Chapter 427: Warm and Soft? Warm and Soft!

The engine's low, rumbling roar echoed through the street.

Lights swept past as the Audi RS6's sleek, jet-black body gleamed with a cold sheen.

The car slowed gradually and pulled into the parking lot outside Oasis Oasis Jingyuan community.

The door opened, and Wen Wen Ruan stepped out, carrying her LVSPEEDY35 bag.

Amid the rhythmic "tap-tap-tap" of footsteps and countless glances, she strode boldly through the community's east gate.

Since her Geely 06 was parked in the underground spot here, the new car had to stay outside for now.

But Wen Wen Ruan had already contacted property management and planned to buy another parking space.

"Ding—" The elevator door slowly slid open.

Wen Wen Ruan gripped the handle and opened the door to unit 1702, tossed her bag aside, and called out, "I'm back."

Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Guixiang walked out of the kitchen, beaming, "Wen Ruan Wen Ruan, was work exhausting? Dinner's almost ready—would you like something to drink?"

"You make it sound like I'm a guest—I'll get my own drink."

"Oh, I just worry about you!" Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Guixiang hurriedly hung up her daughter's bag and brought out her slippers.

Watching her mother's warmth, Wen Wen Ruan smiled helplessly, slipped on her slippers, opened the fridge, took out a juice bottle, and sipped slowly.

Since signing the family trust, her mother had finally let go.

Now, besides pushing her to have a baby soon, she spent every day checking in via WeChat and phone calls.

It was like going back to her school days.

"By the way, Wen Ruan Wen Ruan." Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Guixiang took her daughter's hand, smiling warmly, "I've enrolled in a maternal and infant care training course—I'll train for two months. Whenever you need me, just say the word, and I'll move straight to Sheng Zhao Yuan Jia Jing to take care of you."

"Oh my goodness!" Wen Wen Ruan pressed a hand to her forehead, "Mom, please calm down—I already transferred you 200,000! Why not take Dad on a trip instead?"

"We're not in a rush, and your dad's just a workaholic—he feels uneasy if he doesn't work. Lately, he's been discussing electrical and plumbing renovations with your second uncle."

Wen Wen Ruan sighed, "You two really don't make things easy. Isn't the printing factory about to be taken over? Why bother with all this nonsense?"

Just then, Wen Wen Wen Jianxin emerged from the kitchen carrying dishes. "We've looked into it—there are too many problems with the printing factory; it's beyond saving. Everyone says the new owner bought it just for the land, and all that talk about upgrading production lines is just empty promises—he'll still lay people off."

"That's not necessarily true," Wen Wen Ruan replied playfully, her eyes smiling.

Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Guixiang pulled out a chair at the dining table. "Alright, alright, let's eat."

Dinner was lavish: besides Wen Wen Ruan's favorite home-cooked dishes, there were also braised snacks.

The three of them ate together in warm harmony.

Wen Wen Ruan casually brought up the topic of Yanbei Printing Factory with her father.

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin was among the first technicians hired by the company.

He started in the printing workshop, moved to the processing workshop, and three years ago was transferred to the equipment maintenance department, responsible for daily upkeep of production machinery.

He understood Yanbei Printing Factory's current predicament intimately.

In its early days, thanks to government connections, the factory thrived with a steady stream of fixed orders.

Later, it misjudged market trends and took out loans to buy a batch of offset printers and die-cutting machines.

Who knew that soon after, competitors began shifting to digital printing and embracing the e-commerce boom.

Because Yanbei Printing Factory still had enough orders at the time, it didn't restructure, missing this opportunity.

One step behind, then falling further behind—orders began to vanish, costs rose, and outdated equipment piled up.

Eventually, it ended up in its current state.

Debt issues have now fully erupted—banks, suppliers, and employees all demanding payment.

Now, they can't even pay the bank's interest; the only valuable asset left is the 30-acre industrial land.

By the end of their conversation, Wen Wen Wen Jianxin sighed deeply.

