My heart is tied to that sky

In the golden autumn of Zhejiang, the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms permeates the air, spreading across the vast expanse of blue waves in Xianghu Lake.

As 2018 draws to a close and winter has yet to arrive, the Tang family villa by the lake is filled with warmth and the tenderness of families reuniting.

In the early morning, a thin mist, like gauze, gently shrouded the green tiles and white walls of the water town.

The tranquil courtyard was broken by the soft sound of a black Maybach. The wheels rolled over the stone slabs and came to a steady stop beside the vermilion gate.

Tang Muyang opened the car door and took a deep breath of the sweet, moist air.

The fatigue from days of travel was instantly washed away by the scent of home.

"Dad!" Tang Shiyang, like a jubilant baby bird, ran and jumped out of the door and rushed straight into his arms.

Mother-in-law Su Wanqing stood on the porch, clutching a half-finished sweater in her hand, her eyes filled with loving reproach.

"Run slowly, don't bump into anything. Zhenyang, have you and your sister missed Grandma these past few days?"

"Yes! My little sister said last night that she wanted to go to her grandparents' house." 11-year-old Tang Zhenyang stood at the door, almost as tall as his mother.

Tang Shiyang clung tightly to her father's neck, refusing to let go. Tang Muyang picked up his daughter, kissed her cheek, and walked into the house.

Inside the kitchen, Gong Yiqing, wearing a plain apron, deftly sliced ​​preserved meats.

Tang Muyang walked slowly closer, gently wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"Honey, I'm home." His voice was slightly hoarse from the journey.

Gong Yiqing turned her head and smiled slightly, nuzzling her cheek against his: "Mmm, I can smell it."

"This is a taste of home that I sent over after the founding of the nation. I'll make you some nourishing soup later."

Tang Muyang smiled and nodded, then raised his hand to make a video call.

The screen lit up, revealing Tang Jianguo's honest smile against the backdrop of the brightly lit office area of ​​the Shanghai branch.

"Muyang, did you get home safely?"

Tang Jianguo's voice was honest and straightforward: "That bag of mountain produce was specially saved for you. Don't let Yiqing stew it all. Leave some for me to have with my drinks."

Tang Muyang turned the camera to the kitchen: "Look at your sister-in-law's knife skills. I'll let you satisfy your cravings remotely tonight."

On the other end of the screen, Tang Jianguo feigned a craving, his tone full of envy: "I'm so envious."

"If it weren't for the fact that the merger and acquisition in Shanghai had just been finalized and I was too busy with other things to leave, I would have driven over right now."

"Stop joking around, keep an eye on Gao Tianlang's side." Tang Muyang stopped joking and looked serious.

Tang Jianguo puffed out his chest: "You can stay in Zhejiang with your family. We'll take care of things in Shanghai."

The two brothers virtually clinked glasses across the screen, then hung up the call, and Tang Muyang entered the restaurant.

The midday sun shone through the carved window and spilled onto the mahogany round table.

The father-in-law, Gong Chong'an, sat upright in the main seat, his hands twirling a pair of shiny walnuts, his aura as steady as a mountain.

"Dad." Tang Muyang bowed and greeted him before sitting down opposite him.

Gong Chong'an put down the walnuts, his gaze calm: "Mu Yang, I heard from Yi Qing that you reached a cooperation agreement with Chairman Lu of Hengxin in Shanghai?"

Tang Muyang looked resolute as he placed a piece of cured meat on his father-in-law's plate: "Dad, it's a deep strategic partnership, driven by both Hengxin Capital and our industrial foundation."

"Qingyang will fully expand its real estate and jewelry sectors in Jiangnan, and then strive to seize market share nationwide."

A glint of light flashed in Gong Chong'an's eyes: "You have vision. When navigating the business world, don't just pursue profit. Do more things that benefit the people. Yiqing's mother often mentions this sentiment."

"Dad, don't worry. At the wedding ceremony this month, we will announce the start of preparations for the Qingyang Charity Foundation." Tang Muyang said solemnly.

"After the civil affairs department approves and registers the donations, we will strictly control the flow of funds to ensure that the donations are accurately delivered to people in need."

