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Inside the conference room of the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou West Lake, the quarterly meeting of the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce is at a tense standoff.

Wei Jinghai slammed the project proposal heavily onto the mahogany conference table, causing ripples to spread in the Longjing teacup.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the operation of this commercial complex must be led by the Li family. We hold a 40% share in the capital pool, so it is only right that..."

"Bullshit!" Fan Longquan suddenly slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his rough voice making the crystal chandelier tremble slightly.

The burly middle-aged man unbuttoned his suit jacket, revealing a faint blue dragon tattoo on his neck.

"What are you plotting, Wei Jinghai? Do you think everyone here is a fool?"

The conference room fell silent.

The gazes of the twelve board members shifted back and forth between the two men, and the air was so thick that the hum of the central air conditioning could be heard.

"Mr. Fan, please be mindful of the occasion." Wei Jinghai adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze behind the lenses as cold as a snake. "The Chamber of Commerce isn't a marketplace; it doesn't tolerate..."

"Stop pretending to be so polite!" Fan Longquan kicked the chair aside, pointed to the plaque on the wall that read "Integrity and Win-Win," and said, "Want to calculate the 200 million yuan kickback from last year's port project for everyone now?"

Wei Jinghai's face instantly turned ashen.

He noticed that three board members had quietly turned over the "yes" signs in front of them.

"Where's the evidence?" Wei Jinghai suddenly laughed, slowly adjusting his cufflinks. "Trying to smear someone with nothing but empty words?"

Fan Longquan remained unyielding, claiming that his involvement would ensure transparency in the flow of funds and that every penny would be genuinely invested in project operations.

His statement won the support of the majority of people present, and many raised their hands to second him.

However, the furious Wei Jinghai turned to the crowd and sneered, "Since President Fan is questioning the transparency of the funds, how about this—as long as his Fanlong Group can come up with 40% of the funds equivalent to Li's, we will hand over the management rights."

Whispers filled the conference room.

Everyone knows that Fan Longquan's assets are mostly tied up in real estate, and he simply cannot raise 48 billion yuan in cash in the short term.

“Three days.” But Fan Longquan suddenly pulled out his phone. “I’ll have someone inventory the assets right now. But before that…”

He smiled sinisterly, "Shouldn't President Wei explain who ended up with that mining accident compensation money from back then?"

"You!" Wei Jinghai stood up abruptly, his suit jacket hem knocking over a teacup.

Brown tea stains seeped onto the project proposal, much like the blood that seeped from the mine twenty years ago.

"The man surnamed Fan is vulgar and often refers to himself as 'Laozi,' but my Laozi has long since passed away."

"..."

"Enough!" Chairman Xu slammed his gavel. "The meeting is adjourned for today. We will discuss this again once President Fan's funds arrive."

As he walked out of the conference room, Wei Jinghai loosened his tie and whispered to his secretary behind him, "Have Jiao Ye check who Fan Longquan has been in contact with recently."

He squinted. "I suspect someone handed him a knife."

"Yes, Mr. Wei."

Meanwhile, on the terrace of the West Lake State Guesthouse, Li Minxian was using a silver knife and fork to cut a soft-boiled egg.

The butler appeared silently and whispered a few words in his ear.

"Sir, Xu Zhenye has arrived?" The old man wiped his mouth. "Tell him to wait."

Turning to look at Li Zhijin, who was reviewing financial reports, he asked, "Girl, are you really not planning to return to the Li Group?"

Li Zhijin didn't even look up: "Grandpa, I've said I don't want to get involved in those fights. Just thinking about it gives me a splitting headache."

"It's not up to you." Li Minxian suddenly tapped the ground with his cane. "Now Huang Hu specifically requests to see someone from the West Lake. Do you know what that means?"

"what?"

Outside the window, a white egret skimmed across the lake, creating ripples.

……

Meanwhile, on the top floor of the Kyushu Building on the Bund in Shanghai, Suning was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window answering a phone call.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting varying shades of shadow on his sharply defined profile.

"Suning, I heard you had a great time in Hangzhou!"

"Not bad! $2.1 billion, that's enough funding for Kyushu Group's future development."

"More than that, right? I noticed Cai Yanzhi and Pei Luoshen were giving you rather suggestive looks."

"Hehe, it's all because my charm is too irresistible."

"Hmph! You bastard! Do you even care about me and the Queen anymore?"

"Of course we're here! Isn't this home?"

