Great Power Reclamation

On the last weekend of May, London finally felt like summer.

Sunlight streamed obliquely through the dormitory window, casting a golden hue on the desk.

Ye Guigen stared at the transcript on the computer screen, stunned for several seconds—Econometrics, B+.

Raj leaned over for a look, then scoffed, "Getting this excited over a B+? I didn't say a word when I got an A."

"What do you know?" Ye Guigen leaned back in his chair. "I almost failed this course this semester. Getting a B+ is better than winning the lottery."

Raj rolled his eyes and continued packing. Summer vacation was approaching, and he was going back to Mumbai. His family had arranged an internship for him at a private equity fund run by his father's friend.

"You really aren't going to Africa?" Raj asked.

Ye Guigen shook his head: "I'm not going. I want to find an internship in London during the summer vacation to gain some experience."

"An internship?" Raj was a little surprised. "Your dad can just make a phone call and get you a job at Goldman Sachs. You don't need to find one yourself?"

Ye Guigen smiled and said, "It's precisely because I can't always rely on my dad that I have to find my own way."

Raj glanced at him and nodded. "Alright, that's ambitious. Did you find it?"

"Still investing."

"Good luck." Raj closed his suitcase. "I'm off. See you next semester."

The dormitory was suddenly empty. Hans had also left to go back to Germany for the summer vacation. Before leaving, he mentioned that Ye Yini was going to hold a concert in Munich in the fall and asked Hans to help him get tickets.

Ye Guigen sat alone in his dormitory, enjoying a rare moment of quiet.

The phone rang; it was Elizabeth.

"Are you free? Come with me somewhere."

An hour later, they met on the banks of the Thames. Elizabeth was dressed casually today, in a white T-shirt and denim shorts, her hair casually tied up, looking like a college student.

Ye Guigen looked at her and suddenly felt a little unfamiliar—he was used to seeing her in suits, so he wasn't used to her being so casual.

"What are you looking at?" Elizabeth noticed his gaze.

"Nothing," Ye Guigen said, looking away. "Where are you going?"

"You'll find out when you come with me."

They walked along the river for half an hour before finally stopping at a certain spot. Ye Guigen looked up and froze.

It's the London School of Economics and Political Science.

"Why did you bring me to school? It's vacation time."

Elizabeth didn't say anything, but simply pulled him inside. The campus was deserted, with only a few staff members mowing the lawn.

She walked through the main building with practiced ease and went to the small garden at the back.

“I’ve been here before,” she said suddenly.

Ye Guigen looked at her.

“When I was sixteen, I came to London with my dad and we passed by this school.” She sat on a bench. “My dad said, ‘You can study here someday.’ I said, ‘I don’t want to come. I want to go to the United States.’”

She paused, then smiled: "In the end, I still didn't go to America, nor did I come here to study. I went to Cambridge."

Ye Guigen sat down next to her: "So you brought me here today to reminisce about the past?"

“No.” Elizabeth looked at him. “I wanted to tell you that I’ve always envied you.”

"Envious of me?"

“Yes.” She said earnestly, “You’re doing what you want to do. Whether it’s studying or pursuing a research grant, it’s all your own choice.”

“I’m different. Everything was arranged for me from a young age—which school I would attend, which circles I would join, and what job I would do. Nobody asked me if I wanted to.”

Ye Guigen was silent for a moment: "So what do you want to do now?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment: "I don't know. But at least I'm learning."

She turned to look at him: "Gui Gen, do you know that your greatest strength is not how rich your family is, nor how smart you are, but that you dare to make choices."

Ye Guigen was stunned.

“You didn’t handle the Miyuki matter well,” Elizabeth said. “But at least you didn’t lie to her or to me. You told the truth and gave us the choice. That’s rare.”

Ye Guigen lowered his head: "I still don't know if what I did was right or wrong."

“There’s no right or wrong.” Elizabeth took his hand. “There’s only truth and falsehood. You chose the truth, and that’s enough.”

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling their bodies.

In the distance, someone began mowing the lawn, the machine humming.

Ye Guigen suddenly asked, "Elizabeth, will you regret it?"

"Regret what?"

"You regret waiting for me."

Elizabeth looked at him and smiled: "I don't know. I won't regret it when I get there, and I'll regret it when I don't."

Ye Guigen laughed as well: "Your answer is the same as not answering at all."

“That’s how it is.” She leaned on his shoulder. “Who knows what the future holds? It’s fine as it is now.”

