pjbooks Chapter 27: A Grand Ceremony with Elites Gathered
Chapter 27: A Grand Ceremony with Elites Gathered
The morning light pierced through the thin mist of the Zhe River, reflecting a cold and sharp light on the glass curtain wall of the Qingyang Industrial Building.
In the spring breeze of 2015, this building had long since shed its somewhat cramped appearance as a small Zhejiang waterworks factory ten years ago.
The gold-plated group nameplate gleamed in the sunlight, revealing a silent ambition.
Workers are making final adjustments, and the 10th anniversary celebration arch at the entrance is magnificent.
A huge electronic screen scrolled the slogan "From Zhejiang to Shanghai, serving the country through industry".
Tang Muyang stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the busy logistics fleet below.
That was a special batch of rosewood for celebrations, just transported from Lingnan.
Every grain of wood represents a badge of honor for the group's nationwide expansion.
He took a deep breath and gently stroked the old pocket watch in his pocket with his fingertips.
The coolness of the metal calmed his mind; it was a thought he had bought with his first dividend when he started his business in 2005.
Ten years have passed, and the factory has grown from a dilapidated place that couldn't even pay its workers' wages to a business empire worth tens of billions.
The youthful naiveté and anxiety in his eyes have been washed away by time into a profound and composed understanding.
He knew that today was not only a celebration, but also a moment to declare to the world the official arrival of the "Sunny Era".
The office door was gently pushed open.
Supported by his elder brother Tang Pingsheng, the father, Tang Zhiye, walked in with his elder sister Tang Xiuying and brother-in-law Jiang Dashu.
The familiar accents and the gathering of relatives instantly imbued this top-floor office with a sense of homeland's richness.
Tang Zhiye looked at his son, who had distinguished himself, his cloudy eyes glistening with tears and light.
"Muyang, your hometown of Qingyang broke ground in 2008, and Fuyi Jinyuan was completed in 2011. You haven't returned for seven years."
"Your father, your older brother and sister, and your brother-in-law all know you're busy. Today is Qingyang's tenth anniversary, so they came uninvited."
Tang Muyang felt a warmth in his heart, stepped forward to steadily support his elderly father, arranged for his relatives to sit down, and was filled with mixed emotions.
Just then, Tang Jianguo and Yang Liu arrived. He was dressed in new clothes and had a happy face.
Tang Muyang immediately instructed, "Jianguo, today is the celebration. Keep an eye on security and reception. Make sure nothing goes wrong."
"Understood!" Tang Jianguo straightened his chest, responded loudly, and warmly greeted Tang Zhiye and his group.
Although he had started a family, his respect for his elder brother and father and his passion for his career were like aged wine, growing stronger with time.
At this moment, Pan Xingwang and Wang Li, along with their son Pan Ziteng, also arrived from Sichuan, travel-worn and exhausted.
Pan Xingwang patted Tang Muyang on the shoulder, his eyes filled with the warmth of a long-awaited reunion.
"President Tang, Fu Dayi from Shaanxi and Lin Mo from Lingnan have arrived. We're all here now."
Tang Muyang nodded with a smile, but his gaze fell on Wang Li.
Wang Li's eyes were slightly red as she looked at the man in front of her, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
She recalled applying for a job at Hengxin Group in the Southeast region in 1997. She was a fresh-faced junior employee, while he was a spirited general manager.
Her hasty marriage with her husband, Pan Xingwang, was on the verge of collapse until they reunited in Sichuan and Chongqing in 2009.
He was a man of deep affection and loyalty, who not only provided her and her child with a place to live, but also gave her husband a bright future.
He helps others achieve their goals without overstepping boundaries.
This gratitude, this sense of relief, has transformed into these scalding tears.
Wang Li dared not think any further. That tear, without missing a beat, fell into the palm of her husband Pan Xingwang's hand, which was tightly holding hers.
Pan Xingwang felt the weight of that tear; it was the memory and gratitude his wife had buried deep in her heart.
He didn't speak, but instead gripped her hand tightly, using the warmth of his palm to tell her: everything is over, we are fine now.
Inside the reception hall, a red carpet was laid out and flowers were clustered around the room.
Today's main event is not only an internal celebration, but also a show of force to the outside world.
