Grab The Heroine and Run Away Ch. 109 (Xu Jiamu x Cheng Siying [End])
In the previous life, Xin Nuo remembered that due to the geographical location of Cheng Biological Institute, it had been a long battle between Non-Tech and Pinnacle Tech. The new tech park was delayed in construction. Later, if it hadn’t been for the bad strategy from Pinnacle Tech, Non-Tech wouldn’t have been tangled with them for so long.
Unlike the previous life, in this life, Xu Jiamu didn’t acquire Non-Tech. Instead, she established a global tech subsidiary in the country and actively cooperated with the Lu Group for the new tech park’s project. She frequently went on business trips in Huaguo for this.
Xin Nuo had always felt that her rebirth was compensation from fate, lifting everything from her past and giving her a chance to start anew. In her previous life, Xing Yujin and Mu Yeye, who had stirred up huge waves in her short life, were forcefully suppressed by her lover. She only needed to watch coldly. These people would follow the same path as in the previous life – one would be stitching in prison, the other would fall from a high place, crashing to the ground, resisted by everyone.
As for the most difficult person to deal with, Ji Yichen, as her relationship with Xu Heran grew closer after her debut, she began to plan her actions against Ji Yichen. This land of Cheng Biological Institute was the grand gift she had prepared for Ji Yichen.
She would spend her life with Xu Heran, and her loved ones would be her loved ones. To ensure the smooth establishment of the tech park, she started to manipulate the joints of Ji Yichen before the most critical juncture.
Xin Nuo messaged Xu Heran, “Originally bought it for investment, didn’t expect it would help my sister-in-law. I’m really happy.”
“Great,” Xu Heran replied with a smiling expression, “Thank you, NuoNuo.”
“By the way, Miss Cheng, has she returned to the institute to continue working? Her research is vital. The institute is so far from the capital, and the researchers there are relatively defenseless. They need to be careful about security,” Xin Nuo said.
Xu Heran smiled and asked, “Sure, but I didn’t expect you to care about these things in your daily life?”
“Just happened to think about financial management before, so I casually learned about it. I came across many strange news stories, like a certain company intentionally setting fire to another company’s factory for competition, and there’s corporate espionage, and even funnier things like physical confrontations for official seals…” Xin Nuo chuckled, “Unimaginable.”
“Alright, but my sister has already made arrangements for these things. She spends more time in the capital than in Lan Guo now. Also, while chatting with the personal assistant of Xu Jiamu and me, my sister occasionally goes to the institute to meet Siying. Hehe…” Xu Heran said with a gossipy tone.
Listening to Xu Heran’s laughter, Xin Nuo couldn’t help but say, “Didn’t you say the other day with the hotel misunderstanding that sister isn’t with Professor Cheng?”
Xu Heran rubbed her chin, “Not sure, but given the situation… the iron tree has blossomed?”
“Cough,” Xin Nuo lightly chuckled, “So, sister is the iron tree, what are you then, a little iron sapling?”
“I, the Love Champion, the pillar of the third generation of the Xu family with an object of affection, the whole family’s hope!” Xu Heran proudly declared. She thought for a moment, then lowered her head, “NuoNuo, well, you know, I’ll investigate first. We must be ahead of Xu Jiamu!”
Calmly, Xin Nuo asked, “How do you plan to be ahead?”
Xu Heran touched her chin, “Let’s see.”
With just a “let’s see,” she ended up “seeing” for a whole year. Xu Jiamu was running between China and Lan Guo, appearing busy yet fulfilled. Besides work, she would go to Cheng Biological Institute to walk in the park with Cheng Siying and see the water.
The new tech park had already begun construction, and China’s level of infrastructure could be considered among the best in the world. Cheng Biological Institute was also included in the plan. Xu Jiamu had communicated with Cheng Siying about building a new research institute first and then having Cheng Siying move.
“The new tech park occupies the Sweet Ball Tech Park; it’s President Lu’s decision,” Xu Jiamu whispered to Cheng Siying, “But many people in the meeting room feel that this name isn’t formal enough. They want to come up with a grander name for the tech park. President Lu is still hesitating.”
And she was scolded severely by President Tang.
