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When Liu Yuan found Xiao Ran, he seemed completely lost.

He barged straight into the president's office of Junda Group, and Xiao Ran's secretary couldn't stop him.

"Xiao Ran, you have to save me!" Liu Yuan collapsed onto the sofa as soon as he entered the door, his eyes bloodshot, his beard unshaven, and his clothes wrinkled, clearly indicating that he hadn't slept for days.

Xiao Ran told his secretary to leave and closed the door.

What's wrong with you?

"I...I lost the bet." Liu Yuan's voice trembled. "I owe more than three million yuan in high-interest loans. If I don't pay it back today, they're going to smash up my KTV."

Xiao Ran's face immediately darkened. "Gambling? Liu Yuan, how old are you to still gamble? Don't you know your own limitations?"

"I know I was wrong!" Liu Yuan knelt down with a thud. "Xiao Ran, for the sake of our old classmates, please help me! Just this once, I'll cover my losses and never gamble again! I swear!"

Xiao Ran was both angry and resentful at his appearance.

What's infuriating is that Liu Yuan is so useless; he doesn't do good business and insists on gambling.

What I hate is... what I hate is that Liu Yuan reminds me of Chen Qiming.

That old classmate who, too, had nowhere else to turn, ultimately chose to jump off a building.

If someone had given Chen Qiming a hand back then, perhaps he wouldn't have died.

Now Liu Yuan has also reached this point.

Xiao Ran lit a cigarette and paced back and forth in the office.

“More than three million is no small amount,” he said. “I just spent 310 million to buy back shares, which also leaves me heavily indebted to the bank.”

"I know...I know..." Liu Yuan cried, "but I really have no other choice. Those loan sharks said they'd break my leg if I didn't pay back the money today. Xiao Ran, you can't just stand by and watch me die!"

"Dislocate your leg? Serves you right!" Xiao Ran cursed. "Why didn't you think about the consequences when you gambled? Now you're scared?"

"I was wrong, I really know I was wrong..." Liu Yuan started slapping himself. "I'm not human, I deserve to die! But Xiao Ran, please help me this one last time!"

Xiao Ran watched as he slapped himself until his face turned red, feeling a mix of emotions.

He, Liu Yuan, and Chen Qiming were at the Agricultural University.

We were such good friends back then!

Later, I came to Shenzhen and squeezed into a ten-square-meter rented room. We even had to share a bowl of instant noodles.

And now? Chen Qiming is dead, Liu Yuan's legs are about to be dismembered, and he himself isn't in much better shape...

His girlfriend left him for someone else, and Zhou Zhenxing at his company was keeping an eye on him.

"Get up!" Xiao Ran sighed. "Don't embarrass yourself here."

Liu Yuan looked up, his eyes lighting up. "You...you agreed?"

“There is indeed more than ten million in the group’s account, which is reserved for the group’s working capital,” Xiao Ran said. “I will give you three and a half million to pay off the debts, and use the rest to settle the accounts with the suppliers. The KTV cannot go out of business; it is your last livelihood.”

"Thank you! Thank you, Xiao Ran!" Liu Yuan was about to kneel down again.

"Don't thank me," Xiao Ran said coldly. "Liu Yuan, let me tell you, this money isn't free. If you want interest, it will be calculated at the bank rate, and you'll have to pay it back within three years."

"I'll pay it back! I definitely will!"

“And another thing,” Xiao Ran stared at him, “this is the first and the last time. If I find out you’re gambling again, I won’t break your legs without taking out a loan shark; I’ll break your legs first. Then you can learn from Chen Qiming, find a tall building and jump off, and end it all.”

Liu Yuan shuddered. "I won't gamble anymore! Never again! If I gamble again, may I be struck by lightning!"

“If swearing worked, Chen Qiming wouldn’t have died.” Xiao Ran shook his head. “Liu Yuan, you and I both know that gambling addiction isn’t something you can just quit. I’m helping you today because we’re old classmates, and I don’t want to see anyone else jump off a building. But whether you can really change depends on your own fate.”

He picked up the phone and called the CFO, "Transfer 3.5 million from the company account to Liu Yuan's account. Yes, now."

This CFO was someone he had just replaced. After all, becoming a controlling shareholder not only allows one to change the name, but more importantly, it gives one a lot of say in personnel appointments.

Although Zhou Zhenxing is still the vice president of Junda Group, he has significantly reduced the restrictions on Xiao Ran.

After hanging up the phone, Xiao Ran said to Liu Yuan, "The money will be here soon. Go and pay off your debts right away. Remember, this is your last chance."

"I know, I know..." Liu Yuan wiped away his tears. "Xiao Ran, I can't thank you enough. If I, Liu Yuan, ever wrong you again, I'm not human!"

