Great Power Reclamation

The dome of St. Paul's Cathedral appeared and disappeared in the morning mist of London, like a crouching beast. Ye Guigen stood at the entrance of the south aisle and glanced at his watch:

Nine fifty-eight.

He was wearing a black trench coat, with a voice recorder and an emergency call cell phone in his pocket.

Iron Hammer's men set up a perimeter of at least six points within a 300-meter radius. This was their plan, devised last night—

Ye Guigen entered alone, but if danger arose, someone would rush in within thirty seconds.

10 o'clock sharp.

The corridor was deserted, save for pigeons fluttering their wings among the stone pillars. Morning light streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light on the floor.

Ye Guigen walked in slowly, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

"You're very punctual."

The sound came from the side. A man, around fifty years old, emerged from behind a pillar, dressed in a well-tailored gray suit, holding a copy of the Financial Times.

He looked like an ordinary London financier, but there was something too sharp in his eyes.

"Who are you?" Ye Guigen asked.

"Chen Wei. Or, as your Ye family calls him—Uncle Chen."

The man smiled slightly, "I held you when you were little, in your grandfather's office in Guangzhou."

Ye Guigen quickly searched his memory. His surname was Chen, and he had a connection with his grandfather…

"Chen Wei from Huaxia Brothers Company?"

“It seems you still remember.” Chen Wei nodded. “Or to be more precise, the former vice president of Huaxia Brothers and the current founder of Great Wall Capital.”

Ye Guigen understood. Huaxia Brothers Company was founded by his grandfather Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong in their early years. Later, the business was split up, with part of it being merged into Warrior Group and part operating independently.

Chen Wei was one of the company's original employees. He left the company five years ago to start his own investment company.

"Did you file the report?" Ye Guigen asked bluntly.

"It's me," Chen Wei admitted frankly, "but I don't want to harm you, I want to save you."

"Save me by destroying me?"

"To save you in the way that pulls you back from the wrong path."

Chen Wei walked to the bench and sat down. "Sit down, let's talk. Does your father know you've come to see me?"

"He doesn't know."

"That would be best." Chen Wei opened the newspaper, inside which was a folder. "Take a look at this first."

Ye Guigen took the folder. Inside were more than a dozen photos and photocopies of documents, taken at different times and locations.

He talks to Hammer in North Africa, he signs a contract with Hassan, and there's even a picture of him having dinner with Elizabeth in a London restaurant.

"You were following me?"

"To protect you," Chen Wei corrected. "You're too young; you have no idea what you're involved in."

He pointed to one of the photos: "You think this 'Desert Shield Consulting' is just tainted by its background? Its actual controller is the former head of the North African Military Intelligence Bureau, and it now provides armed support to opposition groups in three countries. By transferring money through them, you are essentially throwing mud at yourself."

"When Iron Hammer recommended them, he said..."

"What does that kid Iron Hammer know?" Chen Wei interrupted.

"He's good at fighting in Africa, but he doesn't understand the rules of the international financial game at all. Do you know why the regulatory agencies reacted so quickly? Because I prepared the materials three months in advance and submitted them when you held your decision-making meeting—this is to teach you a lesson and also to give you a way out."

Ye Guigen stared at him: "What steps?"

"Withdraw from the 'Cornerstone and Wings' Fund and return to China."

Chen Wei said, "Your grandfather is getting old, and the Warriors Group needs a successor. Although your father has taken over, his identity is not suitable. Besides, what you've been doing in London is too naive and too dangerous."

"So you did all this just so I would go back and inherit the family business?"

"It's so that you won't ruin the hard work of three generations of the Ye family!" Chen Wei's voice suddenly rose, causing a slight echo in the church.

"Your father, Ye Feng, runs the Brothers Group in the United States. That's purely American capital; he plays the games of Wall Street."

"Your grandfather ran the Warrior Group and related companies in China; those were real industries, the foundation. What are you doing now, running this haphazard fund in London?"

He stood up and pointed at Ye Guigen: "Your investment in the North African project used the Ye family's connections and resources in Africa, but the funds came from the American Brothers Group and the British Cavendish Bank."

