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Suning stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window on the 88th floor of the Kyushu Group headquarters, overlooking the city below, which resembled a chessboard.

Outside the glass curtain wall, sunlight bathes the entire Jiangnan New City in a golden glow, with several landmarks standing out as the most dazzling.

Kyushu Square, Kyushu International Center, Kyushu Huafu...

Every single one of them was the work of the Kyushu Group.

"Mr. Su, this is this week's market share report." The assistant respectfully handed over a document, interrupting Su Ning's thoughts.

Suning took the document and quickly scanned the numbers.

Jiuzhou Real Estate's market share in first- and second-tier cities across the country has reached 25%, an increase of 8 percentage points compared to the same period last year.

Especially in the Jiangnan region, this figure is as high as 40%.

Meanwhile, the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce, once a real estate giant, has seen its share of the business plummet from a peak of 35% to 18%.

"What's the reaction from the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce?" Su Ning asked with a slight smile, tapping her fingers lightly on the table.

"According to feedback from the Business Intelligence Department, the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce held an emergency closed-door meeting yesterday, which lasted until 2 a.m. Li Minxian flew into a rage at the meeting and smashed three tea sets," the assistant carefully reported. "Their 'Nanshan Haoyuan' project in Jiangnan New District has seen less than a third of its pre-sales volume than expected because our 'Jinxiu Huating' project opened ahead of schedule."

Su Ning chuckled and turned to walk towards the sand table model in the center of the office.

That was the strategic plan of Kyushu Group for the next three years, with densely packed project logos covering almost the entire map of China.

He picked up the small flag representing "Jinxiu Huating" and gently planted it in the most central position of the Jiangnan New Area, directly opposite the red logo representing the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce on the model.

"Notify the project team that the second phase of Jinxiu Huating will be launched ahead of schedule, and the price will be reduced by another 5%." Su Ning's voice was calm but unquestionable. "I want the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce to get nothing in the Jiangnan New Area."

"President Su, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

"What? What benefits did the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce give you?"

No! No! Absolutely not.

The assistant quickly jotted down the instructions, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

He knew that this was not just a business competition, but also a continuation of a personal feud.

Since Suning acquired Jinhai Group, its conflict with the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce has become completely public.

The main issue is that the industries under the Jinhai Group are squeezing out the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce, and both sides are using every means at their disposal.

Although Jinhai Group has now become Jiuzhou Real Estate, Jiuzhou Real Estate is even more domineering than the original Jinhai Group, leaving almost nothing for the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce.

……

Meanwhile, in the penthouse suite of the Peninsula Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in Jiangnan, the Queen was trying on her wedding dress in front of the mirror.

Pure white lace outlined her perfect curves, and the rhinestones on the skirt shimmered like stars under the light.

"Mr. Su said he'd pick you up at six to go for a tasting," the maid whispered.

The queen nodded, but her eyes seemed somewhat unfocused.

The bride in the mirror was breathtakingly beautiful, but her thoughts drifted to another woman.

Moreover, this wedding dress also belonged to that woman; the man she loved most was not the first to marry her.

She knew that soon Su Ning would hold an equally grand wedding for that woman.

This realization was like a tiny thorn, piercing the softest spot in her heart.

The phone vibrated; it was a message from Cai Yanzhi: "Your Majesty, I heard you are personally helping Su Ning and Qi Dongcao prepare for their wedding?"

The Queen took a deep breath and replied, "He and Qi Dongcao are true love, and I have long accepted that."

After sending the message, the Queen chuckled self-deprecatingly.

Accept? It's not that easy.

But compared to women like Cai Yanzhi, Jiang Tanle, and Pei Luoshen who didn't even have a formal title, she could at least stand openly by Su Ning's side as the future mistress of the Kyushu Group.

After all, Su Ning promised her that he would marry her soon, only after Qi Dongcao.

Just as the Queen was lost in thought, a commotion suddenly broke out downstairs at the hotel.

She walked to the window and saw more than a dozen black cars parked in front of the hotel, with the "Jufeng Financial" logo prominently displayed on their bodies.

Leading the group was Li Zhijin herself, the beautiful woman known as a "noble lady" in the business world, who was leading a group of subordinates and barging in aggressively.

At that moment, the Queen immediately dialed Su Ning's number: "That Li Zhijin has brought people to the Peninsula Hotel. It seems they're here for you. I guess it's because you took down Old Huang."

On the other end of the phone, Su Ning's voice remained calm: "Don't worry, she won't be able to find me. As for you, don't show yourself; I'll have security handle it."

"Okay! I'm helping Qi Dongcao pick out a wedding dress, do you want to..."

