Chapter 705: Responsibility and Dreams

After the two sat down.

Zeng Jin took the initiative to pour her a cup of tea and said, “Chairman Liu, please speak frankly. Whatever is within my power, I will certainly not decline.”

Although he wasn’t clear on Liu Yutong’s purpose in calling him aside for a private conversation, he understood one thing perfectly well: Liu Yutong could wipe out the Snakehead Gang overnight and destroy Zhou Yan’s reputation. If she wanted to deal with him, it probably wouldn’t take much effort.

Liu Yutong: “No need for pleasantries. I kept you here to discuss practical cooperation.”

Zeng Jin perked up: “Chairman Liu, please go ahead. I’m all ears.”

Liu Yutong picked up her teacup but didn’t drink. She simply swirled the tea inside and said, “President Zeng, I heard your family started out in Taiwan, formerly the Xinghe Society, a well-known organization in those circles. Do you still have dealings with those groups in Taiwan?”

Zeng Jin’s hand holding the teacup jerked slightly, the smile on his face instantly freezing: “Chairman Liu, what do you mean by this? Those are old matters. The Zeng family has long since transitioned to legitimate operations and completely cut ties with the past.”

His family had indeed been a major society in Taiwan. With the changing times, they gradually cleaned up their act and transformed. By his father’s generation and his own, they had become entirely legitimate businessmen. However, some of those early connections and networks, especially with certain special circles, had not been completely severed.

This was a family secret, known to few. He hadn’t expected Liu Yutong to be able to uncover it.

Could she be planning to use this against him?

“Don’t get so agitated, President Zeng. I’m not here to settle accounts with you. As I said, I sought you out alone to ask for your help—or cooperation, if you will.”

Liu Yutong didn’t waste time and cut straight to the point: “I’ve invested in a chip manufacturing company in China. You should know that talent is the biggest bottleneck in the chip industry. Top-tier talent in high-end process technology and chip architecture design is extremely scarce. Our domestic foundation in this area is weak, and cultivating talent takes time. Taiwan, however, has deep accumulation in this field.”

When Zeng Jin heard this, he seemed to guess what she wanted and felt relieved. He nodded and said, “Companies like Taiwan Semiconductor and MediaTek have indeed gathered many world-class technical elites.”

Liu Yutong: “I heard there’s a technical master named Liang Mengsong at Taiwan Semiconductor. His expertise in wafer manufacturing is top-notch throughout the China sphere, but he seems to be having a rough time there, with his promotion blocked.”

Zeng Jin looked troubled: “Chairman Liu, I’m not in the chip industry. I’m not familiar with the personal situation of this Liang Mengsong you mentioned. However, I’ve heard that Taiwan Semiconductor’s non-compete agreements and confidentiality clauses for core technical personnel are extremely strict. Moreover, Taiwan’s control over the flow of such cutting-edge talent is quite stringent.”

“That’s why I’m coming to you.”

“Using regular headhunting channels to poach him would indeed encounter some obstacles. I need some ‘special’ connections and methods.”

“Chairman Liu means…”

“Your family’s early connections should still have access to some ‘unconventional’ friends, right?” Liu Yutong asked.

Zeng Jin fell silent.

Liu Yutong’s words were essentially telling him to mobilize his family’s hidden, less-than-savory network to handle this poaching operation, potentially requiring them to resort to special measures.

If that were the case, wouldn’t his family’s whitewashing have been for nothing?

“Chairman Liu, this kind of thing carries great risk. Our Zeng family is now a legitimate company. This is probably something I cannot do…”

Liu Yutong immediately interrupted him: “President Zeng, don’t be so quick to refuse!”

“How does that saying go? Risk is often proportional to reward. Besides, I never said to use illegal means, and I never support illegal methods.”

“The fact that I approached you means I’ve thought this through. I’m at ease working with you because you’re legitimate businessmen now. If you were still involved with societies and gangs, I wouldn’t be at ease, nor would I have sought you out. Do you understand?”

Zeng Jin wanted to say he didn’t understand. He couldn’t help but think to himself: Wanlong Society is already dark enough… and you’re particular about whether my family is legitimate?

