My heart is tied to that sky

In the height of summer, the sweltering heat sweeps through the core cities of northern China.

The hot, dry winds of 1998 swept through the long streets and ancient alleys, and also blew into Hengxin Jewelry Store, which was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Tang Muyang carefully folded the fax to Wang Li and handed it to the staff on duty to deliver it.

He glanced down at the old ledger on the table.

He had only one thought in his mind: to revitalize the jewelry store as soon as possible and fulfill his promise of the engagement ring.

He had no time to lament his situation, nor the energy to dwell on the headquarters' scheming of a promotion that was in reality a demotion.

From the moment he stepped into Hengxin Jewelry Store, he knew very well.

Only tangible results can break down all prejudice and suppression.

Tang Muyang walked to the mottled counter and gently tapped the surface with his fingertips.

The veteran employee who remained came over upon hearing the commotion, his expression still somewhat nonchalant: "Director Tang, aren't you leaving tonight?"

"Bring over all the transaction records, inventory lists, and employee attendance records for the past six months." Tang Muyang raised his eyes, his gaze calm.

The veteran employee hesitated for a moment, then turned around and pulled out a stack of yellowed ledgers and scattered receipts, gently placing them on the table: "They're all here. The situation isn't good."

Tang Muyang looked down and flipped through the documents; there was hardly any working capital left in the accounts.

With outdated and stockpiled inventory and distribution channels almost completely disrupted, the entire jewelry store is on the verge of shutting down.

He closed the ledger without flinching.

"Starting tomorrow, follow my instructions."

He picked up the landline and dialed Tang Jianguo's number, who was far away in the old factory in the special economic zone.

The familiar local accent came through the receiver, steady and reassuring.

"Jianguo, that's me, Muyang."

"Mu Yang? Where are you? I haven't heard from you lately!"

"I was transferred to a core city in the north to take over Hengxin Jewelry Store, a mess, but I was able to turn it around."

Tang Muyang asked earnestly, "I need you to come and manage the internal operations, guard the warehouse, and lead the team. Are you willing to work hard with me?"

There was a pause on the other end of the phone, then the voice became excited and decisive: "I've wanted to leave for a long time! The factional infighting at the old factory is getting fiercer and fiercer, and everyone is feeling uneasy. I'm so frustrated staying here! I've been watching Peng Jiahui go to the southeast to seek refuge with you for ages! Just say the word, and I'll pack my things right away, buy a ticket and head north tomorrow!"

In just three days, Tang Jianguo was carrying a simple bag.

After a long journey involving trains and long-distance buses, I arrived at the entrance of the jewelry store, looking travel-worn.

"Muyang, I've arrived. Make the arrangements." Tang Jianguo stepped forward, his voice crisp.

Tang Muyang stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and felt a sense of reassurance.

After traveling thousands of miles, being able to meet old friends and fellow countrymen in a foreign land gives you a sense of security that no amount of salary can buy.

"You must be tired from your journey. Don't rush to work yet," Tang Muyang said sincerely.

"I'll take you to your dorm to settle in and get everything settled before we officially start work tomorrow."

Tang Muyang led Tang Jianguo to the simple dormitory behind the silver shop.

The room wasn't big, but it was clean and well-ventilated, and had all the necessary bedding, tables, and chairs.

He personally helped put down the luggage, prepared hot water, and arranged all the daily chores.

"Let's get some rest for the night and relieve the fatigue from the journey."

Tang Jianguo looked at his thoughtful and considerate old friend, his eyes welling up slightly. "With you here, I feel at ease."

The next morning, as dawn broke, the two appeared together in the silver shop.

"You'll be in charge of internal discipline, warehouse inventory, and logistical security. Keep things stable at home," Tang Muyang said solemnly, looking at him.

"Don't worry, leave it to me." Tang Jianguo rolled up his sleeves and headed towards the warehouse without saying another word.

Tang Muyang understood better than anyone that one person couldn't carry a whole game of chess.

He immediately wrote a job posting by hand and posted it at the entrance of the jewelry store and in the surrounding streets.

We are publicly recruiting for four types of positions: salesperson, store sales assistant, warehouse manager, and logistics cashier.

He doesn't value seniority; he only values ​​two things: the ability to endure hardship and honesty.

Not many people came to apply, after all, the decline of this jewelry store had already become widely known.

Tang Muyang personally conducted the interviews, patiently talking to and carefully observing each person, preferring to have none rather than accept unqualified candidates.

A young job applicant stood before him, looking slightly flustered, but with bright eyes.

"I've never worked in the jewelry industry before, but I can run, I can carry heavy loads, and I can persevere. Whatever you ask me to do, I'll do it."

