Great Power Reclamation

Meanwhile, in the office of the vice president of the Military Reclamation University, Wei Xiang was reviewing a school-enterprise cooperation plan.

Since taking over as vice principal, he has vigorously promoted a joint training model with enterprises, allowing students to participate in actual project research and development while still in school.

The phone rang; it was Wang Lina calling: "Honey, Mom's come to see the kids again. She brought some homemade pilaf. Can you come home early tonight?"

Wei Xiang smiled: "Okay, I'll go back after I finish this document. By the way, has Xiaofei's math score improved recently?"

“He has made great progress. His grandma tutors him every day.” Wang Lina’s voice was filled with happiness. “It’s really amazing. I used to be best friends with Sister Yu Lan, and now she’s my mother-in-law, and we still get along so well.”

"That's because you're so wonderful, it's impossible not to like you," Wei Xiang said gently. "I'll be back in about an hour."

After hanging up the phone, Wei Xiang continued reviewing the document. It was a proposal to establish a "Soldier Innovation Fund," aimed at funding students' scientific and technological innovation projects. He read the details carefully, making annotations from time to time.

As the leader of the Military Reclamation University and the Military Reclamation Technical School, Wei Xiang was well aware of the responsibilities he bore.

These two schools have supplied a large number of talents to enterprises in the military reclamation city, serving as the intellectual engine for the city's development. He is currently pushing for a reform to increase the pathways for vocational school students to pursue higher education, breaking down academic barriers.

There was a knock on the door, and Principal Zheng Lanzhi walked in. Although she was well past retirement age, this educator was still in high spirits.

“Wei Xiang, I’ve read your reform plan, it’s very interesting.” Zheng Lanzhi said, sitting opposite him.

"However, there will be great resistance to implementation, as not everyone agrees to allow vocational school students to directly enter university."

"Principal Zheng, we are cultivating talent, not manufacturing academic qualifications."

Wei Xiang firmly stated, "Many vocational school students possess practical skills far exceeding those of university students; what they lack is simply the opportunity to enhance their theoretical knowledge. Enterprises in the Military Reclamation City need talents who possess both theoretical and practical abilities."

Zheng Lanzhi nodded approvingly: "I completely agree. How about this, we start with a pilot class, select the best vocational school students to study at university, and then track and evaluate the results."

"Great! I'll start making preparations right away," Wei Xiang said excitedly.

Three months later, the effects of the personnel reshuffle at the Warrior Group began to show. Most of the new leaders quickly adapted to their roles and led their respective business segments to new progress. Only Wang Nannan of Warrior New Energy encountered trouble.

The plan to build a factory in Brazil met with strong opposition from local environmental organizations, forcing the project to be suspended. Meanwhile, research and development of sodium-ion batteries also encountered technical bottlenecks, with progress far behind schedule.

During the internal meeting, several high-ranking officials appointed by the city government sharply criticized Wang Nannan.

"I told you long ago, young people being too radical will cause problems!" Director Zhang Hongyu slammed his fist on the table. "The preliminary research for the Brazil project was clearly insufficient, and now that losses have been incurred, who will take responsibility?"

Wang Nannan, though pale, remained calm: "Chairman Zhang, I have personally flown to Brazil to handle this matter. The environmental organizations' opposition stems from a misunderstanding of our technology. I am communicating with them and simultaneously adjusting the factory layout and increasing environmental investment. I will save the extra costs from the marketing budget."

"What about the technological bottlenecks? You said you could achieve your goal in three years, but now it seems like even ten years would be difficult!" another veteran questioned.

“Scientific research is subject to uncertainty, but I have already invited experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to form a joint research team.” Wang Nannan was interrupted before she could finish speaking.

"Another money-burning idea! Do you think the group's money grows on trees?"

Ye Feng, who was at the head of the conference table, finally spoke up: "Alright, let's stick to the facts and avoid personal attacks."

He turned to Wang Nannan, "Ms. Wang, your solution sounds reasonable, but I need a detailed written report, including a risk assessment and contingency plans. Can you submit it within three days?"

“Yes, Mr. Ye,” Wang Nannan replied without hesitation.

After the meeting, Ye Feng kept Wang Nannan behind alone: ​​"How are you feeling? Are you under a lot of pressure?"

Wang Nannan smiled wryly and said, "To be honest, it's harder than I expected. But I won't give up, please give me a little more time."

