After the two sat down,
Zeng Jin proactively poured her a cup of tea and said, "President Liu, feel free to speak your mind. If there's anything I can do, I won't refuse."
Although he didn't know the purpose of Liu Yutong calling him aside for a private talk, he was well aware of one thing: if she could wipe out the Snake Head Gang overnight and ruin Zhou Yan's reputation, dealing with him would likely take no effort at all.
Liu Yutong said, "Let's skip the pleasantries. I kept you here to discuss a practical collaboration."
Zeng Jin perked up. "Please go ahead, President Liu. I'm all ears."
Liu Yutong picked up the teacup but didn't drink, just gently swirling the tea inside. "President Zeng, I heard that your Zeng family got its start in Taiwan Province, formerly as the notorious society Xinghe Association, didn't it? Are you still in touch with those organizations in Taiwan Province now?"
Zeng Jin's hand holding the teacup froze, and his smile instantly stiffened. "President Liu, what exactly do you mean by that? Those are all old stories. The Zeng family has long since transitioned into legitimate business and completely cut ties with the past."
His family had indeed been part of a major society in Taiwan Province in the past, but as times changed, the family gradually cleaned up its image and transformed. By his father's generation and his own, they were already fully legitimate businessmen. However, some early connections and networks, especially ties to certain special circles, had not been completely severed.
This was a family secret, known to few, and he hadn't expected Liu Yutong to uncover it.
Could she be planning to use this to attack him?
"Don't get so worked up, President Zeng. I'm not here to settle scores. I told you, I called you alone to ask for your help—or we could call it a collaboration."
Without further delay, Liu Yutong cut to the chase. "I've invested in a chip manufacturing company domestically. As you should know, the biggest bottleneck in the chip industry is talent, especially top-tier experts in advanced process technology and chip architecture design. Our country has a weak foundation in this area, and training takes time, while Taiwan Province has deep accumulated expertise in this field."
Hearing her words, Zeng Jin seemed to guess what she was after. He felt a wave of relief and nodded. "Companies like TSMC and MediaTek indeed have many world-class technical elites."
Liu Yutong said, "I've heard that TSMC has a top technical expert named Liang Mengsong. His mastery in wafer manufacturing is exceptional across the entire Chinese-speaking world. But it seems he hasn't been happy at TSMC and has faced obstacles in promotion."
Zeng Jin frowned with some difficulty. "President Liu, I'm not in the chip industry, so I really don't know about this Liang Mengsong's personal situation. However, I've heard that TSMC has extremely strict non-compete agreements and confidentiality clauses for core technical staff. Moreover, Taiwan Province has tight controls over the flow of such high-end talent."
"That's why I came to you."
"Recruiting him through formal headhunting channels would face some resistance. I need some 'special' connections and methods."
"What exactly do you mean, President Liu?"
"Your Zeng family's early network—can it still reach some friends who 'get things done without sticking to the rules'?" Liu Yutong asked.
Upon hearing this, Zeng Jin fell silent.
Liu Yutong’s words were practically an open invitation for him to leverage the darker, less-public networks of his family’s connections to poach talent—and if needed, resort to some unconventional methods.
But if that happened, wouldn’t all the Zeng family’s efforts to go legit be for nothing?
“President Liu, this kind of thing is highly risky. The Zeng family now runs a lawful business. I’m not sure I can…”
Liu Yutong cut him off immediately. “President Zeng, don’t be so quick to refuse!”
“There’s a saying: risk often goes hand in hand with reward. And I never said you had to use illegal means. I’ve never supported such things.”
“The reason I came to you is that I’ve thought this through. Your family is now a legitimate business, and that’s the kind of partner I feel comfortable with. If you were still tied to gangster life, I wouldn’t trust you, and I wouldn’t have approached you. Do you understand?”
Zeng Jin almost blurted out that he didn’t understand, and couldn’t help silently complaining: Wanlong Group is shady enough already… and you’re worried about my family being legit?
The way she builds her moral platform is just…
Of course, he only dared to think this.
On the surface, he barely managed to nod and force out two words: “I understand.”