In early June, Ye Guigen received a response to his internship application.

It is a small investment firm called "Thymes Capital" that focuses on emerging markets. Its founder is an Indian-British man named Kapoor.

During the interview, Kapoor asked him many questions—not the usual "Why did you choose us?" but rather details about the North Africa project.

“I’ve heard about your solar project,” Kapoor said. “It’s well done. But I’d like to know, why were you willing to spend money sending that girl for training?”

Ye Guigen thought for a moment and said, "Because the project needs her."

"That's all?"

“And because I think so,” he said. “She is the hope of that village. If she can grow up, the whole village will be better off.”

Kapoor looked at him for a moment, then smiled: "Okay, come to work next Monday."

On his first day of internship, Ye Guigen arrived at the company half an hour early. The office was small, located in an old building on the edge of the financial district, but it was very clean.

Kapoor had already arrived and was on the phone. When he saw Kapoor come in, he pointed to the workstation next to him.

"Let's familiarize ourselves with the materials first. This afternoon, come with me to meet a client."

Ye Guigen sat down and began to look at the materials. The company wasn't large, but it had many projects spread across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. He flipped to a report on the modernization of agriculture in Kenya and was stunned when he saw the author's name—Mbeki.

The saxophone professor's friend.

In the afternoon, Kapoor took him to meet a client. The client was an African woman in her forties, well-dressed and straightforward, who was the investment director of an agricultural fund.

She asked Ye Guigen many questions, from the North Africa project to the military reclamation city to his studies in London, asking even more detailed questions than Kapoor.

"Are you Ye Yuze's grandson?" she asked finally.

Ye Guigen nodded.

The woman smiled: "Your grandfather helped many people in Africa back then. My father was one of them."

Ye Guigen was taken aback.

“At that time, he was building a railway in Tanzania. Your grandfather took a batch of equipment there and solved the immediate problem.”

The woman said, "My father often brought this up later. He said that Chinese people are reliable."

On the way back, Kapoor said, "The deal's done. She likes you."

Ye Guigen was somewhat surprised: "Because of Grandpa?"

“Because of your own performance,” Kapoor said, “but your grandfather’s involvement added to the score. In Africa, connections are more important than anything else.”

In mid-June, Ye Guigen received a package.

It was sent by Fatima; it contained a letter and a package. The letter was long, written in crooked English letters, but every word was written carefully:
“Mr. Ye, I’ve learned how to use a computer. This is a letter I wrote myself, without a translator. I’ve taught five people in the village how to clean solar panels.”

“The village chief said that if we install more boards next year, all the lights in the village will be on. I sent you the date cake my mom made. I don’t know if it will arrive, but I want to try. Fatima.”

Ye Guigen opened the package and found a piece of date cake wrapped in oil paper, flattened but still fragrant.

He cut off a small piece and tasted it.

Very sweet.

He shared the date cake with Kapoor and his colleagues, saying it was sent from Africa. Kapoor tasted it and nodded: "Authentic. I've had this in Sudan."

That evening, Ye Guigen replied to Fatima with an email, using the simplest English to tell her that the date cake had arrived and was delicious, and to encourage her to continue studying hard.

After posting, he sat in front of the computer, recalling Mbeki's words: "True success is whether the locals can function on their own without you."

Fatima is able to.

This is enough.

At the end of June, news came from Junken City that Yang Geyong had been hospitalized again.

This time it's more serious than last time. Ye Yuze spoke softly on the phone, but Ye Guigen could tell it was no small matter.

"Heart failure," Ye Yuze said. "I'm seventy-five, my body can't take it anymore."

Ye Guigen remained silent for a long time.

"Grandpa, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Study hard," Ye Yuze said. "Your Grandpa Yang told you not to come back, because he won't see you if you do."

Ye Guigen felt a lump in his throat.

"He asked me to pass on a message to you." Ye Yuze paused. "He said that the thing he's most proud of in his life is teaching you to ride a horse. He wants you to teach your son that too."

After hanging up the phone, Ye Guigen stood by the window for a long time.

The London night was gentle, with lights twinkling in the distance.

He remembered when he was a child, Yang Geyong would lift him onto the horse's back while he protected him from the side. Yang Geyong was so strong back then; his arms were thicker than his legs. Now, he was lying in a hospital.

He recalled what Yang Geyong had said: "I'm still waiting to teach your son to ride a horse."

Now, these words sound like a will.

