Chapter 275: Your Love is the Happiest

"Muqing, Xiaohan, the issue today is entirely my fault. I shouldn't have left you alone in Hong Kong. It's a place you are unfamiliar with, and I handed over a newly established fund company to you, someone who knows almost nothing about the securities market. It's been almost a year, and I haven't even visited you in Hong Kong. I am truly at fault!"

Zhou Ming continued to Su Han: "Xiaohan, your educational background isn't high, and Factory 760 is a painful place for you. Yet, due to my selfish reasons, I insisted on keeping you in the factory and even arranged a general manager position for you, making you manage factory staff much older than you. I am shifting the responsibility onto you. My actions are incredibly selfish and inappropriate!"

Zhou Ming pounded his chest in agony: "As a result, I haven't reflected on my mistakes. Instead, Muqing and Xiaohan, you two are arguing here because of my errors. I am truly guilty!"

Seeing Zhou Ming like this, Lin Muqing and Su Han were alarmed. They hurriedly each took one of Zhou Ming's hands. Su Han anxiously said: "Zhou Ming, don't say that. This has nothing to do with you; it's all my fault. I knew Muqing was alone in Hong Kong, managing such an advanced company all by herself. I really shouldn't have argued with her."

Lin Muqing also said: "No, today the person at fault is me. As the older sister, I should have taken care of her, but I knew Xiaohan was vulnerable. I still brought her here and was so unkind to her, ignoring her feelings, criticizing her, and hurting her self-esteem. I am the one who is most wrong, selfish, and inappropriate!"

Lin Muqing and Su Han competing to admit fault in front of Zhou Ming made him secretly relieved. This was the effect he wanted.

In fact, Zhou Ming's initial apology was strategic. In arguments, people tend to emphasize their strengths and belittle others, leading to retaliation and escalation. By reversing this, starting with self-criticism, it prevents further argument.

The key was to shift Lin Muqing and Su Han's opposition onto himself, so they wouldn't argue with each other anymore. It was a form of double insurance.

It seemed Zhou Ming's approach had achieved the best outcome. Lin Muqing and Su Han had begun self-criticism. Under such circumstances, it would be miraculous if they continued to argue.

Despite this, Zhou Ming couldn't relax. He knew the saying, "Full performance in acting." This was just the beginning. Lin Muqing and Su Han were both exceptional women, and if he became complacent, they might find fault with him, making the situation even more challenging.

Thinking this, Zhou Ming said: "Muqing, Xiaohan, stop blaming yourselves. You both are not at fault; all the mistakes are mine."

Zhou Ming took Lin Muqing's hand and said: "Muqing, if I hadn't left you alone in Hong Kong and instead stayed to help you establish a strong presence there, if I had visited you more often, things might have been different."

Lin Muqing's eyes were filled with tears as she gently shook her head: "It's not like that. When we came to Hong Kong, I knew about the factory issues and that Xiaohan was waiting for you to return. If you had really become infatuated with Hong Kong's pleasures and forgotten your promise, I would have lost respect for you."

"And Zhou Ming, you weren't idle in the mainland. You were involved in land speculation, building the securities market, participating in anti-corruption actions, and political struggles. Now you're even proposing to build township industrial parks. This shows how busy and capable you are," Lin Muqing looked at Zhou Ming and said, "If it weren't for your dedication to Xiaohan and your exceptional abilities, I wouldn't be so fixated on you."

Lin Muqing gently touched Zhou Ming's face, her eyes full of remorse and regret.

Zhou Ming held Lin Muqing's delicate hand, smiled, and then said to Su Han: "Xiaohan, I know my words must have hurt you. I'm sorry. I knew you were waiting for me in Linyang, but I still considered not coming back. I also knew you couldn't compete with Cai Zhongxian but still made you the general manager. I should have considered these factors more carefully!"

While Lin Muqing was still tearful, Su Han was already crying uncontrollably. She grabbed Zhou Ming's arm and shook her head repeatedly: "Zhou Ming, you did nothing wrong. I never blamed you!"

