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That day, Huang Renfa hosted another dinner for Su Ning in Lanyuan Village.

This time, the scale was even bigger. Not only Huang Renfa and his three sons were present, but several elders from the village were also invited, clearly indicating that they wanted to formally propose marriage.

"President Su, come, come, sit in the head seat." Huang Renfa greeted Su Ning with a big smile and invited her to sit in the head seat.

"Village Chief Huang, you're too kind." Unable to refuse, Su Ning had no choice but to sit down.

The table was laden with dishes—chicken, duck, fish, meat, delicacies from land and sea—even more abundant than during the Chinese New Year.

Huang Yunyun was also there, sitting next to her father, head down, her face slightly flushed.

After a few rounds of drinks, Huang Renfa spoke up.

"President Su, I've invited you here today because there's something I'd like to discuss with you." Huang Renfa lowered his wine glass.

"Village Chief Huang, please speak." Su Ning knew what he was going to say.

“It’s like this,” Huang Renfa rubbed his hands together, “Yunyun has been with you for quite some time now. You know this child well; she’s hardworking, sensible, and devoted to you. Our Huang family, although not a wealthy one, is quite well-known in Lanyuan Village. I just wanted to ask… when will you officially marry Yunyun?”

Everyone at the table was looking at Su Ning.

The three sons of the Huang family, the elders in the village, and Huang Yunyun herself were all eagerly waiting for his answer.

Suning had long anticipated this day.

He smiled, picked up his wine glass, and said, "Village Chief Huang, Yunyun is indeed a very good person. She has helped me a lot. I am very grateful to her and value her highly."

"Then...then you agree?" Huang Renfa's eyes lit up.

“However,” Su Ning changed the subject, “we can’t rush this. My career is just starting out, and I’m very busy with company matters. We need to prepare for a wedding, which takes time and energy. I really can’t spare the time right now.”

Huang Renfa's face stiffened. "President Su, getting married won't interfere with your work! If you're busy, we'll take care of the wedding. You don't need to worry about it. You just need to find some time to get the marriage certificate."

“Village Chief Huang, it’s not that simple.” Su Ning shook his head. “Marriage is a big deal and cannot be taken lightly. Besides, my mind is currently focused on my career, and I haven’t really considered personal matters. After all, my marriage concerns the interests of many employees at Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics.”

The atmosphere at the table suddenly turned cold.

The three sons of the Huang family all looked unwell.

The village elders looked at each other but remained silent.

Huang Yunyun lowered her head even further, her eyes a little red.

Huang Renfa forced a smile. "President Su, are you saying... you don't want to marry Yunyun?"

“It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that now is really not the right time,” Su Ning said. “Village Chief Huang, look at me right now. Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has just gone public with its mobile phone business, and European and American mobile phone brands have already started to fight back. Yuxueqing Daily Chemicals is just starting out, and there are a lot of things to do at Xingguang Entertainment. I’m so busy every day that I don’t even have time to rest. How can I have time to get married? Can I think about personal matters after I’ve stabilized my career?”

Having said all that, Huang Renfa couldn't press the matter any further.

"Then... then can you give me a definite answer, around when?"

"Well... it's hard to say," Suning said evasively. "It could be one or two years, or it could be three or five years. It depends on how the company develops."

Three to five years?
Huang Renfa felt aggrieved, but dared not show it.

Suning is a big boss, the village's god of wealth, and you can't afford to offend him.

“President Su, as you know, Yunyun is not young anymore,” Huang Renfa could only say in a humble tone. “A girl’s youth is fleeting, she can’t wait! If you are really serious, you should settle down as soon as possible. Our Huang family guarantees that we will not cause you any trouble.”

“Village Chief Huang, I understand how you feel,” Su Ning said. “But marriage can’t be rushed. With Yunyun by my side, I won’t mistreat her. She’ll get the best in terms of salary, benefits, and treatment. As for marriage… we can talk about that later, okay?”

This is clearly an excuse.

Huang Renfa knew exactly what was going on.

But what can be done?
A falling out? What will happen to Shengang Electronics' factory in Lanyuan Village?
What will happen to all the young people in the village who work in factories?
Offending Suning is tantamount to cutting off one's own source of income.

“Then… then we’ll do as President Su says.” Huang Renfa forced a smile. “Yunyun, pour President Su some wine.”

Huang Yunyun stood up, her hands trembling slightly, and poured Su Ning a glass of wine.

"President Su, I salute you." she said softly.

"Mm." Su Ning took the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.

The atmosphere eased somewhat.

But everyone knew in their hearts that the meal was not enjoyable.

