Chapter 6: Those Missed and Ultimately Seized

a boyfriend in school! I didn't know how to explain it to him. Your uncle kept asking about the other person's family background and school, making me wish I could just dig a hole in the ground and hi...Chapter 6: Those Missed and Finally Caught Up With

After the July investigation group's conclusion was announced, Su Cen and his team went to Rongcheng to comfort many managers and executives of Dunhuang who were caught in the eye of the storm during the investigation. In fact, before that, the provincial authorities had indirectly cleared Wang Yue's name. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new round of Dunhuang Sunshine Education Assistance Fund activities, Governor Yang Zhengliang appeared to congratulate Dunhuang on its voyage towards a new chapter as one of the province's large private enterprises.

Wang Yue handled the internal turmoil at Dunhuang caused by this sudden event in a calm and professional manner, like a true businesswoman.

This woman, who appeared extraordinary to the outside world, was not fazed by storms. She calmly arranged for staff morale after small ripples, and even received sustained applause when she returned to management with grace. Dunhuang's second-in-command, Ren Ying, known as the "Iron Lady," wiped her tears and led everyone in welcoming Wang Yue and Su Cen's team back. Several middle-level managers who had been incarcerated showed signs of weariness from worldly affairs; some of them were old comrades from Xiahai when they started out with nothing. Such human nature is truly lamentable, as these individuals once shared hardships to start their business but later betrayed the company for personal gain and ended up in court due to financial issues.

Wang Yue nodded and said, "Next time we should visit their families and bring gifts. We need to take care of their family members..." Then she returned with Su Cen to Phoenix City.

Racing along the highway to Phoenix City, upon arriving at the municipal government staff compound, Wang Yue saw her mother rushing towards her with a slightly unsteady gait but undeterred from falling. The two embraced tightly in the middle of the courtyard, suddenly sobbing uncontrollably.

Around them were neighbors and relatives who had come out to witness this scene: Auntie Tian, Zhang Xi, and other family members stood quietly watching. Some tightened their grip on their jackets while others couldn't help but wipe away tears secretly.

Back at home, Su Cen was pulled by his father Su Licheng and mother Zeng Ke to sit on the sofa. The two elders looked at him for a long time without saying anything; eventually, Su Licheng remained silent.

Zeng Ke began peeling an apple for Su Cen, saying, "The most memorable thing in your mother's life was when I and your father were dating... Back then, we only had thirty yuan between us each month. We had a bicycle that belonged to your grandfather before it was passed down to us. Every day after work, I sat behind your dad on the bike—that was our version of romance back then. Do you think what you have with Tang Wu now is comparable You have so many advantages."

"We discussed putting a few coins in a glass jar each month, saving ten yuan every month, until we had enough to buy a new black-and-white TV that was the most fashionable at the time. It cost five hundred yuan. We kept saving and sometimes couldn’t afford meat; we would only eat it once or twice a week. When we got married, we didn't have a grand celebration; we just invited family and friends over for dinner in our apartment given to us by your father’s workplace. That black-and-white TV was the most cherished wish when we furnished our new home—can you imagine how we felt back then It represented all our aspirations for future happiness..."

Su Cen saw his dad turn away, remaining silent.

Zeng Ke's eyes were already red as she continued, "Later, a close comrade of your father’s came to borrow money saying it was urgent. After discussing with your father, we lent him the money. He was one of our closest friends among comrades. But after receiving the money, he disappeared and never showed his face again to either you or me. Do you know what five hundred yuan meant back then It was the savings from years of frugal living since dating. We were putting all our efforts towards a better life..."

Zeng Ke paused for a moment, blinking away tears before continuing, "I think I will remember this incident for my entire lifetime. That's why you ask why your mother is so sensitive about lending money. Often it’s because she was deeply hurt. She doesn’t lend money to friends or borrow from them; it’s a matter of principle."

