My heart is tied to that sky

Chapter 31 Steady Progress Towards New Heights

The time spent striving always flies by, and before we knew it, it was 2017.

Qingyang Group has entered a period of steady growth in the post-listing era.

Tang Muyang shifted from charging into battle to strategizing and planning.

The annual strategy of serving the country through industry and promoting culture overseas has been established.

On a clear May morning in Zhejiang, the surface of Xianghu Lake is dyed golden red by the rising sun.

The desk was unusually tidy, with only a copy of the "2017 Group Strategy Brief" on it.

On the cover, Su Man's signature is strong and powerful, and a line of eye-catching words is written in the remarks column.

"Our internal talent pipeline is complete, and our operational system is now operating independently in a closed loop. Please rest assured, Chairman."

The air conditioning here is on full blast, completely isolating the outside heat.

The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, which Tang Muyang had specially ordered to calm his recent restlessness.

He didn't sit in the leather boss's chair that symbolized power, but stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

He was holding a cup of coffee that had long since gone cold.

Tang Muyang turned around and glanced at the huge map of China that occupied the entire wall.

The area was densely covered with red flags. The Zhejiang River was the main base, and the coastline was its outreach.

At that moment, his gaze was like a laser beam.

It crossed the Yangtze River and firmly anchored itself on the western map, at the junction of Sichuan and Chongqing with the Northwest.

There is an area circled in red, codenamed West-to-East Power Transmission.

That was Qingyang Industrial's biggest gamble this year, and a crucial move for the group to transform from a regional leader into a national enterprise.

"Ring ring..." The intercom rang abruptly, like a pair of scissors cutting through the tranquility of the room.

"Chairman Tang, there are still ten minutes left in the video conference. All department heads have arrived."

The new secretary, Xu Yichen, spoke cautiously, revealing a sense of anticipation for the impending storm.

Tang Muyang glanced down at the Patek Philippe on his wrist; the hands pointed to 8:50.

"Cancel." He said those two words very softly, yet they carried an undeniable metallic quality.

"Notify General Manager Su, General Manager Tang Jianguo, General Manager Peng Jiahui, and Gu Zhixing to connect to my video call in ten minutes for a short meeting."

He paused, then his tone softened: "Clear my schedule."

"Starting today, for the next two months, I will not see any guests unless the sky falls."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Muyang breathed a sigh of relief. He walked to his desk and tapped his fingers lightly on the surface.

At that moment, he felt like a general about to take off his armor.

Although he had thousands of troops behind him, he knew he had to go out and see the mountains beyond the mountains.

Ten minutes later, the split-screen video lit up.

Su Man appeared in the president's office with a calm expression, dressed in a smart white business suit and holding a tablet computer.

Tang Jianguo sat in his Shanghai office, holding an unpeeled orange in his hand, staring blankly out the window at the Huangpu River.

Gu Zhixing adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses in Kyoto, a thick notebook spread out in front of him.

Peng Jiahui from Hezhou was as energetic as ever, sitting up straight in front of the screen.

"Chairman Tang, I heard you're going to be missing for two months?" Tang Jianguo spoke first, his habit of calling Mu Yang a little awkward when he changed it.

He put the oranges on the table with his signature, goofy smile on his face.

"This is the first summer after the IPO. If you're not staying at headquarters, where do you plan to go and have some fun?"

"Is he secretly carrying out some kind of operation behind his sister-in-law's back?"

Tang Jianguo's words instantly eased the tense atmosphere in the meeting room.

That's just how he is; he speaks without thinking, but he always manages to make people burst into laughter without hurting anyone.

"I'm a dad now, but I haven't grown up yet!" Peng Jiahui joked with a helpless smile, his face showing the maturity of a father.

Tang Muyang looked at the camera, his gaze sweeping over the faces on the screen.

"Jianguo, this was indeed a 'secret operation,' but it was just a trip to spend time with family."

He paused, a rare hint of relaxation in his tone.

"During the summer vacation of 2017, I decided to dedicate my time to my family. Yiqing and I were going to take Zhenyang and Shiyang on a trip to Europe."

