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Su Ning pursues Han Ling, the school beauty, and Xiao Ran and two others retaliate by vandalizing her car, but in the end, they dramatically reconcile...

This matter caused quite a stir at the Agricultural University, almost becoming the top story on campus.

Discussions about this could be heard everywhere—in the canteen, the water room, and the dormitory corridors.

"Have you heard? Xiao Ran and his group lost over 20,000 yuan!"

"More than 20,000? My God! My parents' combined annual salary is only 3,000!"

"Who told them to be so impulsive? But Suning is really generous, they actually agreed to installment payments."

"If you ask me, Han Ling would definitely choose Su Ning. I'd choose him too, a handsome guy driving a Mercedes, and so understanding..."

The news naturally reached Suning's home as well.

Suning drove home for dinner on the weekend.

The Su family lived in a three-bedroom apartment in the faculty and staff residential area in the east of the city. The apartment was simply decorated but clean.

The living room walls are adorned with ink paintings and family portraits, and the bookshelves are filled with all kinds of books, exuding the atmosphere of a scholarly family.

At the dinner table, his mother, Lin Wanqiu, placed a piece of braised pork on his plate and casually asked, "I heard your school has been quite lively lately?"

Su Ning was eating without looking up. "Yeah, it's quite lively. The sycamore flowers are in bloom, and many students are taking pictures under the trees."

“That’s not what I meant.” Lin Wanqiu put down her chopsticks and looked directly at her son. “I heard… you and a girl from the dance department have been making headlines?”

Su Ning smiled, knowing she couldn't hide it from her mother. "Mom, I didn't expect you to be so well-informed."

"How could I not know?" Lin Wanqiu said, "Director Wang of your school's Academic Affairs Office, his wife works in the same research group as me. A couple of days ago, when the research group had a meeting, she came over specifically to 'report the good news' to me, saying that our Xiao Ning is very capable, driving a Mercedes to chase after a girl, which made her boyfriend so angry that he went to scratch the car."

Father Su Dahai also looked up, putting down the newspaper in his hand. "Scratched the car? What happened?"

"It's a minor matter, it's already resolved," Su Ning said simply. "A few classmates had a fight and scratched my car. Later, we mediated, they paid compensation, and I issued a letter of understanding."

"That's it?" Su Dahai frowned, his eyes sharp. "No further action taken? Was the car badly scratched?"

"It's alright, it's mainly the paint, the sheet metal is fine." Su Ning said casually, "We're all classmates, and we're about to graduate, so let's be forgiving. Besides, I don't want people to say that I'm bullying people because my family is rich."

Su Dahai nodded, his expression softening. "You handled it alright, with a good sense of style. But be more careful in the future; the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. Driving that car to school was already conspicuous enough, and then you were chasing girls so openly. How could people not be envious?"

"Okay, Dad," Su Ning replied honestly. "I'll be more careful in the future."

Lin Wanqiu circled back to the previous topic, "That girl, what was her name again? Han...Han Ling?"

“Yes, Han Ling. Han as in Han Xin, and Ling as in spirit.” Su Ning put down her chopsticks and answered seriously.

"How are people?"

“She’s great,” Su Ning said. “She’s pretty, innocent, studies dance, and has a good temperament. Her grades in her major courses are also very good; she’s one of the top students in her department.”

What's the situation at home?

“An ordinary family, I guess.” Su Ning thought for a moment. “Her father is a worker at the city’s machinery factory, and her mother is a teacher at the experimental primary school. She also has a younger brother who is in high school.”

Lin Wanqiu said "Oh," picked up some vegetables with her chopsticks, and didn't ask any more questions.

She knew her son's personality; asking too many questions would only make things worse.

Moreover, Suning is already 22 years old and will soon graduate from university. He should know how to handle matters of the heart.

But as a mother, she couldn't help but think: Dance students are beautiful, but how many years can they rely on their youth?

Are ordinary working-class families and our family considered a good match?
Is my son's high-profile pursuit a genuine crush or just youthful impulsiveness?
Su Dahai changed the subject, "You're graduating soon, what are your plans for work?"

This is a question that is always asked when I go home, and it is also a regular feature of the Su family's dinner table.

Su Ning put down her chopsticks, sat up straight, and said seriously, "Dad, Mom, I want to go to Shenzhen."

