Looking at the busy work team, Meng Yanchen whispered to Fan Shengmei, "This is just the beginning; there will likely be many more problems ahead." Fan Shengmei nodded, her gaze resolute: "No matter what we encounter, we'll solve it together." However, just as she finished speaking, a staff member rushed over in a panic, holding a stack of documents, and anxiously said, "Mr. Meng, Ms. Fan, there's a problem..."

Meng Yanchen frowned slightly, quickly took the document from the staff member, and began to peruse it rapidly. Fan Shengmei moved closer to him, her expression also turning serious as she looked at the data in the document. It turned out that in the early stages of asset integration, the data was chaotic, with much important information missing, which brought the integration work to a standstill. Moreover, some employees of the companies being integrated were resistant to the new arrangements, fearing for their interests and exhibiting extremely low work enthusiasm.

Meng Yanchen took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. He looked at Fan Shengmei, a hint of worry in his eyes: "It seems we need to go deeper into the group and understand the specific situation before we can find a solution." Fan Shengmei nodded firmly: "Okay, I'll go with you."

The two arrived at the office where the working group was located, a scene of busy yet chaotic activity. Documents were piled high, and staff moved between desks, their faces showing exhaustion and anxiety. Meng Yanchen clapped his hands and said loudly, "Everyone, stop for a moment and listen to me. I know we're facing difficulties, but it's precisely at times like these that we need to remain calm." All eyes turned to him, and the noisy office immediately quieted down.

Fan Shengmei continued, "Regarding the issue of data chaos, we can organize a professional data team to reorganize and integrate all the data. Don't worry about the workload; we will increase manpower. As for employee resistance, we will proactively communicate with them, understand their concerns, and provide them with a reasonable explanation and assurance."

Meng Yanchen and Fan Shengmei personally participated in the data processing, working with a professional team to verify every piece of data and identify the source of any missing information. Simultaneously, they assigned specific personnel to conduct one-on-one conversations with employees who were resistant. Meng Yanchen patiently listened to the employees' concerns, explained the development plan after the asset integration in detail, and promised to protect their rights and ensure that no one would lose their job without cause. Fan Shengmei, with her characteristic feminine sensitivity, soothed the employees' emotions and encouraged them to face the new changes positively.

After several days of hard work, the data gradually became clearer, and the employees' resistance eased. Under the new strategy, the asset integration work got back on track, and the atmosphere in the office became much more relaxed. Looking at the increasingly orderly work scene, Meng Yanchen and Fan Shengmei smiled at each other. They knew this was just a small episode in the asset integration process, and more challenges awaited them in the future.

With Chen Tianhao's downfall, the shadow of her dysfunctional family that had always weighed on Fan Shengmei's heart gradually dissipated. She decided to return to her hometown and have a deep conversation with her family. Stepping onto her hometown soil, the familiar scent of earth filled her senses. The distant mountains remained verdant, and the crops in the fields swayed gently in the breeze, rustling softly. The old locust tree at the village entrance was still lush and verdant, as if telling the story of time.

Fan Shengmei entered her home; her parents, brother, and sister-in-law were all there. The furnishings were still simple, and some of the plaster on the walls had peeled off, revealing mottled marks. Seeing her return, her family's eyes held both surprise and a hint of expectation. Fan Shengmei took a deep breath and said, "Mom and Dad, brother and sister-in-law, I want to have a serious talk with you all today."

Her father sat on the worn-out wooden chair, silently smoking. Her mother took her hand and said, "Xiaomei, did you bring money home again this time? Your brother's business hasn't been doing well lately, and we're really short of money." Fan Shengmei gently pulled her hand away and said earnestly, "Mom, I didn't come here to give you money today. For so many years, I've worked hard to earn money and meet all your demands, but have you ever thought that I also work very hard and have my own life too?"

Her brother said impatiently, "How can you be so selfish? We're family, it's your duty to help the family." Fan Shengmei looked at her brother, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, "Brother, helping the family is a favor, not an obligation. You can't always treat me like an ATM. I have my own dreams, I want to live for myself for once."

Fan Shengmei continued, "From now on, I will no longer give money to the family without any limits. I will help you pay off some of your debts, but afterwards, you will have to rely on your own efforts to live. I hope you can understand me." Upon hearing this, her mother burst into tears: "Xiaomei, how could you become so heartless? We are your family."

Fan Shengmei felt a pang of pain in her heart, but she still said firmly, "Mom, I'm not being heartless. I just want everyone to understand that everyone has to be responsible for their own life. I hope you can support me." Her father finally put down his cigarette and said slowly, "Xiaomei, we know you've suffered these past years. Since you've made your decision, we can't say anything more. We just hope you'll have a good life from now on."

Looking at her father, Fan Shengmei felt a mix of emotions. She hadn't expected him to say such a thing, which brought her a sense of relief. She said, "Dad, Mom, I will. I also hope you can live well." After this conversation, Fan Shengmei felt a relief she had never felt before; she had finally shaken off the psychological burden she had carried for years.

Back in the city, Fan Shengmei threw herself into her business collaboration with Meng Yanchen with a fresh perspective. In the Fu Group office, she and Meng Yanchen discussed the next steps in asset integration. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating their focused figures. Meng Yanchen looked at Fan Shengmei, his eyes full of admiration: "You seem like a completely different person since you came home this time, more confident and determined." Fan Shengmei smiled and said, "Yes, getting rid of those shadows makes me feel so much lighter. Now, I can fully dedicate myself to my work and face future challenges with you."

The two continued their work discussion, their thoughts becoming clearer and their plans more refined. What new achievements will Fan Shengmei and Meng Yanchen make in their careers? How will their relationship develop further? Everything is full of unknowns and anticipation.