But Gao Zhongming, the god of business, wouldn't listen. With a firm resolve, he shouted, "I'm offering 1.9 billion!" "Wow! A record price—actually even higher than a record!" The crowd surged like boiling water. "I'm offering 2 billion!" Autumn Masahiro revealed his bid, as easy as holding up a toy. Gao Zhongming nearly fainted, fortunately being steadied by his daughter, Gao Qingxue, who prevented him from losing his composure. "Dad! Let's go back! Our group doesn't have the strength to take on such a major enterprise. We simply can't afford it!" Gao Qingxue pleaded. "No! In the business world, I've always been decisive—what I decide, I follow through. Through ups and downs, I've finally reached this point. This time, I've made up my mind. I'll pay whatever it takes to secure this Far-reaching Company!" Gao Zhongming, as if he had carefully considered it for a long time, made his decision. Finally, he lifted the card—how heavy it felt! "Dad! Stop!" Gao Qingxue rushed to intervene, but The crowd was in a frenzy. "2.1 billion!" Gao Zhongming announced the price with deliberate emphasis. "2.5 billion!" Qiu Zhengxiong then revealed his bid, effortlessly pushing down the figure that had left everyone stunned. "3 billion!" Gao Zhongming and Qiu Zhengxiong stood firm, facing off. At this point, Qiu Zhengxiong didn't immediately reveal his bid; instead, he consulted with his two secretaries beside him, a satisfied expression on his face. "First time at 3 billion, second time at 3 billion, third time at 3 billion—deal!" The auctioneer finalized the transaction amid Gao Qingxue's repeated calls of "Stop!" Qiu Zhengxiong and his two secretaries walked out of the hall, passing by Gao Zhongming, who was nearly fainting, and Gao Qingxue, who was visibly anxious, and waved to them, saying, "The outcome isn't yet decided—there's more to come!" Lin Mingjun passed by and remarked, "Miss Gao, now you've got something to watch!" Then he and his staff departed. At that moment, Song Si'an rushed in, his face streaming with sweat, and seeing Gao Qingxue's anxious expression and Gao Zhongming's confused state, he said, "Director Ouyang, Miss Gao, I'm sorry I came late!" He then pulled out a stack of documents, led them to a quiet spot, and once they were sure no one was around, he whispered, "This is a business research report I just completed—detailed analysis of three corporate groups. Please take a look!" Gao Qingxue took the report, thanked Song Si'an warmly, quickly scanned the first few pages, and immediately her face turned pale, saying, "Professor Song, your analysis is very objective and well-reasoned. However, at this bidding session, our Lianchuang Group has already secured the Yundai Enterprise!" Only then did Song Si'an turn to the important message displayed on the large electronic screen above the auction podium: "Lianchuang Group has successfully bid for the Yundai Enterprise at a record price of 3 billion yuan!" "What? 3 billion yuan?" Song Si'an wiped his brow, saying, "I've done due research on Yuan Da Enterprise—it's actually a small computer company that went bankrupt years ago, with total assets amounting to no more than 500 million. Yet you're paying a staggering 3 billion for the acquisition. This will only lock up your company's capital. Clearly, this is a trap!" "This... this is all my fault!" Gao Zhongming patted his own head, deeply regretful. "What should we do now?" Gao Qingxue looked visibly anxious. "I don't have a clear plan either, because I still don't know which party has set this trap or what their intentions are. To uncover these details, I'll need to conduct further investigations," Song Si'an explained. "Let's set this aside—this all comes down to my father not listening to me back then!" Gao Qingxue said, then changed the subject, asking, "Teacher Song, have you seen my brother, Gao Liang?" Song Si'an shook his head. Gao Qingxue sighed lightly. When Song Si'an asked what was going on, she recounted the situation right in front of her father. Song Si'an grew increasingly anxious, while Gao Zhongming held his head, looking deeply troubled, and sighed longingly to the sky: "It's over. Our joint venture is truly doomed! I don't know where my son has gone—our entire group is now facing a crisis of survival! Heaven! What have I done wrong?" Then, with a touch of sadness, he said: "Son, I'm sorry, Dad was wrong. I shouldn't have been so harsh with you. Son, where are you? Don't let me and your mother and sister worry!" On the eighth day of the eighth lunar