Great Power Reclamation

In the depths of winter, the military reclamation city was covered in snow, and the whole world was dressed in silver.

Ye Guigen's study abroad application was completed in early December.

On Elizabeth's recommendation, he applied to three schools in the UK:

Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London, Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Engineering at Cambridge University.

At the same time, as requested by Ye Feng, he also applied to MIT and Stanford as backup options.

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket," Ye Feng said in a transoceanic phone call. "British education has its advantages, but the American innovation environment is more open. You can try both."

After submitting his application materials, Ye Guigen slowed down his pace of life while waiting for the results.

He continued his internship at Brothers Real Estate, but Manager Zhang was already using him as a part-time project manager, letting him independently take charge of the design and construction management of a small ancillary project.

In mid-January, Ye Xin's water quality testing instrument project won the gold medal in the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Competition.

At the awards ceremony, when the host announced "Military Reclamation Technical School, Ye Xin's team", Ye Xin, wearing a simple white shirt, went on stage to receive the award, her back straight and her eyes firm.

"I would like to dedicate this award to the Military Reclamation City."

In her acceptance speech, she said, "This is dedicated to those who work silently in the border regions, and to our compatriots in distant places who yearn for clean water. The significance of science and technology is not to make people fly higher, but to enable everyone to stand firmly on their own feet."

Thunderous applause erupted. Ye Yuze, sitting in the audience, rarely smiled; his smile held both pride and a sense of relief.

After the awards ceremony, Ye Xin approached Ye Guigen and said, "I'm going abroad."

"where to?"

“Germany.” Ye Xin’s eyes lit up. “The Technical University of Berlin gave me a full scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering. Their water treatment technology is world-class.”

Ye Guigen was stunned: "You're going to Germany? When did you decide?"

"It was decided a long time ago."

Ye Xin said, "I just wasn't sure if I could get the scholarship before. Ye Guigen, I've thought it through. To be a queen, you have to have the strength of a queen. I want to study in the most advanced places in the world and then come back to build my own kingdom."

Does Grandpa know?

“I know.” Ye Xin smiled. “Dad said that if a daughter of the Ye family wants to fly, she has to be given wings. He supports me.”

That evening, the Ye family gathered for dinner at the sanatorium. Great-grandfather Ye Wancheng was in good spirits; upon hearing Ye Xin mention going to study in Germany, the old man nodded repeatedly.
"Good, good! German industry is impressive. Our first CNC machine tool in our military reclamation city was imported from Germany. Go and learn it, and come back to further improve our technology."

Meihua held Ye Xin's hand: "Xin Xin, you have to take good care of yourself while you're abroad alone. If you miss home, call your great-grandmother, and she'll have your grandfather send you some delicious food."

Ye Yuze didn't say much, but he put a lot of food on Ye Xin's plate. Ye Guigen noticed that his grandfather's gaze towards Ye Xin was special—it contained a father's love, but also a reluctance to let his daughter go.

After dinner, Ye Yuze called Ye Xin to the courtyard. Ye Guigen saw through the window that his grandfather took a small box out of his pocket and handed it to Ye Xin. Ye Xin opened it and found a simple silver necklace with a leaf-shaped pendant.

“This is from your mother,” Ye Yuze said. “She said that the children of the Ye family must always remember the way home.”

Ye Xin's eyes reddened, and she nodded vigorously.

In early February, Ye Guigen received several university offers. Imperial College London and Cambridge University both offered conditional offers, requiring an IELTS score of 7.

Interview invitations from MIT and Stanford have also arrived, scheduled for March.

Most surprisingly, the London School of Economics, which Elizabeth recommended, offered him an unconditional offer of admission to the program International Management and Chinese Language – a program specifically designed for international students with a Chinese language background.

“This major is a perfect fit for you,” Elizabeth wrote in the email. “You’ll learn systematic management knowledge and leverage your cultural strengths. Plus, I’m in London.”

Ye Guigen stared at the last four words for a long time.

Ultimately, on Ye Feng's advice, Ye Guigen accepted the offer from the London School of Economics and Political Science, while retaining his conditional offer for engineering from Cambridge University.

“If you find yourself wanting to study engineering more after a year, you can switch majors,” Ye Feng said. “But a foundation in management is very important for your future leadership of a company.”

