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Peng City, Xia Wei Group Headquarters.

Inside a vast conference hall, the many senior executives of the group sat around a table. At the head sat an elderly man named Ren Yunping, the chairman of Xia Wei Group.

To the people of Xia Country, Xia Wei Group was perhaps most famous for its subsidiary’s Honor mobile phones. But in reality, Xia Wei Group’s business operations extended far beyond just communication devices, also encompassing enterprise networks and terminals.

This company was the only one among the Fortune 500 that had not gone public. At the same time, it was also Xia Country’s number one high-tech company.

"Everyone, the main reason I’ve gathered you all here today is to discuss a certain matter. In recent years, our company’s research in the terminal sector has gradually pushed into core-level domains."

Ren Yunping cleared his throat, and instantly, all eyes in the room focused on him.

"We need to understand that this is both a good thing and a bad thing. It’s good because it shows we’ve made tremendous progress, which is a great step forward for our country. However, it’s also bad because the moment we truly step into these core domains, we will inevitably face unprecedented resistance."

As his words fell, the entire room descended into silence.

As directors of Xia Wei Group, they naturally understood what Ren Yunping meant.

In the world today, the United States, as the number one superpower, held a tight grip on various invention patents and core technologies. These were the things the United States valued most—its hardest assets.

And if any company from Xia Country attempted to step into this domain, there would certainly be those who would not allow it!

Take internet companies like Penguin or Baidu, for example. They seemed highly profitable, but the domains they operated in were merely at the software application level.

As for more core areas, such as terminals, Xia Wei Group was currently the only one in Xia Country. This placed the company at the very center of the storm.

"Chairman Ren, I suggest we recruit high-tech talent as soon as possible to accelerate the pace of our research."

A middle-aged man spoke up from the side.

"Correct. That is precisely why I have called you here today."

Ren Yunping nodded, then continued to speak.

"Right now, we haven’t yet attracted the attention of those foreign countries. But as the ancients said, ’It is wise to mend the roof before the rain, not to dig a well only when you are thirsty.’ We must use the time we have now to prepare as much as possible."

A sharp glint shone in Ren Yunping’s eyes. Though old, he didn’t seem the least bit frail or senile; on the contrary, he exuded a sense of soaring fighting spirit.

"Chairman Ren, I believe the biggest problem lies with talent drain. Many of the recent technological hurdles overcome in the United States actually had the involvement of people from our Xia Country."

The middle-aged man who had spoken earlier couldn’t help but sigh.

These things had long been an open secret.

It was like the common online complaint about "celebrities ruining the country"—there was actually some truth to it.

A scientist at a research institute makes less in a year than an actor does for a single film. Who would be willing to stay?

"I think so too. Chen Xuan, I need you to do something. Go to the major universities across the country and discuss plans for joint corporate-academic training programs. As long as we find talented individuals, we can sign them to contracts in advance. And for true talent, we’ll offer high salaries and excellent benefits!"

Ren Yunping slammed his hand on the table as he gave the order.

"I understand."

Chen Xuan nodded.

A flicker of shock and excitement passed through the eyes of the other directors present. They naturally knew what this move symbolized—it meant that Xia Wei Group was finally about to take that step!

At that moment, there was no fear in the hearts of anyone present; instead, there was a sense of excitement.

Because if they succeeded, it would be a tremendous boon not only for Xia Wei Group but for Xia Country as a whole. It could even potentially break the current stalemate in international relations.

...

December 24th.

As the year drew to a close, the weather in Modu grew colder.

In recent years, with the influx of Western culture, this day had been given a new meaning: Christmas Eve.

Ye Ling wasn’t a big fan of these Western holidays. In his view, their popularity was purely a marketing gimmick cooked up by businesses.

It was just like Valentine’s Day. First, there’s a White Day, then a Black Day... Did they wish every single day was some kind of Valentine’s Day?

However, Ning Ruoxi was incredibly excited.

First thing in the morning, Ning Ruoxi dragged Ye Ling out of bed, clamoring about getting ready to celebrate the holiday.

"I’m begging you, missy, can’t you let me sleep a little longer?"

Ye Ling looked at Ning Ruoxi with utter exasperation and sighed.

"This is the first big holiday we’re celebrating since we got together! No more sleeping! Hurry up and get ready, we’re going out to buy stuff for the celebration!"

Ning Ruoxi said, full of energy.

Today, Ning Ruoxi was wearing a beige wrap dress with a coffee-colored coat over it, looking exceptionally elegant and charming.

When the two of them went out, the streets were already a sea of people; it was packed everywhere you looked.

"Look! The shops all have such a great vibe! They all have Christmas trees! Wow, and there’s Santa Claus!"

Ning Ruoxi pointed at a red figure in the distance and cried out in delight.

"It’s all just a marketing gimmick to trick you into spending money today."

Ye Ling, however, just pursed his lips, looking completely unimpressed.

"Hmph! You’re so dense."

Ning Ruoxi glared at Ye Ling, her cheeks puffed out in a pout.

’Honestly, this guy. Can’t he say something else when we’re out shopping?’

After getting that glare from Ning Ruoxi, Ye Ling shut his mouth and just quietly followed the young woman around.

"Quick, come here! Try this on."

Ning Ruoxi walked ahead excitedly, then suddenly came back toward Ye Ling holding something. Without a word, she tried to put it on his head.

"What is this thing?"

Ye Ling dodged instinctively, getting a clear look at what she was holding: a reindeer antler headband.

"Just try it on."

Ning Ruoxi pouted, saying with some dissatisfaction.

"A proud, manly man like me would wear something like this?"

Ye Ling said immediately with a disdainful look.

"You really won’t wear it?"

Ning Ruoxi stood her ground, glaring at Ye Ling.

"Nope."

Ye Ling huffed, completely unaffected by her stare.

"I’ll wear one with you! It’s a matching couple’s set, you know?"

Seeing that threats weren’t working, Ning Ruoxi immediately switched to a coaxing offense. "Honey~? Wear it with me, okay?"

"Not wearing it."

Ye Ling almost agreed on the spot, but he managed to hold back.

"Fine, then. You can go back to your own room tonight."

Ning Ruoxi huffed, saying it as if she couldn’t care less.

At that, Ye Ling’s eyes went wide.

’This damn woman, actually using *that* to threaten me?’

’This is too much!’

’If that’s how it’s going to be, then don’t blame me for what happens next!’

With that thought, Ye Ling snatched the antlers from her hand, and then...

...he put them directly on his head!