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The setting sun bathed the vehicles in the police station parking lot in a golden glow.

Liang Wuyun stood on the steps, watching Su Ning walk towards his Magotan, her heart pounding faster involuntarily.

Ever since witnessing Su Ning and Xiang Xiang's complete breakup, a glimmer of hope has quietly appeared in a corner of her heart.

"Jian Fan!" she called out to Su Ning, who was about to get into the car. "Can you give me a ride tonight?"

Su Ning turned around, raising an eyebrow slightly: "Where's your own car?"

"It broke down." Liang Wuyun walked down the steps, sunlight dancing on her shoulder-length hair. "It won't be fixed until tomorrow."

"Get in the car." Su Ning opened the car door for her, a faint smile on her lips.

As the car entered the evening rush hour traffic, Liang Wuyun pretended to look at the scenery through the car window, but actually stole glances at Suning's profile.

He seemed particularly tired today, with a faint bluish tint under his eyes, but his features remained sharp and defined.

"Have you seen enough?" Su Ning suddenly asked.

Liang Wuyun felt like a child caught doing something wrong, her ears instantly burning: "Who, who looked at you!"

“Captain Liang,” Su Ning changed lanes and turned into a small alley, “you’re acting really strange today! Could it be…”

He deliberately dragged out his words, "I heard that Xiangxiang and I broke up, so..."

"Stop being so presumptuous!" Liang Wuyun's voice suddenly rose, "I just... I just..."

"Just what?"

"I just felt sorry for you because you were heartbroken!" Liang Wuyun blurted out, then bit her lower lip in annoyance.

Suning suddenly turned on his turn signal and pulled the car over to the side of the road.

He pulled the handbrake, turned around and looked directly at Liang Wuyun: "Who said I'm heartbroken?"

"Isn't that right?" Liang Wuyun didn't dare look him in the eye. "That's what Xiangxiang's mother said about you..."

"Once unfaithful, always unfaithful," Su Ning said, emphasizing each word. "That's my principle when it comes to women."

The car suddenly fell silent.

Liang Wuyun could hear her own rapid heartbeat.

She mustered her courage and looked up, meeting Su Ning's burning gaze.

"Actually..." her voice was as soft as a feather, "we could give it a try."

With a screech, Su Ning abruptly stopped the car on the side of the road and pulled the handbrake.

"Liang Wuyun," his voice was a little tense, "you promised me?"

"Mmm." She lowered her head, her long hair falling down to cover her flushed cheeks.

The next second, Su Ning's warm hands cupped her face, and his lips, carrying a faint tobacco scent, covered hers.

Liang Wuyun stiffened at first, then relaxed and awkwardly responded to the long-awaited kiss.

"Wu Yun, thank you." As they parted, Su Ning pressed his forehead against hers. "I promise I won't let you down."

Liang Wuyun gasped, "What if... your ex-girlfriend comes back to you?"

"I've already said it, it's a matter of principle."

"Where's Jiang Dijia?" Liang Wuyun persisted. "She's been bothering you every day."

Su Ning smiled helplessly: "What she wants is my family's secret recipe for braised pork. That recipe has an inherent flaw, and I warned her about it long ago."

He grasped Liang Wuyun's hand. "From now on, I'll report to you whenever I have contact with her, okay?"

"Really?" Liang Wuyun's eyes gleamed.

"Do you want me to swear an oath?" Su Ning pretended to raise her hand.

"Fine! I'll believe you this time." Liang Wuyun pushed him away. "Hurry up and take me home. I have to go to work tomorrow."

"How about coming to my place?" Su Ning whispered in her ear.

"No!" Liang Wuyun refused, blushing. "Too...too fast. I'm not ready."

"Okay! I'll give you time to prepare."

Su Ning smiled and started the car again, driving towards Liang Wuyun's apartment in the twilight.

In the rearview mirror, both of them had smiles they couldn't hide on their faces.

