Shen Hanfu hung up the phone, yet in Zhang Yuping's gaze, Gao Liang clenched his fists, vowing, "Our family will definitely get out of poverty quickly! I'm going to start my own business! I'm determined to change our family's humble fate!" Although Zhang Yuping deeply admired Gao Liang's confident, unyielding spirit, she knew that courage alone wasn't enough in today's world where success was measured by money and strength—every ounce of courage seemed so insignificant. "Husband! Right now, we have neither money nor connections. How can we possibly start a business?" Zhang Yuping shook her head, looking at Gao Liang with a look of doubt. Gao Liang smiled gently at her and said, "See? The opportunity has arrived! Tomorrow is exactly the start of the school's autumn holiday. Let's go back to Hanshai City together!" "Yes, Husband! I've been feeling a bit homesick lately," Zhang Yuping said, without realizing it, two clear tears welling up in her eyes. Haihai City's No.1 National Cotton Mill, plagued by outdated equipment, low operational efficiency, and ineffective leadership, was on the brink of bankruptcy. Gao Liang's parents had both worked at the mill, and after corporate restructuring, they were forced to retire. However, even after restructuring, the mill remained unprofitable, and this time, all employees lost their jobs. As a result, the company was put up for auction. At the Haihai City auction house, many business magnates gathered. The auctioneer called out, "Starting bid: 10 million!" Yet, no one responded. Why? Everyone was reading the mill's profile. This was a well-established, historic mill, originally established when the Xinhuaxia State was founded. Its equipment was outdated and rusted, and its production environment and infrastructure had deteriorated significantly. Whoever took over would have to deal with a challenging, complex situation. Moreover, the mill was heavily indebted, carrying a substantial burden that hindered progress. Was the starting bid of 10 million truly too high? It's being given to you, yet you might not even want to accept it. The hall was silent, with business magnates whispering and discussing among themselves. Soon, one of the magnates stood up, holding a sign reading 5 million, and declared, "This is my bottom line!" Everyone laughed—it was the first time in Hanzhai City that a reverse auction had ever taken place! The bids kept dropping, and this was understandable, given the circumstances. With the agreement of the State Cotton Mill's leadership, the auctioneer nodded and announced, "Then it's settled at 5 million!" However, another magnate shook his head and presented a sign reading 3 million. Everyone else burst into laughter—how low was that? The leadership of the State Cotton Mill grew increasingly anxious, even sweating. They quickly turned to the magnate who had just secured the 5-million bid and urged, "Let's finalize it!" But he simply replied, "No!" At that moment, a female secretary standing beside him raised a white sign, which read: "We've just learned that the State Cotton Mill is facing debt disputes. We are therefore withdrawing our bid." "Then, let's go with 3 million!" The auctioneer and the factory's leadership both said it simultaneously. Yet, it was hilarious that the very giant who had previously raised the 3-million bid said a firm "No," and explained: "Not only is the National Cotton Mill deeply in debt, but its current assets are essentially non-existent—severely depreciated and damaged. To revitalize it, we'd need to inject an additional 50 million just to get it going. This is a pure gift—something I simply won't take!" "Indeed! Indeed!" All the other major players echoed in unison. Immediately, they all began to leave the hall, leaving only the auctioneer and the factory's leadership behind, shouting: "I only need 1 million! I only need 1 million! If anyone offers me 1 million, I'll hand over the entire factory to them! I need funds to resolve the labor disputes!" "Haha! Even if you give me the factory for free, I still find it too hot to hold!" said the very giant who had just raised the 3-million bid. "The National Cotton Mill is a landmine! Don't jump in—this is a bottomless pit "The giant that just bid 5 million just now said. All the other giants shook their heads and walked away. "Good heavens! What am I going to do? Even at a floor price, no one dares to buy!" The plant's leadership stomped and pounded their chest, looking deeply disappointed. The auctioneer sighed, "I've auctioned countless enterprises, but never encountered one as thoroughly in trouble as this state-owned cotton mill!" "Wheee! How can I face my colleagues back home? If I go back, the workers who have been unpaid for wages will surely tear my face apart!" The plant leader looked as miserable as a bitter gourd, truly pitiful. The plant's top leader is Director Liu, a down-to-earth middle-aged manager. The powerful, corrupt leaders—like giant insects—have drained the plant's funds, leaving only an empty shell. Director Liu was transferred from the production floor. Once the plant's top leadership departed, he became the scapegoat. With no choice but to proceed, he applied to Hanzhai City's auction house for the company's sale under unanimous decision by all employees, hoping to alleviate the crisis and settle the workers' three-month unpaid salaries. But today's situation has completely collapsed. "Director Liu was hungry and wanted to eat the meal on the table, but his wife snatched the bowl away, refusing to let him have any. At home, Director Liu felt frustrated, thinking: 'The affairs at the factory are disrupting my family life too—what a headache!' Without saying a word, he stepped out of the room and wandered aimlessly along the street, looking lost and disheartened. Daibao Mao Zhang stood with a look of disdain toward Liu Director, shouting at him, "For heaven's sake! Are you really acting like a fool? I'm short on cash right now—my three-month grain supply is gone. Today, we three are staying at your place, eating and sleeping!" Bird-moss Li Si also leaned on his strength, pointing at Liu Director and blowing out a stream of frustrated breath, saying, "Oh, wow! Didn't you used to be such a big shot when you were Director? Now, see how you can hold your own! Hurry up—my shoelaces are coming loose! Tie them for me! And this shoe is brand new—dusty with gray. Use your tongue to lick off the dust!"