"Stop talking nonsense." Xiao Ran waved his hand. "Go."

Liu Yuan left, expressing his deepest gratitude.

Xiao Ran stood by the window, watching Liu Yuan's hurried departure downstairs, feeling no relief at all.

He helped Liu Yuan, but knew it was probably useless.

He understands the psychology of gamblers: when they lose, they want to win back their losses; when they win, they want to win even more.

Quitting gambling? That's too difficult.

Just like himself, he knew that Wei Yuan was a substitute, and he knew that it was wrong, but he still couldn't leave her.

Everyone has addictions.

Liu Yuan's addiction is gambling, and his addiction is to that woman who resembles Han Ling.

It's all just self-deception.

The new CFO knocked and came in. "Mr. Xiao, the money has been transferred. But this means we only have 6.5 million in working capital left. Next month's payments to suppliers and employee salaries may be a problem."

"I know," Xiao Ran said. "I'll figure something out."

"Also, regarding President Zhou... he seems to have some objections to your use of the group's funds. He just asked me where the money went, and I didn't give specifics, only that it was for your personal use."

"Hmph! What business is it of his?" Xiao Ran sneered. "I am the controlling shareholder of Junda Group. Do you really think that 310 million was wasted?"

"That's true, but Mr. Zhou is now the group's vice president, and there are many things..."

"Alright, I understand," Xiao Ran interrupted him. "You can go out now."

After the CFO left, Xiao Ran sat down in a chair, feeling a wave of exhaustion.

Did Liu Yuan regret helping him?

Somewhat.

That's three and a half million, no small sum.

The group has just been established and needs money everywhere; it also has an enormous amount of outstanding bank loans.

These funds should have been used wisely, but instead they're being used to fill gambling holes.

But he can't bring himself to not help.

Chen Qiming's death was like a thorn, always stuck in his heart.

Xiao Ran always thought that if someone had helped Chen Qiming back then, perhaps he would still be alive and well now.

So when Liu Yuan came to beg him, he softened and remembered the sadness and pain of Chen Qiming's parents.

Even knowing it might be a bottomless pit, even knowing Liu Yuan might not be able to quit.

But he still decided to help.

Let's just consider it... doing something for that Chen Qiming.

Xiao Ran picked up his phone, intending to send Liu Yuan a text message to remind him to stop gambling.

But after typing a few lines, I deleted them.

Realizing that there's no point in saying more

You have to walk your own path and bear the consequences yourself.

I can only help once, not a second time.

Just like how I couldn't help Chen Qiming back then.

Outside the window, the sky over Shenzhen was overcast, as if it were about to rain.

Xiao Ran leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and suddenly felt very tired.

It's not physical exhaustion, it's mental exhaustion.

Chen Qiming is dead, Liu Yuan is crippled, and Han Ling is gone.

One by one, the people around me have run into problems.

And he himself was walking alone on a road with no end in sight.

I don't know what's ahead, or how far I can go.

……

Suning learned about Liu Yuan's situation that afternoon.

Afu reported the situation to him, "President Su, Liu Yuan lost money gambling in Macau and owes more than three million yuan in high-interest loans. This morning he went to see Xiao Ran, and Xiao Ran gave him three and a half million yuan to pay off the debt."

Suning was looking at the sales report of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Automotive without even looking up. "How much money does Liu Yuan have left?"

"He lost all his savings and owes suppliers hundreds of thousands of yuan. Now, apart from his shares in Paradise KTV, he has nothing left."

"Where did Xiao Ran get the money?"

"He used the group's working capital."

Suning put down the report and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

“Liu Yuan can’t be allowed to live,” he said calmly. “Gamblers are like drug addicts; once they start, they’ll start again. Xiao Ran helped him this time, and he was very grateful. But in a few months, his gambling addiction will kick in, and he’ll go back to his old ways.”

Afu nodded, "I think so too! You humans have too little self-control! Paradise KTV may not be a big business, but it still makes hundreds of thousands in profit every month. Letting a gambler run it will cause trouble sooner or later."

"The problem is, who should be in charge?" Su Ning thought for a moment. "The KTV industry is too dirty; it's involved in prostitution, gambling, and drugs to some extent. It's not suitable for people from our Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group to get directly involved."

"That……"

“That’s it! Let Qiang go.” Su Ning made the decision. “He’s Xiao Ran’s friend in the underworld, but he hasn’t known Xiao Ran for long and they’re not close. Besides, he’s in the underworld, he knows the rules, and he can keep things in order.”

Afu was a little surprised, "Aqiang? Will he agree?"