"You'll start work tomorrow. You'll be assigned to different areas to promote your business and attract customers. I'll see how things go." Tang Muyang looked up at him, his tone resolute.

"I will certainly live up to Director Tang's trust." The young man immediately straightened his back and spoke sincerely.

In just two days, all three salespersons, two sales assistants, and one cashier were on duty.

With the addition of the original staff and Tang Jianguo, a lean and efficient team was officially formed.

At the first small meeting, Tang Muyang stood in the middle of the group, speaking in a straightforward and forceful tone.

"The jewelry store is having a tough time right now, but we can survive. The sales staff are in charge of the store, the sales representatives are doing on-the-ground promotion and negotiating partnerships, the cashier is in charge of accounting, and Tang Jianguo is in charge of internal affairs. Everyone does their job, and when the performance improves, the compensation will definitely follow."

"Director Tang, we'll listen to you." The group exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

Once the tasks were assigned, everyone immediately sprang into action.

Tang Jianguo led the veteran employees to take inventory of the warehouse.

The stockpiled goods were categorized by style, condition, and remanufacturability.

Damaged items are disposed of centrally, while salable items are wiped clean, refurbished, and neatly displayed.

The floor was swept clean, and the countertops were wiped dry. The originally dark and dull space gradually became refreshing and bright.

Three sales representatives set off according to their assigned areas, carrying brochures, opening coupons, and appointment registration cards.

They went deep into communities, shopping malls, photo studios, and wedding agencies.

Initially, setbacks were commonplace; cold words and closed doors were frequent occurrences, and some people would return dejected to report back.

"Director Tang, people don't seem to recognize our jewelry store, and they don't even want to accept our flyers." The salesperson wiped the sweat from his brow, his voice dejected.

Instead of blaming him, Tang Muyang personally led the team to plan the weekend community outreach activities.

Set up a simple booth, display safe and compliant sample trays, and invite a temporary host to warm up the atmosphere and generate buzz.

Salespeople were handing out flyers, explaining styles, and registering potential customers.

The entire process involves only attracting customers, with no on-site sales or carrying valuables.

If one event isn't enough, hold ten; if ten aren't enough, hold a hundred.

Gradually, more and more citizens learned that Hengxin Jewelry Store had reopened.

Many people came to the store with coupons, and the originally closed market was gradually opened up.

The sales assistants also changed their previous passive attitude of waiting for customers to come, and took the initiative to greet customers with a smile.

They patiently explained the styles and combinations, and provided warm and thoughtful service.

This attracts many passersby to stop and browse the store.

The jewelry store, which had been deserted for a long time, gradually started to see a steady stream of customers.

Tang Muyang focused on product adjustments and supply chain optimization.

He relied on the group's existing channels to urgently transport a batch of small gold jewelry, fashionable silver jewelry, and lucky charms that fit local consumption habits, replacing the old styles that had been slow to sell for a long time.

At the same time, we contacted the processing plant to modify and redesign some of the raw materials to improve their appearance and cost-effectiveness.

During the day, I run external liaisons, negotiate cooperation, and monitor implementation; at night, I check data, sort out performance, and plan the next day's work.

He was often busy until late at night, and would take a short rest in the temporary lounge of the jewelry store before arriving on time the next day.

"Muyang, you need to take care of your health. You can't keep pushing yourself like this." Tang Jianguo couldn't help but try to dissuade him when he saw him working non-stop.

"The sooner we revitalize the business, the sooner we can fulfill our promise." Tang Muyang rubbed his throbbing temples and smiled faintly.

His heart was filled with thoughts of the person far away, and the unfinished token of their love; he dared not slacken, nor could he afford to slacken.

Three months later, the jewelry store had a completely new look.

The merchandise is trendy, the displays are neat, the service is excellent, and the customer flow is stable.

The books went from loss to profit, ensuring that all expenses were covered.

Employees' incomes have also increased significantly, and morale is rising.

The previous disorganized state has completely disappeared, and everyone is now taking responsibility and cooperating seamlessly.

In just six months by the end of 1998, Hengxin Jewelry turned the tide and was completely revitalized.

The news caused quite a stir when it reached the group headquarters.

Those who had wanted to see him fall have all fallen silent.

The group's senior management is also preparing to reassess this young man.

Just before the headquarters held a closed-door meeting of senior executives, the phone at the jewelry store suddenly rang.

Tang Muyang answered the phone, and a calm, familiar voice came through the receiver.

"Mu Yang, it's me, Lu Zhenting."

Tang Muyang was slightly taken aback, then straightened up and said respectfully, "Chairman Lu."

"I've seen the results of the jewelry store firsthand," Lu Zhenting said calmly, with a hint of approval.