Liu Yutong said, “What do you understand?”
Zeng Jin: “…”
What did he understand? How was he supposed to answer?
He could tell Liu Yutong seemed very concerned that no one questioned whether her company was clean, which is why she kept hammering the point.
Finally, after struggling for a while, he spoke up: “Is it because Wanlong Group is also a legitimate company? That cooperation between legit companies is the safest?”
Liu Yutong nodded. “Exactly.”
“If this goes through, the benefits for you and the Zeng family will be enormous.”
Zeng Jin said, “Please spell it out, President Liu.”
Liu Yutong replied, “Your family has some roots in Taiwan and among overseas Chinese business circles, but you lack a strong strategic ally. If this partnership goes smoothly, Wanlong Group can bring the Zeng family along in its future expansions into semiconductors, internet, consumer electronics, and other fields.”
“The potential of the mainland market—need I say more? If the Zeng family becomes an ally of Wanlong Group, you’ll have smoother access to the mainland market, and overseas, Wanlong Group will have your back. By then, a Zeng family backed by Wanlong, connecting capital markets across the strait—what kind of future do you think that would bring?”
“To be blunt, even if you offend some factions in Taiwan by poaching for me and lose the Taiwanese market, it won’t hurt much. Gains and losses—which weighs more? Chairman Zeng can surely figure that out.”
“Of course, if you doubt Wanlong Group’s influence on the mainland, feel free to investigate before deciding. I’ll wait for your answer.”
Zeng Jin’s breathing grew heavier.
The vision Liu Yutong had painted was too big, too tempting!
He didn’t fully understand Wanlong Group’s real power, but judging from Miss Liu’s presence and the way they had easily crushed the Snakehead Gang in the States, their mainland connections were probably far stronger.
If the Zeng family could truly leverage Wanlong’s might to break into the mainland market, the prospects would far surpass anything their current trade business in Taiwan could achieve.
Every business in Taiwan Province wanted to develop on the mainland, but due to certain restrictions, even if they could grow, it was very limited. If they had the help of a mainland giant, even if it meant losing the Taiwan Province market as a result, it would still be worth it!
Zeng Jinqiang suppressed the excitement in his heart and asked, "President Liu, what do you want me to do?"
Liu Yutong: "It's simple. Have your people approach Liang Mengsong and find a way to get him to visit the mainland. Secondly, handle his non-compete agreement—use even some unconventional methods if necessary, but don't let the non-compete clause restrict him."
"Of course, if some of the top executives at Taiji Electric don't play along, you can deal with them as you see fit, as long as you don't break the law."
"President Liu, aren't you afraid of stirring things up and causing trouble?"
"Afraid? In Liu Yutong's dictionary, there is no such word as 'afraid'."
"Besides, poaching just one technical talent isn't that big of a deal, is it? And as long as the job is done cleanly, who would know I did it?"
Zeng Jin felt there was something odd about her last sentence, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it at the moment.
Then, looking at Liu Yutong's confident demeanor, he finally made up his mind.
Doing business sometimes meant taking risks—if it succeeded, the Zeng family's power would rise to another level; if it failed, with the Wanlong Association backing them up, it wouldn't lead to total ruin.
As long as Liu Yutong kept her word.
"Alright, I agree!"
"I'll arrange for someone to handle Liang Mengsong as soon as possible. I hope you'll keep your promise, President Liu, and help the Zeng family break into the mainland market."
Liu Yutong nodded: "That's naturally not a problem. I'll return to the country in a couple of days. If you're skeptical, you can come back with me and visit the headquarters of the Wanlong Association on the mainland."
"Can I?"
"Of course."
Zeng Jin felt more at ease. To be honest, he had been a bit worried that she might be a scammer—what if Miss Liu's Wanlong Association wasn't that powerful on the mainland and only had some influence in the States? Then the Zeng family would be finished!
Now that she had voluntarily invited him to visit the mainland for inspection, what did that mean? It meant she was absolutely confident in her own strength.
