Lu Ran reached out and naturally took Zi Xi's hand, exchanging a smile with her.
Time flies like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the mid-1980s.
The spring breeze of reform has swept across every corner of China, bringing about the revival of all things and the revitalization of all industries.
The newly built government auditorium in the city was brightly lit and packed with people.
A city-wide commendation conference for outstanding private entrepreneurs is being held here, bringing together outstanding entrepreneurs and individual business owners from all walks of life to share their experiences and receive honors.
This is the era's affirmation of those who ride the wave.
Lu Ran, as an outstanding representative of private enterprises in the city, sat in the waiting area to the side of the stage.
He was wearing a well-tailored dark suit, a crisp white shirt collar, and his hair was neatly combed.
His gaze calmly swept across the crowd below the stage, finally landing on that familiar figure in the front row.
Zi Xi wore an elegant yet exquisite lotus-root-colored cheongsam, with a soft off-white shawl draped over it.
She sat upright, her posture elegant, her temperament gentle and composed.
Time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her, leaving few traces on her face, but instead adding a touch of mature charm and serene strength.
She felt Lu Ran's gaze and looked up, meeting his gaze from afar. A gentle and bright smile spread across her eyes, a smile that revealed her heartfelt pride.
As the conference reached its climax, Lu Ran steadily walked onto the stage amidst enthusiastic applause.
He adjusted the microphone height, his gaze sweeping across the entire room as he spoke calmly.
His speech lacked flowery language; instead, it was pragmatic and sincere, full of the simplicity and wisdom of getting things done, which won rounds of applause from the audience.
As the speech drew to a close, it was customary to conclude with a few polite words of thanks to the leaders.
But Lu Ran paused slightly at that moment.
He took a deep breath, and his gaze once again pierced through the crowd, like the most accurate navigation, firmly and affectionately locking onto Zi Xi's face below the stage.
"On this occasion, as I receive this weighty honor, I would like to express my special gratitude to one person."
"My wife, Ms. Zixi."
Lu Ran picked up the microphone, and his voice, transmitted through the sound system, resonated throughout every corner of the auditorium, deeper and more emotional than before.
A small commotion and curious whispers arose from the audience.
Such a personal expression is rare at such a formal conference.
"Many people know more or less about my past. I used to be a good-for-nothing kid who caused trouble for my family."
“I was once in what seemed like an endless darkness, feeling lost, giving up on myself, and even thinking that this was all there was to life, and that it didn’t matter if I rotted in the mud.”
"Later, it was my wife, Zixi, who was like a ray of light..."
"No, she herself is my dawn! She illuminated my path with her kindness and gave me a brand new future!"
Lu Ran's gaze became distant, as if he were lost in memories.
His voice was slightly choked, and his eyes were glistening with tears. His voice was strong and clear, like a vow.
After a brief silence, thunderous applause surged forth like a tidal wave.
The camera focused intently on Zi Xi in the audience. She looked up at the man on stage who saw her as the dawn of a new life, her face flushed with happiness.
After finishing his speech, Lu Ran bowed in gratitude amidst even more enthusiastic applause.
Instead of going to shake hands with the leaders who came to congratulate him, he walked straight down from the stage and walked firmly through the crowd toward Zixi, who was sitting in the front row.
He stopped in front of her, extending his broad palm, his gaze gentle and focused.
Zi Xi smiled and gently placed her hand in his palm again.
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