Su Jie thought about it, and indeed it was so.
The more technology developed, the more the wealthy—with access to top-tier technology—would become increasingly powerful.
This was different from ancient times. In antiquity, even an emperor who ruled the world was still subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death. But today, the most cutting-edge medicine could theoretically even perform head transplants.
Moreover, Su Jie had been exposed to the most advanced life sciences laboratories, which contained many strange and unusual research techniques. In particular, the genetic engineering projects—Larry had poured over ten billion US dollars into hiring many scientists, hoping to alter human genes and make people immune to disease.
Though it was unknown whether this project would succeed, if it did within the next twenty or thirty years, Larry would certainly be the first to benefit.
Beyond that, people like Feng Hengyi and Liu Guan had also grown up with immense wealth from their fathers, receiving the best training from birth to reach their current levels.
Some said success came from one’s own effort. But a child at birth had no concept of effort or lack thereof. If the best education experts raised them, they would naturally become disciplined, hardworking, and ambitious individuals.
Su Jie had risen from humble origins. Though his father Su Shilin had a mysterious identity and his mother Xu Ying was the daughter of a wealthy family, Su Shilin had never taught him martial arts, and Xu Ying had never brought any of her family’s wealth.
But he knew that someone like him was impossible to replicate.
Whereas people like Feng Hengyi and Liu Guan were replicable.
“I’d like to hear your thoughts on how Hedao Group should develop in the future,” Liu Shi asked again. He felt that Su Jie had a sharp mind, an extremely high level of knowledge, and even constructive opinions. His martial skill was one thing, his research ability impressive, but he also understood business quite well.
Since there was nothing else to do, asking might yield some fresh insights.
“Hedao Group does finance, e-commerce, cloud computing and data, artificial intelligence, and entertainment. But it’s all basically light assets, with enormous cash flow and easy to pivot. You’re also actively expanding overseas—your global business is better than Mingxia Group’s. But Mingxia’s entertainment industry is far ahead of yours, so your strategy of acquiring Haoyu’s entertainment assets is sound,” Su Jie said. “However, I think you should consolidate a bit more and invest more in technology. Though technology burns money and shows results slowly—your stock price and returns might dip in the short term—it will ensure longevity and give you core competitiveness in the future.”
“I understand that too. Starting three years ago, I increased R&D investment in technology, focusing mainly on artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, talent is scarce,” Liu Shi said. “If I increase it further, the shareholders will put tremendous pressure on me. I no longer have the energy to argue with shareholders, which is why I want to find a capable person to handle them.”
“So you’re looking for a knife?” Su Jie knew Liu Shi was a wily old fox.
Liu Shi laughed. “Exactly. Right now, I need a knife to get things done. If Wen Ting can close the Haoyu deal, then he qualifies to be my successor.”
“In the end, this successor will be demoted to placate the masses, won’t he?” Su Jie knew this was the same old trick throughout history. “But be careful—raising a tiger can lead to disaster.”
“That’s why I’m telling you all this,” Liu Shi said. “If you’re willing to help me, then there’s no worry about raising a tiger.”
Seeing Su Jie remain silent, Liu Shi continued, “If Wen Ting is in cahoots with the Feng family, then you have no reason to refuse me.”
“Fine.”
Su Jie agreed.
He knew that this old fox, Liu Shi, was suspicious of his daughter’s fiancé, Wen Ting, and had perhaps even uncovered some evidence. This was a confidential matter, yet he was sharing it with Su Jie—because he valued Su Jie’s abilities, and because of Su Jie’s grudge with the Feng family. He was also using Su Jie.
But that was fine—this was what Su Jie wanted. Using Liu Shi’s power against the Feng family had at least achieved the first strategic objective.
It had just come much faster than expected.
Originally, Su Jie had thought it would take at least half a year to gain Liu Shi’s trust and proceed step by step. He had not expected Liu Shi to have such keen judgment, making the decision decisively and approaching Su Jie himself.
This showed Liu Shi’s unique insight.
Su Jie had been unable to gain any traction with Xia Shang.
On one hand, Xia Shang had not recognized Su Jie’s value. On the other, their personalities simply did not click.
Sometimes, affinity was a very important thing.
The two talked for a while longer. Early the next morning, Liu Shi flew back to China. Su Jie accompanied him, not waiting for Old Chen and the others. Old Chen, after finishing the Tai Chi martial arts exchange conference, still had to network with various schools, especially some foreign boxing instructors.
Though Su Jie was no longer there to support him, Old Chen was already very satisfied.
Soon, Su Jie arrived in B City.
As soon as they disembarked, a large group of people came to greet them. This was Liu Shi’s private jet.
Among the greeters were a great many security personnel—it seemed the news of the assassination attempt had not reached the outside media, but the internal circle already knew.
