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Anerya Daily Chemical Company has been acquired by Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group for a year.

The original boss, Lu Ximing, had already been ousted.

I also tried starting another business, but I ran into several setbacks and almost lost everything.

But as he watched the snow-covered landscape flourish, Lu Ximing felt an unbearable pain in his heart.

In his eyes, Yu Xueqing's current success should belong to him, Lu Ximing, but unfortunately it was all taken away by the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group.

Every time Lu Ximing saw the overwhelming advertisements for Yuxueqing and heard Xiao Ran speaking eloquently in the media, he felt as if his heart was being ripped out.

That should have belonged to Lu Ximing, to Lu Ximing's An Er Ya!
Suning snatched them all away through underhanded means!

"President Lu, this is Yu Xueqing's sales report for last month." The secretary placed the document on the table.

Lu Ximing glanced at it—Yu Xue Qing's sales exceeded 50 million last month, and its market share increased by another three percentage points.

"I understand." Lu Ximing waved his hand impatiently to dismiss his secretary, then slammed the report on the ground.

It turns out that Lu Ximing had been having his secretary keep an eye on Yuxueqing Daily Chemicals' every move, which shows that he hadn't completely given up on his former business.

Fifty million! At the peak of his career, An'erya only earned one million a month!

Why? Why is it that Xiao Ran can do it?
Lu Ximing grew angrier the more he thought about it, and a thought began to grow wildly in his mind...

Since you won't let me have an easy time, then you won't have an easy time either!

He picked up the phone and dialed a number.

"Old Zhang, it's me, Lu Ximing. Are you free tonight? Let's get together."

……

It was evening, in a private room of a secluded little restaurant.

Lu Ximing sat opposite a middle-aged man wearing glasses.

The man's name is Zhang Quan. He used to be the technical director of Anerya. After the company was acquired, he left and now works as a technical consultant at a small chemical plant.

"Mr. Lu, what can I do for you?" Zhang Quan asked.

"Old Zhang, do you want to make money?" Lu Ximing asked in a low voice.

"Of course I want to! Who doesn't want to make money?"

"Do you still remember the formula for Yuxueqing?"

Zhang Quan was taken aback. "I do remember, but that's a company trade secret. We signed a confidentiality agreement..."

"What kind of bullshit agreement is this!" Lu Ximing sneered. "The company isn't even ours anymore, why should we care about those things? Old Zhang, let's do it ourselves, let's make pirated versions of Yuxueqing products. Low cost, cheap price, there's definitely a market!"

"This...this is copyright infringement! If you get caught, you'll go to jail!"

"What are you afraid of?" Lu Ximing poured him a drink. "We'll stay in the shadows and just be careful. We'll find a small workshop to produce it, make the packaging look similar, but we won't use the Yuxueqing trademark. We'll just use something like 'Yuxueqing.' With just one character difference, consumers won't be able to tell the difference and will think they've gotten a bargain."

Zhang Quan hesitated, "Will it work?"

"Why not?" Lu Ximing leaned closer. "Yu Xue Qing shampoo is expensive now, twenty yuan a bottle. Our cost is five yuan, we sell it for ten yuan, and we're taking their market share! If we sell 100,000 bottles a month, that's a profit of 500,000 yuan! We'll split it 50/50!"

Five hundred thousand!
Zhang Quan was tempted.

He only earns 3,000 yuan a month now; 500,000 yuan would be enough for him to work for more than ten years.

“I do remember the formula, and production isn’t difficult,” Zhang Quan said. “But it’s just the formula for that batch of soaps with the strange smell. Now, Yuxueqing soap has changed its formula. Also, the shampoo and shower gel are new products that were developed later, so I really don’t know the specific formulas.”

"It's alright! The recipe is always the same no matter how it's modified! Why should a pirated copy be so particular?"

"Then I'll ask around at the Yuxueqing manufacturing plant. Some of the original Anerya technicians were retained, so I should be able to get the formulas for the shampoo and body wash."

