Great Power Reclamation

Country C, on the edge of the Sahara.

As Ye Guigen stepped off the plane, a wave of heat hit him. This wasn't his first time in Country C, but every time he was struck by this dry, hot air, as if he had stepped into a giant oven, even his breath felt scorching.

The airport was rudimentary, with only one runway and a two-story building. Several small planes were parked on the tarmac, their propellers reflecting a blinding glare in the sunlight. The vehicle that picked them up was an old Land Cruiser, its body covered in a thick layer of dust.

"Mr. Ye, welcome!"

A dark-skinned middle-aged man approached and said in English with a French accent:

"Mr. Hassan is waiting for you at the project site. The grid connection ceremony will start at 4 p.m., and we'll be there just in time."

Ye Guigen nodded and tossed his luggage into the back seat of the car. He was accompanied only by an assistant—Elizabeth, who insisted that even the smallest ceremony should be recorded.

The car drove out of the airport and soon entered the Gobi Desert. The highway stretched straight into the distance, with endless sand dunes and low shrubs on both sides.

Occasionally, you can see a herd of camels passing by, with the herdsmen wearing headscarves, looking like characters from One Thousand and One Nights.

"It's a three-hour drive," the driver said. "The road isn't very good, so please bear with it."

Ye Guigen looked out the window. This land was barren yet vast, and the sky was an unreal blue.

Every few dozen kilometers, you can see a small village with mud-brick houses, date palm trees, and a few children playing by the roadside. Compared to the high-rise buildings of the military reclamation city, this place seems like another world.

But that's where his fund invests.

Three and a half hours later, they arrived at their destination.

The project site was unexpectedly spectacular. Rows of photovoltaic panels stretched out across the desert like a blue ocean, extending to the horizon.

Beneath the photovoltaic panels are the power substation facilities, and the white building gleams in the sunlight.

The workers are making final adjustments, and the accents of several technicians sound like they're from country A.

"leaf!"

Hassan strode over, arms outstretched. He was wearing a traditional white robe, but on his feet were a pair of sneakers from country A, a somewhat comical mix.

"Welcome to the only solar-powered village in Country C!" Hassan hugged Ye Guigen tightly. "I'll show you what we've accomplished in the last three months."

Ye Guigen followed him into the control room. More than a dozen screens hung on the wall, displaying real-time power generation data and grid status.

A young man in a plaid shirt was operating a computer, speaking in a low voice in language A.

“That’s Lao Wang’s apprentice,” Hassan explained. “Lao Wang is the chief engineer we brought in from country A. Most of the technicians will leave after the project ends, but the locals have already learned the basic operations.”

How many people were trained?

“Thirty-seven,” Hassan said, pointing out the window.

"Look, that guy in the blue robe over there is our first local electrician. He used to repair cell phones in town, but now he can repair solar inverters."

Ye Guigen looked over and saw a young man busily working among the photovoltaic panels, his movements practiced and efficient.

He recalled his grandfather's words, "A person who does practical things must see that what he does is put into practice," and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

The grid connection ceremony began on time at 4 p.m.

A makeshift platform stood in the center of the photovoltaic array, with an endless expanse of blue solar panels as a backdrop. More than two hundred people stood below—local villagers, technicians, government representatives, and a few reporters carrying video cameras.

An official from Country C's Ministry of Energy spoke first, expressing gratitude to companies from Country A for their technical support and to international capital for their investment, which marked a significant step forward in Country C's renewable energy development.

As Ye Guigen listened to the translation, he noticed that the official had specifically emphasized "international capital" rather than "capital of country A," and he nodded to himself in approval.

Elizabeth had pointed out that it was important to downplay nationality in such situations.

When it was his turn to speak, Ye Guigen used the most concise wording:

“We are the Cornerstone & Wings Fund, focusing on investing in sustainable energy projects. The success of this power plant is the result of the joint efforts of the C country government and the local community. We are honored to have been a part of it and look forward to more cooperation in the future.”

He didn't mention country A, country B, or even his own surname, Ye.

After the ceremony, the village held its traditional celebrations.

Roasted whole lamb, dates, mint tea, and local music and dance. Ye Guigen was invited to sit in the most honored seat, surrounded by several children who looked at him curiously.