……

The next day at noon, Suning was eating in the cafeteria when his phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID displayed "Jiang Dijia".

"Jian Fan! Something's happened!" Jiang Dijia's voice was choked with tears on the other end of the phone. "The braised meat shop... all the braised meat has gone bad! Customers are returning it all!"

Su Ning put down her chopsticks: "Where are you?"

"At the police station entrance... I brought Manager Zhang with me..."

As Su Ning walked out of the police station, he saw Jiang Dijia and Manager Zhang standing next to a minivan.

In just a few days, Jiang Dijia looked much more haggard, with red eyes, and completely lacked her usual radiance.

"What exactly happened?" Su Ning asked.

Manager Zhang handed over a package of spoiled braised meat: "Just as you predicted... there was a problem with the cold chain, and this whole batch has turned sour. Some customers have already experienced problems after eating it!"

Suning took the bag and immediately smelled a strong sour and rotten odor upon opening it.

The surface of the meat had already shown slight discoloration, which was exactly the protein denaturation phenomenon he had warned about.

"We've tried everything..." Jiang Dijia's voice trembled, "Increasing the amount of preservatives, vacuum packaging... but nothing worked. Jian Fan, you have to help us!"

Suning shook his head: "I said before that this formula has an inherent flaw. The only solution now is a complete recall and a halt to production."

"No way!" Jiang Dijia exclaimed, "This project has invested most of the group's funds; if it stops..."

"Continuing to sell will lead to deaths!" Su Ning interrupted sharply. "Then it won't be something that can be solved by simply paying compensation!"

"But……"

"Jiang Dijia, you don't still think I have the complete prescription that I haven't given you, do you?"

"I……"

"I really can't understand your greed and stupidity, brother and sister?" At this moment, Su Ning was truly angry at the beautiful woman in front of him.

In the midst of the argument, Xiao Chenggang rushed over: "Old Jian! Something terrible has happened! Jiang Jiuding has been beaten up and is in the hospital!"

"..."

……

Outside the VIP ward of Renhe Hospital, a crowd of dealers demanding explanations gathered.

Through the glass, Su Ning saw Jiang Jiuding with bandages wrapped around his head, talking on the phone with a terrifyingly gloomy expression.

"Two of my ribs were broken," Jiang Dijia choked out. "Those distributors said we deliberately sold a defective formula..."

Su Ning patted her shoulder reassuringly, when her phone suddenly rang.

To my utter surprise, it was a text message from Tang Shouyu: "Officer Jian, would you like to come to Sheng Tang sometime? There are some inside details about President Jiang that you might be interested in."

“…” Su Ning immediately realized that this matter was not simple.

An hour later, in the VIP room of Sheng Tang Nightclub.

Tang Shouyu poured Su Ning a glass of whiskey and got straight to the point: "Jiang Jiuding is in big trouble this time."

"Mr. Tang, what inside information do you know?" Su Ning didn't touch his wine glass.

“Rentong Real Estate, have you heard of them?” Tang Shouyu lowered his voice. “They’ve been eyeing the land where the Jiang family hotel is located for a long time.”

As Tang Shouyu recounts his story, a business conspiracy gradually comes to light.

Rentong Real Estate had long coveted the old hotel site in the city center owned by the Jiang family. Their original plan to acquire it at a lower price when Jiang Jiuding was struggling financially was thwarted by the hot sales of "Thin as a Wing".

“Now that ‘Bo Ruyi’ has run into trouble,” Tang Shouyu sneered, “Rentong is active again. They’ve teamed up with a few minority shareholders and are putting up a coup.”

Suning frowned: "Jiang Jiuding is the major shareholder, right? What kind of trouble can a minor shareholder cause?"

"What if we face a collective claim from dealers, banks withdrawing loans, and shareholders withdrawing their shares at the same time?" Tang Shouyu said meaningfully. "However, I heard that... Rentong's own cash flow is also very tight, and it can't come up with the acquisition funds in a short time."

