Chapter 360: Chapter 358: Distinguished Features on the Body
Jian Xi was inwardly shocked but kept her composure. "Okay, I got it. Let me think about it."
Si Yuhuan had once said that the more disadvantaged the situation, the less one could afford to panic; otherwise, one would fall into the enemy’s trap with no way out. At this critical moment, she remembered these words.
Jian Xi returned to her office and carefully reviewed her elder brother’s notes, comparing them against the partnership proposal documents Secretary Lin had brought her.
The order was with Zhuoyue Technology. The entire order was divided into three phases, with the preliminary order volume for the first phase reaching four hundred million.
For the electronic chip industry, this order was neither exceptionally large nor small, but it carried significant weight. It was no wonder her elder brother had set his sights on it and spent several months preparing.
The chip in question was an innovative first-generation model developed by Luo You during his time at Haohan Group. The patent rights for the second generation belonged to Luo You, while Jian Group was supporting his research into the third generation.
The most significant advantage of the chips Luo You developed was that each generation was distinct. While they relied on one another, they were also separable. Insiders could see the ingenuity, whereas outsiders like Jian Xi could only perceive him as a genius scientific inventor.
The first generation, however, had been developed four years ago, making it slightly outdated in the rapidly evolving chip era. Nevertheless, its low cost and good performance meant many companies still adopted it. Zhuoyue Technology was one such company that required a large quantity of these chips.
However, Zhuoyue’s electronics production also had an alternative: the new generation of chips from Tianyao Group. Luo You had participated in the performance research and development of this generation, addressing its deficiencies and even making breakthroughs. Consequently, Tianyao Group’s Tianyao first-generation chips were very competitive in the market.
A chip from four years ago: low-priced and good performance, but it will be completely replaced within three to four years. A chip newly developed this year: somewhat more expensive but with stronger performance, and it can be continuously upgraded for use. This means the chip can be reused in the future. After the materials are recycled, they can be utilized again. That’s quite innovative! It’s enough to attract attention; no wonder Zhuoyue Technology would consider changing partners.
Jian Xi bit the end of her pen. "I have to say, Luo You is really amazing. His chip from four years ago is still unbeaten, and with just a few pointers, he could elevate Tianyao Group’s chip by an entire tier."
Secretary Lin gave a wry smile. "By the same token, he’s also created a formidable rival for us. Just the fact that it has relatively higher performance and can be recycled for secondary use is enough to make everyone scramble for it."
Jian Xi’s expression remained calm. She wasn’t flustered by the pressure from a strong competitor. This alone deeply impressed Secretary Lin. If it were any other woman, she probably would have been hopping mad by now. He had forgotten, after all, under whose guidance Jian Xi had been tempered.
"I would like to meet with the CEO of Zhuoyue Technology."
Seeking help from the Si Family without even trying on her own was something she truly couldn’t bring herself to do. She now had to try her utmost, in her own way, to salvage this partnership.
Secretary Lin sent the itinerary for Zhuoyue’s CEO, Yang Jinyu, for the next five days to Jian Xi’s phone.
Jian Xi gave him a thumbs-up. He truly was her elder brother’s right-hand man. Based on that alone, he was worth her elder brother’s special regard.
Jian Xi picked up her coat. "I’ll take action tonight. Wait for my word."
Excitement tinted Secretary Lin’s normally serious face. "Understood!"
Jian Xi took the opportunity to go back and see Yinyin. Since her parents knew she had "returned to the country," she felt she’d miss out too much if she didn’t see her daughter.
She clung to Yinyin, unwilling to let go. The little one had gotten much chubbier. Her little hands were plump, and her face was round and chubby, feeling like cotton candy when squeezed. Jian Xi felt as if her whole heart was melting.
Her parents kept pressing beside her, "When will you bring Mingming back? We miss him terribly! We haven’t seen him since he was born and don’t even know if he’s okay. You won’t even give us a photo; you’re really being stingy."
Jian Xi’s eyes reddened as she listened.
Forget her parents; she hadn’t seen him herself. Two months had flown by. Yinyin was so healthy, but what about Mingming? Had he suffered? She had tried to probe Xinxin indirectly, but that woman was very tight-lipped. Even in a cooperative stance, she held herself with such aloofness, unwilling to say an extra word unless Si Yuhuan asked... That’s right! I need to find an opportunity for Si Yuhuan to use a "honey trap." Perhaps that way, I might learn about Mingming’s current situation.
"Alright, Mom and Dad! Another day, I’ll definitely let you see Mingming!"
Once she brought Mingming back, the family would be reunited, never to be separated again.
The news sensationalized the panic. Jian Group was clashing with Tianyao Group, and alarming headlines suggesting Jian Group’s precarious future appeared frequently. Jian Xi’s parents saw this and couldn’t help but ask.
Jian Xi played dumb. "It’s just a business strategy to confuse the enemy. Rest assured," she said reassuringly.
"Hmm." Father Jian didn’t ponder it much. His daughter and son were both capable. If they couldn’t fix the issues, there was no use in him worrying unnecessarily. His open-minded attitude alone was leagues ahead of many other parents.
"Miss, you’re back." Suoya had come to the old family home to take care of Yinyin. She was earnestly seeking redemption. Jian Xi’s mother had mentioned multiple times that Suoya was almost incessantly caring for Yinyin, reacting with urgency to even the slightest change in her condition, more nervous than even the grandparents. This led everyone to praise Suoya as a good nanny.
"You’ve come just in time. I have something to discuss with you," Jian Xi said.
Jian Xi pulled Suoya into her room.
Suoya knelt down once again. "I’m sorry, Miss Jian. It’s all my fault that Mingming hasn’t been rescued yet. Your parents are so worried. You haven’t seen how they pour all their love onto Yinyin, mentioning Mingming every day."
Jian Xi forced a smile.
She was more heartbroken than anyone. But the most pressing matter was ensuring Mingming’s health and safety. Only then could they bring him back unharmed.
"Stand up first." Jian Xi helped Suoya up, not letting her continue to kneel. "You originally had good intentions, and this incident can’t be entirely blamed on you."
She was genuinely furious, and a part of her really wanted to kill Suoya. But what good would that do? It would be pointless! She had to give Suoya a chance to make amends.
"The reason I called you in today was to ask you, since you’re the only one who has seen Mingming, if he has any distinguishing features?" Jian Xi asked.
Suoya bit her lip, deep in thought. "None that I can recall."
"The only distinguishing feature is that he looks very much like you."
Jian Xi sighed. Still the same answer. She took a deep breath.
"Think carefully. I might have a chance to slip in and see Mingming, just for a moment. I’m terrified I might not recognize him," Jian Xi said, her voice choked with emotion.
Her own son, whom she had never even held. Guilt flooded her heart, an agony so profound it felt like she could neither live nor die.
"Miss Jian, I remember now! Mingming has a tiny black mole on his hand!"
Her son had a black mole on his hand!
Jian Xi’s eyes lit up. "Okay, I understand."
Watching Jian Xi’s retreating back, Suoya clenched her fists tightly. "Si Junyan, you bastard! Sooner or later, I’ll make you pay!"