"Boring! If you're going to choose, choose your own. If you're really bored, you can design your own set."

"I……"

"Alright! Your Majesty, you should know my temperament. I don't like my women doing that kind of thing."

"Hmph! Scumbag."

After hanging up, Suning immediately dialed another number: "Activate Plan B to completely block the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce's bid for the land in Jiangbei. At the same time, release the news that Jiuzhou Group is preparing to target the shares of Nanshan Holdings' listed company."

Commercial warfare never requires real swords and guns; the battle of capital is often more deadly.

Su Ning understood this perfectly; he knew that Wei Jinghai would eventually resort to desperate measures.

What truly crippled the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce were the contracts snatched away by the Jiuzhou Group in the market; the frozen loans in the banks; and the plummeting stocks in the stock market.

Now that the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce has been identified as an enemy, I will not give them any more breathing room.

……

Meanwhile, at the construction site in Jiangnan New Area, the main structure of Jiuzhoufang Plaza has been completed.

This complex project, with an investment of over 50 billion yuan, will become the largest commercial center in the Jiangnan region.

Project General Manager Zhou Yi is receiving inspection teams from all over the country.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Jiuzhoufang Plaza has adopted the most advanced intelligent management system, and merchants who move in can enjoy the support of the entire industrial chain of Jiuzhou Group," Zhou Yi proudly introduced. "Currently, more than 800 brands have confirmed their move in, including 120 international brands that are entering the Jiangnan region for the first time."

One of the developers from the north in the inspection team exclaimed, "This is more than twice the size of the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce's 'Nanshan Plaza'!"

Zhou Yi smiled slightly: "Not only in terms of scale, our rental policy is also 20% more favorable than Nanshan's, and we also offer a tax rebate policy for the first three years. The Jiangnan New Area Management Committee provides special support."

These words quickly reached the ears of the senior members of the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce.

That afternoon, the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce held an emergency press conference to announce the launch of the "Nanshan Revitalization Plan," which will invest 100 billion yuan in upgrading commercial real estate.

But industry insiders know that this is just a desperate struggle, and the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce simply cannot come up with that much money.

Kyushu Group is backed by Suning, a business genius, and it is a complementary combination of the advantages of the Internet and the real economy. This kind of comprehensive advantage cannot be built up by money alone.

……

In the evening, Suning arrived at the Peninsula Hotel as agreed to pick up the Queen.

The two tacitly avoided mentioning the incident from the afternoon, instead discussing the details of the wedding.

"How are the projects in the capital and Shanghai progressing?" the Queen asked while adjusting her earrings.

Suning opened the car door for her: "The third store in Beijing's Jiuzhoufang district will open next month, and the pre-sale rate has already reached 95%. The project in Shanghai has encountered some minor troubles. The Nanshan Chamber of Commerce has created some obstacles for us through their connections in the political arena."

The Queen got into the carriage, her eyes sharpening: "Should we invite Father to join us?"

Suning started the car. "You've forgotten my rules again! Besides, let's resolve business issues through business means. I've already instructed the legal department to prepare an anti-monopoly lawsuit. The Nanshan Chamber of Commerce has engaged in numerous irregularities in its mergers and acquisitions in East China over the past three years."

"Alright! I think you and your father are just incompatible." The Queen nodded thoughtfully.

"..."

She knew that Su Ning didn't like talking about her father, Zhao Xin; this man enjoyed the thrill of defeating his opponents head-on in the business world.

This is also the biggest difference between him and Zhao Xin and his gang of "roughnecks". Suning plays a game of open strategy and a fair and square business showdown.

The car drove towards the most famous private restaurant in Jiangnan, where the venue for the wedding banquet tasting had already been set up.

But the Queen knew that she wasn't the only one tonight.

Qi Dongcao will also be present, along with Cai Yanzhi, Jiang Tanle, and Pei Luoshen.

These women, who have complex emotional entanglements with Suning, will all be present.

This arrangement seemed unbelievable to outsiders, but the Queen understood Suning's intentions.

He was using this method to declare to everyone that he could control the whole situation, whether in business or in relationships.

Just like the projects of the Kyushu Group across the country, his emotional world also has a clear map and boundaries.

Encountering a man like Su Ning, who has an extremely strong desire for control, is both their misfortune and their greatest fortune.

When the car stopped in front of the restaurant, the Queen saw that Qi Dongcao was already waiting at the door.

The free-spirited woman wore a simple white dress, yet her innate noble air was undeniable.

The moment their eyes met, the Queen forced herself to smile.

The expansion of its business empire and the balance of its emotional world are the two major challenges facing Suning today.

Tonight, in this secluded restaurant, two wars without gunfire will unfold simultaneously.

