Excitedly told Zhao Wei: "Dad! Xiao Long is truly talented! He's a college graduate from the countryside, and now he's become an outstanding technical engineer at the company—his performance is excellent. I always knew Xiao Long would succeed!" Zhao Wei leaned slightly, glanced sideways at Gao Qiang, and snorted coldly, saying, "Really?" Clearly showing his lack of respect, which made Gao Qiang feel uncomfortable. He wanted to stand up and say hello before leaving, but Yu Yan kept pulling him to sit, even personally brewing him a cup of fine tea, insisting that he stay for a while. While Gao Qiang was reluctantly agreeing to drink tea, Yu Yan pulled her father Zhao Wei aside and began talking with him. After a while, Yu Yan happily said to Gao Qiang, "My dad has finally agreed—he wants to talk to you alone! You'd better make a good impression. Here, go to that room—my dad has already gone in! Please talk well and have a good chat. I'll be waiting for you right here!" In a beautifully furnished room in the main hall, Zhao Wei, chairman of China's Second Group Corporation, sat across from Gao Liang, a technical engineer from Binhai City's Hao Shisu Auto Sales Company, facing each other at the tea table. Zhao Wei leaned back against his executive chair, one leg crossed over the other, casually lighting a premium American-imported cigarette and inhaling deeply. Through the haze of smoke, he began speaking: "Gao Liang, my daughter has just given me a detailed account of your situation. I sincerely appreciate the care and support you've shown her over the past nine years. But you and she come from two entirely different worlds—there's simply no way for you to be together. As for her happiness, you simply can't offer it. Moreover, my business associates' son has a strong affection for Yu Yan, and both our families are quite supportive of this match, actively working to make it happen. A successful union between us would greatly benefit both our businesses. Therefore, I hope you will step aside. I believe that without your involvement, Yu Yan will agree to this match." "Uncle, you've misunderstood me. I only see Yu Yan as my younger sister—I have no such intentions." Gao Liang clearly stated his position, emphasizing that he viewed Yu Yan merely as a sister. "You're still defending yourself, and somehow you've managed to employ some clever strategy that has kept my daughter constantly talking to me, insisting that I agree to your proposals. I've never seen my daughter so deeply invested in someone—she's absolutely head over heels." Zhao Wei continued to glance at Gao Liang with a sideways expression. "I haven't used any strategy at all. Yu Yan's feelings for me are indeed as deeply committed as you've described, but that's all on her own initiative. I've always treated her as my sister, and I have never harbored any special intentions beyond that." Gao Liang reiterated his stance. "You young men—so financially strapped, so desperate for money—that you're willing to do anything for it. I've seen that time and again. You've finally stopped pretending! I know you're trying to win my daughter's affection as a stepping stone, with the ultimate goal of securing our family's assets." Zhao Wei exhaled a large plume of smoke, his eyes fixed and intense. "Though I am poor, I am proud in my poverty. I believe that as long as we work hard, success will come. I will never be the dishonorable, unprincipled person you describe. Please respect my dignity!" His tone was firm and resolute, aiming to convey to Zhao Wei that a person's spirit remains unbroken even when financially struggling—belief in effort guarantees eventual success. Unable to continue the conversation, Gao Liang remained courteous, gestured to Zhao Wei, and stepped out. Yu Yan asked, "Xiaolong, how did it go with your father?" Gao Liang shook his head and said, "I'm leaving!" Yu Yan replied, "Xiaolong, don't go! I just love you! I've said I'd marry you, and I will surely keep my promise." At that moment, Zhao Wei, Yu Yan's father, stepped out, visibly angry. "Enough, Yan! Stop this now!" You and Gao Peng, Gao Uncle's son, are perfectly matched—only Gao Peng can bring you true happiness. Moreover, your marriage to Gao Peng would be highly beneficial to Dad's business!" Yu Yan pouted, looking unhappy. "You always think only about your business, never mind my feelings. You're a selfish father—never truly thinking about my happiness. You only consider your business at every turn. Just like Mom married you—she never felt happy, and you never cared for her. She was never truly content. I simply won't follow