“Shenzhen?” Su Dahai raised an eyebrow and put down his chopsticks. “What would you do there? My company in Shenzhen is stable now and I don’t need your help. Besides, you studied business management, and in a place like Shenzhen, it’s hard to get started without experience.”

“I want to start my own business,” Su Ning said firmly. “Dad, as you know, with the reform and opening up, Shenzhen is a special economic zone with many opportunities. I want to go and try my luck, to build my own business.”

Su Dahai didn't speak, but looked at his wife.

Sure enough, Lin Wanqiu spoke up, "Xiao Ning, actually, Mom thinks you don't necessarily have to go into business."

"What does Mom think I should do?" Su Ning asked, already having the answer in her heart.

"Go into politics." Lin Wanqiu said directly, making no attempt to hide her thoughts. "Your father has been in the business world for so many years, he's not short of money, and he has connections and resources. You're a college graduate, and your major is relevant to your career. Take the civil service exam first, start from the bottom, and with your father and me helping you, there's a lot of room for advancement. After accumulating a few years of experience, you can consider going to a state-owned enterprise or continuing to develop within the system. Both are good options."

Suning was not surprised at all by this suggestion.

His father in this life, Su Dahai, was a successful businessman in Shenzhen. Although he was not extremely wealthy, he had tens of millions of yuan in assets and was considered a successful businessman in the early 1990s.

My mother, Lin Wanqiu, is a university professor from an intellectual family, and my maternal grandfather was a retired department-level cadre.

Such families naturally hope their sons will pursue a career in government.

In 1992 China, the idea that "those who excel in their studies will become officials" was still deeply ingrained.

Being a civil servant is a secure job with high social status and good career prospects, making it a highly coveted position that many people would fight tooth and nail to get into.

But Suning is not an option.

It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I can’t.

He knew perfectly well that the "censorship god" was watching him from the shadows.

Entering politics in a dungeon world? That's outrageous!
The officialdom is like a battlefield; one wrong step and the whole game is lost.

Moreover, he is a time traveler who knows too much about the "future." If he accidentally says or does something wrong, or comes up with some advanced policies, his account could be banned in no time.

Doing business is much safer.

Doing business, making money, and engaging in real industries—at most, one can be considered a private entrepreneur.

As long as you don't cross the line or do anything too drastic, there shouldn't be any problems.

Moreover, in 1992, shortly after Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour speech, the consensus was that "development is the only way forward," and the business environment was relatively relaxed.

“Mom, I know you mean well,” Su Ning said, carefully choosing her words, “but I’m not really suited for politics.”

“Why is he not suitable?” Lin Wanqiu put down her chopsticks and looked at her son seriously. “You are smart, steady, and have no problem dealing with people. You were a student council member in school, and your organizational and coordination skills are quite good. With your father and me looking after you in the system, you will definitely make a name for yourself.”

“It’s not a matter of ability,” Su Ning shook his head. “It’s my personality. I don’t like being constrained. There are too many rules and regulations within the system, and I can’t stand them. Besides…”

He paused, organizing his thoughts: "Times have changed. The market economy is the general trend, and doing business can contribute to the country just as well. Look at those entrepreneurs in Shenzhen, aren't they doing very well?"

Su Dahai interjected, “Doing business is risky. I’ve been in the Shenzhen business world for so many years and have seen too many ups and downs. Today you might be a millionaire, tomorrow you might be bankrupt and jump off a building. And doing business is far from as glamorous as it seems on the surface… If you do it small, you’ll be someone else’s prey; if you do it big, you’ll become someone else’s thorn in their side. The business world is like a battlefield, and the dangers are no less than those in the political arena.”

"There's always an opportunity when there's risk," Su Ning said. "Dad, Mom, I know you're worried about me. But let me give it a try! Just two years. If I don't make a name for myself in two years, I'll come back and take the civil service exam, okay?"

Su Dahai and Lin Wanqiu exchanged a glance.

They knew their son.

They usually seem easygoing and have a smooth and tactful way of dealing with people, but once they've made up their minds about something, nothing can change their mind.

This personality is very similar to Su Dahai in his youth...

Daring to venture and fight, never turning back until hitting a wall.

"Do you really want to go to Shenzhen?" Su Dahai asked, his tone serious.

“I really want to go.” Su Ning nodded. “I’ve already looked into it. There are many opportunities in Shenzhen now, especially in import and export trade and the electronics industry, which are all sunrise industries. The stock market was just starting out in 92, and the real estate market was also beginning to heat up… I want to give it a try.”