……

After finishing his meal, Huang Ren escorted Suning to the village entrance.

"President Su, please don't take what I just said to heart," Huang Renfa said. "I was just... just worried about Yunyun. This child has had a hard life; it's so rare for her to meet someone as kind as you, I..."

“Village Chief Huang, I understand,” Su Ning said. “Don’t worry, Yunyun won’t suffer if she stays with me. I really need time to get married. Please understand.”

"I understand, I understand." Huang Renfa nodded. "Then... take care."

Watching Suning's car drive away, Huang Renfa sighed.

Back home, Huang Yunyun was crying.

"Dad, I told you, President Su won't marry me." She wiped away her tears. "You insisted on asking, and now look what's happened, everyone's embarrassed."

"What should I do if I don't ask?" Huang Renfa retorted angrily. "You've been with him for quite a while now, without any official status or recognition. People in the village are gossiping, saying that my daughter, Huang Renfa's daughter, is someone else's mistress!"

“What’s wrong with being a junior?” Huang Yunyun said. “President Su is good to me. He gave me a job, paid for my medical treatment, and let me live a good life. Isn’t that enough?”

"Enough what? Enough? No official status, what will you do in the future? When he gets tired of you and dumps you, who will you turn to?" Huang Renfa slammed his fist on the table.

"President Su is not that kind of person!"

"No? Then why don't I marry you?"

Huang Yunyun was speechless.

“Daughter, Dad is doing this for your own good.” Huang Renfa’s tone softened a bit. “A girl always needs to find a home. If he doesn’t marry you now, he won’t marry you in the future. You have to think about yourself.”

What are your plans?

"Either force him to marry you, or... find someone else," Huang Renfa said. "Dad will introduce you to someone from a respectable family, someone you can marry through proper channels. Isn't that better than being with him?"

"No!" Huang Yunyun shook her head. "I'll be with President Su. Even if he doesn't marry me, I'll still be with him."

"You...how could you be so stupid!"

"I'm so stupid!" Huang Yunyun cried as she ran back to her room.

Huang Renfa sat in the chair, sighing repeatedly.

The three sons came over to persuade him.

"Dad, forget it, let my sister go if she wants to."

"Although President Su doesn't marry, he's really good to his sister. She gets a high salary, good benefits, and even gets medical treatment for her."

"Yes! It's fine as it is now. If we push them too far, and if President Su gets angry and moves the factory away, our village will suffer a huge loss."

Huang Renfa was well aware of these things.

But he was just not willing to give up.

The villagers were envious when their daughter married Su Ning, saying that the Huang family had married into a wealthy family.

But what is this high branch, without a name or status?
I can't save face!
"Forget it, never mind." Huang Renfa waved his hand. "She chose this path herself, let her walk it herself."

……

In the car, Afu asked Su Ning, "Master, are you really not planning to marry Huang Yunyun?"

“I won’t marry her,” Su Ning said. “If I marry her, I’ll have to take responsibility for the Huang family. Huang Renfa’s three sons, and all those relatives in the village, will have to come to me for favors in the future. It’ll be a hassle.”

"What about Huang Yunyun?"

"She can stay with me if she wants, or leave if she doesn't. I've given her a job, money, and dignity. I'll be responsible for the rest of her life. Marriage? Impossible."

"But Master, wouldn't this be...too heartless?"

“Heartless?” Su Ning laughed. “Afu, what do you think love is? Marrying her and then neglecting her, is that being loving? Not marrying her but treating her well and giving her the life she wants, is that being heartless?”

Afu thought about it and said, "It seems...that makes sense."

“That’s true,” Su Ning said. “Huang Yunyun is living a good life with me. She has a respectable job, a high income, is respected, and will be financially secure for the rest of her life. If she had married an ordinary person, she might have had to stay at home taking care of the children, doing housework, and having to put up with her in-laws. Which is better?”

"Of course, now is better."

"That's it. So there's no need to feel guilty. It's a fair trade where everyone gets what they need."

Afu stopped talking.

The owner has a truly insightful understanding of life.

Don't overthink, don't be pretentious, know what you want, and know what others want.

A man like this is destined not to be troubled by love.

"Master, what about Yang Ru? Will things be like this in the future?"

"Same here. They can come if they want, or leave if they don't. I give them a choice, but I don't make impossible promises. That's my principle."

"understood."

As the car drove into the city, neon lights flashed.

Shenzhen's nights are bustling yet indifferent.

Just like the people in this city.

Realistic, clear-headed, and knows what I want.

Su Ning looked out the window, feeling very calm.

