My heart is tied to that sky

Chapter 14 Brothers Gather, Iron Triangle Formed

Winter in Zhejiang is damp and cold as needles. Outside the window, the river wind carries fine raindrops that patter against the glass, making a soft "shush" sound.

Tang Muyang sat at the wooden table in his office, his phone screen lit up under the dim light of the desk lamp.

Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui's replies were delivered one after the other, without any unnecessary probing or hesitation.

Tang Jianguo, who was far away in the northern region of Kyoto Hengxin, replied with great anticipation.

"Muyang, my heart can finally rest easy. I'm taking my leave this afternoon and will arrive in three days."

When you open the second chat box, Peng Jiahui's tone is melancholic, but also reveals years of suppressed resentment.

"Seven years have passed, and I can finally rejoin the team. See you in a few days!"

Tang Muyang closed the Motorola, feeling a surge of emotion.

Yes, it's been several years since I left the battlefield of the Special Economic Zone in 1998.

The three brothers, who grew up together and fought their way through hardships, are ready to reunite.

If you ask, I'll come; if you start a business, I'll support you; if you fall on hard times, we'll stay together.

Qingyang Industrial has just been established and has not yet truly gained a foothold. The office is small, simply decorated, and lacks grandeur.

But once these two brothers stepped through the door, this place was no longer his battlefield alone.

Three days later, Tang Muyang waited early at the most conspicuous spot at the exit of the train station.

With his hands deeply tucked into his coat pockets, his fingertips tracing the rough texture of the lining, his gaze steadily fixed on the direction from which the crowd was flowing out.

A long "toot" sounded as the train's arrival announcement echoed through the empty square.

People began to pour out of the exit like a flood bursting its banks.

A familiar figure dragging an old suitcase came into his line of sight.

Immediately afterwards, another tall, thin man carrying a bulging canvas bag appeared in the crowd.

Tang Muyang waved his hand, his voice trembling with excitement.

"Jianguo! Jiahui! I'm here!"

Ignoring the dirty water and thin ice on the ground, he strode forward to meet them.

Upon hearing the shout, Tang Jianguo abruptly raised his head.

The moment their eyes met, the tough guy who had followed him through thick and thin in the north for many years instantly had tears welling up in his eyes.

He dropped the suitcase in his hand, spread his arms, and charged forward like a raging bull.

"Muyang!"

"Bang!" The two collided heavily. Tang Muyang was knocked back half a step, but a hot, warm current surged in his chest.

"Mu Yang! How could I be left out!"

Peng Jiahui rushed over and threw the canvas bag on the ground.

The three of them instantly huddled together.

That night, the simple house that Tang Muyang had initially rented was brightly lit.

Outside, the cold wind howled, rattling against the glass with a "whooshing" sound, while inside, it was warm and cozy.

Gong Yiqing, wearing an apron, walked out of the kitchen carrying several freshly cooked Hangzhou-style home-style dishes, a gentle smile on her face.

A dish of Dongpo pork, oily and tender; a plate of stir-fried pork with dried bamboo shoots, fresh and flavorful; add a dish of steamed sea bass and a dish of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, all authentic Zhejiang flavors.

Despite her young age and privileged background, she cooks authentic and heartwarming home-style dishes, and is sensible and independent.

"Quick, eat it while it's hot! Brother Jianguo, Jia Hui, this place feels just like home."

Gong Yiqing placed the dishes one by one on the slightly wobbly folding table, and poured the three of them a full glass of Lao Bai Gan (a type of Chinese liquor).

She wiped the fine sweat from her forehead while joking with a smile.

"Mu Yang always says you are his brothers who would risk their lives for him, and seeing you all today, I can see you are indeed all forthright and generous men!"

Tang Jianguo picked up his wine glass, looked at the lively atmosphere in the room, then at his brothers beside him and the gentle woman in front of him, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

He stood up, raised his glass with both hands, and looked very serious.

