Who would still be a social slave when they are so rich?

Lei Jun arrived very quickly, in about ten minutes, at the courtyard house. I don't know if he had come here in advance.

"Mr. Su!" Lei Jun stood a step outside the pavilion, greeting him with a respectful smile.

Su Wei nodded slightly and pointed to the empty stool next to her, "Come and sit down, don't be so reserved!"

Lei Jun smiled and agreed, then walked to the stool that Su Chen had designated and sat down. He secretly glanced at Xiao Chen, who was calmly eating an orange next to him, and had a feeling of familiarity, but he couldn't remember where he was.

Su Chen poured Lei Jun a cup of tea from the teapot and casually asked, "I heard from Chen Fei that you wanted to see me?"

Lei Jun quickly raised his hands to support the teacup as a sign of respect, his tone carrying a hint of urgency: "Yes, Mr. Su! I'm bothering you today because I've encountered a tremendous problem, and after much thought, I'm afraid only you can offer some guidance!"

Su Chen didn't speak, but simply gestured for him to continue.

Lei Jun took a deep breath and organized his thoughts: "It's about our company's core development strategy for the next stage. Many senior executives advocate proceeding according to the previously established plan to increase market share and influence!"

He paused, observed Su Chen's expression, and only continued after finding no change: "Another group advocates reform and innovation, focusing the company's efforts on independent research and development and cultivating top-notch scientific research talents to achieve diversified development!"

"Mr. Su, as one of the major shareholders of our group, we would like to solicit your opinions and views!"

Before Su Chen could even reply, Xiao Chen, who was eating an orange nearby, let out a sneer.

Xiao Chen's sneer was particularly clear in the quiet pavilion, carrying a hint of amusement and indifference.

Lei Jun's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but turn his gaze to the young man who had been quietly standing to the side. Only then did he notice that although the young man was dressed casually and had a relaxed demeanor, his eyes occasionally glanced over with an indescribable penetrating power, making even this seasoned business leader feel an invisible pressure.

Just then, Xiao Chen put the last segment of orange into his mouth, clapped his hands slowly, and looked up at Lei Jun. His eyes were clear, yet seemed to be able to see through people's hearts.

"You people just love to scheme and plot!" Xiao Chen said with a faint smile. "What 'a portion of people'... Everyone knows that Lei Jun of Xiaomi Group is a man of his word. Which of those higher-ups dares to challenge you?"

"These so-called 'a group of people' are probably the major shareholder Su you mentioned!"

"If I remember correctly, your group's investment in independent research and development is far less than that of Juwei next door. Even the air conditioner manufacturers have invested more than you!"

"Sometimes I don't even understand who among you has the greater influence in the electronics field."

"Besides, isn't OEM... your usual practice? It saves time, effort, and R&D funds. You're probably here today to test Su Chen's opinion!"

Xiao Chen's merciless words were like a sharp dagger, tearing away Lei Jun's or Xiao Mi's fig leaf and exposing them completely to the sunlight.

The air in the pavilion seemed to freeze for a moment.

A hint of surprise flashed in Su Chen's eyes. He wasn't surprised by what Xiao Chen said, since it was all true. Xiaomi was currently just a large OEM company, like a Frankenstein's monster, without any independent innovation.

To his surprise, Xiao Chen actually stepped forward and broke the ice; this was something he hadn't expected.

He had also heard from Xiao Chen that the two had never met before, and that Xiao Chen knew of Lei Jun's existence because he had registered with him.

The fact that Xiao Chen suddenly appeared when the two were not related makes one think deeply about his actions!
Could it be that the higher-ups saw that Lei Jun only knew how to make money and didn't care about technological innovation and research and development, and wanted someone to give him some pointers?

And this opportunity just happened to fall into Xiao Chen's lap? Otherwise, he wouldn't have started the fire right away.

At this moment, Lei Jun's smile froze, and a fine layer of sweat seeped out from his back. He hadn't expected that his little scheme would be exposed so easily.

The investment in independent research and development is huge, and the cycle is also very long, which will inevitably affect short-term financial reports and stock prices. Moreover, research is risky. If the invested funds go down the drain, it will definitely affect the company's development, which is the last thing he wants to see.

He never expected that this seemingly casual young man would have such a sharp eye, cornering him with just a few words and tearing away his last shred of dignity.

If we're talking about complaints, there definitely will be some, after all, it made him "run naked" right in front of Su Chen. It would be strange if he didn't have any complaints.

Lei Jun dared not show the slightest emotion on his face. To be able to act so casually in front of Su Chen, a powerful and influential figure, it was obvious that this person's background was extraordinary. Only someone with a brain would dare to provoke him.