The hypocrisy is…

Of course, he only dared to think this.

On the surface, he forced a nod and squeezed out three words: “I understand.”

Liu Yutong said: “What do you understand?”

Zeng Jin: “…”

What did he understand? How could he explain?

He could see that Liu Yutong seemed to care deeply about whether her own company was dark, otherwise she wouldn’t have emphasized it repeatedly.

Finally, after holding it in for a long time, he spoke: “Is it because Wanlong Society is also a legitimate company? That legitimate companies working together is more secure?”

Liu Yutong nodded: “Exactly.”

“If this gets done, the benefits for you and the Zeng family will be enormous.”

Zeng Jin: “Chairman Liu, please clarify.”

Liu Yutong: “Although your Zeng family has some roots in Taiwan and overseas Chinese circles, you lack a strong strategic ally. If this cooperation goes smoothly, in the future, Wanlong Society’s layout and development in semiconductors, the internet, consumer electronics, and other fields can all include the Zeng family.”

“The potential of the mainland market needs no elaboration, right? If the Zeng family can become an ally of Wanlong Society, you can enter the mainland market more smoothly. Similarly, Wanlong Society will have your back overseas. At that time, a Zeng family that can rely on Wanlong Society and connect capital markets across the strait—what would its prospects be like?”

“To put it bluntly, even if you offend certain Taiwan forces by helping me poach talent and lose the Taiwan market, it’s no big deal. Between gains and losses, you should be able to calculate which is more important, right?”

“Of course, if you doubt Wanlong Society’s strength in the mainland, you’re welcome to ask around before deciding. I’ll wait for your reply.”

Zeng Jin’s breathing gradually grew heavier.

The future Liu Yutong painted was too big, too tempting!

Although he didn’t know Wanlong Society’s exact strength, just from Chairman Liu’s aura and how they could easily eliminate the Snakehead Gang in the US, their foundation in the mainland was probably far stronger than here.

If he could truly use Wanlong Society’s power to break into the mainland market, the prospects would be nothing like the trade the Zeng family currently operated in Taiwan.

No company in Taiwan doesn’t want to develop in the mainland, but due to certain restrictions, even if they could expand, it was very limited. If they had help from a mainland giant, even if they truly lost the Taiwan market as a result, it would be worth it!

Zeng Jin suppressed his excitement and asked, “Chairman Liu, what do you want me to do?”

Liu Yutong: “It’s simple. Have your people contact Liang Mengsong and find a way to get him to visit the mainland. Second, resolve his non-compete agreement, even using unconventional means, but without letting the non-compete restrict him.”

“Of course, if some executives at Taiwan Semiconductor don’t cooperate, you can handle it as you see fit, as long as it’s not illegal.”

“Chairman Liu, aren’t you afraid this will blow up and cause trouble?”

“Afraid? The word ‘afraid’ doesn’t exist in my dictionary.”

“Besides, poaching one technical talent isn’t that big a deal. And as long as it’s done cleanly, who would know it was me?”

Zeng Jin felt there was something odd about Liu Yutong’s last statement, but for a moment couldn’t figure out where the oddness lay.

Then he looked at Liu Yutong’s confident expression and finally made up his mind.

Sometimes business requires a gamble. Once successful, the Zeng family’s strength would rise to another level. Even if it failed, with Wanlong Society as a safety net, they wouldn’t be completely ruined.

As long as Liu Yutong kept her word.

“Fine, I agree!”

“I’ll arrange for people to handle Liang Mengsong’s matter as soon as possible. I hope Chairman Liu can keep your promise and help our Zeng family break into the mainland market.”

Liu Yutong nodded: “That won’t be a problem. I’m returning to China in a couple of days. If you’re not at ease, you can come with me to visit our Wanlong Society headquarters.”

“May I?”

“Of course.”

Zeng Jin felt even more relieved. Honestly, he was a bit worried she might be a scammer. What if Chairman Liu’s Wanlong Society wasn’t that strong in the mainland and only had some influence in the US? Then his Zeng family would be finished!