"You could have ignored me and chosen a better life in Hong Kong, but you came back because of me. You could have managed the factory, but you chose to trust me. Instead, I failed to protect the factory and let Uncle and Auntie be bullied by Cai Zhongxian. I am the one who let you down!" Su Han said.

"Muqing, Xiaohan, how can you say that? I know you both care about me, but you shouldn't take all the responsibility upon yourselves. As a man, I should shoulder the problems. If you're angry, it's natural to direct it at me," Zhou Ming said.

"It's not like that. I don't intend to take out my anger on you. I really don't!"

Zhou Ming cried: "She's shaking her head like a rattle. Then she said to Lin Muqing: 'Muqing, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have argued with you. You have given so much for Zhou Ming, staying alone in Hong Kong. I should have helped him thank you properly. I'm sorry.'"

Seeing Su Han take the initiative to apologize, Lin Muqing also held Su Han's hand and said: "Xiaohan, what are you saying? I'm not unreasonable. The fault in this matter is all mine. Xiaohan, you are a wonderful person. I called you here today to speak harshly, which was not fair to you."

"This is because I was sulking in Hong Kong, acting irrationally. I hope you don't take it to heart and forgive me," Lin Muqing said.

Hearing Lin Muqing and Su Han address each other as "sister" and "little sister," Zhou Ming suddenly felt like he was in the old society with many wives.

However, Zhou Ming understood that this was just a fleeting thought. Both Lin Muqing and Su Han were exceptional women, and anyone would be fortunate to receive attention from either of them. Zhou Ming was fortunate to have them both argue in front of him.

Even though it was difficult to be caught in the middle of their arguments, it was a bittersweet happiness. Plus, he had almost managed to resolve the conflict between them.

As Zhou Ming thought this, the next development made him helpless.

"Muqing, you don't need my forgiveness because you're not at fault," Su Han said to Lin Muqing.

"Xiaohan, you don't know. The reason I called you here today was for a rather unreasonable purpose," Lin Muqing said with guilt.

"It's okay. Muqing, if you need to vent, do so on me. I understand now. If you're upset or have grievances, you can take it out on me. I promise to control my emotions and not lose my temper again!" Su Han raised her white, delicate hand and vowed.

Lin Muqing laughed and pulled Su Han's hand down: "Silly little sister, since you're calling me 'sister,' how could I take out my anger on you? Xiaohan, you said you were clueless, but I believe I am the one who should be called clueless. Reflecting on my actions, I realize how immature I was."

Lin Muqing sighed and continued: "But that was due to my temporary confusion. I can assure you that I will never lose my temper with you again."

"But... Muqing, you endured so much hardship in Hong Kong alone. It must have been difficult for you. You shouldn't keep everything bottled up. That's not good," Su Han said worriedly.

"It doesn't matter," Lin Muqing said, patting Su Han's head, "I've managed to get through this time. I have my own methods. Otherwise, I would have fallen ill from anger."

Lin Muqing pointed to Zhou Ming: "Besides, isn't there another outlet for frustration? If I can't figure something out, I can just scold him. Xiaohan, you can do the same."

Su Han was initially a bit embarrassed but, upon hearing Lin Muqing, happily jumped up and clapped, saying it was great.

"Unfortunate meeting!" Zhou Ming lamented aloud, but he was actually very pleased. After all, Lin Muqing and Su Han had finally calmed down. Zhou Ming said to them: "As long as you two can stay happy and not argue every day, that's better than anything. I am okay with whatever you need."

Lin Muqing and Su Han initially looked down in embarrassment, but after a while, they lifted their heads and nodded firmly to Zhou Ming.

Having finally reconciled Lin Muqing and Su Han, Zhou Ming chatted with them in the room for a while before leaving with Su Han. Just as Zhou Ming stepped out of the room, he saw Shen Xin sitting at the door, with tear stains on her face. Zhou Ming asked in surprise: "Reporter Shen, what's the matter…"

Before Zhou Ming could finish his question, Shen Xin stood up, hugged Zhou Ming, and whispered in his ear: "To receive your love is the happiest thing in the world!"