The dusty road was filled with a whirlwind as a tiger-headed Ben sped along, the scenery a blur on either side.
Inside the car sat five people.
Zheng Chengdao was driving, with Qin Er Ge in the passenger seat. In the back were Qin Chuan, Li Chunsheng, and Xu Ronghua.
The two of them had followed Qin Chuan, the big boss, all the way from the capital to Longcheng for the Millet Factory's annual meeting, and then were returning to Yongnan County with him.
They were currently on their way back to Yongnan County. After the Millet Factory, several people had only grabbed a quick bite before setting off in a hurry.
There was no choice; time was tight, and many people in Yongnan County were eagerly awaiting their return!
This was when the disadvantage of having too many assets became apparent. Qin Chuan, the boss, wished he had an extra clone to alleviate his fatigue.
During this Lunar New Year period, Qin Chuan had been incredibly busy, rushing between Longcheng, the capital, and Yongnan County, with a mountain of affairs to attend to.
As a result, the finances of the Millet Factory hadn't even been settled clearly, as payments from distributors hadn't arrived yet. All sorts of expenses required a clear figure after the finance department prepared the accounts.
However, it didn't matter. Money wasn't going anywhere, and Qin Chuan had to rush back to Yongnan County for the annual meeting.
He had spent most of his energy in Longcheng and the capital this past year, neglecting his businesses in Yongnan County, leaving them to his brothers to handle.
If he didn't even return for the Lunar New Year's annual meeting, it would be truly inexcusable and would hurt his brothers' feelings.
They set off at one in the afternoon and, after a hurried journey, didn't arrive in Yongnan County until past five in the evening.
It was the twelfth lunar month, deep winter, and by five o'clock, the sky was already growing dark.
Outside the Xinhua Electronics Factory, many people stood, their gazes fixed on the darkening end of the road, where no cars had yet appeared.
To save their boss, Qin Chuan, some energy, the teams from the real estate company, decoration company, and even Meitehao Supermarket, all under Qin Chuan's umbrella, had come together to hold the annual meeting at the Xinhua Electronics Factory.
At the entrance of the Xinhua Electronics Factory, Ye Meiyun stood with Qin Chuan's parents. Behind them were leaders like Ge Lan and Liu Shengli.
Others present included Chen Jinyu, Qin Yang, Yao Dong, and Bai Xiaoguang.
They had learned from a phone call that Qin Chuan's car had entered Yongnan County and should be arriving soon.
As expected, a few minutes later, dazzling headlights appeared in the dark night.
"They're back! The boss is back!!"
Upon seeing the headlights, everyone waiting at the factory entrance erupted in a collective cheer.
The excited cheers came from the bottom of their hearts. Although Qin Chuan had focused his attention outside for the year, his deeds had already spread back to his hometown. Everyone's attitude towards Qin Chuan was no longer just that of an employer, but that of a spiritual leader, an idol. Instead of blame, there was only admiration.
In the eyes of many, their boss was meant to be this busy; only then could he achieve such great things.
Listening to the cheers of the crowd, Qin Shuren and Jiang Cuihua, the elderly couple standing among them, felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy at that moment.
This was their son. Even though he was away for much of the year, his reputation had spread throughout Yongnan County, and he had fans everywhere.
Finally, under the gaze of countless expectant eyes, the car slowly came to a halt.
As the car door opened, Qin Chuan saw the crowd standing outside, especially the familiar faces, and was inexplicably moved, his heart filled with emotion.
No matter how hard he strived outside or how great his achievements, returning to Yongnan County felt truly different.
It was a profound sense of belonging, of homecoming, of intimacy!
Zheng Chengdao, Qin Gang, Xu Ronghua, and Li Chunsheng, who got out of the car with Qin Chuan, also felt a prickle of emotion. Hearing the familiar greetings, they were filled with immense gratitude.
This arduous journey was worth it!
"Dad, Mom, why are you standing outside? Aren't you cold!"