When the two children were mentioned, Tang Muyang's eyes softened instantly.

"Zhenyang is 10 years old this year, in the fourth grade of elementary school, which is the perfect age for him to see the world."

"Shiyang is also 3 years old and just started kindergarten. She is a smiling little angel."

"I don't want them to be confined to the greenhouse of Zhejiang."

"I want them to see real history, to touch those ancient stones."

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds.

"What?" Tang Jianguo's eyes widened, and the smile on his face froze.

"Taking two kids to Europe? Is it a vacation or a pilgrimage?"

"If you're going on vacation, take me with you!" Tang Jianguo scratched his head, his loud voice drawing the attention of everyone around him.

"I've never been to Europe before, but I've heard that steak there is more expensive than cured pork from southern Hunan!"

Another burst of laughter followed.

Tang Muyang didn't answer directly, but looked at Su Man: "Su Man, you go first."

Su Man nodded, swiped her finger across the tablet, and projected a data report onto the large screen.

"2017 was a year of intensive cultivation for Qingyang, and also a year of talent development."

Su Man's voice was clear and firm, exuding an unquestionable professionalism.

"This year, the group promoted a large number of capable key personnel."

Su Man turned to the side, tapped her fingertip, and a photo appeared on the left side of the large screen.

Against a backdrop of endless yellow sand, a dark-skinned man is squatting on a construction site, eating a steamed bun.

"Qin Fendou is currently the general manager of the Longsu City branch," Su Man said calmly.

"The first pioneer in the Northwest, whose roots were more firmly planted in the sand than those of a poplar tree."

Tang Muyang's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked at the rough yet resolute man on the screen and nodded slightly.

Su Man swiped her finger, and the screen changed.

A man in a suit appeared on the right, his expression cold and aloof, standing in front of the spotless floor-to-ceiling window.

"Zhou Zhengqi is currently the general manager of the Lingnan branch," Su Man said succinctly.

"Tang was rigid, but he was able to manage things perfectly, making him a typical example of implementing systems."

"Very good," Tang Muyang commented.

The scene shifts again, and two photos of women appear side by side.

"Xia Tiantian, head of the New Retail Business Unit," Su Man pointed to the smiling girl on the left.

"The live-streaming queen that General Manager Ye brought in specializes in e-commerce thinking."

He then pointed to the solemn-looking woman on the right: "Xu Yichen, Director of the Chairman's Office of the Group."

Taking over from Zhu Xiaohui who went to Hunan, she will keep her mouth shut and protect you from any trouble.

Tang Muyang glanced at it and indicated his approval.

Su Man took a deep breath, and with a light swipe of her finger on the screen, all the photos faded out.

"Of course, besides the newcomers, the veterans' strategies are also reaping the rewards."

On the screen were photos sent back by Lin Mo from Bangkok.

"The signboard for Qingyang Oriental Charm Jewelry Flagship Store has been hung up."

"Lin Mo, I didn't misjudge him." Tang Muyang looked at the photo, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

He recalled that in 2005, when the sun was just rising, he personally visited Guangdong Province to invite the master craftsman Guishou.

In retrospect, putting him in charge of the jewelry line was the sharpest weapon in our group's cultural expansion overseas.

"It's not just Lin Mo," Su Man continued, "The preliminary research on the infrastructure projects in the Midwest has also been completed by President Gu."

"Although it's just a preliminary step at the moment, once it's activated, it will be a devastating blow."

Gu Zhixing picked up the conversation, habitually adjusting his glasses.

"Chairman Tang, we have overcome the technical barriers to the West-to-East Power Transmission Project. The current difficulty lies in local coordination."

"But don't worry, Mr. Tang Jianguo and I have already discussed it. He will personally go and keep watch, ensuring that Qingyang doesn't lose face."

Upon hearing this, Tang Jianguo immediately patted his chest and grinned sheepishly.

"Mu... Mr. Tang, you can rest assured. Su Man and I will keep an eye on things back home."

"For projects in the Midwest, I will personally go and stay on-site to ensure that we can crack the toughest challenges."

