Eleven thousand eleven

Page 1/3

In a cozy café, soft jazz music flowed gently through the air. Song Wei shook hands with a woman whose attire and demeanor exuded an elite professionalism, then they sat down to talk.

The modest monthly child support that Xu Hanrui provided was barely enough to buy a few clothes; there was nothing more. Xu’s parents had transferred some money a few times to help, but how long could such aid last? Both were getting older, and with the company shares already handed over to Xu Hanrui, after such a heavy blow that landed her in the hospital for so long, they were well-meaning but powerless — unable to support her for the long term.

Even without Xu Hanrui, Song Wei was determined to ensure her daughter continued living the life of a cherished young lady, free from want or bullying, always happy and carefree.

Therefore, she had to find a way to raise money.

In the short term, Song Wei could think of only two ways to quickly earn a significant sum: one was to rake in profits from the stock market, the other to invest in projects with guaranteed returns.

But she neither understood the stock market nor had access to those certain-to-profit projects; besides, with her limited assets, investment companies wouldn’t even glance her way.

Fortunately, although Song Wei had always been a dutiful and devoted wife and mother, she was also passionate about charity, lending a helping hand whenever she encountered someone in need, thereby forming many benevolent connections. Now, in her misfortune, some offered help proactively.

The woman before her, dressed sharply with an air of professionalism, was one such beneficiary of Song Wei’s kindness.

Back when she was betrayed by her partner and husband, losing the fruits of years of her hard work and despairing to the point of contemplating the unthinkable, Song Wei had run into this woman on the street. She had casually invited her for coffee, listened to her story, and eventually handed her a business card, advising her to contact Assistant Xu.

Song Wei was unclear about the specifics of the help she received, but as long as Assistant Xu knew it was at her recommendation, assistance would be arranged.

In the end, this woman regained her spirit and made a successful comeback. As for the partner and despicable ex-husband who had backstabbed her, they had since gone bankrupt and vanished, likely languishing in some forgotten corner, filled with regret.

The woman’s name was Liao Jieqiong. She wasn’t extraordinarily beautiful but radiated vitality and the confident glow of a powerful woman. Smiling, she asked, “Has Fufu gotten used to living here? The north-south differences are quite stark.”

Song Wei smiled. “She’s adapted. We used to bring her here often on holidays for trips and stays. You haven’t met her yet, have you? Next weekend, I’ll bring her along to have dinner with you.”

“That sounds great. I’d love to meet her—I’ve heard she’s very pretty.”

“She is. The prettiest in our family, though she’s spoiled and has a bit of a temper.”

“Being a little spoiled as a daughter isn’t a bad thing.”

After some casual chat, they moved to the main topic.

“Our company plans to collaborate with Zhi Mei Technology to produce their civilian drone components. You know, Zhi Mei is currently the hottest drone manufacturer globally. Even Country E uses their drones as combat aircraft, and they have government partnerships. Several civilian products have been adapted for military use. Their prominence has even drawn sanctions from Country M, which have so far failed…”

Liao Jieqiong spoke with visible excitement and enthusiasm, barely noticing Song Wei’s subtle unease.

Zhi Mei Technology, founded less than twenty years ago, had gone public on the New York Stock Exchange in under three years. Within ten years, it had captured seventy percent of the Asian civilian drone market. Their advanced intelligent products, including pet and housekeeping robots, led domestically. They had even engaged in government projects related to rockets and space stations, and their business had expanded globally.

Page 2/3

Last year, Tang Yun, the founder and CEO of Zhi Mei Technology, had surpassed many top-tier billionaires supported by family wealth, including Xu Hanrui, ranking third on the national wealth list—just one step from the top spot.

His wealth had accumulated at a pace faster than a rocket launch.

Equally astonishing to the public was Tang Yun’s age and appearance. A self-made man from humble beginnings, he was not yet forty, handsome and charismatic, with a witty personality and a physique resembling a special forces operative—broad chest, defined abs, long legs—and, notably, still single.

It was simply irresistible. Countless netizens flooded his rarely updated social media account, shouting “daddy” daily.

Tang Yun was unquestionably a contemporary legend of the nation.

Song Wei, of course, knew Zhi Mei Technology and Tang Yun; she had known him since he was a penniless youth.