Yanbei Printing Factory had once been glorious—its peak saw nearly 400 employees and annual revenue exceeding 100 million.

Though profits were low due to industry issues, it supported a large group of people.

Including their own family.

It had once been their pride and hope.

It kept them going even after being cheated in the demolition.

Who could have imagined it would end up insolvent?

Recalling those past moments, Wen Wen Ruan sighed along with him.

In this regard, she was truly grateful to Su Yu.

She hoped the changes Su Yu brought would allow the printing factory to survive, then gradually upgrade and improve.

…

After dinner, Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Guixiang went to clean the kitchen.

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin carried out a crate of pure milk and a crate of small cakes, placing them casually by the entrance.

Wen Wen Ruan asked curiously, "Dad, what are you planning to do?"

"I'm going to visit Wen Wen Pingshun," Wen Wen Wen Jianxin sighed. "He's been delivering food lately. Last week, he got hit by an electric tricycle and stayed in the hospital for a few days—he was discharged this afternoon. I'm going to see him."

Wen Wen Ruan exclaimed, "Oh? Was it serious?"

"Not too bad—just a mild concussion."

Wen Wen Ruan stood up immediately. "Let's go, Dad—I'll come with you."

Because they were close in age, she and Wen Wen Wen Pingshun had been close as children.

Especially at school, he'd helped her deal with countless annoying troubles.

She felt indebted to him.

She'd promised to help him find a job, but due to the printing factory's severe debt, the acquisition had moved slowly.

This promise had remained unfulfilled—this visit would reassure them.

A few minutes later, the pink Geely 06 pulled out of the underground garage.

After driving for a while, they arrived at Huishui Qingxin Jiayuan community on the northern third ring road.

Two years ago, Wen Wen Wen Pingshun's family emptied their savings to buy a 86-square-meter two-bedroom here.

"Dong dong dong—" Wen Wen Wen Jianxin knocked on the door.

After a moment, the door opened.

Wen Grandpa Guanghua, his hair grayed, leaned out. Seeing the two at the door—especially Wen Wen Ruan—he looked stunned with delight.

"Wen Wen Jianxin, Wen Ruan Wen Ruan—you're here!"

Since Wen Wen Ruan promised to help find a job, two months had passed—it was impossible not to be anxious.

He'd previously asked Wen Wen Wen Jianxin, but was told that Wen Wen Ruan had just joined the company as a senior executive and hadn't yet stabilized—she couldn't possibly attend to this yet, so he should wait.

Since he was asking for a favor, Wen Grandpa Guanghua dared not press too hard—he could only wait.

He never expected Wen Wen Ruan would come to him today.

"Uncle Grandpa Guanghua, how's Wen Wen Pingshun doing?"

"He's fine now—come in, come in! Oh, you came all this way and brought gifts?"

They stepped inside.

Wen Wen Ruan glanced around the simple, modest interior, her expression slightly startled.

On the living room sofa, besides Wen Wen Wen Pingshun, sat a middle-aged man wearing glasses.

Around fifty, dressed in a polo shirt, slightly overweight, and exuding an air of importance.

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin smiled. "Wen Wen Yunxiang, you're here too."

Wen Wen Ruan politely greeted him as well.

Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang sat calmly on the sofa and nodded gently to the two.

Although Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang was neither the eldest nor the highest in family hierarchy, he was a pivotal figure in their family.

In 1997, when printing workshops first emerged in their village,

Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang was among the first to partner with family members to open a small factory, managing over twenty people.

He primarily handled printing jobs for exercise books, financial ledgers, receipts, and envelopes, earning considerable money.

He bought a house in the city early on.

Later, in 2008, due to environmental and urban planning issues, Yanbei Printing Factory was established.

After joining the company, Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang, thanks to his exceptional social skills and prestige, became workshop supervisor of the offset printing department within a few years.

He was the highest-ranking member of their family at Yanbei Printing Factory.

Including Wen Grandpa Guanghua and Wen Wen Wen Jianxin, they had once been his subordinates.