"Muyang, sister-in-law, I, Tang Jianguo, will drink this glass first as a sign of respect!"

"Back in the village, we were brothers who would risk our lives for each other. Today in Zhejiang, you're still thinking of your brothers. From now on, my life belongs to Qingyang Industry!"

After saying that, he tilted his head back, the strong liquor went down his throat, making him grimace, but he didn't spill a drop.

"Brother, sister-in-law! I'm a rough man, but I know that following Mu Yang is the right thing to do!"

Peng Jiahui, not to be outdone, stood up with red eyes.

"This glass is a toast to our future, a toast to our inseparable trio!"

"good!"

Tang Muyang raised his wine glass, and Gong Yiqing smiled and raised her glass as well, offering tea instead of wine.

"Brothers, let's not talk nonsense today. After this drink, from now on, Qingyang Industry will be our foundation for fighting together!"

"Dry!"

Four wine glasses clinked heavily in the air, the crisp sound echoing in the small room like a thunderclap on that deep winter night in 2005.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, and a warm, slightly tipsy feeling lingered in their eyes, so the conversation gradually slowed down.

Gong Yiqing got up quietly and cleaned up the leftover food on the table. Her movements were gentle and efficient, and she wiped the table clean in no time.

She took out a celadon tea set, grabbed a pinch of authentic West Lake Longjing tea, poured boiling water over it, and the refreshing aroma of the tea instantly filled the small room.

"After a long and tiring journey, have a cup of tea to sober up."

Gong Yiqing handed the hot tea to the three of them, her tone considerate and thoughtful.

"I've already arranged accommodations. They're right next to this building, two neatly furnished small suites, clean and bright. You two can each have your own room, and you'll be comfortable there."

Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui felt a surge of warmth in their hearts, never expecting her to be so thoughtful.

Tang Muyang looked at his considerate lover beside him, his eyes warmed, and he said in a deep voice.

"Jianguo, Jiahui, get some rest tonight. We'll discuss our division of labor and the company's plans in detail tomorrow morning in the office."

"Okay! I'll listen to Brother Muyang!"

"Thank you for your help, sister-in-law!"

"Take your keys. It's a short walk up to the next floor, and it's windy at night, so wear an extra layer."

Gong Yiqing took two keys and handed them to the two men respectively.

After a brief farewell, Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui returned to their respective residences.

The small house gradually quieted down, leaving only a faint aroma of tea, enveloping the room in warmth.

That night, the weary travelers were able to rest, and all three of them were full of energy, waiting for dawn.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.

Tang Muyang then led Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui into the office of Qingyang Industry.

Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on the simple office desk and chairs.

Gong Yiqing had already neatly arranged the hot tea, documents, paper, and pens on the table, and quietly stepped aside.

Tang Muyang spread out the financial statements and project schedule, holding a red pen in his hand, his expression serious.

"Jianguo, Jiahui, we've finished the pleasantries last night. Today, we need to get serious."

Tang Muyang tapped his finger on a redevelopment plan.

"This is our biggest project right now, and it's our capital to turn things around. But the cash flow on the books is very tight, and we can't afford to make any mistakes."

The two instantly stopped laughing, sat up straight, and stared intently at the blueprints and reports on the table.

Just then—

"Ring ring—!"

A sudden, urgent cell phone ring broke the silence in the room.

The Motorola logo on the corner of Tang Muyang's desk lit up, and a string of unfamiliar numbers from Guangdong province stood out starkly on the screen.

He took a deep breath to suppress his anxiety, then slowly picked up the phone, pressed the speakerphone button, and placed it in the center of the table.

"Hey, Mr. Lin."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a deep, resonant Cantonese accent.

"Young Tang, I've made up my mind."

The air seemed to freeze at that moment.