“I’ve heard that Cai Yanzhi loves Yang Qingdi very much, but she may not have you in her heart.”

"Does it matter? Anyone who seeks a spiritual connection is a complete fool."

"..."

"But you're an exception! I feel like I can achieve a soul resonance with you."

"Hmph! Sweet talk!"

"Winter Grass, I'm going to hit a home run tonight."

"kindness."

Su Ning smiled slightly, then took Qi Dongcao back to his mansion.

On the Huangpu River, a cargo ship sounded its horn, the long, drawn-out sound penetrating the glass.

In the bedroom of the mansion, Qi Dongcao lay contentedly in Su Ning's arms. "Su Ning, do you want to take over Cai Yanzhi's group?"

"No! I really went there for her, I didn't have any other intentions."

"Really?"

"Hmm, Dongcao, let's get married?"

"What? What did you say?"

"Winter Grass, I've thought about it for a long time, and I've realized that you're still my favorite."

"..."

"What? You don't want to?"

"No! I'm just a little too excited, and I can hardly believe it."

"I'm sorry! I should have proposed to you sooner."

"No! I can't agree to that."

"why?"

"First, I can't offer much support for your career. As the Kyushu Group grows bigger and bigger, it will definitely need a powerful backer and a strong background. Second, if you marry me, the last thing you can accept is the Queen."

“I’ve always relied solely on myself in business! I don’t rely on any damn backers or backgrounds. Our current wealth is enough for us to live happily for the rest of our lives. As for the queen, it’s very simple. We’ll get married first, then divorce after a while, and then marry her again, right?”

"But……"

"No buts! I want more..."

"what……"

"It won't stop until you accept my proposal."

"..."

……

In the strategic conference room on the 88th floor of the Kyushu Group headquarters, sunlight streams through the all-glass curtain wall onto the twelve-meter-long black walnut wood conference table.

Suning stood in front of the dynamic data wall, where the profit figure of two billion US dollars shimmered with a deep blue light on the curved screen.

"Gentlemen, this funding will be primarily invested in three areas." Su Ning drew three lines in the air with his finger, and the holographic projection immediately visualized the funding allocation plan: "First, Pineapple Electronics will receive an additional 50 billion RMB in R&D funding; second, the construction of the Kyushu New Energy Vehicle Factory; and third, we will seek to acquire an intelligent driving system."

Financial Director Lin Xia quickly jotted down the key points, her pen scratching across the paper.

When she heard about the budget for the new energy vehicle factory, her pen paused slightly: "President Su, about the bidding for that piece of land in the Yangtze River Delta..."

“It’s all settled.” Su Ning unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down. “The Shanghai government is willing to give us the most favorable policies, on the condition that we achieve a 90% localization rate within three years.”

"Can it be done?"

"Haha, actually I'm even more radical than Shanghai, I wish I could reach 100% in three years."

"..."

In a corner of the conference room, Qi Dongcao, the newly appointed Vice President of Strategy, was looking down at Pineapple Electronics' quarterly report.

Today she wore a well-tailored navy blue suit, and her hair was neatly tied back, showing no trace of her languid demeanor in Suning's private apartment last night.

"Mr. Qi," Su Ning suddenly called out, "Is there a problem with moving the Pineapple Pro 7 launch event to next week?"

Qi Dongcao raised her head, her eyes sharp as knives: "A little! The yield rate of mass-produced products is still 2 percentage points short."

“Then let’s work overtime.” Su Ning tapped the table. “I want to grab the headlines before Apple’s new product launch.”

"understand!"

Even late at night, the Kyushu New Energy Vehicle Research Institute was still brightly lit.

In the cleanroom on level B3, dozens of engineers are debugging the production line for the latest generation of solid-state batteries.

"Energy density increased by 40%, and charging speed increased by three times." Chief Technology Officer Cheng Jianjun excitedly showed the prototype sample to Suning. "Most importantly, it's safe—zero combustion in the needle penetration test."

Wearing an anti-static wrist strap, Suning gently flipped the palm-sized battery: "What is the mass production cost?"

"15% higher than the existing plan, but..."

“No way!” Suning interrupted him. “Consumers won’t pay for safety; they only pay for range. To reduce the energy density to 35%, the cost must be on par with the competition.”

"Okay! Let's keep trying."

"Thank you for your hard work! After the new product launch, the entire team will take paid leave, and they can bring their families with them."

"Haha, President Su, you really know us inside and out, you understand our mindset and thoughts so well."