Xu Jiamu discreetly omitted the scene of her being scolded by both influential CEOs in China’s economy while quietly drinking tea in Lu Manxin’s office.
“Sweet Ball?” Cheng Siying raised her eyebrows in surprise.
Xu Jiamu nodded, “President Lu’s lover’s last name is Tang, and her nickname is Tang Tang.”
Cheng Siying couldn’t help but smile, “A very sweet name.”
The two of them walked side by side along the park path. Xu Jiamu glanced at Cheng Siying and added, “President Lu’s lover is the CEO of Tang Group. She’s an exceptional woman.”
“Yeah,” Cheng Siying looked at the blooming roses by the side of the road, her eyes curving, “I’ve heard about her.”
“A century wedding.”
The discussions that had dominated China’s economy and entertainment sectors for half a year in the past, even appeared in the newspapers and magazines designated by the institute. Cheng Siying had carefully read them.
“You were there too,” Cheng Siying said.
Xu Jiamu widened her eyes in surprise.
The woman beside her didn’t look at her and spoke in a warm voice, “In the reports at the time, I saw your picture.”
“Yeah, at the time, I had just taken over Universal, I and President Lu hit it off. There were many collaborations afterward. I attended their wedding as a friend.” Xu Jiamu said.
“Now, many years have passed, and they’re still happily married. As a friend, I’m happy for them.”
Cheng Siying then looked up at Xu Jiamu’s face, and Xu Jiamu looked back at her with a slightly puzzled expression.
Well, you do seem genuinely happy.
“With a successful career and a happy marriage, not bad,” Cheng Siying said, “Are you envious?”
Xu Jiamu adjusted her collar and said softly, “Perhaps.”
The two of them stopped by the lake at their usual spot.
The summer park was lush with greenery, and the lake was covered with a layer of green water plants, filling the entire lake. Perhaps in this season, even the water had to be green.
Cheng Siying’s fingers lightly touched the soft petals in the flowerbed as she said softly, “Our research has reached a crucial point. By the end of this year, I’m going to Lan Guo with the team.”
“Yeah,” Xu Jiamu knew about this. Cheng Siying’s research, which had diverged from her father’s work, started with her own arguments. With previous experience and Cheng Siying’s dedicated pursuit of research since she entered the institute until now, the progress in new material research had made remarkable strides over the past year.
The research institute’s trip to Lan Guo was due to the presence of a heavy and extremely valuable piece of equipment, of which there were only two in the world. When Xu Jiamu heard about it during a walk with Cheng Siying, she immediately contacted a research institute in Lan Guo to secure the opportunity.
When Xu Jiamu calmly mentioned this matter with a detached tone, Cheng Siying fell silent for ten seconds and then opened her arms, gently hugging her. On that day, Xu Jiamu once again tasted Cheng Siying’s culinary skills. It was the second time she had eaten something Cheng Siying had made herself, and it was another feast.
“Professor Cheng, since you’re going to Lan Guo…” Xu Jiamu still wore an indifferent expression, her tone even, “Why not come home with me?”
Cheng Siying’s shoulders slowly stiffened as she looked at her with wide eyes.
Xu Jiamu’s voice grew softer, “The research institute is in the city center, not far from my house. I mentioned before that I wanted you to try my aunt’s cooking. Why not take advantage of this opportunity?”
Cheng Siying murmured, “There’s still half a year…”
“Half a year,” Xu Jiamu imitated Cheng Siying, hands in her pockets, and chuckled, “There’s still so much time. Professor Cheng, please consider it.”
Cheng Siying’s straightened shoulders slowly relaxed, and her clear eyes looked at the swan pendant on Xu Jiamu’s chest.
“Yeah.”
There was still half a year before the journey from Cheng Biotechnology Institute to Lan Guo. Before their team’s departure, the experts responsible for the equipment would come to China. The visiting research team, which was focused on a different direction within the field of materials, was coming to attend a scientific conference and take the opportunity to meet Cheng Siying for a discussion and exchange of ideas.
The leading expert from Lan Guo had read Cheng Siying’s paper in a scientific journal. After a face-to-face conversation with her, he praised Cheng Siying greatly and actively invited her to visit Lan Guo. He expressed a desire to collaborate with her.