"I thought I would remember it for a lifetime, but it's already passed. Now that life is better, 500 yuan doesn't mean much anymore. Although it once represented all your hopes and dreams for the future," Zeng Ke handed an apple to Su Cen and wiped her eyes. "So, I understand how you feel about being betrayed by a friend. But one must look forward. You can't always dwell on these things. Even without them, you still have your studies, career, Tang Wu, Liu Rui, Xue Yiyang, Lin Luoran, and many other friends. Plus, there are your parents. This year is the last semester of your senior year at university; a new kind of life awaits. I am satisfied with everything you've done,"

Su Cen listened to this story he had never heard before, feeling his nasal passages ache as if dust-covered years were suddenly swept away and their original luster revealed. It made him reflect on the current state of his life: all the grand events happening around him, those that left even his heart restless with excitement. He nodded silently.

He knew he couldn't let up now; despite the High Family's attacks against them ultimately being in vain and causing significant embarrassment to their third son Gaolangtao, it didn't mean they would retreat. In fact, the real battle had just begun, with no turning back for either side. Wang Bo wouldn't allow such things to happen again, nor was the High Family naive enough to believe that the Wang Family wouldn’t retaliate.

The true storm seemed only now beginning, in various forms and at different angles, colliding together.

After a brief calm came another disturbance.

This was just a temporary lull; more tumultuous events were on the horizon. ……

The next day, Su Cen received calls from Tian Yu and Zhang Xi, who asked if he had time to go out. Previously, when Su Cen hosted guests in Fengcheng, he had also invited Tian Yu's group, but they weren't in Fengcheng at the time. Since they hadn't come, people with whom his relationship was less close in Fengcheng wouldn’t be on his list either. Fortunately, this meant that brutes like Xue Yiyang and Liu Rui were spared from trying to make a move.

Afterwards, Su Cen accompanied them to the CBD area's revolving tea restaurant for rest and relaxation. From parking in the underground garage to finding an elevator and walking through traditional-styled corridors, they seemed familiar with this place where these girls frequently gathered.

The tea restaurant was likely famous in Fengcheng, blending classical elegance and luxury. The overall style probably cost millions of yuan. Surrounded by private dining rooms, there was a central open-air teahouse adorned with numerous Malabar chestnut trees. Most seated were businesspeople, suggesting that many white-collar workers frequented this downtown office building daily for leisure or business talks.

At the bar counter, Su Cen saw a girl wearing glasses and a long dress wiping coffee cups alongside a server-looking woman. Tian Yu waved her hand and said, "Chen Yining, taking care of your customers again."

Su Cen had met this girl before; she was part of Tian Yu's circle. Seeing Su Cen made Chen Yining pause for a moment but then she gracefully walked over to lead the way to a window-side private room. She served tea and coffee to everyone, sitting down with them herself. She laughed, saying that his arrival signaled something important. Last time when he hosted guests at the Gezhou Dam State Guesthouse, it led many people to speculate since that place was closed for renovations at the time. Some officials had no choice but to find alternative venues, and later numerous specially escorted vehicles arrived, only to discover they were here.

The original gathering of Su Cen's friends during summer vacation transformed into a grand banquet due to Wang Weiwei’s sensitive status, his father being in a precarious situation, and other unpredictable factors requiring increased security. This led everyone in Fengcheng to speculate wildly about it. It was no wonder Chen Yining et al looked at Su Cen strangely; the strong intervention of Su Licheng's family two years ago had already made them well-known throughout Fengcheng.

Su Licheng’s green economic governance work bore initial fruit, as numerous outdated and heavily polluting factories were dismantled along Fengcheng's central axis area, giving way to parks and green spaces. The newly planned and built city in Fengcheng was stunning, with many old buildings refurbished into commercial streets, developing tourism resources. Nighttime bars shone brightly; last year a travel festival also took place, attracting foreign tourists. With time, it might develop into another Lijiang or Wuzhen in western China.

