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After Lu Ximing was arrested, Xiao Ran suffered from insomnia for several nights in a row.

He kept thinking about one thing: could he start anew and break away from Suning to go it alone?

That night, he sat alone in his study, took out paper and pen, and began to do the accounting.

Yu Xueqing's current valuation is around 300 million.

Despite multiple rounds of investment from Shenzhen and Hong Kong, he remains the second-largest shareholder, holding 20% ​​of the shares, valued at 60 million.

Suning owns 70%, while Zhou Zhenxing and several other small shareholders own the remainder.

If they can cash out and leave, 60 million will be more than enough to start a new business.

They could even go to Shanghai or Beijing, away from Shenzhen and away from Suning's nose.

But the question is, how do I cash out?

Sell ​​it to Suning? Suning would definitely be willing to take it, but the price would definitely be driven down.

Moreover, once it's sold, it's tantamount to admitting complete defeat...

He admitted he couldn't beat Suning and packed his bags to leave.

Sell ​​it to outsiders? Putting aside whether anyone would be willing to take it over, we wouldn't even get past Zhou Zhenxing.

As a company veteran and shareholder, he has the right of first refusal.

Moreover, Xiao Ran was certain that Zhou Zhenxing would inform Su Ning immediately.

Is it possible to quietly drain the company's coffers?

Xiao Ran wrote down a plan on a piece of paper: under the guise of exploring new markets, establish a new company in another location and gradually transfer Yu Xueqing's core technology and customer resources there.

When the time is right, he will leave the empty shell of Yuxueqing to Suning and start his own business with the core team.

This idea made Xiao Ran's heart race.

But soon, they realized another problem: Zhou Zhenxing.

Zhou Zhenxing is now the company's second-in-command, in charge of finance and marketing.

Any large expenditure or new project approval must be approved by him.

Want to hollow out the company right under Zhou Zhenxing's nose? Impossible.

Moreover, Xiao Ran increasingly felt that Zhou Zhenxing and he were no longer on the same page.

……

The company held its monthly operations meeting the following morning.

Xiao Ran proposed, "I plan to set up a branch office in Hangzhou to expand into the East China market. The initial investment will be about two million yuan, which will be used for renting office space, building a team, and marketing."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhou Zhenxing interjected, "President Xiao, isn't this plan a bit too hasty? We haven't even fully established ourselves in the South China market yet, and immediately moving into East China would put too much financial pressure on us."

“The market waits for no one,” Xiao Ran said. “The competition in the East China daily chemical market is not yet fierce, which is a good time to enter the market. By the time foreign brands realize this, it will be too late.”

“I understand the logic, but where will the money come from?” Zhou Zhenxing opened the financial statements. “The company only has five million in working capital right now. If we invest these two million and it doesn’t show results in the short term, it will affect the company’s normal operation.”

"Loans are available."

“Loans require collateral and time,” Zhou Zhenxing said calmly. “Besides, for such a significant investment, shouldn’t we conduct a detailed market survey and feasibility report first? At the very least, shouldn’t President Su be informed?”

That last sentence made Xiao Ran's heart sink.

“I will talk to President Su,” Xiao Ran said, trying to remain calm. “But we can start the preliminary preparations first. Let’s allocate 500,000 yuan to do market research and team building.”

“Five hundred thousand…” Zhou Zhenxing thought for a moment, “Okay, I’ll approve it first. But Mr. Xiao, you need to report the details of how this five hundred thousand is used every week.”

"can."

After the meeting, Xiao Ran returned to his office and slammed the door shut.

It was obvious that Zhou Zhenxing was on guard against him.

Do you need to report the details every week for 500,000?
This is no longer caution; it's surveillance.

In the afternoon, Xiao Ran made an excuse to call Xiao Wang from the finance department to his office.

Xiao Wang was personally recruited by him, so he's considered one of his own.

"Xiao Wang, has President Zhou been paying particular attention to any accounts lately?"

Xiao Wang hesitated for a moment, "Mr. Xiao, Mr. Zhou recently asked me to compile a list of all the vouchers for the company's large expenditures, especially... especially those related to you."

"Is it related to me?"

"It's about the purchases, reimbursements, and project funding that you signed off on." Xiao Wang's voice lowered even further. "He also told me to keep an eye out for any funds being deposited into the accounts of newly established companies."