After deciding to go abroad, Ye Guigen's life entered its final countdown. He resigned from his internship and began to focus on preparing for his departure and packing his luggage.

He doesn't need a visa because he was born in Boston.

And most importantly: saying goodbye to this city and these people.

He visited his great-grandparents. Ye Wancheng gave him a yellowed notebook:
"These are the notes I've kept in my entire life, about machinery, about pharmaceuticals, about how to build something from scratch. Take them with you to England, and look at them when you miss home."

Mei Hua then knitted him a sweater: "It's cold in England, wear something thick. Don't be like those foreigners who wear short sleeves in winter, you'll easily catch a cold."

He went to visit Su Xiao. She had successfully entered the provincial dance academy and was living in the school dormitory. She was very happy to see Ye Guigen:
"I heard you're going to study in England! That's great!"

"How's your scholarship application going?" Ye Guigen asked.

“Miss Elizabeth recommended me, and the Royal Academy of Dance in London gave me an interview opportunity.”

Su Xiao's eyes lit up. "I'm going to London for an interview in March. If I pass, I can go study abroad in September."

“You will pass,” Ye Guigen said.

Su Xiao smiled, a smile that contained gratitude and a newfound confidence:
"Whether I pass or not, I will continue to dance. Ye Guigen, thank you for letting me know that a person can start over."

As they parted, Su Xiao gave him a gentle hug: "Have a safe journey. If you see Miss Elizabeth in England, please give her my thanks."

The hardest farewell was to Ye Xin. She had left a week earlier than Ye Guigen, flying to Berlin.

At the airport, Ye Xin didn't cry; instead, she was very excited: "It's finally starting! Ye Guigen, let's have a competition to see who can make a name for themselves first!"

"it is good."

"Also," Ye Xin said seriously, "when you get to England, stay away from that Elizabeth. She's not simple, you can't outmaneuver her."

Ye Guigen smiled: "I know."

Before boarding, Ye Xin suddenly turned around and said, "Ye Guigen, remember, no matter where we go, we are all children of Junken City. Don't bring shame to the Ye family."

"You too."

After Ye Xin's plane soared into the sky, Ye Guigen stood at the airport for a long time. This aunt he had grown up with, this girl who always got straight to the point, this Ye Xin who wanted to be a queen, was truly about to begin her own journey.

A week later, Ye Guigen's flight took off. The destination wasn't London, but New York—

Ye Feng told him to go to the United States for a month to familiarize himself with the operation of the Brothers Group before going to the UK to start his studies.

As the plane broke through the clouds, Ye Guigen watched the military reclamation city gradually shrink outside the window, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him: excitement, anticipation, reluctance, and a touch of unease.

Fifteen hours later, the plane landed at JFK International Airport. The moment Ye Guigen stepped out of the cabin, he took a deep breath—the American air carried the moisture of the Atlantic Ocean and a strange sense of freedom.

At the arrival gate, he saw Ye Feng.

The father looked younger than in the video, wearing a simple black overcoat and glasses, with a refined air but sharp eyes. Upon seeing Ye Guigen, he smiled slightly: "You've grown taller."

Those three simple words brought tears to Ye Guigen's eyes. He hadn't seen his father for two years.

In the car, Ye Feng said as he drove, "The accommodation is arranged, an apartment in Manhattan. For the next month, you'll be working with me and watching how I work and manage the company. Feel free to ask me any questions."

The Manhattan skyline unfolds before you. Skyscrapers, neon lights, and bustling traffic—this is a world completely different from the military reclamation town.

The sense of order in the military settlements stemmed from planning and discipline, while New York's dynamism came from chaos and competition.

The apartment is located near Central Park, on the top floor, with excellent views. Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can overlook the lights of half of Manhattan.

"Get some rest and adjust to the time difference," Ye Feng said. "I'll take you to the company at eight o'clock tomorrow morning."

That night, Ye Guigen barely slept. Jet lag combined with excitement, he stood by the window watching the New York night view until dawn.

The next day, Ye Feng took him to the headquarters of the Brothers Group—a skyscraper on Wall Street. The elevator went straight to the top floor, the corridor was covered with thick carpets, and the walls were decorated with modern art paintings.

"Good morning, Chairman." The secretary, a capable Asian woman, smiled and nodded when she saw Ye Guigen. "This must be Young Master Guigen, right? Welcome."

