My heart is tied to that sky

Springtime in Zhejiang always arrives quietly, yet with a spectacular display.

Just like the tremendous changes this city is undergoing, skyscrapers have sprung up in just a few years.

The fallen sycamore leaves covered Xiaoshui Avenue, forming a golden carpet.

Inside the banquet hall of Qingyang International Hotel.

The crystal chandelier refracted a dazzling light, enveloping the city's elite and dignitaries.

Tang Muyang stood to the side of the curtain, his fingertips gently stroking the polished fountain pen in his pocket.

Through the gap in the curtain, he saw Gong Yiqing holding two-year-old Tang Zhenyang as they sat in the main guest seat.

The little guy was wearing a mini suit.

Holding a delicate baby bottle in her hand, she was clumsily clapping, imitating an adult.

"Daddy! Daddy!" The childish voice, though muffled by the microphone, exploded like fireworks in Tang Muyang's heart.

On the left are the former Hunan Army troops led by Tang Jianguo and Yang Liu.

On the right are emerging talents led by Peng Jiahui and Zhou Yanting.

"Brother, don't let your hands shake." Peng Jiahui approached with a glass of champagne, a signature roguish smile on his lips.

"If he spills the speech, tomorrow's headlines on Sina and Sohu will be 'Qingyang Sect Leader Loses Control After Drinking'."

Tang Muyang rolled his eyes at him, but couldn't help but smile. "Shut up. I'm thinking, from getting lost in the mountains of southern Hunan back then to standing here today, have these five years gone by too fast or too slow?"

A stirring melody suddenly filled the air, and the host's resounding voice pierced the entire venue: "Please welcome Mr. Tang Muyang, Chairman of Qingyang Industrial Group!"

Applause surged forth like a tidal wave. Tang Muyang took a deep breath and steadily stepped onto the stage.

A spotlight shone on him, and a huge LED screen behind him lit up, displaying a national regional planning map.

On the plains of East China, Southwest China, and North China, several red dots stand out like sparks igniting a prairie fire.

Five years ago, we were a pack of lone wolves who got lost in the mountains of southern Hunan.

His voice, transmitted through the microphone, resonated throughout the venue; it was calm yet possessed a power that penetrated the heart.

In a daze, he seemed to see again the young man who had carried his backpack and plunged headlong into the heatwave of the Southern Special Economic Zone.

Back then, the sky was high and dreams were far away; he thought that as long as he worked hard, he could reach the clouds.

But what followed was a journey fraught with the undercurrents of factional struggles within the glamorous office buildings of Hengxin Group.

Like a firefighter, he was used as a pawn and moved around the country several times, experiencing the bitterness of being unable to control his own destiny.

"Today, we have not only established ourselves, but also gained a brand new name."

In 2010, Qingyang Industry officially upgraded to Qingyang Industry Group, embarking on a new journey of nationwide expansion.

"From today onwards, Qingyang Industry is officially upgraded to: Qingyang Industry Group!"

The audience erupted in cheers, but he didn't pause. He changed the subject, his gaze becoming sharp as a knife.

"But that's not enough. Next, we'll expand into Sichuan and Chongqing, and deepen our presence in Southwest China! By the end of the year, we'll establish our North China regional headquarters!"

"I want to plant the banner of sunshine on the northern land!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the once bustling banquet hall fell silent for a moment, then burst into whispers.

The solemn atmosphere of the celebration was stirred up by this heavy-handed declaration.

At the shareholders' table, several investors exchanged glances, their expressions grave.

Chen Jingyao, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, slowly stood up, the microphone in his hand emitting a piercing static sound.

"Chairman Tang, congratulations on the establishment of the group. But regarding the northward expansion strategy, I feel it's necessary to offer a reminder."

Chen Jingyao pushed up his glasses, his gaze sharp as an eagle: "The North China Bohai Rim region is not as fertile ground for private economy as Zhejiang. State-owned assets are entrenched there, and policy barriers are stringent."