He took a deep breath and held back his tears.

The next day, he sent a letter to Yang Geyong. The letter contained only one sentence:

"Grandpa Yang, once I've learned how to ride a horse, I'll definitely teach my son to ride one."

In early July, Ye Guigen's internship made new progress.

Kapoor put him in charge of a small project on his own—assessing a loan application from an agricultural cooperative in Kenya.

The amount wasn't large, but the process was complete, from due diligence to risk assessment, all done in-house. Ye Guigen worked late every day, researching, calculating data, and writing reports. Kapoor would occasionally come by, rarely saying anything, but he would nod after each visit.

The day the report was finished, Kapoor called him into his office.

“Well done,” he said. “The data is detailed, the logic is clear, and the risks have all been pointed out. But there’s one thing you forgot to include.”

Ye Guigen is waiting.

“Personal connections,” Kapoor said. “The head of that cooperative is an elder of the local tribe. If the loan is approved, his prestige in the tribe will be higher, and he can do more things.”

But if he can't repay the loan, his prestige in the tribe will also be ruined. This isn't in the data.

Ye Guigen seemed lost in thought.

“When making investments, you can’t just look at the numbers,” Kapoor said. “You have to look at the people, the relationships, and the things behind them. Numbers are static, but people are dynamic.”

Ye Guigen nodded.

“However,” Kapoor changed the subject, “for your first time doing this independently, you’ve done a great job. Keep up the good work.”

In mid-July, Elizabeth came to the company to see him.

She stood downstairs, wearing a light blue dress, her hair down, holding two cups of coffee. When Ye Guigen came downstairs, he saw her chatting happily with the security guard.

Why are you here?

"Just passing by, thought I'd drop by." She handed him the coffee. "Are you tired?"

"It's alright." Ye Guigen took a sip. "How did you know I like this?"

Elizabeth laughed: "Just a guess."

The two sat in a nearby park for a while. It was hot, and the cicadas chirped incessantly. Ye Guigen leaned back in his chair, suddenly feeling a little dazed—just a few months ago, he was still overwhelmed with relationship problems, and now he could sit so calmly with Elizabeth.

"What are you thinking about?" Elizabeth asked.

"Thinking about the past."

"Have you figured it out?"

Ye Guigen shook his head: "I don't fully understand. But it doesn't seem so important anymore."

Elizabeth looked at him with tender eyes.

“Gui Gen, you’ve really grown up.”

Ye Guigen smiled and said, "You always say that."

“Because it’s true.” She leaned on his shoulder. “The first time I met you, you were just a greenhorn, impulsive in your words and actions. Now, you’re much more mature.”

"They were forced to do it."

"True skills are forged under pressure."

As the sun sets, the light in the park softens. In the distance, several children are flying kites, their laughter faintly drifting over.

“Elizabeth,” Ye Guigen suddenly said, “Grandpa Yang is in the hospital.”

Elizabeth paused for a moment: "Is it serious?"

“Heart failure.” Ye Guigen gazed into the distance. “He used to teach me to ride horses, saying he’d teach my son someday. Now…”

He didn't finish speaking, but Elizabeth understood.

She held his hand: "It will be alright."

Ye Guigen nodded without saying anything.

Yang Geyong was discharged from the hospital at the end of July.

Ye Yuze sent a video: Yang Geyong was sitting in the yard with his Akhal-Teke horse next to him, the two of them basking in the sun. He looked at the camera and waved: "Kid, don't worry, you won't die. When you come back, you'll teach your son to ride a horse."

Ye Guigen watched the video, feeling both amused and heartbroken.

He showed the video to Elizabeth. After watching it, Elizabeth was silent for a while, then said, "Your Grandpa Yang is a good man."

"Ah."

"Your Ye family members are all good people."

Ye Guigen turned to look at her: "Are you praising our whole family?"

“Yes,” Elizabeth said seriously. “I’ve met a lot of wealthy people, but not many like your family.”

"What kind?"

"I have something on my mind," she said. "It's not just about making money, it's about really wanting to do something."

Ye Guigen thought for a moment and said, "It's probably because my grandfather's generation suffered hardships and knew what it meant to have a tough time."

Elizabeth nodded and said nothing more.

Ye Guigen's internship ended in early August.

On the last day, Kapoor treated him to dinner. It was an Indian restaurant in East London; the storefront wasn't large, but the food was authentic.

"Ye, have you thought about what you'll do after graduation?" Kapoor asked.

