Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

"This is an analytical summary of a specific high-end aluminum alloy material that we commissioned from Dr. Hansen's team at the UCLA Materials Science Laboratory."

Chen Wei'an explained in English, lightly pointing her finger to the bolded conclusion: "The report concludes that a portion of the materials in this batch have reached the rare 'strategic reserve' standard in terms of microstructure and long-term performance."

The report also provides expert advice that for such high-value and sensitive materials, an independent, closed-loop, point-to-point professional logistics solution should be adopted to isolate them from the "uncontrollable risks" that may exist in routine port logistics.

Old Jackson picked up the paper and quickly glanced at it.

Although it was just an abstract, the names of UCLA and Dr. Hansen, along with the technical terminology and clear conclusions, carried enough weight. His pupils contracted slightly.

This report not only confirms that this shipment does indeed have a special value stratification, but more importantly, it clearly points out the necessity of "independent logistics" from the perspective of top third-party technology!

This provides the perfect "technical justification" for a particular solution!

A lot came to mind in an instant.

If Gulf Capital is truly determined to acquire the "strategic" portion, then this report will be a powerful weapon for them to persuade their own side and seek special treatment.

If Wu Ming still wants to take all the credit, this report will become a huge potential risk in his plan.

For those who control the ground, this report means that, if handled properly, they may be able to profit not only from regular trading.

Furthermore, by providing the high-value-added service of "independent and secure logistics," they can intervene in more core and profitable segments!

This "Eastern technology"... is extraordinary!

They actually managed to get their hands on such a crucial report in advance!

Is this a coincidence, or did they anticipate the needs of all parties long ago?

Old Jackson calmly put down the paper, and the look in his eyes as he looked at Lin Dong was completely different. The previous scrutiny had turned into attention, and even a hint of apprehension.

"A very professional report."

Old Jackson's tone remained calm, but his wording was more cautious. "Dr. Hansen is an authority in the industry. His advice... is very insightful. In complex environments, creating dedicated channels for high-value goods is indeed a wise move."

It was impolite of him not to inquire about the source of the report and the specific details of the commission.

But he had already received a strong enough signal: the young man in front of him, or the company he represented, had the cognitive ability to get to the heart of the problem and had already begun to make arrangements.

"Yes, we agree with Dr. Hansen's point of view."

Lin Dong, speaking through Chen Wei'an, said in a calm tone, "That's why we attach so much importance to finding a partner who is capable and willing to establish this 'exclusive channel'."

This isn't just about one shipment; it's about many future shipments, about building a relationship of trust that transcends ordinary business cooperation.

He reiterated the importance of "the future" and "trust relationships".

Old Jackson pondered for a moment, then tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice, a habitual gesture when he was thinking.

"Mr. Lin, your idea is very visionary. Our friends at the port have always been open to valuable, long-term partnerships."

He opted for more formal wording, stating, "However, the specific methods of cooperation need to be designed based on the specific circumstances. Building trust also needs to start with concrete actions."

He made no promises, but his attitude was very positive. He essentially acknowledged that the Rossi family was interested in the "private access" and was willing to make further contact.

"certainly."

Lin Dong smiled and said, "We believe that professional matters should be evaluated and designed by professionals."

Today, we simply hope to convey our initial willingness and standards for cooperation. If our friends at the port believe there is value in further discussion, we welcome more specific communication at any time.

He wisely stepped back, relinquishing some of the initiative, which made him appear both confident and tactful.

Old Jackson also showed his first real smile of the day: "A very good start, Mr. Lin. I will convey your company's intentions and... professional insights to the relevant friends. I believe they will give it serious consideration."

The conversation then shifted to lighter topics, such as the local customs and culture of San Francisco and the rapid development of Shenzhen.

The atmosphere was amicable, but both sides knew that the real core communication had been completed.

Half an hour later, the meeting ended. Old Jackson shook hands with Lin Dong and Chen Wei'an again to say goodbye.

"Looking forward to seeing you again, Mr. Lin, Ms. Chen."

"We are the same, Mr. Jackson."