After leaving the nightclub, Su Ning immediately called Jiang Dijia: "Can your brother hold on?"

A weak but angry voice came from the other end of the phone: "Jian Fan? I'm not dead yet! These bastards..."

“President Jiang,” Su Ning interrupted him, “I have a way to alleviate the current crisis, but I need your cooperation.”

"..."

In the study of the Jiang family villa, Su Ning laid out an emergency plan on the table.

“The first step is to immediately close the hotel and cease operations.” He pointed to the first point of the plan, “If the creditors at the door can’t see anyone, they will naturally disperse.”

"Close the store?" Jiang Jiuding excitedly tried to stand up, but gasped in pain from his rib injury. "Isn't that exactly what Rentong wanted?"

“A strategic retreat.” Su Ning analyzed calmly, “Rentong is currently facing a cash crunch, and the longer it drags on, the worse it will be for them. You can use this time to resolve the issue.”

"How do we solve this?" Jiang Dijia asked anxiously. "Didn't you say the formula had an inherent flaw?"

Hope rekindled in Jiang Jiuding's eyes: "Yes! Do you possibly have the real formula?"

"..." At this moment, Su Ning almost wanted to curse. These brother and sister were really too annoying. "I don't have any! Even if I did, I wouldn't sell it to you."

Jiang Jiuding exchanged a glance with his sister, then gritted his teeth, his face full of shame: "..."

“Also,” Su Ning added, “this matter requires Mr. Li’s support. He has extensive connections in the business world and can help you stabilize the banks and some distributors.”

Mentioning President Li, Jiang Jiuding's expression was complicated: "Li Wei is no pushover; the price he's asking for..."

"It's better than being swallowed up by Rentong." Suning hit the nail on the head.

"This……"

"Besides, Li Wei has been secretly watching this matter. You two siblings will have to choose one of you, right?"

"Alright! Thank you for your help then."

It was late at night when they left the Jiang family home. Jiang Dijia saw Su Ning to the door, the night wind ruffling her long hair.

"Jian Fan... thank you." Her voice choked with emotion. "I was too stubborn before..."

Suning shook his head: "The business world is like a battlefield! If 'Bo Ruyi' succeeds, it means that you and your brother have made a profit from your investment; if it fails, it means that you were not prepared to take over the failure."

"sorry!"

"Forget it! After all, we had a relationship, and I can't just stand by and watch you end up on the streets."

"..." At this moment, Jiang Dijia realized something, "Is Liang Wuyun your girlfriend now?"

"Yes," Su Ning readily admitted.

Jiang Dijia's expression froze for a moment, then she forced a smile: "It's good...she's very suitable for you."

In the night breeze, the two remained silent.

This complicated relationship has come to an end.

……

In the conference room at Rentong Real Estate's headquarters, several men in suits were having a private conversation.

"Jiang Jiuding suddenly closed the store, and our plans were thwarted." A balding middle-aged man banged on the table in frustration.

The man across from him, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, sneered: "Don't worry, Mr. Wang. His cash flow won't last more than two weeks. Then..."

"What if Li Wei gets involved?" a third person interjected. "I heard that Jian Fan is helping the Jiang family with their plans."

“Jian Fan?” A cold glint flashed in the bespectacled man’s eyes. “Just a lowly policeman. If he meddles in other people’s business…”

He made a motion of wiping his neck.

Outside the window, a bolt of lightning ripped through the night sky; a downpour was imminent.

……

Liwei Group headquarters, 35th floor panoramic office.

Suning stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city skyline.

Behind him, Li Wei—a business tycoon with connections in both the legitimate and underworld circles—was leisurely smoking a Cuban cigar.

"Officer Jian, this is interesting." Li Wei exhaled a smoke ring. "What makes you think I would help Jiang Jiuding?"

Su Ning turned around and placed a document on the mahogany desk: "Just because Zhang Renhe owes you 86 million, and hasn't paid it back in two years."

