Beijing.

In a high-end residential area.

Li Yuange was genuinely on the verge of losing her mind this time.

Someone called her in the middle of the night, disturbing her peaceful sleep, only to say, "You can go back to sleep now."

What kind of person is this!

This is supposedly some so-called "genius" with hundreds of billions in cash assets, someone blindly worshipped and followed by her younger brother, Li Changfeng?

Huff

Once that sleepy haze faded,

Li Yuange, wearing a seductive silk nightgown, ran her fingers through her long hair.

She tossed herself out of bed.

She walked to the window and pulled open the curtains.

With the moonlight streaming in, she redialed Ye Chen's number.

"Mr. Ye, it's not going to make a difference for a few more minutes, you said—"

"Ah?"

Ye Chen, who was about to leave his study, paused for a moment.

He didn't indulge in unnecessary small talk.

Instead, he directly said, "The Jiangzhou Semiconductor Research Institute reached out to me, wanting to collaborate with our Tenglong Technology on the 7nm chip project!"

"Jiangzhou Semiconductor Research Institute? The 7nm chip project?" Li Yuange immediately shook off the last remnants of sleep.

However, there was no excitement or enthusiasm. Instead, her brow furrowed deeply.

"What's the matter?" Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off.

"I've heard of this 7nm chip development project from Jiangzhou before, but no one has any faith in it because, with the current domestic level, it's simply not feasible to undertake such a leap in development! If you want to be polite, it's ambitious, but if you want to be blunt, it's overreaching. In terms of scientific research, especially in the chip field, wanting to achieve an instant breakthrough is unrealistic. More often than not, it ends with failure and disappointment. There have been countless examples of this in recent years!"

Li Yuange's voice became serious. "Also, from what I know, a few companies have already collaborated with Jiangzhou Semiconductor on this project, but they all pulled out in the end! I didn't expect they'd come to you, Mr. Ye."

Unbeknownst to her, Ye Chen spoke with calm certainty. "I've seen their project proposal. I think it's worth collaborating on."

If these were the kinds of projects Ye Chen had come across in his past memories—ones that had no notable reputation—he would've dismissed them outright.

But Xingxing II was a turning point in the Chinese chip industry, so he wasn't about to pass up this opportunity.

"Mr. Ye, are you really planning to collaborate with the Jiangzhou Semiconductor Research Institute on this 7nm chip project?"

Li Yuange was stunned.

Her frown deepened.

"Yes, I'll go to the capital tomorrow to meet you. Take a look at the proposal. I've made some changes and added a few ideas. Familiarize yourself with the project, and once you're ready, you can meet with the Jiangzhou Institute to discuss the cooperation!" Ye Chen said decisively.

This left Li Yuange in a moment of silence.

Truthfully, she not only thought the collaboration was unreliable, but she also suspected that the Jiangzhou Semiconductor Research Institute was desperate for funds and thought they could trick money out of Ye Chen by using this so-called 7nm chip project.

To her, this was entirely unrealistic. In terms of scientific research and technology—especially in the chip field—the current state of technology in China was far from capable of achieving such a "shortcut" development.

It wasn't about underestimating herself, but rather maintaining a sense of rationality.

But at that moment, with Ye Chen's resolve, she gave up on pouring more cold water on the idea.

She even overlooked the part where Ye Chen mentioned, "I've made some changes and added a few ideas."

"Alright, we'll talk more when we meet. However, if it's just about this matter, Mr. Ye, there's no need for you to come to Beijing. I can meet you in Jiangzhou instead!" Li Yuange said.

"No need. I don't have anything pressing to do. It's no trouble for me to take a few hours' flight." Ye Chen replied.

"Okay then, send me your flight information tomorrow. I'll pick you up at the airport!" Li Yuange said.

With a response,

Ye Chen hung up the phone.

He then bought his flight ticket to Beijing with a casual click.

As he'd said, there was no harm in being a bit idle.

The next day.

After telling Chen Yinuo about his trip to Beijing,

Ye Chen packed only the Xingxing II project proposal and headed for the capital.

By midday,

He was already sitting in the passenger seat of Li Yuange's Range Rover.

"Mr. Ye, should we head directly to the company, or...?"

Li Yuange asked as she drove onto the airport expressway.

"Perfect timing for lunch. Let's go to Restaurant A. We can finish discussing the chip project there." Ye Chen replied.

"A? Doesn't that need a reservation?" Li Yuange was slightly surprised, glancing at him with a peculiar expression.

"You won't need one when we get there!"

Noticing the odd look in Li Yuange's eyes, Ye Chen didn't feel the need to explain further.

The reason for going to Restaurant A wasn't to show off,

But because the private area designated for VIPs with the Zijing Black Card was undoubtedly one of the best places to have a serious discussion, other than at the company.

"Alright."

Li Yuange didn't ask more questions.

She smoothly steered the Range Rover toward one of only three Restaurant A locations in China—Beijing, Shanghai, and Jiangzhou.

Let's just say that even for many social elites, the entrance to Restaurant A was a place they couldn't easily access.

When Ye Chen showed his Zijing Black Card at the door,

Li Yuange's delicate face trembled slightly.

"Is this card... from Li Changfeng?"

She was surprised. "He actually gave you this card—this card that holds so much significance?"

Fortunately,

Li Yuange's unusual reaction went unnoticed by Ye Chen.

And soon, she returned to her usual calm demeanor, acting as though she had no idea what the Zijing Black Cardrepresented.

Guided respectfully by the server, they entered the exclusive area reserved for Zijing Black Card holders.

After placing their orders,

Ye Chen pulled out the Xingxing II project proposal.

He got straight to the point, "Take a look at this. It's the proposal from the Jiangzhou Semiconductor Research Institute. I've made some modifications and added a few thoughts."

Li Yuange nodded and took the proposal.

But her face revealed a deep skepticism.

From what she knew, Ye Chen wasn't exactly involved with chip technology, let alone capable of modifying a project proposal from the Jiangzhou Semiconductor Research Institute.

With doubt in her heart,

She began flipping through the proposal.

Little did she know, as soon as she saw it,

Her body stiffened, her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.

Though she wasn't familiar with chip development technology,

As a talent from Beijing's 333 Project and a dual-innovation talent, plus her background as the executive director before Ye Chen acquired the company,

She had encountered plenty of chip projects.

At this moment,

When she saw the detailed content of the proposal, her eyes couldn't look away.

What captivated her wasn't the original proposal,

But the modifications and the comments Ye Chen had added.