Super Rich: Starting the game by going back ten years to buy Bitcoin

Li Yichen stood in front of the observation window on the 31st floor, looking down at the busy workshop below.

Under Ling'er's unified command, the twenty robots moved with such precision that they seemed less like machines and more like a group of long-time partners who had worked together for ten years. The silicon wafer was steadily picked up by the robotic arm and fed into the laser interferometer platform for calibration and fixation, all in one smooth motion. On the other side, the nozzles of the atomic layer deposition system sprayed out a uniform mist of photosensitive material, thinly coating the wafer surface.

The entire workshop was so quiet that only the low hum of the equipment and the subtle friction of the mechanical joints turning could be heard.

Li Yichen watched for a while, then turned and left.

The elevator descended to the 28th floor, and the office door was ajar. Ji Yanran, who was working on documents, looked up when she heard the noise.

"Boss, the down payment for Bidi and Ning Wang has just arrived."

"How many?"

"Two hundred and fifty billion from each company, totaling five hundred billion. It has all been deposited into the accounts."

Li Yichen nodded, sat down behind his desk, and tapped his fingers on the armrest.

"How's the communication with the construction team at the chip factory going?"

"We've contacted three companies, all top-tier domestic construction firms. Their quotes and timelines will be delivered this afternoon."

"Make a decision as soon as possible."

"clear."

Ji Yanran paused, then said, "There's one more thing. Mr. Lei from Dami Auto just called to ask when the technical documentation for the 'Lingyu' system can be handed over. They want to start adaptation testing as soon as possible."

"Have Ling'er compile a document, encrypt it, and send it over."

"it is good."

Li Yichen leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He had been working non-stop lately—press conferences, signing contracts, setting up production lines, competing for land… one thing after another, he had barely stopped.

A figure suddenly flashed through my mind.

Xiao Yuqing.

I've been too busy lately and haven't had a chance to visit her much.

He opened his eyes, took out his phone, and scrolled to that number. His thumb hovered above the screen for a moment, then pressed it.

The phone rang five times.

connected.

"Feed?" Xiao Yuqing's voice came through the receiver, tinged with surprise and a hint of barely suppressed jealousy. "Little Li? You still remember to call me!"

"You know, I've been quite busy lately."

"Okay, I forgive you!"

"I have some free time today. Are you free this afternoon? I'd like to take you out for a walk."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

"Okay. Where to?"

"You decide."

"Then... will you come pick me up?"

"Okay. I'll be there in half an hour."

After hanging up the phone, Li Yichen picked up his car keys and stood up.

Ji Yanran looked up at him: "Boss, are you going out?"

"Hmm. I'm free this afternoon."

"Is there anything I can arrange?"

"Need not."

In the underground parking garage, the Yangwang U8 sat quietly. Li Yichen opened the car door, got in, and started the engine.

Ling'er's voice popped out from the car stereo, tinged with a playful tone: "Brother, where are we going?"

"At Xiao Yuqing's place."

"Okay! The route has been planned, and we expect to arrive in 28 minutes."

The car drove out of the garage and merged into the afternoon traffic. Li Yichen leaned back in his seat, took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, his other hand resting on the car window. As for driving? Ling'er could handle that.

In May, the weather in Shanghai is already getting warm. The leaves of the plane trees along the roadside are a bright green, and sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches, casting dappled shadows on the road.

He recalled the first time he met Xiao Yuqing.

At that time, she was still doing live streaming to raise money for her father's surgery. She streamed for more than ten hours a day, and even when her voice was hoarse, she was still thanking her fans. Later, he gave her the money and solved her problem, and Xiao Yuqing ended up with him.

This girl is very honest.

Don't be greedy, don't cause trouble, and know your limits.

The car turned into the residential area and parked downstairs. Li Yichen dialed the phone: "I've arrived."

"Get down right now!"

A few minutes later, the unit door opened, and Xiao Yuqing came out running.

She was wearing a simple white T-shirt and light blue jeans, her hair was tied in a ponytail, and her face was clean and without makeup, looking as refreshing as the May breeze.

As soon as he opened the car door and got in, he called out with a grin, "Little Li."

Li Yichen's face darkened: "Could you please stop calling me that?"

"No way." Xiao Yuqing laughed as she fastened her seatbelt. "You look great, busy person."

"Not bad." Li Yichen glanced at her. "You look good too. Did you get some rest?"

"Much better," Xiao Yuqing nodded. "I've been sleeping soundly these past few days."

"How's your dad? How's his recovery going?"