Security had been visibly reinforced.
However, the security personnel and executives at the airport noticed Su Jie staying close beside Liu Shi, never leaving his side, and were puzzled. But they dared not ask, knowing their boss was not in a good mood.
Previously, Jin Xin had always been at Liu Shi’s side, but he was nowhere to be seen.
“You’re also responsible for Larry’s security. Now take a look—what weaknesses does my security team have?” Liu Shi and Su Jie got into a Mercedes-Maybach business vehicle—Liu Shi’s preference.
The car was spacious inside and lavishly appointed, indeed suitable for a boss.
Su Jie and Liu Shi sat in the back.
This was arranged personally by Liu Shi, which made the executives who had come to greet him even more curious.
“Larry’s security team are all battle-hardened soldiers with rich counter-terrorism experience. They carry advanced communication devices, and Larry has his own satellite that can connect to every corner for real-time monitoring and analysis. Their AI facial recognition system can instantly identify people carrying weapons or those who are suspicious among millions in a city. That’s something you simply cannot match,” Su Jie said bluntly but very objectively. “Your security team members are essentially just slightly burlier men who know some fighting and grappling, capable of handling ordinary emergencies. But against snipers or skilled assassins, they’re practically useless.”
“My security team is hired from Jinchen Security—they’re already highly professional,” Liu Shi said. “Northern Nine Tripods, Southern Jinchen—these are the two best security companies in the country.”
“With all due respect, neither of these security companies is particularly good. Compared to Larry’s security, they’re like children,” Su Jie said. “The security company I recommended would be better.”
Zhang Manman had gone independent and was also doing security work.
Su Jie wanted to persuade Liu Shi to invest.
“I can give it a try,” Liu Shi nodded. “But after the assassination attempt in Japan, I’ve changed my thinking. I want to cultivate my own security personnel. Would you be interested in training them? I’ll pay for this myself, separate from Hedao Group—otherwise the shareholders would start grumbling again.”
“You trust me to handle this?” Su Jie asked.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Liu Shi countered. “At the very least, with your level of attainment, you wouldn’t bother with petty tricks. Besides, you are very valuable to me. Even if I lose money, I want to keep you close.”
Liu Shi spoke very directly, very bluntly.
He also knew that speaking this plainly in front of Su Jie was actually more reassuring.
“Then select a group of people yourself and send them abroad for training. About a year should be enough for them to learn various counter-terrorism skills. Your safety would improve by at least thirty percent,” Su Jie said.
“Also, if you can teach my son to reach your level, I would have no regrets,” Liu Shi said.
“I don’t have that ability,” Su Jie said. “This can’t be mass-produced—it depends on one’s own realization. I can be his coach, but what he becomes is up to his own fortune.”
“After it’s done, I will reward you handsomely,” Liu Shi nodded.
Su Jie fell silent, but his mind was racing with calculations.
Liu Shi was playing a game of chess. His daughter, his daughter’s fiancé Wen Ting, his son, and even Su Jie himself were all pieces in it.
First, Liu Shi had never intended for his daughter Liu Xiaoguo to marry Wen Ting. But Wen Ting was indeed talented, so Liu Shi used him as a knife to deal with many shareholders. Once that was done, he would “kill” him to placate the masses. At the same time, he would use Su Jie to train Liu Guan—if Liu Guan reached the exceptional realm, he could take over the company.
It was very likely that after Wen Ting completed his role as the knife, Liu Guan would be the one to deal with him—taking the fruits and also reassuring the public.
“Still, this makes me want to see what kind of person Wen Ting is. Anyone well-versed in history would understand the art of rulership. With Wen Ting’s background, he should be able to see through this,” Su Jie thought. “Liu Shi definitely won’t let his daughter marry someone without connections. At this level, it has to be a proper match.”
Matching social status was an ancient concept, but even in modern times, it remained very important.
Especially since Liu Shi practiced Tai Chi and accepted its traditional culture and Confucian principles.
Liu Shi was also wary of this cheap son-in-law of his, which was why he had brought Su Jie in to keep an eye on him. Otherwise, he would never have said so much.
*This old fox has so many schemes—I really have to be careful not to be outmaneuvered.* Su Jie had no intention of harming anyone. He could allow himself to be used, but absolutely would not let himself be discarded after the bridge was crossed.
He also had not expected that in just two or three days, he would be drawn into Liu Shi’s family affairs. And he had no choice but to be involved, because it also implicated the Feng family.
The key figure in all of this was just one person—Wen Ting.
The car slowly came to a stop in front of Hedao Group’s headquarters.
Several people were waiting at the entrance.
“Look, that’s my prospective son-in-law, Wen Ting.” Before getting out, Liu Shi pointed out a young man to Su Jie through the car window.