Hassan leaned closer: "The village chief's daughter can say 'thank you' in English. She wants to say it to you in person."

A teenage girl walked over, dressed in bright traditional clothing, with bright eyes.

She said in broken English, "Thank you. Before, my family didn't have electricity, so we could only use candles at night. Now that we have lights, I can read at night."

Ye Guigen squatted down and looked her in the eye: "You like reading?"

"I like it. I want to be a doctor," the girl said earnestly. "My teacher said that now that we have electricity, we can build a medical station in the village, and I can work there in the future."

At that moment, Ye Guigen felt that London's complex financial games, political risks, and legal provisions suddenly became distant.

The girl in front of me wants to be a doctor because with electricity, a medical station can be built in the village. It's that simple and straightforward.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pen, a souvenir from the embassy of country A in country B, with an olive branch design printed on it. He handed the pen to the girl.

"Study hard and become a good doctor in the future."

The girl took the pen and smiled brightly.

That evening, Hassan pulled Ye Guigen aside, his expression turning serious:

"Ye, there's something I need to tell you. People from the B country embassy are coming to the capital of C country tomorrow, specifically requesting to see the head of the 'Cornerstone and Wings' Foundation."

Ye Guigen's heart tightened: "The B country embassy? Why?"

“I don’t know. But people from the C country government revealed that it’s because your fund’s investments have ties to the B country.”

Hassan lowered his voice, "You know, relations between our country C and country B have always been delicate. If they have objections to our project, they might exert pressure through diplomatic channels."

Ye Guigen remained silent for a few seconds. Chen Wei's prediction had come true so quickly—capital from Country B, a company from Country A, and a project from Country C—putting these three together was bound to attract attention.

Who are they?

“The embassy’s economic counselor, and two officials from the commercial section,” Hassan said. “I’ve inquired for you; they’re mainly concerned with the source of funding and technology. After all, this project is quite large and is considered a benchmark in Country C.” Ye Guigen nodded: “I understand. Make the arrangements for me; I’ll go to the capital tomorrow.”

Late at night, he lay in his simple dormitory at the project camp, listening to the wind outside. The desert night was cool, a stark contrast to the daytime heat.

He recalled the long message his grandfather had sent him, about his experience with "multi-layered cooperation models".

The model of country A providing technology and equipment, country B providing capital, and country C providing policies is not problematic.

The problem is how to make all parties understand that this is just a business cooperation, not a geopolitical tool for any party.

He took out his phone; the signal was only one bar. He managed to send Elizabeth a message:
"The embassy of Country B wants to see me. It's about the source of funding for the project. Could you help me check the background of the economic counselor at the embassy?"

A few minutes later, a reply came: "Investigating. Handle with caution. Remember:"

“We’re talking business, not politics. You’re the head of the Cornerstone & Wings Fund, not a representative of your father or grandfather.”

Ye Guigen stared at the screen, his mind gradually calming down.

Yes, he is himself.

The next day at noon, in the capital of Country C, at the embassy of Country B.

It was a white colonial-style building with palm trees in the courtyard and armed guards at the gate. Ye Guigen went through security and was led into a conference room.

The room was small, but the air conditioning was on full blast, and a portrait of the current leader of Country B hung on the wall.

Three people were already waiting for him.

The woman at the head of the group was around forty years old, with blonde hair styled in a bun and wearing a well-tailored gray suit. She stood up and extended her hand:
“Mr. Ye, I am Anna Schmidt, the Economic Counselor of the Embassy. These two are my colleagues, in charge of commercial affairs.”

Ye Guigen shook hands and sat down.

“We’ve noticed this photovoltaic project that your fund has invested in,” Schmidt said bluntly.
"The project itself is excellent, with high technical standards, and it provides tangible benefits to the local community. However, our question is: a significant portion of the funding comes from investors in country B, so why didn't we receive any prior information about this?"

Ye Guigen was prepared: "Ms. Schmidt, the 'Cornerstone and Wings' Fund is an investment fund registered in Country D, with investors from multiple countries, including Country B, Country A, and Country E."

"All funds are compliant private capital and do not involve any government funding. According to the laws of Country D, we are not required to report specific projects to the embassy of the country of investment."