Gong Chong'an looked approving and personally poured the wine: "Good. With this original intention, Dad will drink this glass with you."

Night fell over Xianghu Lake, and the city lights began to twinkle. Although it was the eve of the wedding, Qingyang Industry's nerves were not relaxed.

Deep within the Qingyang Zundi compound, in a secluded video conference room for senior executives, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it.

There were no pleasantries from guests, no celebratory music.

Outside the window, deep within the garden, workers are climbing ladders to hang festive red lanterns.

The final touches were being put on in preparation for Gu Zhixing and Ye Zhiqiu's wedding tomorrow. The sweet fragrance of osmanthus blossoms wafted through the air, creating an atmosphere of peace and joy.

However, inside, there was only a huge electronic sand table, and Tang Muyang and Su Man sitting around it with solemn expressions.

This was a secret meeting where Qingyang Industrial Group decided on its strategic direction for the next three years.

Su Man sat upright in the main seat, her fingertips lightly tapping the table, her gaze fixed on the video panel.

She didn't speak, but everyone knew that this meeting was no less important than the highly anticipated wedding the next day.

"The wedding of Zhixing and Zhiqiu is a collective effort of our Qingyang Group." Su Man's voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

The large screen lights up, but the scene doesn't focus on any of the characters in the storyboard; instead, it shows Bangkok Port, thousands of miles away.

On the screen, the sea breeze howls, and the massive gantry crane casts a shadow like a steel behemoth in the night.

Lin Mo and his two sons, Lin Chengji and Lin Chengyan, stood under the searchlights at the dock.

Behind them were mountains of containers and trucks shuttling back and forth.

They wore overalls, their faces bore the rough marks left by the sea wind, but their eyes were sharper than the night.

"President Su, Chairman Tang." Lin Mo bowed slightly to the camera, his voice a little hoarse from the sea breeze.

"The wedding, the three of us—father and sons—can never go back."

These words, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly froze the atmosphere.

"The situation in Southeast Asia is more complicated than we anticipated," Lin Mo said, getting straight to the point.

On the screen behind him, a dynamic market chart of Southeast Asian countries was displayed simultaneously, with red and green lines intersecting like the pulse of a battlefield.

"It took us almost a year to establish ourselves in Thailand and Vietnam. But before we had a firm foothold, hungry wolves were already swarming around us. At that point, we couldn't afford to leave even for a moment."

His eldest son, Lin Chengji, stepped forward, his tone tinged with urgency.

"President Su, we're not here to apologize, we're here to ask for help! We're the ones charging into battle, but no one's there to cover for us."

The second son, Lin Chengyan, then added, holding a thick report in his hand.

"We are severely understaffed. Our existing team has been working non-stop for three months! We urgently need headquarters to send experienced market development, legal, and financial personnel."

"The South Seas are deep and the fish are huge. Without enough manpower, we could be swallowed up at any moment!"

Lin Mo looked at the camera, his gaze piercing through the screen, as if he could look directly at Tang Muyang, who was far away in Zhejiang.

"Chairman Tang, Qingyang's empire wasn't built sitting in an office. My father and I are willing to risk our lives in Southeast Asia. But we beg you, and headquarters, to provide us with fresh blood."

"After this wedding, I request that you allow each branch office to send its key personnel over. The moment the wedding fireworks fade, it will be time for our people to fly to Southeast Asia!"

The video conference room was silent, except for the indicator light on the electronic sand table representing the Southeast Asia region flashing rapidly.

Tang Muyang and Su Man exchanged a glance. Su Man's gaze shifted from the screen to Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui in the storyboard.

"Did you hear that?" Her voice was low, yet carried immense weight. "The front lines are desperately needing manpower, desperately needing reinforcements. Our wedding isn't a victory celebration; it's a lifeline."

She stood up, walked to the sand table, and pointed heavily at the areas of East and South China.

"Tang Jianguo, the security team in Shanghai, in addition to ensuring the safety of the wedding, also needs to select ten elite personnel for me to be dispatched overseas."