Ye Feng nodded and pushed open the office door. The room was large, with an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. There were three computers on the desk, and several paintings and calligraphies on the wall. Ye Guigen recognized one of them as an authentic work by Qi Baishi.

"Sit down." Ye Feng took off his coat and pressed the intercom. "Amy, bring in today's schedule. Also, notify all departments that there will be a regular meeting at ten o'clock."

For the next few days, Ye Guigen followed Ye Feng like a shadow. He saw his father working—

Calmly analyze market trends at board meetings, subtly lower acquisition prices at the negotiating table, and make decisive decisions at strategy meetings.

Ye Feng didn't speak much, but every word he uttered hit the nail on the head. He was extremely sensitive to numbers and could spot problems in reports at a glance;
They have a precise grasp of human nature and know how to motivate subordinates with different personalities; they are knowledgeable about the global market and can see connections between seemingly unrelated events.

A week later, Ye Feng took Ye Guigen to a dinner party. The venue was a private estate on Long Island; there weren't many guests, but everyone present was someone of considerable importance—

Investment banking executives, tech upstarts, heirs of old money families, and several political figures.

Ye Guigen, dressed in a custom-made suit, followed behind his father. Ye Feng spoke naturally with people, introducing him simply by saying:
“This is my son, Ye Guigen.”

Many people's eyes change when they hear the name "Ye Gui Gen" (叶归根) – that's the look of recognizing the meaning behind the name.

Halfway through the banquet, an elderly man with white hair approached. He looked to be in his seventies or eighties, but was remarkably spry and had eyes like an eagle.

"Ye, is this your son?" The old man spoke in English, with a distinct German accent.

“Yes, Mr. Schmidt,” Ye Feng introduced. “After all, this is Mr. Schmidt, the honorary chairman of the European Industrial Alliance.”

Ye Guigen greeted him in English. Schmidt looked him over carefully, then suddenly said in Chinese:

“Your grandfather, Ye Yuze, was an extraordinary man. Thirty years ago, he came to me to buy a machine tool, but I refused to sell it to him because he was too young. He stood at the gate of my factory for three days, and finally I gave him a chance—if he could learn to operate the machine within three days, I would sell it to him.”

Ye Guigen never expected to hear his grandfather's story here.

"And then?" he asked.

"He learned it in just two days," Schmidt laughed. "He even pointed out a flaw in our design. Since then, Warrior Group has become our largest partner in Asia. Your father was even more impressive; he bought out my company."

Ye Feng smiled: "It's a collaboration, Mr. Schmidt."

“It’s an acquisition!” The old man patted Ye Feng on the shoulder. “But I’m convinced. Every generation of men in your Ye family has impressed people.”

On the way back to the city after the banquet, Ye Feng said, "The Schmidt family controls one-third of Europe's precision machinery manufacturing. Thirty years ago, they were the teachers and we were the students. Now, we are partners."

"Because Grandpa and you worked harder than them?"

“It’s not just about hard work.” Ye Feng looked at the night view outside the window, “It’s because we know what we want and we’re not afraid to start from scratch. Ultimately, remember, in this world, respect isn’t given by others, it’s earned by yourself.”

During their third week in New York, Ye Feng took Ye Guigen to a closed-door meeting. There were only seven attendees, but the discussion revolved around an investment plan involving tens of billions of dollars.

After the meeting, on the helicopter back to Manhattan, Ye Feng suddenly asked, "Gui Gen, do you know what the Brothers Group does?"

"invest."

"Be more specific." Ye Guigen thought for a moment: "Find promising companies around the world, invest in them, and then reap the rewards."

“You’re half right,” Ye Feng said. “What Brothers Group does is connect—connect capital and technology, connect East and West, connect the present and the future. We invest not just in companies, but in trends, in change, and in the next era.”

As the helicopter flew over the Hudson River, the New York City skyline unfolded below.

"Your grandfather founded the Warrior Group to bring Chinese manufacturing to the world."

Ye Feng continued, "I created Brothers Group to enable Chinese capital and wisdom to participate in the formulation of global rules. Ultimately, your generation has an even greater task—to play our own game within the rules set by others."

