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In fact, the three Huang brothers had always been dishonest and had been secretly raising funds, but they still got into trouble the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

When the news spread, the entire Lanyuan Village was in an uproar.

Dozens of villagers gathered at the entrance of the Huang family's old house, holding up the fundraising contract and shouting for their money back.

"Huang Renfa! Where are your sons? Make them come out!"

"Our hard-earned money! They promised 20% interest per year, but we haven't seen any interest, and the principal is gone!"

"If you don't pay up today, we'll smash your house!"

Huang Renfa stood at the door, his old face ashen, his lips trembling as he couldn't speak.

He only found out three days ago how big a mess his three sons had made...

They raised 20 million yuan, claiming they were going to invest in real estate, but as soon as the money arrived, the accountant absconded with it.

Now that the money is gone, his three sons have run away overnight, leaving this old man here to take the fall.

"Fellow villagers..." Huang Ren said tremblingly, "I just found out... Please give me some time, I'll think of a way..."

"Find a solution? What solution can you come up with? We've lost all our money!"

"Where are your sons? Let them come out and talk!"

"We're not leaving until you pay us!"

The scene became increasingly chaotic, and someone started banging on the door.

Huang Renfa was so frightened that he backed away and almost fell.

Just then, a black Mercedes drove up.

The car door opened, and Su Ning and Huang Yunyun got out.

Huang Yunyun was still holding their son in her arms when she saw this scene, and her face turned pale.

Su Ning patted her on the shoulder, "Take the child inside first."

Then he walked to the front of the crowd, his voice not loud but carrying weight, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Suning from Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group. I will handle the Huang family's affairs."

The crowd quieted down.

In Shenzhen, everyone knows Suning, especially in Lanyuan Village.

"President Su, Huangjiaji owed us 20 million yuan, but now the money is gone and the people have run away. What do you suggest we do?"

“I’ll pay them back for you,” Su Ning said decisively. “Twenty million in principal, plus six months of interest, totaling twenty-two million. Go to the finance department of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group tomorrow morning to collect the money.”

A commotion broke out in the crowd.

"You...you really paid them back for them?"

"President Su, this is no small sum..."

“I said I’ll pay you back, and I will.” Su Ning glanced around. “But there’s one condition—everyone’s gone now, so don’t cause any trouble here. Tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, bring the contract, IOU, and your ID to Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group to complete the formalities. If you’re short a single penny, come back to me.”

Seeing how certain he was, the villagers looked at each other and slowly dispersed.

After everyone had left, Su Ning helped Huang Renfa into the house.

Huang Yunyun handed the child to the nanny, then came over to help her father sit down, tears streaming down her face. "Dad, how could my older brother and the others do this? They ran away after the accident, leaving you here all alone!"

Huang Renfa wept uncontrollably, “It’s my fault…it’s all my fault…I shouldn’t have let them do that fundraising…Now it’s all over…”

"What exactly happened?" Su Ning asked.

Huang Renfa wiped away his tears and recounted the situation in fits and starts.

It turns out that the three Huang brothers had been raising funds for the past six months, soliciting money from villagers and those in the surrounding area under the guise of investing in real estate.

They promised an annual interest rate of 20%, which is much higher than banks.

The villagers saw that the Huang family was doing business with Suning and thought it was reliable, so they invested all their money in it.

They raised a total of 20 million.

After receiving the money, the three brothers did buy a piece of land, but only spent five million.

The remaining 15 million was embezzled by the "professional financial personnel" they hired at high salaries.

By the time they discovered it, the finance department had already disappeared.

When the three sons saw how big the hole was, their first reaction was not to find a solution, but to run away.

They packed their things overnight, not knowing where they went, but left a note for Huang Renfa: "Dad, let's go out and lay low for a while, and come back when things calm down."

After listening, Su Ning sneered, "Avoid the limelight? They know I'll clean up their mess."

Huang Yunyun blushed, "Su Ning, I'm sorry... my older brother and the others... they were so inconsiderate..."

“It’s not that I’m immature, it’s that I’m too smart,” Su Ning said. “I know I’m with you, I know you have a child, and I know I’ll definitely take care of him.”

"Then... what do we do now?"