"Peng Jiahui, the Hezhou urban renewal project is on track. Come to headquarters tomorrow. After the wedding, go back and give me a list of the young key personnel you've trained!"

Her gaze returned to the screen, fixed on Lin Mo's resolute face: "Lin Mo, hold the line. I will personally oversee things at headquarters."

"At this wedding, all branch general managers must attend. They will not bring gifts, but rather a roster of key team members. Qingyang's talent pool will be fully utilized for the Nanyang theater."

"Yes!" Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui in the storyboard responded in unison, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

On the other side of the screen, Lin Mo and his two sons solemnly saluted.

The sea breeze ruffled their clothes and stirred the unknown sea behind them, a sea full of opportunities and challenges.

The video call ended, and everyone went about their final preparations for the wedding.

The following afternoon, in the top-floor strategic conference room of Qingyang headquarters.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Zhejiang skyline in late autumn is crystal clear. The heads of the nine branch offices, along with their core teams, have already gathered here from all over the country.

The atmosphere inside was completely different from the warm sunshine outside the window; it was scorching and heavy, and everyone was poised to act.

Su Man, dressed in a pure black haute couture suit, stood at the head of the spacious conference table, her eyes cold as blades, her aura so overwhelming that everyone in the room held their breath.

"Everyone," Su Man said calmly, with an undeniable aura of a female CEO, "today is not only the wedding of Zhi Xing and Zhi Qiu, but also the day of execution of Qingyang Industrial's annual strategy."

"With only two months left until the end of the year, we are at a critical juncture in the mid-term advancement of the 13th Five-Year Plan, a time of transition and building on past achievements, and also a window of opportunity for the Group to strive for its annual goals."

"We will take deep cultivation of real industries as the foundation and capital operation as the wings to achieve leapfrog growth in the group's scale."

"The collaboration between our jewelry stores and the real estate sector, as well as the West-to-East Power Transmission Project, is our core trump card for winning the market."

Her gaze swept across the faces of everyone present, and she called out names accurately and decisively.

"Tang Jianguo, oversee all security and reception work in Shanghai. Although Gao Tianlang has surrendered, we must remain vigilant and ensure absolute safety."

Tang Jianguo straightened his back: "President Su, rest assured, everything in Shanghai is as stable as a rock."

"Peng Jiahui, the pace of urban renewal in Hezhou cannot be slowed down. Liang Xinyi, please cooperate to ensure a closed-loop funding system and support the West-to-East Power Transmission Project."

Peng Jiahui nodded calmly: "I guarantee to complete the mission."

"Zhou Zhengqi, you are a local of Lingnan City. You have been in charge of the branch company for nearly two years since you took over from Lin Mo. You are most familiar with the group's standards and bottom line."

"The Lingnan headquarters is the foundation of the group in South China, with three core sectors: jewelry, machinery, and real estate. We cannot be without our personnel for a moment. We must stay here and cultivate the local market, and fully control the business coverage in the coastal areas."

"In addition, you will be in charge of the overall coordination and deployment of the Southeast Asian team. You will select senior backbone members and business elites from the Lingnan team to form an advance special support team to work with the Lin family to promote the implementation of the project."

Zhou Zhengqi stood tall and proud: "Everyone is on standby! We must safeguard our foundation in Lingnan, coordinate our support efforts in Southeast Asia, and never betray the trust of the board of directors."

Su Man looked at Hao Haining from Sichuan and Chongqing, Pan Xingwang from Sichuan, and Fu Dayi from Shaanxi Anhui Branch: "You three are the main force of the West-to-East Power Transmission Project, and you must cooperate with Longsu Branch."

"Received, execute!" the three responded in unison, their momentum unstoppable.

"Tang Pingsheng, Jiang Dashu, strive to complete the Xiaoxiang Junjing project by the end of the year. Assign core personnel to expand into Gui City and Ganjiang. Transfer Zhu Xiaohui, Zhao Gang, and others back to headquarters. It's your turn to take charge of the Xiaoxiang project."

"Yes, President Su!" Tang Pingsheng and Jiang Dashu stood up and bowed deeply to each other.