He smacked his lips, which were a little dry, and subconsciously looked at Su Chen, wanting to see if Su Chen had any objections to him. That was the most important thing right now.

Su Chen remained calm and composed, even leisurely pouring himself a cup of tea, as if the tense scene from just moments ago had never happened.

He neither admitted nor denied Xiao Chen's words, and this silence put immense pressure on Lei Jun!
“Mr. Su, I…” Lei Jun began with difficulty, his voice dry and tinged with a hint of embarrassment at being seen through. “We do advocate for development according to the original plan, and we have invested in independent innovation, but it is all focused on the Xiaomi ecosystem!”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen chuckled. Lei Jun was at least somewhat self-aware. He then stopped talking, picked up the oranges on the table, and leisurely began peeling them, as if his sharp words from earlier were just a casual remark.

At this moment, Su Chen put down his teacup, looked calmly at Lei Jun, and slowly said, "President Lei, as I said before, I will not interfere with any development of your group!"

"Whether the future brings good or bad fortune, it will simply add a few more numbers to my wealth column!"

"But since you've made a special trip to the courtyard house today, I'll just say a few words!"

Upon hearing this, Lei Jun immediately straightened his back, looking like he was listening attentively.

Su Chen calmly took a sip to moisten his throat before continuing, "Whether a company can survive in the future wave, or even... lead the wave, depends not on how impressive its short-term performance is, nor on the cold data of market share."

"The OEM model allowed you to rise rapidly and dominate the market; this is the path to your success, and I have never denied it! But path dependence is the biggest trap!"

"When the tide goes out, you find out who's been swimming naked! Only by mastering various cutting-edge core technologies can you protect your underwear, which you absolutely cannot lose!"

"Brother Chen was a bit too direct just now, but the logic is sound!" Su Chen stated his position clearly. "Juwei's path may have been difficult, but it was taken steadily! You can't just look for other ways out just because someone is holding you by the throat!"

"Why not arm yourself and build the strongest core fortress, so that others want to attack you but can't find a place to strike!"

"Only when you become strong yourself are you truly strong. Don't place your hopes on others! You've already forgotten Li Zhexi's example so quickly, haven't you?"

The name Li Zhexi was like a knife, stabbing deeply into Lei Jun's heart. His hands, placed under the table, clenched tightly together, his knuckles turning white from the excessive force.

He hadn't forgotten how he had groveled before, begging Li Zhexi not to hold them back on the OLED screen issue.

If it weren't for a chance encounter with Su Chen, he might have personally flown to South Korea to apologize. In retrospect, Su Chen's helping hand saved what little face he had left.

Lei Jun's expression changed repeatedly, from initial embarrassment and the embarrassment of being seen through, to the humiliation and fear upon hearing the name "Li Zhexi," and finally... all these emotions settled down and transformed into a complex clarity.

He slowly loosened his clenched fist, leaving several deep nail marks on his palm.

Take a deep breath. This time, it's not the formulaic breathing you do in the business world, but a heavy and relieved feeling after letting go of a burden.

“Mr. Su, you’re right!” Lei Jun’s voice became lower, but it was more sincere than before, and less urgent and calculating.

"Li Zhexi's incident... is a scar on me and on Xiaomi. At the time, we thought that solving the supply chain problem would solve everything, but we forgot the feeling of having our throats choked."

"Once the wound heals, it's easy to forget the pain!" Lei Jun sighed helplessly, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

He raised his head, looked at Su Chen, and then subconsciously glanced at the seemingly indifferent young man beside him. He smiled bitterly and said, "The OEM model is convenient and quick, makes money fast, and the market data looks good. Over the years, we have indeed become somewhat intoxicated by this false prosperity!"

"They always think about expanding the scale first and then considering core technologies... but they forget that the market won't give us time forever, and neither will their competitors!"

“Independent research and development requires huge investment, has a long cycle, and carries a high risk of failure…” Lei Jun’s eyes gradually became firm. “Just as Mr. Su said, a company without core technology is like a castle on the beach. It looks magnificent, but if a big wave comes, it may all be gone!”

"Juwei's path is difficult, but they have confidence and backbone! And this confidence and backbone are exactly what Xiaomi lacks most right now!"

Lei Jun pondered for a moment, then quickly made a decision: "Mr. Su, when I get back, I will immediately readjust the group's next phase of plans, overcome all objections, and increase investment in basic research and core technologies!"

"Especially in the tough areas of chip design, underlying operating system optimization, and the application of new materials, we strive to achieve breakthroughs in these areas! To build a solid barrier for Xiaomi!"

