My heart is tied to that sky

On Laba Festival in Hezhou, Peng Jiahui's wedding venue was filled with red silk and distinguished guests.

He was wearing a sharp suit with a gold boutonniere that read "Groom" on his chest, and was being forced to drink by a group of young men who were making a ruckus at his wedding.

"Muyang! This drink must be finished!" Peng Jiahui, carrying a full glass of baijiu, staggered to the main table.

He glanced at Zhou Yanting, who was wearing a pure white wedding dress and a light veil headdress, and was shyly bowing her head, then looked at Tang Muyang.

"Back when the system was being reformed, Jianguo and I disagreed, which caused you some trouble."

"But I've come to terms with it now. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Today is a big day for me, Peng Jiahui, and also a day for Qingyang to start anew!"

Tang Muyang stood up, took the wine glass, and glanced at Tang Jianguo sitting next to him.

Tang Jianguo laughed heartily, raised his glass and clinked it against Peng Jiahui's: "Jiahui, why bring up something you shouldn't be talking about?"

"You're married and it's New Year's already, but I'm still thinking about my brother...!" Thinking of his wife Yang Liu from Zhejiang, he was overcome with longing and raised his cup to drink it down in one gulp.

"You'll be there soon too!" Tang Muyang glanced at him, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, the spicy liquid burning down his throat and into his stomach.

Gong Yiqing patted the back of her husband's neck gently, indicating that he should drink in moderation. Tang Zhenyang followed closely behind his mother and made a face at his father.

Wang Lin sat in the guest section at a distance, watching this scene from afar, a relieved smile appearing on her lips.

Yang Liu walked out of the Zhejiang Water office and sneezed without warning, almost dropping the documents in her hand.

"The weather in Zhejiang is so hot! You can easily catch a cold if you're not careful." She muttered to herself, shaking her head as she walked towards the construction site of the second phase of Qingyang Xinyuan.

The New Year's bells had just rung, and the air in Hezhou was still filled with the smell of gunpowder from firecrackers.

Tang Muyang sat at his desk and took out the 2012 financial statements and the 2013 planning draft from a folder.

Gong Yiqing pushed open the door and came in, holding a medical examination report in her hand, her expression a mixture of joy and worry.

She didn't speak immediately, but walked to the window and looked at the bustling crowd on the street below.

"Muyang, look at all these people outside, they're all busy on their way."

Tang Muyang raised his head, rubbed his temples, and took a deep breath: "Yes! Qingyang can't stop either."

He stood up, walked to Gong Yiqing's side, and noticed the report in her hand: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Gong Yiqing's gaze was intense as she turned to look at her husband: "I...I'm pregnant again."

Tang Muyang was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed, he hugged his wife and spun her around: "Really? That's wonderful!"

"Look how happy you are! I'm going to get dizzy if you spin me any further," Gong Yiqing said coquettishly.

"Yiqing, Qingyang is now stable in Hezhou, but the ceiling is too low."

Tang Muyang loosened his embrace, letting her sit on the sofa. He placed his hands on his wife's shoulders, his eyes becoming deep.

"It's just in time for Zhenyang to go home for school. Let's go back to Zheshui together." After saying that, he stood up, walked to the French windows, and looked at the street scene of Hezhou.

"Jiahui and Yanting will stay in Hezhou, and Jianguo and Yangliu should also settle down in Shanghai."

"We're taking Lin Mo and some of the new core members from Hezhou with us. Gu Zhixing will stay in Kyoto, and Qingyang will go to Shanghai, the most commercially developed city."

Gong Yiqing nodded without asking further questions. In her heart, she could only support her husband's decision.

Tang Muyang picked up the Nokia phone on the table and opened the Qingyang Core Group on WeChat.

A formal announcement was posted in the group chat: "There will be a group video conference tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM. All members must attend on time. Please reply upon receipt."

Immediately afterwards, rows of "received" replies began to flood the screen.