Tang Muyang felt gratified from the bottom of his heart as he watched his brother and brother-in-law grow up. They were finally able to stand on their own.

Finally, Su Man's gaze fell on Qin Fendou, and a rare gentleness appeared on her face.

She took a deep breath: "The real burden of the West-to-East Power Transmission Project rests on your shoulders."

"So! It's time for you to work hard!" Tang Jianguo's honest and simple nature resurfaced as he grinned and chimed in.

Seeing this, Tang Muyang suppressed a laugh, coughed lightly, and glanced at the slightly tense people in the conference room.

With a slight smile, he said, "You always manage to talk about serious matters as if it were a casual chat."

He paused, his gaze returning to Su Man, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable certainty.

"But Jian Guo is right, the time to fight has come. Everyone is aware of President Su's instructions just now."

"The reason why Qingyang has come this far is because of this spirit of working together as one. Whether it is the West-to-East Power Transmission Project or the upcoming expansion into Southeast Asia, we must do it this way."

As soon as he finished speaking, the tense atmosphere in the conference room relaxed a bit.

They all chuckled softly, and even Su Man's eyes flashed with a faint smile.

Tang Jianguo raised his eyebrows smugly and winked at Tang Muyang.

His simple-minded yet sly appearance added a touch of human warmth to the previously serious troop deployment.

In this relaxed atmosphere, Su Man raised her hand and gave a slight nod to the technicians in the corner.

"Connecting to Bangkok."

With her brief command, the previously black main screen flickered.

Immediately afterwards, the video switched to a nine-grid layout, instantly drawing everyone's attention to the small screen.

The camera cuts to Lin Mo, who is in Bangkok, Thailand, with a busy port in the background. He is participating in the meeting remotely and looks anxious.

Unbeknownst to outsiders, this was not the first time Lin Mo and his son had ventured into Southeast Asia.

Back in 2017, when Tang Muyang finalized his Southeast Asia strategy, he personally called this "ghost hand" master.

"Lin Mo, it's time for your two young masters to come out of seclusion."

At the time, Lin Mo was testing the waters in Bangkok, Thailand. After a moment's thought, he slowly and deliberately replied.

"Don't worry, Mr. Tang. The big one is in Lingnan City, and the small one is still studying in San Francisco."

He paused, a sly glint in his eyes: "I'll arrange it. The three of us, father and sons, will meet in Bangkok within a week!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Mo acted swiftly and decisively.

His eldest son, Lin Chengji, born in 1993, learned the craft from his father from a young age and is the only direct descendant of the "ghost hand" craft.

This calm and reserved young man arrived in Bangkok in May 2017 and has been working in Indonesia and Singapore for over a year.

The second son, Lin Chengyan, was born in Guangzhou and Shenzhen in 1994. He is a rising designer who made his name in San Francisco.

In 2017, she flew from San Francisco to Bangkok, deeply understanding Southeast Asian aesthetics and the logic of high-end customization, and became the pioneer of Qingyang in entering the international market.

Since the two brothers arrived in Bangkok at their father's behest, the three of them have settled in Southeast Asia.

After more than a year of planning, they have solidified their supply chain, built connections, and thoroughly understood market rules.

They also gained a clear understanding of the current situation, including the ever-changing local policies and the deeply entrenched local forces.

On the other side of the screen, Lin Mo and his two sons bowed deeply to the camera with solemn expressions, their voices carrying across half of Southeast Asia:

Congratulations to Gu Zhixing and Ye Zhiqiu on their marriage! May you have a long and happy life together!

Upon hearing this, Gu Zhixing, who was sitting to one side, subconsciously turned his head to look at Ye Zhiqi beside him.

Ye Zhi Qiu was looking down at the invitation in her hand, her fingertips gently stroking the gold-embossed "double happiness" character.

Upon hearing the phrase "May you have a long and happy marriage," she did not look up, but her lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.

That was a tacit understanding that only the two of them knew. This was not just a wedding, but also a battlefield where they fought side by side.

This blessing was also a rallying cry for Lin Mo and his two sons after they had been lying low, requesting a mobilization.