"I'm basically all better." A genuine smile appeared on Xiao Yuqing's face as she spoke. "Two months after the surgery, I rested for a while, and now I can walk on my own. Eating and sleeping are normal. The doctor said to observe me for a while longer; if there are no problems, I'll be fully recovered."

"That's good."

Li Yichen started the car and drove out of the residential area.

"Where do you want to go?"

Xiao Yuqing thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up: "Let's go to the beach. It's been so long since I've seen the sea."

"OK."

The car turned around and headed towards Pudong Riverside.

The traffic was a bit congested. Xiao Yuqing turned her head to look at Li Yichen's profile and suddenly said, "Little Li, I saw your company on the news. That Thor battery company, I watched the live broadcast of the press conference. All those big bosses were scrambling to sign contracts, it was quite a sight."

Li Yichen smiled and said, "It'll do."

"You call this just making do?" Xiao Yuqing laughed. "Everyone online is saying that Future Technology has just ripped open the sky for the entire industry."

"It's not that exaggerated."

"Yes, there is."

The two chatted casually for a while, and soon arrived near Binjiang Park. They found a parking lot, parked, and got out to walk towards the seaside.

The weather was perfect at the beach in May.

Sunlight shimmered on the sea, casting a golden glow. The beach was bustling with people: parents with their children digging in the sand, couples strolling hand in hand, and a few young people playing beach volleyball. The salty sea breeze ruffled the stray hairs on Xiao Yuqing's forehead.

She took a deep breath: "That feels good."

Li Yichen didn't say anything, and walked alongside her along the beach. After walking for a while, they came across a small coffee stall by the roadside.

"Want something to drink?"

"it is good."

Two iced Americanos, and the two sat down under a parasol next to the stall.

Xiao Yuqing held the cup and took small sips, then suddenly put the cup down and looked at him intently.

"Little Li".

"Um?"

"I've been thinking about something lately."

"What is it?"

"I want to find something to do." Xiao Yuqing's fingers rubbed the rim of the cup. "I've been idle for the past few months, just taking care of my dad and staying at home. My bones are practically rusting."

Li Yichen looked at her: "Have you decided what you want to do?"

"I have an idea." Xiao Yuqing paused. "I studied jewelry design in college, and later I also obtained an appraiser's qualification certificate. So... I want to open a shop."

"A jewelry store?"

"right."

Li Yichen nodded: "That's good."

"You think it's a good idea too?"

"Whether you can do it or not depends on you," Li Yichen said. "You like this and have a professional background, so it shouldn't be too difficult for you."

Xiao Yuqing breathed a sigh of relief, completely relaxing: "I was worried you'd think it was unreliable."

"What's unreliable about it?" Li Yichen took a sip of coffee. "You can decide on the shop opening yourself; I don't know anything about these things. But I'll cover the money."

Xiao Yuqing immediately shook her head, shaking it like a rattle-drum: "No, no. I can't take your money anymore."

Why?

"You've given me more than enough these past few days." Xiao Yuqing looked at him earnestly, her eyes unwavering. "I've saved all the money for my dad's surgery, as well as the bits and pieces you gave me later. Now I have about five million yuan, which is enough for me to open a small shop."

Li Yichen waved his hand: "Five million or so, you can open a small shop, but you can't make it big."

"I don't need to make it big, just enough to support myself."

"That won't do." Li Yichen put down his coffee cup, looked directly at her, and said, "If you're going to open a shop, then open a big one. So—since you don't want my money, I'll try another way."

"In what way?"

"I'll put up ten million to invest in your shop," Li Yichen said. "We'll split the profits fifty-fifty. Is that alright?"

Xiao Yuqing was stunned.

She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but then didn't. Her lips trembled slightly, and her eyes reddened.

Li Yichen didn't rush her, slowly sipping his coffee while his gaze fell on the distant sea.

After a long while, Xiao Yuqing finally spoke, her voice a little strained: "Little Li, why...why are you so good to me?"

"Is there?"

"Yes." Xiao Yuqing lowered her head, her fingers gripping the cup tightly until her knuckles turned white. "From the moment I met you until now, you've always helped me. You gave me money, helped with my dad's medical treatment, and now you're still..."

"Stop," Li Yichen interrupted her. "Do you remember what you said back then? I'd take care of you."

Xiao Yuqing suddenly raised her head.

"Are you serious?"

"Hmm," Li Yichen said, his tone as calm as if he were commenting on the weather. "Since you've come with me, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life—though I can't give you any official status."

The sea breeze blew by, ruffling the stray hairs on Xiao Yuqing's forehead.

Her eyes reddened, and she sniffed hard, forcing back the tears. Then she straightened her back and picked up her coffee cup.