Ye Feng nodded: "I believe in your abilities. Remember, a leader isn't someone who never makes mistakes, but someone who can correct them promptly and learn from them. Let me know if you need any support."

That evening, Ye Feng returned home, looking unusually tired. Yi Fei considerately massaged his shoulders.

"Is Nan Nan in trouble?" she asked softly.

Ye Feng looked up in surprise: "How did you know?"

Yifei laughed: "Don't forget that the city also owns 49% of the Warrior Group. Although they don't have management rights, they do have supervisory rights. Do you need me to intervene and mediate? The city can assist with the overseas side through diplomatic channels."

Ye Feng thought for a moment, then shook his head: "Not for now. Let her handle it herself; this is a necessary test in her growth. However," he held his wife's hand, "if the situation worsens, I'm still here. How could I trouble my wife?"

Yifei smiled sweetly, then changed the subject:
“Dad has been home these past few days. Ye Mao might also be back on vacation; he hasn’t been back to Junken City for three years. We should get together properly.”

Ye Feng's eyes lit up: "Great! The whole family can reunite just in time for Father's Day. We can give Mom and Dad a surprise."

"And another thing," Yifei smiled mysteriously, "Ye Rou told me some good news: she's pregnant. If it's a boy, she plans to name him Ye Yuze II."

Ye Feng laughed heartily: "Then Dad will be overjoyed! But he always says that names carry expectations, so it's better to let them decide for themselves."

The next day, Ye Feng unexpectedly received a call from Mei Ting. This veteran, who had once started a business alongside his father and was also his aunt, now spent all her time on airplanes, in charge of sales for the entire Warrior Group.

"Ye Feng, I heard that there have been some problems with personnel changes in China?" Mei Ting asked directly.

"Auntie is really well-informed. There are some minor troubles, but they are all under control," Ye Feng replied.

"I've met Wang Nannan; she's energetic, just like your Aunt Wang Lina when she was young," Mei Ting said.
“Give her some time, I believe she can do it. If necessary, I can transfer resources from Central Asia to support her.”

Ye Feng said emotionally, "Thank you, Auntie. Speaking of which, when are you coming back to China? My father is back, and our old friends can get together."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone: "I'll see. The project in Europe is at a critical stage and I can't leave. Please give my regards to my brother and sister-in-law."

After hanging up the phone, Ye Feng seemed lost in thought. His father's generation had created a miracle in the military reclamation city. Now, most of them were advanced in years, but they still cared about the development of the city and the company. This legacy and sense of responsibility were the most valuable assets of the Warrior Group.

A week later, Wang Nannan delivered an impressive report card. She not only resolved the environmental controversy surrounding the Brazilian project but also won the support of the local community through a technology-sharing agreement.

Even more surprisingly, her team unexpectedly broke through the technical bottleneck of sodium-ion batteries, achieving their milestone six months ahead of schedule. At the board meeting, Zhang Hongyu, who had previously been her most critical advisor, proactively apologized to her.

"Mr. Wang, I apologize for my inappropriate words and actions at the last meeting. You have proven your ability with facts."

Wang Nannan responded humbly: "Mr. Zhang's criticism is correct. I did not consider things thoroughly in the early stages. Thank you for your reminder and that of the supervisory committee, which allowed me to adjust the plan in time."

Ye Feng watched this scene and smiled with satisfaction. The generational transition within the Warrior Group was proceeding smoothly, and the corporate culture was continuously evolving through critique and innovation.

After the meeting, he called his father: "Dad, the personnel adjustments are basically complete. Is there anything else you need to tell me?"

Ye Yuze's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone: "Since I've entrusted it to you, you can make the decisions. Don't ask me. I'm just a retired old man now."

Ye Feng laughed and said, "Dad, you're too modest. This aircraft carrier still needs you to steer it. Wasn't it you who solved the materials problem a few days ago?"

Outside the window, the military reclamation city is bathed in the setting sun. This city, founded by the soldiers of the Production and Construction Corps, has now become a modern metropolis, but its core spirit has never changed—hard work, pioneering and innovation.

Ye Feng stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing into the distance. The future of the Warrior Group was full of challenges, but also full of hope. With a suitable talent pool and a clear strategic direction, this business empire would surely continue to write its glorious chapter in the new era.

My phone vibrated. It was a message from my son, Ye Guigen, from school: "Dad, I've decided to study materials science and join the new energy research and development team in the future!"

