Chapter 146 - An Open Mind and Two Worlds

ing in big cities nowadays would rarely feel.But then came the real problem: precisely because the situation here is complicated, it harbors much more dirt and filth than elsewhere. Many fights outsid...Chapter 146: An Open Mind and Two Worlds

Su Cen rarely saw Lin Guangdong after Full Bloom was established by Daohe Alliance.

Su Cen felt very happy when he saw Lin Guangdong's outstanding performance at the conference.

A few years ago, Lin Guangdong was just a small teacher within the system, living in the most basic dormitory of the school staff compound, with a fiancée waiting for them to get married without a wedding ceremony. In university, his friends had once told him that life is nothing more than going to work and coming back home, passing by vegetable markets and dealing with oil, rice, salt, soy sauce, sugar, and tea, that's all there was to it. Back then, Lin Guangdong thought this was nonsense, but later he found out how accurate the saying turned out to be.

He originally thought life would continue like this - working, getting married, having children, and aging day by day until old age. But fate gave him a significant turn of events and brought about drastic changes within just a few years.

"A former small teacher is now an indispensable force in the media industry in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, standing as a business star at the top position. Who would truly believe this" Su Cen was quite sentimental when talking to Zhao Mingnong over the phone, probably because Lin Guangdong's brilliance during that book fair still left a deep impression on him.

"This guy is even stealing my limelight now, but compared to Old Lin, you Uncle Zhao are at a disadvantage in terms of appearance. I see all those young girls flocking around him like bees to honey. But if I were younger back then, I believe I wouldn't lose out on the attention," he said, adding, "Old Lin is reaping big rewards this time; we provided resources and manpower but ended up playing the role of green leaves, which makes me feel somewhat discontent."

"Shushan isn't trying to be a 7-Eleven in China's stationery industry Has it always been doing business quietly. When did it start being meticulous about minor details Shushan has developed modestly all along; when the黑馬 (black horse) gallops far ahead and leaves those old leaders behind, only then will they wake up to their backwardness. Isn't this kind of low-key but dazzling explosion very satisfying It also fits Uncle Zhao's style of being down-to-earth."

Uncle Zhao Mingnong seemed to be recalling some past memories over the phone and said somewhat sadly, "Becoming a黑馬 (black horse) that gallops far ahead isn't as easy as it sounds. Back then, I couldn’t sleep for nights when our toy factory was on the verge of bankruptcy and selling off its assets, leaving more than 100 employees' livelihoods in question. Where did I find people Where did I look for a solution There are so many children to be educated and fees to pay; some families are also plagued by illness. At that moment, I thought if I failed, they would fail too. The future of these 100 people rested on my shoulders. Later when Mr. Su personally took care of the matter and invested money for us, I was genuinely worried about failing in transforming from self-manufacturing toys to stationery. I had to supervise production every day according to your design ideas; even a slight color deviation made a pen不合格 (unqualified) for shipment. Every day, I was concerned whether there would be market demand."

"When I went to Huawei for an exchange, the CEO once said something that left a deep impression on me. Many people asked him what Huawei's core advantage was; he said they had no advantages and didn't want to reveal more when pressed repeatedly. Finally, Mr. Ren stated if there were any advantage, it would be their constant thinking about not letting Huawei go bankrupt in the future. This greatly impacted me. So many people ask how I managed to become the number one brand in stationery.

I think first and foremost is the sense of responsibility you gave me - don't let the company fail. Second, it's a sense of crisis and mission; considering all these people following me and their families and society, that's what I'm thinking about."

No matter Lin Guangdong or Zhao Mingnong, Su Cen didn’t know if recounting such life experiences would be more convincing than those who give success seminars at universities every day.

"How is the deal for FaceBook Chinese to acquire shares in World of Warcraft going How large is the funding gap"

"Eight million dollars from Shushan and Dunhuang have been到位 (in place), but there's still a shortfall of 95 million. These funds will wait for American venture capital to be到位 (in place). Currently, we are proceeding with two strategies: one side negotiating with Vivendi Blizzard, and another side in the US negotiating valuation and term sheets with investors. This process usually takes months; any mistake involving both parties' rights could lead to huge discrepancies. At present, all we can do is wait."

Currently, FaceBook from America is engaged in intense negotiations with Axcelis Company, Greylock Partners, and Mercury Capital regarding a 10% equity stake for $60 million, which would value the company at $600 million. Both sides are currently negotiating their respective rights.

FaceBook's future valuation will likely be in the tens of billions of dollars; it doesn't take much thought to understand how many times these shares could appreciate under the hands of capitalists in the future, even though Su Cen knows all this, but he couldn't explain it to anyone else. Not even to Mark.