“I will repay the money,” Su Ning said, “but even brothers should keep clear accounts. The land and buildings held by the Huang family will all belong to Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group. In addition, all the shares of the three brothers in the retail stores of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics will also be taken back. All of these together will offset part of the debt.”

Huang Renfa nodded quickly, "Of course, of course! Su Ning, we are already extremely grateful for your help!"

“Also,” Su Ning looked at Huang Renfa, “it’s not safe for you to live here alone. Why don’t you move in with us? You’ll be able to look after Yunyun.”

Huang Yunyun's eyes reddened again, "Suning..."

"Don't thank me." Su Ning waved his hand. "This isn't over. Your three brothers must be found. They can't hide forever. Once things calm down, they'll definitely contact the family. Then, I'll have them come see me."

"Will they...will they come back?"

"Yes," Su Ning said confidently. "They can't survive on their own. Once they run out of money, they'll have to come back. I'll have something to say to them then."

……

The next day, the finance department of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group was packed with people.

The villagers held their contracts and lined up to receive their money.

Twenty-two million, not a penny less.

Those who received the money breathed a sigh of relief.

"President Su is still the most reliable!"

"Those three sons of the Huang family are truly scoundrels!"

"I'll never believe in high interest rates again!"

The money has been distributed, but the matter is not over yet.

Su Ning sent Afu to investigate the whereabouts of the three Huang brothers.

A week later, Afu reported, "Master, we found a place in Huizhou and rented a small house. We're almost out of money."

"Bring it back."

"clear."

Two days later, the three Huang brothers were "invited" back to Shenzhen.

The three of them were so shocked when they saw Su Ning that their legs went weak.

"President Su...we were wrong..."

"We will pay you back, please give us some time..."

"We were just confused for a moment..."

Su Ning sat behind her desk, looking at the three men kneeling on the ground, feeling nothing but contempt.

“Get up! Don’t embarrass yourself here,” he said. “I’ve already paid back the money for you. The villagers’ situation has been resolved.”

The three looked at each other, both surprised and delighted.

"Thank you, Mr. Su! Thank you, Mr. Su!"

"Don't thank me yet," Su Ning interrupted them. "The money has been repaid, but the accounts need to be settled. Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group has taken over the land and buildings you owned. They've also taken over your shares in the retail stores. All of that adds up to 15 million. The remaining 5 million is what you owe me."

"Five million?!" Huang exclaimed. "President Su, how could we possibly afford five million!"

“If you can’t pay it back, work to pay it back.” Su Ning said coldly, “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Industrial is short of workers. The three of you will go to the workshop. You’ll earn three thousand a month, with room and board included. Work until you pay it off.”

"Three thousand?" Huang Er was dumbfounded. "Five million? That'll take us over a hundred years to make that much!"

"Then work hard and try to pay it off as soon as possible." Su Ning waved his hand. "Alright, go out! Report to Shenzhen-Hong Kong Industrial tomorrow."

The three wanted to say something more, but seeing Su Ning's expression, they dared not say anything more and left dejectedly.

After they left, Huang Yunyun came out from the inner room.

"Su Ning, sending my brother and the others to the workshop... isn't that too much to ask..."

"Too much?" Su Ning looked at her. "Yunyun, your three brothers need to be taught a lesson. Let them suffer a bit so they'll know that money doesn't come easily. Otherwise, they'll do it again next time."

Huang Yunyun lowered her head, "I know you mean well... but..."

"Just what? Feeling sorry for them?" Su Ning shook her head. "Yunyun, a doting mother spoils her son. Your father spoiled them too much, which is why they turned out like this. If you spoil them too, their lives will be ruined. Only when they behave themselves will you arrange for them to do other things."

"I understand." Huang Yunyun nodded. "Thank you, President Su."

"Go on with your work! It's time to feed the baby."

After Huang Yunyun left, Su Ning walked to the window.

Looking at the bustling factory area outside, he couldn't help but laugh when he thought of the cowardly behavior of the three Huang brothers.

They raised funds, absconded, and left the old man to take the blame.

What use is a son like this?
He wouldn't have cared at all if it weren't for Huang Yunyun and the child.

A hole of over 20 million yuan was filled in just a few words.