Now, hearing her actively invite him to inspect their operations in China, what did that mean? It meant she was absolutely confident in their strength.

Setting aside other matters, just those black-clad enforcers from Wanlong Society—the domestic numbers must be at least double those in the US, right?

It wasn’t that he didn’t dare imagine more, but the strength of these black-clad men was too terrifying. They couldn’t be measured by ordinary gang standards.

For example, the predecessor of their Zeng family—back then, having a few skilled fighters and over two hundred ordinary foot soldiers made them a dominating force.

So, by his experience, even if Wanlong Society was stronger, it couldn’t be that outrageous!

“Good! But I need to first arrange matters here in the US. I’ll visit you in China later.”

“No problem.”

“Oh, right!”

Liu Yutong seemed to remember something and added: “Besides Liang Mengsong, you can also try to poach other top technical talents from Taiwan Semiconductor and related companies. Compensation isn’t an issue. Of course, I won’t forget your share of the benefits.”

Zeng Jin nodded without hesitation. Offending them by poaching one person was the same as offending them by poaching a group—he might as well go all the way.

Since he was on board, there was no turning back.

“Good!”

Zeng Jin extended his hand: “Chairman Liu, pleasant cooperation.”

“Pleasant cooperation.” Liu Yutong also extended her hand and shook his.

……….

Several days later.

At the Bai family’s villa in San Francisco.

Bai Jingchen’s ashes were temporarily kept at home, awaiting an auspicious day for Bai Shisui to take them back to China for burial—returning fallen leaves to their roots.

Liu Yutong, dressed in plain black, stood alone before the memorial tablet, lighting a stick of incense. She didn’t speak, only quietly gazing at Bai Jingchen’s gentle smile in the photograph.

She didn’t know how much time had passed before light footsteps sounded behind her.

Bai Shisui, also in black, slowly walked to her side.

The two stood shoulder to shoulder in silence for a long time before Bai Shisui finally spoke.

“Sister Yutong, thank you for avenging my father.”

“It was only right,” Liu Yutong said softly.

“After Uncle Zhou… after Zhou Yan’s injuries improved yesterday, I arranged for people to send them back to China, including those Zhou family members who were involved. As for my mother’s family, they all moved to the East Coast this morning…”

Liu Yutong nodded. Bai Shisui’s choice to send them back to China clearly meant she had no intention of letting Zhou Yan live.

If they were tried here, he probably wouldn’t receive the death penalty. Only by sending him back to China could she more easily help him reincarnate.

Honestly, making this decision must have been extremely painful for Bai Shisui, especially regarding how she would face and explain things to her mother?

Perhaps the rift between mother and daughter could never be healed.

Bai Shisui raised her head, looked at her father’s smiling face in the photo, and suddenly asked a question: “Sister Yutong, do you think people must give up what they love to shoulder their responsibilities?”

Liu Yutong turned to look at her: “Why do you ask?”

“I’ve loved fashion design since I was little, and my father supported me, sending me to the best schools. My dream is to have my own designer brand. But now that Dad is gone, the group and the chamber of commerce are such huge burdens falling on me. I’ve thought about it for days—I probably can’t keep my fledgling fashion design company going. I’m preparing to shut it down.”

Liu Yutong was silent for a moment before asking: “Do you regret it?”

Bai Shisui shook her head: “No regrets, just a little sadness. But I know this is a choice I must make. The career my father built with his lifetime of hard work can’t collapse under my watch. Hobbies and dreams can be set aside, but responsibility cannot be avoided.”

“Sister Yutong, do you think I’m doing the right thing?”

Liu Yutong looked at this girl who had matured overnight, her heart a mixture of sentiments.

There was pity, but also pride.

“There’s no absolute right or wrong, Shisui.”

“Often in life, we seek balance among various choices or must make trade-offs. Being able to see what responsibility is most important at the moment and being willing to temporarily set aside your dreams for it—that itself is a form of maturity and commitment. Your father would be proud of you.”