"Where's the money?" Lin Wanqiu asked. "You need capital to do business. You have some savings, but it's not enough, is it? Your father's company in Shenzhen is expanding and is also short of funds, so he probably can't help you much."

"Dad, Mom, if you support me, I'd like to borrow some start-up capital from you." Su Ning was very frank. "Consider it a loan, and I'll pay it back within three years at bank interest rates. If I lose money, I'll honestly come back and take the civil service exam, and work to pay it back."

Su Dahai pondered for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "How much do you want to borrow?"

"Five million," Suning said. "That's enough to get started."

“Five million…” Lin Wanqiu gasped. “So much? Xiao Ning, do you know what five million means? When your father started his business, he only had fifty thousand yuan in capital! And he had to go through a lot of trouble to borrow that.”

What was the concept of five million in 1992?
An ordinary worker earns two to three hundred yuan a month, or more than three thousand yuan a year.

Five million is equivalent to a worker working for more than a thousand years without eating or drinking.

Even in Shenzhen, someone who could come up with five million yuan in cash in 92 would definitely be considered a big boss.

But Su Dahai did not refuse immediately.

He stared at his son for a long time before slowly asking, "You want five million? What do you plan to do with it? Do you have a specific plan?"

“Yes.” Su Ning was prepared. “I’ve studied the Shenzhen market. Right now, the three hottest sectors in Shenzhen are: the stock market, import and export trade, and electronics. The stock market is too risky, so I don’t plan to go all in, but I can participate appropriately. The main focus will be on import and export trade and electronics.”

He paused, then continued, "For import and export trade, I want to start with light industrial products. Shenzhen is adjacent to Hong Kong, so we can take advantage of its geographical location to export clothing, toys, and small commodities from the mainland to Southeast Asia, and even Europe and America. For electronic products, I want to make pagers."

"A pager?" Su Dahai's eyes lit up.

“Yes.” Suning nodded. “Pagers are becoming popular in big cities now, but they are expensive and most people can’t afford them. I’m thinking of importing technology and components from Hong Kong and assembling them in Shenzhen to reduce costs. An imported pager sells for four or five thousand yuan. If we can reduce the price to below two thousand yuan, the market will be huge.”

Su Dahai fell into deep thought.

He was a successful businessman, so he naturally knew that his son was right.

Pagers are indeed a sunrise industry, and Shenzhen has a geographical advantage, being backed by Hong Kong and facing the mainland, so it is definitely a viable business.

“Five million…is that enough?” he asked.

“That’s enough to get started,” Suning said. “First, we’ll rent a factory, buy equipment, and hire workers. We’ll make a thousand units in the first batch to test the waters. If the market response is good, we can expand the scale. At the same time, we can also do some import and export trade, walking on two legs.”

Lin Wanqiu watched the father and son discuss business, and knew that her husband was already interested.

She sighed. "Xiao Ning, have you thought this through? Doing business is hard work, and Shenzhen is so far away, you don't know anyone there. Although your dad has a company there, he might not be able to take care of you when he's busy. Besides... your dad inevitably offends some people in the business world, and I'm worried he might retaliate against you."

“Mom, I’m twenty-two already.” Su Ning smiled, her tone light but firm. “I can’t stay under your wings forever, can I? I have to go out and make my own way. As for whether my dad’s rivals will retaliate…”

He looked at his father and said, “Dad has been in the business world for so many years, he must have his own way of dealing with things. I am his son, and since I have enjoyed your care, I should naturally bear the corresponding price. But I am not afraid. If I don’t even dare to take this kind of risk, how can I talk about doing great things?”

Su Dahai looked at his son, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

This daring and enterprising spirit is just like my own back then.

“Alright.” Su Dahai made the final decision. “Five million it is. But let me make this clear from the start: this money is a loan to you, and you have to pay it back. It’s a three-year term, with an annual interest rate of 10%. If you can’t pay it back by then, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

"I will definitely pay it back," Su Ning promised. "Dad, Mom, thank you."

Lin Wanqiu was still a little worried, "Xiao Ning, are you really sure? What if we lose money..."

"If I lose money, I lose money," Su Ning said. "I'm only twenty-two years old, I can afford to lose. But if I don't try, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

Lin Wanqiu sighed and didn't object anymore.

She knew that her son had grown up and she couldn't keep him.

