Great Power Reclamation

Top floor of the Brothers Group headquarters building in Midtown Manhattan, New York.

Ye Feng stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city that never sleeps.

At 45, he looked much younger than his actual age, with jet-black hair and a well-maintained physique. Only the fine lines around his eyes and his overly calm gaze revealed that he was a man who had weathered many storms.

Outside the window, the city lights glitter, but inside the office is remarkably simple. A mahogany desk, a few chairs, and a painting of bamboo and rocks by Zheng Banqiao hang on the wall—nothing more.

Rather than calling this the office of the head of a world-class conglomerate, it's more like a scholar's study.

"Mr. Ye, the secretary of Democratic National Committee Chairman Lawrence just called to ask if you are free to have lunch next week," the assistant reported quietly.

Ye Feng didn't turn around: "The reply said I wasn't in New York."

"On the Republican side, Senate Majority Leader Johnson wants to invite you to play golf."

"I told you that I recently injured my wrist and the doctor advised me to rest."

The assistant took notes, then hesitated for a moment: "Mr. Ye, this is the seventh time this month that we've refused. Both families have sent people to say that if you have any requests, we can discuss them in person."

“Tell them I have no demands.” Ye Feng finally turned around, a faint smile on his face. “I just want to do business properly.”

The assistant left. Ye Feng walked to his desk, sat down, and turned on his computer. The screen displayed the latest financial report from Brothers Group—

Revenue increased by 42% year-on-year, and net profit increased by 67%. In today's economic climate, such figures are nothing short of miraculous.

But Ye Feng's gaze didn't linger on those astonishing numbers; he opened another encrypted folder. Inside were internal briefings from the Future Progressive Party.

This political party, which he secretly supported and which was only established three years ago, now has 2.7 million registered members, a well-established organizational structure in 17 states, and 12 seats in Congress.

Although it cannot yet rival the Democratic and Republican parties, it is already a force to be reckoned with.

What worries both parties even more is the composition of the Progressive Party's supporters in the future—65 percent are young people aged 18 to 35, 80 percent have a college degree or above, and 40 percent are people working in the technology industry.

This is a dynamic group that holds the power to shape the future.

Behind all of this stands Ye Feng.

But he never makes public appearances, gives interviews, participates in fundraising activities, and his name cannot even be found in official party documents.

He simply provides the party with funding, think tank support, data analytics, and technology platforms through a complex foundation and trust structure.

Just like playing chess, he never personally moves a piece, yet he controls the entire game from outside the chessboard.

The phone vibrated; it was on an encrypted line. Ye Feng answered.

"Honey, I just received news that the White House may issue a restriction order targeting the new energy industry at the end of the month."

On the other end of the phone was Susie, Ye Feng's woman and right-hand woman.

"It mainly targets our photovoltaic and energy storage technologies."

“As expected,” Ye Feng said calmly. “Execute Plan B.”

"Understood. Also, the revised version of the chip bill will be voted on in the House of Representatives next week, and several key members we lobbied have suddenly changed their minds."

"Which ones?"

Susie named three people. Ye Feng quickly searched his mind for information on the three congressmen—two Democrats and one Republican, all from swing states, and all facing fierce re-election campaigns.

“Put some pressure on them,” Ye Feng said, “but not with money. Investigate which interest groups their opponents’ campaign funds mainly come from, and then anonymously send the information to the media.”

"Honey, won't this..."

“Do as I say.” Ye Feng interrupted him. “Remember, we’re not trying to buy off anyone, we’re trying to maintain a balance.”

After hanging up the phone, Ye Feng walked to the painting of bamboo and rocks. The bamboo in the painting was upright yet flexible, growing tenaciously in the cracks of the rocks. When his father, Ye Yuze, gave him this painting, he said, "Running a business is like painting bamboo; it must have backbone and joints, but it must also know how to bend."

He has been doing this all these years.

Under his leadership, Warrior Group transformed from a diversified multinational corporation into a world-class leader in the fields of new energy and chips.

Especially in the fields of third-generation semiconductors and quantum computing, we are at least five years ahead of our Western counterparts.

The Brothers Group has taken root and flourished in the United States, expanding from its initial financial investments to cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration.

Today, Brothers Group is deeply embedded in the capillaries of the US economy, employing more than 300,000 Americans, investing in thousands of startups, and indirectly affecting the livelihoods of millions of families.

The Future Progressive Party is his third strategic move.

But he played this move very carefully and discreetly.

Because he knows all too well what a Chinese person, a descendant of immigrants, faces if he openly gets involved in politics in this country. No matter how successful he is, no matter how much he contributes, there will always be some people who will look at him with prejudice, question his loyalty, and attribute all his achievements to "external forces."

Therefore, he chooses to remain behind the scenes. He uses capital to influence policy, technology to shape the future, and ideas to unite people, but he never steps into the limelight.