As soon as the words were spoken, the three of them raised their hands in greeting, and then the screen slowly dimmed, leaving only a solemn silence in the room.

All the core staff and branch leaders present understood at that moment.

That seemingly ordinary congratulatory message was actually an order to announce the successful completion of a year's worth of planning and to close the net at any time.

The father and son alone could hardly handle compliance and quality control; they were just waiting for Qingyang's order.

This nail, buried deep in Southeast Asia, has finally reached the moment of its full power to explode.

Tang Muyang sat upright like a mountain, his gaze slowly sweeping across the entire room.

Finally, his gaze lingered on Gu Zhixing and Ye Zhiqi, his eyes filled with affirmation and expectation.

Su Man understood immediately, closed the folder, and spoke in a clear and firm voice.

"Now that the chairman has handed the reins to us, I'll just say three things about the execution aspect."

"First, the wedding should be a grand affair, reflecting Qingyang's 'family culture' and becoming a joyous occasion that unites everyone."

"Secondly, once the ceremony is over, the vanguard team, carrying the joy of the newlyweds, will set off for Southeast Asia to open up new horizons."

Third, the talent pipeline is seamlessly connected, ensuring that the brothers in Nanyang will always have the support of the Sunny family.

"This battle is to protect our homeland. Victory is the only option; defeat is not an option! Meeting adjourned!"

Su Man closed the folder, the crisp sound echoing in the large conference room.

In an instant, the room fell silent.

None of the branch company executives or core personnel present stood up first.

Some of them lowered their heads in deep thought, digesting the seamless and swift deployment.

Some gazed intently at Su Man's tall, straight back, their eyes filled with admiration and awe.

This is no simple wedding planning; it's clearly a well-planned strategic simulation!

Finally, someone stood up first, moving slowly, as if afraid of disturbing the solemnity.

Immediately afterwards, a rustling sound of chairs being moved filled the air. Everyone left their seats, but no one spoke or laughed loudly.

As they passed by Su Man, they all slowed down and looked back frequently.

In those eyes, there was trepidation about the unknown, but even more so, the passion ignited by the words, "The Qingyang family will always stand behind you."

The crowd dispersed, and the conference room returned to its empty state.

As dusk settled over the buildings and the sky turned orange, Zhou Zhengqi lingered a step behind, standing before the French windows, gazing at the shimmering waters of Jianhu Lake.

Su Man walked slowly closer and stood side by side with him.

The evening breeze ruffled the hem of her dress. Her tone was businesslike, but a hint of tenderness lingered at the end: "The foundation of Lingnan rests on your shoulders; the responsibility is immense."

"Southeast Asia is dangerous. The team we select must not only adhere to standards but also protect our colleagues."

Zhou Zhengqi turned his head, his gaze meeting hers. There was no hesitation in his eyes.

There was only one unwavering determination: to present this vast land to her.

"Don't worry, Mr. Su. You're in charge of the overall situation, so please take care of yourself and don't do everything yourself."

He paused, his voice deep and magnetic, as if making a lifelong vow.

"I'll shield you from the storms outside. You just need to stay in the command center, and I will win back this sunny world and our future for you."

The two looked at each other as dusk settled in.

Tang Muyang stood in the chairman's office, looking at the two people standing side by side by the window, his fingertips lightly stroking his wine glass, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

"True top-tier partnerships are never about one person depending on the other, but rather like two great trees with intertwined roots. They exchange glances amidst the smoke of battle, and their destiny of standing side by side is already sealed."

The following day, the Qingyang Zundi Hotel was brightly decorated, blending a grand wedding ceremony with a business banquet, creating a magnificent atmosphere.

A hundred-meter-long deep red velvet carpet is flanked by light and shadow glass lamps designed by Xie Xiaotong, the art consultant of Qingyang Art.

The lights shimmered, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Xie Xiaotong lived up to Tang Muyang's trust in her, displaying an extraordinary style without a trace of ostentation.

At the end of the red carpet, a massive media contingent of cameras and microphones gleamed.

"Attention everyone! Qingyang Industrial's aesthetic standards have been pushed to the limit! Their vision is off the charts!"