her footsteps!" "You! You're absolutely outrageous! Utterly disrespectful! How dare you speak to Dad like that! You're the one who's unreasonable!" Liu Qingsong was truly furious now. Yet Yu Yan wouldn't let go, continuing, "You are utterly unreasonable. You never care about me or about Mom. Mom is so weak, so considerate and obedient—she truly tires me out. You simply don't deserve to be my mother's husband, nor do you deserve to be my father!" Zhao Wei's face turned pale and said, "You really want to drive me to the point of collapse." With a sharp sound, Zhao Wei slapped Yu Yan across the face. Yu Yan covered her face, crying, "You actually hit me! You've never hit me before!" As she prepared to rush out, Xiao Long stopped her. Xiao Long said, "Yu Yan! Don't make things difficult with Dad just because of me. I don't deserve such treatment. Let me apologize to him. After all, he's your father—your father, and he's always acting in your best interest. It's only natural that he's kind-hearted and patient. You were a bit overbearing just now—please, don't act so stubborn!" Hearing Xiao Long's words, Yu Yan became obedient and approached her father, saying, "Dad, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things "Xiao Long said, 'Uncle, I'm truly sorry. Because of my arrival, I've made your father and daughter uncomfortable. I'm leaving now!' After saying this, Hao Liang walked away, and Zhao Yuqian called after him in vain. At that moment, Zhao Yuqian's mother, Sun Yanuo, also descended from the upstairs, pulled her daughter aside, and gently advised, 'Ming'er, you were rather harsh with Dad just now. Do you know how much he loves you? He's only doing this because he wants you to have a better future. Dad's friend, Gao Uncle, has a very good son—someone you've certainly heard of. If the two families can become in-laws, it will be a win-win situation.' 'Mom, you're also speaking up for Dad!' Yuqian exclaimed, her eyes wide open. 'Not just for Dad! It's because you're my daughter. We're both thinking about your future. Isn't that what every parent wants for their daughter—marrying her into a good family?' "I think Mr. Gao's son, Gao Peng, is well-dressed and truly talented," Li said, before she could finish. Just then, a group of guests arrived from the villa. The gatekeeper greeted them with respectful nods and bows. Leading the group was a young man dressed in a high-end branded suit, with a distinguished appearance. As he entered and saw Zhao Wei, as well as Sun Yanuo and Zhao Yuanyan, he bowed politely and said, "Uncle Zhao, Aunt Zhao, Yuanyan, I've just returned from the United States! This is my gift for you—please accept it, Uncle and Aunt!" With that, he presented the gifts. Zhao Wei happily took them: a fine Cabernet Franc red wine and a premium ginseng gift box, the Chinese Treasure. It was clear that the wine was for Uncle Zhao, and the ginseng for Aunt Zhao. Both Zhao Wei and Sun Yanuo gratefully accepted the gifts, delighted. Zhao Wei smiled and said, "It's really thoughtful of Gao Peng, nephew! My father called me just now!" "I didn't expect you to come so quickly!" Sun Yanuo also praised Gao Peng, remarking how thoughtful and considerate he was—how well he understood people's needs. Gao Peng glanced at Zhao Yuyan, smiled warmly at her radiant appearance and the appreciative glances she was receiving, then turned to Zhao Wei and said, "It's all for Yuyan, isn't it?" As he spoke, he glanced back at Yuyan again. Zhao Yuyan sighed, exasperated, saying, "Gao Peng, are you always this annoying? I just returned from abroad, and you're already here!" "Madam, please don't be angry! This is the gift I've brought!" Gao Peng beamed with enthusiasm, taking a high-end platinum necklace from his attendant and presenting it with great courtesy. "Esteemed Miss Li, I've followed you all the way from here to the Pacific, and no matter how wide the ocean, my longing for you has never wavered. This is the gift I've specially ordered—after six months of effort, from the Royal Jewelry Group in Italy. It arrived just yesterday, and I've brought it especially for you today. Please, don't refuse it!" Zhao Yuyan looked at the exquisite necklace she had long dreamed of, her eyes wide with delight, clearly filled with anticipation. Yet in her heart, only Gao Huang had held a special place, so even though the necklace was perfectly crafted, she had not personally gone to receive it. "Miss, shall I wear it for you?" Gao Peng seized the opportunity to speak. Zhao Yuyan blushed slightly. If it had been Gao Huang who offered, she would have happily accepted—but