The group led by Zhang Haoting, a shareholder from the Zhejiang Water Group headquarters, was at the forefront.

In order, they were Hao Haining and his team from the Sichuan-Chongqing branch, and Pan Xingwang and Wang Li's team from Sichuan.

Fu Dayi from Shaanxi and Gu Zhixing's team, who were temporarily stationed in Kyoto.

Seeing the positive response in the core group, Gong Yiqing was secretly proud of her husband.

"Xiao Hui, come to the office and prepare the meeting agenda."

Tang Muyang sent a WeChat message to Zhu Xiaohui, put down his phone, and stared into thought as he looked at the map of Shanghai.

Gong Yiqing approached gently and handed him a cup of warm Pu'er tea.

At the Hezhou video conference, a map of China was prominently displayed on a huge electronic screen, with a red arrow pointing directly to the coast of the East China Sea.

Inside the conference room, the split-screen windows of each branch office were clearly visible, creating a solemn and serious atmosphere.

Wearing a thick cashmere overcoat, Tang Muyang stood tall and exuded an imposing aura. Looking at the large screen, he solemnly announced, "Important personnel appointments will be announced before the meeting."

As soon as he finished speaking, applause erupted in the meeting room and on all the video windows.

"Liang Xinyi has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer of Hezhou; Wang Lin has been appointed as Director of Expansion and Sales for the Jewelry Division."

After speaking, his gaze lingered on the two female generals from the Central Plains beside him, casting a look of trust and affirmation from the group.

"Gu Zhixing will take charge of the overall situation in Beijing, Jia Hui and Yan Ting will stay in Hezhou, and Jianguo and Yang Liu will be transferred to Shanghai."

"Lin Mo and Xiao Hui will come back to headquarters with me after the meeting." He paused, his gaze lingering on Lin Mo beside him.

"You still have to shoulder the main responsibility for the jewelry sector in Zhejiang, and nurture the next generation to distribute to various departments."

Once the deployment was complete, thunderous applause erupted once again in all the windows on the large screen and on the scene, lasting for a long time.

"Now let's get to the main topic of the meeting. Please feel free to speak up, everyone from each branch office," Tang Muyang said, and then took his seat at the head of the table.

At the main venue of the meeting, Liang Xinyi, a female player from Hezhou, adjusted her glasses, stood up with Wang Lin, and bowed politely.

With a grateful expression, she first raised concerns from a financial perspective.

"President Tang, our branches in Sichuan-Chongqing, Sichuan-Beijing, Shaanxi-Anhui, Beijing, and Hezhou have just established themselves. Is it too early to expand into Shanghai?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the image on the big screen flashed due to the voice activation, and the images of Pan Xingwang and Wang Li switched to the main screen.

Having spent nearly two years honing his skills in Sichuan, he spoke with a degree of caution: "Land prices and labor costs in Shanghai are astronomical; entering the market rashly would be a waste of money."

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Haoting from Zhejiang Water Group's headquarters also frowned. As a long-time shareholder, he had to remind everyone of the risks through the screen.

"Mu Yang, Shanghai is a place where even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. Aren't we being too reckless by threatening Zhejiang's stronghold?"

Tang Muyang faced the big screen, his gaze finally landing on Liang Xinyi and Wang Lin beside him.

He then picked up a laser pointer and heavily circled "Shanghai" on the map.

"Zhejiang is our root, Shanghai is our doorstep. With all the giants eyeing us covetously, Qingyang must take advantage of its proximity to the water to gain a foothold."

"If we want our jewelry to be sold in high-end shopping malls and our buildings to become landmarks, we must occupy the high ground in Shanghai."

"Forget about making money in Shanghai; first, build a reputation and establish a foothold. Only by establishing a firm foothold in Shanghai can we cultivate the Jiangnan region and expand nationwide."

Although newly married, Peng Jiahui, sitting at the lower end of the table, looked serious as he flipped through the proposal in his hands.