Cheng Siying didn’t refuse or agree. However, shortly after these expert teams returned to Lan Guo, she saw in the next issue of a magazine an article published by the renowned expert about their conference experience and their research. In the article, Cheng Biotechnology Institute and Cheng Siying were mentioned. The experts mentioned that within three years at most, the new materials from Cheng Biotechnology Institute would be presented to the world. This would be, according to them, the best material they had ever seen.
“Praise! This is definitely praise!” Cheng Siying’s assistant exclaimed while holding the scientific magazine, laughing without restraint.
“Three years…,” others mused with concern, “If it doesn’t come out within three years, won’t we lose face?”
Cheng Siying closed the magazine, her lips curving into a smile.
“Then let’s work hard. Within three years, we’ll develop the best material today.”
“Agreed!”
In China, other material companies who saw the magazine sighed in response. But for now, they were still being overshadowed by the materials from Pinnacle Tech. Having one more competitor didn’t matter much when there was a peak to contend with. Ironically, in Pinnacle Tech, the most impressive aspect was the materials.
Some also hoped to follow in Pinnacle Tech’s footsteps. Before better materials emerged, they thought about merging with Cheng Biotechnology Institute or finding other ways to obtain patents for the new materials. Even if they couldn’t get the patent, they might get a share of the benefits. As a result, news of potential investments started reaching Cheng Biotechnology Institute like never before. However, before it reached Cheng Siying’s ears, the institute’s manager responsible for external affairs had already sent these hopeful investors away.
After a long time, Cheng Siying received another call from Ji Yichen, but this time, she didn’t pick up. Instead, she directly added Ji Yichen to her blacklist – a feature Xu Jiamu had taught her, and Cheng Siying was quite satisfied with how it worked.
Pinnacle Tech.
“Three years,” Ji Yichen tightened the report in his hand.
Ji Yichen’s father, the CEO of Pinnacle Tech, sat behind his desk and slammed it hard, “If the new material doesn’t launch successfully, we’ll lose everything we have now!”
“How long has it been?” He angrily stood up and paced around, “Cheng Siying has really grown bold now. She won’t even answer my calls!”
Ji Yichen didn’t say a word, his brows tightly furrowed. “How did they manage to develop the new material so quickly? Didn’t it take twenty-five years before?”
The head of the Ji family’s brows furrowed even tighter, “Could it be that back then, there were actually two formulas, and Cheng Siying just brought out one? The one that wasn’t perfected, and now it’s being presented?”
“Ugh! It’s all your fault. I know you don’t like her, but you can’t just break off the engagement with her so easily, right? After marriage, you can like whoever you want and play with whoever you want. Could she stop you?” The head of the Ji family pounded the table and said to Ji Yichen, “What do we do now? If she really presents the new material, we’re done for!”
Ji Yichen threw down the report, “I don’t like the women around you, but…”
Just as his father said, the launch of the new material would deal a fatal blow to Pinnacle Tech.
The father and son from the Ji family discussed in the office, and after a short while, the manager from the marketing department knocked and entered.
“Not good, Mr. Ji. In the past week, our orders have dropped by thirty percent compared to before. Many major clients are hesitant and don’t want to place large orders.” The manager from the marketing department was sweating profusely.
“They say that better materials are about to be introduced. They say three years, but if it’s two years… Anyway, they’re using this excuse to try to push down our prices.” The marketing manager spoke in a low voice.
Because only they had the better material in hand, taking orders for business was very easy, and they didn’t need to beg others. Everyone begged them to produce quickly. So, the sales team under the marketing department had developed a high-handed attitude. However, since the news about the upcoming better materials appeared, the attitudes of those clients shifted drastically. Moreover, many individuals who had interacted with Cheng Siying at social events released messages that if she developed new materials, she would supply the market at a favorable price but prioritize official institutions.
Oh, now there are also enterprises from Universal and Tech Park.
“Damn it, if we really lower the price now, aren’t we just doing what they want? Lowering it today under this pretext, and who’s to say they won’t demand it again tomorrow?” The head of Pinnacle Tech sneered, “The price will absolutely not drop. We still have three years to go, and it’ll take even longer from development to market launch. If they’re willing to drag it out, let them!”
