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The top-floor office of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group headquarters.

Suning stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at Shenzhen.

This is Shenzhen in 1998. There weren't as many skyscrapers as there are now, but the momentum of its rise was already visible.

We just finished a three-hour strategic meeting, which determined the group's development direction for the next ten years...

It focuses on semiconductors and high value-added manufacturing, while also expanding into high-tech industries.

The meeting was a great success, and the executives were very excited.

Just then, a familiar voice rang in my mind.

【ding dong】

[The host is about to conclude their training in the "Ten Years of Love" instance world.]

[0.5% of lost memories recovered; total host memory recovered to date: 4%]

[Would you like to return to the real world?]

He closed his eyes, processing this sudden information.

A 0.5% memory recovery, though not much, was enough to give him hope of regaining his memories.

He didn't belong to this world; he was just "training."

And now, the ordeal is over.

"Return." Su Ning answered telepathically, without the slightest hesitation.

[Instructions received]

[Start detaching from the program]

[Countdown: 10, 9, 8...]

Su Ning walked to the desk and took one last look at the documents on it...

That's the financial statement for the next quarter of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group, which is expected to generate record profits.

There is also a photo of Huang Yunyun holding her child.

The baby is just a month old and has big eyes, just like his.

Han Ling is five months pregnant and is currently preparing the nursery.

Yang Ru is now the group's vice president, capable of handling many responsibilities independently.

Xiao Ran's Junda Group is still struggling, but at least it has survived.

Liu Yuan ran a small shop in his hometown, and life was ordinary.

Everyone continues living their lives on their own path.

【3, 2, 1】

[Disengagement complete]

Su Ning felt a wave of dizziness, and the scene before her eyes began to distort and blur.

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group building, the night view of Shenzhen, the lights in the offices—everything looked like a shattered mirror, broken into pieces.

……

When Su Ning opened her eyes again, she found herself in the study of her luxurious penthouse.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows is the night view of Hangzhou in 2017. The Olympic Sports Center across the river is brightly lit, with towering buildings, a completely different world from Shenzhen in 1998.

Su Ning sat up and rubbed her temples.

Every time I return from the dungeon world, I feel a sense of temporal and spatial displacement.

Fortunately, the system performs memory isolation processing to prevent the memories of the two worlds from interfering with each other...

The experience of the dungeon world was like watching a long movie, with clear details but detached emotions.

He glanced at the smart clock on the wall: 9:27 PM.

His wife, Chen Xiaojun, was not home.

She should still be at the company at this time.

Since handing over full management of the bizarre and wonderful film company to her, she has become a workaholic.

However, the results are also obvious – in just a few years, Guangguai Luli has become one of the top entertainment companies in China, producing several phenomenal film and television dramas, and signing artists who are all top-tier celebrities.

Suning walked to the bar and poured himself a glass of water. With a thought, a virtual panel appeared before his eyes.

The panel screen lights up and automatically pushes today's top news items:
"Tiangong Automotive released its third-quarter financial report, stating that global sales of its Giovanna series of new energy vehicles exceeded two million units, maintaining its leading position in the industry..."

"Da Ning Capital led the Series C funding round for artificial intelligence company 'DeepVision Technology,' raising 2 billion yuan..."

"The film 'A Moon Over Chang'an,' produced by Guangguai Luli Films, has surpassed 3 billion yuan at the box office, setting a new record for domestic animation..."

He swiped the screen, browsing quickly.

Daning Capital is an investment company he founded after returning to reality, and now its reach extends to various high-value-added industries...

Artificial intelligence, biomedicine, new energy, semiconductors, semiconductor materials, high-end manufacturing...

Like the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Group in the game's alternate world, but on a larger scale and with a more forward-looking strategy.

Tiangong Auto is an automotive brand that he built from scratch.

The Giovanna series of new energy vehicles has been iterated to its third generation...

A-class sedans, B-class SUVs, and C-class luxury cars cover the mainstream market.

Breakthroughs, especially in autonomous driving and battery technology, have enabled Tiangong Auto to occupy a dominant position in the global new energy vehicle market.

My phone vibrated.

It was a WeChat message from Chen Xiaojun: "Honey, how's your business trip in Europe going? You didn't even bother to call."

Suning replied: "Guess!"

"Hmph! You're always giving me trouble. Just wait and see how I deal with you later."

"Bring it on! You think I'm afraid of you?"

"When are you coming back to China? I miss you so much."

"you guess!"

"..."

I had just put down my phone when another call came in.

He is Afu, the CEO of Daning Capital, and also the Afu in the dungeon world.