An eagle must always spread its wings and soar; it will never amount to anything if it stays in the nest. "What about Han Ling?" she suddenly remembered. "Did she go to Shenzhen with you too?"

"It depends on what she says," Su Ning said. "If she's willing, we can go together. If not, then we can go in a different place. We'll see..."

He chuckled. "I haven't won her over yet!"

“Long-distance relationships are not easy,” Lin Wanqiu cautioned. “Shenzhen is more than 2,000 kilometers away from here, and it takes several days to write a letter. Moreover, the environments in the two places are very different, and you will have fewer and fewer things in common to talk about.”

“I know.” Su Ning nodded. “Let nature take its course! You can’t force matters of the heart. If she’s willing to wait for me, I’ll cherish it. If she’s not, then it just means our time hasn’t come yet.”

Looking at her son, Lin Wanqiu suddenly realized that he had really grown up.

They are mature and thorough in their thinking, and unlike most young people, they are not impulsive or blind when it comes to relationships.

"You can decide for yourself. But Mom has to remind you to keep your relationship and career separate. Don't let dating interfere with your work, and don't neglect your girlfriend because of your career. It takes real skill to handle both well."

"Don't worry, Mom, I know what I'm doing."

After finishing the meal, Su Ning helped her mother clear the dishes.

In the kitchen, Lin Wanqiu said while washing dishes, "Xiao Ning, that Han Ling... if you really like her, treat her well. Don't be like those spoiled brats who play with feelings. Our Su family has a strong family tradition; we can't let that kind of thing happen."

"Mom, what kind of person do you take me for?" Su Ning smiled, taking the bowl her mother had washed and drying it. "I'm serious. Han Ling is a good girl, innocent and kind. Although she may still have feelings for someone else right now, I believe that sincerity can be reciprocated."

“It’s good that you know what’s going on,” Lin Wanqiu said. “But Mom has to remind you that when it comes to relationships, it’s important to be well-matched. I’m not saying that our family is so rich that we have to find someone from a wealthy family. But if the two families have very different backgrounds and values, life will be very difficult. The reason your dad and I have been able to get along so well all these years is largely because we grew up in similar environments and have similar perspectives on issues.”

“I understand.” Su Ning nodded. “I will consider it seriously.”

That night, Su Ning lay on her bed in her room, staring at the ceiling.

The room was still the same. The bookshelf held his middle school textbooks and certificates of merit, the walls were covered with world and China maps, and the desk had a lamp and pen holder on it.

This is his "base" from junior high school to university, and every corner exudes a familiar atmosphere.

Going to Shenzhen to do business was something I had planned long ago.

Su Ning knew that in the plot of "Ten Years of Love," Xiao Ran and Han Ling went to Shenzhen and experienced various hardships...

Living in a basement, eating instant noodles, struggling to find a job, failing in business, and experiencing relationship problems...

Although Xiao Ran succeeded in the end, both of them were badly hurt and could never go back to the way things were before.

Now that he has decided to steal Han Ling's thunder, he naturally has to go to Shenzhen, and he has to do even better than Xiao Ran.

Not only must he be successful in his career, but he must also have a fulfilling love life so that Han Ling can truly be happy.

As for entering politics...

Suning gave a wry smile.

It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I don’t dare.

Trying to engage in politics in a dungeon world? That's just asking for trouble.

The political arena is a treacherous place; one wrong step and you could step on a landmine.

Moreover, I know too much about the "future"...

Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour in 92, macroeconomic control measures in 93, tax-sharing reform in 94, Hong Kong's return to China in 97, Macau's return to China in 99, China's accession to the WTO in 01...

He knew about these major events, but within the system, knowing too much can sometimes be a disaster.

Let's just stick to doing business honestly!
Earn some money, change the plot, complete the mission, and regain your memories.

This is the right way.

As for Han Ling...

He knew that Han Ling still had feelings for Xiao Ran.

Although he agreed to be my dance partner, and we went to the movies and had dinner together, it was more out of gratitude and curiosity than true love.

But that's alright, he has plenty of time and patience.

In the world of "The Most Beautiful Youth", didn't Qin Xuemei initially have prejudices against herself?

But in the end? Didn't he still fall deeply in love with himself?
Suning believes he can do it again this time.

Because he is Suning.

Su Ning, a time traveler.

No matter what world you're in, live a wonderful and beautiful life, Suning.

The chirping of insects drifted in from outside the window; the early summer night was peaceful and beautiful.