Xiao Ran's heart skipped a beat.

Zhou Zhenxing was indeed watching him closely.

"I understand." Xiao Ran waved his hand. "Go back now, and be sure to keep it a secret."

After Xiao Wang left, Xiao Ran slumped in his chair, feeling utterly powerless.

He recalled the time when he started his business with Zhou Zhenxing.

The two of them squeezed into a small office, ate instant noodles together, visited clients together, and took the bus to save on taxi fare.

Although life was tough back then, our hearts were together.

When did it start to change?
It probably started with Suning's investment.

Zhou Zhenxing saw Suning's strength, saw that Suning was more rational, and saw that following Suning would lead to a brighter future.

Therefore, Zhou Zhenxing chose to pledge allegiance to Suning, or rather, to his own interests.

After all, Suning can offer Zhou Zhenxing far more than Xiao Ran can.

Now, Zhou Zhenxing has become Suning's eyes and ears planted in Yu Xueqing.

Xiao Ran's every move was under Zhou Zhenxing's surveillance.

Want to drain the company dry? Want to start afresh?
dream.

Xiao Ran picked up the phone, intending to call a few old clients to test whether they would be willing to follow him.

But before dialing, Xiao Ran hesitated again.

Zhou Zhenxing knew all of these clients.

If he makes contact, will Zhou Zhenxing find out?
Definitely.

Suning will find out then.

And then... what will happen next?
Xiao Ran dared not think about it.

Suddenly, I realized that I was trapped.

The bigger Yu Xueqing became, the more inseparable he became from Suning.

Because the company needs funds for expansion, channel development, and access to Suning's network.

And he himself was bound tighter and tighter.

Equity, team, customers, resources... Suning has control of everything.

He tried to break free, but with each movement, the line tightened a little more.

……

That evening, Xiao Ran went to a bar alone.

He drank a lot of alcohol, but the more he drank, the more sober he became.

The TV at the bar was broadcasting financial news, and the host said, "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group recently announced its entry into the automobile manufacturing industry, with its first model about to roll off the production line. Group Chairman Su Ning stated that over the next five years, they will build a complete industrial chain..."

The scene then switches to Suning giving an interview.

He was dressed in a suit, composed, and spoke slowly and deliberately. "For Chinese companies to rise, they must master core technologies and establish complete industrial chains..."

Looking at Su Ning on TV, Xiao Ran felt a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him...

There was admiration, there was envy, and even more so, a deep sense of powerlessness.

This man was like a mountain, blocking his way.

There's no way to get around it or overcome it.

The bartender came over to refill the drink and casually asked, "Sir, are you in business too?"

"It is."

"Business is tough!" the bartender lamented. "I have a fellow villager who used to own a factory, but it was later acquired by a big company. Now he works for someone else, and he's really frustrated."

"Why not redo it yourself?"

"It's not that easy," the bartender shook his head. "The money, the people, the resources are all in other people's hands. Want to go solo? No way."

These words pierced Xiao Ran's heart like a needle.

After paying, I staggered out of the bar.

The night breeze in Shenzhen felt cool on my face.

Xiao Ran stood on the street, watching the traffic flow, and suddenly smiled.

I laugh at my own naiveté.

At first, we thought that receiving investment from Suning was an opportunity and a boost.

Only now do I realize that those were shackles, a cage.

Suning had already laid a trap, just waiting for him to fall into it.

And he not only jumped, but he jumped willingly.

Want to escape now? Too late.

Xiao Ran waved and hailed a taxi.

"Where to?" the driver asked.

"Qingluo Bay".

As the car drove into the night, Xiao Ran leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

He knew that from now on, he would have no choice but to continue down this path.

Either follow Suning and make Yuxueqing bigger, so you can also get a share of the profits.

Either... you're completely out of the game, like Lu Ximing, ending up with nothing.

There is no third way.

This is reality—cruel, but true. And Xiao Ran had no other choice.

In fact, Xiao Ran was unaware that Su Ning had already anticipated Xiao Ran's prediction.

Therefore, in addition to Zhou Zhenxing being assigned to keep an eye on Xiao Ran's every move, there were other informants within Yu Xueqing Company.