This AI robot, which I created myself, is of the highest caliber and serves as a valuable assistant in all the myriad realms and in the real world.

"Mr. Su, I hope I haven't disturbed your rest?"

"No, what's up?"

"Two things. First, the financing agreement for 'DeepVision Technology' has been signed, and the 2 billion yuan will arrive next week. Second, we received news from the Ministry of Commerce that Tiangong Auto's European factory project has been approved in principle."

"The efficiency is quite high," Suning said. "Has the location for the European factory been decided?"

"It's settled, Stuttgart, Germany. The local authorities have offered very favorable policies, mainly because they value our job creation and technology spillover effects."

"Okay, proceed as planned."

After hanging up the phone, Suning walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

The Hangzhou outside the window is many times more prosperous than the Shenzhen he just left in 1998.

But the logic of business and the essence of human nature seem to have not changed much.

Although his memories of the dungeon world were stripped of their emotional components, the business strategies, insights into human nature, and grasp of the current situation he experienced all became instincts ingrained in his subconscious.

Just like playing chess—the moves are the same on different chessboards.

Thinking back to the people in this instance world.

Xiao Ran, Han Ling, Liu Yuan, Yang Ru, Huang Yunyun, Sun Yumei, Chen Qiming...

In that world, they each went their own way, according to their own personalities and choices.

In the real world, however, he has his own game to play.

Daning Capital aims to continue its expansion and seek the next disruptive technology.

Tiangong Automotive aims to consolidate its advantages while simultaneously developing a next-generation intelligent mobility ecosystem.

The bizarre and fantastical aims to establish a deeper influence in the cultural sphere.

And... his own memories.

The system indicated that 4% has been recovered, with 96% still missing.

What lies hidden in those lost memories?
Suning doesn't know.

But each experience in the dungeon world seems to awaken some fragments.

Perhaps when the memories are fully restored, I will understand why I was bound to this system and why I had to experience these strange and wonderful worlds.

The phone rang again.

This time, it's the technical director of Tiangong Automotive.

"Mr. Su, the road test data for the Giovanna D-class concept car is in. The range exceeds 1200 kilometers, and the autonomous driving takeover rate in complex urban road conditions is reduced to 0.3%. At this pace, mass production next year shouldn't be a problem." "What about safety?"

"The crash test was excellent, and the battery pack's stability under extreme conditions also met the standards."

"Okay, continue testing and solidify the data."

……

When Chen Xiaojun opened the door to her home, it was already 8:30 p.m.

She had a six-hour meeting today, where she had to make all the decisions regarding the script, casting, and budget for the new project.

My mind is a mess, all I want to do is take a shower and go to sleep.

The door opened from the inside as soon as I started entering the password.

Suning, dressed in pajamas, stood at the door with a spatula in her hand.

"You're back?" he said with a smile.

Chen Xiaojun was stunned, then her face lit up with surprise, "You...you weren't on a business trip in Europe?"

Three days ago, Suning said they were going to Europe to discuss an investment project, which would take at least a week.

I just chatted with Suning on WeChat, I never expected to receive such a big surprise.

"The talks went smoothly, so we ended them early." Su Ning stepped aside to let her in. "Perfect timing, I'll give you a surprise."

"Hmph! You're such a bad guy." Chen Xiaojun immediately hugged her man tightly.

"Eat first! I'll definitely make sure you get what you want later."

"Pah! You scoundrel."

As Chen Xiaojun entered the house, she smelled the aroma wafting from the kitchen—the smell of her favorite braised pork ribs and crayfish.

The living room lights were set to a warm yellow, and a freshly opened bottle of red wine and two wine glasses sat on the coffee table.

“What are you doing today…” She turned to look at Su Ning, her eyes bright.

"It's nothing, I just wanted to cook you a meal." Su Ning turned and walked towards the kitchen. "Go change your clothes, dinner will be served in ten minutes."

Chen Xiaojun stood there, watching his back, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

Both of them are career-oriented. She manages the bizarre and wonderful film and television company, while Suning manages Daning Capital and Tiangong Automobile. When they are busy, they may not see each other for a whole week.

It's been a long time since I've gone home early like today, cooked dinner, and waited for Chen Xiaojun.

Then Chen Xiaojun changed into comfortable home clothes, washed her hands, and went into the dining room.

Suning just served the last dish: braised pork ribs, crayfish, stir-fried broccoli, and tomato and egg soup. They were all home-style dishes, but the presentation was very thoughtful.

