From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

I took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed my surging emotions, turned the car key, and slowly started the car.

As the car slowly drove away from the village entrance, I subconsciously glanced at the rearview mirror.

My mother remained standing there, all alone by the roadside, staring motionlessly in the direction the car had gone.

Watching her figure grow smaller and smaller, more and more blurry in the rearview mirror...

My chest felt like it was blocked by something, making me feel suffocated.

I looked away and stared at the mountain road ahead, forcing myself to calm down.

Su Qing, who was beside her, remained silent for a long time before speaking softly, "You'll be very reluctant to part with it, won't you?"

My Adam's apple bobbed, and I hesitated, as if I wanted to say something but couldn't.

A thousand words stuck in my throat, ultimately turning into a soft sigh.

Su Qing seemed to have seen through my thoughts completely, and slowly replied:

"And you've been afraid all along, afraid that this separation might be the last time you see each other, right?"

Yes, that's exactly what I mean.

Every time I part from my mother, I feel this extreme panic.

Her health was so poor; fate was never kind to her.

I really can't afford to gamble, and I can't afford to lose.

Yes, that's my biggest concern.

Su Qing sighed softly and said, word by word:

"How about... you don't go on the project in the no-man's-land. Stay home and spend more time with your aunt."

I knew in my heart that Su Qing was genuinely concerned for me, afraid that I would encounter danger if I ventured deep into the no-man's-land.

Even if I don't go, what will change?

Life is still the same as before, with no changes day after day.

My family's predicament, my mother's health problems, and my own difficult situation over the years will not change in the slightest just because I stay here.

I am too ordinary and plain. I have no family background to support me, and no benefactors to pave the way for me.

The only chance to turn things around in this lifetime is to grit your teeth and take a gamble.

The no-man's-land is extremely dangerous, but it's also the only way out I can currently grasp.

If I win the bet, I can turn my life around and allow my mother to receive treatment and enjoy a comfortable life without having to suffer with me anymore.

Even if I lose the bet, I'll accept it. At least I tried my best and won't have any regrets.

Without the slightest hesitation, I shook my head with unwavering determination: "No, I'm going, and I will definitely go."

Su Qing looked at me, sighed helplessly, and didn't say another word of advice.

She turned her head slightly to look at the fields and tall buildings rushing past the window, whether she was admiring the scenery or pondering my thoughts, I couldn't tell.

The three-hour drive passed in a flash, and we made it back to Jiangzhou before noon.

The car stopped at the entrance of the small courtyard by the river, and Su Qing and I got out of the car side by side.

They shuttled back and forth, carrying a truckload of local specialties into the yard.

Jars of chili sauce, bags of free-range eggs, dried wild mushrooms and dried radishes—all these were my mother's heartfelt gifts.

After moving the last item, we collapsed onto the stone bench in the courtyard, panting heavily, our foreheads covered in fine beads of sweat.

After calming down a bit, Su Qing took out her phone and called Leng Shanshan, giving her a few brief instructions and asking her to arrange for someone to come and pick up the car.

I leaned back on the stone bench, lit a cigarette, and quickly sorted out all the plans for the future.

Before leaving yesterday, I sent the complete route plan for the no-man's-land and the full equipment list to Wang Yi of the club.

A whole day and night passed, but there was still no word from the other party.

Without a signed and stamped contract, all verbal promises are meaningless, and I always felt a heavy weight on my mind.

Instead of passively waiting, it's better to take the initiative.

I stubbed out my cigarette, took out my phone, and proactively sent Wang Yi a text message:

"Mr. Wang, have you reviewed the route and equipment list I sent you yesterday? Is the overall plan suitable?"

The message was sent successfully, and I stared intently at my phone screen, filled with anxious anticipation.

Su Qing noticed my tense expression and asked, puzzled, "Why are you staring at your phone? Everything's fine now, isn't it?"

"Wang Yi hasn't replied to me yet. I sent him all the information yesterday morning before I went back to my hometown, but there's been no response at all."

Su Qing nodded thoughtfully: "You mean you want me to ask for you?"

I shook my head decisively: "No need. You said before that if you get involved, this matter will most likely fall through completely."

As soon as she finished speaking, Su Qing's eyes suddenly narrowed, as if she had suddenly thought of something:

"Do you think... he might have already found out about my relationship with you?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I blurted out instinctively, "I don't think so?"

"It's hard to say! Otherwise, why haven't I replied to you? It's obvious that I don't want to cooperate with you anymore."

These words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly doused in my heart, and my heart sank.

Yes, I really can't think of any other reason.

Su Qing smiled again and said, "But this is just right. It's a good thing for you not to go to the no-man's-land."

As soon as she finished speaking, my phone on the stone table next to me suddenly started vibrating and the screen lit up.

I looked down and saw that it was Wang Yi calling.

My heart leaped with joy, and I quickly picked up my phone to answer the call.

"Hello, Mr. Wang."

Wang Yi's polite voice came from the other end of the phone, tinged with apology:

"Lin Ye, I have carefully read all the materials you sent me. I'm really sorry, I've been too busy lately and should have replied to you yesterday afternoon, but I've been delayed until now."

I quickly suppressed my excitement and replied politely, "It's nothing, Mr. Wang. I just wanted to ask about the project progress and see if there are any problems with the plan."

"No problem, we had a special meeting to discuss it. Your route plan is fine, and your equipment list is professional and complete. There's nothing that needs to be changed."

He paused, then continued, "Are you free this afternoon?"

"Anytime is fine, whenever you're free," I replied immediately.

"Then come over here this afternoon, bring your ID card, and let's sign the contract."

"Okay! No problem, Mr. Wang, I'll be there on time this afternoon!" I quickly replied.

After hanging up the phone, I quietly clenched my fist and silently cheered myself on.

The heavy weight that had been pressing on my heart for so long has finally been lifted.

Su Qing, who was standing to the side, saw through my little actions and couldn't help but purse her lips, with a hint of teasing:

"Look at you, so easily agitated. It's just signing a contract, why are you getting so worked up?"

I smiled helplessly and said calmly, "You don't understand, and I don't blame you."

She comes from a wealthy family and has never had to struggle to make a living, so she naturally doesn't understand how precious this hard-won opportunity of mine is.

"Tch! Pretending to be profound." Su Qing rolled her eyes at me and turned her head away haughtily.

I stopped joking and teasing her, feeling completely at ease.

Once the contract is signed, the start-up capital is in place, and all the equipment is ready, I can set off at any time.

At 2 PM, I arrived at the Jiangzhou Beast Club on time.

Wang Yi was waiting for me in his office on the second floor, with two printed contracts on his desk.

He smiled and stood up when I entered.

First, they poured me a glass of warm water, then pulled out a chair, sat down, and pushed the contract in front of me.

"Take a close look at the terms and conditions. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. If there are no problems, we can sign them directly."

I nodded and sat down, then bent down to carefully review the contract.

The contract terms are very transparent, including the project name, execution period, rights and responsibilities of both parties, details of remuneration, and payment method.

Each item is clearly marked, with no ambiguity or traps.

The project's base compensation is one million, payable in two installments.

Upon successful signing of the contract, 300,000 yuan in start-up capital will be paid immediately for the purchase of equipment and preparation of materials.

After the project was successfully completed and passed the club's acceptance inspection, the remaining balance of 700,000 yuan was settled.

An additional supplementary clause was attached: if the manufacturer adds special promotional funds, the club will adjust the total remuneration proportionally, with a maximum limit of 1.5 million.