C35

Song Xuan said to Li, "I've read your proposal and it is quite interesting. How did you know about the subunit?"

Li replied tersely, "Research."

Song Xuan said, "It is not easy to find out about the subunit."

Li replied, "Not for me."

Looking at the youth in front of him Song Xuan thought to himself- 'Interesting!'

From the moment Yang Li entered his office, Song Xuan had been observing him closely. The youth was wearing casual clothes. He was moving at a leisurely pace while observing everything in his office.

Song Xuan was one of the richest persons in the country. Even CEOs of top conglomerates had to be respectful to him.

However, Yang Li was unperturbed by Song Xuan's presence. In fact, the youth seemed to be indifferent to his presence. Song Xuan felt a little disgruntled but he didn't show it.

Song Xuan asked, "What is the benefit for us if we sign the contract."

Yang Li replied, "It is a 200 million dollars project. It will be a huge business even by NI standards."

Song Xuan said, "We don't lack big projects."

Yang Li replied, "It never hurts to have more."

Song Xuan said, "Not Enough."

Yang Li said, "Then what do you want?"

Song Xuan said, "If you come to work for NI, I will sign the contract right now."

Li smirked, "How much will you pay me?"

Song Xuan felt happy and wrote something on a piece of paper and showed it to him.

Yang Li said, "Do you think I lack this amount of money when I am offering you a business of 200 million dollars."

It took a moment for Song Xuan to process his reply but when he did, he was stunned by its implications.

Song Xuan thought for a moment and said, "I will give you an answer in two days."

Li said, "Then I shall take my leave. It was nice meeting you." Saying that he got up and left the office.

After he left the office Song Xuan processed all that had happened today. He then took out his phone and called a number.

When the person picked up the call Song Xuan said, "I want detailed information on a person..."

After 2 days Yang Li got a call saying his proposal was accepted and the work would begin in a week.

Two and a half months later-

It was the day of the PG exam of Mei and Shishi. Li dropped them at their exam center on his way to the workshop.

It had been over 2 months since the construction of the research facility had started. According to the estimates, it would take another 4 months to complete the facility.

The construction of his workshop had also started a month ago. He had personally assembled a team and started the work. The Bureau had aided him. Li provided the team with the design and his inputs. Since then, he had been overseeing the work.

He dropped the girls at the examination center and went to the workshop. When he reached the site, he checked on the progress. He was satisfied. At this rate, the workshop would be completed within a year. After giving them further instructions and resolving their issues, he left the site to pick up the girls.

He reached on time and the girls had just come out of the exam hall. Both of them looked happy.

Yang Li said, "Congratulations."

Yang Mei said, "The results are not out yet."

Yang Li replied, "But that is just a formality."

Shishi was observing their banter from the side and smiled. As usual, Yang Li had full confidence in Mei.

Shishi suddenly spoke, "What about me?"

Yang Li replied, "Looking at the body language you obviously have done well."

Shishi said, "I did well but I'm still only 80 percent confident, the competition for SMC is very high."

Yang Li said to Shishi, "You are being modest. Now, both of you hop in the car, we are going to have a celebratory lunch."

This time they went one of the popular restaurants in the capital- 'The Sapphire.' It was Mei's idea. The restaurant was owned by Ting Niu. She was the wife of Song Xuan.

It was peak hours so it was completely full. They had to wait for 30 minutes to get a table. Yang Li pleaded his sister to switch to another place but she insisted on staying, so they waited in line for their turn.

Suddenly, the manager walked towards them and asked, "Are you Yang Mei and Yang Li??"

Both of them were surprised but they nodded. The manager asked the trio to follow him. They were taken in by a side entrance. When they reached the room, they realized it was the VIP section. However, when they saw a man sitting at the table their doubts were cleared. It was Song Liu. They greeted each other and the trio sat down.

Song Liu had come to meet his mother, when he was about to leave, he noticed the trio standing in the line. He decided to invite them for lunch.

During lunch, they had a cordial conversation. Yang Li was busy on his phone. In the past 3 months, he had taken several consulting jobs. He would advise them and solve their issues over the phone. Although it was another source of revenue, the main objective was to form new connections.