Wen Wen Wen Pingshun beside him stood up quickly, warmly inviting, "Uncle Wen Wen Jianxin, Wen Ruan Wen Ruan, come sit here."

Wen Wen Ruan sat down calmly on the sofa, gently placing her bag on her lap. "Wen Wen Pingshun, how are you feeling?"

"It wasn't a serious injury—the doctor just insisted I stay an extra couple of days to be safe," Wen Wen Wen Pingshun smiled shyly, pulling out disposable paper cups and pouring tea for both of them.

"Better safe than sorry."

The group exchanged a few pleasantries in the living room.

Noticing Wen Grandpa Guanghua's repeated hesitations, Wen Wen Ruan softly said, "Wen Wen Pingshun, after this, don't deliver food anymore—I've arranged your job. The exact position isn't finalized yet; I need to hear your preferences. Just focus on recovering—don't worry about anything else."

Hearing this, Wen Grandpa Guanghua and Wen Wen Wen Pingshun jumped to their feet, repeatedly thanking her.

Wen Grandpa Guanghua's thick lips spread wide, his wrinkled eyes glistening.

Wen Wen Ruan's gaze softened. "Uncle Grandpa Guanghua, you're just a few years from retirement—relax. Things will only get better."

"Thank you, Wen Ruan Wen Ruan," Wen Grandpa Guanghua sighed. "We're drowning in debt, with over 4,000 Zhao Yuan in mortgage payments every month—how can I retire? I just want to find some work."

Wen Wen Ruan comforted him, "The printing factory is about to be taken over—there are so many workers; they'll surely come up with a solution everyone can accept."

Immediately after, laughter rang out.

Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang, who had been silent all along, shook his head and said, "You're thinking too simply—how could something this good even exist?"

Wen Wen Ruan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Uncle Wen Wen Yunxiang?"

Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang pulled out a cigarette and lit it, speaking slowly: "I've interacted with the manager and the acquirer's representatives—you have no idea what's really going on."

These people are all specialists in financial mergers and acquisitions, extremely professional, and with powerful connections."

They even got government leaders to step in personally and mediate the dispute between the printing plant and the bank."

Not only did they reach a debt extension agreement, but they also waived 30% of the interest."

With such a massive effort, they certainly aren't interested in our bankrupt printing plant—they're almost certainly after this plot of land."

I'm telling you, the best outcome would be if they finally pay out the owed wages and severance."

Hearing this, Wenguanghua and Wen Wen Wen Jianxin sighed simultaneously.

The printing plant owed them four months' wages, and their social insurance had been cut off; severance payments couldn't be made either.

Everyone had lost faith in the printing plant.

"It's not necessarily so," Wen Wen Ruan said with a light laugh. "I've gotten some inside information—the acquirer will bring a batch of new orders that will help the printing plant get through this crisis."

I didn't say anything directly because she's never shown up in person, and I have no direct proof."

If I told others, they wouldn't believe me, and I'd have to explain endlessly."

It's better to just take over the printing plant before tomorrow—let the facts speak for themselves."

It'll also give these relatives a real shock."

As Wen Wen Ruan finished speaking, the others froze, their expressions varying.

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin asked in surprise, "Wen Ruan Wen Ruan, why didn't you ever mention this before? Is it true? Where did you hear it?"

"I'm in media now—naturally, I get better information."

Wenguanghua eagerly chimed in: "That's right, that's right! Wen Ruan Wen Ruan's now a senior executive at a media company—she definitely knows more than we do!"

"That would be best—I hope everything goes smoothly."

In truth, with so many workers at the printing plant, most could easily find other jobs."

The reason they've held out this long, beyond the unpaid wages, is because the acquisition rumor keeps them anchored."

If the printing plant could truly be revived, that would be the best news possible."

