamorous, but it lacks dignity. Which one would you choose?"

Yang Ru looked up at Su Ning and asked, "President Su, what do you mean?"

“What I mean is, if you’re willing, you can be with me,” Su Ning said directly. “I won’t marry you, I won’t give you a formal title. But I will take care of you and make sure you live a good life. You won’t have to be subservient to people in the entertainment industry, you won’t have to drink and smile for them. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.”

Yang Ru's hands were trembling. "President Su, we...we've only just met."

"So you can consider it. I'm not pressuring you. But you only get one chance; once you miss it, it's gone."

"..."

"Besides, Mr. Lin should have already told you what kind of person I am. Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is currently worth several billion, and it will be even bigger in the future. You won't lose out by following me."

Yang Ru bit her lip, struggling internally, knowing that Su Ning was telling the truth.

She's seen the Hong Kong entertainment industry in the last few months.

Drinking, smiling, unspoken rules... they're everywhere.

For a newcomer like her, without any connections, it's incredibly difficult to make a name for herself.

Suning, on the other hand, is young, wealthy, and powerful.

Following him, at least I won't suffer.

"President Su, if I agree, what... what can you do for me?"

"First, I'll help you terminate your contract. I'll have Mr. Lin negotiate with ATV, pay some breach of contract fees, and buy your contract back."

"Secondly, we'll give you a house, a car, and money. You can live wherever you want in Hong Kong, buy whatever you want, and you can even go back to Shanghai if you want."

"Third, if you want to do something, I can invest. Start a company or create a brand, it's all fine."

The conditions are very tempting.

Yang Ru was moved.

"Then... what do I need to do?"

"It's very simple, just follow me. I rarely come to Hong Kong, so when I do, you'll keep me company. You can live your own life most of the time, I won't interfere. But you need to be mindful of your boundaries and not do anything reckless."

"What will I do when I get old and lose my looks?"

"I have a bad habit, which is that I'm stingy. I can't let my woman be unfaithful. Of course, it all depends on your willingness. As long as you're willing, I'll take responsibility for you for the rest of my life."

“I…I understand.” Yang Ru took a deep breath. “President Su, I’m willing.”

"Have you thought it through?"

"I've thought it through." Yang Ru nodded. "Being in the entertainment industry is the same as accompanying others, whether it's accompanying you or not. At least you're young and rich, and it's good for me too. I'm willing."

“Okay.” Su Ning smiled. “Then it’s settled. Tomorrow I’ll have Mr. Lin go to ATV to discuss terminating the contract.”

"Thank you, Mr. Su."

That night, everything that was going to happen happened.

Yang Ru was inexperienced, but very obedient.

Suning is very satisfied.

……

The next day, when Mr. Lin heard that Suning was going to help Yang Ru terminate her contract, he immediately went to do it.

ATV didn't really value Yang Ru much; she was just a beauty pageant winner, something that happened every year.

Mr. Lin stepped in, paid 500,000 yuan in breach of contract fees, and bought back the contract.

"Mr. Su, everything has been taken care of," Mr. Lin reported. "Miss Yang is now a free agent."

“Okay.” Su Ning nodded. “Also, help her buy an apartment in Repulse Bay. It doesn’t need to be too big, just three bedrooms and a living room. Also, buy her a car and a driver.”

"Understood," said Mr. Lin. "Mr. Su, you've been very kind to Miss Yang."

"Women, you know! Since she's with me, I can't mistreat her. By the way, keep an eye on her for me. If she needs anything in Hong Kong, help her out. But don't let her do anything reckless, understand?"

"I understand! I understand!" Boss Lin nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, President Su, I will definitely take good care of Miss Yang." After making these arrangements, Su Ning went to see Yang Ru.

"The contract is off, and the house and car are being arranged. Will you stay in Hong Kong or come to Shenzhen with me?"

"Thank you, Mr. Su." Yang Ru's eyes reddened. "I want to go to Shenzhen with you."

……

After bringing Yang Ru back to Shenzhen, Suning will definitely arrange something for her.

“For example, you’re twenty-one, young, educated, and have potential,” Su Ning said to her. “It’s not good to stay idle at home all day. I’ll arrange something for you to do.”

"What is it?" Yang Ru asked.

“Be my assistant. I need an assistant here in Hong Kong to help me with some things. You can learn from me and develop into a professional woman.”

Yang Ru was stunned. "Assistant? I... can I do it? I've never done it before."

“If you haven’t done it before, learn it. I’ll have my assistant Huang Yunyun train you. She didn’t know anything before either, but now she’s my right-hand woman. Women can’t just rely on men to support them; they need to have their own careers and their own value. That’s how you live a fulfilling life.”

Yang Ru felt a warmth in her heart.

I originally thought Suning was just keeping her like a caged bird, but I didn't expect them to actually care about her.

"President Su, I...I'm willing to learn!"

"That's good." Su Ning nodded.

Then Su Ning called Huang Yunyun over and introduced Yang Ru to her, "Yunyun, this is Yang Gongru. She will be my assistant in Hong Kong from now on. You will mentor her for a while and teach her how to work."

Huang Yunyun's expression was quite complicated when she saw Yang Ru, but she quickly regained her composure. "Okay, President Su. Ms. Yang, please come with me."

The two women went to the assistant's office.

Huang Yunyun assigned Yang Ru a workstation right next to her own.

