Great Power Reclamation

The Manhattan morning was shrouded in a thin mist, but the lights in the top-floor offices of the Brothers Tower were already on.

Ye Feng stood by the window, holding a cup of black coffee in his hand, his gaze piercing through the glass curtain wall and landing on the city streets that were gradually awakening.

At forty-five, he already had a few strands of silver hair at his temples, a mark of countless sleepless nights and immense pressure.

"Mr. Ye, the joint statement from Lawrence and Johnson has been released."

Susie pushed open the door and handed him the tablet. This woman of pure Aryan blood was not only Ye Feng's most trusted assistant, but also one of the few sources of warmth in his life.

Today she was wearing a well-tailored dark gray suit, her long hair neatly tied back, and her eyes showed both worry and determination.

Ye Feng took the tablet and quickly scanned the statement. The two major political parties had joined forces in a rare move, announcing the establishment of a "Special Committee on National Security and Fair Competition," which would conduct a comprehensive review of "transnational capital that may threaten national security."

Although the statement did not name names, its implications were clear.

"They finally couldn't sit still any longer." Ye Feng put down his tablet, a half-smile playing on his lips.

"It was three months later than I expected."

“How should we respond?” Susie asked, taking the empty coffee cup from his hand and replacing it with a freshly brewed cup of Longjing tea. “The committee’s first hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, and they have already issued us a summons.”

Ye Feng picked up his teacup, the aroma of tea wafting out. He walked to the painting of bamboo and rocks, gazing at the bamboo growing tenaciously in the crevices of the rocks.

Her father's words echoed in her ears again: "Feng'er, bamboo has a thousand joints, each one hollow, yet it can stand tall and upright. The same is true for running a business; you must know how to leave room for maneuver and how to take a roundabout approach."

"Prepare two sets of materials." Ye Feng turned around, his eyes clear. "The first set is a report on Brother Group's investment data, job creation record, and tax contributions in the United States over the past ten years. It needs to be detailed down to each state and each district."

“It’s already being organized,” Susie nodded. “What about the second one?”

“The second document,” Ye Feng paused for a moment, “is the grassroots mobilization data of the Future Progressive Party in seventeen key swing states over the past three years. In particular, it includes data on voter registration growth, volunteer activity, and the distribution of small donors.”

Susie's eyes lit up slightly: "You want to..."

"It's not a threat, it's a demonstration of facts."

Ye Feng walked back to his desk. "Lawrence and Johnson think they have guns in their hands, but they don't know that my pieces have already been placed all over the chessboard. They can scrutinize my businesses, but they can't sway the voters who truly support progressive ideas."

Ye Feng's phone vibrated at that moment. He glanced at the caller ID—it was an encrypted line, from Beijing.

"Father." He answered the phone, his tone respectful yet unusually gentle.

"Feng'er, I saw the news." Ye Yuze's voice came from thousands of miles away, calm as a deep pool in a courtyard house. "Are you under a lot of pressure?"

"It's alright, as expected," Ye Feng said honestly, "it just came a bit more intensely than anticipated."

The sound of teacups clinking could be heard from the other end of the phone; Ye Yuze seemed to be enjoying his tea.

"Bamboo stands taller when exposed to wind and snow, and businesses become stronger under pressure. Do you remember the story I told you? Once in northern Xinjiang, your Uncle Yang and I encountered a blizzard and got lost. We thought we were doomed, but we ended up finding a shortcut."

"I remember," Ye Feng smiled. "You said that every crisis contains an opportunity."

"Now is your blizzard."

Ye Yuze's voice was gentle yet firm, "Don't fight head-on, leverage their strength. Don't confront them, resolve the conflict. The United States values ​​strength above all else, and fears public opinion the most. You have both, so what are you afraid of?"

A warm feeling welled up in Ye Feng's heart. Over the years, no matter how big the storms he encountered, his father was always like this, able to calm him down with just a few words.

"By the way," Ye Yuze changed the subject, "Xiao Guigen's birthday is next month, are you coming back?"

Ye Guigen, Ye Feng and his wife Yifei's son, is fourteen years old and lives with his mother in the military reclamation city. Ye Feng's eyes softened when he mentioned his son:
"It's all arranged. I'll be back for a week."

"That's good. Children grow up quickly, and once you miss an opportunity, it's gone."

Ye Yuze paused, "Have you been in contact with Yifei recently?"

"We talk on the phone occasionally, mainly about the children," Ye Feng said calmly. "We're both so busy."

"You're good at everything, except you take your career too seriously."

Ye Yuze sighed softly, "But this is your path, you have to walk it yourself. Just remember, no matter how great your career is, it can't be greater than your family, and it can't be greater than peace of mind."

After hanging up the phone, Ye Feng remained silent for a long time. Susie stood quietly to the side, not disturbing him.

“Susie,” he finally spoke, “help me arrange something.”