Watching them like this, Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang shook his head and stood up. "Grandpa Guanghua, if there's nothing else, I'll head out. The acquirers are coming tomorrow to sign the contract—tell everyone else not to cause trouble on-site. Let this matter pass first; we can discuss wages and severance later. Right now, there's simply no money in the plant."

He came over late at night specifically to calm down some of the more emotionally volatile workers."

After all, tomorrow, besides the acquirers, government leaders will also be present."

Because his family situation is especially dire, Wenguanghua is a key focus of attention this time."

"Alright, I understand," Wenguanghua said, rubbing his dark hands against his clothes as he stood to see Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang off.

He had worked in the offset printing workshop his entire career, and Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang was his direct superior."

Combined with the authority he'd built over years within the family, his words carried serious weight."

Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang nodded to Wen Wen Ruan and the others, then strode out the door.

They watched his figure disappear.

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin whispered, "Wen Ruan Wen Ruan, don't take it personally—Uncle Wen Wen Yunxiang's just like this."

"Heh," Wen Wen Ruan smiled faintly. "It's fine."

She understood human relationships far better than her father did.

She knew exactly what Wen Wen Wen Yunxiang was thinking—he still didn't take her, a junior, seriously, and naturally didn't believe her words."

When Wenguanghua returned.

The group sat in the living room chatting for a long while.

Before leaving, Wen Wen Ruan pulled Wen Wen Wen Pingshun aside and operated her phone for a moment.

She looked up and smiled. "Brother Wen Wen Pingshun, I just transferred some money to your Alipay account—it's a loan from me. Pay me back whenever you can afford it; no rush."

Wen Wen Wen Pingshun blinked in surprise. "No, no, this…"

Wen Wen Ruan picked up her bag and grinned. "Don't worry—we've known each other since childhood, and we're close relatives. You're in trouble now, I'm doing well, so helping you out is only natural."

Wen Wen Wen Pingshun's lips trembled as he lowered his head. "Thank you, Wen Ruan Wen Ruan."

"Don't be so formal. That's it then—it's late. My dad and I are heading home. Bye."

"Let me see you and Uncle Wen Wen Jianxin off."

The night was as dark as ink.

Wen Wen Wen Pingshun, silent and head bowed, walked them straight to the car.

Standing in the evening breeze, he watched the taillights of the Lynk & Co 06 vanish around the street corner.

Because they were similar in age and lived across from each other, he and Wen Wen Ruan were close as children.

They went to the same elementary and middle school, and were very good friends.

But as they grew older, their relationship gradually faded.

Unlike Wen Wen Ruan, who entered a top university and shone brilliantly, his life had been extremely hard.

Shortly after graduating college, his mother was diagnosed with cancer; they drained their savings and borrowed money to buy a house, just as property prices began to fall.

He'd barely recovered when his company went bankrupt.

At this moment, feeling Wen Wen Ruan's care, his heart was deeply moved.

On the way home, Wen Wen Wen Pingshun pulled out his phone and lit up the screen.

He stared for a long time at the notification showing a 100,000 Zhao Yuan deposit in Alipay.

Tears quietly streamed from the corners of his eyes.

…

Inside the moving Lynk & Co 06.

Wen Wen Ruan looked at her father's increasingly wrinkled profile behind the wheel and suddenly asked with a smile, "Dad, you're exactly fifty this year, right?"

"Uh…" Wen Wen Wen Jianxin paused, then nodded. "Fifty by actual age, fifty-one by traditional reckoning."

"You've been in printing since the 90s and worked at Yanbei Printing Plant for fifteen years—have you ever thought about becoming the boss?"

"The boss? What do you mean?"

"The plant manager. The general manager."

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin's expression froze for a moment, then he chuckled and shook his head. "Nah, I'm just a worker—how could I ever be a big boss? I wouldn't even dare dream of it."

Wen Wen Ruan leaned back in her seat, watching her father with a playful smile. "I remember you used to say all the time when I was little—once I became plant manager, I'd buy you new toys and backpacks, get us a car, and move into a bigger house."