"These are the company rules and regulations, this is President Su's schedule, this is the document processing procedure..." Huang Yunyun explained one by one. "The assistant's main job is to arrange the schedule, organize documents, receive guests, and handle miscellaneous tasks. You need to be meticulous, responsible, and punctual."

Yang Ru took notes carefully.

"Also," Huang Yunyun paused, "President Su is very busy with work, and sometimes his temper is not good. If you do something wrong, he will criticize you directly, so don't take it to heart. Just correct it."

"Okay, I've got it," Yang Ru said. "Sister Huang, please teach me more in the future."

"Don't mention it." Huang Yunyun smiled. "We're all working for President Su, so we're helping each other out."

In the days that followed, Yang Ru worked very hard.

She arrives at the company at eight o'clock in the morning and often works overtime at night.

If you don't understand, ask; if you don't know how, learn.

Huang Yunyun was very patient and taught her step by step.

A month later, Yang Ru was basically able to work independently.

The itinerary was arranged in an orderly manner, the documents were organized clearly, and the reception of guests was also appropriate and generous.

Suning is very satisfied.

“You’ve made rapid progress,” he praised. “It seems you really have potential.”

"Thank you, President Su." Yang Ru was very happy. "It's all thanks to Sister Huang's excellent teaching."

“Okay.” Su Ning nodded. “Starting next month, you’ll be in charge of affairs in Hong Kong. Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has a branch office and distributors in Hong Kong. Go there often and keep an eye on things for me.”

"it is good!"

“Also,” Su Ning said, “if you still want to act, that’s fine too. Starlight Entertainment is our company, and we can arrange projects for you. But let’s make it clear beforehand that it can’t interfere with your work. And you can only film serious dramas, not those random ones.”

Yang Ru thought for a moment, "President Su, I think... being an assistant is quite good. As for acting... I don't want to think about it for now."

"why?"

“Acting is too unrealistic, it’s all fake,” Yang Ru said. “Being an assistant is real; I can learn something and help you. I think that’s more meaningful.”

“Okay.” Su Ning nodded. “I respect your choice. But if you want to act again in the future, just let me know.”

"Ok!"

Yang Ru was very grateful to Suning.

Suning gave her a choice and respected her.

……

Huang Yunyun, on the other hand, felt a little uneasy.

She could tell that Su Ning treated Yang Ru very well.

Assign tasks, patiently teach, and give them choices.

I felt the same way about myself back then.

But now there's Yang Ru...

Huang Yunyun couldn't help but ask Su Ning.

"Mr. Su, is Assistant Yang... your new girlfriend?"

Su Ning looked at Huang Yunyun and knew what she was thinking.

“Yunyun, I’ve told you before, I won’t get married, and I won’t have only one woman.” Su Ning said directly, “Like you, you are all people who follow me. You are all my assistants, all people who help me with my work. No one is more important than anyone else, and no one is more special than anyone else.”

Huang Yunyun lowered her head. "I understand."

“You don’t understand. Yunyun, I’m good to you because you deserve it. You work hard, you’re meticulous, and you’ve helped me a lot. Ruye is the same; she’s working hard too. You are both independent individuals, not my appendages. I give you opportunities and platforms so that you can live your own wonderful lives, instead of thinking about competing for my favor all day long.”

These words were harsh, but Huang Yunyun took them to heart.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Su, I was overthinking it."

"It's alright." Su Ning's tone softened. "Yunyun, remember, women don't have to rely on men. You can have your own career and your own value. Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is developing very quickly now, and there are many opportunities. Work hard, and you can become a senior executive or a general manager in the future. Isn't that better than thinking about things all day?"

"Yes!" Huang Yunyun nodded vigorously. "President Su, I will definitely do my best!"

Huang Yunyun walked out of the office, feeling a sense of relief.

Yes! What's the point of vying for favor?

Isn't working hard and doing things well better than anything else?
Mr. Su is right, women can also have their own wonderful lives.

……

Yang Ru also noticed the change in Huang Yunyun.

At first, Huang Yunyun was a bit cold towards her, and treated her in a very businesslike manner.

Now, his attitude is much gentler, and he even takes the initiative to teach her some work skills.

"Sister Huang, thank you for teaching me so much," Yang Ruzhen said sincerely.

"Don't mention it," Huang Yunyun said. "We're all working for President Su, so we help each other out. You learn quickly and have helped me a lot."

"Sister Huang, you...don't dislike me?"

Huang Yunyun laughed, "Why would I hate you? You haven't done anything wrong."

"But...Mr. Su and I..."

“That’s your business,” Huang Yunyun interrupted her. “At the company, we’re colleagues and partners. Private life is private life, and work is work. Let’s keep to ourselves.”

Yang Ru breathed a sigh of relief. "Sister Huang, you're so kind."

"You're good too. Keep up the good work! President Su won't treat us unfairly."

The two women smiled at each other.

The knot in my heart has been untied.

They are all smart people; they know how to behave appropriately.

There's no need to make it like a palace intrigue drama.

Su Ning looked at the two women with satisfaction.

Huang Yunyun is steady and meticulous, while Yang Ru is intelligent and eager to learn.

They are all good helpers, and they are sensible and don't cause trouble.

I can focus on my career.

Mobile phones, daily necessities, entertainment, film and television...

With so many things to do, where do I find the time to deal with women's petty squabbles?
...(End of this chapter)