But Suning knew that this quiet would soon be broken.

Because Shenzhen is a city that never sleeps.

It's a place full of opportunities, but also full of challenges.

There are neon lights that never go out, busy workers, entrepreneurs with dreams, and speculators who take risks.

That place was at the forefront of reform and opening up, a testing ground for the market economy, and the place where countless people's dreams began.

And he was ready.

Go and try.

Go for it.

Go and create your own era.

……

Meanwhile, at the female dormitory of an agricultural university.

Han Ling lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

She recalled watching a movie with Su Ning on Friday night, the soft lighting in the Western restaurant, Su Ning's patience as he taught her how to use a knife and fork, and the look in his eyes when he said, "If you want to see the sea, see skyscrapers, see a different world, I can take you there"...

Those scenes replayed in my mind like a movie.

Then she thought of Xiao Ran.

I remembered Xiao Ran's pale face when he was caught scratching the car, the hurt look in his eyes when he looked at me from the security office, and his resolute back as he turned to leave...

It feels like there are two little people fighting inside my head.

One person said: Han Ling, you and Xiao Ran are each other's first love, and you truly love each other.

Although Xiao Ran is poor, he has integrity and talent, and he will surely have a bright future.

You can't give up on Xiao Ran just because of his momentary impulse.

Another person said: But isn't Suning good?

Suning is gentle, considerate, from a good family, and so understanding.

She could have tormented Xiao Ran to death, but she chose to forgive him.

Isn't a man like that worth cherishing?
And... Suning said he would take her to Shenzhen.

Shenzhen!
That city I'd only ever seen on TV and in newspapers.

I heard that the area is full of high-rise buildings, bustling with traffic, and the neon lights are as bright as day at night.

I heard there are many opportunities there, and as long as you are willing to work hard, you can make a name for yourself.

Han Ling really wanted to see this miraculous city.

From childhood to adulthood, the farthest she had ever been was the provincial capital.

What is the outside world like? What is the ocean like? What are skyscrapers like? She had only seen them in movies.

"Han Ling, are you asleep?" Sun Yumei asked softly from the bed opposite.

"No."

"What are you thinking about?"

"It's nothing," Han Ling turned over, "I just can't sleep."

Sun Yumei was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Han Ling, do you think... Su Ning will really take you to Shenzhen?"

Han Ling's heart skipped a beat. "I don't know. Maybe he was just saying it casually."

“I don’t think so.” Sun Yumei’s voice was particularly clear in the darkness. “Su Ning is a very serious person when he speaks and acts. If he says something, he will definitely do it.”

Han Ling didn't speak.

"Han Ling, if you really go to Shenzhen with Su Ning..." Sun Yumei paused, "...could you...take me with you?"

Han Ling was stunned. "Yu Mei, you..."

“I also want to go to Shenzhen to see what it's like,” Sun Yumei said frankly. “What kind of development can we, who study dance, have in this small city? At most, we can go to a performing arts troupe or become dance teachers, earning a couple hundred yuan a month. But Shenzhen is different. I heard that there are nightclubs and dance halls there that need dancers. The wages are several times higher than here.”

"But..." Han Ling hesitated, "Isn't that kind of place... not really appropriate?"

“What’s wrong with that?” Sun Yumei said. “I earn my living with my own skills, without stealing or robbing. And it’s not like I’ll be dancing in that kind of place for the rest of my life. Once I’ve saved enough money, I can open my own dance training class or do something else. It’s better than staying here for the rest of my life.”

Han Ling fell silent.

She knew Sun Yumei was right.

Dance is a young person's game; you can't make a living from it for more than a few years.

If I don't make more money while I'm young, what will I do later?
“Besides,” Sun Yumei’s voice carried a hint of envy, “you have Su Ning to take care of you, so you’ll definitely be fine. I’m relying on myself, so I need to plan ahead.”

"Yu Mei, don't say that," Han Ling said softly. "We're good friends. If you really want to go, I'll definitely help you."

"Really?" Sun Yumei exclaimed happily, "Then it's a deal! If you go to Shenzhen, you must take me with you!"

"Ah."

The dormitory fell silent again.

Han Ling opened her eyes and looked at the dappled moonlight casting shadows on the ceiling.

Shenzhen……

That distant and unfamiliar city suddenly became clear in her mind.

But the wheel of fate was turning silently, leading the future of several young people to that southern city full of endless possibilities.

...(End of chapter)