Siheyuan: At the beginning, I can integrate everything!

Central, Hong Kong.

The sea breeze of Victoria Harbour carries a hint of saltiness as it blows across the rows of skyscrapers.

In this city known as the "Pearl of the Orient," money is the only language in circulation.

A newly completed top-tier office building.

The fiftieth floor was completely opened up.

Through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the entire bustling night view of Victoria Harbour is laid out before you.

This is the opening banquet for the Hong Kong headquarters of "Future Technology (International) Holdings Group".

Amidst the melodious violin music, elegantly dressed women strolled by, and champagne-gold liquid swayed in crystal glasses.

I'm so glad I received this invitation and am standing here today.

They were all well-known veteran capitalists in Hong Kong's business world, the heads of shipping magnate families, or compradors of foreign trading companies.

But in the eyes of these suit-wearing bigwigs...

Tonight's banquet is merely a way to probe Lou Xiao'e's background.

"Ms. Lou has certainly made a lot of money in real estate these past few years, but starting a technology shipping company all of a sudden seems like a huge leap."

A shipping tycoon with a beer belly and a Rolex gold watch took a sip of champagne, his tone tinged with disdain.

"Yeah, I heard she brought a young man from the mainland to be her chairperson, for some reason?"

A manager of a foreign trading company that deals in semiconductor import and export made no attempt to hide the sarcasm in his eyes.

"From the mainland? Haha, besides shouting slogans, what do they know about high technology? They're probably just Miss Lou's kept men, just holding a title for fun."

The group exchanged a smile, their laughter filled with arrogance and prejudice towards people from the mainland.

In their view.

In the early 1980s, the mainland was still a backward place that couldn't even manufacture color TVs.

Developing high technology? That's just wishful thinking!

however.

When the heavy, carved wooden doors of the banquet hall were slowly pushed open by two bodyguards in black.

The chatter in the hall stopped abruptly.

Lou Xiao'e, dressed in a wine-red haute couture evening gown, exuded an air of elegance and nobility as she walked in arm in arm with a young man.

That young man was Zhang Huaimin.

He was wearing an extremely well-tailored, pure black handmade suit, without a tie, and with the collar slightly open.

At the age of eighteen, he stood tall and straight like a pine tree.

His handsome face, as if sculpted by a knife and axe, showed no trace of the awkwardness or ingratiation one might expect when first entering the world of fame and fortune.

His deep black eyes calmly swept across the entire room.

That aura of a superior who has been tempered in military laboratories filled with corpses and bloodshed, and who has mastered absolute core technologies.

At this moment, let it all out without reservation!

Just a glance.

Just moments ago, those capitalists were mocking him behind his back as a "pretty boy."

I subconsciously looked away, and my heart skipped a beat for no reason.

"Everyone."

Lou Xiao'e walked to the microphone, exuding confidence and delivering a clear, melodious voice.

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the founding dinner of Future Technology (International) Holdings."

"Let me formally introduce myself."

Lou Xiao'e turned slightly to the side, pointing at Zhang Huaimin beside her with an extremely respectful, even somewhat worshipful, posture.

"This is Mr. Zhang Huaimin, the founder and chairman of our Future Technology Group!"

"This is also the absolute technological core of the 'Global Shipping and Semiconductor Transshipment Network' we've established in Hong Kong!"

The applause was sparse.

Apart from a few old friends who had a good relationship with the Lou family and gave them face, most Hong Kong businessmen maintained a cold and indifferent attitude.

The shipping tycoon with the protruding beer belly was even more blunt in raising his questions.

"Mr. Lou, it's not that we're being disrespectful."

The tycoon toyed with the cigar in his hand, his tone arrogant.

"Those of us here all make a living at sea."

"You said this young Chairman Zhang is the core of the technology team, so why is he even developing a shipping technology network?"

"This is going to involve throwing real money into the sea! Does he even know what flight path management is? Does he know what weather avoidance is?"

These words immediately drew a chorus of agreement from those around him.

Clearly, everyone was waiting for Zhang Huaimin to make a fool of himself.

Zhang Huaimin was not angry.

He didn't say a single unnecessary word.

He simply smiled faintly and snapped his fingers.

"Brother Chen."

Chen Bing, who was behind him, immediately stepped forward, carrying a silver metal combination lock box.

It opened with a "click".

Zhang Huaimin took out a thin, black magnetic card and walked straight to the state-of-the-art IBM large slide projector in the center of the hall.

The magnetic card was inserted into a specially designed reading device.

"All of you business owners are businessmen; you only care about the data."

Zhang Huaimin took the microphone, his voice deep and magnetic.

"In that case, let the data speak for itself."

Swish!

The lights in the hall dimmed instantly.

On the projector screen, an extremely complex yet incredibly clear global dynamic route map lit up.

These flight route maps are densely marked with countless data nodes that are changing in real time.