For one thing, those black-clad enforcers of the Wanlong Association—back in the country, their numbers had to be at least one or two times greater than they were in the States, right?
It wasn't that he didn't dare to think bigger; it was that the fighting power of those black-clad men was too terrifying. They simply couldn't be measured by ordinary gang members.
For example, back in the day when the Zeng family's predecessor was a gang, having a few top-tier fighters and about two hundred ordinary underlings was enough to make them a regional powerhouse.
So, based on his experience, even if the Wanlong Association was stronger, it definitely wouldn't be ridiculously over-the-top.
"Alright! But I need to sort out matters here in the States first. I'll visit you on the mainland in a while."
"Not a problem."
"Oh, by the way!"
As if she remembered something, Liu Yutong added: "Besides Liang Mengsong, you should also try to poach top-tier technical talent from Taijidian and other related companies. Compensation won't be an issue. And of course, I won't forget your share of the benefits."
Zeng Jin nodded without hesitation. Poaching one person meant making enemies; poaching a whole group meant making even more enemies. So he might as well go all the way.
Once you're on board, there's no turning back.
"Alright!"
Zeng Jin extended his hand. "President Liu, happy cooperation."
"Pleasure doing business with you." Liu Yutong extended her hand as well, shaking his.
...........
A few days later.
At the Bai family villa in San Francisco.
Bai Jingchen’s ashes were temporarily placed in the home, awaiting the day when Bai Shisui would take them back to China for burial, so that his roots might return to the earth.
Liu Yutong, dressed entirely in black, stood alone before the memorial tablet. She lit a stick of incense and said nothing, simply gazing quietly at Bai Jingchen’s gentle smile in the photograph.
After an unknown stretch of time, soft footsteps sounded behind her.
Bai Shisui, also in black, walked slowly to her side.
The two stood shoulder to shoulder in silence for a long while before Bai Shisui spoke.
"Sister Yutong, thank you for avenging my father."
"It was the least I could do," Liu Yutong said softly.
"Yesterday, my uncle... after Zhou Yan’s injuries improved, I arranged for them to be sent back to the country, including all the Zhou family members who were involved. As for my mother’s relatives, they moved out of San Francisco this morning and headed for the East Coast..."
Liu Yutong nodded. By choosing to send them back to China, Bai Shisui clearly had no intention of letting Zhou Yan live.
A trial here would most likely not result in the death penalty; only by sending him back to China could she more easily ensure he was sent to the afterlife.
To be honest, making this decision must have caused Bai Shisui immense pain, especially regarding her mother, Madam Bai. How could she face her, how could she explain?
Perhaps the rift between mother and daughter could never be mended.
Bai Shisui looked up at her father’s smile in the photo and suddenly asked a question: "Sister Yutong, do you think people have to give up what they love in order to take on their responsibilities?"
Liu Yutong turned to look at her. "Why do you ask?"
"I’ve loved fashion design since I was a child. My father supported me and sent me to the best schools. My dream was to have my own designer brand. But now that my father is gone, the conglomerate and the business association are such a huge weight bearing down on me. I’ve been thinking for days—my fledgling fashion design company probably can’t keep going. I’m planning to shut it down."
Liu Yutong paused for a moment and asked, "Do you regret it?"
Bai Shisui shook her head. "No regrets. Just a bit sad. But I know this is a choice I have to make. The career my father built with his whole life can’t collapse in my hands. Hobbies and dreams can wait, but responsibility cannot be avoided."
"Sister Yutong, do you think I’m doing the right thing?"
Liu Yutong looked at this girl who had grown up overnight and felt a mix of emotions.
There was pity, but also relief.
"There is no absolute right or wrong, Suisui."
"In life, you often have to find balance among various choices, or make sacrifices. Being able to see what is most important at this moment and being willing to set aside your dreams for it—that itself is a sign of maturity and responsibility. Your father would be proud of you."
She paused, then added: "But giving up doesn’t mean losing forever. Once you’ve steered the conglomerate and the business association onto the right track and nurtured a management team you can trust, you can always pick up your dream again. By then, your experience, resources, and vision might take your design brand even further and make it more renowned."
