Chapter 49: Just a Clown Show

In Room One, the tea fragrance drifted gently.

Deputy Director Zhou of the High-Tech Industry Division at the National Development and Reform Commission was a middle-aged man around fifty, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and exuding an elegant, scholarly air, yet his eyes behind the lenses revealed sharpness and competence. He came alone, without attendants, and adopted a humble posture.

"Mr. Qin, I've long admired your reputation. I apologize for this unexpected visit." Deputy Director Zhou rose to shake Qin Feng's hand, smiling warmly with not a trace of bureaucratic arrogance.

"Deputy Director Zhou, you're too kind. Please sit." Qin Feng responded with neither subservience nor arrogance, guiding the man to his seat.

After a few pleasantries, Deputy Director Zhou cut to the point, his tone filled with praise: "Mr. Qin, young and accomplished—what a grand gesture. 'Qin Feng Venture Capital' focuses on future technologies with a vast vision. In particular, we've noticed your subsidiary 'Galaxy Technology' appears to be positioning itself in cutting-edge chip design, a core domain critical to national industrial security and economic lifelines."

He paused, observing Qin Feng's reaction, then continued: "To be frank, the state places extreme importance on mastering independent, controllable high-end chip technology and has invested heavily. But this path is far from easy. Should Mr. Qin achieve breakthroughs in this field, it would be a great service to both nation and people."

Qin Feng listened silently, saying nothing, waiting for the man to reveal his true hand.

Seeing Qin Feng's unshakable composure, Deputy Director Zhou dropped the pretense and spoke seriously: "I've come here on behalf of relevant departments to convey a message to you and 'Galaxy Technology': the state supports and encourages visionary individuals and outstanding enterprises like you to tackle key core technologies. Within policy limits, we can offer 'Galaxy Technology' conveniences and support—including land, tax incentives, talent recruitment, and even partial R&D funding. Of course, the precondition is that core technologies must remain within the country, and related outcomes must align with the nation's overall strategic interests."

This was an olive branch—and an invisible constraint. The authorities recognized Qin Feng's immense potential and energy, and sought to guide it toward strategic directions the state needed, while ensuring this power remained under control.

"Thank you for the state's trust and support," Qin Feng smiled faintly. "'Galaxy Technology's' original intent has always been to build world-leading chip technology of our own. This aligns perfectly with the state's interests. We welcome cooperation and are willing to share outcomes with domestic industrial chains, provided it adheres to commercial principles."

His reply was flawless—expressing willingness to cooperate while emphasizing autonomy and commercial integrity, without fully placing himself under state direction.

Deputy Director Zhou's eyes flickered with surprise, then softened into a deeper smile. He had met many entrepreneurs, but among the young, few could remain so calm and independent when faced with such high-level official overtures.

"With those words from Mr. Qin, we are reassured," Deputy Director Zhou nodded with a smile. "We'll have our teams liaise with your assistants on the specifics. We look forward to 'Galaxy Chip' debuting soon and stunning the world."

The meeting ended in a friendly, harmonious atmosphere. After seeing Deputy Director Zhou off, Su Wenqian and Tang Rou entered.

"Boss, the government's support is stronger than we expected—it will save us tremendous time and policy costs," Tang Rou analyzed. "But correspondingly, we'll be under brighter spotlights and stricter scrutiny."

"No matter," Qin Feng waved dismissively. "Each side gets what it needs. We want results. The process doesn't matter."

As they spoke, Lin Wei's encrypted communication came through, her voice crisp and cold: "Boss, we've hit trouble acquiring 'Deep Sea Exploration.'"

'Deep Sea Exploration' was the company Qin Feng had selected—a global leader in deep-sea operational technology.

"Go on."

"An offshore fund registered in the Cayman Islands, 'Neptune Investment,' suddenly intervened, outbidding us by 30% and forcibly snatching away our nearly finalized acquisition," Lin Wei spoke rapidly. "Their capital is immense, and they seem to know our moves inside out—the timing was flawless. I suspect a mole, or that our communications are being monitored."

"'Neptune Investment'?" Qin Feng's gaze grew cold. "Have you traced their background?"

"We're investigating, but they're deeply hidden, with layered structures—we can't yet identify the ultimate beneficiaries. Still, this tactic resembles the old tricks of certain international capital giants, designed to block our entry into the deep-sea sector," Lin Wei analyzed.

Almost simultaneously, a news alert popped up on Qin Feng's Tablet Computer, its headline sensational:

【Mysterious Eastern Billionaire Qin Feng Foiled in Deep Sea? 'Neptune Investment' Makes Bold Move, Demonstrates Capital Power!】

The article, couched in seemingly objective language, described how 'Neptune Investment' had "defeated" the rising star Qin Feng, subtly mocking his overreach.

Su Wenqian and Tang Rou saw the article too; their expressions darkened. Clearly, this was a deliberate leak meant to damage Qin Feng's reputation.

The atmosphere in the study grew heavy.

Yet Qin Feng, staring at the article, did not show anger—instead, a faint, mocking smile appeared on his face.

He picked up his now-lukewarm tea, took a small sip, as if reading trivial gossip.

"Boss?" Lin Wei's voice held confusion on the other end.

Qin Feng set down the teacup, his tone detached, as if looking down upon the world:

"Don't mind it."

"Just a clown show."

"The deep-sea exploration vessels—we'll build them ourselves. The technology—we'll develop it ourselves."

His gaze swept over Su Wenqian, Tang Rou, and Lin Wei on the line, his voice low but radiating absolute confidence to reshape the rules:

"They think stealing a small skiff can stop us from conquering the ocean?"

"Wrong."

"What I've never wanted was a ready-made ship."

"What I want is to build an invincible fleet capable of crushing all opposition, reaching straight into the abyss!"