it was Gao Peng, so she remained unmoved. The nine-year promise still echoed in her mind, forever indelible, something no costly platinum necklace could ever replace. The moment became somewhat awkward, making Gao Peng feel a little embarrassed. Yet beside them, Sun Yano smiled warmly and took the gift, saying, "Yuyan is just shy! Sorry for that! I'll take it, Mother!" Gao Huang returned home to the Guoyuan residential area. His friend Liu Qingsong came over, noticing his mood was a bit down, and asked him what was wrong. Highlight had originally intended to keep it a secret, but even his lies fell short, since Liu Qingsong knew Highlight’s personality very well. When he realized he couldn’t hide it anymore, Highlight gave a full account of what had happened. Liu Qingsong listened in stunned silence: “Zhang! They’ve underestimated us completely! When our Zhang becomes successful, we’ll have them to watch!” “Don’t comfort me anymore! By the way, buddy, I can’t go to work tomorrow—will you please take a day off for me?” Highlight entrusted Liu Qingsong with the request. “You’ve got this, Zhang! Just make sure you take good care of yourself at home!” Liu Qingsong sensed that Highlight was feeling particularly low—not because of Zhao Yuyan’s heavenly beauty, but because of how much his father had looked down on him. He needed to prove himself once again. So he said, “Zhang, how about I take you to the Binhai Park for a bit of fresh air?” “No thanks! I’ll be fine after just one day of rest!” Highlight lay motionless on his Simalong bed, completely still. "Alright, if that guy has any issues, just give me a call!" Liu Qingsong said and then left. The next day, Liu Qingsong arrived at work and directly took high-light's leave to the department manager Zhang Shijie of the Sales and Technology Department. Just after settling into his position and working for less than half an hour, Shě Níngbīng's secretary came by, asking Liu Qingsong to go to Shě Níngbīng's office. In the general manager's office, Shě Níngbīng was frowning at a document. She turned to Liu Qingsong upon his arrival and said, "Liu, High-light has taken his leave today. But he's essential to resolve this matter. Can you ask him to come in now?" "I'll try calling him!" As soon as the general manager spoke, Liu Qingsong immediately picked up the phone. "Hello! The line you're trying to reach is currently off the hook!" The voice from the other end was the prompt from China Mobile. Liu Qingsong stared, saying, "General Manager, Li's phone is off the hook!" "Well, then, let's just drop it. Oh, what a pity!" Xie Ningbing sighed in disappointment. Guo Huang's absence today was truly unfortunate—many key matters at the company simply couldn't do without him. The next day, when Guo Huang arrived at the Sales and Technology Department, he hadn't even had a chance to swipe his card before being pulled aside by Xie Ningbing's secretary. Liu Qing saw this and gestured, saying, "Li, Mr. Xie had already scheduled a meeting with you yesterday—there must be something urgent! Go quickly—I'll help you swipe your card!" Upon entering the general manager's office, Xie Ningbing didn't notice Guo Huang's slightly subdued expression and immediately said, "Xiaolong, we've got a major development! Yesterday, the second group of China sent another representative who announced that, starting now, they will cease purchasing our computer products!" After speaking, she handed him a document. Guo Huang quickly scanned it and said, "I've actually anticipated this development. I know exactly what their intentions are." "Xiaolong, once you put it that way, I really understand now. Although the report says our company hasn't met the import standards, that's nonsense. There's another reason cited—another company produces products of the same type, priced 20% lower than ours. But I simply can't believe that! If it's 20% lower, and I've personally verified the figures with the accounting staff, that's a loss-making business. How could any other company go that far and still maintain such a price?" Xie Ningbing looked puzzled and helpless. "This must be intentional," Gao Liang chuckled. "Just one more hurdle for you." Xie Ningbing changed the subject: "The representative from yesterday seemed to have come specifically to you, saying they wanted to demonstrate head-to-head against you, to see who would win. If you win, they'll continue importing our products. You'll have to step up and turn our company's situation around. You're not close to Zhao Yuxian, are you? If it's possible..." "Forget it!" "I won't back down on this—there's