month, at the "Heaven and Earth" villa in Hanhai City. Chairman of Shendragon Group, Qiu Zhengxiong, his wife Xu Xianghe, and their daughter Qiu Xinxue sat around a round table made of white jade, gazing up at the full moon. Yu'e served them a fine West Lake Longjing tea, and the three of them enjoyed the tea while appreciating the moonlight. "Xinxue, Dad has a good news for you!" Next week marks the Chinese traditional festival of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when families gather and celebrate together. Given your outstanding performance and academic achievements at Saint Dorothy Mary Business School, my wife and I have decided to prepare a special gift for you!" Seeing her daughter gazing wistfully at the moon,秋正雄 said with delight. "Yes! Xin Yue, you've grown up in the United States, and this is your first Mid-Autumn Festival back home since returning to study here. We'd like to host a festive celebration just for you!" Xue Xianghe gently stroked her daughter's hair, speaking with deep affection. "Dad, Mom! I had a dream yesterday!" With her right hand resting on her chin, Xin Yue looked up at the bright, clear moon, appearing deeply reflective—her posture was simply beautiful. She wore a white pearl shirt, glowing under the moonlight as if she were a fairy herself. Her neighbor, Yu Yue, gasped in admiration, exclaiming, "Miss Xin Yue, the moon in my heart—how beautiful you are! You truly are the goddess Chang'e come to life!" "Chu Zhengxiong and his wife, Xu Xianghe, were also delighted because of their beautiful and intelligent daughter. So they gestured for their daughter to continue. "Dad, Mom! I dreamed I ate a cake that was as round as the moon—sweet and smooth, absolutely delicious! I wonder if there's any sold in the market—I really want to try it!" Chu Xingyue looked as if fully enjoying herself. "Oh?" Chu Zhengxiong and Xu Xianghe both smiled. Xu Xianghe said, "Stupid daughter, that's mooncake!" "Eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese custom!" Chu Zhengxiong then picked up the phone and called his secretary: "Hello! Zhang! This is Chu Dong. Hurry and find me the best mooncake shop for me..." "Hua Hao Yue Yuan Mooncake Shop" is the most renowned mooncake shop in Hanhai City. The general manager of the mooncake shop lost his temper with the line of master bakers: "It's a complete waste of your salaries! You can't even produce the flavor of a good mooncake—this is truly disappointing!" "Mr. General Manager!" "We specialize in traditional craftsmanship—there's no ready-made recipe for this particular flavor of mooncake!" said a mooncake master named Liu, his face solemn. "I don't care! By中秋节, you must produce this flavor of mooncake and deliver it to the Tian Shang Ren Jian Villa—otherwise, you'll have no chance at all!" Boss Gao declared firmly, issuing a final order. "Yes! Yes! Boss!" the mooncake masters responded in unison. The more he emphasized it, the more deeply regretful Mr. Akira Akiyama felt. As a chairman of an international corporate group, a prominent figure in the business world, he had achieved tremendous success this time in returning home and successfully integrating and restructuring his operations to enter and expand in the Chinese market. Yet, he had failed to fulfill even his beloved daughter's modest wish—what kind of successful person was he? For his daughter's happiness and joy, he would be willing to give everything. He and his wife treated their daughter like a precious jewel, raising her in comfort and care, free from any worries throughout her life. The strict directive was clear: the mooncake must be delivered to the family precisely at 8 a.m. on the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, or else the mooncake shop would cease to operate. In response, the managing director of Haogao Mooncake House and the master mooncake artisans had to gather their collective wisdom and seek out diverse solutions. They decided to relocate their mooncake production base to the most bustling downtown district—the Mingyue Square. After leaving Shunke Long Commercial Street, Gao Liang was completely broke, unable to take another step. He couldn't even afford a bottle of mineral water priced at 2 yuan, let alone a delicious beef rice bowl. How could it be, after all, that this time, with my old pig's reincarnation, I couldn't manage to find something to eat? "If you've got something to say, just don't come back!" My father's words still echoed in my ears. "I simply can't believe—I can't survive without