Hurried footsteps came from the other end of the corridor.

Pei Luoshen strode over in ten-centimeter stilettos, casually draped a lab coat over her Chanel suit, creating an incongruous yet stunning look.

“President Su, the acquisition in Germany has run into some trouble.” Pei Luoshen handed over the tablet computer, her fingertips lightly brushing against Su Ning’s wrist. “Bosch is demanding that the core patents be retained under license.”

Su Ning quickly scanned the documents, then suddenly chuckled, "Tell the Germans, either take the money and leave, or wait and see how we develop it independently." He turned to Cheng Jianjun, "What's the progress of the autonomous driving team?"

"The Level 4 system has completed 100,000 kilometers of road testing."

“Too slow.” Suning glanced at his watch. “I need to see the mass production plan next week.”

"Oh well! Looks like I was too happy too soon."

"Ha ha……"

……

In a private club on the banks of the Huangpu River, Cai Yanzhi is brewing tea.

On a rosewood tea table, two Jian ware teacups are placed facing each other, with steam rising gently under the light.

"I heard you got Pei Luoshen on the board of directors?" She poured tea into her cup, her voice so calm it was impossible to discern any emotion.

Su Ning took the teacup and gently rubbed her fingertips against the back of her hand: "Jealous?"

“I’m just reminding you,” Cai Yanzhi suddenly tightened her grip on her fingers, “that woman’s relationship with the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce is deeper than you think.”

"So what! All I know is that she's my woman now."

"Oh! I really regret introducing her to you in the first place."

"Come on! You knew he was a stunner from the start, you just didn't want me to bother you."

"But I regretted it."

"So you have to pay the price for your actions."

"..."

Outside the window, a yacht was sailing through the middle of the river, and the lights on the deck cast swaying shadows on Cai Yanzhi's face.

Su Ning stared at her slightly trembling eyelashes and suddenly laughed: "Besides, do you know why I dared to use her?"

Then he took out his phone and pulled up a surveillance video.

In the footage, Pei Luoshen is having a private conversation with Li Minxian in a hotel suite, while a miniature camera belonging to the Kyushu Group can be faintly seen flashing inside a vase in the corner.

"You," Cai Yanzhi's pupils contracted slightly.

"The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind." Su Ning took a sip of tea.

"..."

……

The launch event for Kyushu New Energy Vehicles' Qilin was held at the Shanghai International Circuit.

As Suning drove the first concept car across the finish line, three sets of data simultaneously lit up on the big screen: 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.1 seconds, range of 1200 km, and Level 4 autonomous driving.

There was an uproar.

"This 'Kirin 1' will redefine new energy vehicles." Suning took off his helmet, sweat dripping down his chin. "By this time next year, we aim to capture 15% of the global market share."

"Clap clap clap..." Everyone present applauded enthusiastically.

In the backstage lounge, Qi Dongcao was checking the sales data of Pineapple Electronics.

The Queen pushed open the door and entered, holding the financial report she had just received.

"Sister Dongcao, what's the valuation of the new energy sector?"

"Put it on the table." Qi Dongcao said without looking up. "By the way, tell the public relations department to cut President Su's 'redefining' speech into a 15-second short video and focus on advertising it in the North American and European markets."

The Queen hesitated, then said, "Alright! But that Pei Luoshen..."

"Do your job well." Qi Dongcao finally looked up, but her face showed a dismissive expression. "Men's problems are for men to solve themselves."

"..."

Meanwhile, in a private club in Hangzhou, Wei Jinghai was slamming a stack of photos onto the table.

The photos clearly record every moment of Pei Luoshen entering and leaving the Kyushu Building.

"That bitch!" He gulped down half a glass of whiskey. "What did Li Zhijin say?"

Master Jiao said in a low voice, "Miss Li has already been in contact with Huang Hu, but..."

"But what?"

"Huang Hu requested to see Su Ning first! It's clear he doesn't want to put all his eggs in one basket with Li Zhijin."

Wei Jinghai suddenly burst into laughter, his voice echoing like an owl's in the private room: "Good! Let them meet then. Perfect."

He pulled out a USB drive and threw it on the table. "Leak this information to the media. The headline will be 'The True Story of the Kyushu Battery Explosion'."

"..."

Outside the window, thunder rumbled faintly, a storm was brewing.

……

A private tea room in Hangzhou.

Fan Longquan pushed a document in front of Old Xu and said in a deep voice, "It's been found out. The legal representative of that shell company is Chen Zhuhe."