“Give him shares, give him power, why wouldn’t he agree?” Su Ning said. “Go talk to him and say it was me who said it. Let him take over Paradise KTV and be the general manager, give him five percent of the shares. The condition is that he has clean hands and doesn’t become as stupid as Liu Yuan.”

"What about Liu Yuan?"

“Liu Yuan still has 5% of Paradise KTV’s shares, which I gave him back then,” Su Ning said. “I bought them back at market price, gave him a sum of money, and told him to get out. I told him that the group was going to be reorganized and that someone with his gambling record couldn’t be kept.”

"Will he agree?" "He has no choice but to agree." Su Ning sneered. "He's drowning in debt and desperately needs money. The money from selling the shares will be enough to pay off his debts and leave him with some living expenses. If he doesn't know what's good for him, I have a hundred ways to make his five percent worthless."

"Isn't that too harsh?"

"Hmph! I've already given him a chance, but he failed to seize it, so he can't blame me."

"Understood, I'll take care of it right away."

……

That evening, Afu met Aqiang at a teahouse.

Ah Qiang is in his thirties, burly, and works in the underworld in the Shenzhen area.

Later, Xiao Ran asked A Qiang for help a few times, and then A Qiang started hanging out with Xiao Ran.

He's ruthless and doesn't talk much, but he knows how to maintain appropriate boundaries.

"Mr. Fu, you wanted to see me?" A-Qiang was very polite to A-Fu.

He knew that Afu was Suning's confidant.

"Sit down." Afu poured him a cup of tea. "There's something Mr. Su wants to ask you to do."

"Please speak."

"You know Paradise KTV, right?"

"I know, the one Liu Yuan manages."

“Liu Yuan is finished,” Afu said directly. “He lost the bet and is now drowning in debt. President Su’s idea is that he can’t be kept around. He wants you to take over the KTV as general manager and give you five percent of the shares.”

Ah Qiang was stunned. "Me? Why me?"

“First, you're a seasoned professional, you know the rules, and you can keep things under control. Second, you haven't been with Xiao Ran for long, and your relationship isn't deep, so it's easy to cut ties. Third, President Su trusts you; you're not as foolish as Liu Yuan.”

Ah Qiang was silent for a moment, then said, "What about President Xiao...?"

"It's best to cut ties completely with Xiao Ran." Afu made it very clear. "From now on, you're President Su's person, and you'll only listen to President Su. The KTV's accounts, personnel, and business will all be independent and have nothing to do with Xiao Ran."

"But Mr. Xiao has been very kind to me..."

"A debt of gratitude for being recognized and supported?" Afu smiled. "Aqiang, you're a smart man. You know in your heart who has a better future. Xiao Ran is currently in dire straits, and whether Junda Group can succeed is still unknown. What about President Su? You can see how big Shengang Group is with your own eyes."

These words struck a chord with Ah Qiang.

He had been following Xiao Ran for half a year, and Xiao Ran had indeed helped him make money. He watched Xiao Ran go from Yu Xueqing to Junda Group, and watched Xiao Ran fight against Suning.

To be honest, he didn't think highly of Xiao Ran.

This person is too emotional and too easily swayed by feelings.

And Suning? Calm, rational, and proceeding step by step.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group has expanded from mobile phones to automobiles, growing larger and larger.

Even a fool would know who to choose.

"What do I need to do?" A-Qiang asked.

"First, sort out the KTV's accounts and clean up the mess Liu Yuan left behind. Second, maintain good relations with the underworld, give them what needs to be given and pay them the dues. Try your best to stay away from prostitution, gambling, and drugs; that's the bottom line. Even if you do get involved, you need to think ahead about how to get rid of them. Third, manage your subordinates well and don't let them cause trouble."

"Okay." Ah Qiang nodded. "I'll do it."

"Furthermore," Afu added, "President Su said that the KTV is just the beginning. If you do well, the security business of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group, as well as some other businesses that are not convenient to handle openly, can be handed over to you. Your future is up to you."

"Thank you, President Su! Thank you, President Fu!" A-Qiang stood up and bowed.

"Remember! President Su is not at all bothered by people having ambition. Someone like Xiao Ran will be tolerated by President Su. But a fool like Liu Yuan will never be accepted by President Su."

"Understood! I'll go take over tomorrow," Afu said. "I'll talk to Liu Yuan; I guarantee he won't dare cause trouble."

……

The next morning, A-Qiang went to Paradise KTV.

Liu Yuan was doing accounts in his office...

Although the debt has been repaid, the suppliers' payments have not been settled, and the employees' wages are also half a month overdue.

He was still in a state of utter chaos.

Seeing A-Qiang enter, Liu Yuan didn't even move, because he looked down on this petty thug. "A-Qiang, what brings you here?"