The signing ceremony, specially arranged by Tang Muyang, was so high-profile that it made the atmosphere of the entire venue solemn.
Su Man, dressed in a smart black suit, was leading several important figures into the room.
Leading the way were talent scout Lu Zhenting and investor Zhang Haoting.
Lu Zhenting coughed lightly, and the entire room fell silent instantly.
Zhang Haoting picked up his teacup without even lifting his eyelids, yet he silenced all the investors present.
The arrival of these two veteran business figures is itself a signal, a powerful endorsement from their family's heritage.
Behind them are business leaders and industry giants from all over the country.
There were also several elderly political leaders with white hair, exuding a solemn aura.
This is the first large-scale celebration held by Qingyang Industrial Group.
It also demonstrates to those eager opponents, Gao Tianlang and Jiang Ruoxi, the art of winning without fighting.
Su Man's gaze swept across the list: Jiang Ruoxi from Raycus Capital, Gao Tianlang from Henderson Land Development...
These former rivals, whatever their motives, have now become honored guests.
A cold smile curled at the corner of her lips. This was a trap set by President Tang, a stage to flex his muscles.
Su Man adjusted the brooch on her collar, her eyes revealing the sharpness of an iron lady.
Since taking over as sales director, she has been working day and night to reorganize the distribution channels.
Looking at the guests filling the hall, she felt no emotion, only a longing for her next goal.
"Director Su, Gu Zhixing and his group from Kyoto have arrived," the assistant reported in a low voice.
Gu Zhixing, dressed in a sharp suit, arrived from Kyoto. He spotted Ye Zhiqi at a glance and approached with a smile.
She wore an elegant long dress, and after the two nodded to each other, they walked side by side toward the registration table.
Although Gu Zhixing came on official business, his eyes kept drifting to Ye Zhiqiu beside him.
Ye Zhi Qiu noticed his gaze, her ears turned slightly red, and she coughed softly.
Gu Zhixing then looked away and resumed the serious demeanor of a core leader in Kyoto.
On the other side of the reception area, Peng Jiahui was holding Zhou Yanting's hand, watching the lively scene.
He couldn't help but move closer to Su Man, trying to get on her good side.
"Director Su, look at our team, it's really getting bigger and bigger."
Su Man simply nodded professionally and didn't exchange any further pleasantries.
This made Peng Jiahui awkwardly touch his nose, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Zhou Yanting covered her mouth and chuckled softly, patting her husband's hand to comfort him.
In the corner, Gao Tianlang held a glass of champagne, staring at the main stage with a sinister look in his eyes.
Jiang Ruoxi stood beside him. Although they appeared calm on the surface, their eyes revealed their fear of Qingyang.
"Tang Muyang is about to be deified." Gao Tianlang sneered, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists.
"God? I think he's more like a target." Jiang Ruoxi gently swirled her wine glass, her tone dismissive.
"With Henderson Land Development in Shanghai, Raycus in Kyoto, and the 'surprise' we've prepared, this celebration might not be going to go so easily."
Inside Jiang Ruoxi's handbag, the whistleblower letter accusing Qingyang of financial fraud lay quietly, waiting for the opportune moment to deliver a fatal blow.
Tang Muyang saw the two from afar. He did not avoid them, but instead raised his glass in greeting.
Gao Tianlang and Jiang Ruoxi were taken aback for a moment, but they could only raise their glasses in response.
Tang Muyang's eyes were calm and deep, as if to say, "I know all your tricks."
Tang Jianguo moved closer to Tang Muyang, followed his gaze, and spat, "Pah! Those two jinxes are here too."
"Mu Yang, should I find a reason to kick them out?"
Tang Muyang shook his head and patted his brother on the shoulder: "Jianguo, today is the tenth anniversary of Qingyang's founding."
"Besides, what's the point of hunting if there's no prey?"
The lights dimmed, and a documentary about Qingyang's ten years of history began playing on the big screen.
From a dilapidated small factory in Zhejiang in 2005, to venturing into real estate in 2006, and then expanding nationwide in 2015.
In the video, workers are sweating profusely, machines are roaring, and landmark buildings are rising from the ground.
The guests in the audience watched intently, some expressing admiration, some envy, and some jealousy.
Tang Muyang stood on the side platform, looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar images on the big screen.
