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When Su Ning woke up, her mind was in complete turmoil, filled with a huge amount of memories that didn't belong to her at all.

I sat on the bed in a daze for several minutes before I slowly sorted things out.

He had transmigrated again, this time into the TV series "Ideal City," becoming the distant cousin of the female lead, Su Xiao.

His name hasn't changed; he's still called Su Ning, and he's nineteen years old this year.

The original owner was just drifting through life at a third-tier college. A while ago, he got into a fight with someone over a girl and went too far, so he was expelled from school.

The family had no other choice but to send Su Ning to Shanghai to stay with Su Xiao and to represent the family at Su Xiao's wedding.

“Su Xiao… Zhou Jun…” Su Ning clicked her tongue, “Isn’t this the unlucky guy who lost his job and his man at the beginning of the story?”

As Su Ning was pondering this, her phone rang. She picked it up and saw that the contact name was "Cousin Su Xiao".

Suning answered the phone: "Hello, sis."

Su Xiao's voice came from the other end of the phone, sounding a bit hurried: "Su Ning, where are you? I was busy going over the wedding schedule and didn't have time to check my phone."

Suning said, "Sister, I've arrived in Shanghai and just found a place to stay."

Su Xiao visibly breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. Send me the address and I'll have someone pick you up. You should rest well today. Make sure you arrive at the wedding early in a few days, don't be late."

Su Ning paused for a moment, then said, "Sis, can I see you first? There's something I want to tell you."

Su Xiao was a little surprised: "What's wrong? Do we have to meet in person to talk? Can't we talk on the phone?"

"It's hard to explain over the phone, let's talk face to face," Su Ning said.

Su Xiao hesitated for a few seconds, then said, "Okay! I'm at the wedding planning company going over the process right now. Why don't you come find me? I'll send you the address."

"Okay, I'll be right there." Su Ning hung up the phone, changed her clothes, and went out.

When Su Ning arrived at the wedding company, Su Xiao was standing at the front desk with a stack of documents, talking to the staff.

Today, Su Xiao was dressed in a smart business suit, and she looked like the kind of person who didn't procrastinate.

When Su Xiao saw Su Ning, she immediately smiled and waved: "Su Ning, over here."

“Sister.” Su Ning walked over.

Su Xiao looked him up and down, then sighed, "You little rascal! I've heard about what happened. Why aren't you studying properly? Why are you getting into fights?"

Su Ning scratched his head: "Sis, I was stupid for that, there's nothing to explain. Anyway, I can't go to school now, so my family sent me to Shanghai to study with you and see if I can find something to do."

Su Xiao patted his shoulder: "Alright, let's not talk about the past. Now that you're in Shanghai, stay put and don't cause any more trouble for the family. By the way, you said you had something to tell me, what is it?"

Su Ning glanced at her, thought for a moment, and said, "Sister, how much do you really know about your fiancé... Zhou Jun?"

Su Xiao was taken aback, then frowned: "What do you mean by that? I've been dating him for so many years, how much do you think I know about him?"

“That’s not what I meant,” Su Ning quickly said. “I just wanted to ask, do you think this person is reliable?”

Su Xiao's expression turned somewhat unpleasant. She slammed the documents in her hand onto the table and said, "Su Ning, what exactly are you trying to say? You've never even met Zhou Jun, so why are you saying such things right away?"

Su Ning waved her hand: "Sister, don't be angry. I just heard some things from the family and I felt uneasy, so I wanted to ask you in person."

Su Xiao took a deep breath, suppressing her displeasure: "What did your family say?"

Su Ning thought for a moment, "Sis, let me be blunt! Do you think Zhou Jun will stand by you when you encounter difficulties?"

Su Xiao stared at him for several seconds, her expression turning serious: "Su Ning, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Su Ning didn't answer directly, but said, "Sister, I just want to ask you one question... If one day your interests conflict with Zhou Jun's, what do you think he will choose?"

"..." Su Xiao fell silent.

Actually, she had thought about this problem before.

On the surface, Zhou Jun seemed gentle and refined, and he treated her well, but she always felt that something was off.