you all!" A surge of unexpected passion rose within Gao Liang. After all, I, Gao Liang, the esteemed Net Pavilion Messenger, had tasted the finest delicacies across the land, never worried about food or clothing! As he was thinking this, he didn't realize he had already arrived at Mingyue Square—wow! So many people gathered there, engaged in some kind of event. Gao Liang approached and saw, smiled—he was there for a free mooncake tasting event. After reviewing the rules, he learned that anyone who could offer a good suggestion or improvement for the mooncakes would receive a complimentary "Full Moon and Perfect Harmony" mooncake. An elderly lady was hungry and, without a word, picked up a delicate mooncake from the display counter and began to devour it. Seeing this, Master Liu didn’t stop her, but smiled and said, “Madam, don’t hold your breath—take your time and enjoy!” The lady’s eyes sparkled as she chewed and mumbled, “Delicious! Delicious!” “Madam, could you please share any suggestions for improvement?” Liu asked. “Excellent! This is the best mooncake I’ve ever tasted!” Still chewing, she took advantage of the attendants’ attention and casually picked up two large mooncakes from the counter, quickly tucking them into her apron. But one middle-aged attendant noticed her and, unlike Liu, was quite upset. He shouted, “You’re such a greedy lady—neither offering a single suggestion nor even paying! You treat us like a charitable organization! Tell me, are you going to let us all retire en masse tomorrow?” “No way! Your mooncakes are nationally renowned!” How could it be...” A middle-aged man wearing glasses offered a reasonable remark before speaking up. “It’s a pity—I’ve just started my job and now I’m facing dismissal. My wife and children still depend on my salary at home. Oh, it’s so frustrating! I’ll stop! I’ll stop!” The middle-aged mooncake master looked utterly helpless and resigned. Gao Liang interjected: “I’m here—your job security is guaranteed!” “You—you’re who?” The mooncake master widened his eyes, noticing a handsome young man. He smiled and said, “Go on, go on—there’s no time for games!” He waved Gao Liang off. Gao Liang thought: “If the place doesn’t keep me, then I’ll find my own way. After all, I’m a full-fledged Net-Heaven Envoy—what could I possibly lack in this world?” So he decided to leave, only to be called back by Liu Master beside him. “Young man, I sense you’re not just being casual,” Liu said. “If you have any suggestions, please share them with us—we’ll take them seriously!” After finishing his words, Liu took out a specially crafted mooncake—surely the finest one for a "full moon and full harvest." He said, "Try it first! Then give me your feedback!" Gao Liang was hungry and replied, "I haven't had lunch yet—I'll eat first and then decide!" With that, he devoured his mooncakes with great enthusiasm, while the twelve mooncake artisans nearby stared in amazement, whispering among themselves. "I think this man is just pretending to eat!" remarked the middle-aged mooncake artisan. "Exactly! Look at him—wow! He's already had ten, no, twelve, large mooncakes—now the mooncakes are all gone!" Another artisan sighed sadly. Gao Liang paid no attention to the murmurs. He wasn't just eating for the sake of it—he also requested three bottles of mineral water and finished them all. "He's truly eating and drinking! Wow!" the onlookers shouted excitedly. "He's just like the Pig King I saw on TV yesterday—someone who can eat and work at the same time!" "Great!" one girl clapped her hands with delight. "Hey, how do you think the taste is, young man?" Master Liu asked with hopeful anticipation. "W-what taste? I was so eager to eat it, I didn't even notice!" Gao Liang burped and spoke hesitantly. The twelve-months-old pastry master was utterly disappointed, sighed deeply, and said, "We're going to pack up and head back to our hometown tomorrow!" Gao Liang smiled and only said to Master Liu, "Quick, bring me paper and pen—I'll write down a recipe. I'm certain it'll be better than this mooncake!" "You don't even know what this mooncake tastes like, how can you possibly be sure your recipe is better?" the middle-aged pastry master said with disdain. "Believe it or not!" Gao Liang said, then waved his hand and walked off. Master Liu, holding the ingredient list, felt his furrowed brows relax—what a rare method of preparation! He then called out to the now-distant Gao Liang, "Young man, you're truly outstanding! Thank you!" Highlight didn't turn around, as if