This made him an enigma to both major parties.

The Democrats found him unreliable—a billionaire who wasn't keen on buying political influence with money;
A tech giant, yet unusually cooperative with government regulations and antitrust investigations;

Someone capable of forming a third party never publicly criticizes the existing political system.

Republicans felt he was too dangerous—his businesses employed a large number of immigrants and minorities;

He supports LGBTQ rights and environmental protection; the education projects he invests in promote multiculturalism and equality.

More importantly, he was so successful that he posed a threat to many established conglomerates.

But neither of them dared to make a move against him easily.

Because taking action against him means taking away the jobs of hundreds of thousands of Americans, affecting thousands of companies that rely on his investments, and disrupting the technologies and services that have become integrated into daily life.

More importantly, they couldn't figure out what he really wanted.

If he wants power, why does he never seek public office? If he wants influence, why does he reject all political offers? If he wants to change this country, why does he act so discreetly?
This uncertainty has made politicians in Washington extremely uneasy.

A week later, in Washington, D.C., at a private club near Capitol Hill.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Michael Lawrence and Republican Senate Majority Leader Robert Johnson, two political rivals who are publicly at odds, are sitting together drinking whiskey.

"Robert, what news do you have?" Lawrence asked.

“No,” Johnson shook his head. “My people investigated for three months and found no substantial evidence. The Future Progressive Party’s finances are as clean as distilled water; all donations are within legal limits and all expenditures are in compliance with regulations.”

“That’s impossible.” Lawrence frowned. “Without major financial backers, how could a party that’s only been established for three years have grown so quickly?”

“Unless…” Johnson paused, “unless their benefactor is not one person, but a group of people. A group of scattered people, but with the same goal.”

The two exchanged a glance and both thought of the same name—Ye Feng.

But they all rejected this idea. Because if it were Ye Feng, he could have used a more direct approach.

With his wealth, he could easily establish a massive political action committee, like the Koch brothers or Soros, to openly support candidates and influence elections.

But he chose the most complicated and covert method.

“Michael, what do you think he’s really up to?” Johnson asked. “If his ambitions are only in the economic sphere, should we give him the green light and not target him?”

Lawrence remained silent for a long time. As a key figure in the Democratic Party, he had seen far too many billionaires dabble in politics—

Some did it for tax cuts, some for preferential policies, and some for personal ambition. But Ye Feng was different.

"I met Ye Feng's father, Ye Yuze, when my father was alive."

Lawrence suddenly said, "That was many years ago at an international business forum. My father asked him why he had built such a large company. Guess what Ye Yuze's answer was?"

Johnson shook his head.

He said, "When a company grows big, it's no longer just a company; it becomes part of society. And as part of society, it has a responsibility to society."

Lawrence took a sip of his drink. "At the time, I thought it was just typical polite talk from an Easterner. But looking at Ye Feng's actions now... maybe that's really what he was thinking."

“You mean, he does business not to make money, but for… responsibility?” “More accurately, to shape,” Lawrence said. “Look at his investment areas—new energy, chips, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space exploration. These are all key areas that will determine a nation’s future competitiveness. He’s using capital to bet on the future.”

Johnson said thoughtfully, "Then why would he support the Future Progressive Party? Many of its platforms conflict with our core values."

“Perhaps…” Lawrence said slowly, “he just wants to ensure that development in these key areas will not stagnate, no matter who is in power in the future. He is playing a grand game, a game that transcends party lines and election cycles.”

This speculation sent a chill down their spines.

If that's the case, then Ye Feng's vision and ambition are far greater than they imagined. He's not playing political games; he's shaping the course of history.

"Then what should we do?" Johnson asked.

“There are two paths,” Lawrence said. “One is to unite and use every means to suppress him. Antitrust, national security review, tax investigation… we can always find a reason.”

"What about the risks?"

“The risk is that it could trigger an economic earthquake. The Brothers Group and the Warriors Group have very long supply chains and involve too many people. And…” Lawrence smiled bitterly, “Are you sure we can win? Ye Feng is a man who leaves no room for error. If we can’t find any fault with him, we might even be countered by him.”

"What about the second way?"

“The second way,” Lawrence put down his glass, “is to acknowledge reality. To acknowledge that he has become a force to be reckoned with in this country. And then… to try to cooperate.”

"Cooperation? How to cooperate?"

“Give him the policy environment he wants in exchange for his support on key issues.”

Lawrence said, "For example, subsidies for new energy sources, support for the chip industry, and reform of immigration policies. He wants these, and we can give them to him. In exchange, he needs to restrain the Progressive Party from competing with us in certain key constituencies."

Johnson pondered. As a seasoned politician, he instinctively abhorred the deal. But as a realist, he knew it was the safest option.

"Do you think he'll agree?" he asked.

“I don’t know,” Lawrence said honestly, “but it’s worth a try.”