He didn't think he was heartless; he just lived life with clarity.

Marriage, love, commitment...

These are too heavy for me to carry, and I don't want to carry them.

What I want is a career, success, and changing the world.

Women are just scenery along the journey; enjoy them, but don't linger.

As for what others think... that's not important! What matters is that he's comfortable.

……

As Yuxue Qinghua's business grew larger and larger, Xiao Ran became increasingly busy.

Leaving home at six in the morning and returning home at midnight is a common occurrence.

Sometimes when I go on a business trip, it can last for a whole week.

Han Ling was home alone and felt increasingly lonely.

She works in the administration department of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics during the day. The work is not tiring, but it can get boring after a while.

At this time, you need your partner to comfort you, because you can't always keep it all bottled up inside.

But when I got home at night, the house was empty, and there was no one to talk to.

When you call Xiao Ran, he's either in a meeting or socializing.

Han Ling went from initial understanding to disappointment, and now to numbness.

I remember when I first came to Shenzhen, Xiao Ran and I squeezed into that small single room.

Although they were poor, the two of them chatted and laughed together, cooked together, went shopping together, and planned for the future together.

What now?
The house got bigger, and they had more money, but they saw each other less and less.

Sometimes when Xiao Ran comes home, he is so tired that he falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow, barely able to say a few words.

Han Ling felt like she was living the life of a widow.

...That weekend, Xiao Ran went to the company to work overtime again.

Han Ling was bored at home alone, so she decided to go to the supermarket.

The supermarket was crowded with couples, families of three, and people from all walks of life.

She was all alone, pushing her shopping cart aimlessly.

Walking into the cosmetics section, I saw a bottle of perfume that was very pretty and priced at 380 yuan.

She picked it up and smelled it; it smelled good.

I wanted to buy it, but then I thought that even if I bought it, no one would appreciate it, so I disappointedly put it down.

But the emptiness in my heart grew stronger and stronger.

Why can Sun Yumei wear designer brands and use high-end cosmetics? Because she has her own business.

Why is Huang Yunyun allowed to be an assistant and follow Suning around everywhere?
Why should I be left alone in an empty house, like a housewife?

Han Ling looked at the perfume bottle and suddenly had an idea: to steal it.

Once the thought came to mind, I couldn't control it.

stimulate.

She looked around; no one was paying attention.

He quickly stuffed the perfume into his coat pocket and then walked away nonchalantly.

My heart was pounding, but there was an indescribable sense of pleasure.

It turns out that doing bad things is so exciting.

As I reached the exit, the alarm went off.

The security guard stopped Han Ling. "Madam, please wait a moment."

Han Ling's face turned pale instantly.

A female security guard searched the perfume bottle out of her pocket and said, "This is a supermarket item; you haven't paid for it."

"I...I forgot..." Han Ling stammered.

"Forgot?" The security guard looked at Han Ling. "Please come to my office."

In the office, the manager called the police.

The police arrived quickly and took Han Ling to the police station.

"Name?"

"Han Ling".

Why did you steal?

"I...I just acted on impulse..."

“The items are worth 380 yuan, enough to file a case. Notify your family to come and pay the fine and apply for bail.”

Han Ling panicked.

Inform Xiao Ran? No, what would he think if he found out?
I'll be angry, disappointed, and feel ashamed of her.

Inform our parents? That won't work either; they'll worry.

Suddenly, a person popped into Han Ling's mind: Su Ning, her former suitor.

"I...I'll call my friends to come."

The police handed the phone to Han Ling.

Then Han Ling dialed Su Ning's number.

"Hello? Who is this?" came Su Ning's voice from the other end.

"President Su...it's me, Han Ling." Han Ling's voice trembled. "I...I'm at the police station. Can you bail me out?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone. "Which police station? I'll be right there."

……

Half an hour later, Suning arrived.

After paying the fine and completing the formalities, they brought Han Ling out.

After getting on the bus, Han Ling kept her head down and didn't say a word.

"What happened?" Su Ning asked. "Why did you steal it?"

"I...I don't know." Han Ling's voice choked up. "I just...I just felt sad and wanted to do something exciting."

Does Xiao Ran know?

"I don't know. I didn't tell him."

Why are you telling me this?

“Because…” Han Ling raised her head, tears streaming down her face, “because I don’t know who else I can turn to.”

Su Ning looked at her without saying anything.

The car drove to the coastal highway and stopped.

The sound of the distant waves was quite clear, and Han Ling's mood calmed down considerably.

"Tell me, what happened?" Su Ning said.