"Your aunt established a nation in East Africa, backed by the Warriors Group and Brothers Company. Do you realize how politically dangerous it is to mix all of these together?"

Ye Guigen fell silent. He truly hadn't thought about these things.

“American capital is investing in Africa, while Chinese companies are providing aid to Africa. These are two completely different logics.”

Chen Wei lowered his voice, "Your father is in the United States, and he must get close to the US government in order for Brothers Group to survive in the United States."

"Your grandfather in China must align with national strategy for the warrior group to develop. By mixing resources from both sides, you're essentially telling the world:"
"The Ye family is a multinational interest group, with American capital on the left, Chinese enterprises on the right, and an East African country in the middle."

He stared into Ye Guigen's eyes: "What do you think those anti-China members of the US Congress will think of you? What do you think of the relevant departments in China? How will the opposition forces in East Africa use this to their advantage?"

The corridor fell silent. Pigeons flew across the dome, the sound of their wings flapping exceptionally clear in the stillness.

"So you became the whistleblower to force me to stop?" Ye Guigen finally spoke.

“I want to bring you to your senses,” Chen Wei said. “You can use the Ye family’s resources, but you need to know how to use them. Your father’s capital in the United States, your aunt’s influence in East Africa, and your grandfather’s foundation in China—these need to be used separately, not mixed together. Otherwise, you will become everyone’s target.”

He took another folder out of his briefcase:

"This is the plan I've prepared for you. Go back to China, take over part of the Warrior Group's business, and focus on the domestic market. You can use what you learned overseas, but you'll have to do it in a different way."

Ye Guigen didn't take the folder: "What if I say no?"

Chen Wei looked at him for a few seconds and laughed: "Then I have no choice but to continue playing the villain. The regulatory investigation is just the beginning. Next, there will be media exposure and more 'evidence' will appear. Your fund won't last more than three months."

"Does my grandfather know you're doing this?"

“Your grandfather is old.” Chen Wei’s tone softened:
“In the end, I am not an enemy. I have known your grandfather for thirty years, watched your father grow up, and now that I see you going astray, I can't help but lend a hand.”

"Why was Huaxia Brothers split up back then? It was because international and domestic businesses had to be separated, and capital and industrial attributes had to be separated. This lesson was learned with real money."

He patted Ye Guigen on the shoulder: "You're still young, you have time to start over. But some mistakes you can't make. Once you make them, there's no going back."

Ye Guigen looked at the man who called himself "Uncle Chen". What he said made sense, but the way he did it was unacceptable.

"Give me three days to consider," Ye Guigen said.

"Two days," Chen Wei gave, setting a deadline. "If you don't agree in two days, I will move the investigation to the second phase—"

"Then it won't just be a regulatory body anymore; Interpol will get involved. At that point, it won't be a question of whether the fund can be saved, but whether you personally will face imprisonment."

After saying that, he put away the newspaper and folder, turned and left. His footsteps faded into the distance in the corridor.

Ye Guigen stood there, gazing at the portrait of the saint on the stained-glass window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting dappled shadows on the floor, like an abstract painting.

Hammer emerged from behind the pillar: "He's gone. There are two people outside to meet him; they look like professionals."

"How much did you hear?"

"I heard everything." Iron Hammer sat down next to Ye Guigen.
“He’s right. I’ve been in Africa for too long and I don’t understand the intricacies of your financial and political systems. As for the consulting firm, that was my oversight.”

"It's not your fault," Ye Guigen said. "I was just too impatient and wanted to get things done quickly."

The two remained silent for a moment. The sound of a pipe organ being tested drifted from the church, melodious and solemn.

"What are you planning to do?" Hammer asked.

"I don't know," Ye Guigen said honestly. "Chen Wei makes a good point, but I don't like being threatened." He took out his phone and texted Elizabeth: "Let's meet and talk, the usual place."

Half an hour later, in the study of Knightsbridge Villa, Ye Guigen recounted the entire conversation from the church. Elizabeth listened in silence for a long time.