At present, a $60 million offer for 10% equity is considered fair within Silicon Valley's industry; some people believe that FaceBook's value may be overestimated. They think the social network established by two young men in high school should only be trusted when taken over by a team of management experts from Wall Street.

Such discussions abound on California’s land… …

Lǐ Pényǔ delivered the book ordered for Lín Luorán from America to Nàndà University and Su Cen said, just send it directly to her place.

Lǐ Pényǔ shook his head with a smile and said, "Of course I can deliver it, but some things aren't something that can be delivered even if I try."

Su Cen wanted an excuse to deduct Lǐ Pényǔ's salary at this moment.

"Wei Yuanhu has shrewdness and ambition. He also recognizes the bigger picture and is patient in waiting for his time. The world fears those who rush blindly forward but not someone like him, who doesn't get agitated easily, plans meticulously, and steadily advances towards their goals. Having worked long-term within the deep waters of the State Council, he has seen much more than us; this young man has endurance and persistence in doing what he wants to do. His gradual advancement is the hardest thing to deal with."

Lǐ Pényǔ analyzed, then turned to Su Cen and said, "On that day at Lín Luorán's house for dinner, if you say Wei Yuanhu didn't have any thoughts about it in the end, it's impossible. But his character dictates that he wouldn’t show these thoughts outwardly; however, this means he has set his sights on you and is wary of you, which to a certain extent can trigger his sense of crisis. He will also regard you as his number one rival."

"I have no influence over him," Su Cen waved his hand.

"Maybe, but your thinking doesn't necessarily reflect others' views. I'll just tell you this: every year during the Spring Festival, Wei Yuanhu's family gives Lin Luoran red envelopes ranging from two to three thousand yuan. While it may seem funny for me to say this, it's not about the amount of money; it's about their attitude and spirit. They are not related to each other at all, just acquaintances introduced by someone else in between, yet they come every year with red envelopes. What kind of spirit is that"

Looking at Li Pengyu's question "What kind of spirit is that", Su Cen found it somewhat amusing but also felt the atmosphere getting serious with just a few words from him, which was not an easy thing for Su Cen to bear.

"Above Wei Yuanhu’s family, there are people who have always had the intention of making her become part of the Wei family. Over so many years, could it really be about those red envelopes The problem lies in their attitude rather than the amount of money. They’ve been subtly paving the way for a long time. Moreover, from a traditional standpoint of marriage based on social status," there are some things I don't feel comfortable saying, but if you consider how they complement each other’s strengths and qualities, it would truly be an ideal match. Last Spring Festival, when Lin Langwu and her daughter returned to Beijing, her father, the Director of Press Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had said that among young people, he highly regards Wei Yuanhu for his exceptional talent, intelligence, and integrity. This statement struck a chord with many who thought they were qualified to pursue a relationship with Lin Luoran, causing quite an uproar. However, given how adept Director Lin is in diplomacy, nobody would dare challenge him even if they disagree.

"Oh, that's what Director Lin said," Su Cen smiled.

"This probably reflects Director Lin’s impression and evaluation of Wei Yuanhu. But now when he says it like this, many people are discussing the possibility of Wei Yuanhu winning over the affection of the 'precious flower' in the Lin family. There are congratulatory voices but also envy and rumors. Others might praise their perfect match, yet we always feel there's a distance between us. I certainly can't judge others’ happiness, but if such a day ever comes, I’ll definitely drink with you for three days straight."

One couldn’t deny the inner conflict, just as Su Cen had two lifetimes of souls and emotions; he was still one person facing many conflicts and contradictions in life. Sometimes Su Cen would think: if at first meeting Lin Luoran hadn't vanished but reappeared soon after, what different outcomes might have occurred Would it be her holding his hand now Or would she be the one spending that passionate night with him

These evil thoughts arose endlessly yet seemed to form a very realistic problem in Su Cen’s soul. But just as life itself, these questions couldn’t provide an answer; even if reborn, it wouldn't change.

Su Cheng's appointment journey finally came through. After the New Year, he was appointed with the Provincial Party Committee Organization Minister accompanying him.

Zeng Ke called Su Cen and said she would also go to Phoenix City where there was an empty apartment in the municipal government compound; besides managing her shops in Phoenix City, Zeng Ke basically took care of Su Cheng's daily life.

Vice Mayor positions didn't have vacations, so after the winter break, Su Cen could directly go to Phoenix City. He could shuttle between both places as needed. The apartment in Chengdu was empty for the most part and would be fine if he returned to live there.

Both parents believed that Su Cen had long passed the stage of needing them to grow up, having become an independent adult no longer requiring their constant worry about his life and survival.

Su Cen thought it was time to see Phoenix City and his father's new work environment. He wanted to wait until after the end of term to do so.