he hadn't heard at all, and walked off. Master Liu waved to the twelve mooncake makers and said, "Time to close up!" So the twelve mooncake makers gathered their items and removed the display. On Friday, after Saint Dorothy Mary Business School finished its classes, Zhao Yuanhang, Fan Weizhe, and Zuo Tianpei met outside the school gates. Zhao Yuanhang spat into the school's courtyard and exclaimed, "The school really is a big prison!" Zuo Tianpei sighed and said, "Since Highlight has left, I've always felt something odd about it." Fan Weizhe brightened and said, "Let's go find him! Let's spend this weekend together!" Zhao Yuanhang tapped his right finger once, then dialed High Light's phone on speaker, and heard the familiar voice: "The phone you're calling has been suspended due to overdue charges." "What? Suspended due to overdue charges?" Zhao Yuanhang couldn't believe it—now even his own ears seemed to be doubting him. "Did Highlight deliberately avoid us?" Zuo Tianpei said, as if joking. "I don't think so—I've got a strange feeling something's wrong!" Fan Weizhe suddenly had this inexplicable intuition. "What are you waiting for? Let's go find him!" Zhao Yuanhang grew increasingly anxious. So the three of them decided to first head to Gao Liang's regular spot—the Tian Wai You Tian Taekwondo Gym—and if that didn't work, they'd go to Ouyang's villa. On the way, Zhao Yuanhang pulled left Tianpei and Fan Weizhe into the Royal Limited Edition Jewelry Store, where the dazzling array of jewelry dazzled them all. "Mr. Customer, which piece would you like?" the store's attendant warmly greeted them. After a moment's hesitation, Zhao Yuanhang said, "I remember seeing a crystal bracelet here last time—but I can't find it now." The attendant immediately handed them a brochure titled "Royal Jewelry Insights." All three of them studied it in silence, marveling—because they noticed that every piece on the brochure was limited edition. It was just like their own smartphones, basketball shoes, and laptops, which were also released in limited runs. All three of them suddenly became enthusiastic, eager to purchase any limited-edition item. After about five minutes, Zhao Yuanhang finally brightened up and clapped his hands, saying, "Madam, the one I'm looking for is exactly her!" The lady smiled gently and replied, "I'm sorry, this limited edition was just sold out yesterday. If you'd like it, we can place an order for you." Without hesitation, Zhao Yuanhang pulled out a credit card and, with a graceful motion, swiped one ten-thousand-yuan amount on the card terminal. The lady then filled out the order form with a warm smile. Turning to Fan Weizhe and Zuo Tianpei, she asked, "Could I ask you gentlemen what you would like to order?" Fan Weizhe had already taken a keen interest in the LYCHEE bracelet featured in Royal Jewelry Insights. That day, while having coffee at the café in the largest book and audio-visual store in Hanhai City, Chen Yanling had casually spotted a jewelry feature that matched her own design—seemingly offering two variations. If memory served, Chen Yanling's was the B version, so he decided to order the A version. Fan Weizhe presented his request, only to find the lady said it wasn't available. However, if he wished, it could be purchased in France and shipped over—though it would be quite expensive, at 20,000 yuan. Without hesitation, Fan Weizhe agreed. After the lady reported the request to the manager and the order form was duly filled out according to procedure, Fan Weizhe smoothly swiped his card. Both felt satisfied and clapped their hands with a sense of having accomplished something significant. Zuo Tianpei hadn't discovered the items he truly cared about and was about to shake his head and leave when the lady called him back: "Sir, we have just a rare, out-of-print music diamond necklace here!" "Out-of-print? A music necklace?" Zuo Tianpei was immediately intrigued. Zhao Yuanhang and Fan Weizhe followed the lady's gesture. "Wonderful! A crystal necklace! A crystal necklace!" Zhao Yuanhang and Fan Weizhe exclaimed in unison. "It plays different music based on the wearer's mood! I'll demonstrate right away!" The lady indeed demonstrated, and all three of them shouted in excitement: "YES! YES!" YES!" Zuo Tianpei immediately proceeded without hesitation, swiped his card, spent 40,000, and didn't even blink, taking the items. Just as Zhao Yuanhang and Fan Weizhe had left, music teacher Liang Qin Yun arrived hurriedly with a beautifully designed product brochure.