"If I can't chew it..." Tang Jianguo chuckled, "I'll just use my big tooth to break it up!"

Laughter erupted again in the video conference room.

Looking at his old friend, Tang Muyang felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He may seem to be joking, but he is actually expressing his strongest support in the most relaxed way.

From the original trio to today's business giant, they have been the strongest support for Qingyang Group all along.

It was the trust and support of his brothers that gave him the confidence to "lay down his armor and embark on a long journey" today.

"Everyone," Tang Muyang stood up, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with profound intensity, "In 2017, we not only need to maintain stability, but also expand outwards."

"Lin Mo went to Southeast Asia, Gu Zhixing went to the western volunteer area, and President Qin Fendou—this is the source of our confidence to expand nationwide."

"As for work..." Tang Muyang's lips curled up slightly.

"With today's advanced communication technology, I can coordinate the layout of projects in various locations even while on an airplane or in a hotel."

Tang Muyang took a deep breath, his tone softening.

"If Qingyang can't function without me, Tang Muyang, then all my hard work over the past few years will have been for nothing."

Su Man looked at the screen, her expression returning to its professional coolness and competence.

"Don't worry, Mr. Tang. The group's operating system is now independent and closed-loop. You can relax and enjoy your vacation with your wife and children. I'll take care of things at home."

"Okay, President Su, I'm leaving the household to you." Tang Muyang nodded.

"Yes, ma'am." Su Man smiled slightly.

The villas at Xianghu No. 1 were brightly lit.

Gong Yiqing sat on the sofa, holding a passport and several plane tickets in her hand, her brows slightly furrowed.

Tang Zhenyang was sitting on the carpet building Lego, holding a world geography atlas, and frowning as he studied the latitude and longitude of Switzerland.

Tang Shiyang was fast asleep in the nanny's arms, clutching the cloth tiger that Tang Muyang had brought back from western Hunan.

"Two months, five European countries." Gong Yiqing looked up at Tang Muyang, who was packing his suitcase.

"Muyang, Zhenyang just enrolled in the best international school in Zhejiang University, and the summer program isn't even finished yet. If he suddenly leaves, won't that delay his enrollment?"

Tang Muyang stopped what he was doing, walked to his wife's side, squatted down, and gently took her hand.

His palms were broad and warm, carrying a reassuring power.

"Yiqing, I've already secured the school admission spot. It's a reserved place for the children of our Qingyang executives, and we can process it anytime."

Tang Muyang looked at his wife with tender eyes: "I used to think that the best love I could give my child was to build an empire for him."

"But now I understand that the best love is to take him to see the world."

He pointed to the plane tickets on the table: "Zhenyang has a bright and intelligent look in his eyes, and Shiyang is an even more cheerful little angel. They shouldn't be confined to the greenhouse of Zhejiang."

"I want them to see real history, to touch those ancient stones."

"As for the group..." Tang Muyang paused.

"While I am in Europe, I will also be preparing to go to Shanghai to work together to advance the development of the Jiangnan area."

"This trip is a long and steady journey for our family and our group."

Looking at her husband's determined eyes, Gong Yiqing sighed and rested her head on Tang Muyang's shoulder.

"Okay, whatever you say. You're the big boss, so you call the shots."

"However, you must accompany them throughout the entire process and are not allowed to neglect your child because of work."

"Yes, ma'am." Tang Muyang smiled and kissed her forehead.

Gong Yiqing nestled obediently in his arms, responding to her husband's intimacy with the gentlest of gazes.

The following morning, sunlight bathed Xianghu Lake, and the atmosphere in the lobby of Qingyang Group's headquarters was both solemn and enthusiastic.

Tang Muyang, dressed in a casual suit, pushed a suitcase, followed by Gong Yiqing, who was holding Tang Shiyang, and Tang Zhenyang, who was holding her hand.

The group's senior management team stood on both sides, as if seeing off a commander who was about to go into battle.

"Chairman Tang, this is the latest research report on the Southeast Asian market." Lin Mo handed over a document, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"The location for our first store in Bangkok has been finalized, and our local partners are very interested in our Qingyang Crafts."