Although Nan University had explicitly given him special treatment, allowing frequent absences from classes without fear of expulsion, Su Cen still needed to handle matters in Shanghai regarding KACEBOOK and Blizzard’s financing, hoping to complete these tasks at the beginning of 2003. In fact, he wished to finish everything by the end of 2002 as a milestone.

But now it seemed that all this would drag on until early 2003. Nevertheless, starting well in the new year was good too... Eventually, Su Cen decided to personally deliver the books.

This time he didn't let Li Pengyu drive him; instead, he found a bag and put inside the books Lin Luoran needed for her graduation thesis before leaving campus by bus route 845. After five stops, he got off near Fudan University, where he could see the main gate columns stretching to the steps of the main building.

Su Cen had called and learned that Lin Luoran was at the Grand Hall. Since the school wasn't big and Su Cen knew his way around, seeing a banner about Christmas and New Year performances, he walked in to find the hall occupied with people rehearsing Shakespeare's play "Othello."

The stage lights were focused; although it was a rehearsal, many people were present. The female lead, played by one of the most beautiful girls on campus, was visibly cold and shivering while reciting her lines.

He saw Lin Luoran in her pink down jacket and jeans directing everything around her from below the stage, looking elegant yet commanding.

A staff member came up to ask who he was looking for; Su Cen said it was Lin Luoran. The staff member scrutinized him before turning back with a seemingly friendly smile, "Director Lin, someone is here to see you."

Instantly, many eyes turned towards him, and some of those men even speculated about his background.

Among them were people who knew Su Cen; after all, when a Spanish student declared love for Lin Luoran before, he had led the way out, causing quite an impact at that time.

Later, some people claimed that Lin Luoran hired someone to pretend to be her boyfriend, while others believed it was a distant cousin or even an ex-boyfriend who had been dumped. All these speculations were enough to make one laugh, and Su Can himself wasn't sure if this was what they meant by being absent from the江湖 (underworld), yet still having legends about them. Therefore, most people looked at Su Can with suspicion and even hostility.

An Wan, who had previously shown little regard for Su Can when he visited Lin Luoran's home, was also present today, but she was dressed up very carefully among some decent quality female students from Fudan University. When she saw Su Can arrive, she whispered to the person beside her in a way that attracted several girls' curious and critical glances at him; it was clear they were talking about how Su Can is one of Lin Luoran's suitors.

Su Can was somewhat taken aback by this. He had known before that Lin Luoran was talented, but he hadn't expected her to stage such a drama.

While the crowd around him watched with suspicion, they also concluded from his appearance carrying a bag and looking eagerly at them that he must be one of those assiduous suitors. However, there were many excellent individuals in this university who tried to win over this girl's heart, but most often their efforts ended tragically like the Normandy landings.

Just as some people thought this man was overestimating himself, Lin Luoran suddenly turned to her assistant and said, "Arrange for the spotlight stage setup and script rehearsal next. I've already rehearsed many times before; in summary, these are the key points. Make sure they remember them. Keep an eye on it, and call me if there's anything else. I have something to do, so I'm leaving first."

Afterwards, Lin Luoran picked up her small bag and took Su Can out of the auditorium. Outside, she received the bag from his hand and pulled out English original editions such as "The Economist" and "The Wall Street Journal," which she was reluctant to let go. She smiled at Su Can and said, "I asked my classmate to help me look for these books. It's hard to find all of them; you must be very resourceful."

Perhaps due to today's bone-chilling wet cold weather or because of the commanding image Lin Luoran projected in the auditorium, she now looked gentle and elegant with her black hair cascading over her shoulders and wearing a pink down jacket.

"How can you be so multi-talented When they call you Director Lin, it scares me." Lin Luoran glanced at him, her eyes revealing a hint of allure as she said, "It's not that exaggerated. Then everyone calling you General Manager Su would have scared them to death."

"For bringing all these things over here, I really don't know how to thank you," Lin Luoran chuckled again, tucking the hair that had fallen onto her mouth and nose back into place. This graceful gesture revealed a rare feminine charm of hers in this cold weather, like an ink painting of Southern China.

It touched one's heart deeply.

"No need to be so polite," Su Can was somewhat unaccustomed to Lin Luoran’s unusually quiet demeanor today.

Moving the journals in her hands, she said quietly, "Sometimes it's better to be courteous."

The atmosphere seemed to freeze at this moment.

Seeing the distant look in her eyes, Su Can felt a sudden urge to explore this side of the girl he had never truly seen before. She always acted like a boy and handled affairs with dexterity; she was as free as the wind. However, he had never paid much attention to her quiet demeanor or her serene nature, which was so evident now. These aspects were naturally overlooked during their days filled with laughter and mischief together.