"I looked at that blank check for a long time. In my life, I, Lin Mo, have seen too many bosses who only want to bribe people. You are the first to give me complete control over the choice. You said you want to do something that can be passed down through generations, something that cannot be measured by a single check."

"Yes. I mean what I say." Tang Muyang's eyes sharpened slightly, his tone steady and powerful.

"Okay." Lin Mo's tone was firm.

"I'm selling this old man of mine, Lin Mo, to you. I'll be in Zhejiang next Monday. Tang Muyang, don't let me down."

"It's a deal! Mr. Lin, I'll be waiting for you at the station!"

The phone hangs up.

A few seconds later, Peng Jiahui slapped his thigh and roared excitedly.

"Okay! My goodness! Lin Mo agreed and came!"

"Great! That's fantastic! Mu Yang, your taste is simply divine!"

Tang Jianguo also stood up excitedly.

After hearing Lin Mo's words, Tang Muyang's tense shoulders finally relaxed, and his fingertips even trembled slightly with excitement.

"Brothers, since Elder Lin is willing to come, we can't let him down. He's not just a craftsman; he's the technological soul of Qingyang Industry."

"Jiahui, you should personally pick them up at the station on Monday to show your sincerity."

"Jianguo, you're in charge of making sure your dorm and studio are perfectly set up."

With Lin Mo's joining the company, the gears of resource integration have begun to turn at high speed.

Tang Muyang picked up a red pen and drew three circles on a piece of white paper.

"Jianguo, you're in charge of 'finance'."

Tang Muyang pointed to the circle on the left.

"The supply chain and finances are entirely in your hands. Mr. Lin needs the best raw materials, and Jia Hui needs the most sophisticated equipment. All this money and goods must pass through your hands. You have to keep a tight grip on this; not a single screw can be lost."

"Okay! I understand. I'll keep a close eye on the supply chain. As long as I'm involved, our procurement costs will definitely be lower than the market price!"

Tang Jianguo nodded emphatically, his eyes sharp and steady.

Tang Muyang nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Peng Jiahui.

"Jiahui, you're in charge of the 'skills'."

Tang Muyang pointed to the circle on the right.

"Production, R&D, and equipment—it's all yours. Old Lin is our pillar of strength, but we can't rely on him alone. You have to build a technical team for me. We need to do real business; without solid technology, it's all just empty talk. You have to establish the process standards for me; I need products that can be passed down through generations."

Just as Peng Jiahui was about to speak, a series of light footsteps came from the doorway.

Zhou Yanting walked in carrying a stack of reports.

She was Tang Muyang's longtime assistant. When Tang Muyang started his own business, he promoted her to CFO. She was steady, meticulous, and reliable.

"Mr. Tang, these are the recent cash flow statements. I'm bringing them to you."

As soon as Zhou Yanting finished speaking, her gaze inadvertently swept over the crowd, but when it landed on the man carrying a canvas bag with honest yet sharp eyes, she paused for half a second for no apparent reason.

Peng Jiahui happened to look up as well, and felt as if something had gently bumped into his heart. He scratched his head, somewhat afraid to look directly into those clear eyes.

A light blush crept onto Zhou Yanting's cheeks, and her eyes softened.

There were no extra words, just that one moment of eye contact, and it was as if a thin thread was gently tied to their hearts.

They were attracted to each other and harbored a secret, unspoken affection.

Tang Muyang noticed the subtle atmosphere and smiled inwardly, but spoke calmly.

"Director Zhou, this is perfect. Jia Hui is about to import a batch of equipment, which requires a large amount of capital. Please provide your full support. From now on, the technical department and the finance department will be the company's 'technology' and 'money,' so we need to communicate and coordinate more."

"I understand Peng's needs. As long as the procedures are in place, I can disburse the funds at any time."

Zhou Yanting nodded gently, her voice soft and warm.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Yanting."

Peng Jiahui looked at her, his tone sincere yet tinged with shyness.

The way he called out "Yanting" was natural and carried a hint of intimacy.