Li Wei narrowed his eyes slightly: "Investigating me?"

“Normal business information.” Su Ning smiled. “Zhang Renhe currently has all his working capital tied up in the acquisition of the Jiang family’s land. If trouble breaks out at home now…”

"Go on," Li Wei said, intrigued.

"Lotus Community is Rentong's only project currently for sale." Suning pointed to the sales data in the document, "If news of a price reduction suddenly comes out..."

Li Wei suddenly burst into laughter: "Brilliant! Homeowners who have already bought houses will definitely cause trouble, and banks will tighten lending!"

He stubbed out his cigar. "But why should I help Jiang Jiuding?"

"It's not about helping Jiang Jiuding, it's about helping yourself." Su Ning's gaze was sharp. "Take advantage of Zhang Renhe's predicament and force him to repay his debts, or..."

He paused meaningfully, "Take over Lianhua Residential Complex directly. Besides, you had President Tang contact me precisely to make the most of everything, didn't you?"

"Haha, I knew I hadn't misjudged you! You're even smarter than I thought."

"Mr. Li, no matter what, I am very grateful for this. Even if I owe you a favor, as long as it doesn't violate the law or principles, we can still be friends."

“Okay! I accept you as a friend.” A glint flashed in Li Wei’s eyes as he picked up the intercom: “Have Director Liu from the Public Relations Department come over immediately.”

The following morning, an inconspicuous news item in the economics section of the Metropolitan Morning Post caused a huge uproar: "According to insiders at Rentong Real Estate, the Lotus Community may be liquidated with a 30% price reduction."

The news spread like wildfire.

Before noon, the sales office of Lianhua residential complex was surrounded by angry homeowners.

Some people held up banners that read "Heartless developer, give me back my hard-earned money," while others smashed the model of the sand table.

Several independent media outlets reacted quickly, and the video of the scene soon went viral.

In the conference room at Rentong headquarters, Zhang Renhe slammed a newspaper onto the table: "Who leaked the information?! Investigate! Find out the truth!"

The CFO, wiping away cold sweat, said, "Mr. Zhang, the bank just called, demanding that we repay part of the loan early... and there are more than thirty homeowners downstairs demanding their refunds..."

"Damn it!" Zhang Renhe slammed his fist on the table. "This is clearly someone's doing something stupid!"

Just then, the secretary rushed in: "Mr. Zhang, we just found out that the source of the news is reporter Liu from the City Morning Post. He admitted... admitted that he was instructed by the Li Wei Group."

Zhang Renhe's face turned deathly pale instantly.

In the VIP room of Rentong Real Estate, Li Wei leisurely sipped his tea, with two lawyers and an accountant standing behind him.

Across from him, Zhang Renhe forced a smile, but cold sweat kept seeping from his forehead.

"Mr. Li, this is a check for eighty-six million." Zhang Renhe pushed an envelope over. "Principal and interest..."

Li Wei didn't even glance at the envelope: "Mr. Zhang, isn't it a bit late to repay the loan now?"

"Mr. Li, what do you mean by this?"

Li Wei's lawyer took a document out of his briefcase: "Given your company's current situation, we propose to take over the entire Lianhua Residential Project through a debt-to-equity swap. The price is... 350 million."

"What?!" Zhang Renhe jumped to his feet. "The Lotus Community is worth at least 600 million! You're taking advantage of our misfortune!"

“Oh?” Li Wei raised an eyebrow. “Then you can refuse. However…”

He glanced at his watch. "In two hours, the bank will freeze your company's account, right?"

Zhang Renhe's hands trembled, and he finally slumped down and signed the transfer agreement.

……

In the conference room of the Jiang Group, more than a dozen distributors were arguing heatedly.

Jiang Jiuding, with his head still bandaged, sat in the main seat with a livid face.

Suning stood beside the projector, calmly observing everyone.

"Quiet!" Su Ning suddenly raised his voice, and the conference room fell silent instantly. "We understand everyone's demands. Now, let's hear President Jiang's solution."