"He's telling the truth," she finally said.
"The Ye family's resources are indeed scattered across different countries and regions, with different capital and political attributes. Mixing them together will create a lot of trouble."

So you also think I should give up?

“No.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I think you need to adjust your strategy, but not give up.”

She walked to the bookshelf and pulled out a thick collection of international law cases:

"Chen Wei uses the thinking of the older generation—black and white, clear distinctions. But the world today is a network structure, and everything is merging. The question is not whether resources can be mixed, but how to mix them safely."

She opened the book and found the page with the bookmark:
“Look at this case. In 2018, a Singaporean family business invested in both Chinese and American high-tech companies and faced a similar dilemma to yours. Their solution was to establish a multi-tiered holding structure to isolate risks through legal entities in different jurisdictions.”

Ye Guigen examined the case carefully. Indeed, it bore similarities to his own situation.

“Chen Wei is trying to force you into submission because he’s afraid of change,” Elizabeth said.

“But those who are afraid of change will eventually be eliminated by change. What you need to do is not to go back to the old ways, but to find a new way—a way that can utilize all the resources of the Ye family while avoiding political risks.”

"How can we find it in two days?"

"So we need to hurry." Elizabeth sat down at the computer.

"First, we need to address the immediate investigation. Regarding the consulting firm, we need to proactively explain the situation to the regulatory authorities, admitting negligence in due diligence but emphasizing that there was no malicious intent. At the same time, we need to provide positive materials about the North African project to balance public opinion."

She typed rapidly: "Second, redesign the fund structure. 'Cornerstone and Wings' can be split into two entities—one registered in London, focusing on the European and American markets;"

One entity is registered in Singapore, focusing on the Asian and African markets. The two entities are legally independent but collaborate on investment strategies.

Ye Guigen pondered the plan: "But where will the funding come from..."

“The sources of funding can also be stratified,” Elizabeth said. “The funds of American Brothers Group are mainly invested in European and American entities, while the funds of China Brothers and Warrior Group are mainly invested in Asian entities. Cavendish Bank can participate in both, but through different subsidiaries.”

She turned the screen, which displayed a preliminary organizational chart: "From a legal perspective, this is a normal investment by different capital in different markets. But in reality, you can coordinate and leverage the overall advantages of the Ye family's resources."

Looking at the complex architecture diagram, Ye Guigen felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, he admired Elizabeth's professionalism and ability; on the other hand, he was weary of the complexity.

"Is this the game of the adult world?" he asked, "Making everything simple complicated?"

“This is how you protect yourself,” Elizabeth said softly. “If you want to do simple things, you have to protect them in a complicated way. Otherwise, those simple good things will be swallowed up by the complicated world.”

She walked up to Ye Guigen and cupped his face in her hands: "Guigen, you've chosen a difficult path. But if you insist on walking it, I'll walk with you to the end. We'll work together to find a way to make this path work."

Ye Guigen looked into her grey-green eyes. At that moment, he made his decision.

“Okay,” he said. “We’ll redesign it.”

For the next forty-eight hours, the two barely slept. Legal teams arrived from New York and Paris, risk control experts from Cavendish Bank joined the effort, and Minister Wang brought in international tax and legal advisors from the Brothers Group.

The study was transformed into a makeshift war room. The whiteboard was covered with organizational charts, the desk was piled high with legal texts from various countries, and more than a dozen video conferencing windows were open simultaneously on the computer screen.

Ye Guigen called Ye Feng and explained the situation. Ye Feng remained silent for a long time on the other end of the phone.

“Chen Wei is right, but his approach is wrong,” Ye Feng concluded. “The Ye family’s resources should indeed be used cautiously, but we can’t avoid using them out of fear. I’ve reviewed your new organizational structure, and it’s feasible. Brothers Group will fully support you.”

"Dad, what about Chen Wei..."

“I’ll handle it,” Ye Feng said. “He is, after all, your grandfather’s old subordinate, so I’ll talk to him. But remember, after this, you will offend a group of old-school people. They think you are too reckless and don’t know the rules.”