"I support Muyang. I've already arranged for people to start studying Shanghai's building standards on the technical side. It's difficult, but when have we Qingyang people ever been afraid?"

Tang Jianguo sat to the side, his heart already brimming with joy at the thought of being able to marry Yang Liu in Shanghai.

He stated in a deep voice, "As long as Mu Yang points out the direction, I will take responsibility for ensuring that the provisions are sufficient."

"If Shanghai is short-handed, I'll transfer a team from Kyoto eastward!" Gu Zhixing's video window instantly enlarged, taking up a corner of the screen.

Hao Haining from Sichuan and Chongqing responded: "Chongqing can also send some pragmatic personnel there."

"Strict implementation will allow us to coordinate manpower and resources on both fronts." Fu Dayi from Shaanxi An also expressed his willingness to comply with the group's arrangements.

Seeing that all the branch companies had unanimously approved the resolution, Tang Muyang felt reassured. He then scanned the faces on the screen and began to read out the final decision.

"Great! In 2013, Qingyang Group officially established the 'Shanghai Strategy'."

Thinking of his wife's pregnancy, he added, "I will take Yiqing and Zhenyang back to Zhejiang first to assist Jianguo in overseeing things in Shanghai."

"Effective immediately. Meeting adjourned!"

Late at night at their home in Hezhou, Gong Yiqing was putting her soon-to-be six-year-old son, Zhenyang, to sleep, her eyes fixed intently on her husband: "Going to Shanghai isn't just about getting a gilded resume."

"Even if it's a tough battle, we'll rise from nothing in Shanghai." Tang Muyang's gaze was sharp, but he looked at his wife with great tenderness.

"Jiahui and Yanting are maintaining production in Hezhou, while Jianguo is in charge of ensuring the supply chain in Shanghai first. I personally contacted political figures."

In Shanghai in April, spring rain falls incessantly.

Tang Jianguo, leading his advance team, stood in an empty, unfinished office, gazing at the willows across the street, his mouth agape in a wide grin.

"Jiahui...he's already having a banquet, when are we going to have one too...!"

"You...you're always thinking about those things..." Yang Liu's face instantly turned red.

"You're already in such a hurry?" Tang Muyang walked in with Gong Yiqing, holding Tang Zhenyang's hand.

Tang Jianguo hurriedly sat up, scratched his head habitually, and chuckled, saying, "Muyang! You didn't even tell me you were getting off the plane so I could pick you up!"

"Caught red-handed, huh!" Gong Yiqing put down her handbag and joked.

"Uncle Tang, Aunt Yang Liu is prettier than you!" Tang Zhenyang said with an innocent smile as he walked towards Yang Liu.

Yang Liu's face flushed even more, and she giggled as she picked up Tang Zhenyang, saying, "Auntie isn't as pretty as your mother!"

"You brat, I'll spank you!" Tang Jianguo raised his hand across the desk, as if to slap him.

"Don't scare the child." Yang Liu stopped Tang Jianguo with a look in her eyes, her face flushed with love.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Tang Muyang could see the bustling streets and luxury cars passing by in the distance, and then look at the office.

"President Tang, this is our 26th-floor office building. Although it's not large, the location is excellent," Yang Liu said with a smile, hugging Tang Zhenyang.

"General Manager Tang has done a good job in managing the Shanghai branch." Tang Muyang nodded to Yang Liu, then looked at Tang Jianguo.

"Lead the team well, this is our bridgehead, and once it's settled, it will be your and Yang Liu's wedding day."

"Hehe! You're in charge!" Tang Jianguo said with an embarrassed smile, changing the subject.

"The office may be small, but we're going to make a big difference here."

A week later, the office was completely renovated, and Tang Muyang received the Marketing and Investment Promotion Manager.

He shook hands politely, and they each took their seats. His gaze drifted through the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the scattered traffic. "Lin Mo, are the design drawings ready yet?"

