"How could I dare to slight someone so valued by the Old Master? Especially since Chairman Ye is so renowned. Although Yiren Ruxue's market is currently domestic, Chairman Ye's international reputation far exceeds his domestic one!" Tong Zhen said with a smile.

"Oh? So I'm quite well-known internationally?" Ye Chen asked with surprise.

"Indeed. You're a hot topic in Chinese communities abroad. Your popularity even surpasses that of Wu Xia Gao! Furthermore, your name has likely been noted by the heads of international brands. It wouldn't be surprising if top-tier global skincare brands soon approach you for collaborations!" Tong Zhen said playfully.

However, Ye Chen simply chuckled and shook his head.

"If what Mr. Tong says is true, I'm afraid they'll be disappointed."

He then turned to Zhang Weimin and said, "Old Secretary, won't you properly introduce Mr. Tong? For you to personally introduce him, he must be an extraordinary individual!"

At Ye Chen's words, Zhang Weimin's smile faded.

He said seriously, "Over a decade ago, Tong Zhen went abroad for further studies from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). He was considered one of the most brilliant talents in CAS history and was held in high regard by various sectors of society. You know, back then, China's technological research and development lagged far behind international standards. As CAS's most exceptional talent, he carried the hopes of the nation in the field of technology, so to speak."

"In this context, Tong Zhen's name naturally caught the attention of many international universities. Several top global institutions offered him study invitations, and he ultimately chose to go to the United States. While everyone expected him to return and contribute to China's technological advancement, he accepted an offer of US residency, relinquishing his Chinese citizenship. This caused considerable controversy at the time, with much criticism directed at him."

"However, he persevered. This also earned him a high degree of trust in the US. He first joined a US government-affiliated laboratory, becoming one of its youngest professors. He was then assigned by the US to ASML, the company with the world's leading lithography technology. He spent eight years at ASML, becoming a leader in their core R&D team."

"Now, after eight years at ASML, he has chosen to return to China. The US and ASML were very displeased by this. They have even issued statements that any collaboration with Tong Zhen will be considered an act against ASML's interests. The US has publicly stated that any company that accepts Tong Zhen will face consequences. These threats are clearly aimed at Chinese companies."

Ye Chen, although aware of this from his previous life, feigned surprise.

Zhang Weimin continued, "Because of these US threats, even if Chinese companies greatly desire talent like Tong Zhen, they are hesitant to provoke the US for the sake of the bigger picture. Furthermore, the Chinese government, considering various factors, has been cautious about directly intervening in this situation, especially as Tong Zhen still holds US residency."

After a pause, Zhang Weimin said, "Of course, given Tong Zhen's potential contributions to addressing China's shortcomings in lithography, the government would never abandon him. However, Tong Zhen doesn't want to cause trouble for the government, so he has declined any private assistance from them."

"So...?" Ye Chen's heart raced.

At this point, Ye Chen understood what Zhang Weimin meant.

They were bringing this exceptional talent, Tong Zhen, to him!

If he remembered correctly, in his previous life, Tong Zhen ended up at Huawei.

Huawei, after much deliberation, took him in despite immense pressure.

As a result, Huawei faced comprehensive sanctions and attacks from Europe and the US, far exceeding the sanctions imposed a few years prior.

For three years, Huawei struggled, constantly fending off attacks and sanctions, incurring immeasurable losses.

Until three years later.

With various forms of support from the government and Huawei's annual investment of billions, Tong Zhen, who had endured over a decade of accusations, developed China's first 5nm lithography machine, breaking China's barriers in the field and ending ASML's monopoly.

This 5nm lithography machine led to an unprecedented leap in China's chip technology. Huawei, which had suffered for three years, finally thrived, achieving remarkable success and laying a solid foundation for its future as a global giant.

But now, Tong Zhen, the one who would create advanced lithography machines, was right in front of him, and potentially at his disposal.

Ye Chen's mind went blank.

"I wonder if you have the ambition to enter the lithography field? I know you might not know much about it, but that doesn't matter. You provide the investment, and I'll handle the research and development. CAS has privately told me that I can choose personnel as needed. Top Chinese technological universities have also agreed to let me recruit people to form a team! Advanced lithography machines are a national aspiration. Until we create one, we'll be at the mercy of others." Tong Zhen said seriously.

"Why me?"

Was Ye Chen tempted?

Of course, he was.

But he still asked this question rationally.

"Without Old Master Zhang, there wouldn't be me, Tong Zhen. If he hadn't been supporting me, I might not have even finished junior high. So, the first thing I did after returning to China was to find him. After I told him about all this, he wanted you two to meet!" Tong Zhen said.

Ye Chen looked at Old Secretary Zhang Weimin.

"Tong Zhen isn't lacking in patrons. Despite the strong reactions from Europe and the US, after Chinese giants recover and reassess the situation, Huawei will definitely take him in! But after careful consideration, I still wanted you and Tong Zhen to meet. Whether you reach an agreement is up to you." Zhang Weimin said solemnly.