Zhou Yanting felt a warmth in her heart, smiled faintly, and did not shy away.

Tang Jianguo, who was watching from the side, understood what was going on and smiled along with him, but didn't point it out. He just listened attentively to the work arrangements.

Tang Muyang felt much more at ease.

The iron triangle in their careers has already taken shape, and even the bond between brothers is quietly taking root.

As evening approached, Gong Yiqing appeared at the office door on time, smiling at Tang Muyang.

She walked gently to his side and naturally picked up his coat.

Tang Muyang immediately smiled, lowered his voice, and spoke with a mix of affection and amusement.

"Having a wife is great; someone always picks you up after get off work. Why don't you... get married soon?"

Gong Yiqing's cheeks flushed red. She reached out and gently patted him, both shy and reproachful. She also glanced around instinctively, afraid that Tang Jianguo and Peng Jiahui would hear.

She lowered her voice and whispered, "You wish!"

Tang Muyang was silent for a few seconds, looked at her seriously, and spoke softly.

"Let's set a date, May 1st, and get married back in Xiaoxiang."

Gong Yiqing looked up suddenly, her eyes filled with surprise and joy, her heart pounding wildly. She nodded gently, her voice as soft as cotton.

"Hmm... whatever you say."

No sooner had he said that than Tang Jianguo, who was standing next to him, burst into laughter and came over.

"I knew something was off about you two earlier, turns out you were talking about some great news! Congratulations, brother and sister-in-law! We have to have a big celebration!"

Peng Jiahui immediately joined in, grinning mischievously.

"That's great! Now I can officially call her 'sister-in-law'! Congratulations, brother! Congratulations, sister-in-law! May you have a baby soon!"

The office was instantly filled with laughter and blessings.

That evening, Gong Yiqing went back to her parents' home with Tang Muyang.

When Gong Chong'an and Su Wanqing saw that their daughter and son-in-law were living a happy and stable life, that their company team was well-organized, and that their business was thriving, they couldn't hide their joy.

Gong Chong'an held his teacup, silently making up his mind.

What are those hundreds of thousands compared to now? From now on, he will use all of Zhejiang's connections, resources, chambers of commerce, and channels to fully support his daughter and son-in-law.

Su Wanqing held Gong Yiqing's hand, becoming more and more satisfied with the look.

"Work hard, your family will always be your support."

Tang Muyang thanked him sincerely, his heart filled with warmth.

He then called his elder brother, Tang Pingsheng, to formally inform him of the marriage.

"Big brother, Yiqing and I are engaged. We're getting married in Xiaoxiang on May 1st!"

"Really? That's wonderful! As the eldest brother, I'll make sure your wedding is grand and impressive!"

In the blink of an eye, it was spring of 2006. In the old factory building of Qingyang Industrial, which was being converted into an office area, the red brick walls were covered with new green vines.

Beneath his feet lay a newly laid lawn, and in his hand was a strategic blueprint for entering markets outside the province.

Tang Muyang, Tang Jianguo, and Peng Jiahui stood side by side.

Tang Muyang raised his wine glass, the wind rustling the hem of his clothes.

"Brothers, in 2005, we rallied together in Zhejiang and established ourselves. In 2006, we will let Qingyang's flag fly all over Jiangnan! On May 1st, I will return to Hunan to marry the love of my life!"

"Wherever my brother points, I'll fight! I'll follow even through mountains of knives and seas of fire!"

Tang Jianguo laughed heartily.

"When it comes to technology, I absolutely won't let you down! We want the whole world to know that Qingyang's jewelry is the best!"

Peng Jiahui's eyes were firm.

The three cups clinked together, their crisp sound piercing the clear spring sky.

At this moment, the Iron Triangle truly took shape.

Their gaze pierced through the bustling city and looked towards the distant future.

That was not only the map of a business, but also the legendary beginning of brothers working together and achieving great things.