"Then... that ten million, consider it your investment. We'll split the profits fifty-fifty."

"OK."

"But I have to make this clear first." Xiao Yuqing sat up straight, her expression as serious as if she were signing a contract, "I will handle the opening of the store myself. Site selection, decoration, sourcing, operation... I will personally handle every aspect. You can't interfere."

"Can."

"And another thing," Xiao Yuqing added, holding up one finger, "if I lose money, I'll slowly pay you back this ten million."

Li Yichen smiled.

"You're already thinking about losing money before you've even opened for business?"

"You always have to prepare for the worst."

"Fine, whatever you say."

Xiao Yuqing smiled too, her eyes crinkling.

She picked up her glass and clinked it against Li Yichen's.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

The two finished their coffee. Li Yichen checked the time; it was a little past three in the afternoon.

"Since we're going to open a shop, shouldn't we find a location first?" He stood up. "Let's go check out Lujiazui."

Xiao Yuqing was taken aback, then stood up: "Go now?"

"Otherwise what?"

"But... I haven't done any market research yet, and I haven't..."

"Let's take it one step at a time," Li Yichen said. "Let's check out the location first, so we have a general idea of ​​what to expect."

Xiao Yuqing thought for a moment, then nodded vigorously: "Okay."

The two returned to the parking lot and got into the car.

On the way, Xiao Yuqing couldn't help but ask, "Why did you suggest I go to Lujiazui?"

"The people there have high spending power, which is suitable for you to do jewelry business."

"I see." Xiao Yuqing said thoughtfully, "But the rent in Lujiazui is too expensive. With an investment of ten million, the rent alone might eat up more than half of it."

Money is not a problem.

"No way," Xiao Yuqing insisted. "Ten million is the limit. I need to use this money to open the store, and I also need to set aside at least six months' worth of operating funds."

Li Yichen glanced at her in the rearview mirror.

This girl has a lot of ideas.

They drove to Lujiazui and parked in a parking lot near the IFC. The two got out of the car and walked slowly along the street.

Lujiazui in May afternoon remains as bustling as ever. Skyscrapers stand tall, their glass curtain walls reflecting the blinding sunlight. Pedestrians hurry along the streets, all impeccably dressed. The cars parked along the roadside are all Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, and Maserati.

As Xiao Yuqing walked, she observed the shops on both sides, muttering to herself, "This area is indeed suitable for high-end jewelry, but the competition is fierce. Look, on this street alone, there are three Cartier stores, two Tiffany stores, and also Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels..."

"Scared?"

"I'm not afraid." Xiao Yuqing shook her head, her eyes shining. "Intense competition means a big market. As long as the product is good and the service is excellent, we can always get a share of the pie."

Li Yichen nodded.

The two walked for a while longer and then stopped in front of a shop that was up for rent.

The shop has a great location, on a corner of an intersection, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, providing excellent natural light. It's approximately 200 square meters, and the interior is quite spacious, with "For Rent" posters on the walls. Sunlight streams through the glass, making the entire space bright and airy.

Xiao Yuqing's eyes lit up. She quickly walked over, carefully looked at the contact information on the poster, and took out her phone to take a picture.

"I'll make a note of it."

"Hmm." Li Yichen stood behind her. "This place is alright."

"It's more than just okay." Xiao Yuqing put away her phone, turned around, and looked at him with bright eyes. "This location, this display area, is simply tailor-made for a jewelry store."

"Then let's ask."

"I'll contact them when I get back and ask about the rent and lease term."

"Look at a few more."

"Know."

The two continued walking. As Xiao Yuqing walked, she mentally planned things out—location selection, decoration, sourcing, recruitment, advertising… She thought about each thing, feeling more and more pressured, but at the same time, a sense of excitement welled up from the bottom of her heart.

This was her first real entrepreneurial venture.

Use your expertise to do what you love.

There's also Li Yichen's investment.

She couldn't let him lose money.

Absolutely not.

After walking a short distance, Xiao Yuqing suddenly stopped.

"Little Li".

"Um?"

"Thank you."

Li Yichen turned to look at her.

Xiao Yuqing looked up, the afternoon sun shining on her face, making her eyes look like two pieces of amber. She looked at him earnestly and said, word by word, "Really. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Li Yichen remained silent.

He raised his hand and gently rubbed the top of her head.

"Do a good job."

"Um!"

Xiao Yuqing nodded vigorously, her eyes reddening slightly, but this time she smiled.

He laughed loudly and happily, his eyes curving into two crescent moons.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps between the tall buildings, falling on her face.

Her smile is more beautiful than the sea in May.