Chapter 56
It's Chinese New Year

Zhang Han Ping had already been invited by the Mayor for two meetings, and they had a pleasant conversation.

Chang Fu Yuan focused on the big picture in terms of economics, and he clearly had a lot of knowledge. Zhang Han Ping was very impressed, but whenever the conversation turned to the Tian Du City Electronic Radio Factory, he would immediately change the subject.

Zhang Han Ping had no choice. After Su Ping Nan heard what Zhang Han Ping had to say about the meeting, he immediately understood the city's intentions.

After some inquiries, they found out that this small factory, which didn't even occupy five acres, actually had over 600 employees waiting for their next meal.

Su Ping Nan said, "We'll see when we see it," and then left the matter alone. Poor Zhang Han Ping could only play dumb and keep stalling the city officials with evasive tactics.

Li Chang Hai was immediately impressed by Du Jiu after witnessing the conflict between him and Su Ping Nan at the entrance of Jinxiu Pavilion.

After returning from a trip to Hainan, he immediately started making connections to find out Du Jiu's whereabouts.

Mao Li Min, the director of the East City District's Six Doors Branch, was taken aback when he received Li Chang Hai's call. He said, "That matter has already been dealt with. Su Ping Nan from Jinxiu Pavilion also testified that it was a misunderstanding, saying that everyone was drunk that day."

Li Chang Hai hung up the phone. His subordinates had already reported back, saying that the person involved in the incident had become Su Ping Nan's driver. After sending his subordinates away, Li Chang Hai smashed his favorite cup.

Mao Li Min had heard about the conflict between Li Chang Hai and Su Ping Nan at the auction house. After some thought, he picked up the phone.

"Hello, is that Xiao Guo? This is Mao Li Min."

There was a lot of noise on Guo Guang Yao's end. After taking a few steps, a clear voice came through: "Director Mao's voice is still very familiar. What are your instructions?"

Mao Li Min knew in his heart that if he spoke about this, he would be choosing sides with the Jinxiu group. But considering Guo Guang Yao's usual help with his personal matters and Su Ping Nan's meteoric rise to wealth, he decided to speak up.

"There's something I need to tell you. You should know that Li Chang Hai is trying to get Du Jiu released."

Guo Guang Yao hung up the phone. It seemed his efforts had paid off. A few days ago, Mao's brother-in-law got married, and he took the initiative to arrange twenty cars and waived the fees for Jinxiu Pavilion to hold the wedding banquet. Today, it seemed he was reaping the rewards.

Guo Guang Yao immediately called Su Ping Nan. Su Ping Nan pondered for a moment and said, "Give me Mao's number. I'll contact him myself. You need to start paying attention to Li Chang Hai from now on."

Mao Li Min felt that betting on Su Ping Nan was a good move. Sometimes, a man's intuition is sharper than a woman's. As for the rumors surrounding Su Ping Nan, he had seen the internal documents and dismissed them. But he felt it was necessary to befriend a young man who was only twenty years old and had already built such a vast empire by leveraging opportunities.

As he was lost in thought, his phone rang. He picked it up and a strange young voice said, "Is this Director Mao?"

"Yes, it is. Who is this?"

"This is Su Ping Nan. Thanks for your help today, brother. I'll treat you to dinner when I get back."

"Okay, okay, no problem."

After hanging up the phone, Mao knew this was worth it. Everyone said that the "Little Red Robe" was very proud, but he had personally called to thank him, showing that he had acknowledged his favor.

It was almost time to leave work when Guo Guang Yao came over.

He walked in and respectfully placed a gold card for Jinxiu Pavilion's top floor on Mao Li Min's desk.

"What's this?"

Mao Li Min lit a cigarette and asked.

Guo Guang Yao answered meticulously, "Mr. Su said that there's no need for formality between friends. This is for your convenience in the future."

Mao Li Min didn't refuse, but he sent Guo Guang Yao out with a smile. Many people noticed this.

The New Year was here. To quote a famous line from a popular movie, "1992 is gone, and I miss it."

Su Ping Nan missed 1992. He was very happy. His rapidly growing business and ever-deepening roots made him very pleased.

Du Dan Dan was also happy. This New Year's Eve, she finally had the opportunity to call Su Ping Nan without making an excuse. She wished him a happy new year in advance.

Su Ping Nan was on his way home when he received the call. He was with Su Wen Wen and the Du siblings.

"Happy New Year, Su Ping Nan."

Du Dan Dan's voice reached his ears. Su Ping Nan chuckled and said, "Happy New Year to you too. You're not calling me 'Bad Guy Brother' anymore?"

Du Dan Dan's face turned red immediately. She said a few words and hung up the phone. She stared at her innocent face in the mirror.

She was a bit afraid to face the truth in her heart. Li Luo Ran was so beautiful, and she felt a bit inferior.

Su Ping Nan was completely unaware of the young girl's thoughts, but his mood inexplicably lifted.

"A Jiu, you're part of the family now." He said seriously to Du Jiu, who was concentrating on driving, and Du Ruo Yun, who was sitting beside him looking a bit shy.

Du Jiu nodded. He was a straightforward man, without any tricks up his sleeve. This simple statement expressed his attitude.

Du Ruo Yun shyly glanced at Su Ping Nan and also nodded. The little girl was very slender, with a delicate beauty typical of Southern women.

(I had a lot of time today, and I've been writing continuously. Please leave more comments, so I can improve and avoid self-indulgent plot points.)