Qin Chuan said to his parents.
"Not cold! Not cold, we're dressed warmly!"
Qin Shuren and Jiang Cuihua gazed at their son, who had become more mature and refined, their hearts brimming with pride.
Ever since their youngest son's business grew bigger and bigger, their old Qin family's name in the county had become increasingly prominent.
During festivals, not only did many bosses send gifts, but leaders from government departments would also visit, treating them with great respect.
The elderly couple knew very well that all of this was thanks to their youngest son.
Their youngest son's business was growing larger and larger, even appearing in the newspapers, which made their neighbors extremely envious.
"Let's go, we're going back to hold the annual meeting!"
At Qin Chuan's call, the dense crowd immediately headed towards the main cafeteria.
This was destined to be another passionate night, with even more attendees than the Millet Factory's event. Qin Chuan had no idea how the annual meeting finally concluded. All he knew was that in his joyous mood, he drank a lot and completely blacked out.
He woke up the next morning to find it was already past ten o'clock.
His head was still groggy, and he felt listless. After splashing cold water on his face, he finally felt a bit more energized.
He carefully examined the room's decor and realized he was in a dormitory at the electronics factory.
The room was empty, with no one else there.
After tidying himself up, Qin Chuan went downstairs. On his way, he encountered employees who respectfully greeted him, and Qin Chuan smiled and returned their greetings.
He arrived at the electronics factory's office building and pushed the door open, seeing Ye Meiyun working in her uniform.
"You're awake?"
Upon seeing Qin Chuan enter, Ye Meiyun put down her work and walked toward him gently.
Qin Chuan grunted, rubbing his throbbing head.
"I really drank too much yesterday, completely blacked out."
Ye Meiyun, like an older sister, had Qin Chuan sit on the sofa and stood behind him, gently massaging his temples to relax his nerves.
Qin Chuan closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation.
"Sister, are you going back home for the New Year this year?"
Qin Chuan asked.
Ye Meiyun's fingers paused for a moment. "I'm not going back. I've had someone bring my daughter over, and we'll be celebrating the New Year here."
"Anyway, the holiday break is so short, and with the travel time, we can barely stay home for two days. It's better not to go back!"
Qin Chuan turned his head, a hint of heartache in his dark eyes. He subconsciously held Ye Meiyun's small hand. "Then, why don't you come to my place for New Year's Eve dinner this year!"
He knew that Ye Qingping would also be returning home for the New Year. In Yongnan County, only Ye Meiyun and her daughter were left.
Ye Meiyun had a very unfortunate fate. After her husband's accidental death, neither side of her family wanted her to return.
If she stayed in Shicheng, her husband was dead, and she was alone, bearing the reputation of a widow. Seeing objects that reminded her of him, especially in the festive atmosphere of the New Year, it was better not to return.
As for returning to her maiden home, she didn't want to either. After all, she was an adult with a child, and it would lead to gossip.
It was better to stay away from both homes and have some peace.
"A woman like me, with a child, coming to your house for New Year's dinner, how would that look?"
Ye Meiyun instinctively refused.
Qin Chuan stood up and said seriously, "It's just a New Year's Eve dinner, it's nothing."
"Besides, I'm also alone this year. Li Ya told me she won't be back for the New Year."
Ye Meiyun was stunned. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Ye Meiyun quickly returned to her seat, and Qin Chuan fell silent.
"Director, this year's financial statements have been prepared..."
Meng Qing from the finance department walked in. He had only spoken half the sentence when he saw Qin Chuan sitting on the sofa and quickly greeted him.
"Go, call Li Chunsheng and Xu Ronghua over too. Let's witness this year's performance together!"
Ye Meiyun said, her expression carrying a hint of excitement.
Qin Chuan's eyes lit up.
In Yongnan County, his greatest hope was placed on the Xinhua Electronics Factory. He also held strong anticipation for this year's revenue.