My heart is tied to that sky

The plane bound for Switzerland is flying smoothly at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

Tang Muyang ended his voice conversation with Gu Zhixing and brought his thoughts back to the present.

Looking out the plane window at the surging sea of ​​clouds, he knew that this summer vacation had been spent with his father's silent love.

He turned his head to look at his two sleeping children and his wife, who had just woken up, with a gentle expression.

"Honey, you didn't even blink!"

Tang Muyang did not answer, but pulled his wife closer to his chest and tucked her stray hairs behind her ears.

The plane slowly taxied on the runway at Zurich Airport. The fuselage jolted slightly, and the roar of the engine gradually turned into a low idling speed.

The family stepped off the plane's spiral staircase and onto the tarmac at Zurich Airport.

The morning sun pierced through the thin mist, casting long shadows on the track, while the snow-capped peaks of the Alps in the distance appeared and disappeared in the morning light.

As soon as Tang Shiyang stepped off the track, he was drawn to the enormous creatures parked in the distance. Pointing at the track, he exclaimed excitedly, "Dad, look! So many iron birds!"

Tang Zhenyang, carrying a small schoolbag and holding a world geography atlas, was frowning as he studied the latitude and longitude of Switzerland.

Tang Muyang smiled and picked up his daughter, then used his other hand to rub his son's head.

"Yes! These iron birds are specially used to take Shiyang and Zhenyang to see the fairy tale world."

Stepping out of the airport, a refreshing chill hit me.

Gong Yiqing tightened her trench coat, looking at the unfamiliar country before her, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes.

"Muyang, where are we going first?"

"Let's go to Lucerne." Tang Muyang held his son's hand in one hand and carried his daughter in the other.

"Take Zhenyang to see the Chapel Bridge from the textbook, and take Shiyang to see the real snow-capped mountains."

On the way to the hotel, Tang Shiyang saw the snow-capped mountains for the first time.

She excitedly patted the car window, shouting, "Daddy, mountains! White mountains!"

Tang Zhenyang pushed up his small glasses and pointed to the distant mountains, asking, "Dad, how high is that mountain? Why is the top white, but the base green?"

Looking at his son's eager eyes, Tang Muyang felt a surge of satisfaction.

"Zhenyang, that's a good question." Tang Muyang explained patiently, "That's the Alps, which are at a very high altitude."

"The snow on the mountaintop never melts because the air there is thin and cannot retain heat."

"Just like in life, the higher you stand, the more you have to endure loneliness and cold."

Tang Zhenyang nodded as if he understood, and carefully wrote the sentence down in his notebook.

Tang Muyang took out his camera and captured this heartwarming moment. The snow-capped mountains were his witness; a father's love is as steadfast as a mountain. With a son and a daughter, he has his whole world.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in China, a crucial strategic plan concerning the group's development is quietly unfolding.

Gu Zhixing ended his voice call with Tang Muyang, tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, and a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.

As the general manager of the Kyoto branch of Qingyang Industrial Group, he was dispatched by the chairman to travel to both places to coordinate the implementation of the West-to-East Power Transmission Project.

A private jet pierced through the clouds and landed steadily at Longsu Airport. He hurried to Qingyang Industrial Longsu Branch.

Inside the office, the files were neatly arranged, and the air was filled with a tense yet orderly atmosphere.

Gu Zhixing's expression was somber and cold as his fingertips traced through the supplier files, the paper rustling softly as it rubbed together.

Qin Fendou, general manager of the Longsu branch, strode forward. His angular face was stern and unsmiling, exuding a capable and ruthless aura.

Gu Zhixing surveyed the layout before him with the sharp eyes of a hunter, and then ordered, "Proceed with the Longsu section of the West-to-East Power Transmission Project according to the original plan."

"Avoid those top-tier manufacturers and directly target a few second-tier suppliers in the Northwest."

Qin Fendou toyed with a fountain pen in his hand, his eyes sharp as knives, and immediately nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, Mr. Gu. Those first-tier factories are too tough to handle. These companies have the technology, but they are desperately short of orders."