Xia Tiantian excitedly bounced around on the red carpet, holding a selfie stick. The number of viewers in the live stream skyrocketed, reaching 10, then 20.

The live chat was flooded with comments: "The groomsmen are all big shots!" "The bridesmaids are stunningly beautiful!" "#SunnyWedding# is trending!"

Inside the banquet hall, distinguished guests filled the room, their elegant attire and graceful bearing creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The bridesmaids were laughing and joking around, while Zhu Xiaohui was helping Ye Zhi Qiu adjust her dress, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Xu Yichen, looking very serious, checked the schedule on her tablet: "President Ye, I suggest we schedule the bouquet toss after the banquet, as that will maximize the exposure."

His words made everyone around him burst into laughter.

Tang Muyang entered the stage as the final act, arm in arm with Gong Yiqing, his gaze sweeping over the brothers who had followed him through thick and thin.

Below the stage, Peng Jiahui, holding a wine glass, squeezed next to Tang Muyang and deliberately raised his voice.

"Muyang, I mentioned at the last meeting that I was getting married again, and today it's finally happening!"

Tang Jianguo and Yang Liu carried Tang Zhenjia over, patting him on the shoulder with smiles.

"Jiahui, when you're toasting later, you'd better drink less, or you'll end up like last time, hugging the pillar and calling for your mother."

The room erupted in laughter. Peng Jiahui, his face flushed, hurriedly retorted, "Muyang, you be the judge! It was clearly Jianguo who hugged her first!"

Zhou Yanting approached with her son Peng Zhenxiang, picked up where her husband left off, and added insult to injury with a smile.

"That's right! Brother Jianguo got drunk and wouldn't let go of the pillar, saying, 'This pillar really looks like a willow, even taller than my wife!'"

The entire audience erupted in laughter, doubled over with mirth.

Gong Yiqing raised her eyebrows, looking at Tang Jianguo with a half-smile: "How about it? You've nailed yourself to the pillar of shame, haven't you?"

Yang Liu rolled her eyes and pinched Tang Jianguo's arm.

"You rascal, you always act recklessly when you're drunk. I'll settle the score with you when we get home!"

Tang Jianguo clutched his arm, looking aggrieved: "I was just speaking the truth while drunk... I missed you so much..."

Amidst laughter and chatter, the wedding march solemnly began, and Gu Zhixing, hand in hand with Ye Zhiqiu, slowly stepped onto the red carpet.

Ye Zhi Qiu, dressed in a French haute couture gown, looked as graceful as a painting.

Gu Zhixing was impeccably dressed in a suit, exuding confidence and high spirits.

Walking to the center of the stage, Gu Zhixing picked up the microphone, his voice resounding.

"Many people ask me why I chose to get married in Qingyang. Because here, I found not only a career, but also a home."

"In Qingyang, we are not cold superiors and subordinates, but comrades-in-arms who can entrust their backs to each other, and family members who share honor and disgrace."

Tang Muyang strode forward, took the microphone, and his eyes were piercing.

"Zhi Xing is right! Qingyang is not only a business empire, but also a warm and welcoming family!"

"Today, witnessing this auspicious occasion, I also want to take this opportunity to announce: the Qingyang Charity Foundation has officially begun its preparatory work!"

"We will focus on rural education, medical assistance, and poverty alleviation! We want every penny of Qingyang's profits to be delivered with warmth and precision to every corner in need!"

The entire venue erupted in cheers. The nine core members stood up in unison, raised their glasses, and shouted in unison.

"Wishing Mr. Gu a long and happy marriage! Wishing Qingyang great success!"

At this moment, sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the gold lettering of "Sunny Day" on the logo, making it shine brightly.

As night fell and the noise subsided, Tang Muyang stood with Gong Yiqing by the window, gazing at the myriad lights of their homes outside.

"Honey, we did it, and we're going to go even further."

Tang Muyang's gaze was firm, as if he could already see the pinnacle of that world.

"Qingyang Charity aims to become a century-old brand, and Qingyang Industry will surely reach its peak."

Big cities harbor ambitions, small homes hold warmth, the sun shines brightly, and lights illuminate every house!