At the same time, in Ye Feng's office in New York.

He was reading a confidential report from Silicon Valley.

The report shows that three AI companies invested in by Brothers Group have made breakthrough progress in key algorithms for general artificial intelligence.

If this technology matures, it will revolutionize all industries, from healthcare to education, from manufacturing to services.

However, the report also points out the risks—the technology could be misused, could exacerbate social inequality, and could threaten employment.

Ye Feng picked up his pen and wrote his comments on the last page of the report:
"Establish an independent ethics committee to formulate guidelines for technology use. All commercial applications must be reviewed by the committee. Additionally, open-source 30% of the core algorithms to promote the establishment of industry standards."

He put down his pen and walked to the window.

New York City at night is ablaze with lights. This is the city where he has lived for over thirty years, the country where he reached the pinnacle of his career, and the hometown where his children grew up.

He has mixed feelings about this place. He is grateful for the opportunities it has given him, appreciates its dynamism and innovation, but is also aware of its limitations and biases.

His father, Ye Yuze, once told him: "Feng'er, remember, no matter where we go, we are Chinese at heart. But also remember, the world is vast, and it can accommodate diversity and integration."

Over the years, he has been putting this into practice: pursuing excellence in business, maintaining his cultural roots, and remaining clear-headed in politics.

He knew that both major parties were investigating him, speculating about him, and hesitating about how to deal with him. But he wasn't worried.

Because he had already laid out his plan.

New energy and semiconductors represent the hard power of the future. Artificial intelligence and biotechnology represent the soft power of the future.

The Future Progressive Party is an insurance policy to ensure that these forces are not constrained by short-sighted politics.

He doesn't need to get involved in politics himself, because he's already shaping the future of this country in another way.

The phone rang again. This time it was a video call from my younger sister, Ye Rou, from East Africa.

"Big brother, still not resting?" Ye Rou smiled brightly on the screen. She was already 40 years old, but years of exercise and her optimistic personality made her look only in her early thirties.

"Almost there. What about you? It should be early morning there, right?"

"We just finished a meeting," Ye Rou said. "Ye Mei and I will be attending the African Union summit next month. We'd like to invite you to be our advisor."

"I won't go," Ye Feng said with a smile. "You've already done a great job."

"Big brother, you're always like this," Ye Rou said reproachfully. "You make yourself so tired, carrying everything on your own."

“It’s not just one person,” Ye Feng said. “It’s all of you, it’s Dad, it’s everyone in the group.”

"So what kind of development do you want it to become?" Ye Rou asked cautiously. This was a question that not only her opponents were curious about, but also her own people.

Ye Feng fell silent. Many people had asked him this question. His younger siblings had asked him, his friends had asked him.

But he always avoided answering.

It wasn't that he didn't want to talk about it, but it involved too much. It wasn't that even his family didn't believe him, since there were too many people and too much gossip. He only wanted to tell his father about it, but his father deliberately didn't ask.

Thinking of the responsibilities on his shoulders, the people who depended on him, and this vast and complex business empire, he could only remain silent.

"I don't know either," he finally said.

"That same phrase again." Ye Rou sighed and fell silent.

"

After hanging up the phone, Ye Feng walked to the bookshelf and pulled out a photo album. He opened it; inside were photos of his family.

There are photos of his father Ye Yuze and mother Yu'e when they were young, photos of him and his younger siblings when they were little, photos of the whole family in northern Xinjiang, and photos of them taken around the world later.

Turning to the last page, there were only two photos: one of him with Yifei and Ye Guigen, and the other of him with Yuanfang and their daughter.

Ye Feng looked at the album for a long time, then closed it.

Everyone has their own path to choose. The father chose the tranquility of the courtyard house, Yang Geyong chose love that came too late, and his younger siblings chose their own paths to success.

And he chose to protect all of this.

This is his mission, his choice, his life.

Outside the window, the sky is gradually brightening. A new day has begun.

Ye Feng returned to his desk and opened his schedule. Today he was to meet with the trade ministers of five countries, sign three major cooperation agreements, and chair two strategic committee meetings.

Busy, but fulfilling.

He knew that in Washington, those two political heavyweights were still figuring out his intentions. On Wall Street, his competitors were still looking for weaknesses. In Silicon Valley, the rising stars were still trying to surpass him.

But he remained calm and unhurried.

Because he had already seen the chessboard clearly and had already placed the pieces.

All he has to do is move forward steadily, step by step, at his own pace.

As for those speculations, guesses, hostility, or attempts to win them over... let them be.

Time will tell. History will provide the answer.

All he needs to do is his job.

This is enough.

Sunlight streamed into the office, casting warm dappled patterns on the mahogany table.

Ye Feng stood up, straightened his suit, and prepared to greet the new day.

The players outside the chessboard also have their own battlefield.

He already had victory in his grasp. (End of Chapter)