Qin Fendou's lips curled into a cold smile as he slammed his finger down on the list of partners with considerable force.

"I used Qingyang Industrial's credit to vouch for them, with clear terms, the lowest possible price, and the shortest possible construction period."

"They're like hungry wolves now. Give them a bite of meat and they'll bite wherever they want without hesitation."

Gu Zhixing chuckled upon hearing this, his eyes full of approval. This precise move was a perfect example of taking advantage of someone's misfortune, swift and efficient.

The core supply chain route in the Longsu section is now firmly in the hands of Qingyang Industrial.

Vienna, an old art school.

Tang Muyang, along with Tang Shiyang and Tang Zhenyang, sat in on a children's art class.

In the classroom, the children are sitting around the easel, applying colors with their small, tender hands.

The teacher was a kind old woman. When she saw Tang Muyang's family, she smiled and invited them to join them.

"Zhenyang, Shiyang, go give it a try," Tang Muyang encouraged.

Tang Shiyang was a little shy, but with Tang Muyang's encouragement, she picked up the paintbrush.

She looked at the falling leaves outside the window and drew a large, golden circle on the drawing paper.

"Is this the sun?" the teacher asked.

Tang Shiyang shook his head and said in the English words he had just learned, "No, Daddy. Money. Gold."

The whole class burst into laughter.

Tang Muyang was stunned.

He looked at his daughter's serious profile, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He thought his daughter was drawing the sun, representing hope, but he never imagined that in her eyes, it was just the "gold bars" that her father usually saw when he took her to the bank.

He knelt down, took his daughter's hand, and added a few strokes of light to the golden circle.

"Shiyang, this isn't just gold," Tang Muyang said softly. "It's light! Dad earns money so that this light can shine on more people."

At this moment, Tang Zhenyang held up his painting.

The drawing depicts a crooked building with the pinyin "ZHE SHUI" written next to it.

"Dad, I drew the headquarters of Qingyang," Tang Zhenyang said earnestly. "When I grow up, I'm going to build it even taller than this."

Tang Muyang looked at his son's painting, his eyes welling up with tears.

He pulled the two children into his arms and said, "Okay, Daddy will be waiting for that day."

"Remember, the light in your heart is more precious than gold, and the road beneath your feet is longer than a tall building."

Gong Yiqing stood aside, watching this scene, her eyes welling up with tears.

She knew that Tang Muyang was teaching the children, but also redeeming himself.

The afternoon sun in Vienna slanted into the art studio, casting long shadows of the children.

Meanwhile, as night fell in the east, a covert battle concerning the lifeline of the group was just beginning.

Meanwhile, back in China, Gu Zhixing had already completed the other half of a crucial strategic plan.

In Chuandu, a thousand miles away, Qingyang Industrial Chuandu Branch is making every effort to promote the implementation of infrastructure and supporting projects.

The construction site was bustling with machinery, and people were moving about in the office area. Pan Xingwang and his wife Wang Li were in charge of directing operations, and everything was proceeding in an orderly manner.

Pan Xingwang's round face, which always carried his honest and simple demeanor, was now full of competence as he checked the project progress report.

Wang Li, dressed in a well-fitting cheongsam, was elegant in demeanor and managed relationships with all parties flawlessly. Her eyes were clear and her mind was meticulous.

Just then, Pan Xingwang's WeChat call suddenly rang, and the caller ID showed it was Gu Zhixing.

He immediately stood up, walked to a quiet corner, pressed the answer button, and said respectfully, "Mr. Gu."

Gu Zhixing's voice came through the receiver, tinged with amusement and certainty: "The Sichuan-Chongqing section is even more crucial; it depends on you and Wang Li, this husband-and-wife team."

"Make sure to serve the top executives of the infrastructure group well and secure the Sichuan-Chongqing supporting project for the West-to-East Power Transmission Project."

Pan Xingwang understood immediately and agreed. He then discussed the arrangements with Wang Li, prepared a banquet, and invited the senior executives of the infrastructure group to the event.