Both of them work in the construction industry, where the work is stressful and the competition is fierce.

Moreover, Zhou Jun values ​​opportunities very much.

Sometimes, that intensity made Su Xiao wonder if he was taking it a little too seriously.

"What exactly did you hear?" Su Xiao's voice lowered.

Su Ning looked at her and said, "Sis, if I told you that Zhou Jun might sell you out for a job opportunity, would you believe me?"

Su Xiao's face immediately darkened: "Su Ning, do you know what you're saying? Don't make things up without evidence."

“I don’t have any evidence,” Su Ning said, “but I want you to be careful. The wedding is in a few days, and there are some things you may not believe now, but you may soon find out.”

Su Xiao thought for a moment without saying anything, her expression turning somewhat unpleasant.

Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and answered with a complicated expression: "Hello... um, still at the wedding company... my cousin is here, I'm talking to him... okay, I'll be back in a bit."

After hanging up the phone, Su Xiao looked at Su Ning: "Zhou Jun called and asked where I was."

“…” Su Ning nodded without saying a word.

Su Xiao stared at Su Ning for a long while. "Su Ning, I've remembered what you said today. But tomorrow is my wedding day, and I don't want anything to go wrong, do you understand?"

“I understand,” Su Ning said. “Sister, I’m not here to cause you trouble. I just don’t want to see you suffer.”

Su Xiao's gaze softened slightly, and she sighed, "Alright! I understand. You should go back to the hotel and rest first! We'll talk about work later."

Su Ning responded, turned around and took a few steps, then turned back and said, "Sister."

"What is it now?" Su Xiao asked, looking at him.

Su Ning said earnestly, "No matter what happens next, don't panic. You are much more capable than you think."

Su Xiao stood there, stunned, watching her nineteen-year-old cousin walk away. A strange, indescribable feeling welled up inside her.

He looked down at the wedding program in his hand, which had the names of the groom, Zhou Jun, and the bride, Su Xiao, printed on it.

But for the first time, Su Xiao felt that the name didn't sound so reassuring.

……

Su Xiao was actually quite worried when her distant cousin came to stay with her.

These days, finding a job isn't that easy.

Especially in Shanghai, a city where money reigns supreme, there are indeed many opportunities, but they are also exceptionally brutal.

Although she has worked at Zhongjian Group for so many years, she has at least established herself.

But when it comes to helping her cousin, who didn't even finish college, find a job, Su Xiao really doesn't have any connections.

Moreover, Su Xiao is currently busy preparing for her wedding with Zhou Jun, so she doesn't have much energy to focus on Su Ning.

However, it's impossible to keep Suning staying in a hotel indefinitely.

Su Xiao rented a single room for Su Ning near her own place. It wasn't big, but at least she would have a place to stay.

Su Ning didn't complain. She threw her luggage into the room and said, "Sis, I'll figure out the job myself. Don't worry about it."

Su Xiao agreed verbally, but in her heart she still felt that this matter was not so simple.

However, she doesn't have much energy to deal with Su Ning's affairs right now. Not only does she have to prepare for her wedding with Zhou Jun, but the company is also in big trouble.

……

The next morning, Su Xiao squeezed through the morning rush hour subway and hurriedly clocked in.

Su Xiao joined Zhongjian Group right after graduation. After several years of hard work, she passed the cost engineer exam and finally became the cost supervisor. The salary was good and the prospects were promising. Logically, her life should have gotten better and better.

But today, Su Xiao didn't have a single smile on her face. The problem wasn't with Su Xiao, but with the company in trouble.

The contractor, Tianke Construction, had not paid the workers their wages. The workers became impatient and chartered a bus to block the entrance of Zhongjian Group, completely surrounding General Manager Pan Jianhua and his vehicle.

The workers held up signs and chanted slogans, saying that no one would leave until they received their pay.

Yu Chao, the manager of the business cooperation department, stepped forward to try to calm the workers down. He raised his hands and said loudly, "Everyone, calm down, calm down. Let's sit down and talk things over."

The foreman, an older worker, wasn't buying it. Pointing his finger at Yu Chao, he said, "Talk? How many times have we talked? Every time it's 'next week, next week,' how many 'next weeks' has it been? Our wives and kids are waiting for us to eat, and you guys sitting in your air-conditioned offices are so patient!"