Han Ling poured out all the grievances she had suffered during this period...

It's simply that Xiao Ran is busy and doesn't pay attention to her, so she feels lonely and resentful seeing others living such wonderful lives...

“I know I shouldn’t be like this,” Han Ling said, crying. “But I just can’t control myself. I see Sun Yumei running a company, becoming a boss, living a glamorous life. I see Huang Yunyun following you, seeing the world and gaining experience. And what about me? I go to get off work and come home to an empty house every day. Xiao Ran is so busy that we barely have time to talk.”

"So you regret it?"

"Mmm." Han Ling nodded. "If only I had chosen you back then... I should have had a wonderful life. I wouldn't be like this now, like a bitter woman."

Su Ning laughed, "Actually, it's not too late for you to regret it now."

Han Ling was taken aback.

“You’re not married to Xiao Ran, so just break up with him,” Su Ning said directly. “I don’t mind that you’re not a virgin. If you’re with me, I’ll give you the life and career you want.”

Han Ling was stunned; she hadn't expected Su Ning to say that.

So direct, so...blatant.

"President Su, are you... are you serious?"

"Of course. Han Ling, you're a good girl, beautiful and innocent, but too naive. You and Xiao Ran, thinking it's love, are actually not a good match at all. He can't give you the life you want, and he can't understand your feelings. But I can."

"But...but Xiao Ran, he..."

"What about him? His career is just starting out, and he's completely focused on business. He can't take care of you at all. Once he's made it big, he'll be even less able to care. Then he'll buy you a big villa, and you'll be even lonelier and more regretful."

Han Ling fell silent. What Su Ning said was all true.

Xiao Ran is that kind of person; she is career-oriented and puts her work first.

When we were poor, we could keep each other company.

Now that they have money, they've become distant.

“I’ll give you time to think it over. Once you’ve made up your mind, come find me. With me, you won’t have to work or worry about money. You can do whatever you want, buy whatever you want. You can even start your own business, like opening a dance troupe and taking your team around to dance and perform. You’ll have everything Sun Yumei has. You’ll have everything Huang Yunyun has.”

"But the premise is that you have to break things off completely with Xiao Ran. After all, I hate entanglements."

Han Ling was in a state of utter confusion.

"I...I'll think about it."

"Okay." Su Ning started the car. "I'll take you home. Let me know when you've thought it through. Love is indeed the most expensive thing in this world, but it's also the least lasting."

The car pulled up to Han Ling's apartment building.

Before getting out of the car, Han Ling suddenly asked, "President Su, do you...do you like me? Or do you just...just want to have me?"

Su Ning looked at Han Ling frankly and asked, "Does it matter?"

"important."

"Then let me tell you, I do like you, but not much," Su Ning said honestly. "At first, you were beautiful and innocent, which was my type. But to call it love? I wouldn't say. However, I can be good to you and give you a good life. Because while I enjoy the happiness of women's company, I also consider their future. Isn't that better than Xiao Ran's vague promises?"

Han Ling smiled wryly, "You're so direct."

"It's better to be direct to avoid misunderstandings. Go back! Think it over carefully. If you make the wrong choice again this time, it might really be for the rest of your life."

Han Ling got out of the car and watched Su Ning's car drive away.

I have mixed feelings in my heart.

Do I regret it? Of course I regret it; I shouldn't have believed in so-called love.

If I had chosen Suning back then, would things be a mess now?
But one thing is clear: her current life is not what she wants.

And Suning can give her what she wants.

This is reality—cruel, but true.

……

When I got home, I found that Xiao Ran hadn't returned yet.

Han Ling sat on the sofa, lost in thought for a long time, feeling that the house was cold and lifeless.

Suning's words kept echoing in my mind.

Every word was like a knife, cutting through Han Ling's last psychological defenses.

At this moment, I can already imagine my life for the rest of my life: a huge, luxurious villa, with no one else around except for servants, and maybe not even children.

Then life came to an end, leaving no trace in this world.

Suning, on the other hand, can create a more exciting life for himself, leading his dance troupe to stand in the spotlight.

The temptation is just too great.

But... what about Xiao Ran?

The man who once said he would give her a good life.

The man who once hugged her tightly at the train station.

Do you really want to give up?

Han Ling cried, unsure whether it was for herself or for Xiao Ran.

Perhaps, this is fate.

I chose love and gave up material things.

Now that her love has faded, material possessions and fame are tempting her again.

No matter which option you choose, it's wrong.

Shenzhen, this realistic city, has once again forced her to make a choice.

This time, Han Ling really didn't know what to choose.

...(End of this chapter)