A new district of commercial buildings is taking shape, and the New City is gradually becoming the focal point for the transfer of high-quality living standards in Phoenix City. The Dunhuang Group has signed a plan with the Phoenix City government to open large shopping malls and supermarkets. Alongside the entry of Starbucks Coffee, Rongcheng Ginkgo Hotel, Dunhuang Cinema, Lanzhi, Dou Peng and other brands, this will undoubtedly inject a modern fashionable atmosphere into the city, making it brim with more vitality.

This is all very inspiring for people in Phoenix City, as they feel their surroundings and daily lives are moving towards better prospects.

But these developments seem unimportant to Su Cen. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, what he finds most pleasing is still the clear blue sky and white clouds visible over the long term. Compared with those heavy metal-like smells when he first entered Phoenix City by car along the highway years ago, it feels like a world's end, now he can again see columns of light piercing through cloud layers and projecting onto the dense urban skyline, while birds fly past in the air as if they were pieces of paper, their postures graceful.

Beneath the building, a middle-aged female CEO driving a new Mercedes-Benz gets out of her car and excitedly receives an assessment report from business partners. With the opening up of Phoenix City's new industrial policies, more medium-sized efficient low-loss enterprises will enter the market. These innovative companies previously excluded by local protectionism now see hope for embracing a new life.

For a city to be so alluring that it makes people want to settle down and rest like weary migratory birds without ever leaving, this perhaps is what truly manifests its charm.

Tian Xu looks at Su Cen's profile as if she knows what he's thinking. She says, "Though I don't like admitting it, I still have to say that the city is getting better and better, which has much to do with your family. Your father made significant contributions and efforts; now when people talk about Phoenix City and its top-notch Phoenix Industrial Group, they all know this was largely due to Mayor Su's relentless promotion..."

Su Cen laughs awkwardly, "This is the result of many people's efforts." "Last autumn, we gathered in Rongcheng for a get-together with friends," avoiding the confident gazes from several men dressed well across from them at the central tea area who were sizing up these girls, she thinks their air of self-assurance somewhat annoying. To Su Cen, she adds, "You know what people say about you They say your story is great for drinking beer; everyone drank six or seven bottles each, and four 750ml Grey Goose vodkas got finished."

"Since it's just one story then it remains a single story." Su Cen says.

In the banking system, Tian Xu stubbornly remarks, "I used to love watching Korean dramas with all sorts of Wb stories; but now I realize that real life has taught me an important lesson. This shows reality is more legendary, genuine and vivid than novels or stories. The issue at hand is what you are going to do now, how will you reclaim your power"

The earthquake in the American Facebook battle sees Su Cen's efforts come to naught while Zuckerberg ascends as a social networking king. What happens next Winners and losers; founders of previous companies would be like those who failed along history’s long river, buried by time with only successful figures remembered years later – much like knowing everyone remembers Neil Armstrong for walking on the moon but not who was second...

Everyone knows Yang Liwei's nationwide stir in 2003 as China's first astronaut aboard Shenzhou V; yet this year’s manned mission of Shenzhou VI, with Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng conducting spacewalks, will there be anyone who can instantly recall their names like they do Yang Liwei... Time and history remember the most successful figures. Yet if Su Cen's reborn soul does not enrich his life but leaves behind irreparable setbacks and wounds, how then should he face all that he strove for to regain new life How will he memorialize those lives wasted on this struggle

"That is something I created with my own hands; there’s no way I can give it up," Su Cen says.

"Regarding the American Facebook war, my dad sometimes mentions it during meetings. Because of your involvement, things are quite complex," she continues. "Whatever he speaks about never seems as simple as it appears on the surface. These words from him these days make me rather anxious. I'm not in Shanghai, and we experience different worlds than you do; you probably understand far more worldly affairs and human nature."