Yu Chao said with a smile, "Brother, there's a procedure for this payment..."

"What process or not!" the old worker interrupted him. "You just keep passing the buck, today to tomorrow, tomorrow to the day after tomorrow, when will it ever end? Why don't you talk about the process when we're working? You rush us like we're being chased to death when we're working, but when it comes to paying us, you suddenly talk about the process?"

Yu Chao was speechless after being confronted, and several workers nearby joined in the commotion, creating complete chaos.

……

Unfortunately, the city's construction leadership team is coming to inspect the site today, and the time is set for the morning.

Su Xiao is the cost manager for this project, and she is in charge of the budget.

Seeing this, Su Xiao knew she couldn't hide any longer, so she walked directly in front of the workers and said, "Masters, masters, please listen to me for a moment."

"..." The workers quieted down and all looked at her.

Su Xiao said, "I am Su Xiao, the cost manager of this project. I can tell you the truth about the project funds. Tianke did not disburse the funds in a timely manner, and as the contracting party, Zhongjian Group bears joint responsibility for this. I will not shirk my responsibility."

Hearing Su Xiao's words, the old worker's tone softened a bit: "Young lady, you're quite honest. So what do you suggest we do? There are so many of us; we can't work for nothing, can we?"

Su Xiao said, "You will definitely get the money, after all, it's what you deserve. But it's not right for everyone to block the road here and surround President Pan in his car. You're here to demand your wages, not to cause trouble, right? If this is classified as disturbing public order, you'll be the ones who suffer."

The workers looked at each other and agreed that Su Xiao's words made sense.

The old worker was silent for a few seconds, then said, "So tell me, when will you get paid?"

Su Xiao said, "I'll call you right now in front of everyone and give you a definite answer. Can you please make way for President Pan and let him out?"

The old worker thought for a moment, then waved his hand behind him: "Make way, make way, let them out."

The crowd parted to make way, and Pan Jianhua got out of the car, straightened his suit collar, and looked very unhappy.

As he passed by Su Xiao, he lowered his voice and said, "Hmph! Who told you to mention joint liability? Do you know how awkward it will be for the company if you say that?"

Su Xiao was stunned. Before she could explain, Pan Jianhua had already walked away without looking back.

Su Xiao felt a lump in her throat.

He was trying to help the company out of a difficult situation, but ended up getting scolded instead.

But now is not the time to worry about that, so she quickly took out her phone and called her boyfriend, Zhou Jun.

As soon as the call connected, Su Xiao asked, "Zhou Jun, what's the situation with the leaders at the Construction Bureau?"

Zhou Jun lowered his voice, clearly not wanting to speak loudly: "I'm with them right now. They're still looking at the materials, but they'll be heading over to your side soon. You need to take care of things at the door quickly, and make sure the leaders don't see us, or this will blow up."

Su Xiao said, "I'm dealing with it right now. Can you stall for time for me? Stall it for as long as you can."

Zhou Jun said, "I know, I'll try my best here. But you have to hurry over there. Team Leader He Shengli is a very particular person. If he sees trouble at the door, he'll lose all his points."

"Okay, I understand." Su Xiao hung up the phone and turned to find Yu Chao.

Yu Chao was on the phone when Su Xiao walked over and said directly, "Manager Yu, the leaders from the Construction Bureau will be here in ten minutes. We need to get Tianke to transfer the money immediately."

Yu Chao covered the phone receiver and said to Su Xiao, "I already urged him. You should also try talking to Huang Lilin, the general manager of Tianke. I told him he doesn't take it seriously at all."

Su Xiao took the phone, took a deep breath and said, "President Huang, this is Su Xiao, the cost manager of Zhongjian. The workers have blocked our company gate. If this matter is brought up to the leaders of the Construction Bureau, not only will it look bad for Zhongjian, but Tianke will also be implicated."

Huang Lilin's voice on the other end of the phone was unhurried: "Manager Su! It's not that I don't want to pay, it's just that the company really doesn't have any money in the account. Please wait a few more days, and once our cash flow improves, we'll definitely pay as soon as possible..."