"Back in the Special Economic Zone, I knew you could handle things. Stay calm, the group won't bury talent."

Those few words reassured him. Tang Muyang solemnly replied, "I understand, thank you, Chairman."

Tang Muyang stood in the bright and orderly jewelry store, watching the customers coming and going and the busy employees, and breathed a long sigh of relief.

He dialed Wang Li's number immediately.

"Lily, I did it."

"I knew you could do it."

"Once I've completely sorted things out here, I'll bring you over. I'll personally put the engagement ring I promised you on your finger."

"I'll wait for you." After hanging up the phone, Tang Muyang felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He thought the hardest days were over, and that reunion and peace were just around the corner.

But he didn't know that a new round of transfer orders was already on its way.

In 1999, the country once again celebrated its historic return to the motherland, and the whole nation rejoiced and the city was filled with joy.

Amidst this nationwide joy, shady dealings began to emerge within Han Xin's group.

In March of the same year, the urgent transfer order from headquarters was officially delivered.

Tang Muyang was ordered to immediately travel to Hezhou City in the heart of the Central Plains to take full responsibility for regional market operations.

The Central Plains market is larger, has more complex relationships, and is more competitive.

Another tough nut to crack.

Tang Muyang held the transfer order, his fingertips sinking slightly.

He had just gained a foothold and hadn't even had time to fulfill his promise to reunite with his family when he had to rush to the next battlefield.

"They're treating you like a firefighter, sending you wherever the trouble is." Tang Jianguo couldn't help but feel indignant on his behalf when he saw the content.

"Being in this position, I can only move forward." Tang Muyang shook his head slightly and smiled helplessly.

Just then, a long-distance call rang urgently from Peng Jiahui, who was at the Southeast Base.

"Muyang! I just received news that headquarters has transferred you to Hezhou again!" Peng Jiahui said, his voice trembling as he suppressed his anger.

"Are they never going to stop?! They're using you as a pawn, using you and then moving you to another place!"

Tang Muyang remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly, "Given the overall situation, we must obey the arrangements."

"Obey what?!" Peng Jiahui immediately became agitated.

"If this happens again, don't hold back! We'll just quit working with them and start our own business!"

"I'll stay in the southeast, preserving the craft and the people. When the time comes, I'll bring my team and technology to join you!"

Tang Muyang felt a surge of warmth in his heart and whispered, "Keep calm and guard the southeast first."

"I can protect you, but I can't stand them bullying you like this!" Peng Jiahui angrily hung up the phone.

In a workshop far to the southeast, Peng Jiahui gripped his phone tightly, his eyes darkening.

But he didn't act impulsively; he had already made up his mind.

If there's a next time, he will never let Mu Yang shoulder the burden alone.

Tang Muyang stopped thinking about it and quickly completed the handover of his work.

The daily operations, team management, and account reconciliation of the jewelry store should be clearly explained.

Make sure everything is stable after I leave.

On the eve of his departure, he picked up his pen again and sent a fax to Wang Li.

He informed her of his reassignment and reiterated his commitment to the same principle.

He sent the fax and boarded a train to the Central Plains.

The train sped along, the distance between us grew ever greater, and the longing grew ever heavier.

The work in the Central Plains is far more demanding than here, with a complex and intricate market.

The team urgently needs reorganization, and there are countless tasks to be done.

Tang Muyang spends every day in meetings, research, negotiations, and rectification.

I'm often busy until late at night, and it's hard to even find time for a complete phone call.

The distance between people growing up can quietly grow amidst busyness and exhaustion.

Two people who used to talk about everything gradually started having shorter conversations and fewer topics to discuss.

Wang Li found it difficult to empathize with the pressure Tang Muyang faced in the business world.

He had no time to listen to her loneliness and grievances in life.

The once passionate feelings gradually cooled down during the long wait and the arduous journey.

The lack of companionship and communication leads to misunderstandings accumulating and regrets gradually growing.

Tang Muyang didn't not want to maintain the relationship, but he was simply too busy to do so.

It wasn't that Wang Li was unwilling to wait, but rather that persevering alone was too agonizing.

In the summer of 1999, the two had been separated for a full year.

At the urging of her family, Wang Li decided to return to Chongqing to start a new life.

On the eve of her departure, she dialed Tang Muyang's number.

There was a long silence on both ends of the receiver.

All the longing, waiting, grievances, and anticipation of the past year surged into my heart at this moment.

"Muyang, I'm going back to Chongqing." Wang Li's voice trembled slightly, with a suppressed sob in it.

Tang Muyang felt a tightness in his chest and a dryness in his throat.

A thousand words stuck in my chest, ultimately turning into a powerless sigh.

This phone call lasted for nearly an hour.