"Hah, that was just youthful foolishness," Wen Wen Wen Jianxin blushed slightly. "I've never amounted to much in life—my greatest achievement is raising a daughter like you."

"Haha," Wen Wen Ruan playfully swung her leg. "That's right—your daughter will keep getting better, making you the envy of all our relatives."

Hearing this, Wen Wen Wen Jianxin burst into loud laughter, his eyes filled with tenderness and pride.

They had an exceptionally close father-daughter bond, and Wen Wen Wen Jianxin doted on his daughter, never letting her suffer hardship since childhood.

When Wen Wen Ruan entered university in 2011, he gave her 1,500 Zhao Yuan per month for living expenses.

Wen Wen Ruan's carefree and generous personality was deeply shaped by Wen Wen Wen Jianxin.

The bright headlights illuminated the road.

The father and daughter chatted merrily, and before they knew it, they arrived at Oasis Oasis Jingyuan.

The car parked in the underground garage.

Wen Wen Ruan suddenly asked, "Dad, you'll be going to the printing plant tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, since it's about the plant's survival and the unpaid wages, everyone will definitely go to see what's happening."

"OK," Wen Wen Ruan unfastened her seatbelt and smiled brightly. "I've got a surprise for you tomorrow."

"What surprise?"

"Hehe, if I tell you now, it won't be a surprise anymore." Wen Wen Ruan opened the car door and stepped out with her bag.

Watching her daughter's figure, Wen Wen Wen Jianxin felt as if he were seeing again the girl who used to proudly show him her perfect exam scores.

…

September 5, 2023, Tuesday, cloudy, 23~31°C.

7:00 a. m.

Wen Wen Ruan sat up on her familiar bed and smoothed her messy hair.

She changed into sportswear and strolled around the neighborhood for half an hour.

She returned home to have breakfast with her parents.

Then she began to carefully prepare herself.

Shower, makeup, change clothes…

Today was just as important to her.

Strictly speaking, this printing plant was her first business asset, and it involved family ties.

9:30 a. m.

"Ding ding ding—" Her phone suddenly rang.

【Administrative Assistant - Wang Wang Wang Dandan】

She answered the call, and a familiar, clear, bright voice came through the speaker: "General Manager Wen, we've arrived outside the east gate of Oasis Oasis Jingyuan."

"Alright, I know."

She hung up and bid her mother farewell.

Picking up her Hermès bag and slipping on high heels, she stepped out.

Tang Zong Entertainment's assistant team assigned to her serves not just Guangying Media, but all aspects of her work and life.

For this 【Acquisition Project Signing Ceremony】 targeting Yanbei Printing Factory, besides the people from Su Yu's side, her assistant team will also follow along to take over her responsibilities.

After all, once the acquisition is complete, there's still a pile of trivial matters to handle.

She can't afford to waste much time on this.

Walking out the eastern gate of the residential complex, she immediately saw Wang Wang Wang Dandan and others standing there.

Beside them, two black Maybachs sat quietly parked—likely arranged by Zhen Yu.

"Director Wen!" "Director Wen!"…

Wang Wang Wang Dandan took the bag from Wen Wen Ruan's hand and opened the rear door of the Maybach.

Wen Wen Ruan nodded calmly, bent down, and stepped inside.

Soon, the muffled sound of doors closing echoed.

The two cars started one after another, heading northeast.

…

Yanbei Printing Factory lies just outside the North Third Ring Road, adjacent to the Hutuo River Ecological Zone, with an exceptionally beautiful surrounding environment.

Covering thirty mu, roughly equivalent to three soccer fields.

However, since the factory buildings and office tower were constructed over a decade ago, they now appear somewhat dilapidated.

Yet now, the factory had been thoroughly cleaned, and even adorned with many bright red banners.

At a glance, it looked festive.

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin and others changed into blue work uniforms, squeezed into the crowd, and stood in a corner, peering around.

Voices of conversation and speculation never ceased.

Some faces glowed with excitement and anticipation; others sighed heavily, their expressions bleak.