Ye Guigen looked at his father. At this moment, he truly understood Ye Feng—this father who was rarely by his side but whose every step was precise, who carried in his heart not only a company and a family, but also a mission.

“Dad,” he asked, “have you ever regretted it? Staying in America might have…”

“There are no ifs.” Ye Feng interrupted him. “I am the son of the Ye family and the grandson of Junken City. This is my root and my wings. You must also find your own roots and wings.”

During his last week in New York, Ye Feng gave Ye Guigen a task:
"Spend a week analyzing a company and providing investment advice. You choose the company yourself, and you can use any information you like."

Ye Guigen chose a British new energy startup. He spent three days researching and analyzing the technology path, market prospects, and team background, then two days building a financial model, and finally two days writing an analysis report.

On the day the report was submitted, Ye Feng was in a video conference. Ye Guigen placed the report on the table and prepared to leave, but Ye Feng gestured for him to stay.

After the video conference ended, Ye Feng picked up the report and quickly flipped through it. Ten minutes later, he looked up: "What's the conclusion?"

“It’s worth investing in, but the amount shouldn’t be too large. It should be invested in stages, and efforts should be made to secure a seat on the board of directors.”

"why?"

"Because their technology is groundbreaking, but their business model is still immature. Giving them large sums of money directly might make them lose their sense of urgency. Investing in stages can control risks while maintaining influence."

Ye Feng nodded and put the report aside: "Come to London with me tomorrow."

"London?"

“The company’s headquarters are in London, and the founder has a roadshow next week,” Ye Feng said. “Come with me, and we’ll see how accurate your analysis is.”

Ye Guigen's heart raced. This was not only a test, but also an opportunity.

The next day, they flew to London on Ye Feng's private jet. On the plane, Ye Feng was unusually relaxed and chatted with Ye Guigen about everyday things.

"How is your mother doing lately?" he asked.

"It's fine, just busy."

“She’s always been very busy,” Ye Feng said. “We rarely see each other, but she’s never complained. Ultimately, your mother is an amazing woman.”

Do you love her?

Ye Feng smiled: "Love. But not the kind of passionate love that young people have. It's the kind of love that comes after weathering storms and knowing that you are irreplaceable to each other."

He looked at the sea of ​​clouds outside the window: "I am most grateful to your great-grandmother Meihua in this life. Back then, she insisted on keeping you in Junken City, saying that the Ye family's roots are in China. As for me staying in the United States, I will have a greater role to play."

It was already dark when the plane landed at London Heathrow Airport. The car that picked us up drove directly to a hotel in the city center.

"Get some rest," Ye Feng said. "I'm meeting the founder of that company tomorrow morning, and I have dinner with the Cavendish family in the afternoon."

Ye Guigen's heart skipped a beat: "Elizabeth?"

"Yes." Ye Feng glanced at him. "You know her?"

"I've seen him in the provincial capital."

“That’s perfect,” Ye Feng said. “The Cavendish family is a key partner for us in entering the European market. Do your best tomorrow.”

Back in his room, Ye Guigen stood by the window. The London night view was different from New York's; it was more classical, more understated. The Thames meandered through the night, and the lights of the London Eye rotated slowly.

My phone rang. It was a text from Elizabeth: "I heard you've arrived in London. See you tomorrow."

Those few words made Ye Guigen's heart race. He remembered that night in the provincial capital, her grey-green eyes, and her words that she wanted to plant a seed in his heart.

He replied, "See you tomorrow."

That night, Ye Guigen couldn't sleep again. Not because of jet lag, but because of anticipation.

The next morning, in a conference room in the financial district, Ye Guigen met the founder of the new energy company—a Cambridge PhD in his early thirties named James.

James was very enthusiastic and introduced the company's technological breakthrough: a new type of energy storage material with three times the energy density of lithium batteries and only half the cost.

After the demonstration, James asked, "Mr. Ye, what did you think?"

Ye Feng didn't speak, but looked at Ye Guigen.

Ye Guigen took a deep breath and began asking questions. He inquired about everything from technical details to the difficulties of mass production, from patent strategy to market strategy, and from the team's background to their financing plans.

Every question hit the nail on the head, gradually turning James from initial confidence into nervousness.

After the Q&A session, Ye Guigen said, "Your technology is excellent, but I would like to point out a few risks. First, the patent protection is not comprehensive enough and can be easily circumvented. Second, the mass production process is not yet mature, and the yield rate may not meet commercial requirements. Third, your team lacks experienced industry professionals."