"That would be the best way! Don't be afraid to spend money."

"Understood! But what about the sales channels?"

"It's simple! I know a few wholesalers who specialize in counterfeit goods," Lu Ximing said. "They can distribute their products to small supermarkets and shops all over the country. As long as the price is low enough, they have no trouble selling them!"

"Okay! Mr. Lu, then I'll work for you."

The two then discussed the specific details and finally agreed that Lu Ximing would provide 100,000 yuan in start-up capital, Zhang Quan would be responsible for technology and production, and the profits would be split 50/50.

……

Three months later, a batch of counterfeit "Yuxueqing" products suddenly appeared on the market.

The packaging is very similar to Yuxueqing—white bottles with blue lettering, only the trademark has changed from "Yuxueqing" to "Yuxueqing" and the font design is also very similar.

You really can't tell the difference unless you look closely, and the price is only half that of Yuxueqing.

Many consumers who bought it because it was cheap found that the effect was far from satisfactory...

It produces little foam, leaves hair dry after washing, and some people even experience allergic reactions.

The complaint hotline to Yuxueqing Company receives dozens of calls a day.

Why are your products getting worse and worse?

"My scalp is itchy after using your shampoo!"

I want a refund!

The customer service department reported the situation to Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran didn't pay attention at first, thinking it was just an accidental problem with the product quality.

It wasn't until Zhou Zhenxing walked into his office with a bottle of "bath serum" shampoo that things changed.

"Mr. Xiao, take a look at this."

Xiao Ran took a look and his expression changed. "This...this is obviously a counterfeit!"

“Yes,” Zhou Zhenxing said. “I did some research, and this product has been selling like hotcakes in second- and third-tier markets recently. The price is only half of ours, but the packaging is almost identical. The name is also very insidious, differing by only one character. Many consumers can’t tell the difference at all. After buying it and finding it ineffective, they blame our Yuxueqing.”

Do you know who did it?

"We haven't found out yet, but it must be an insider," Zhou Zhenxing analyzed. "Especially the soap formula is very similar, although it's just the earliest formula, and they even cut corners by removing some of the more expensive active ingredients. But outsiders couldn't possibly know that much."

Xiao Ran frowned. "Old Zhou, do you suspect it's someone from An Er Ya's side?"

“It’s very likely,” Zhou Zhenxing said. “Lu Ximing is narrow-minded and has always been unwilling to accept the acquisition of Anerya Company. Moreover, he is most familiar with our soap formula, and everything matches up.”

"Is there any evidence?"

"Not yet, but it can be checked, and it shouldn't be too difficult," Zhou Zhenxing said. "I've already had someone buy all the counterfeit products and have them tested. As long as the formula and ingredients are highly similar to ours, it can prove that they are pirated."

"Okay, you're in charge of finding out the truth," Xiao Ran said. "Also, notify the legal department to prepare the materials. Once there's evidence, call the police immediately!"

"Okay! Should we inform General Manager Su?"

"Forget it! We'll handle this little thing ourselves."

"Understood! I'll arrange it right away."

A week later, the test results came back...

The formula of the counterfeit product is highly similar to the core ingredients of Yuxueqing, only the content is less and cheap substitute ingredients are added.

The soap is especially similar; it's clearly the original batch of Yuxueqing soap, the one that An'erya couldn't sell back then.

So, once the investigation reaches this point, everything is confirmed.

“Mr. Xiao, this is definitely a pirated copy.” Zhou Zhenxing placed the report on Xiao Ran’s desk. “But this alone is not enough; we need to find the source of production.”

"Has it been found?"

“I have a lead,” Zhou Zhenxing said. “I had someone follow Lu Ximing for a few days and found that he often goes to a small chemical plant outside the pass. That plant used to make detergents, but recently it suddenly started producing soap, as well as shampoo and shower gel.”

"Can you be sure?"

"We haven't obtained direct evidence yet, but it's pretty close to the truth."