Ye Guigen thought for a moment: "I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll continue studying, maybe I'll work, maybe I'll go back to help my family."

"Help your family?" Kapoor looked at him. "You think you can help with your dad's mess?"

Ye Guigen honestly admitted, "I can't help right now."

"And then what?"

"I can learn it later."

Kapoor laughed: "Okay, you know your place. I hate those people who want to take over right after graduation, who don't know anything and just give orders blindly."

He put down his fork and said seriously, "Ye, if you want to do investment in the future, you can come to me. Thames Capital is not big, but you can learn a lot there."

Ye Guigen was stunned for a moment: "You mean... you're giving me an offer?"

“Not now,” Kapoor said. “After you graduate. If you still want to come, feel free to contact me anytime.”

Ye Guigen nodded: "Thank you."

After the meal, Kapoor escorted him to the subway station. As they parted, he suddenly said, "Ye, I've heard about your grandfather's situation."

Ye Guigen was taken aback.

“Yang Geyong,” Kapoor said. “I’ve been to Africa and heard of him. Yang San’s father, the founder of Bayonet Security, right?”

Ye Guigen nodded.

“His generation was remarkable,” Kapoor said. “You should study hard and not embarrass them in the future.”

The subway is here, Ye Guigen gets on.

As the train doors closed, he saw Kapoor standing on the platform, waving at him through the glass.

In mid-August, Ye Guigen received a message: Chen Mingyuan invited him to dinner.

It was the same old spot, the coffee shop near the school. Chen Mingyuan looked more energetic than last time, wearing a T-shirt and shorts, like an ordinary student.

"Didn't you go back to China for summer vacation?" Ye Guigen asked.

“I went back, and now I’m here again,” Chen Mingyuan said. “It’s too hot in America, London is cool.”

The two ordered coffee and chatted for a while. Chen Mingyuan suddenly lowered his voice: "How's your dad doing lately?"

Ye Guigen's heart skipped a beat: "Not bad. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just asking." Chen Mingyuan stirred his coffee. "I heard that things have quieted down on Wall Street for a while, but they're still making moves in secret. Your Aunt Susie is keeping a close eye on things in Congress, so they don't dare to do it openly for the time being."

Ye Guigen listened without responding.

“Your fourth grandfather asked me to pass on a message to your father,” Chen Mingyuan said, “to reassure him that the Chen family will not let him down.”

Ye Guigen nodded: "Thank you."

"No need to thank me." Chen Mingyuan laughed. "Our two families have always been in the same boat. Your grandfather saved my grandfather's life, and we have to repay that favor."

After finishing their meal, the two said goodbye at the door. Chen Mingyuan took a few steps, then turned back: "Ye Guigen, come visit America sometime. I'll show you around."

Ye Guigen smiled and said, "Okay."

Watching his figure disappear into the crowd, Ye Guigen suddenly remembered his father's words: "You'll understand some things when you're older."

He seems to understand a little bit now.

I don't understand everything, but I understand a little bit.

It's almost the end of August, and summer vacation is coming to a close.

Ye Guigen packed his bags, ready to start his sophomore year. Raj returned from Mumbai with a bunch of snacks, telling Ye to try them. Hans also came back from Germany, looking much tanned, saying he'd spent a month at the beach.

"Your sister is having a concert in Munich in September!" Hans shouted as he walked in. "Where are the tickets? Where are the tickets?"

Ye Guigen was both amused and exasperated: "I haven't gotten it yet, I'm still asking."

"Hurry, hurry!" Hans was pacing anxiously. "This is faith!"

In the evening, Ye Guigen and Elizabeth took a walk along the Thames. The weather was starting to cool, and the wind carried the scent of autumn.

“Summer vacation went by so fast,” Elizabeth said.

"Ah."

"You're a sophomore now, what are your plans?"

Ye Guigen thought for a moment: "Study hard, do your internship well, do your best..."

He paused, then didn't continue.

Elizabeth looked at him: "What's wrong?"

Ye Guigen smiled: "I'll stay with you."

Elizabeth paused for a moment, then smiled.

As the sun sets, the river is bathed in gold. A tourist boat slowly passes by in the distance, and people on board wave to them.

Ye Guigen waved his hand, it was unclear whether it was a response or a farewell.

Goodbye to this summer.

Saying goodbye to eighteen.

Embrace a new beginning.

The road ahead is long.

But he wasn't in a hurry anymore. (End of Chapter)