...Li Minxian's office was filled with smoke, and the ashtray on his desk was piled high with cigarette butts.

He stared at the documents Fan Longquan had brought, his fingers trembling involuntarily.

Those written pieces of evidence were like sharp knives, each one piercing his thirty-year friendship with Wei Donghai.

“Old Wei! Old Wei, how could your son…” Li Minxian took off his glasses and rubbed his red eyes.

As dusk settled outside the window, the lights were off in the manor's study, casting shadows over his hunched back.

The scene of Wei Donghai holding his hand before his death and entrusting his only son, Wei Jinghai, to his care is still vivid in his mind.

Asking him to investigate Wei Jinghai personally now would be tantamount to betraying the deceased's wishes.

The phone rang abruptly; it was Fan Longquan.

"Mr. Li, have you seen all the evidence?" Fan Longquan's voice came through the microphone, steady and powerful.

Li Minxian sighed deeply: "Xiao Fan! You will be in charge of investigating Wei Jinghai's matter. I... I haven't been feeling well lately."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.

"I understand." Fan Longquan's voice remained calm, but Li Minxian could sense the disappointment beneath that calm.

After hanging up the phone, Li Minxian pulled a yellowed photograph from deep inside a drawer.

The photo shows the young him and Wei Donghai standing in front of the newly completed tallest building in Hangzhou, shoulder to shoulder, with bright smiles.

A tear fell onto the photo, and Li Minxian hurriedly wiped it with his sleeve, but the more he wiped, the blurrier it became.

"Old friend, I'm so sorry..." The old man's sobs were swallowed up by the twilight.

Meanwhile, in the conference room at the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce headquarters, Jiao Ye was roaring into his phone: "What? They're not going to make a move? President Wei, that kid's practically shitting on our heads!"

Wei Jinghai's voice on the phone was as cold as ice: "I said stop, and I mean stop! Fan Longquan has just been promoted to commander-in-chief, so don't cause me any trouble right now."

The veins on Jiao Ye's forehead bulged, and his fists clenched so tightly they cracked: "But what about Su Ning..."

“I have my own plans for Suning,” Wei Jinghai interrupted him. “Keep an eye on your loan sharks. They’d better behave themselves these days. If Fan Longquan gets any leverage over them, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

After hanging up the phone, Jiao Ye slammed the phone against the wall, shattering the expensive custom-made phone into pieces.

The subordinates in the conference room dared not utter a sound.

"What are you looking at? Get out of here!" Lord Jiao roared.

After his men left, he took out a well-maintained pistol from the safe.

He gently stroked the cold metal surface, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

He hated Su Ning so much, not only because Su Ning ruined their business, but also because Su Ning stole Pei Luoshen, the woman he loved most.

Therefore, Jiao Ye's desire to destroy Su Ning never stopped, even though Wei Jinghai tried to stop him.

……

Three days later, at a private restaurant on the shore of West Lake in Hangzhou.

When Suning pushed open the door to the private room, Fan Longquan had been waiting for a long time.

The rumored decisive and efficient new commander-in-chief stood up and unexpectedly extended his hand: "President Su, I've heard so much about you."

Su Ning raised an eyebrow and grasped the calloused hand: "I am truly flattered that President Fan personally requested a meeting with me."

After the two were seated, the waiter began to serve the dishes.

Fan Longquan personally poured a cup of tea for Su Ning: "This is West Lake Longjing, this year's new tea."

"President Fan invited me here today, it's not just for tea, is it?" Su Ning looked directly into the other person's eyes, trying to see through this opponent who had suddenly shown goodwill.

Fan Longquan smiled, a few deep wrinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes: "President Su is straightforward. That's right, I'm here today to make peace."

"Make peace?" Su Ning put down his teacup, his face full of doubt.

"The Nanshan Chamber of Commerce and the Jiuzhou Group have been fighting for so long, and both sides have suffered heavy losses." Fan Longquan's voice was low and sincere. "I am here today in my personal capacity and do not represent anyone. I just want to say that we can all make money together, and there is no need for this kind of bloody conflict."

He raised his teacup: "This cup is my apology for the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce's previous rudeness."

Su Ning did not respond immediately, but instead carefully observed the middle-aged man in front of her.

Fan Longquan's eyes were very special, with clear black and white. They lacked the worldly sophistication of a typical businessman, instead revealing an almost stubborn sincerity.

"Why?" Su Ning finally spoke up. "As far as I know, President Fan, you have just been promoted to commander-in-chief, and this is the time to establish your authority."

Fan Longquan put down his teacup and looked out the window at the shimmering lake: "President Su, have you heard the story of 'saving by cutting off an arm'?"