Inside the upscale private room, the air was thick with the smells of cigarettes and alcohol, and the atmosphere was lively and harmonious as people sipped their drinks and chatted.

Pan Xingwang, his face flushed, stood up with his wine glass in hand, looking honest and simple, and repeatedly toasted the infrastructure boss at the head of the table.

"Mr. Li, I'll drink this one, please feel free to drink as you please! From now on, our project will depend entirely on your support."

Wang Li sat beside her, a gentle smile playing on her lips, subtly serving food and tea to the ladies present.

Her words were gentle yet sharp; she quickly bridged the gap with just a few words, winning everyone's hearts.

"Mrs. Zhang, your earrings are really unique. Where did you buy them? Take me to see them next time. I've been wanting to pick out a piece of jewelry that I like for a long time."

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually reached its climax. Pan Xingwang appeared to be drunk, slapping his thigh, but in reality, his eyes shrewdly scanned the entire room.

"Hey, Mr. Li, it's no fun just drinking."

"I discussed it with Wang Li, and Qingyang is willing to give up 10% of the shares in this West-to-East Power Transmission supporting project to our brothers for fun."

Wang Li immediately picked up the conversation, her tone gentle yet every word profound and weighty.

"Yes, Mr. Li, this is called a partnership based on mutual benefit. If you make money, the project will go smoothly in Sichuan."

"From now on, we are one family. No one can separate us. We will work together and achieve mutual benefit and development."

The infrastructure project manager, who was initially on guard, completely crumbled under the dual onslaught of sweet words and tangible benefits.

With a wave of his hand, he immediately agreed to this win-win cooperation and had a very pleasant conversation with Pan Xingwang and Wang Li.

Gu Zhixing coordinated the entire process, with Gansu focusing on supply and Sichuan on implementation, operating on two parallel tracks with each step closely linked.

With his precise command and the full cooperation of the two branch companies, Qingyang Industry successfully secured two key projects in the West-to-East Power Transmission Project.

When the drinking party in Sichuan ended and Gu Zhixing left the hotel, it was already late at night in Switzerland.

He didn't disturb Tang Muyang, who was fast asleep. Instead, he edited a long WeChat voice message, recounting the battle report in detail, and finally pressed the send button, adding a sentence:

"Mr. Tang, the Longsu and Sichuan sections are all settled. You can relax and spend time with your family; leave the rest to me."

In Montmartre, Paris, as night falls, street performers begin to play the accordion.

Tang Muyang and his family of four sat in an open-air café, with four cups of hot cocoa on the table.

Tang Shiyang was holding a huge cotton candy, and his mouth was covered in sugar strands as he ate it.

Looking at the couples and painters passing by on the street, she asked curiously, "Dad, why are they painting?"

"Because there is beauty here." Tang Muyang pointed to the Sacred Heart Cathedral in the distance. "Beauty is worth recording."

Just then, a wandering singer walked by and began to play "La Vie en Rose," its melodious strains echoing through the night sky.

Tang Muyang extended his hand, inviting Gong Yiqing to dance.

"Here? That's so embarrassing." Gong Yiqing said, somewhat ashamed.

"What are you afraid of?" Tang Muyang pulled her up domineeringly. "Today, we are tourists, not bosses."

"In Paris, romance is the only passport."

Watching their parents dance gracefully in the street, Tang Zhenyang and Tang Shiyang clapped and cheered.

The surrounding tourists applauded, and some even whistled.

At that moment, Tang Muyang forgot about the group's financial statements and the cutthroat competition in the business world.

He felt that this was life, and this was the happiness he was trying his best to protect.

The next morning, on the return flight, sunlight streamed through the porthole and fell on Tang Muyang's face.

He rubbed his sleepy eyes, took a warm latte from the flight attendant, and then remembered that he had put his phone on silent last night to spend time with his child.

Unlocking the screen, dozens of unread messages popped up. At the top was a one-minute voice message sent by Gu Zhixing at three in the morning, along with several emails about the successful signing of the project contract.

He didn't click to listen, but only glanced at the preview text: "...The plan is completely finalized."