"Responsibility and dreams don’t have to be forever at odds. Sometimes, you just need to decide which comes first."
Bai Shisui listened carefully as the haze in her eyes gradually cleared, and her expression brightened with understanding: “I see, Sister Yutong. You mean I should first do what I must do, then do what I want to do, right?”
Liu Yutong nodded. “Exactly.”
“Sister Yutong, can I ask you one more question? Isn’t it hard for you to bear such a heavy responsibility with the Wanlong Group? Does being so busy ever make you unhappy?” Bai Shisui asked curiously.
Many leaders of large conglomerates find themselves with no choice but to carry on, unable to rest, enjoy life, or slack off. It’s truly difficult because thousands of employees rely on them for their livelihoods. Bai Shisui now understood this from her own experience.
This was the first time anyone had asked Liu Yutong this question, but she didn’t have to think it over much before replying with a smile, “I have thousands of trustworthy family members. How could I be unhappy?”
“Haha… I really envy you, Sister Yutong!”
The two of them stood in silence for a while longer.
“Sister Yutong, are you planning to return to China?” Bai Shisui asked.
“Yes, there are many things in China that need my attention, especially pushing forward with my Loongxin project as soon as possible,” Liu Yutong said.
The first phase of the Loongxin factory was almost complete, and the ordered equipment had smoothly cleared customs. President Qiu was pushing full steam ahead with the preparations for equipment installation and commissioning, striving to start operations in the shortest time and achieve mass production of 90-nanometer chips as soon as possible.
Although the 90-nanometer process lagged behind the current mainstream 45-nanometer—and even more advanced processes—it had the advantage of being a mature technology with high success rates. It could also meet the current needs of partners like Qiming Electric Company.
Of course, this was only their first step.
As the saying goes, the hardest part is starting. Once the initial phases got ironed out, they would gradually introduce new processes, perhaps even quietly acquire advanced equipment, and then sprint toward world-class standards.
Beyond the impending launch of the chip factory, Uncle Li had also reported some special aspects of the Loongxin project to the relevant leaders in the capital.
Because the Loongxin project involved an overseas lithography equipment company, the situation was complex. The authorities in the capital took it very seriously. At that time, she would likely need to accompany Uncle Li to the capital for a detailed briefing and discuss how to mitigate potential risks and prevent certain unscrupulous entities from forcibly taking over a company that belonged to the Dragon Kingdom.
It was necessary to prepare for the worst-case scenario in advance.
But if it came to that, it wouldn’t just be her problem alone. There would be people above her to help bear the pressure.
Besides the chip matters, there were many other issues requiring her attention—such as the acquisition of a mobile phone project, and the case involving Zhao Weixiang, who had already been sent back to China by private jet. In short, there was too much waiting for her in the country.
Bai Shisui also knew that Liu Yutong was very busy. She had already spent too much time on her father’s affairs, leaving Bai Shisui feeling both grateful and apologetic.
“Sister Yutong, make sure you rest. Don’t wear yourself out,” she said.
“I will,” Liu Yutong nodded.
…
The next day, at San Francisco International Airport.
Bai Shisui came personally to see off Liu Yutong and her team.
Before this, a group of men in black had already escorted Zhao Weixiang in a private jet back to China ahead of time, to ensure confidentiality.
Now, the only core members accompanying Liu Yutong on the international flight back home were Lan Die, Yun Cheng, Chu Yang, and Su Mansu.
“This is far enough.”
In front of the terminal, Liu Yutong turned around and said to Bai Shisui, “Remember what I told you—stay calm when faced with trouble. If you’re ever unsure about something, you can reach out to me, but the final decision must be yours. And when you need to stand your ground, don’t hesitate.”
“I’ll remember, Yutong Jie.” Bai Shisui nodded firmly.
Liu Yutong extended her arms and gave her a gentle hug.
“You’ve got this, Suisui. You’re stronger than you think.”
Bai Shisui hugged her back tightly, then whispered a single word into Liu Yutong’s ear.
“Thank you.”