"Try it. It's been a while since I made this, I'm a bit rusty." Su Ning put a piece of pork rib on her plate.

Chen Xiaojun took a bite, her eyes narrowing: "Delicious!"

"Then eat more." Su Ning poured her some red wine. "No meetings or phone calls today, just enjoy your meal."

"Ah."

The two ate and chatted, while Su Ning peeled crayfish for Chen Xiaojun.

They talked about trivial things, nothing about company strategy, industry trends, or financing and mergers and acquisitions; it was just the everyday conversation of an ordinary couple.

After the meal, Su Ning was clearing the dishes when Chen Xiaojun tried to help, but he pushed her back into her chair.

"You're off today, I'll take care of it."

Watching Su Ning busy in the kitchen wearing an apron, Chen Xiaojun suddenly felt that this kind of life was really good.

They may have made a lot of money and built great careers, but what is most precious is this kind of simple companionship.

After cleaning up the kitchen, Su Ning wiped her hands and came out. "Want to go for a walk? The weather's nice today."

"Okay!"

Then the two changed their clothes and went downstairs.

The residential area is right by West Lake, and at this time of day, there are many people taking a walk on the riverside path.

There were young people jogging, couples pushing strollers, and elderly couples holding hands.

The evening breeze brushed against my face, carrying the moist scent of the river.

“Do you remember when we first got married?” Su Ning suddenly said, “Back then we had to keep it a secret.”

"There's nothing I can do! Who told you to be a big star in the entertainment industry?" Chen Xiaojun laughed.

Do you regret it?

"What's the use of regretting it? It's my fault for being a bad driver, and I just happened to bump into you, my nemesis." Chen Xiaojun thought for a moment.

Su Ning held her hand, "No matter what, you can never get rid of me."

"Hmph! You big bad guy."

The two walked for a while and came across an ice cream shop.

"Want some?" Su Ning asked.

"miss you!"

"Then wait."

Suning went to buy an ice cream cone, vanilla flavor, Chen Xiaojun's favorite flavor.

"Give."

Chen Xiaojun took the ice cream cone, took a lick, and smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescents. "Delicious!"

The two continued walking forward, Chen Xiaojun eating ice cream while Su Ning watched her eat.

"What are you laughing at?" Chen Xiaojun asked.

"It's nothing, I just think you're quite cute like this," Su Ning said. "General Manager Chen, who is usually so decisive and efficient at the company, is like a little girl now."

“I’m not a little girl,” Chen Xiaojun said, deliberately putting on a serious face. “I’m a big boss who manages hundreds of people.”

"Yes, yes, Mr. Chen is the best." Su Ning nodded in agreement.

They both laughed.

In fact, they all knew that in front of outsiders, they were President Su and President Chen.

But only in front of each other are they Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun, an ordinary couple.

They walked to a viewing platform by the lake, stopped, and leaned against the railing.

The lights in the distance were reflected in the water, creating a shimmering effect.

“My parents are coming next week, do you have time?” Chen Xiaojun asked.

"Yes, I've already spoken with Mr. Fu, and we won't schedule any important meetings during those days."

"That's good." Chen Xiaojun leaned on his shoulder. "My mom said she'd make soup for us because you're too thin."

"Where have I lost weight?" Su Ning pinched her arm. "You're still quite muscular."

"In a mother's eyes, her child is always thin."

The two chatted for a while longer about everyday things, and then slowly walked back.

I got home after 10 p.m.

Chen Xiaojun went to take a shower, while Su Ning replied to several emails in the study.

By the time she finished washing up and came out, Su Ning had also finished her work.

"Shall we go to sleep?"

"Ah."

Lying in bed, Chen Xiaojun suddenly looked at Su Ning and said, "Su Ning, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for everything you did today." Chen Xiaojun turned to face him. "I know you're very busy, but you still took the time to be with me, cook for me, and take me for a walk. I'm so happy."

Suning pulled her into his arms, saying, "You're my wife, it's only natural for me to be with you."

"But……"

“No buts.” Su Ning interrupted her. “No matter how busy you are, family is the most important thing. You can earn money again, and you can build a career again, but you only have one family.”

Chen Xiaojun felt a lump in her throat and buried her face in his chest.

"Suning, you're so kind!"

"If you don't want to sleep, let's do what we like?"

"Hmm, let's see how you perform today."

"You little brat, when have you ever not begged for mercy?"

"..."

Then it was Suning and Chen Xiaojun who...

An hour or two later, a satisfied Chen Xiaojun fell asleep holding Su Ning, her breathing even.

...(End of this chapter)