He saw his younger self from 10 years ago, and the days when he slept on construction sites to save money.
I saw my brothers working tirelessly for days and nights on a project.
His eyes were a little moist, but more than that, they were filled with determination. It was all worth it.
Gong Yiqing sat in the center of the first row below the stage, staring intently at her husband.
Beside her, her father-in-law, Gong Chong'an, sat calmly and imposingly, exuding authority without anger.
As the president of the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, he didn't need to say a word; the pomp and status behind him silently told everyone: This is my son-in-law's empire, who dares to touch it?
Gong Yiqing didn't speak, but looked at her husband tenderly, her eyes filled with unconditional trust and support.
Tears of pride blurred her vision as she recalled meeting Mu Yang and their lifelong commitment in the Shintoku Industrial Park in Kyoto in 2002.
I recalled Xiaoxiang's wedding in 2006, the flowers of love blooming amidst those tears.
Eight-year-old Tang Zhenyang thoughtfully took out a tissue and handed it to his mother.
Tang Shiyang, standing to the side, tried to wipe away his mother's tears with his little hands, just like his brother, but he only made things worse.
This drew good-natured chuckles from those around him.
Backstage, Peng Jiahui, Zhou Yanting, Yang Liu, and other old friends gathered together.
"Yanting, look, that's our first project in Hezhou in 2013!" Peng Jiahui said excitedly to his wife, pointing at the screen.
Zhou Yanting touched her belly and smiled gently.
"Yes, we were on tenterhooks the year before last."
Peng Jiahui watched Tang Muyang's retreating figure. Tang Muyang was their classmate whom they had followed for over twenty years, and who had led them to create miracles together.
As the lights focused, Tang Muyang slowly walked onto the stage, and the entire audience fell silent instantly.
All eyes were on him; he was wearing a dark suit, his steps were steady, and he exuded a powerful aura.
He picked up the microphone, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally settling on Gao Tianlang and Jiang Ruoxi.
Tang Muyang took a deep breath and silently said in his heart, "Ten years have passed. It's time to tell the world who Qingyang is."
There was no fear in his eyes, only the confidence and domineering presence of a king.
Tang Jianguo, sitting in the audience, clenched his fists. He knew this was his brother's moment of glory.
He turned to look at Yang Liu, who smiled gently at him. The two nodded to each other, their eyes filled with pride.
In the last row of the guest seats, Pan Xingwang held his wife Wang Li's hand tightly.
The warmth of the tear his wife had just shed still lingered in his palm.
He didn't look back at that past event; he just stared intently at Tang Muyang on the stage.
He knew that this was the brother he had followed all his life, the man who had changed his and his wife's fate.
Wang Li sat beside her husband, looking at Tang Muyang on the stage, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
But looking at her husband holding her tightly beside her, and at the old friends on the stage, she knew that this was the best arrangement.
Tang Muyang picked up the microphone, his voice steady and powerful.
Good morning, distinguished guests and colleagues.
"Today, we gather at Zhejiang Water to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Qingyang Industrial."
"Ten years ago, we had nothing but one dream: to operate in compliance with regulations and serve the country through industry."
"Over the past decade, we have weathered many storms, from Zhejiang to Shanghai to Beijing."
"From jewelry to real estate, we have come this far step by step, not by luck, but by the confidence given by the country and the strength we have accumulated ourselves."
Tang Muyang's voice was choked with emotion, but he forced back his tears and continued speaking.
"Thank you to this era, and thank you to everyone who has supported us."
"I am even more grateful to those who once suppressed us and looked down on us. It is you who made us stronger."
Gu Zhixing and Ye Zhiqi, sitting in the audience, exchanged a glance and both saw the shock in each other's eyes.
They knew that the man before them was not only an entrepreneur, but also a trendsetter of the times.
Tang Muyang's gaze sharpened as he looked at the core members of the group, his voice suddenly rising in pitch.
"Here, I would like to say something to the core members of the group."
The entire audience held their breath, waiting for him to continue.
"We gain strength from our opponents, and we will respect them."
"But the prerequisite for respecting your opponent is to defeat them in a way that makes it possible for them to become your friend."
This statement was like a bombshell, exploding in the meeting room.