"President Su, Mr. Xiao from Yu Xueqing seems a bit out of sorts lately."

"That's normal! With so many things happening lately, it's impossible for him not to want to go solo."

"Should we give them a warning?"

"No need! Reality will leave him battered and bruised."

……

After the successful premiere of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Ling Yun Dance Troupe, Han Ling did not stop.

As if she wanted to release all the pent-up energy from the past few years, she embarked on a national tour with her team.

Our first stop is Guangzhou.

Five shows in three days, all sold out.

Guangzhou media commented: "The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Lingyun Dance Studio perfectly blends modern dance with ethnic elements, showcasing the artistic style of the new era."

After the performance, an audience member looked at Han Ling with great excitement and said, "Director Han, your performance reminded me of my dreams when I was young. Thank you!"

Han Ling's eyes were a little red. She knew that this was what she wanted—to touch people's hearts with art.

From Guangzhou to Shanghai, from Shanghai to Beijing, from Beijing to Xi'an...

The song and dance troupe was like an expeditionary force, traveling to eight cities and performing more than forty shows in two months.

In every city they visited, the local newspapers and television stations would report on it.

In addition to art reviews, the reports always mention the phrase: "The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Ling Yun Performing Arts Company was founded by the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group and is an important part of the Group's cultural strategy."

Unbeknownst to many, the reputation of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group spread throughout the country along with the dance troupe's footsteps.

After the performance in Beijing that day, Han Ling received a call from Su Ning.

"Han Ling, congratulations! I heard you've been very successful in the capital?" Su Ning's voice was filled with laughter.

"Yes, both shows at the National Centre for the Performing Arts were sold out." Han Ling couldn't hide her excitement. "Even leaders from the cultural department came to see the performance and said our program was very unique."

"Not bad," Su Ning said, "but don't overwork yourself, take care of your health."

"I'm not tired!" Han Ling said. "President Su, I want to... I want to perform in Hong Kong. Doesn't the company have a branch there? I can perform a few shows there."

"Hong Kong?" Suning thought for a moment. "Sure. I'll have the Hong Kong branch arrange the venue and promotion. However, Hong Kong audiences have different tastes, so the program will need to be adjusted."

"I understand! I will rearrange some programs to suit Hong Kong audiences!"

After hanging up the phone, Han Ling immediately convened a meeting with the directing team.

"We're going to Hong Kong! This is our first time performing abroad, so we have to be at our best!"

The directors were both excited and nervous.

Hong Kong is an international metropolis with high artistic standards and a well-informed audience. Whether or not their work will be recognized is anyone's guess.

"Korean group, isn't our program a bit too 'rustic'?" a young director asked cautiously.

"Traditional?" Han Ling laughed. "We call this national characteristics. Hong Kong audiences are used to seeing Western ballet and modern dance, so our kind of dance that incorporates national elements is refreshing."

Han Ling thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "But we do need to make some adjustments. Hong Kong audiences are fast-paced, so the program needs to be more compact and the visual effects more intense. Also, add a dance choreography for a Cantonese song to bridge the gap."

For the next two weeks, the troupe performed in Beijing while rehearsing for their Hong Kong special.

Han Ling practically lived in the rehearsal hall, meticulously refining every movement and every step.

The day before she was to leave for Hong Kong, Han Ling received a call from Xiao Ran.

"Han Ling, I heard you're going to Hong Kong?" Xiao Ran's voice was somewhat low.

"How did you know?" Han Ling asked, somewhat surprised.

"I saw it on the news," Xiao Ran said. "Congratulations, you've gone further and further."

"Thank you." Han Ling didn't know what to say.

The two remained silent for a while.

"Han Ling," Xiao Ran suddenly said, "If... if I hadn't been so busy back then, and hadn't neglected you, would we be like this now..."

"Xiao Ran, there are no 'what ifs'," Han Ling interrupted him. "Let bygones be bygones. Let's both look forward, okay?"

"……it is good."

After hanging up the phone, Han Ling looked out the window at the traffic in Beijing and felt a moment of disorientation.

But Han Ling quickly shook her head, shaking off those distracting thoughts.

I'm going to Hong Kong tomorrow, and I have a lot of things to prepare.

