Fading Echoes of Ambition

In a dimly lit study, Sun Fang carefully reviewed the file his trusted subordinate, Qin Junhao, had provided him. The file contained all the information they had gathered about Li Chen, a man who had recently caught Sun Fang's attention due to his unusual background.

The document indicated that Li Chen's parents had tragically passed away when he was just two months old. In a strange twist of fate, the woman listed in the file of the recent investigation for his aunt had also lost her life with her husband when their baby was around the same age. The coincidences were too significant to ignore.

As Sun Fang pondered the implications, a soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Qin Junhao entered, holding a sealed plastic bag containing several strands of hair.

"Sir, it is sorted now," Qin Junhao reported.

Sun Fang raised his head, his gaze fixed on the strands of hair. He spoke thoughtfully, "Give it to me, Qin Junhao."

Qin Junhao handed over the plastic bag, and Sun Fang examined the strands with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. After a brief pause, he addressed his trusted subordinate.

"Qin Junhao, what is your opinion on this matter?"

Qin Junhao replied, "Well, sir, only by conducting DNA testing can we obtain accurate answers. It's crucial to proceed with caution."

Sun Fang nodded in agreement. "You're right. We should arrange for the necessary tests to confirm our suspicions."

Leaning back in his chair, Sun Fang contemplated the potential impact of this revelation. "This could be a game-changer, Qin Junhao. If our hunch is correct, it might give dad some closure."

Sun Fang's orders were precise. "Qin Junhao, prepare a car; we will be visiting Dr. Bo." Qin Junhao bowed respectfully and promptly left the office to carry out the instructions. A few minutes later, Sun Fang followed suit, making sure to gather all the necessary items for the visit.

The car quickly transported them to the hospital. As they stood outside the entrance, Qin Junhao leaned in and whispered to Sun Fang, "Your brother's men are following us."

Sun Fang simply acknowledged the information with a thoughtful "hmm" and then decided to proceed. 

They entered Dr. Bo's office, and Sun Fang handed over two plastic bags containing strands of hair. Dr. Bo couldn't help but joke, "What, do you have a love child wandering the streets?"

Sun Fang chuckled at the jest and replied, "No, nothing like that. I need you to conduct a kinship test. I want to determine if there is any biological relation between these two individuals."

Dr. Bo nodded in understanding. "Consider it done. But how soon do you need the results?"

Sun Fang pondered for a moment before responding, "I need them by the end of the day tomorrow."

Dr. Bo leaned back and considered the request. "That's quite an expedited timeline. It will cost you."

Sun Fang, with unwavering determination, asserted, "Money is not a problem. Just get it done for me."

Sun Fang left Dr. Bo's office and returned to his place, deep in thought. Meanwhile, Sun Gang's men reported to their boss, "Sir, your brother was at the hospital, and he met with Dr. Bo."

Sun Gang inquired, "What did they talk about?"

The man on the phone replied, "I couldn't hear, sir. The office is soundproof."

Sun Gang merely acknowledged the information and instructed, "Keep tailing him; I want to know who he is meeting every day."

Sitting in the company office, Sun Gang dragged on his cigarette, deep in contemplation. He muttered to himself, "What are you up to, little brother?"

Sun Gang remained oblivious to the fact that Sun Fang might be on the verge of finding a lead on their long-lost aunt. If he had known, he would have undoubtedly hatched numerous selfish and sinister plans, driven by his greed and fear of potential competition for the family's assets.

Deng Chenglong stood before Sun Gang, poised for any command. Sun Gang shifted his attention to his subordinate and asked, "How is the investigation going concerning the God of War?"

Deng Chenglong replied, "Nothing substantial yet, but I have a meeting with an old historian tomorrow. He might have something for me."

Sun Gang nodded in approval and cautioned, "Make sure my brother doesn't find out. I need to be the one to discover the manual."

As Sun Gang swirled his glass of whiskey, he continued, "My brother is too weak, Chenglong. He can never handle such immense wealth, and he can never take us to the number one spot. If I could find just one page of the manual, Grandpa would see that my younger brother doesn't even deserve the slightest claim to the family assets."

Deng Chenglong remained silent, not out of a lack of opinion, but rather out of respect for their master-servant relationship.

Deng Chenglong, having grown up in a harsh environment, possessed the keen ability to read people, honed through years of vigilance to survive on the streets. Despite his loyalty to Sun Gang, he couldn't help but notice that Sun Fang might not be as weak as his elder brother presumed. However, lacking concrete evidence, he kept his observations to himself.

Sun Gang rose from his chair and moved to the large French window in his office. He gazed at the city's tallest skyscraper and began to speak. "Deng Chenglong, come here."

Deng Chenglong approached and responded, "Yes, sir."