Old Xu put on his reading glasses, carefully examined the documents, and frowned slightly: "It's just a loan, what does that prove? Maybe Li Minxian already knew."

"Old Xu!" Fan Longquan slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup tremble. "How much has Wei Jinghai secretly pocketed over the years? Port kickbacks, mining profits—which one of them didn't cross the Chamber of Commerce's bottom line? Now he can even use someone like Chen Zhuhe as a front man. If we don't stop him, the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce will be emptied out sooner or later!"

Old Xu remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "How do you plan to investigate?"

"Investigate thoroughly!" Fan Longquan's eyes were cold and sharp. "Start by going through the old accounts, and go over them one by one."

"You'll only drive him to do something desperate."

"Great! That's exactly what I wanted."

……

Shanghai, the headquarters of the Yang Group.

After signing the last legal document, Tsai Yen-chih handed it to her lawyer: "Tell Chen Chu-ho that he either has to pay compensation or go to jail."

The lawyer nodded: "Mr. Cai, once this lawsuit goes to court, what about Wei Jinghai?"

“We’re going to provoke him into a rage,” Cai Yanzhi sneered. “I want to see how long he can protect Chen Zhuhe.”

"clear."

Meanwhile, in an underground parking lot.

Sweating profusely, Chen Zhuhe climbed into Wei Jinghai's car: "President Wei! Cai Yanzhi is really going to sue me!"

Wei Jinghai slowly wiped his glasses: "What's the panic? Shut your mouth, I'll handle the rest."

Chen Zhuhe was about to say something when Wei Jinghai's eyes suddenly turned cold: "If you dare to say another word, I'll make you suffer worse than if you were in jail."

Li Group, President's Office.

Xiao Lin strode in: "President Wei, Sang Ke is pressing us hard. If the mining rights aren't finalized soon, he'll look for other buyers."

Wei Jinghai sneered: "Let him wait."

He turned to Jiao Ye and said, "Contact Fu Fang and 'accidentally' leak the mining rights offer to Zhao Xin."

"Now Zhao Xin is a toothless tiger! What use is he now?"

"Hmph! The more chaotic things are now, the better."

"..."

At this moment, Master Jiao immediately handed over another file: "President Wei, this man owes money to loan sharks, his elderly mother is seriously ill, and he has a daughter in elementary school."

Wei Jinghai glanced at it, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Very good. Keep an eye on Chen Zhuhe for now, if necessary."

"clear."

He didn't finish speaking, but Master Jiao already understood.

The Li family mansion, the council chamber.

Old Xu, Fan Longquan, and others sat around a long table, with Li Minxian in the main seat, looking calm.

"What suggestions does Elder Li have for the selection of the chief commander for the mine expansion?" Elder Xu asked.

Li Minxian shook his head: "I'm too old to get involved in these things anymore."

Fan Longquan slammed his fist on the table: "There's too much illicit activity in the mining area. Entrusting it to just one person? No way! I propose a complete overhaul of the management structure. Let's start by investigating past issues!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wei Jinghai pushed open the door and entered, smiling calmly: "What are you all talking about? It's so lively."

Fan Longquan sneered: "Perfect timing, General Manager Wei is here. The mine's accounts are unclear; shouldn't you provide an explanation?"

Wei Jinghai remained calm: "You can check the accounts as you please, but there's a more urgent matter right now. Kyushu Group wants to seize the mining rights we hold."

"What?!" The entire audience erupted in uproar.

Old Xu frowned: "Wasn't the contract about to be signed?"

"Anything is possible before the pen is even put into writing." Wei Jinghai looked around at everyone. "The most urgent task is to join forces to deal with Su Ning."

Li Minxian finally spoke: "Jinghai, do you have a solution?"

Wei Jinghai smiled and said, "Of course."

The crowd was buzzing with discussion, but Fan Longquan stared at Wei Jinghai with suspicion in his eyes.

……

Kyushu Group Intelligence Center.

Looking at the mining area map on the screen, Su Ning coldly ordered, "Sever the line to Sangke."

Three days later, overseas news:

"The leader of a certain armed group, Sanko, and his gang were ambushed and wiped out."

When Wei Jinghai saw the message, the wine glass in his hand shattered on the ground with a "crack".

"Su Ning," his face was ashen, "you're ruthless!"

Without Sangko, his entire plan in the mining area collapsed!

...(End of chapter)