He paused, tapping his fingers on the financial statements on the table: "Although the group's current cash flow is healthy, if it supports the three major battlefields of Zhejiang, Southwest, and North China at the same time, the margin for error of the capital chain will approach zero."

"Chairman Tang, forgive my bluntness," another director, Li, said in a deep voice, his tone carrying a hint of accusation.

"Taking too big a step can easily damage... the foundation. Once the market cools down, we'll all be wiped out."

"Yes, a steady and solid approach is the right way." Immediately, dissenting voices buzzed like flies.

Tang Jianguo suddenly stood up, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, but Peng Jiahui, who was standing next to him, held him down firmly.

"Brother Jianguo, don't be impulsive. This is a battlefield, not a dinner table." Peng Jiahui lowered his voice, but his eyes were equally fierce.

Tang Muyang remained calm. He raised his wine glass and gently swirled it, the crimson liquid clinging to the glass.

"Chairman Chen, Chairman Li, thank you for your frankness."

His voice wasn't loud, but it drowned out all the noise in the room.

"But Qingyang Industrial Group has never survived to this day by hiding in its small plot of land like a coward."

He downed the drink in one gulp, slamming the glass down heavily on the table with a crisp sound.

"Afraid of falling, so you're afraid to walk? We shouldn't have left the mountains of southern Hunan in the first place!"

"This toast is to five years of shared journey; the next toast is to the future! A toast to those who dare to fight the toughest battles in the storm!"

Tang Muyang fixed his gaze on Chen Jingyao, a confident smile curving his lips: "As for the fund chain... Elder Zhang has already prepared reassurances for everyone."

Below the stage, Zhang Haoting clapped softly, his eyes filled with the confidence of an elder for a younger generation.

Since being introduced by Gong Chong'an in 05, he had long regarded Tang Muyang as the most trustworthy young man.

"Qingyang Industrial Group! Victory is certain!" Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui led the shouts, and the roar instantly drowned out all doubts.

Meanwhile, at the street corner of Jiangbeizui in Chongqing, the autumn wind swirled fallen leaves, carrying a touch of desolation.

Pan Xingwang, wearing a faded jacket, stood guard at the intersection early in the morning, like a soldier waiting for inspection.

"We agreed this morning to pick up the kids together." He rubbed his hands together as he saw Wang Li approaching, his eyes full of anticipation.

As Wang Li expected, a slight smile appeared on her lips: "You... are quite reliable."

She walked straight toward the school, but deliberately slowed her pace.

"Lily, wait... wait for me!" Pan Xingwang quickly caught up, subconsciously reaching out to hold her hand, but missed. He could only awkwardly scratch his head, still reluctant to part ways.

Upon arriving at the school gate, Pan Ziteng rushed over upon hearing the sound, his little schoolbag bouncing behind him.

"Dad! Mom!"

The child's soft, sweet voice was like a key, instantly unlocking the tightly closed door between the two.

Back at the apartment, which was rented by the branch company at Tang Muyang's behest for Wang Li and her son, it was fully furnished, cozy, and bright.

Pan Xingwang looked around, nervously twisting the hem of his clothes. "Lily, your...your company's benefits are...pretty good!"

Wang Li put down her handbag and was about to go into the kitchen when Pan Xingwang stopped her.

"Old... Lily, you rest, I'll cook dinner."

He swallowed the word "wife" that was on the tip of his tongue and quickly went into the kitchen.

Wang Li couldn't hold back any longer, revealing her shallow dimples, her smile still captivating. "Why didn't you do this sooner!"

She left the kitchen and sat on the sofa with her son.

Before long, the familiar aroma of hot pot with butter filled the air.

Pan Xingwang's family-inherited skills have not been lost; his knife skills in cutting meat are still sharp, and his heat control for stir-frying ingredients is just right.