Su Xiao became anxious: "President Huang, it's not a matter of waiting a few days. The workers are already blocking the entrance, and the leaders from the Construction Bureau will be here in ten minutes. How can you expect me to wait?"

Huang Lilin maintained his usual tone: "Well, there's nothing I can do! You can't expect me to conjure up money, can you? Zhongjian is a large corporation, so why don't you cover it first?"

Su Xiao was so angry she almost cursed, but she suppressed her anger and said, "President Huang, your Tianke is a subsidiary of Yinghai Group. Yinghai is such a big group, surely it can't even afford to pay its workers' wages?"

Huang Lilin was silent for a moment, then his tone suddenly changed: "What do you mean by that? Are you trying to pressure me by using Ying Hai?"

“I’m not trying to pressure you, I’m just stating the facts,” Su Xiao said.

"Alright, alright, I have something to do here, we'll talk later." Huang Lilin hung up the phone immediately after saying that.

Su Xiao gripped her phone, her face turning pale with anger.

Yu Chao asked from the side, "How is it?"

"He said he had no money and hung up," Su Xiao said.

Yu Chao sighed, looking helpless: "That's just the kind of person Huang Lilin is, there's nothing I can do about him."

Su Xiao glanced at Yu Chao, feeling that something was off.

Before she could think any further, Zhou Jun called again: "Su Xiao, how's it going on your end? The leader has finished reviewing the materials and is about to set off."

“…” Su Xiao gritted her teeth and turned to find Pan Jianhua.

Pan Jianhua was on the phone in his office, looking annoyed. When he saw Su Xiao come in, his expression turned even more unfriendly: "What do you want now?"

Ignoring his attitude, Su Xiao said directly, "President Pan, Tianke Construction is a subsidiary of Yinghai Group. Let's go directly to President Zhao of Yinghai Group and have him resolve this."

Pan Jianhua paused for a moment, then realized: "Yes, find Zhao Xiankun."

Then, Pan Jianhua immediately hung up the phone, flipped through his contacts, and dialed the number.

……

However, while Su Xiao was in a state of panic, the workers' wages had already been settled.

The person who settled the debt was Xia Ming, the chief economist of Tianke Construction, who is also Huang Lilin's nephew.

Xia Ming had already transferred the money to the workers' accounts before Su Xiao and Huang Lilin made the phone call.

Once the workers received their money, they stopped causing trouble and got into their vehicles to leave.

The area in front of the Zhongjian Group has finally returned to calm.

When the leaders from the Construction Bureau came to inspect, they saw a well-organized scene.

He Shengli, the leader of the leading group, took a tour and expressed his satisfaction.

On the contrary, Huang Lilin was furious when he found out about this later. He called his nephew Xia Ming and said, "Xia Ming, what do you mean? Who told you to settle the money?"

Xia Ming sounded calm on the other end of the phone: "Uncle, the workers won't leave until they're paid. Making a scene won't do us any good."

Huang Lilin said, "Let it escalate. In any case, it's Zhongjian that's embarrassed, what does it have to do with Tianke? You're so generous, giving away all the money at once. Do you know how much interest this money will accrue if it's delayed?"

Xia Ming chuckled: "Uncle, do you think Zhao Xiankun doesn't know what we're thinking? He's been wanting to weaken Tianke's autonomy for a long time. If we cause another scandal involving workers demanding back wages, he'll have a perfect excuse to take Tianke back. Rather than handing him a knife, we'd better settle things and stabilize the situation first."

Huang Lilin scoffed dismissively, "Hmph! You're just a coward. Yinghai was built up by us, why should Zhao Xiankun just take it over like that?"

Xia Ming said, "Because he is the chairman of the group headquarters. Uncle, it's true that it's good to take shelter under a big tree, but this tree doesn't belong to us. They can cut off your branch whenever they want. Rather than waiting to be cut off, it's better to take root early."

"..." Huang Lilin fell silent instantly.

Xia Ming then said, "Uncle, don't worry about this. I know what I'm doing."

...(End of this chapter)