Lin Mo handed over a thick stack of drawings: "President Tang, this is the preliminary design plan for the 'Jiangnanli' project."

"It blends Shanghai-style culture with Qingyang's traditional craftsmanship."

Tang Muyang turned around and took the design proposal: "Your team has grown quite fast, becoming versatile from the jewelry sector to the civil engineering department."

He praised the drawings while carefully examining them, his brows furrowing and relaxing as he pointed to a particular detail.

"The lines here are too harsh; they need to be softer to reflect the gentleness of the Jiangnan water towns."

"Remember, what we're selling in Shanghai isn't products, it's culture," Tang Muyang pointed out meticulously.

After Tang Muyang finished speaking, he looked at the investment promotion manager sitting opposite him, whose face was filled with professional arrogance.

"Mr. Tang, your Qingyang is indeed well-known in Zhejiang, but in Shanghai, consumers recognize international brands."

"Your concept of 'Jiangnanli' sounds a bit rustic, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for it to enter our shopping mall."

Tang Muyang maintained his smile and responded neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Manager, being unsophisticated doesn't mean lacking taste."

"Jiangnan culture is a treasure of Chinese culture, and Shanghai itself is also part of Jiangnan."

"Our jewelry and clubhouse designs are precisely aimed at evoking this cultural memory."

The other party sneered: "Mr. Tang, sentimentality won't put food on the table. Our entry fee is very high, and we have a performance-based agreement on sales targets."

Tang Muyang's gaze was sharp as he looked directly at the other party: "I dare, and I not only dare to sign, I also dare to make a promise."

"Within six months, we will become one of the brands with the highest sales per square meter in the mall."

After seeing off the investment promotion manager, Tang Muyang stood silently in front of the floor-to-ceiling window for a moment.

To truly establish a project in Shanghai, products and brands alone are far from enough.

From land planning, construction permits, fire safety inspections to commercial operation registration, every step must be compliant and steadily advanced.

"Lin Mo, please compile a list of the relevant government departments involved in the projects in Shanghai."

Tang Muyang turned around, his tone calm and pragmatic.

"Next, I will visit relevant departments in batches to thoroughly understand the policies and streamline the procedures."

"When Qingyang does business in Shanghai, he neither crosses the line nor engages in speculation. He establishes himself based on compliance, strength, and reputation."

Lin Mo nodded immediately: "I'll get everything sorted out right away. With proper documentation, the project will proceed more smoothly."

"Only with a solid foundation can one go far." Tang Muyang smiled faintly, his eyes becoming increasingly resolute.

On the conference table in the Shanghai office, a laptop screen is lit up, and across from it is Peng Jiahui, who is far away in Hezhou.

"Muyang, that new alloy material you mentioned, my technical department and I worked on it for a month, and we finally got it working!"

On the screen, Peng Jiahui looked excited, holding up a gleaming silver metal sample.

"This material is hard, lightweight, and has an excellent luster, making it ideal for setting in high-end jewelry."

Tang Muyang's eyes lit up: "Great! Jia Hui, you're a lifesaver!"

"With this technology, our 'Jiangnanli' series has a core competitive advantage."

Tang Jianguo stepped forward and interjected, "Muyang, I've also arranged the logistics. I've opened a dedicated line to Shanghai."

"We'll ensure the safe and successful transport of raw materials and finished products. We'll focus on the front lines; I'll take care of everything back home!"

In the summer, the Zhe River is shaded by lush green trees. Gong Yiqing sits under the grape trellis in the courtyard, knitting a baby sweater.

Her belly was already noticeably protruding, and her face radiated maternal glow.

Mother Su Wanqing came over with a plate of sliced ​​fruit: "Qingqing, did Muyang call?"

Gong Yiqing nodded: "They've arrived. They said the project in Shanghai is progressing smoothly, but they're too busy and often stay up late."

Father Gong Chong'an nodded: "A man should prioritize his career. But I haven't misjudged Mu Yang."