Ye Feng thought for a moment and replied, "Do whatever you like, no need to ask me."

In the evening, at the Ye family villa, the family sat together. Ye Wancheng and Meihua were brought out of the sanatorium.

They are already over eighty years old, and their faces and bodies have aged considerably, especially Meihua, whose mind has begun to become somewhat sluggish.

Ye Yuze felt a pang of sadness. Although he was already in his sixties, he still couldn't bear to see his parents grow old.

Ye Wancheng's mind is still very sharp, probably because he has been working on drug research and development, but he has become much less talkative.

Only Ye Hong, Ye Bai, Ye Xin, and Ye Guigen remained in the family. Even Han Ye had returned to Beijing, as his parents did not agree to him attending the Military Reclamation University.

As the children grew older, they became more sensible. Ye Hong, Ye Bai, and Ye Xin all studied at the Military Reclamation Technical School and achieved excellent grades.

Even Ye Guigen, who was not easy to manage when he was young, has become a well-behaved child, especially in front of his great-grandparents. Right now, he is busy finding tender mutton for his great-grandmother.

The brothers Ye Feng and Ye Mao were discussing something in hushed tones. Now, they were both giants in their respective fields, and their elders could no longer offer them any guidance.

Even Ye Yuze can't boss his son around anymore, because he really doesn't understand what Ye Feng has been doing these past few years.

He might be able to help solve some specific problems, but as for strategic planning and the battles of the financial markets, he's really no good at that...

After serving Ye Wancheng and Meihua their meal, the family took them to rest.

Ye Yuze sat at the dining table for a long time without leaving. Over the years, he had been deceiving himself, telling himself that his family was doing well. He even deliberately avoided returning to Junken City because he was afraid to face the truth.

He's sixty years old; how could his parents not be? This isn't something that can be prevented simply by avoiding seeing them...

Ye Feng and Ye Mao came over, and Ye Mao offered his father a special cigarette, but Ye Yuze waved his hand, saying he didn't like smoking.

He picked up his pipe, filled it with a pinch of tobacco, and started smoking.

People are just nostalgic. There was a time when he looked down on Moheyan, but now, he and Yang Geyong both smoke nothing but Moheyan.

It wasn't intentional; it's just that the smell of this cigarette made him feel comfortable.

Ye Mao asked with a grin, "Dad, we rarely see each other these days. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

Ye Yuze smiled and said, "I'm really not familiar with your industry. Go on your own. Learn from your second uncle, stay out of business matters, and if you need money, just say so. Don't ask others for it..."

Ye Mao nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Dad, I won't have any problems with money. I have my older brother."

Ye Yuze then looked at Ye Feng: "What are your plans for the future?"

Ye Feng pondered for a moment: "With the deepening of international trade, the era of monopoly is about to end. I plan to contact some suitable capital to distribute a portion of the profits and maximize the market."

Ye Yuze nodded; his son's idea was correct.

You can never earn all the money in the world, but you have to know how to share profits, otherwise you'll never grow your business.

Ye Yuze decided to stay in Junken City for the time being to help Ye Feng sort out the management of the Warrior Group.

Ye Feng's return this time was only to decide on the appointment and removal of a few high-level executives, but over the decades, the internal relationships within the group have become intricate and complex, with many factions.

In addition, given the large number of shares held in the military reclamation city, although the government does not participate in the management, it still has a say in decision-making.

Wang Nannan's plan faced significant resistance this time. Ye Yuze replaced his private shares because he was afraid that his son would encounter some personnel obstacles after taking over.

Businesses are most vulnerable to infighting, especially after they grow large. If they adopt some of the habits of the system, they are not far from going bankrupt.

This matter needs to be discussed with the city government. Those two shareholder representatives should be replaced; they're older than me. They should retire; the Warrior Group isn't a place to retire.

Having considered all of this, Ye Yuze stepped out of his house. He was getting old and needed less sleep, so he didn't want to go to bed yet and decided to go for a walk.

It's summer now, and Junken City is the hottest place in the summer. Evenings are very cool. Ye Feng brought out a jacket for his father.

The two brothers originally wanted to accompany their father for a walk, but Ye Yuze waved his hand to stop them.

"It's rare for you two to meet, so let's have a good chat. There will be many projects to cooperate on in the future, and it's inconvenient to communicate over the phone."

The villa area wasn't far from the river. I glanced at Yang Geyong's house; the lights were off. I wondered where he'd gone. (End of Chapter)