“At present, Zhi Mei Technology is very satisfied with our company’s operational capabilities but thinks our factory is too small to handle their orders. So we’re urgently expanding, and this is the time for investment. If you trust me, invest your money,” Liao Jieqiong said.

Song Wei knew that if Liao Jieqiong’s company secured Zhi Mei’s orders, it would be a guaranteed win and a lucrative one. With Liao Jieqiong’s skills and the company’s reputation, investment firms would be lining up to finance them. Her approach was a gesture of goodwill, offering Song Wei a chance to profit.

But Tang Yun…

Song Wei lowered her lashes and took a sip of coffee. Over the years, she had done everything to avoid any entanglement with Tang Yun.

“If I decide to invest, I’ll need to gather funds. Can I get back to you in a couple of days?”

Liao Jieqiong nodded. “Sure. I’ll be inspecting the new factory here in Z City for a few more days. Get back to me before I leave.”

…

The school bell rang. Li Chongjing quickly left the campus and boarded a bus home.

His home was in Qinghe Ancient Town, somewhat far from school, but fortunately, a direct bus made commuting convenient.

There had been a traffic accident today, causing a long jam, so Li Chongjing arrived home quite late; dusk had already fallen.

Walking along the central river, passing inns and shops, he turned into Qingquan Alley. A few steps in, suddenly a shadow darted out and blocked his path.

The obstructing figure was wild and disheveled, hair in a tangled mess, wearing a dirty military coat. After blocking him, the man suddenly opened the coat “whoosh,” revealing his bare chest, grinning crazily.

Li Chongjing remained expressionless and tried to walk around him, but the madman persistently followed.

“Hehe, Xiao Chong, hehe, look!”

This lunatic…

Page 3/3

Li Chongjing’s gaze turned icy. At that moment, Chen Peirong emerged from the clinic at the end of the alley.

“Chong!” Chen Peirong called out hurriedly. “Why did his family let him out again? Chong, you’d better go home and eat; the food’s getting cold.”

Chen Peirong quickly called neighbors, and together they buttoned up the madman’s coat and half-dragged him back home. She glanced back at Li Chongjing, who still stood where he was, sighed with a complicated expression.

This man was the son of a family next door. Ten years ago, a drunken fall had damaged his brain, leaving him mentally ill. Whenever he saw Li Chongjing, he would rush out and expose himself to scare him.

Because he only frightened Li Chongjing and caused no harm or major disturbance, he had not been forcibly institutionalized. Sending him to a mental hospital would cost money, and the old lady at home couldn’t bear to part with him or the expenses, so he was kept at home. But since he couldn’t be watched constantly, he would escape from time to time.

Li Chongjing stared for a moment, expressionless, then walked toward the alley’s end.

…

Saturday, school was off.

Xu Luofu had switched to a local phone card in the capital, uninstalled WeChat and all other chat apps, severing ties with everyone over there, even uninstalling games. She was bored from the moment she opened her eyes.

Boredom led her mind to wander, and her mood worsened. Deciding to go out for a walk, she declined Song Wei’s invitation to go together, wanting some time alone.

Qinghe Ancient Town was a must-visit spot for tourists, so Xu Luofu asked the driver to take her there.

The Rolls-Royce stopped outside the ancient town. Xu Luofu got out and walked in.

It wasn’t peak tourist season, so visitors were few; most people were locals going about their business.

On both sides of the central river stood low, old southern-style buildings, with black tiled eaves curling upward, white walls weathered by time. The river was clear and fairly wide, with boatmen pushing bamboo poles to navigate small boats through the water and under arched bridges. Fishermen leisurely cast lines beneath the bridges, while women carried basins of clothes, stepping down wet stone steps to wash by the river, speaking in a soft, unintelligible Wu dialect. Children on vacation ran around laughing, holding candied hawthorns.

Quiet yet vibrant with everyday life.

Xu Luofu walked slowly along the street, arms folded around herself.

“Chong, your soy sauce.”

“Okay, I’ve paid through Alipay.”

Li Chongjing took the soy sauce and his phone, turning around. A stunning silhouette suddenly caught his eye, passing slowly before him—the black, silky hair curling at the ends, gently lifted by the breeze, moving as if beckoning him with a graceful finger.