Ji Yichen also said, “The price must not be lowered, no matter what.”
He had invested a huge sum to purchase land in the outskirts, which required further development. Currently, the most substantial profit for Pinnacle Tech came from the new material, enough to support the entire company. If the price of the new material dropped, it would also send a signal to the outside world.
Pinnacle Tech absolutely couldn’t back down.
The CEO behind the desk looked at Ji Yichen, turning the prayer beads in his hand, and spoke in a low voice, “If, hypothetically, the new material can’t be introduced, that would be best for us.”
Ji Yichen’s heart stirred, and he said softly, “I will get in touch with Cheng Siying.”
Not long after, Ji Yichen personally visited Cheng Siying’s office, but he was received by the company’s administration. He spent a whole day there, and Cheng Siying never came to meet him.
“Please tell Siying that I can fulfill any request she has. As long as she’s willing to hand over the new material to Pinnacle Tech.” Ji Yichen smiled at the administration staff.
Or she could halt the research on the new material.
The administration staff also smiled warmly and escorted him out. A group of people reached the entrance when suddenly they heard the excited laughter of the receptionist.
“Oh my goodness! A new road and subway are going to be built in the capital city! It will lead directly to the Tech Park!”
“What?”
The group of people at the entrance turned abruptly to look at her.
The receptionist, being stared at so directly by so many people, suddenly stiffened. Holding her phone, she dryly recited, “It’s really… an official news announcement. In order to support the construction of the Tech Park, promote the birth of the new Tech Park, advance the development of science and technology in the capital city and the whole nation, and facilitate work and life in the Tech Park in the future, the government, in collaboration with the Lu Group, Man Group, and Universal Tech, is investing 20 billion to build a subway, with an estimated construction period of five years…”
As the receptionist read the announcement, her tone grew increasingly excited. When she finished, she happily said to the administration staff, “Sis! Once the Tech Park is built, along with the subway, how many times will the land value of the Tech Park increase?”
“The Tech Park is so vast, and they’re also planning to build schools and residential areas! Oh my god!” The receptionist counted on her fingers. She remembered that during the previous meeting, the manager had said that once the Tech Park was established, researchers would be allocated houses, and outstanding employees would receive free accommodations. If they worked at the research institute for a long time, they would even get substantial discounts when purchasing houses!
And those houses were in the capital city!
Although the Tech Park was far from the capital, if it really got built, it would become the second economic district!
The receptionist clenched her fist excitedly.
She wanted to work at the research institute for her entire life!
The administration staff also wanted to see the news, but there was an unpleasant presence beside her. Thinking of this, she immediately put on a bright smile for Ji Yichen, who had a pale complexion, and the people behind him.
“Mr. Ji, I’ll leave you here. Take care.”
Ji Yichen clenched his teeth, but he couldn’t hold back his expression anymore at this moment. He turned around and left.
“What’s going on? Didn’t we have a good conversation with Minister Liu at the beginning? We worked to get the subway built through our land, but how did it end up connecting to the Tech Park after going around in circles?” Someone’s face turned pale, “We also wanted to build a Tech Park!”
As soon as Ji Yichen got in the car, the first thing he did was pull out his phone and look at the subway’s planning map. The planned subway route started from the direction of the capital city and ran through the Tech Park. Moreover, it passed through the central area of the Tech Park, but it was quite far from the land he owned.
Technology Park, what a load of nonsense!
What are they even trying to build here?
He had initially planned to secure the land first and then vie for the position to construct the subway. However, Ji Yichen’s anger flared as he realized that the land he had bought, which had experienced a drastic increase in value, was now practically worthless. He furiously slammed his phone onto the ground. His secretary, who was standing nearby, had never seen him this furious before and instinctively shrunk back.
“Contact Minister Liu and see if there’s any way to salvage this situation,” Ji Yichen coldly ordered.
The secretary whispered, “But, this is a highly sensitive matter—yes, I understand.”
However, they couldn’t get in touch with Minister Liu. Instead, due to bribery allegations, the company came under investigation, and Ji Yichen’s father was taken away. Seated in his office, Ji Yichen clenched his teeth in frustration. “Lu Manxin, Xu Jiamu!”
How did they find out?