She paused before continuing: “However, giving up doesn’t mean losing forever. Once you’ve stabilized the group and the chamber of commerce and cultivated a trustworthy management team, you can still pick up your dream again. At that time, your experience, resources, and vision might allow your design brand to go further and become more renowned.”

“Responsibility and dreams aren’t always in opposition. Sometimes they just need to be prioritized.”

Bai Shisui listened carefully, the fog in her eyes gradually lifting, becoming clear: “I understand, Sister Yutong. You mean do what must be done first, then do what you want to do, right?”

Liu Yutong nodded: “Exactly.”

“Sister Yutong, may I ask you another question? Is it hard carrying such a huge family business as Wanlong Society? Do you ever get unhappy because you’re too busy?” Bai Shisui asked curiously.

Many leaders of major corporations find themselves without freedom—wanting to rest, to relax, to slack off… it’s really difficult because thousands of employees are counting on you to put food on their tables. She was now experiencing this deeply.

This was the first time anyone had asked Liu Yutong this question, but she didn’t need to think long before answering with a smile: “I have thousands of reliable family members, how could I be unhappy?”

“Hahaha… I’m really envious of you, Sister Yutong!”

The two stood in silence for a while longer.

“Sister Yutong, are you preparing to return to China?” Bai Shisui asked.

“Yes, there are many matters I need to handle in China, especially my Dragon Core Project that needs to be pushed forward as soon as possible,” Liu Yutong said.

The first phase of the Dragon Core factory was basically complete, and the ordered equipment had smoothly passed customs. President Qiu’s side was pushing full steam ahead with preparations for equipment installation and debugging, striving to start production as soon as possible and achieve 90-nanometer chip mass production at the earliest date.

Although 90-nanometer process technology lags behind the current mainstream 45-nanometer and more advanced processes, it benefits from mature technology with high success rates and can meet the current needs of partners like Qiming Electronics.

Of course, this was only their first step.

As the saying goes, the first step is always the hardest. Once the initial磨合 (磨合 =磨合) was complete, they could continuously introduce new processes and even secretly bring in advanced equipment. Then they could sprint toward world-class standards.

Besides the chip factory’s imminent launch, Uncle Li had also reported the special circumstances of the Dragon Core Project to relevant leaders in the capital.

After all, Dragon Core involves an overseas lithography equipment company. The situation is complex, and the capital attaches great importance to it. At that time, she would likely need to accompany Uncle Li to the capital for detailed reports and discussions on how to avoid potential risks and prevent certain rule-breaking thugs from forcibly seizing a company belonging to the people of Dragon Country.

They must always prepare for the worst-case scenario.

But if it really came to that, it wouldn’t be just her burden to bear—people above would stand with her to handle the pressure.

Besides chip-related matters, there was much that required her attention: the mobile phone project acquisition, Zhao Weixiang’s case that had already been sent back to China via private plane, and so on. In short, too many matters in China awaited her.

Bai Shisui knew Liu Yutong was busy, and that she had already delayed too long for her father’s sake. She felt both grateful and apologetic.

“Sister Yutong, you must remember to rest and not wear yourself out.”

“I will,” Liu Yutong nodded.

……

The next day, at San Francisco International Airport.

Bai Shisui personally came to see Liu Yutong and her group off.

Previously, a group of black-clad enforcers had already escorted Zhao Weixiang back to China via private plane—this was also for confidentiality considerations.

Those accompanying Liu Yutong on the international flight back to China now were only a few core members: Lan Die, Yun Cheng, Chu Yang, Su Mansu, and others.

“This is far enough.”

In front of the terminal, Liu Yutong turned to Bai Shisui and said: “Remember what I told you. When encountering matters, stay calm. If there are decisions you can’t make, you can come to me, but the final call must be yours. When you need to be tough, don’t hesitate!”

“I’ve remembered, Sister Yutong,” Bai Shisui nodded forcefully.

Liu Yutong reached out with both hands and gently hugged her.

“Stay strong, Shisui. You’re stronger than you think.”

Bai Shisui hugged her back tightly and whispered in Liu Yutong’s ear:

“Thank you!”