But this money can't be wasted.

The Huang family's land and property building are in a good location; once developed, their value could multiply several times over.

The shares in the retail stores can be redistributed after being repurchased.

All things considered, he didn't lose out.

As for those three good-for-nothings, sending them to work in the workshop is both a punishment and a form of training.

It can be fixed and will still be usable in the future.

If you can't change, then you'll be a worker for life.

In some corner of this city, three once-glorious men are about to begin their journey of paying off their debts.

When you do something wrong, you have to pay the price; no one is an exception.

……

Junda Group's annual employee commendation meeting was held at the Shenzhen Grand Theater.

The theater, which can accommodate 1,500 people, was packed to capacity.

A red banner with white lettering hung above the stage, reading "Junda Daily Chemical Group Annual Awards Ceremony and New Year's Eve Gala".

Xiao Ran, dressed in a dark suit and tie, sat in the center of the first row.

He listened to the employee representative's speech on stage with a standard smile. "...Thank you, Mr. Xiao, for giving us this platform, allowing us to realize our value!"

"It was Junda Group that gave us jobs and gave us dignity!"

"President Xiao is our great benefactor!"

Applause erupted one after another, and camera flashes went off incessantly.

Xiao Ran stood up at the right moment, turned around and waved to the employees with a polite smile.

But no one knew that his hands were trembling slightly under his suit, and his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

Looking at the grateful faces below the stage and listening to their sincere thanks, he felt as if something was blocking his heart, making him feel heavy and suffocated.

These employees thanked him for giving them jobs, income, and the opportunity to establish themselves in the city.

But what about him? He lost so much for this company.

Especially Han Ling, the woman he loved for ten years, from university to Shenzhen, from poverty to wealth.

Where is she now? In Suning's villa, pregnant with Suning's child.

And here he sits, receiving gratitude from others, like a successful person.

How ironic.

The awards ceremony then took place.

Xiao Ran went on stage to present awards to outstanding employees, shook hands, and took photos with them.

Every movement was perfect, every smile was spot on.

No one noticed his pain.

Afterwards, Xiao Ran returned to his office, closed the door, ripped off his tie, and slumped onto the sofa.

He took out his phone and found Han Ling's number...

That number he knew by heart, yet he never dared to dial it again.

My finger hovered over the dial key for a long time, but I didn't press it in the end.

What should I say when I call?
Congratulations on your pregnancy? Or am I just asking how you're doing?
It's all meaningless now.

Han Ling is doing very well now, a hundred times better than when she was with him.

She has a career, a stage to perform on, and now she has a child.

And what about himself? Xiao Ran gave a bitter smile.

Xiao Ran now has a child; Wei Yuan gave birth to a son for him three months ago.

In the end, he still married Wei Yuan and gave her a formal status.

It wasn't because of love, it was because of responsibility.

The wedding was a grand affair, with almost all of Xiao Ran's relatives and friends invited.

Wei Yuan wore a wedding dress and smiled happily.

Xiao Ran stood beside her, but his mind was on someone else.

He knew it was unfair to Wei Yuan, but he couldn't do anything about it; his heart would always belong to Han Ling.

As for Liu Yuan, he went back to his hometown last month.

Before leaving, she came to say goodbye to Xiao Ran, looking like she had aged ten years.

"Xiao Ran, I'm leaving. Shenzhen... I don't deserve to stay here."

"Go back and live a good life."

"Yeah." Liu Yuan smiled bitterly, "I gambled my whole life and ended up with nothing. You were right, being down-to-earth is the only true way."

Xiao Ran patted him on the shoulder without saying anything.

He knew that Liu Yuan, who had once been full of vigor and said he would "make a name for himself in Shenzhen," was dead.

This man is just a middle-aged man whose edges have been smoothed out by reality.

That's how Shenzhen is; people come and people leave.

Some people rise to great heights, while others leave the stage in despair.

And he himself continues to play the role of a "successful entrepreneur" on this stage.

Late at night.

Xiao Ran stood on the top floor of the Junda Group headquarters, looking at the night view of Shenzhen.

This city remains brightly lit and full of opportunities.

But he felt that these lights and these opportunities had nothing to do with him anymore.