Xiao Ran thought for a moment, "How about this, we invite the relevant department people to dinner and report the situation. Piracy is something we can't handle on our own; the relevant departments need to step in."

"Who please?"

"Please contact the Market Supervision Bureau and the Economic Crime Investigation Division of the Public Security Bureau," Xiao Ran said. "Bring the evidence and let them see just how rampant piracy is."

"clear."

……

Three days later, in a private room of a high-end restaurant in Shenzhen.

Xiao Ran and Zhou Zhenxing hosted a banquet for Deputy Director Wang of the Market Supervision Bureau and Captain Li of the Economic Investigation Detachment of the Public Security Bureau.

"Director Wang, Captain Li, thank you both for coming." Xiao Ran raised his glass.

"Mr. Xiao, you're too kind," Deputy Director Wang said with a smile. "Yu Xue Qing is a local brand in Shenzhen. If it does well, we'll be proud of it too."

After a few drinks, Xiao Ran got down to business, "Director Wang, Captain Li, I invited you two here today because I need your help with something."

"What is it? Tell me."

Zhou Zhenxing took out the bottle of "Bathing Serum" shampoo and the test report, saying, "Recently, a large number of counterfeit products of our products have appeared on the market. They imitate our packaging, steal our formula, and even the name is only one character different, but the quality is very poor, which seriously damages the reputation of our brand."

Deputy Director Wang took the product, examined it, and frowned. "So similar? Consumers really will have a hard time telling the difference."

“We have received a large number of complaints,” Xiao Ran said. “What’s more serious is that we suspect the producer of the pirated goods is Lu Ximing, our company’s former boss. He holds a grudge because the company was acquired, so he’s been sabotaging us behind the scenes.”

"Do you have any evidence?" Captain Li asked.

“Yes.” Zhou Zhenxing took out several photos. “These are photos we took. Lu Ximing frequently visits a small chemical plant outside the pass. This plant recently started producing daily chemical products, and the timing coincides with the time when counterfeit products hit the market.”

He then took out several photocopies of purchase orders. "These are the documents we received from our raw material suppliers, showing that the raw materials purchased by this factory highly overlap with the raw materials used in our products."

Deputy Director Wang and Captain Li exchanged glances.

"Mr. Xiao, you mean..."

"We hope the relevant departments can crack down on this piracy," Xiao Ran said earnestly. "This is not only to protect the legitimate rights and interests of our company, but also to maintain market order. If piracy is rampant, who will be willing to invest in research and development? Who will be willing to build a brand?"

"Well said!" Deputy Director Wang nodded. "Protecting intellectual property rights is protecting innovation. Our Market Supervision Bureau is determined to handle this!"

Captain Li also stated, "We will investigate Lu Ximing and that chemical plant. If the evidence is conclusive, we will definitely handle it according to the law!"

"Thank you both!" Xiao Ran raised his glass again.

After the dinner ended, Xiao Ran and Zhou Zhenxing stood at the entrance of the restaurant.

"Will they take it seriously?" Zhou Zhenxing asked.

“Yes.” Xiao Ran watched the car headlights disappear into the distance. “Shenzhen is currently working on improving its business environment, and cracking down on piracy is a key task. We’ve presented all the evidence; they won’t ignore it. Besides, it’s good to have a powerful backer. Our Yu Xue Qing’s parent company is the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group.”

"And next..."

"Wait for news," Xiao Ran said. "At the same time, we also need to strengthen our anti-counterfeiting measures. We need to upgrade the packaging and add anti-counterfeiting labels so that consumers can easily distinguish between genuine and fake products."

"it is good."

The two got into the car and drove into the Shenzhen night.

Meanwhile, at that small chemical plant outside the pass, Lu Ximing and Zhang Quan were counting money.

"We sold 150,000 bars of soap and 100,000 bottles of shampoo and shower gel this month, with a net profit of 5.01 million!" Lu Ximing's eyes lit up. "Old Zhang, at this rate, we'll be able to turn things around very soon!"