When Lei Jun said this, he did so with a resolute determination, as if he had nothing to lose!

Because he knew that once he said those words, it meant that Xiaomi would have to leave behind its past comfort zone of light assets and fast turnover, and step into a thorny but also higher path.

Xiao Chen looked at the flame that had reignited in his eyes. It was a different kind of desire than the previous one for market dominance. Instead, it was an infinite reverie and longing for the future!
He nodded slightly, a hint of barely perceptible approval flashing in his eyes.

Su Chen, who had been keeping an eye on Xiao Chen, naturally took in this scene and immediately understood. Just as he had guessed.

"Have you... thought it through?" Su Chen asked Lei Jun calmly.

"I've thought it through!" Lei Jun nodded heavily. "To go higher and further, you must have a solid foundation!"

"I will personally oversee this matter and assemble a top-notch R&D team in the shortest possible time, giving them maximum resources and authority!"

"Of course... I won't completely give up OEM, after all, I still need it to keep my funds flowing! But the core product must have its own 'soul'!"

"Hmm!" Su Chen responded, picked up the teapot again, and refilled the slightly cold tea in front of Lei Jun. "The path you take, and how far you can go, depends on your own courage and perseverance! If you need any support, you can call Chen Fei if it's reasonable!"

This can be considered a promise he made!
After all, Su Chen is one of the major shareholders of Xiaomi Group, and he can still provide appropriate assistance within his capabilities.

Lei Jun felt reassured, picked up the warm tea with both hands, and drank it all in one gulp. "Mr. Su, rest assured, I won't let you down!"

At this moment, Xiao Chen, who had been quietly eating oranges, suddenly chuckled softly.

This time, however, the laughter lacked the previous mockery and playfulness!

"Alright, are we done with the important stuff?" Xiao Chen clapped the orange peel off his hands, stood up, and stretched. "As long as the logic makes sense! President Lei, remember what I said today, and also remember that feeling of being held by the throat!"

"Some people at the top... well, they still hope to see our own companies stand tall!"

The words were slightly vague, but the word "above" sent a shockwave through Lei Jun's heart once again. In that instant, Xiao Chen's previously somewhat vague image became three-dimensional and clear.

"Sir, your reminder is well-deserved, Lei Jun will keep it in mind!" Lei Jun stood up, bowed respectfully to Xiao Chen, and looked at him with more awe.

Xiao Chen waved his hand dismissively, sat back down in his chair, picked up the last orange on the table, and leisurely began to peel it.

Seeing this, Su Chen shook his head helplessly. He hadn't even eaten many of the oranges his mother had sent, and Xiao Chen had already eaten almost all of them.

Turning his gaze back to Lei Jun beside him, he hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Mr. Lei, you know about the Semiconductor Expo, right? If you have time, why don't you come with me to take a look?"

Semiconductor Expo?

Lei Jun was stunned for a moment, but immediately realized what he meant and nodded excitedly, "Yes, I'm free! I'm free these few days!"

Lei Jun certainly didn't want to miss such a grand event!
Logically speaking, Xiaomi, which is also involved in semiconductors, should have participated in this expo. However, their involvement is only a tiny fraction of the field. If they were to actually go, they would probably lose face internationally.

"Okay~ It's settled then. I'll call you tomorrow!" Su Chen said, picking up his teacup, blowing on it gently, and then taking a sip.

Seeing this, Lei Jun naturally understood that it was time for him to leave. He immediately stood up and respectfully bid farewell to Su Chen and Xiao Chen: "Mr. Su and this gentleman, I won't bother you any longer. I'll take my leave now!"

Su Chen nodded slightly, while Xiao Chen waved casually, his attention seemingly focused on the orange in his hand.

Lei Jun bowed respectfully again before turning around and leaving the pavilion with steady steps.

Watching Lei Jun's figure disappear behind the hanging flower gate, Su Chen curiously asked Xiao Chen why he had exposed Lei Jun's little scheme right from the start.

After Xiao Chen gave half of the peeled orange to Su Chen, he stuffed two segments into his own mouth and mumbled, "It's all because this guy has no sense of the bigger picture. All he thinks about is how to make money. If it weren't for his upright character, do you think Xiaomi could have developed to where it is today?"

"I guess I just happened to be here. Anyway, someone will talk to him about these things sooner or later, so it's good for him to say them sooner rather than later!" Xiao Chen said, feeding the last few petals into his mouth with a satisfied look on his face.

Su Chen crossed his arms and leaned back in the recliner, pondering for a moment before quickly finding his answer.

At the same time, he couldn't help but think to himself, "Lei Jun is really lucky!" (End of Chapter)