nothing impressive about it! Are you going to make fun of me?" High Light felt deeply hurt. He realized that his friend Xie Ningbing cared only about the company, never considering his personal feelings. "Go on, buddy! I know Zhang is heartbroken. But don't retreat—if you don't go, that young man will think we're afraid!" At that moment, a voice came from behind. Xie Ningbing and High Light turned around and saw Liu Qingsong, who had arrived without them knowing, puffing out his chest. "Alright! I'll give it a try—no matter the outcome!" Seeing that he couldn't escape, High Light made his best effort to fight. He wanted to see just how strong his opponent was. The match began! That day, the weather wasn't great—cloudy and gloomy, as if the sky itself were unhappy. The event took place at the People's Square in Binhai City, the city's most bustling and lively downtown area. So many people had gathered, filling the streets and surrounding spaces. Two handsome men stepped onto the stage. The events were all set by the opposing side. The first event was taekwondo. Gao Peng took the field, moving with graceful agility and looking down his nose at Gao Liang. A large crowd gathered—members of Xie Ningbing's company were all there, cheering and shouting. On Gao Peng's side, his numerous assistants and aides were present, and also Zhao Wei, the chairman of the Second Group, who wanted to observe closely how these two asymmetric men would compete. The two most anxious participants were Zhao Yuanyan and Xie Ningbing. Zhao Yuanyan had come specifically for Gao Liang; she hoped Gao Liang would defeat Gao Peng so that her dreams could come true. Xie Ningbing, however, always thought from the perspective of her company's overall interests, hoping Gao Liang would win so that her company could regain its major export contract. Liu Qingsong was silently cheering for Gao Liang, his friend. The match began with Hao Liang launching an aggressive attack, but unfortunately, Gao Peng's footwork was too precise. Before Hao Liang could even touch Gao Peng with his hands, the latter sent him sprawling with a well-placed right foot. Hao Liang landed heavily on the ground and was unable to rise. "Black belt, third degree—indeed no empty title! He settled the match right from the start!" Someone in the crowd shouted, and upon turning, it was clear that a teammate from Gao Peng's side was enthusiastically gesturing. "Look at that young man—he's a white belt, clearly clueless. No wonder he lost right from the start!" With the teammate's reminder, another more observant spectator joined in. "Hah! Li what's-his-name! Today you want to challenge me? I'm going to leave you in a heap!" Gao Peng laughed heartily. Xie Ningbing and Zhao Yuanyan both grew concerned for Hao Liang. The second event was a car race—whichever driver completed a full circuit around the square and reached the finish line first would win. It was a test of driving skill. Gao Peng had participated in numerous international racing events. As soon as he got into the car, he executed a smooth, expert maneuver, flooring the accelerator and speeding off. Gao Liang, on the other hand, had never driven this type of car before—having only seen it on television—and didn’t even know how to operate it. As a result, his performance was entirely unpredictable. By the time Gao Liang got comfortable and started the car, Gao Peng had already crossed the finish line. Xie Ningbing and Zhao Yanyan sighed in admiration at this clearly unequal race, while Zhao Wei enthusiastically raised his thumb in approval toward Gao Peng, as if to say: Gao Peng, excellent! Outstanding! Liu Qingsong looked utterly helpless, though the outcome was actually well within expectations. Li, after all, had never been particularly familiar with these things—today’s race, in fact, didn’t even require a comparison; the winner was already evident. For the next race, just as the host was about to announce the results, Xie Ningbing couldn’t contain her excitement. She firmly believed in Gao Liang’s potential, though the first two events had been areas where he wasn’t particularly strong— Thus, she thought on her feet and said to the host, "I'd like to propose a question that tests a different kind of ability!" The host, with a haughty tone, replied, "Don't forget—our game rules stipulate that the right to propose questions lies with Gao Peng!" "Let her propose it!" Gao Peng interjected, looking particularly pleased. Xie Ningbing then proposed her question, waving her hand to indicate that Liu Qingsong should step forward, to which Liu promptly responded.