Before Su Ning could answer, he began to speak on his own: "In 1996, when I first started my business, I had a brother who had been with me for three years. Suddenly one day, he got his right hand caught in a machine, took the factory's 20,000 yuan compensation, and left."

The private room was so quiet that you could hear the tea boiling.

Fan Longquan's voice choked up: "Later I learned that his mother and child were both seriously ill. Twenty thousand yuan was a huge sum of money at the time, but it was only enough to save one person."

"After discussing it with my family, we decided to save the child." Fan Longquan took a deep breath. "By the time I found out the truth and rushed to the hospital to give them money, his mother had already passed away. That brother knelt down and kowtowed to me three times, saying that he owed me in this life and would repay me by being a cow or a horse in the next."

A tear slid down the corner of this tough man's eye, which he quickly wiped away: "From that day on, I vowed to make sure that all the brothers who followed me lived a good life. President Su, I've looked into your history of how you made your fortune. You and I are the same kind of people. Neither of us is cut out for business, but we've both ended up where we are today."

Suning's gaze softened.

He recalled the part-time students who worked overtime for him every day and translated for those foreigners during the early stages of his business...

“So I think,” Fan Longquan looked at Su Ning again, “we don’t need to fight to the death. Those old men in the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce are stuck in their ways, but times have changed, and it’s time to let in some fresh blood.”

"President Fan, I'm afraid you can't make the decisions for the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce."

"As long as I, Fan Longquan, am here, I can guarantee the peace of Fanlong and Kyushu."

"..." At this moment, Su Ning also felt Fan Longquan's sincerity.

Two hours later, when the two walked out of the restaurant, they had reached a preliminary cooperation agreement.

The setting sun cast long shadows of the two people, which overlapped and became indistinguishable from one another.

"Mr. Su, let me take you back to your hotel." Fan Longquan pointed to the black sedan parked by the roadside.

Suning nodded: "Okay! We can talk about the Jiangbei project on the way."

As the car drove into the night, the two continued discussing the details of their collaboration in the back seat.

No one noticed that a small truck without headlights was quietly following behind them.

"President Su, about Wei Jinghai..." Fan Longquan had just started to speak when a blinding beam of high beams suddenly shone from the side.

"Watch out!" Su Ning only had time to shout this before the small truck crashed hard into the side of the car.

The world is spinning.

The moment the airbag deployed, Su Ning felt a sharp pain, and then the world became blurry and distant.

He vaguely heard the sounds of metal twisting, glass shattering, and his own bones breaking.

After an unknown amount of time, Su Ning struggled to open her eyes.

The car had overturned, and he was hanging upside down in the deformed carriage, warm blood flowing down his forehead and into his eyes, turning the world red.

Through the broken car window, he saw a dark figure approaching Fan Longquan, who was also seriously injured.

The man used the handkerchiefs, which could kill silently, to cover Fan Longquan's mouth and nose tightly.

"President Fan..." Su Ning tried to call out, but only spat out a mouthful of blood.

After the assassin dealt with Fan Longquan, he became increasingly emboldened and headed towards Su Ning.

Suddenly, shouts of alarm came from a passerby in the distance: "Oh my god! There's been a car accident! Call an ambulance!"

The assassin paused for a moment, quickly put away the handkerchief in his hand, and then took out his phone, pretending to dial an emergency number.

Before passersby arrived, he whispered something in the ear of the dying Fan Longquan, then casually stepped aside, playing the role of the unlucky driver who caused the accident.

Su Ning's consciousness blurred again, but before he completely lost consciousness, he clearly saw the "driver who caused the accident" curl up a strange smile on his lips.

That smile reminded him of a smug wolf, cold, cruel, and with a twisted sense of pleasure.

The ambulance siren grew louder as it approached, and Su Ning felt herself being lifted onto a stretcher.

In a daze, he heard the medical staff exclaim, "This patient is in critical condition! His blood pressure is dropping rapidly!"

Before the world plunged into darkness, a final thought flashed through Suning's mind: this was not an accident, but a meticulously planned murder.

What no one expected was that this murder was awakening a long-dormant demon...

In the shadows in the distance, a figure wearing a baseball cap silently watched all of this.

He took out his phone and dialed an unsaved number: "The plan has changed! The other big fish is still alive."

Wei Jinghai's somber voice came from the other end of the phone: "Continue to observe! Remember, don't leave any trace."

"Understood." The man in the baseball cap hung up the phone and disappeared into the night.

He walked in a strange way; his left leg was slightly lame, but he walked incredibly fast.

In the blink of an eye, it blended into the bustling night scene of Hangzhou, as if it had never existed.

...(End of chapter)