He had a career, money, a family, and even a son.

But the hole in my heart keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Han Ling left, Chen Qiming died, and Liu Yuan returned to his hometown.

One by one, the people around me left.

He was the only one left, still wandering alone in the city.

He didn't know how much further he could go, or what lay ahead.

All I know is that I can't stop.

If you stop, there will be nothing left.

The phone rang; it was a text message from Wei Yuan: "Our son is crying, probably hungry. When are you coming back?"

Xiao Ran looked at the text message and took a deep breath.

That was his own home, his responsibility.

He turned and stepped into the elevator.

The elevator descended, and his face was reflected in the mirror...

Tired, weathered, and the sharpness in his eyes had faded.

The story of Shenzhen never ends; new stories will continue to emerge.

And everyone's journey continues.

This applies to Suning, Han Ling, and Xiao Ran.

The only difference is the direction; the outcome is different.

But that's life; there's no turning back, only moving forward.

Whether you like it or not.

The elevator doors opened, and Xiao Ran walked out of the building and got into the car.

The car drove into the night, heading towards the place he had to return to.

And the city continues to function.

Some succeed, some fail; some fall in love, some separate.

But tomorrow, the sun will rise as usual.

……

At the same time, in Suning's villa.

Han Ling touched her slightly protruding belly, a satisfied smile on her face.

Dr. Hua Rui's treatment was very successful.

Three months ago, when she went for a follow-up examination, the doctor exclaimed in surprise, "The recovery is amazing! It's simply a miracle!"

A month ago, she finally became pregnant.

"President Su, I'm pregnant." That day, she held the pregnancy test, her hands trembling.

Su Ning glanced at it and nodded, "Take good care of yourself, don't overwork yourself."

Han Ling wasn't overly excited, but she was already quite content.

She knew that Su Ning was that kind of person...

Calm, rational, and not easily revealing emotions.

But Han Ling could sense that Su Ning had high hopes for this child.

Now, Han Ling has resigned from her specific work in the song and dance troupe, only holding the title of troupe leader, while handing over the actual affairs to the deputy troupe leader.

I spend my days at home resting during my pregnancy, reading books, listening to music, and occasionally going to watch the dance troupe rehearse.

Life was peaceful and fulfilling.

She no longer thought about Xiao Ran, no longer thought about the past.

Those pains and regrets have faded away with time.

Han Ling now has a new life and new hope.

Meanwhile, Suning's Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group has grown larger and larger.

The mobile phone business has already ranked among the top three in the country. The craze for Shenzhen-Hong Kong 2 has not subsided, Shenzhen-Hong Kong 3 is about to be released, and Shenzhen-Hong Kong 4 and Shenzhen-Hong Kong 5 are under development.

The automotive business also took off.

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong S1 is selling like hotcakes in third- and fourth-tier cities, and the S2 and S2 SUV are about to be launched simultaneously.

What shocked the industry even more was that Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group announced its entry into the new energy vehicle field and that it had already obtained production qualifications.

The semiconductor business is also unique in the world semiconductor industry, and no longer needs to be done in secret as before.

The mobile phone chips independently developed by Shenzhen and Hong Kong are not only used by Shenzhen and Hong Kong themselves, but are also exported to various international markets.

The most important technologies for the country are high-end machine tools and industrial robots.

The five-axis CNC machine tools produced by Shenzhen-Hong Kong Industrial Co., Ltd. have been included in the procurement lists of several major state-owned enterprises.

Industrial robots are also being tested on automobile production lines with excellent results.

When leaders from the National Development and Reform Commission visited, they shook hands with Suning and said, "President Su, you are making up for the shortcomings of Chinese manufacturing piece by piece! The country will definitely give its full support to companies like this!"

"Thank you, leaders! We in Shenzhen and Hong Kong will definitely continue our efforts."

Now, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group has become a behemoth involved in multiple high value-added manufacturing industries.

With over 20,000 employees, the company generates an annual output value of tens of billions of yuan.

But Suning showed no signs of stopping.

He's also making plans—new materials, biomedicine, artificial intelligence…

His goal was to build a complete, self-reliant, and controllable industrial empire.

...(End of this chapter)