“I understand the legal aspects,” Schmidt said, “but what about the political aspects? You should know that the relationship between Country C and Country B is rather special. Country B’s capital investment in Country C’s energy projects, especially in the current geopolitical environment, will trigger some unnecessary speculation.”

Ye Guigen looked at her calmly: "We are doing a commercial project, focusing on return on investment and social benefits. This photovoltaic power station will provide electricity to residents of three villages, allow children to study at night, and enable the medical station to operate normally. These things have nothing to do with geopolitics."

“You’re too young, Mr. Ye.” Schmidt shook his head slightly. “In Country C, any project with Country B’s background will be examined under a political microscope. You think you can distance yourself, but others won’t see it that way.”

Ye Guigen recalled his grandfather's words—"In a complex world, survival is more important than ideals." He adjusted his posture.
"Ms. Schmidt, I understand your concerns. But I have a question: would the situation be different if the project's funding came entirely from country A, or entirely from country E?"

Schmidt paused for a moment.

“No, not at all,” Ye Guigen answered himself. “In Country C, any external capital will be questioned. This is not a problem unique to Country B; it is a reality that all investors who want to do business in Country C must face.”

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Our chosen approach is: the technology comes from country A, the funding comes from multiple countries, project management is handled by an international team, and localized operations are led by employees from country C."

"In this way, each party is merely a collaborator, not a leader. We believe this is the only way to truly respect the sovereignty of Country C."

The meeting room fell silent for a few seconds.

Schmidt looked at the young man, a hint of reassessment creeping into his eyes:

"Is this your own idea, or your family's strategy?"

“It was the professional judgment of my foundation team,” Ye Guigen said. “Of course, I learned a lot from my elders. But what they taught me was not how to do it, but why to do it—because doing practical things is more meaningful than playing political games.”

Schmidt exchanged a glance with her two colleagues. She stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the palm trees outside.

“Mr. Ye, I appreciate your frankness. But please understand that my duty is to protect the interests of Country B. If your project could be interpreted in any way as support from the government of Country B, it would cause me trouble.”

“I understand.” Ye Guigen also stood up. “So we need to communicate. In the future, before each project in Country C is launched, our foundation can make an informal notification to the embassy, ​​explaining the source of funding and the nature of the project.”

"This way, you can raise any questions in advance, and we can avoid misunderstandings."

Schmidt turned around and stared at him for a long time.

“You’re more mature than you look,” she concluded. “Okay, let’s do it this way. This is an informal notification, not legally binding, but it keeps communication channels open.”

She walked back to the table, picked up a business card, and handed it to Ye Guigen:
“If other capital from Country B wants to enter Country C’s energy sector, I hope they will take the initiative to talk to me, just like you have.”

Ye Guigen accepted the business card: "Thank you for your suggestion."

Stepping out of the embassy, ​​the desert sun stung his eyes, making him squint. His assistant approached: "Mr. Ye, how are you?"

"We've passed the first hurdle," Ye Guigen said, "but things will only get more complicated from here on out."

He gazed at the blurry outline of the city in the distance and suddenly remembered the laughter of the group of old people in the night market of Junken City.

They experienced far more complex situations in their lives than I am facing now. But they persevered and built a city.

I can also walk this path myself and connect with a world.

The phone rang. It was Hassan's number: "Ye, good news! The Minister of Energy from Country C just called to say that your project has been designated as a 'National Renewable Energy Demonstration Project,' and they will strive to secure matching funds from international development agencies. There's a formal ceremony next week, and the Minister would like to personally present you with your honorary citizenship certificate!"

Ye Guigen was silent for two seconds: "Tell the minister that I accept the honor, but do not mention any national background on the certificate. Just write 'Founder of Cornerstone and Wings Fund'."

"Understood." Hassan smiled and hung up.

In the distance, the desert sun is setting, painting the sky a golden-red hue. In the direction of the photovoltaic power station, countless solar panels reflect the last rays of sunlight, resembling a burning ocean.

Ye Guigen stood there for a long time.

He knew this was just the beginning.

The road ahead is long, and the wind and sand will continue.

But he has already learned how to walk in the desert.

Carrying light. (End of Chapter)