Stepping out of the coffee shop, a sea breeze greeted her, carrying the scent of sunshine and salt. Chen Wei'an breathed a slight sigh of relief and looked at Lin Dong.

Lin Dong's expression remained unchanged, but his gaze was fixed on the distant port, his expression deep and unfathomable.

"He will deliver the message, and he will do so in a very 'vivid' way."

Chen Wei'an said in a low voice, "Especially that report summary, the effect was even better than expected."

Lin Dong nodded and said in Chinese, "He knows the value of that report. Now, the pressure is shifting. The Rossi family needs to reassess:"

Should we continue to act as Wu Ming's "ground coordinator," perhaps only as a one-time role, or should we try to become a "security provider" that both we and Gulf Capital might need?

Even... as a "strategic logistics partner" for future transactions. Their plans are getting even more ambitious.

"What about Wu Ming's side..." Chen Wei'an asked.

"He will soon be able to feel the change in the ground's 'temperature'."

Lin Dong turned around and walked towards the parking lot, "when the Rossi family no longer responded so enthusiastically to his 'mediation'."

When even more stringent conditions are proposed, he will realize that new variables have been introduced into the game. This will further prompt him to seriously consider the possibility of 'splitting' the game.

"Are we about to contact the cargo owner?" Chen Wei'an followed up.

"Wait a little longer." Lin Dong got into the car, fastened his seatbelt, and said, "Wait until Old Jackson blows the wind over, and until Wu Ming and Gulf Capital get wind of it."

The shipper's willingness to actively seek out a "solution provider" only reaches its peak when he discovers that the three main buyers all seem to be showing interest in a "technology-tiered, independent delivery" solution.

He glanced at the coffee shop receding into the distance in the rearview mirror.

"What we need to do now is remain silent and let the bullets fly a little longer."

The car drove away from Fisherman's Wharf and merged into the morning traffic in San Francisco.

In the coffee shop, old Jackson sat alone for a while, slowly finishing his coffee, which had gone slightly cold. He took out his phone and dialed a number that wasn't saved with a name.

The call was quickly answered, and a deep voice came from the other end: "Jackson?"

"It was me." Old Jackson looked out the window. "I met them once. Two Chinese men, representing a company called 'Eastern Technology.' The young man was the boss, not yet twenty, and he had a very capable female assistant with him."

"Get to the point." The voice on the other end sounded impatient.

"The key point is that they have something in their possession."

Old Jackson lowered his voice, "The report from UCLA's Hansen team is about that batch of aluminum at the port. The conclusion is that a portion of it has reached 'strategic reserve level,' and they recommend handling it using an independent, closed-loop logistics system to mitigate 'ground risks.'"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then the voice became serious: "Is the report reliable?"

"I've seen the abstract; it has Hansen's signature and the lab stamp, and the technical terms and data are genuine. They didn't show me the full text, but there's no need to falsify something like this."

Old Jackson paused for a moment, then said, "More importantly, it's their attitude. They're not haggling over this shipment; they're looking for a long-term partner who can provide 'absolutely secure logistics' for a series of potentially high-value imports in the future."

They hinted at concerns about certain "broadly integrated" local partners and preferred a more "focused" one.

"...How much do they know?" the person on the other end of the phone asked.

"It's hard to say. But at least they know that the shipment is not simple, they know the situation is complicated, and they know there are 'risks' on the ground."

Moreover, they seemed to think that report would be useful—not only to themselves, but also to…others interested in the ‘strategic’ part.” Old Jackson said meaningfully.

There were another few seconds of silence.

"Send over the report summary and meeting details," the person on the other end of the phone finally said. "Also, look into that 'Eastern Technology' and that young man."

"It's already under investigation."

Old Jackson said, "But I have to remind you, Michael. This young man is different. He might be more troublesome, or... more useful, than that Wu from Hong Kong. It depends on how we look at it."

"I know what to do." The call was disconnected.

Old Jackson put away his phone and finished the last of his coffee.

The wind in the harbor never blows in just one direction. But this time, the wind seems to have really started to change.

The source of this change was a boy from the East, not yet twenty years old.

He shook his head, a complex and enigmatic smile appearing on his face, and got up to leave the coffee shop.