Sun Gang gestured toward the imposing building and said, "Look at that. It belongs to the wealthiest family in the city, the number one spot. It's the headquarters of the Global Fusion Conglomerate."

Deng Chenglong nodded, acknowledging his awareness. Sun Gang continued, "I've spent sleepless nights trying to uncover the name, or even just a surname, of the man who chairs that empire. They say that those who recognize his face can be counted on one hand."

Deng Chenglong remained silent, standing by his boss's side, unsure of how to respond.

Sun Gang, with determination in his voice, declared, "I want that building, Chenglong. I want to oversee the entire city. I want everyone to bow at the name of Sun Gang. Do you understand?"

Deng Chenglong responded promptly, "Yes, sir, I understand."

Sun Gang nodded in approval and added, "Good. Now, I trust you to help me find the manual."

Deng Chenglong affirmed, "I will do my best."

Sun Gang poured another glass of whiskey and lit a cigarette before inquiring, "How is my father?"

Deng Chenglong replied, "Still the same, sir. Your brother went to see him yesterday."

Sun Gang sighed and commented, "I'll see him when I have time. My dad just needs to toughen up, you know, Chenglong. When you're weak, you get nothing in life. That's the reason Grandpa chose me to run the company. Sun Fang and Dad are weaklings."

Deng Chenglong listened attentively, acknowledging his boss's views.

Sun Gang watched Deng Chenglong leave the room, a silent vow resonating within him. He was determined to reach the coveted number one spot and wouldn't let anything or anyone stand in his way. The city's skyline continued to shimmer in the backdrop, a constant reminder of his aspirations.

He couldn't help but contemplate his father's deteriorating health and the mystery surrounding Sun Fang's intentions. A sense of distrust gnawed at him, his gut instincts whispering that there was more to his younger brother's actions than met the eye.

Sun Gang understood that, despite Sun Fang's perceived weaknesses, the bond between his brother and their father ran deep. He knew that Sun Fang would go to great lengths to bring happiness and closure to their father, such as the relentless search for their long-lost aunt.

The Sun family's second-place status for decades had been a source of frustration. Sun Gang was eager to change that, to catapult the family to the pinnacle of power and wealth. He had to ascend to the number one spot, leaving behind his grandfather's failed attempts and securing a legacy worthy of the Sun name.

As he gazed out the window at the imposing skyscraper that had become the symbol of his desires, Sun Gang was prepared to make ruthless choices and craft ingenious strategies. He was resolute in achieving his vision, one that would establish his dominance in the corporate world.

For Sun Gang, the pursuit of greatness was an unrelenting quest, and he was prepared to confront the unknown challenges that lay ahead, including his complex relationship with his younger brother. His unyielding determination was the driving force propelling him toward the coveted number one spot, an ambition that had consumed his very being.

As the day wore on, Sun Gang found it increasingly challenging to concentrate on his business meetings and obligations. He felt the need for a break, something to help him clear his mind and find temporary solace. After one more glass of whiskey, he made a firm decision. He called his secretary to convey his intentions.

"Cancel all my meetings for the rest of the day."

"But, sir, you have a meeting with one of the board members."

"I said cancel my meetings."

The secretary quickly complied with his request, and Sun Gang donned his coat and left the office. His only plan was to seek refuge in the fleeting pleasures of the night, away from his tangled thoughts. He knew that indulging in a distraction was sometimes the only way to regain his composure.

As he walked down the hallways of his corporate empire, Sun Gang contemplated which woman he would call for the evening. He had many options, but his mind settled on Wang Lan, a woman who had a unique allure that he found irresistible. The thought of her company was enough to momentarily soothe his restless soul.

With his destination in mind and a plan to escape the pressures of his life, Sun Gang ventured into the city, seeking the pleasures that could momentarily ease his troubled mind.

The pulsating beat of the music enveloped Sun Gang as he entered the club, drowning out his worries and filling his senses with an intoxicating rhythm. The flashing lights and electrifying atmosphere served as a temporary escape from the complexities of his life. In this vibrant haven of hedonistic delight, he found solace, if only for a while.

As the night wore on, Sun Gang immersed himself in the euphoria of the club. The throbbing bass and hypnotic melodies guided him into a world where his responsibilities and obsessions faded into the background. For a few precious hours, he could forget about the relentless pursuit of the number one spot, a goal that had consumed his thoughts.

Surrounded by the carefree energy of the club-goers, Sun Gang danced, laughed, and reveled in the night's offerings. The worries and burdens that had plagued his mind were momentarily forgotten as he lost himself in the vibrant, pulsating heart of the city's nightlife.

Yet, he knew that the morning light would inevitably bring his thoughts back to the never-ending quest for dominance. As the night continued, Sun Gang savored the respite the club provided, aware that it was a fleeting escape from the relentless pursuit of power and wealth that defined his daily life.