“Just as I said, it’s strange that the subway isn’t being built to the Technology Park,” Lu Manxin raised her glass and clinked it against Tang Niannian’s. “The original plan was rejected right off the bat. Who would’ve thought that some people had been enjoying a free ride for so long, treating everyone else like fools.”
Xu Jiamu leaned over to Lu Manxin and praised, “You’re amazing, Sister Lu.”
Lu Manxin was in the middle of taking a sip of her drink and nearly choked. She looked at Xu Jiamu with suspicion.
“You’ve been quite lively lately, haven’t you?” Tang Niannian teased, “Is it because of someone’s influence? Little Pearl, perhaps?”
Xu Jiamu’s ears turned slightly red.
They chatted and laughed, celebrating the good news about the Technology Park. It was an internal event for the two conglomerates. After Lu Manxin took Tang Niannian to the dance floor, Xu Jiamu put down her glass and messaged Cheng Siying.
There was no reply from the other end for a while. Xu Jiamu glanced at the time, her brows furrowing.
At this hour, Professor Cheng should have left the research lab and returned to her dorm. Is she busy with work today?
Just as Xu Jiamu was contemplating whether to send supper to Cheng Siying, her secretary rushed over in a hurry and whispered in her ear, “Ms. Xu, there’s a situation at the research institute.”
Xu Jiamu’s heart sank like a stone.
“Some individuals attempted arson but were caught by the bodyguards. Everything is fine at the research institute,” the secretary said in a hushed tone.
Xu Jiamu let out a sudden breath of relief. “Prepare the car!”
Cheng Siying was at the police station, looking at the three individuals who had been apprehended. Her gaze was cold and distant.
To resort to such a deranged act in order to prevent the emergence of new materials, they must have lost their minds.
“Siying!”
The originally icy voice was now filled with anxiety. As Cheng Siying put down her hands and turned around, she found herself enveloped in an embrace that felt like ice and snow.
“As long as you’re safe,” Xu Jiamu’s gaze lowered, as if she wanted to sense Cheng Siying’s presence. She gently nuzzled the soft side of the woman’s face with the tip of her nose.
“I’m fine, and I want to thank you,” Cheng Siying’s voice was gentle. “You protected me.”
The bodyguards that Xu Jiamu had sent were extremely dedicated, patrolling around the clock. Without them, she didn’t dare imagine what the consequences would have been tonight.
After confirming Cheng Siying’s safety, Xu Jiamu’s expression suddenly turned cold.
“Who are they?”
“They’re not talking,” Cheng Siying said. “The local public security bureau is here. They’ll handle the interrogation.”
Xu Jiamu patted Cheng Siying’s shoulder. “Can you go back now?”
“Yes,” Cheng Siying nodded. “If they need me, they’ll contact me.”
“Alright.”
Xu Jiamu accompanied Cheng Siying into the car. This time, she didn’t take Cheng Siying back to the research institute but to the hotel where she was staying.
Inside the car, Xu Jiamu opened the family group chat.
“By the end of this year, I’ll be bringing someone back with me.”
Almost immediately after she sent the message, Xu Menglan appeared, screaming. Xu Jiamu didn’t hesitate to hang up her video call.
Xu Junran: “?”
Bright Pearl: “??????”
Bright Pearl: “What?”
Bright Pearl: “Then I want to bring someone back too!”
Xu Menglan: “Ah—”
Mrs. Xu’s screams lasted a full ten minutes, interspersed with the screams of her grandparents. Xu Jiamu and Xu Heran didn’t have a chance to say a word.
Once Mrs. Xu had caught her breath, Xu Jiamu immediately said, “So, I want to invite Grandfather to come to China. I’m considering acquiring a company, but I’m a bit tight on time lately.”
The forever youthful and beautiful mother, who was always eighteen in everyone’s eyes, replied, “No problem! Your grandfather and I will come back together. You focus on your love life, and leave the work to me! As long as you bring someone back by the end of the year, you can take a six-month vacation!”
Xu Jiamu said, “Okay.”
Xu Jiamu then sent a message to Xu Heran, who had been furiously sending her question marks in their private chat.
“You asked me to convert NuoNuo’s land into shares in the Technology Park before. I allocated five shares from my own holdings as a thank you gift for NuoNuo.”
