"The country is far from needing me to contribute to technological research and development!"

Ye Chen gave a wry smile.

"Then what is it?" Chen Yinuo remained puzzled.

No longer beating around the bush, Ye Chen directly explained his thoughts. "It's about the talent system! It's foreseeable that in the coming era, technology will become the mainstream. Only by staying at the forefront of the technological era, only by leading it, can we reach the pinnacle. And in this process, what's most needed? Talent! With our current 'nouveau riche' status, it's not impossible to establish a talent system, but it certainly won't be easy!

"And Tong Zhen and the lithography machine will be our best opportunity! Once the news of our investment in Tong Zhen's lithography machine research spreads, our image in the eyes of the outside world will inevitably change from 'nouveau riche.' The whole society will view us in a different light, establishing a brand-new image and identity. This image will give us the reputation and qualifications to attract technological talent!

"This is one point. Secondly, regarding the lithography machine research, we can use Tong Zhen to connect with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and top universities in China. You should know that the talent hubs of these top universities are basically monopolized by those giant corporations. Any good talent is taken by them, making it difficult for other companies to get a share. They can only pick the leftovers! If this situation doesn't change, we'll face the same difficulty in the future.

"But with Tong Zhen and the lithography machine research as a bridge, we should be able to break this talent monopoly, giving us the qualifications to recruit from top universities and build our own talent system for our technological endeavors.

"Tong Zhen, the lithography machine, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and talent from top universities—imagine, with just a hundred billion, we can connect all of these. Do we have any reason to refuse?"

Ye Chen analyzed everything point by point.

Chen Yinuo listened in stunned silence.

It had only been a few hours since Ye Chen went to the Zhang family's courtyard to see the old secretary.

His meeting and conversation with Tong Zhen were even shorter.

Yet, in such a short time, he had considered so much within the context of the cooperation, even starting to plan for the future?

Thinking of this, Chen Yinuo's gaze toward Ye Chen became even more astonished.

This once again refreshed her understanding of Ye Chen's extraordinary capabilities.

"Have you considered the potential impact of measures from the US?" Chen Yinuo asked instinctively. (Instead of "sanctions threat" to be more neutral)

"Measures?" (Instead of "sanctions threat")

Ye Chen smiled.

He shook his head dismissively. "What measures would they take against us? What could they use? Block our Immaculate Cream from entering their market? Prohibit our Yi Ren Ru Xue from expanding into Europe and the US? Not to mention that Yi Ren Ru Xue hasn't even started considering overseas markets yet. Even if Yi Ren Ru Xue truly satisfies domestic demand and seeks to enter overseas markets, they can't truly block us. Most European and American countries are influenced by capital. In the face of capital, profit is the most important! If the Immaculate Cream can show them profits, any official measures will be a joke!"

After a pause, Ye Chen added with a smile, "Also, don't worry about any future repercussions. I won't easily venture overseas before we are fully prepared. Once we do go overseas, they will need us. Then, any measures or attempts to hinder us will be meaningless."

Faced with Ye Chen's repeated assurances, Chen Yinuo was speechless.

She had only been focused on how to manage Yi Ren Ru Xue effectively.

But Ye Chen's sights were already set on much grander ambitions.

Suddenly, she felt that she was falling far behind Ye Chen.

"Alright, stop staring blankly. Do you want to eat something?"

Seeing Chen Yinuo's dazed expression, Ye Chen changed the subject.

"I made it especially for you. I'm not hungry, and I've already brushed my teeth," Chen Yinuo said.

"Okay then!" Ye Chen nodded.

Then he asked, "By the way, have Li Fei and Song Yu moved into the house opposite us?"

"They've all moved in. Didn't you tell Wang Meng? He arranged everything according to your instructions. Li Fei and Song Yu are living opposite us, and he, Tang Song, and Zhu Wu are upstairs," Chen Yinuo replied.

"Good, that's fine," Ye Chen said.

"Lao Ye, I'm a little curious. What are the backgrounds of Tang Song, Zhu Wu, and Song Yu? They seem so reserved. Luckily, Li Fei is more down-to-earth!" Chen Yinuo asked curiously.

"Their backgrounds aren't important. What's important is that with them here, I can be completely assured of your safety," Ye Chen said mysteriously.

He himself wasn't even sure about their backgrounds!

But he certainly wouldn't tell Chen Yinuo that.

"I just think our security is a bit excessive, a bit high-profile!" Chen Yinuo hesitated.

Having been ordinary people for so long, they weren't used to such security arrangements.

She had initially thought Ye Chen would just find her a driver and a female bodyguard.

She didn't expect Ye Chen to arrange Li Fei as a close guard and add Tang Song and Song Yu.

"It's better to be safe than sorry. More precautions are always good!"

Ye Chen joked, "Have you seen those celebrities? They travel with a large group of bodyguards clearing the way. Compared to them, what's this?"

Chen Yinuo smiled helplessly and glared at him. "That's different!"

"As long as I can ensure your and Youyou's safety, no matter how big or high-profile the security is, I'll do it! I even want to upgrade our car to a bulletproof Hongqi. Oh, and you said you were going to buy company cars. Don't buy Stellars. Buy Hongqis!" Ye Chen said with a smile.

"Since the Stellar brake failure incident, I haven't considered them. I also had the same idea as you to buy Hongqis! But you said to change our car to a bulletproof one... Are you serious?" Chen Yinuo was stunned.

"I'm serious. It's better to be prepared. Not only do we need to change, but we also need to prepare one for Tong Zhen. Who knows if those from the US and ASML will do something desperate in their frustration!" Ye Chen said seriously.

Seeing his expression, Chen Yinuo hesitated and finally nodded, smiling, "Okay, I'll do as you say!"

"Okay, you should go back to your room first. I'll do the dishes. Let's go to bed early tonight and take Youyou to Huainan International Kindergarten tomorrow!"

The snow lotus bird's nest soup in the bowl was finished. Ye Chen picked up the empty bowl and stood up.