James's expression changed: "So what's your suggestion?"

“We can invest, but only in the form of convertible bonds, with phased capital injections. We also need a board seat and to send an executive with industry experience to join the team.”

The negotiations lasted two hours. Ultimately, James accepted most of the terms.

As they left the meeting room, Ye Feng said to Ye Guigen, "Well done. But there's one thing: you were too hasty. Negotiation is an art; you have to learn to control the pace."

"I've got it."

In the afternoon, they went to a private club in the Mayfair district.

Elizabeth was already waiting there, along with a gentleman in his sixties—her father, Henry Cavendish.

"Mr. Ye, I've heard so much about you." Henry shook hands with Ye Feng, then looked at Ye Guigen. "This is your son? He's quite the handsome young man."

"Sir Henry, you flatter me," Ye Feng said.

Lunch was held in a relaxed atmosphere. Henry and Ye Feng discussed global economic trends, while Elizabeth and Ye Guigen spoke in hushed tones.

“I heard you had a great morning,” Elizabeth said. “James called me and said you had him sweating bullets.”

"I just did what I was supposed to do."

“No, you did very well.” Elizabeth looked at him with her grey-green eyes. “Ye Guigen, you’ve matured since you were in WLMQ. It seems this month of experience has been very useful.”

"You too, even more..." Ye Guigen couldn't find the right words.

"More what?"

"He looks more like a member of the Cavendish family now."

Elizabeth laughed: "Is this a compliment or an insult?"

"observe."

After lunch, Henry and Ye Feng went to the study to discuss business. Elizabeth took Ye Guigen for a walk in the club.

"Are you coming to London to study in September?" she asked.

"Yes, London School of Economics."

“Very good,” Elizabeth said. “When the time comes, I will take you to see the real London—not the kind that tourists see, but the London that only insiders know.”

They went out onto the terrace, where there was a view of Hyde Park in the distance.

“Back to the roots,” Elizabeth suddenly said, “Your father and my father are discussing a big deal—the Cavendish family is taking a stake in Brothers Group’s European division. If it goes through, we will become true partners.”

"That's fine."

“More than that.” Elizabeth turned to look at him. “This means that you and I will also have many opportunities to collaborate. Are you ready?”

Ye Guigen looked at her: "What are you preparing?"

“Get ready to enter this circle,” Elizabeth said. “Get ready to face power, money, and desire; get ready to dance on the edge of a knife. Ye Guigen, this world is far more dangerous than you imagine, and far more exciting than you imagine. Do you dare to come?”

A breeze blew, and Elizabeth's long hair fluttered in the wind. In the London afternoon sun, she was like an envoy from another world, inviting him into a completely new life.

Ye Guigen took a deep breath and nodded: "I dare."

Elizabeth smiled, a smile that contained admiration, expectation, and some other complex emotion that was hard to describe.

“It’s a deal then,” she said. “See you in London in September. I’ll give you a real introductory lesson then.”

As Ye Feng left the club, he asked, "What did you and Elizabeth talk about?"

She said she would give me a lesson.

Ye Feng was silent for a moment, then said, "Every member of the Cavendish family is a good teacher, but also a dangerous opponent. In short, you must be careful. But don't be afraid—the men of the Ye family are second to none."

On his way back to the hotel, Ye Guigen looked out the window at London. This ancient city, this city full of opportunities and pitfalls, this city that was about to become a new starting point in his life.

He remembered the snow in the military reclamation city, his great-grandfather's notebook, Su Xiao's dance, and Ye Xin's declaration that she wanted to be queen.

He remembered what his father had told him in New York: "We must play our own game within the rules set by others."

Now, the game begins.

And he, Ye Guigen, grandson of Junken City, heir to the Warrior Group, and future leader of the Brothers Group, is about to begin his true journey in the world's oldest financial center.

The road ahead is still long.

But he's already on his way.

And this time, he wasn't alone.

With his father leading the way, Elizabeth watching from the side, and the entire Ye family behind him.

He will keep going.

Keep going.

Until one truly returns to one's roots.

In London at dusk, the sunset was fiery red.

But there was light in the boy's eyes. (End of Chapter)