They talked about the initial spark of attraction at first sight and the warmth of companionship.

They talked about the promises they made when they parted, and also about the helplessness of reality.

There were no arguments, no accusations, only reluctance and resignation.

"I can't wait any longer, Muyang. It's too tiring to be alone." Wang Li sniffed, her voice weary.

"It's my fault. I couldn't be by your side." Tang Muyang closed his eyes, his voice heavy and hoarse.

"Let's leave it at that." Wang Li closed her eyes, tears gently sliding down her cheeks.

"Okay." Tang Muyang remained silent for a long time before finally uttering a single word.

A simple "good" expresses all the regrets.

The call ended, and a busy tone rang in my ears.

Tang Muyang stood alone in the night of the Central Plains, the wind blowing across his cheeks, slightly cool.

The engagement ring he promised was never made, and the promise to settle down together could never be fulfilled.

The first relationship, which I pursued earnestly, ended regretfully amidst the hardships and distance.

Before I could even savor the pain, the heavy workload piled up one after another.

Tang Muyang suppressed all his emotions and devoted himself to market rectification, using busyness to numb himself.

In this new environment of Hezhou in the Central Plains, Tang Muyang thought he had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel.

He met Xie Xiaotong, a woman from Hunan, at a business event.

She was gentle and refined in her speech, like a breath of fresh air that dispelled the gloom in his heart.

After spending a few months together, the two developed feelings for each other, and thought they were finding a new love after getting over their heartbreak.

But as the saying goes, "Man proposes, God disposes," and an unexpected change occurred.

Xie Xiaotong received devastating news from her family: her mother had passed away. Xie Xiaotong had to leave her hometown hastily to handle the funeral arrangements.

As she was leaving, with tears in her eyes, she said to him, "Muyang, thank you for taking care of me during this time, but I may... not be able to come back."

A resolute statement, accompanied by fading sobs, struck two hearts with a heavy blow, proving that "even the longest love has its end!"

Tang Muyang watched her board the departing train.

That budding affection vanished in the wind before it could even blossom.

We were destined to meet, but not to stay together; in the end, we just passed each other by.

By the end of 1999, Tang Muyang had completely stabilized the Central Plains market.

Performance steadily improved, and career progressed smoothly.

Wang Lin, a local woman from the Central Plains, entered his life.

She was cheerful, considerate, and attentive, keeping him company through countless lonely days and nights.

After spending half a year together, their feelings for each other deepened.

Tang Muyang once thought that he could finally stop his hectic pace and settle down in this city in the Central Plains.

However, the harsh reality shattered his illusions once again.

At the end of the year, the group issued another transfer order, ordering him to return to his post at the World Exchange Center.

This was not just a trip to a different place, but a long-distance journey across the north and south.

On the night they parted ways with Wang Lin, the two sat on a bench by the river.

Neither of them mentioned the word "breakup" first.

Wang Lin asked softly, "Mu Yang, how about... I go with you?"

Tang Muyang remained silent for a long time, then shook his head with a wry smile.

He knew in his heart that although their relationship was sweet, it was still based on a shallow foundation.

Just like Wang Lin's parents strongly opposed her marrying someone from afar.

A man with ambition understands that he is currently in the climbing phase of his career.

With an uncertain future ahead, I really couldn't bear to let her suffer with me.

Some things are left unsaid, for the sake of each other's dignity.

"Linlin." Tang Muyang gripped her hand tightly, then slowly released it.

"We're both still young, don't let me ruin your life."

Once again, we are in different places; once again, we part ways.

Tang Muyang understood that the wounds from his previous relationship had not yet healed.

This relationship is unlikely to last in the face of reality.

As he moved to Kyoto, contact gradually became less frequent, and eventually they drifted apart.

Whether the future holds a peaceful farewell or a reunion across mountains and seas, only time will tell…

Standing on the bustling streets of Kyoto, the neon lights are dazzling.

Amidst the bustling traffic, Tang Muyang felt utterly empty inside.

Promotions followed, constant travel, encounters along the way, and partings along the way.

His promise to create the love token was still in his heart, but the person he wanted to give it to was no longer there.

At that moment, he had no idea that this return to Kyoto would be his first.

This is no longer a demotion in disguise, but a genuine promotion by the group headquarters.

The board of directors at headquarters has made a decision that the most capable person will take the position.

He will be fully responsible for the construction of the Xinde Industrial Zone, which will be invested heavily in.

Give him a real stage and let him realize his ambitions.

He had no idea what lay ahead, the hardships that followed their deep affection.

The woman who will accompany him through life's ups and downs, his soulmate.

It has already been arranged by fate and is about to make its official debut.

The road ahead is long, and the struggle continues; his story has only just begun a new chapter.