Su Can could remain calm when facing many people entering and leaving his life after two lifetimes of rebirth, but the departure of some individuals always left a deep wound.

A few seconds later, Lin Luoran suddenly smiled brilliantly at him. "Then let me treat you to ice cream."

"It's freezing outside; eating this is not sincere," Su Can thought subconsciously that he wasn't into such avant-garde things but was dragged by Lin Luoran anyway. She handed him an ice cream, and they walked through the cold campus while eating it. Then, rain started pouring.

Su Can felt there couldn't be anything more refreshing than this.

The two of them ran to a classroom for shelter where they noticed a poster advertising a psychology lecture called "Open Your Heart." Without hesitation, Lin Luoran pulled Su Can inside.

Avoiding the cold rain outside, the warm crowd in the small auditorium brought a rare warmth to Su Can. He thought that after traveling long distances to bring books for Miss Lin, it would have been more comfortable to stay in bed reading banned novels and watching restricted films instead.

Window curtains around the small auditorium were drawn down, making the interior much darker than outside but creating a cozy atmosphere; thus, there were many couples around.

"Let's listen for a while. We'll leave when it stops raining," Lin Luoran brushed her wet hair as Su Can caught the scent of her hair. When he lowered his head accidentally and saw her tight-fitting sweater under the down jacket with a white cotton undershirt, his heart skipped a beat.

Before he could move elsewhere, Lin Luoran looked over as if sensing something. Before her gaze could turn sharp, Su Cen quickly turned his head away and pretended to look at the fully occupied seats around him.

Su Cen thought that after listening to this speech titled "It's Still Raining," he would call Li Pengyu to drive over and pick them up. Today, Li Pengyu was at Facebook China, where Zhang Guo's technical project team had a new product launch for testing.

Fortunately, Lin Luoran didn't press further; she merely turned her head forward, looking at the lectern with a smile on her lips and said, "Are boys just unable to control their eyes"

Su Cen didn't dare answer again and focused solely on listening to the lecture.

Fortunately, the quality of the speech was high; it discussed the barriers and obstacles in communication between people in modern society, stemming from mutual distrust and caution. The host seemed to be a senior student with standard and rich Mandarin, adeptly controlling the rhythm of the event. In this half-lit environment, his soothing voice could captivate everyone entirely, evoking strong resonance.

The entire lecture was excellent; even Su Cen and Lin Luoran nodded frequently. Towards the end, Su Cen never expected a twist in the situation: the speaker on stage suddenly asked everyone to stand up. A sea of heads rose, darkening the room.

Then that guy really controlled the atmosphere well. He said to everyone, "In life, distrust often binds us with chains; now we want to break these shackles. Why can't people communicate and interact sincerely Now please stretch out your hands palm up."

Saying this, he led by example, spreading his arms wide. Everyone was confused but followed along.

Then again, "Great! Now please open your hearts and let go of your inhibitions. Follow your feelings. Whether you're friends, lovers, or strangers—hug each other and embrace the feeling of unguarded connection."

A sudden burst of noise swept across; everyone looked at one another in shock.

Lin Luoran's body trembled slightly; Su Cen instantly froze. He thought this guy was incredibly considerate, but he didn't know how many people down below were secretly grateful to him.

After a brief commotion, the host repeated his instructions, and both Su Cen and Lin Luoran were stunned by the scene around them of everyone embracing each other.

The voice urged once more, "Please hug freely."

Lin Luoran's face and ears flushed with an unusual redness; even if Su Cen was mentally prepared, he felt a strange sense of being deceived.

As the speaker incited for the third time, Su Cen thought that now wasn't the moment to back down. In his two lifetimes of rebirth, what had caused him to hesitate or fear

So Su Cen spread his arms and hugged Lin Luoran's plump figure, wrapped in a down jacket, despite her startled bird-like eyes.

The classroom was dimly lit; outside the window, it looked like a Chinese ink painting against the rainy backdrop.

It felt as if they were worlds apart.

This chapter took me to near dawn to complete. I should have posted earlier and not waited for everyone.

The lecture Su Cen and Lin Luoran attended was based on a real event during my university days. There stood someone who looked like Li Ruitong—alas, at that time I was just a young lad and didn't have the sophistication of Su Cen. When the host shouted to hug, I froze in place; now looking back, this kind of psychological barrier has its historical limitations. What a pity.

Later on, she became someone's sweetheart.

If only, if only... But there are no 'if onlys' and 'ifs' in life. It's just like the cliché dogma of human existence.s hard to understand that kind of lifelong friendship.Su Chen could laugh, cry, and play around with Shi Yiyang and Liu Rui, but when compared to Wang Weiwei, Lin Zhouwu, and Lin Luoran right now, he...