But I still have to ask, are you really in big trouble What kind of opponent are you facing" Su Cen didn't expect most people to know about Gao Heng's existence. Apart from the few influential families and high-ranking officials, very few people would come into contact with such a name. However, Tian Qu's family background as the Secretary-General of the Provincial Committee made it unsurprising that he knew some rumors.

At this moment, there might be countless individuals like Tian Qu observing from afar, just like how Su Cen didn't know what his and others' future would look like. The ultimate outcome couldn't be determined until the very last moment.

"Opponent..." Looking at Tian Qu staring back, Zhang Xi, Chen Yining, and Su Cen slowly averted their gazes, gazing into the distance. "My opponent is probably just one person. Those who create rules but ignore them, towering above law and order, wielding authority to slash like a butcher with a knife from people without defense, extracting flesh meal by meal."

Just as Su Cen had repeatedly mentioned, although he could be reborn in this era, life was still an unknown journey. No one knew whether the ships heading toward the ocean before the 18th century would encounter islands filled with treasures or turbulent waves burying shipwrecks.

His rebirth changed his own fate and shifted his course to an unknown trajectory. He missed many people, such as Chen Lingshan, Sun Man, classmate Jiang Mingjun since high school, many friends from the construction engineering compound, Guo Xiaozhong, Zhao Xin, Wu Shirui, Yang Zhao, Zack in America, Dustin, Catherine, and so on.

He also held onto many people around him: Tang Wu, Lin Luoran, Liu Rui, Xue YiYang, Wang Weiwei, Lin Zhounv, Zhao Hao, Lin Guangdong, Wang Yue...

Someone once said that when one dies, time would slow down a hundred times and all experiences would flash before their eyes like a movie. Su Cen didn't need to wait until he died but could see these people in his life as vividly as flowers before his eyes. However, there were always some fragments of moments that couldn’t be caught or grasped, suddenly shattering from the mirror surface of life and disrupting predetermined paths, leaving one lost.

When Su Cen received a call, he was preparing to leave Phoenix City for Shanghai that evening.

The caller was Wang Weiwei. When he picked up, Wang Weiwei sounded urgent. It was around 10:30 PM now; the background noise on Wang Weiwei’s end was loud and there were cold electronic voice messages saying, "Lin Zhounv is hospitalized in Zhengzhou at Henan Military District Hospital. Su Cen, many of us are preparing to rush over. We're currently at the airport and will arrive in Zhengzhou in about two or three hours, then we'll call you with more details." The short message carried a sense of urgency.

At Capital Airport, Wang Weiwei hung up the phone. Around him were people from the Wang and Lin families who had rushed over upon hearing the news: Lin Zhounv’s father, Lin Ronghuan, with an stern face, still not tidying his somewhat untidy military uniform due to haste; Lin Zhounv’s mother, along with her aunties looking worried and comforting each other. They didn’t use a special plane but happened to catch a flight to Zhengzhou and used the emergency VIP channel for boarding.

At Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Lin Luoran arrived by Toyota SUV driven at high speed; people of noble bearing came to pick her up upon hearing the news. They held positions with official ranks or military titles. Among them were friends and relatives of the Lin family who rushed over in Shanghai. At this moment, Lin Luoran picked up Su Cen's call as she was heading towards boarding, her expression delicate but also resilient and calm: "Yes... I know about it. I'm getting on a plane now… The incident seems to have originated from a chemical company in Henan; one of Lin Zhounv’s friends' father is an executive at the listed company who suddenly went missing and his family has been threatened, possibly encountering harm. His wife left, and his son doesn't dare return home and is staying in a hotel. Lin Zhounv went to accompany him but encountered several people forcing entry into the hotel to take someone away; Lin Zhounv was injured during the fight."

"I’m boarding now, let’s talk when I get there," said Lin Luoran's soft voice before hanging up.

Deep in the night, it seemed everything was quiet. approaching.The Shangri-La Hotel served as the venue for this grand event, and the surrounding streets were filled with thick festive atmosphere. Large banners hung overhead on the streets, suspended...