Wang Li turned to one of Pan Ziteng's paintings and suddenly froze.

The drawing depicts a family of three holding hands, with the childish handwriting conveying the words: "My dad, my mom," and the caption: "This is me."

She hugged her son tightly, who was engrossed in watching cartoons, and tears welled up in her eyes.

The husband was kind-hearted by nature, but his business failed and he went astray for a time.

Watching the busy figure in the kitchen, her thoughts were churning: It seemed that the kind and reliable man from before had really returned. Should I try to forgive him?

The mobilization meeting for Qingyang Industrial Group's northward expansion was officially held at the Zhejiang Water Headquarters Plaza.

Tang Muyang was dressed in a dark trench coat, with his team behind him ready to go.

"Brothers! This is home, the north is the battlefield! This time, let's plant Qingyang's flag in the north!"

"Qingyang Industrial Group! Victory is certain!" The shouts shook the heavens and soared into the sky.

At an altitude of 10,000 meters, the plane flew smoothly above the sea of ​​clouds.

Tang Muyang sat by the window, and Gong Yiqing gently leaned on his shoulder, her voice tender: "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about how to make this game work," Tang Muyang said, holding her hand. "I'm also thinking about whether Pan Xingwang can truly stand up."

The following morning at 9:00 AM, the Sichuan-Chongqing branch of Chongqing Jiangbeizui Company.

As soon as they entered the floor, they encountered Wang Li and Pan Xingwang, who were about to leave.

Hao Haining stepped forward and introduced him: "President Tang, let me introduce you to a local acquaintance, Pan Xingwang."

Tang Muyang's gaze swept over Pan Xingwang, scrutinizing him while also harboring anticipation: "Long time no see."

After a brief meeting, everyone entered the conference room.

Tang Muyang sat upright in the main seat, listening attentively to the report.

"I am Peng Jiahui, and I am in charge of infrastructure projects."

"I'll temporarily take charge of checking financial risk control," Zhu Xiaohui said, adjusting her glasses with a capable tone.

Lin Mo stood up and nodded: "Focus on the jewelry sector, research the high-end market, and plan for offline store expansion."

Tang Muyang glanced at Hao Haining, then turned to Pan Xingwang: "If you can get the Sichuan City branch off within 10 days on a trial period, you will be entrusted with important responsibilities."

Gong Yiqing gave Wang Li a friendly look, fulfilling her promise to "build a home, not just a house".

In the following two weeks, Pan Xingwang seemed like a completely different person.

Leveraging the connections he built up during his early years running a hot pot restaurant, he frequented government service halls and construction sites in Sichuan and Chongqing.

To secure a construction permit, he could spend an entire day haggling with the clerk; to meet deadlines, he and his construction team lived and worked on-site.

Wang Li saw it all; the once listless man was now radiating the fierce energy of a "workaholic."

Half a month later, the Chuandu branch was officially established. The premises were clean, the procedures were complete, and the team was fully equipped, far exceeding Tang Muyang's expectations.

At the celebration banquet in Chuandu City, Tang Muyang publicly fulfilled his promise: "After assessment, Comrade Pan Xingwang is qualified for the position."

Effective immediately, Pan Xingwang has been appointed as the general manager of the Chuandu branch of Qingyang Industrial Group.

"Wang Li was appointed as the business director, and her whole family settled in Chengdu to oversee the business in the southwest region."

Amidst thunderous applause, Pan Xingwang tightly grasped Tang Muyang's hand, his unspoken words condensed into a deep bow.

Wang Li stood aside, looking at her former boyfriend with tears in her eyes, and finally took her husband's arm.

The family was completely reunited.

Back at headquarters, the atmosphere in Tang Jianguo's office was somewhat "strange".

He sat alone in a chair, a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) in front of him, sulking while looking at the map of China on the wall.

"Tang Muyang, you bastard."