Tang Muyang took the document but didn't open it. Instead, he patted Lin Mo's shoulder heavily.

"Lin Mo, going south is not just about doing business, but also about promoting culture."

"Remember, our roots are in the Zhejiang River, and our soul is in China."

"Once you get there, you need to be upright but flexible."

"If you encounter any problems you can't solve, just call me."

"Understood!" Lin Mo straightened his back and said in a loud voice.

Tang Jianguo squeezed through, carrying a bag of uneaten oranges.

"Tang... Muyang! Have a safe journey!" Tang Jianguo had a simple, honest smile on his face, and his loud voice made everyone around him turn their heads.

"Muyang! The thought of you leaving for two months makes me feel so uneasy!"

"The thought of having to face Su Man's cold face every day, with no one to even tell jokes to, would be suffocating!"

As Tang Jianguo spoke, he stuffed oranges into Tang Muyang's hand.

"Try it, my parents just brought it from Baoyang's hometown, it's sweet!"

"Yang Liufei said these oranges were sour and wouldn't let me eat them, so I secretly brought a whole bag with me!"

Sour? And you brought it along! The surrounding executives were amused by Tang Jianguo's silly logic!

Just as the atmosphere was becoming more cheerful, Su Man, who was standing in the front row, turned her head slightly and her sharp eyes swept over the crowd.

Although he didn't speak, his imposing CEO aura made the air freeze for two seconds.

Tang Jianguo's head, which had been held high just moments before, drooped instantly as if a switch had been flipped after Su Man's gaze.

Tang Muyang watched all this and couldn't help but chuckle, the smile in his eyes turning into deep emotion.

This noisy yet unbreakable bond is his most precious treasure.

"Everyone, 2017 is a year of intensive cultivation for Qingyang." He looked around at everyone, his gaze profound.

"I may be far away, but my heart is at headquarters. Let's meet at the summit."

At 10,000 meters altitude, the cabin of the chartered plane was quiet and comfortable.

Tang Shiyang was fast asleep in the nanny's arms, while Tang Zhenyang was wearing headphones and watching a documentary on his tablet.

Gong Yiqing was watching a movie while wearing headphones.

Tang Muyang sat alone by the window, a laptop on the small table in front of him.

The screen displays a 3D model of the Midwest project, alongside a draft plan for the Jiangnan area of ​​Shanghai.

My WeChat call rang; it was from Gu Zhixing.

"Chairman Tang, there's been a bit of a problem at the environmental alloy plant." Gu Zhixing's voice was somewhat urgent.

"The raw material supplier suddenly raised prices by 30% and blocked our delivery channels."

"If not handled properly, the western project will be delayed by at least a month."

Tang Muyang's eyes instantly sharpened, like a drawn sword.

He remained completely calm, his fingers tapping lightly on the table in a rhythmic pattern.

"Gu Zhixing, what's the panic?" Tang Muyang's voice was deep and calm.

"The suppliers are raising prices simply because they know we're in a hurry to start production."

"Have President Qin Fendou immediately contact the second-tier suppliers in the Northwest. Even if the price is a bit higher, sign the contract first to create competitive pressure on them."

"At the same time, have the legal department investigate the loopholes in the original supplier's contract and send them a lawyer's letter."

"Also," Tang Muyang paused, "you should personally go to Sichuan and have Pan Xingwang talk to the local infrastructure group."

"Tell them that Qingyang will not only undertake projects, but also help them connect the upstream and downstream industrial chains. Aligning interests is more effective than any contract."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Gu Zhixing's admiring voice.

"Brilliant! Chairman Tang, I understand this 'besieging Wei to rescue Zhao' strategy."

"I'll take care of it right away."

After hanging up the voice call, Tang Muyang looked out the window at the rolling sea of ​​clouds.

He knew that a true helmsman is not one who holds the helm at all times, but one who has already adjusted the sails before the storm arrives.

At this moment, the storm was left behind on the earth, while the sails were pointing towards the unknown European sky, full of opportunities.

He closed his laptop, turned to look at his sleeping wife and children beside him, and a relieved smile appeared on his lips.

The rest of the journey will be time for family.