"You say."

"In my name, I am donating $50 million to the National Science and Technology Education Foundation, specifically for STEM education in impoverished communities."

"At the same time, we will launch the 'Brother Scholars Program' to fully fund 1,000 students from low-income families to pursue science and technology degrees over the next five years."

Susie quickly jotted down notes: "Is this for building a public image?"

“Not entirely,” Ye Feng shook his head. “It’s a responsibility. When a company grows big, it becomes part of society. Father is right; since it’s part of society, it has to be responsible to society.”

He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the gradually bustling street below:
"Lawrence and Johnson can question my motives, they can scrutinize my businesses, but they cannot deny these tangible contributions. More than 30,000 jobs, billions of dollars in taxes every year, plus these investments in education... They know very well which side public opinion will be on."

"What about the Progressive Party in the future..."

"Stand still."

Ye Feng turned around. "No statements will be made, and no protests will be organized. Let the party members continue to do what they are supposed to do—community service, voter education, and policy discussions. The calmer things are, the more confident we appear."

A glint of admiration flashed in Susie's eyes. This was the man she had followed for so many years, always thinking three steps ahead of others, always able to remain calm in the eye of the storm.

"There's one more thing." Ye Feng took a folder out of the drawer. "This is the latest progress on the 'Deep Blue Project.' Take a look."

Susie took the document, her pupils contracting slightly as she opened it. Inside was Brothers Group's latest breakthrough in the fusion of quantum computing and artificial intelligence—a technology that could potentially redefine the technological landscape for the next decade.

“If this technology matures…” She looked up at Ye Feng.

“It will change everything,” Ye Feng continued. “So now is not the time to go public. Continue to increase investment, but keep it absolutely secret. While Lawrence and Johnson are watching our accounts, they won’t notice the silent revolution in the lab.”

Susie closed the folder, her expression serious: "I understand. So, the hearing next week..."

“I’ll go.” Ye Feng said calmly. “Since they want to see me, then let’s meet. But not as a defendant, but as an entrepreneur, as a taxpayer, and as an employer who has created 30,000 jobs.”

He walked to the coat rack and took down a dark blue suit jacket:

"Help me arrange interviews with CNN, Fox News, and the New York Times, the day before the hearing. If I'm going to make an appearance, it has to be on the biggest stage."
-
A week later, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The hearing room of the Special Committee on National Security and Fair Competition was packed.

The media's cameras were pointed at the witness stand, while the gallery was filled with people from all sides—including employee representatives from the Brother Group, community leaders who had benefited from the Ye Feng Education Foundation, and observers from both major political parties.

Lawrence and Johnson sat side by side on the committee's podium. Although they were working together, the distance between them and their body language still conveyed a subtle sense of estrangement.

"Summon the next witness: Mr. Ye Feng."

The door opened. Ye Feng entered the hearing room, dressed in a well-tailored dark gray suit, white shirt, and dark blue tie. His steps were steady, his demeanor composed. He nodded slightly to the committee members before taking his seat in the witness stand. "Mr. Ye, thank you for attending today," Lawrence, as co-chair, spoke first. "The committee has convened this hearing today to clarify some issues concerning your company's operations in the United States. We hope you will answer truthfully."

“Of course,” Ye Feng said calmly. “I have always believed that transparency and integrity are the cornerstones of business operations.”

The ensuing two-hour Q&A session was a veritable war without gunfire. Committee lawyers took turns asking questions ranging from tax structures and supply chain security to political donations and technology transfer agreements—sharp and detailed.

Ye Feng answered fluently. Every piece of data was accurate to two decimal places, every investment was supported by complete documentation, and every technology had a strict compliance record.

When asked about his relationship with the Future Progressive Party, he readily admitted that he personally agrees with some of the party's ideas, but emphasized that he has never directly donated to the party and that all his political activities strictly comply with federal law.

“Then Mr. Ye,” Johnson finally spoke, his question getting straight to the point, “how do you explain the coincidence between your personal ideological preferences and the rapid rise of a third party that could potentially reshape the political landscape of the United States?”

The hearing room was completely silent. All the cameras were pointed at Ye Feng.

He smiled slightly, a smile that was gentle yet powerful: "Senator, in the United States, everyone has the right to support the political ideas they believe in, as long as it is within the framework of the law."

"As for the future development of the Progressive Party, I think this precisely proves the health of American democracy—when existing political parties cannot fully represent the voices of certain groups, new political forces will naturally emerge."

"This is not a sign of dissatisfaction with the existing system, but rather a manifestation of the vitality of the democratic system."

Ye Feng surveyed the room, his gaze finally settling on Lawrence and Johnson. "As an entrepreneur, I am more concerned with creating jobs, driving innovation, and giving back to society. I believe the committee has thoroughly reviewed Brothers Group's record in these areas over the past decade."