Zhang Quan grinned from ear to ear, "President Lu has such good taste!" Little did they know, a large net was quietly tightening.

Some money is easy to earn, but the price is often much higher.

……

However, their good fortune didn't last long, and soon Lu Ximing and Zhang Quan were arrested.

Lu Ximing was arrested at the chemical plant.

That afternoon, he and Zhang Quan were doing accounts in the office.

Stacks of cash were piled on the table, and both men wore greedy smiles.

"Let's work even harder this month and try to sell 200,000 bottles of shampoo and shower gel!" Lu Ximing slammed his fist on the table. "Then we'll move to a different location, build a proper factory, and expand and strengthen our business!"

Before he could finish speaking, a screeching sound of brakes came from outside the factory.

Then came the sound of hurried footsteps and shouts, "Police! Don't move!"

Lu Ximing's expression changed, and he rushed to the window to look...

Four or five police cars blocked the factory gate, and dozens of police officers and market supervision bureau personnel were rushing in.

"It's over!" Zhang Quan's legs went weak, and he slumped into the chair.

Lu Ximing tried to escape, but the back door was blocked.

Police stormed into the office, brandishing their badges and a search warrant.

"Lu Ximing, Zhang Quan, you are suspected of producing and selling counterfeit and substandard products and infringing on the intellectual property rights of others. Come with us!"

The handcuffs snapped onto my wrists with a "click," they were ice cold.

The factory was shut down, and all finished products, semi-finished products, and raw materials were taken away.

Ledgers, receipts, and computers—everything was included.

When Lu Ximing was being put into the police car, he saw Xiao Ran and Zhou Zhenxing standing not far away.

Xiao Ran looked at him expressionlessly, while Zhou Zhenxing sneered.

"Xiao Ran! You fucking deserve to die a horrible death!" Lu Ximing cursed, "You dog of Suning! What do you think you are? You're just a dog that Suning keeps!"

The police officer held him down, saying, "Behave yourself!"

But Lu Ximing continued cursing, his voice hoarse, "Your wife was stolen by Su Ning! And you're still working for Su Ning! You're a cuckold! And you think you're so great!"

Xiao Ran's face turned pale instantly; this was his deepest sore spot.

Zhou Zhenxing frowned, "Lu Ximing, what nonsense are you spouting, you madman!"

"I'm not lying!" Lu Ximing shouted one last time before being shoved into the police car. "Xiao Ran! You mess with me today, and Su Ning will mess with you tomorrow! Once you're no longer of any use, you'll end up like me! No, you'll be even worse off than me! Because your wife is in someone else's bed!"

"And you, Zhou Zhenxing, you traitor! You clearly had a way to save An Erya, but you secretly cooperated with Xiao Ran behind my back. I will haunt you even in death."

"..."

The police car door slammed shut and drove away.

The scene quieted down.

The workers were taken away for investigation, and law enforcement officers inventoried the seized items.

Zhou Zhenxing turned to look at Xiao Ran, "President Xiao, don't listen to that madman's nonsense."

Xiao Ran didn't say anything, he just stood there, looking in the direction the police car had disappeared.

Lu Ximing's words were like knives, stabbing into his heart one by one.

Yes! He really is Suning's dog.

Han Ling was snatched away by Suning, and now he has to make money for Suning.

Yu Xueqing has received investment from Suning, and Suning is a shareholder.

I worked myself to the bone, and most of the money I earned went to Suning.

Ironically, the reason he's able to strike at Lu Ximing is because of his connection with Su Ning...

If it weren't for the status of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group in Shenzhen, the leaders of the relevant departments wouldn't have taken it seriously, and this matter wouldn't have been handled so quickly.
"President Xiao?" Zhou Zhenxing called out again.

Xiao Ran snapped out of her daze. "I'm fine. You handle things here. I'll head back to the company now."

"it is good."