"This is our Future Technology's independently developed 'Satellite Channel Dynamic Automatic Navigation Algorithm' system."

Zhang Huaimin's fingers slid lightly across the screen, his smooth and fluid movements leaving everyone present mesmerized.

"This system, by accessing data from our independently launched 'Dongfanghong' remote sensing satellite, achieved the world's first..."

He emphasized his words.

"Real-time monitoring of micro-meteorology and ocean currents around the clock and in all dimensions!"

"Based on the cargo ship's weight and draft, it can calculate, within a thousandth of a second, the perfect route that avoids any storm and follows the optimal ocean currents!"

These words shocked everyone present.

"This...how is this possible?!"

The shipping tycoon who just questioned the matter was completely unaware that his cigar had fallen onto his trousers.

He rushed to the screen and stared intently at the several prime shipping routes from Asia to Europe and America that were being simulated.

As a veteran in the shipping industry, he could immediately grasp the terrifying value of these data.

Traditional navigation relied on the captain's experience and outdated weather charts.

When faced with sudden storms or changes in ocean currents, one can only either tough it out or take a longer route, which is not only dangerous but also greatly increases fuel costs.

The system that Zhang Huaimin demonstrated was like giving all cargo ships a third eye!

"After three months of on-site simulation testing in mainland China."

Looking at the group of capitalists who were already dumbfounded, Zhang Huaimin threw out his final trump card.

"This algorithm can directly determine the fuel consumption of any ocean-going fleet."

"A 30% reduction!"

"Furthermore, we will reduce the navigation safety accident rate to almost zero!"

boom!

Fuel efficiency improved by 30%!

This statement was like a nuclear bomb with a yield of 10,000 tons, exploding directly on the top floor of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong!

For these shipping magnates...

Fuel costs account for the vast majority of their operating expenses.

What does a 30% reduction mean?

This means that once they install this system, their annual net profit will increase exponentially, or even geometrically!

What kind of technology is this?

This is practically a money-printing machine!

"Chairman Zhang... Chairman Zhang!"

The shipping tycoon was so excited he was trembling.

He turned around abruptly, his earlier arrogance and disdain completely forgotten.

He picked up a full glass of champagne, right in front of all the celebrities in the room.

With utmost solemnity, he bowed deeply to the eighteen-year-old young man from mainland China!

"I was blind and didn't recognize your talent!"

The tycoon raised his glass, his voice trembling.

"Our Pao Yue-kong family is willing to pay any price to import this system!"

"I'd like to propose a toast to you!"

With this shipping tycoon taking the lead...

The entire banquet hall erupted in cheers!

The capitalists and managers who had been mocking him just moments before now went crazy, rushing towards Zhang Huaimin with their wine glasses in hand.

"Mr. Zhang! Our Jardine Matheson firm also needs this system! Name your price!"

"Mr. Zhang! I respect you! Please consider cooperating with our family!"

The way everyone looked at Zhang Huaimin had completely changed from seeing him as a "pretty boy" to seeing him as a golden god of wealth!

Dimensional reduction attack!

Absolute technological superiority!

Zhang Huaimin didn't even use his military industry background in mainland China.

Using only a civilian algorithm, it was completed in just ten minutes.

They completely conquered this group of Hong Kong capital circles who are usually arrogant and haughty!

They were forced to lower their proud heads and line up to give money!

This is the stunning first step that Future Technology Group takes to establish its dominance on the international stage!

Lou Xiao'e stood aside, watching Zhang Huaimin being surrounded by a crowd of admirers.

His eyes were filled with pride and deep infatuation.

She knew that this time, she had truly latched onto a super-powerful figure capable of turning the world upside down.

The atmosphere of the banquet reached its climax.

however.

Just as everyone was raising their glasses and Zhang Huaimin was smiling as he signed preliminary cooperation agreements with several bigwigs.

"Beep beep beep—"

An old-fashioned fax machine at the front desk of the banquet hall suddenly emitted an extremely piercing alarm.

The receptionist, her face ashen, tore off an English fax that had just been received.

She disregarded etiquette and stumbled into the crowd, handing the fax to Lou Xiao'e and Zhang Huaimin.

"Chairman Zhang...General Manager Lou...Something terrible has happened!"

The secretary's voice was filled with extreme panic.

Zhang Huaimin frowned slightly, took the fax, and glanced at it.

There was only a short, yet menacing line of English letters on it.

The signature reads: Silicon Valley Semiconductor Monopoly Alliance!

The content is extremely arrogant and domineering:

"In view of Future Technology Group's malicious competitive behavior."

"Effective immediately, the Global Semiconductor Alliance will fully launch the 'Silicon Blockade Plan'!"

"A complete ban! Providing any grade of high-purity silicon wafers and photoresist materials to Huaxia and Future Technology Group!"

"Those who violate this rule will face joint sanctions from the global alliance!"