He paused, his tone turning serious: "My father once told me that when a company grows big, it becomes part of society. Over the years, I have always kept this in mind. Sitting here today, I am willing to accept any legal scrutiny, because I believe that true gold fears no fire."

As soon as he finished speaking, applause broke out in the audience. At first, it was sporadic, but it quickly spread. It came from employees of the Brothers Group, parents of the students they were helping, and people who had witnessed Ye Feng's dedication to the community.

Lawrence and Johnson exchanged a glance. They knew that today's hearing had spiraled out of control.

Ye Feng was not cornered; instead, he seized the opportunity to create a perfect public image.

After the hearing, Ye Feng was surrounded by reporters.

"Mr. Ye, what are your thoughts on the committee's review?"

"I believe this is a normal procedure. The United States has a sound legal system, and I respect and trust that system."

"There are rumors that the two major parties will join forces to suppress the brother group. Are you worried?"

“Competition is the norm in the market. I prefer to focus my energy on how to do better—providing employees with a better working environment, providing customers with higher-quality products, and creating more value for society.”

"Regarding the future Progressive Party..."

"Excuse me, today's discussion is about business matters," Ye Feng interrupted politely but firmly. "For political issues, please consult the relevant parties."

Escorted by bodyguards, Ye Feng got into the waiting car. The moment the door closed, he dropped his composed facade and rubbed his temples.

"You must be tired?" Susie handed him a bottle of water.

“It’s more tiring than negotiating mergers and acquisitions.” Ye Feng smiled bitterly. “At least at the negotiating table, the opponent is open and honest. Here… every word has to be carefully chosen, and every expression has to be controlled.”

The car drove towards the airport. Ye Feng was flying back to Junken City tonight to attend his son's birthday party. Washington, D.C., gradually receded from the window, and as he gazed at the silhouette of the Capitol dome in the setting sun, a complex mix of emotions welled up within him.

This country gave him opportunities and challenges; it gave him glory and suspicion. But he never regretted choosing to build his career here. Because, as his father said, the world is vast, capable of accommodating diversity and integration.

“Susie,” he suddenly said, “launch the ‘Bridge Project’.”

"Now?" Susie was somewhat surprised. "But what about the committee..."

"It is precisely because they are watching that we need to start now."

Ye Feng's eyes were firm. "We will donate to the East Asian Studies departments of ten top American universities to establish 'Sino-US Cultural Exchange Scholarships,' and at the same time establish corresponding 'Sino-US Scientific and Technological Exchange Scholarships' at Peking University and Tsinghua University. It will be two-way, equal, and transparent."

Susie immediately understood his intention—to build bridges through cultural and educational exchanges under the shadow of political censorship, which was both a clever diplomacy and the best public relations.

"I understand, I'll get on it right away."

The plane soared into the night sky, the lights of Washington gradually fading below. Ye Feng leaned back in his first-class seat, closing his eyes to rest. His phone vibrated; it was a message from Ye Rou:

"Big brother, I saw the hearing live. You're so cool! Dad said you have his style from when he was young."

Ye Feng laughed and replied, "Tell him that he taught him all of that."

Another message came from Yifei: a photo of Ye Guigen trying on his new birthday clothes. The child smiled brightly, his features reflecting both Yifei's gentleness and his own.

Ultimately, the question is when will Dad arrive?

"Tomorrow at 3 PM sharp."

"Okay, we'll come pick you up."

Holding his phone, Ye Feng looked at his son's smiling face in the photo, and the hardest part of his heart softened.

This is the meaning of his struggle—to provide for his family and create a better world for the next generation.

He knew that even greater challenges awaited him upon returning to New York. Lawrence and Johnson wouldn't give up easily, business rivals were watching closely, and the future of the Progressive Party had reached a critical juncture.

But he was not afraid.

Because he is not fighting alone. Behind him is the wisdom of his father, the support of his family, the loyalty of his team, and, most importantly, those who believe in his ideals.

The plane pierced through the clouds, heading east. On that ancient land lay his roots, his bloodline, and the legacy he had to protect.

On this new continent, there is the business he started, the ideals he firmly believes in, and the future he is willing to fight for.

He built a bridge between the two.

This bridge is stronger than any business empire and more enduring than any political alliance.

Because this bridge is built on responsibility, on integrity, and on the common humanity that transcends national borders.

The night was deep, and the Milky Way shone brightly. Ye Feng looked out the porthole, knowing that the sun would rise as usual tomorrow.

And he was ready to greet the new day.

No matter how strong the storm, no matter how powerful the opponent.

Because he understood a very simple truth—

True power lies not in how many opponents you defeat, but in how many hearts you win.

True victory lies not in how much wealth you possess, but in how much value you create.

He will continue down this path.

Bearing his father's teachings, his family's expectations, and the responsibilities on his shoulders.

We will persevere and continue on this path. (End of Chapter)