Tang Muyang's eyes were filled with fighting spirit as he looked at Gao Tianlang and Jiang Ruoxi.
It was as if she were saying, "Did you hear that? This is Qingyang's attitude."
Tang Jianguo suddenly stood up and led the applause.
Immediately afterwards, all the employees of Qingyang stood up and applauded thunderously for a long time.
Su Man, Gu Zhixing, Ye Zhiqi, and the others all had excited glints in their eyes.
They knew that this phrase would become the spiritual totem of Qingyang's future.
After the applause subsided, Tang Muyang continued, "Today is not only a time for celebration, but also a time for us to embark on a new journey."
"I hereby officially announce that Qingyang Industrial will fully launch its capitalization strategy!"
On the big screen, the map instantly switched to a national map, with red dots flashing, representing Qingyang's future plans.
"In the future, we will also expand into the international market and create a national brand that belongs to China!"
Tang Muyang's voice was full of passion, and his eyes burned with fire.
He knew that taking this step would lead to either an abyss or to the stars and the sea.
Gong Yiqing gave her husband encouraging glances from the audience, a tacit understanding unique to the couple.
Gao Tianlang and Jiang Ruoxi, sitting in the audience, had ashen faces.
Their prepared letter of denunciation was exposed under the watchful eyes of prominent figures such as Lu Zhenting and Zhang Haoting.
Faced with Tang Muyang's overwhelming momentum, they appeared utterly powerless, and even the courage they mustered was completely worn away.
Their plan is likely to fail.
At the climax of the celebration, Tang Muyang invited several distinguished guests to the stage to jointly sign a strategic cooperation agreement.
This is not only a symbol of Qingyang Industrial's strength, but also a recognition of Qingyang by various forces.
As the sales director, Su Man signed the channel expansion agreement on behalf of the group.
Her hand was as steady as a mountain as she signed, and her eyes were full of confidence.
Lin Mo's Lingnan team watched all this with great enthusiasm. He and Fu Dayi exchanged a smile, their teamwork reaching its peak.
Tang Jianguo watched all of this from below the stage, his heart filled with pride.
He recalled the days when Tang Muyang and Peng Jiahui shared a bed in the Southern Special Economic Zone.
Back then, their biggest dream was to have a full meal; now, they have reached the pinnacle of the industry.
Tang Muyang shifted the topic to a more heartwarming one: "Qingyang Industry is not just a company, but also a family."
"Here, I saw the happiness of Peng Jiahui and Zhou Yanting, and the sweetness of Tang Jianguo and Yang Liu."
He looked at Yang Liu below the stage: "Jianguo and Yang Liu have also brought us good news."
Yang Liu's face flushed instantly. She lowered her head and smiled shyly.
Tang Jianguo wore a simple, honest smile as he held his wife's hand tightly.
"Hehe, last year's dream came true, this year someone calls me 'Dad'!"
The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.
Tang Muyang looked at his younger brother and sister-in-law, who were like brothers to him, his eyes filled with the loving kindness of an elder brother.
"I hope that every employee of Qingyang Industry can find their own happiness here."
"We must not only win the tough battles in the market, but also safeguard our own happiness."
The celebration concluded amidst cheers and laughter, and Tang Muyang stepped off the stage.
He was greeted by a group of core members of the group.
"President Tang, what's our next step?" Su Man asked.
Tang Muyang looked out the window at the bustling Zhejiang River, his eyes resolute.
"Next step: to open a deal with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and let the flag of Sunshine fly in the international capital market."
Tang Muyang felt no slackening in his heart, only boundless anticipation for the future.
He knew that even greater challenges awaited him, but he was ready.
Tang Jianguo walked over and handed him a cigarette: "Muyang, in this life, I will only listen to Yang Liu... no, to you."
Tang Muyang looked at his quick-tongued, silly brother who kept making mistakes and smiled helplessly.
"Jianguo, our road is long, and yours and Yangliu's will be even longer." He took the cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.
Tang Jianguo nodded with a silly grin: "Yeah... she's long!"
The crowd chanted in unison: "Qingyang Industry, united as one! With hearts set on pursuing our dreams, who can rival us!"
Tang Muyang gazed into the distance, silently chanting in his heart: Hong Kong Stock Exchange, here we come!