On the way back to the company, Xiao Ran didn't say a word.

The driver glanced at Xiao Ran in the rearview mirror and saw that his face was ashen, so he didn't dare to ask any more questions.

Upon arriving at the company, Xiao Ran locked herself in her office.

I walked to the window and looked down at the busy street below.

Lu Ximing's words echoed in his mind again and again:

"You're nothing but Suning's dog!"

"Your wife has been stolen away by Su Ning!"

"Once you're no longer of any use to me, you'll end up like me!"

Every single sentence is true.

He is indeed making money for Suning; the more successful Yuxue Qingyue is, the more dividends Suning receives.

And Han Ling did indeed end up with Su Ning; the woman who shone on stage is now sleeping in Su Ning's bed.

And what did Xiao Ran gain? Career? Fame? Money?
I have all of these things, but the hole in my heart is getting bigger and bigger.

Xiao Ran recalled when he first came to Shenzhen.

Back then, Han Ling and I squeezed into a rented room, eating instant noodles and planning for the future.

Although we were poor back then, our hearts were full.

And now? Living in a big house, driving a nice car, and the company is growing bigger and bigger.

But my heart feels empty.

Without realizing it, she picked up the phone, wanting to call Han Ling.

But after dialing a few numbers, he put it down again.

What should I say to Han Ling? Ask her how she's doing? Or ask her if she regrets it?

It's all meaningless now.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Ran thought of Su Ning.

That mysterious man who is always calm and in control of everything.

He invested in himself, gave himself opportunities, but also took away his most precious possessions.

Is it fair?
Xiao Ran gave a wry smile.

The business world is like a battlefield; there is no such thing as fairness there.

The victor is king, the loser is villain; one must accept defeat.

Xiao Ran never expected that he would lose so completely, even losing the woman he loved.

"Dong dong dong..."

There was a knock on the office door.

"Come in."

Zhou Zhenxing pushed the door open and came in. "President Xiao, we've basically cleared up Lu Ximing's case. The evidence is conclusive, and the amount involved is over two million yuan, enough for him to serve several years in prison."

"Mm." Xiao Ran nodded.

"Also, the media wants to interview us and ask for our opinion on combating piracy. Should we accept the interview?"

“Okay,” Xiao Ran said. “This is a publicity opportunity to teach consumers how to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products, and also to warn those who want to engage in piracy.”

"Okay, I'll make the arrangements." Zhou Zhenxing turned to leave, then stopped. "President Xiao, are you... are you alright?"

What could possibly be wrong with me?

"Lu Ximing's words..."

"It's just a mad dog biting people randomly." Xiao Ran waved his hand. "Go on with your work."

Zhou Zhenxing went out.

Xiao Ran sat back down in his chair and lit a cigarette.

Amidst the swirling smoke, his gaze grew increasingly cold.

Lu Ximing is right, he is Suning's dog.

But even dogs have their own path to walk.

She still can't do without Suning—Yu Xueqing needs funds, channels, and the network of relationships between Suning and Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

But one day, Xiao Ran will grow to the point where he doesn't need anyone anymore.

By then...

Xiao Ran stubbed out his cigarette.

By then, everyone will know that Xiao Ran is not anyone's dog.

He is the founder of Yuxueqing and a leader in China's daily chemical industry.

As for Han Ling...

Xiao Ran closed his eyes.

That was Xiao Ran's eternal pain, but also his eternal motivation.

Xiao Ran wants to succeed, to prove himself better than Su Ning, and to make Han Ling regret her initial choice.

Although Xiao Ran knew that this was likely just wishful thinking.

But as long as you're alive, you always need something to look forward to.

Even if this thought is like a flower in a mirror or the moon's reflection in water.

Xiao Ran picked up the documents again and started working.

Shenzhen outside the window remains as bustling as ever.

But Xiao Ran's journey is still long.

It's a long and lonely journey, and I'm certain I won't end up like Chen Qiming, with nothing left.

...(End of this chapter)