Just then, the phone rang. Gong Yiqing answered it, and Tang Muyang's tired but gentle voice came from the other end.

"Yiqing, how have you been lately? Is the child being fussy?"

"We're all fine, honey... Focus on your work," Gong Yiqing said softly, a tear sliding down her cheek.

In the golden autumn of September, the air is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus. In front of the "Jiangnanli" clubhouse, located in the heart of Shanghai's stock market, flower baskets are in full bloom, and celebrities gather.

Tang Muyang stood on the ribbon-cutting platform, looking at the flashing lights below, his heart filled with emotion.

"Distinguished guests, today, Qingyang Group brings the gentleness and refinement of Jiangnan to the bustling city of Shanghai."

The success of Jiangnanli further fueled Tang Muyang's ambition, prompting him to hold a video conference in his Shanghai office.

"Shanghai is our bridgehead on the eastern wing. Next, we need to develop the southern wing."

Tang Muyang pointed to the Lingnan region on the map: "The Pearl River Delta is at the forefront of the country's opening up, with huge market potential."

"Lin Mo, it's time for you to come home. I've decided to start the construction of the Lingnan branch!"

Autumn in Lingnan remains hot. Tang Muyang personally led Lin Mo's team to Baishui Airport to inspect potential branch locations.

"Mr. Tang, this plot of land is located in the core area of ​​the CBD, with convenient transportation and surrounded by high-end office buildings," Lin Mo introduced, pointing to a vacant lot.

Tang Muyang looked around, his brows furrowing slightly: "The location is good, but the land price is too high."

"While our current cash flow is healthy, we cannot put all our eggs in one basket."

Are there any better value-for-money options?

Lin Mo, who was honest, was somewhat troubled: "Most of the good value-for-money products are located in the suburbs, which are too far from the core business districts and are not conducive to brand display."

Tang Muyang pondered for a moment, then suddenly pointed to an old town area not far away: "What do you think of that place?"

Lin Mo was taken aback: "That's the old town area, the environment is rather chaotic..."

A glint of light flashed in Tang Muyang's eyes: "The old town means it has cultural heritage, and the land is cheap."

"We can renovate the old city and create a complex that integrates commerce, culture, and residence."

"This will not only reduce costs, but also become a city landmark in Lingnan!"

Although the deep winter in Lingnan lacks the vast expanse of ice and snow in the north, it still carries a damp and chilly feeling.

On the old town construction site that Tang Muyang had chosen at first glance, the roar of bulldozers had stopped.

The once chaotic and dilapidated old neighborhood has now been completely enclosed by blue construction barriers.

A huge blueprint for "Qingyang Industry - A New Landmark in Lingnan" hangs on the construction site, fluttering in the cold wind.

Standing beside Tang Muyang, Lin Mo exhaled a puff of white breath and sighed, "President Tang, your move was truly a risky but successful one. Although the land price in this old town is cheap, the transformation is extremely difficult. However, once it's done, this place will become the cultural heart of Lingnan."

Tang Muyang stood with his hands in his coat pockets, his gaze fixed intently on the silent construction site.

"Running a business is like cooking a small fish, or like expanding territory," he said casually.

"The Zhejiang River is our root, Shanghai is our flower, and Lingnan is the fruit we want to plant. This place is not only the foundation for our business expansion, but also a key step in our journey to nationalization."

"Preparations for the building's renovation have already begun, and in 2014, this place will look completely different," Lin Mo added.

Tang Muyang nodded, said nothing more, glanced at the land that was about to boil over, and turned to walk towards the black sedan parked by the roadside.

The moment the car door closed, it shut out the noise and cold wind from outside.

The carriage was well-heated, and Tang Muyang leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

The sharp and domineering aura he displayed at the negotiating table and on the construction site gradually faded away.

Instead, there was an unmistakable weariness and a deep longing for home.

The wheels rolled forward, carrying him toward that brightly lit night, to meet another answer sheet that belonged to him.