He picked up the bottle, took a swig, pointed at the Kyoto area on the map, and shouted defiantly, "Back when I was working hard at Hengxin Jewelry, Jia Hui was still playing in the mud in Southeast China!"

In the corner of the office stands a faded old photograph.

That was a photo of him when he was full of vigor at Hengxin Silver Shop in the north, with the bustling street scene of Beijing in the background.

He and a few old buddies stood at the door, laughing with an incredibly arrogant air.

Back then, he thought he could settle down in that area, but who would have thought that after all the twists and turns, he would eventually have to rely on Mu Yang to give him a hand.

The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He shouted at Peng Jiahui from afar, completely unaware that Peng Jiahui probably sensed it all along and would definitely flick him on the head later.

"Exile me to Xiaoxiang? Leave me to guard my hometown? Am I supposed to be a gatekeeper?"

He grew angrier the more he thought about it, and he slammed his hand down on the ashtray, burning his hand instantly with the cigarette butt.

"Ouch—ouch!"

"If Mu Yang sneezes, he'll know you're talking about him behind his back!"

The door was gently pushed open, and Yang Liu walked in with a smile, carrying a bowl of hangover soup.

Tang Jianguo then realized his lapse in composure, quickly stood up, scratched his head, and chuckled sheepishly, "I... Mu Yang, he... he's a bastard..."

Yang Liu saw right through his thoughts and couldn't help but laugh out loud, then snatched the wine bottle from his hand.

"Don't drink anymore." Her voice was gentle, filled with heartache and a touch of shyness.

"You already promised to go back to Xiaoxiang, didn't you?"

Tang Jianguo sighed deeply, his expression dejected: "I know... I just feel... empty inside."

"You..." Yang Liu approached gently, tiptoed, and straightened his shirt collar.

She understood his grievance and whispered, "Once... Fuyi Jinyuan is completed, we will..."

After speaking, she lowered her head shyly, her cheeks flushed.

Tang Jianguo's eyes suddenly lit up, and he sobered up considerably in an instant. He looked directly at her and nodded firmly: "What you said... is true...?"

"I...want to marry you!" He mustered his courage and finally shouted out the words that had been hidden in his heart for so long.

With all matters settled in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Chengdu, Tang Muyang left Peng Jiahui behind to assist him briefly.

Twenty days later, he took his wife and children, along with Zhu Xiaohui and Lin Mo, and headed north to Kyoto, the city where the villains of Hengxin Group had once made a mistake.

Inside the elegant clubhouse, Mr. Zhang, the HR Director of Hengxin Group's Kyoto Region, stood up to greet them.

"Muyang, I knew you would make it onto the national stage," Old Zhang said with a smile, his eyes filled with admiration.

Tang Muyang raised his glass in a gesture of respect: "Brother Zhang, we're not familiar with the North, so we'll have to rely on you to make the connections."

After a few rounds of drinks, Old Zhang spoke frankly: "I have already communicated and reported to Chairman Lu Zhenting. Chairman Lu still remembers your ability and sense of responsibility back then."

"Qingyang Industrial Group mainly engages in jewelry manufacturing and industrial real estate. Hengxin has a strong presence in the northern market, and we can share resources on both fronts to pave the way for you."

Tang Muyang was confident that with Lu Zhenting's endorsement, they had gained the upper hand on the North China battlefield.

After saying goodbye to Lao Zhang, the two walked through the night in Kyoto.

Gu Zhixing said softly, "According to your approach, risk control should come first, followed by steady expansion."

Looking at the city lights, Tang Muyang smiled faintly: "Seek progress while maintaining stability, and stability while making progress. In this game, I need to not only make it live, but also play it for a long time."

With the foundations in Southwest China (Sichuan and Chongqing) firmly established, the battleground in North China has officially begun.

Qingyang Industrial Group has expanded its national footprint, with its industrial, real estate, and jewelry businesses working in synergy, achieving success in both business and personal life.