Xu Heran asked, “Huh?”
“Thank her for her warning.”
Xu Heran exclaimed, “What! Did someone really try to do that?”
“Yes, but they weren’t successful. After NuoNuo’s warning, we doubled the personnel at the research institute. Everything is safe now.”
“Well, that’s good.”
Xu Heran said with a grin, “So, she’s really my sister-in-law~”
Xu Jiamu nodded, “Yes.”
“Wishing you happiness~”
Xu Jiamu remained composed, “You too.”
“Happy Little Pearl.jpg”
In the blink of an eye, Xu Jiamu, who had accelerated her relationship progress, held Cheng Siying’s hand and asked, “Have you thought about it?”
Cheng Siying was momentarily stunned but saw the person beside her looking straight ahead.
“I’ve already talked to my family. I’ll go back at the end of the year and take you with me.”
Cheng Siying chuckled, “So, I don’t have the right to refuse?”
“Yes,” Xu Jiamu’s expression was resolute. “You don’t.”
The woman who now had only one choice looked ahead and spoke softly.
“That’s great.”
“I never thought of refusing.”
A gentle smile slowly bloomed on Xu Jiamu’s face.
“Professor Cheng, please guide me from now on.”
“President Xu, please guide me as well.”
This year’s biggest news, which everyone originally thought was about a peak bribery case, turned out to be something else entirely. Half a month later, the head of the Peak’s household was taken away by the police. He had ordered someone to set a fire, and after a sleepless investigation lasting half a month, the truth finally emerged. The witness who pointed the finger at Ji Yichen was Zhou Libin, the one who had stirred up a small online commotion earlier.
Now, people on the internet have started speculating how long Ji Yichen will stay in prison, whether he will sew garments or mine, and if the father and son of the Ji family will encounter each other behind bars. Everyone wears an expression of anticipation.
The massive Peak Technology, now without its leader, was in disarray. The newly appointed president who was hastily pushed to the forefront looked at the canceled orders due to public pressure and the numbers on the reports. He could only grit his teeth, hurriedly sell the land he had bought earlier, and retrieve all his previous investments while tightening his belt.
Little did he know, not far from their company, at the headquarters of the Hua Corporation’s branch of the Universal Group, an elderly man stood with his hands behind his back, gazing through the floor-to-ceiling windows towards the direction of Peak. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle’s.
In the late autumn and early winter, a plane crossed the night sky and landed at the airport.
Cheng Siying, who had come to Lan Country in advance, was warmly welcomed by the Xu family. When Xu Jiamu saw Xu Heran sitting in the living room with a smug expression, she raised an eyebrow.
“I’m always one step ahead, aren’t I?” Xu Heran turned her head and planted a kiss on the cheek of the gentle-looking girl beside her.
Xu Jiamu sneered and took Cheng Siying, who looked dazed, to her room.
“I’ve prepared a gift,” Xu Jiamu said.
“What is it?” Cheng Siying pushed open the door with a soft laugh. In front of her were blooming roses and colorful lights.
“I think I should be faster than my sister in this matter,” Xu Jiamu whispered gently, leading the stunned woman forward.
Outside the window, beautiful fireworks burst in the sky. As the plane flew by, countless petals fluttered and fell onto the estate. The colored lights resembled stars on the earth. While a shower of blossoms rained down, the beautiful woman knelt on the land where she had grown up and held up a ring.
“Will you marry me?”
Among the bouquet beside her, there was a photo, a work taken by the young Xu Jiamu during her youth, and in those works, there was always one figure.
The young Cheng Siying walked on the campus, occasionally smiling lightly at the camera.
“So, you still remember me,” Cheng Siying’s eyes suddenly reddened, and she smiled gently, saying, “Just like me, I’ve always remembered you.”
The closeness that had once stopped abruptly, after a brief period of ambiguity, they met again. They had endured the passage of time, and this time, they drew close, held tightly, and wouldn’t part.
Cheng Siying held onto Xu Jiamu’s fingers, lowering her head amidst the fireworks and the rain of flowers.
“Yes.”
The author has something to say:
Xu Heran: So annoyed!
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Sinensis
Proofreader: Ruu
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