……

The performance in Hong Kong will be held at the Hung Hom Coliseum.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics' Hong Kong branch began its promotion a month in advance, with newspapers, television, and subway advertisements all featuring news of the "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Lingyun Dance Troupe's Hong Kong Premiere."

On the day of the performance, the stadium, which can accommodate 12,000 people, was packed to capacity.

Backstage, the actors were so nervous their palms were sweating.

Han Ling encouraged them one by one, "Don't be nervous, just pretend you're in Beijing or Shanghai. Just bring your best!"

The curtain rises and the music begins.

The first program was a newly arranged version of "The Song of Rainbow Feathers".

The actors wore modified Tang suits with flowing sleeves, and the lighting and stage design were more glamorous than when they performed in mainland China.

The audience below the stage was completely absorbed.

Although Hong Kong is an international city, such pure and exquisite folk dances are rare.

The following modern dance piece, "Urban Flow," incorporated Hong Kong elements...

The background video showed Victoria Harbour, Central skyscrapers, and Temple Street Night Market.

The dance tells the story of urban dwellers' struggles and dreams, which resonated with many Hong Kong audiences.

During halftime, Han Ling overheard the audience discussing backstage:
"They danced so well! I didn't expect there to be such a high-level song and dance troupe in mainland China!"

"That Commander Han has a really good presence. I heard he's from Shanghai?"

"Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group has a real eye for investment; investing in art is much better than simply running advertisements!"

The second half is the highlight – "Hong Kong Romance," specially choreographed for Hong Kong audiences.

The music blends old Cantonese songs with modern arrangements, while the dance retains the charm of folk dance and incorporates elements of Hong Kong street dance.

As the last note faded, the entire audience rose to their feet and applauded.

The applause lasted for five minutes.

During the curtain call, Han Ling led all the actors onto the stage and bowed deeply.

Looking at the densely packed audience below the stage and the waving glow sticks, she felt an unprecedented sense of accomplishment.

After the performance, the Hong Kong branch arranged a celebration banquet.

The branch manager raised his glass, "Director Han, it was a huge success! Today's performance was more effective than our millions spent on advertising! Now all of Hong Kong knows about Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group!"

Han Ling smiled and raised her glass, "It's the result of everyone's joint efforts."

At the banquet, many people from Hong Kong's cultural circles came over to say hello.

"Director Han, your program is very unique. You could consider performing in Hong Kong for a while next time."

"Our theater would like to invite you to do a season of performances. Are you interested?"

“I’m from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. We are planning next year’s arts festival and would like to invite you to participate.”

Han Ling responded to each question, understanding in her heart that these opportunities were all brought about by the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group brand.

Without Suning's investment and the backing of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group, how could a mainland-based song and dance troupe possibly gain a foothold in Hong Kong? It would be an impossible task.

After the celebration banquet, Han Ling returned to the hotel and called Su Ning to report.

"Mr. Su, the performance in Hong Kong was a great success."

“I heard about it,” Su Ning said. “The branch office called me and said it was very effective. Thank you for your hard work.”

"It's no trouble at all." Han Ling paused. "President Su, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"You seized the opportunity yourself," Su Ning said. "What are your plans for the future?"

"I want to...I want to perform abroad." Han Ling mustered her courage. "Singapore, Malaysia, even Europe and America. To let the world see Chinese art."

"Quite ambitious!" Su Ning laughed. "Alright, I support you. The group will arrange for the International Affairs Department to assist you. But we need to take it one step at a time, starting with the Southeast Asian market."

"Ok!"

After hanging up the phone, Han Ling stood by the window of her hotel room, looking at the night view of Victoria Harbour.

The lights were dazzling, like a galaxy.

Thinking back to a year ago, I was still trapped in that empty house, waiting for Xiao Ran to come home every day, waiting for a promise that would never be fulfilled.

And now, she stands in Hong Kong, on a much bigger stage.

All of this was given to me by Suning.

But Han Ling knew that this was not charity, but an exchange.

She traded her freedom and her body for the stage and her dreams.

Was it fair? Han Ling didn't know. But she truly didn't regret it.

At least for now, she herself is shining.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group, through the troupe's influence, has made its brand image shine even brighter and further.

This is where Suning's brilliance lies—every investment must yield a return.

Even art needs to be transformed into commercial value.

Han Ling took a deep breath and drew the curtains.

...(End of this chapter)