"Boss Fu sent me." A-Qiang sat down.

"President Fu? When did you get involved with President Fu? Aren't you worried that Xiao Ran will be unhappy if he finds out?"

"Liu Yuan, President Su already knows about your situation."

"What?" Sure enough, Liu Yuan's expression changed drastically. "This is impossible!"

"Liu Yuan, you don't really think President Su knows nothing, do you?"

"I...I was wrong. I promise I'll never gamble again!"

"Whether you gamble or not is your own business," A-Qiang waved his hand. "But Boss Su said that Paradise KTV cannot be managed by a gambler. From today onwards, you don't need to come."

"What? Ah Qiang, what gives you the right to speak to me like this?" Liu Yuan asked anxiously.

"The new manager of Paradise KTV."

"This..." Liu Yuan was completely dumbfounded this time. "Brother Qiang, I built this KTV up from scratch! You can't do this!"

"Liu Yuan, you overestimate yourself. You're just a worker; the money and connections were provided by President Su," A-Qiang said coldly. "Without President Su, could your KTV have even opened? Could it have stayed open until today?"

Liu Yuan opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word.

“President Su is taking our past relationship into consideration and won’t pursue the matter of your embezzlement,” A-Qiang continued. “You still have five percent of the shares in Paradise KTV, which President Su will buy at market price. That’s worth eight hundred thousand. Take that money, settle your accounts with the suppliers, and the rest will be enough for you to live on for a while.”

"Eight hundred thousand?" Liu Yuan exclaimed. "Brother Qiang, this KTV makes hundreds of thousands in profit every month! How could five percent of the shares only be worth eight hundred thousand?"

"So how much do you think it's worth?" A-Qiang looked at him. "Liu Yuan, don't forget how you incurred those debts. If President Su investigates, you won't get a single penny, and you'll have to spend a few years in jail."

Liu Yuan slumped in his chair, his face ashen.

He knew that what A-Qiang said was true.

He embezzled money from the KTV to gamble. If Suning really investigates, he'll be in serious trouble. This involves embezzlement and a crime.

Ah Qiang stood up. "Get ready, make sure the accounts, keys, and customer information are all handed over clearly. Don't try anything funny, or else..."

He didn't finish speaking, but Liu Yuan understood.

"I...I understand." Liu Yuan's voice was hoarse. "Brother Qiang, please thank President Su for me. It's my fault...it's my fault for letting him down."

"You'd better watch yourself! You've missed a chance to defy fate."

After A-Qiang left, Liu Yuan sat alone in the office for a long time before starting to pack his things.

The handover with A-Qiang went smoothly.

Liu Yuan handed in everything he was supposed to hand in and said everything he was supposed to say.

"Brother Qiang, from now on... from now on, Paradise KTV will be counting on you." Liu Yuan said with a wry smile.

"Liu Yuan, quit gambling if you don't want to die! It's no joke that nine out of ten gamblers lose." A-Qiang nodded to him.

Watching Liu Yuan walk out of Paradise KTV dejectedly carrying a cardboard box, A-Qiang felt nothing.

Because that's reality—when you're useful, you're someone important.

When you're no longer useful, you're just a discarded pawn.

I opened the office window and looked out at the bustling streets.

From today onwards, I am the general manager of Paradise KTV.

Although it's just a karaoke bar, this is the beginning.

As long as you stick with President Su, you'll have a bigger stage to perform on in the future.

……

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group, Suning listened to Afu's report and nodded.

"Excellent! It was handled very cleanly."

"President Su, what about Qiang...?"

“Let him do it first and see how he performs,” Su Ning said. “If he does well, we can entrust him with some tasks later. If he doesn’t do well, we can just replace him. It’s just a trivial business anyway.”

"clear."

"Also," Su Ning said, remembering something, "what's Xiao Ran's reaction?"

"Not yet. But he knows Liu Yuan was replaced, and he'll definitely guess it was your doing."

"So what if he guessed it?" Su Ning said indifferently. "If he's smart, he should know that I can help him up, and I can also make him fall down. Liu Yuan is a prime example."

"Yes."

"Also, go to Junda Group and ask about the embezzlement of public funds. This is the first and last time."

"clear."

After Afu left, Su Ning walked to the window.

He looked at the Shenzhen sky, feeling very calm.

The business world is like a battlefield; being soft-hearted is a major taboo.

Liu Yuan and Xiao Ran were both just pawns on his chessboard.

Keep what's useful.

It's useless, discard it.

It's that simple. As for feelings? Friendships?
Those are luxuries; he can't afford them, and he doesn't want to.

...(End of this chapter)