"I wonder who the new boss is—no one's shown up yet."

"It sounds pretty strange—they say it's an investment team from Modou, and they're making it very formal."

"I heard Manager Wang say the district might even send a leader today—is this to solve our employment issues?"

"Don't get your hopes up. I don't ask for much—I just want my back wages paid."

"With so many of us, five months' unpaid wages plus severance probably exceeds ten million. I think it's unlikely."

…

Time neared 10 a. m.

The leadership of Yanbei Printing Factory emerged from the office building.

The crowd's murmurs gradually quieted.

Cars began arriving one after another into the factory compound.

Many well-dressed men and women stepped out from them.

"Are those members of the investment group from Modou? They all look so young—about my son's age."

"Our district's leader has arrived too—it's Director Wang, the one who inspected us before."

…

"Who are those people? Such a grand reception—even our district leaders went out to greet them."

Watching the surging crowd, everyone's faces filled with astonishment.

The murmurs grew louder again.

Soon, news spread through the crowd.

The newcomers were all from Tang Yi Precision (Yancheng) Co., Ltd., and one among them was even a vice president-level executive.

This news instantly jolted everyone's nerves and ignited the crowd.

No wonder the district leaders came in person!

Everyone knew what Tang Yi Precision was—especially these factory workers who, over drinks and idle talk about national affairs, always mentioned this company most.

It was a global top-tier technology manufacturing conglomerate.

Its core businesses spanned consumer electronics, automotive electronics, semiconductors, and industrial machine tools.

Its branch in Yancheng was equally formidable.

Founded in 2020, it included three smart factories and one joint laboratory.

It had nurtured thirty-two local "specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative" supporting enterprises.

It served as an integrated "R&D-production-supply" hub radiating across North China and Northeast Asia.

With over 12,000 employees, it ranked among the top three local manufacturers and was a true major taxpayer.

If anyone's relative worked there, they could brag over several extra beers.

But why would someone of this caliber come to their tiny printing factory?

Surely not because Tang Yi Precision was going to acquire them?

Of course, such a dream was only for fantasy.

With Tang Yi Precision's capabilities, they could completely build a brand-new digital printing factory (Industry 4.0) from scratch in a short time.

And they could negotiate for any land they wanted.

…

Amid the chaotic murmurs, two more cars slowly entered through the entrance.

Leading the way was a Maybach S680.

Against its majestic body, the twin-M emblem on the hood stood out strikingly.

All participants in the 【Acquisition Project Signing Ceremony】 fell silent, turning their gazes toward the car.

The surrounding murmurs faded.

The two cars slowed and stopped in front of the office building.

Doors opened one by one, and five men and women carrying briefcases stepped out.

All around thirty, dressed in crisp business attire, their steps calm and postures dignified.

Then, the rear door of the Maybach S680 opened.

Elegant high heels touched the ground firmly as an elegant, tall figure rose from within.

Her face bore a faint smile, her features bright and beautiful, long brown-black hair cascading over her shoulders.

The precisely tailored light gray suit skirt accentuated her graceful, sensual figure.

A chorus of gasps erupted from the crowd on the right side of the office building.

"Wen Wen Ruan? Wen Wen Ruan!"

"Wen Ruan Wen Ruan!"

"Wen Wen Jianxin, isn't that your daughter? What's she doing here?!"

…

Wen Wen Wen Jianxin stared at his daughter stepping out of the Maybach, his mind buzzing, utterly confused.

Wen Wen Wen Pingshun rubbed his eyes hard, wondering if he was seeing things.

Yet the shouts around him clearly confirmed it was indeed Wen Wen Ruan.

The commotion spread.

Everyone who knew her stared wide-eyed, stunned.

Thick clouds drifted, sunlight cascading like a waterfall, gently bathing her in a halo.

Wen Wen Ruan lifted her chin slightly, her gaze confident and sharp, leading her assistants forward.

At this moment, she truly bore the faint outline of a "media queen."