Tang Muyang's lips curled slightly, and he lightly tapped the screen with his index finger, replying with a single word:

"it is good."

He then tossed his phone into his suit pocket and turned back to continue coaxing his tantrum-throwing youngest daughter.

To him, the turbulent waves in the market were nothing more than a WeChat message in the early morning.

Zhejiang Water Airport is brightly lit.

When Tang Muyang pushed his suitcase out of the passage, he saw a huge line of people waiting to pick up passengers.

Not only were there executives like Su Man, Ye Zhi Qiu, and Xia Tian Tian, ​​but also Tang Ping Sheng and Jiang Da Shu who came from Xiang Sha.

Even Peng Jiahui from Hezhou rushed over, covered in dust.

At the very front of the crowd stood a sprightly old man, dressed in an elegant Chinese-style jacket.

He was holding two shiny walnuts in his hand, which made a crisp "crackling" sound.

That was Gong Yiqing's father, Gong Chong'an.

"Grandpa!" Tang Shiyang, with her sharp eyes, was the first to rush over and throw herself into Gong Chong'an's arms.

"Oh my, our little Shiyang is back!" Gong Chong'an picked up his granddaughter and smiled broadly, his wrinkles crinkling into a wide grin.

He looked up at Tang Muyang, his eyes filled with a hint of scrutiny, but mostly with relief.

"Muyang, these past two months have been tough on you." Gong Chong'an twirled the walnuts in his hand rapidly. "Taking the kids out to see the world is a good thing, but don't forget, home is where you're rooted."

"Dad, don't worry." Tang Muyang greeted his father-in-law respectfully, "I've never forgotten home."

Tang Jianguo squeezed through the crowd, carrying a bag of pig's blood sausage: "Chairman Mu... Chairman Tang! You're finally back!"

Tang Muyang took the dark, hard pig's blood dumpling and instantly felt its heavy weight in his palm.

These meatballs may not look impressive, but they exude the unique local flavor of Baoyang's hometown, just like Jianguo himself—rough but genuine.

Looking at his smiling old friend, Tang Muyang felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He knew that no matter how far he went, there would always be a group of brothers behind him, waiting for him to come home in the most simple and sincere way.

"Everyone," Tang Muyang took a deep breath, his voice choked with emotion, "I'm back."

That evening, on the rooftop of Qingyang Group's headquarters.

The grand welcome banquet was in full swing, but now the noise had subsided and the crowds were gradually leaving.

This was a welcoming ceremony that was two months late, just to welcome the leader who had just returned from a long journey across the ocean.

Tang Muyang stood alone on the rooftop, looking down at the bustling city below.

The night view of Zhejiang is beautiful, with neon lights flashing and cars and people bustling about.

In the distance, Xianghu Lake, like a black gem, is quietly embedded in the city.

The September night breeze has shed the heat of midsummer and carries a hint of early autumn coolness.

Gong Yiqing walked over and gently draped a trench coat over Tang Muyang's shoulders, shielding him from the night wind blowing in from the rooftop: "What are you thinking about?"

"Thinking about the future." Tang Muyang pulled his trench coat tighter and pointed into the distance: "Yiqing, look at this sky."

"I used to think it was very high and very far away. Now I feel like it's right above my head."

He turned to his wife and said, "In 2017, we made steady progress; in 2018, we will move even faster."

"I want Qingyang's name to resound not only throughout China, but also throughout the world."

Gong Yiqing smiled and nodded: "I believe you. Whatever you want to do, I'll be with you."

Tang Muyang took out a walkie-talkie, an old item he used on construction sites back in the day.

He pressed the call button, and his voice echoed throughout the entire headquarters building.

"Everyone, I am Tang Muyang. Thank you all for your hard work this year. Let's get some rest tonight."

"Tomorrow, the sun will rise as usual, and we will continue our climb."

He hung up the walkie-talkie, and the night wind blew up again, fluttering the hem of his trench coat.

Tang Muyang gazed eastward, his eyes piercing through the night, as if he could already see the bustling Bund.

The story of the Zhejiang River has been written, and the tide of the Shanghai River is about to begin.