After lunch, they went back to their apartment. The next day Shishi was leaving for Zijin. Both Mei and Shishi were feeling sad and morose.

Yang Li said, "Why are both of you so sad, it's only 3 months."

Both of them glared at him. Mei said, "Not everyone is a loner like you."

Li instantly replied, "Oh! I have friends…. many frien…"

Shishi interrupted him, "Like?"

Li said, "Han Kai."

Yang Mei said, "When did you last talk to him?"

Li replied, "Yesterday." Mei said, "Liar. You haven't talked to him since college."

Yang Li was surprised, "How did you know?!"

Mei smirked and said, "Both Shishi and I talk to him regularly@@@"

Li said with a straight face, "He is studying for his bar exam, so I didn't want to disturb him. That is what a true friend does~!"

Mei scoffed at him and said, "You forgot all about him so don't find excuses…."

Li said, "Whatever!!" and left the room.

Both Mei and Shishi giggled and the gloomy atmosphere completely disappeared.

However, what Li had said was true. The exam results would come out in a month. If they both get the required marks, they would have to report to Stephens Medical College in two months. So, if nothing unexpected happens they would be reunited in 3 months.

A month later, the results were out. There were no surprises. Yang Mei as usual had topped the exam. Shishi had improved and was ranked 4th. Both of them would be going to Stephens for their PG.

The construction for both the facility and the workshop was moving at an impressive speed. The research facility was expected to be completed in two more months. His mother had continuously inspected the facility in the past month. Everything was to her satisfaction. His own workshop would take about 9 more months to complete. Yang Li continued overseeing the construction.

He also started to search for people skilled in networks, AI, and other technologies. He also wanted to find a trusted person who would act as the manager of his workshop.

Soon two more months passed.

Finally, it was the inauguration day when the research facility would officially become operational. His mom had named it – 'Zenith Biotech.'

Yu Rumeng was very happy and satisfied. She was so proud of her children especially her son. When her son had promised that he would open a research facility for her she felt happy but didn't take it to heart. A research facility required huge capital investments and without the backing of the Yang's they were as good as commoners. She knew her son was capable but to acquire capital to open a facility in a short duration was impossible. However, her son had proved her wrong. She had watched his growth over the years and he surprised her at every turn.

Finally, she had a place where she could fully utilize her talents. Over the past few years although she had been working in different facilities that were all small-scale facilities. They were underfunded and only engaged in small projects. The Yang's had ensured that no major facility hired her.

She was also aware of her son's intention to commercialize if her research was suitable. She decided to also work on those areas which could be commercialized easily along with her own projects.

Only a few close friends and family were present.

Shishi had changed her plans because of this event. She arrived a day early for the event. She and Mei would go to Stephens together the next day. Han Kai had also arrived a few days ago after giving his Bar exams. He was living with Li.

Apart from them, there were a few people from Nexus International, a few of Yu Rumeng's acquaintances, and a few people from Bureau 107.

It was a small gathering for a project worth more than 200 million dollars.

After the event ended everyone gathered at the penthouse apartment including their mother. Everyone was chatting and having a good time and they were discussing their future plans.

Yang Li asked Kai, "So what are your plans now?"

Kai said, "After I get my license I will intern under my father. Then I will find a company which is suitable."

He looked at Li seriously and said, "If you want to hire me, I can give you a special friend's discount."

Li looked at him blankly and said, "Get lost. If I have to spend money then I will hire your father, won't I?."

Immediately Kai changed his tone and whined, "Okay, I will not charge you anything but you have to hire me and not my father."

He didn't notice as Li secretly recorded his words. In the future, he would always play this recording whenever Kai asked for money.

Kai had specialized in corporate law just like his father.

His father's law firm HanXi was headquartered in Zijin but had a branch in Cinea. Kai would undergo his internship in this branch.

Both Mei and Shishi were excited to go to Stephens the next day.

Finally, their mother retired to her room. Mei and Shishi also went to their rooms to complete any last-minute preparations. The boys also talked for some time before retiring to their rooms.