Following the prepared script from Suning, Jiang Jiuding began: "First of all, our company acknowledges that 'Thin as a Wing' has quality issues and is willing to assume corresponding responsibility..."

The dealers wore expressions of victory, but their faces quickly froze.

“However,” Suning switched slides, displaying a series of contract terms and surveillance screenshots, “according to our investigation, at least seven people present here have resold the secret formula to third parties without authorization, violating the confidentiality agreement. Furthermore…”

He then pulled up several more photos, saying, "These are the hygiene conditions of various factories; they probably don't even meet the basic production permit standards."

The meeting room was completely silent.

“Based on the above,” Su Ning said calmly, “the Jiang family proposes the following settlement: 75% of the compensation stipulated in the contract will be paid, and all parties will sign a confidentiality agreement and will no longer pursue each other’s responsibilities. If you agree, you can sign the agreement and receive the check now.”

A portly businessman slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Why should we only get 75% compensation? We demand full compensation!"

“Mr. Wang,” Su Ning smiled, “do you need me to publicly demonstrate the evidence that you resold the secret recipe to Hunan Laweizhai? Or… would you rather receive a court summons?”

The fat businessman's face flushed red and then turned pale, before he finally slumped down.

Two hours later, the last distributor signed the papers and left.

Jiang Jiuding let out a long sigh of relief, then suddenly began to cough violently.

"Don't be too happy yet." Su Ning handed him a glass of water. "This only solves the immediate crisis. The future depends on yourselves."

Jiang Jiuding smiled wryly: "Jian Fan, we owe you a lot this time. So, what kind of reward do you want?"

“No need.” Su Ning tidied up the documents. “I just… owe Jiang Dijia.”

“He doesn’t want anything.” Jiang Dijia pushed open the door and entered, her eyes slightly red. “Brother, Officer Jian is a gentleman, he won’t take any benefits from us.”

"..."

In the living room of the Jiang family villa, Jiang Dijia pushed an exquisite gift box in front of Suning.

“This is the key to the Riverview Mansion, a 200-square-meter penthouse.” She forced a smile, finally realizing what a wonderful man she had missed. “My brother said… consider it my dowry.”

Su Ning didn't touch the box: "Jiang Dijia, between us..."

“I know,” Jiang Dijia interrupted him, her voice trembling. “You helped us just to put an end to this.”

The setting sun cast a warm orange glow over the room.

Looking at the woman he was once close to, Su Ning suddenly recalled the first time he met her at the hot pot restaurant...

Proud and radiant, like a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

“I warned you three times about the formula,” Su Ning said softly. “This crisis is, to some extent, something you brought upon yourselves.”

Jiang Dijia suddenly looked up: "So you're watching a joke?"

“No! I’m not that bored.” Su Ning shook her head. “I wanted to tell you that the business world is like a battlefield. Rentong may have retreated for now, but next time…”

"There will be a next time?" Jiang Dijia's face turned pale.

“As long as that land is still in your hands,” Su Ning stood up. “I suggest you find a professional team to replan it as soon as possible, and stop… acting on impulse.”

As they reached the door, Jiang Dijia suddenly hugged him from behind: "Jian Fan, is there really no chance?"

Su Ning gently pried her hands away: "Liang Wuyun is waiting for me to eat."

Leaving the Jiang family villa, Su Ning breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, my phone rang. It was a message from Liang Wuyun: "[What do you want to eat tonight? I bought steak.]"

He replied with a smile: "I'll be right there. I have good news for you—the Jiang family's case is closed."

After sending the message, Suning looked up at the darkening sky.

The business crisis was temporarily averted, but his professional instincts told him that Ren Tong, Li Wei, Tang Shouyu...

These deeply entrenched underground networks will inevitably stir up even bigger troubles sooner or later, but they won't have much to do with him.

But for him, as a police officer, his battle had only just begun.

...(End of chapter)