"I do not care."

“You have to care,” Ye Feng said seriously. “Because these people may help you when you need them most, or they may stab you in the back when you are most vulnerable. Politics is about people’s hearts, and people’s hearts are about politics.”

At nine o'clock on the morning of the third day, Ye Guigen and Elizabeth arrived at the financial regulatory agency with their new proposal. They were accompanied by six lawyers and two former regulatory officials who served as advisors.

The meeting lasted six hours. Ye Guigen frankly acknowledged the mistake in choosing the consulting firm and provided a complete remedial plan and a new compliance framework. He also showcased the achievements of the North Africa project—power generation data, employment reports, and letters of appreciation from local communities.

At 4 p.m., the regulator gave its preliminary opinion: a fine of £500,000, a one-month suspension of fund operations for restructuring, after which it can resume operations. The condition is a thorough overhaul and acceptance of a one-year period of special supervision.

As Ye Guigen stepped out of the regulatory building, it was drizzling in London. He stood on the steps and took a deep breath of the damp air.

“We won,” Elizabeth said softly.

“We’ve won for now,” Ye Guigen corrected. “Chen Wei won’t let this go.”

"But at least he knows that you're not so easy to defeat."

Back in the office, the employees were already waiting. Ye Guigen announced the restructuring plan and a temporary shutdown, but promised that everyone's positions would be retained and salaries would be paid as usual. Most employees chose to stay.

That evening, Ye Guigen went to the Royal Dance Academy alone. Su Xiao's final performance had just ended; he missed the whole show and only made it to the end.

In the corridor outside the theater, he saw Su Xiao. She was wearing simple practice clothes, her hair was still wet, and she was talking to a few classmates. When she saw him, her eyes lit up, and she ran over.

I thought you weren't coming.

"Something came up and I was held up." Ye Guigen handed her a bouquet of flowers. "How was the performance?"

“Great. The judges said I can apply for a solo performance next year.” Su Xiao sniffed the flowers. “You look… very tired.”

"Yes," Ye Guigen said with a wry smile, "I've been very busy lately."

The two walked to the college's small garden and sat down on a bench. The rain had stopped, the night was clear, and a few stars could be seen.

“I’m going to South Africa next month,” Su Xiao suddenly said. “It’s a UNESCO project to teach local children to dance. It might take about six months.”

Ye Guigen turned to look at her: "Congratulations. This is what you've always wanted to do."

“Hmm.” Su Xiao looked at the night sky. “Ye Guigen, do you know, when I’m dancing on stage, I think of you. I remember you telling me that everyone has to find their own light. I’ve found it. My light is dance, and teaching more children to dance.”

She turned to him: "You've found your light too, haven't you?"

Ye Guigen thought for a moment: "I'm searching. Maybe what I've found isn't light, but a path—a difficult path, but a worthwhile one."

Su Xiao smiled, a smile so pure in the night that it was heartbreaking: "Then keep going. Don't look back."

She leaned gently on his shoulder, just like that night long ago in the military reclamation city. Only this time, she knew it was goodbye.

"I'll miss you," she whispered.

"I can too."

It was late at night, and Ye Guigen escorted Su Xiao back to her dormitory. At the door, Su Xiao stood on tiptoe and gently kissed him on the cheek.

Goodbye, may you return to your roots. Best wishes for your success.

"Wishing you happiness."

As he turned to leave, Ye Guigen did not look back. He knew that some paths, once chosen, could only be walked forward.

The phone rang; it was a message from Ye Feng: "I've talked to Chen Wei. He agreed to temporarily stop, but on the condition that you guarantee you won't mix different resources from the Ye family. I've agreed on your behalf."

Do your job well, but remember—in this complex world, survival is more important than ideals. Survive first, then talk about change.

Ye Guigen looked at the message, standing in the London night.

The rain started again, fine and dense like needles.

But his path had only just taken a turn.

There is still a long road ahead.

The darker night,

And many more that he needs to face one by one.
Human nature and rules. (End of Chapter)