Chapter 50: You

As soon as Qin Feng issued the command to "build a fleet," the entire core team sprang into motion like a precision instrument.

Lin Wei coordinated the mobilization of astronomical funds to procure the world's finest specialty steels, pressure-resistant alloys, precision thrusters, and sensor core components, her purchasing scale and boldness once again shaking the international raw materials market.

Tang Rou leveraged her connections to secretly engage with state-affiliated naval design institutes and several manufacturing firms with deep military-industrial backgrounds, negotiating cooperation on design and construction. Thanks to the "goodwill" laid by Deputy Director Zhou of the NDRC, these contacts progressed far more smoothly; though the parties were stunned by Qin Feng's urgent demands and high standards, they swiftly reached an agreement upon seeing the irresistible budget and certain advanced design concepts provided by Star Sea.

Su Wenqian oversaw the entire operation, coordinating resources to ensure seamless integration of all modules.

The technological core was entrusted to "Star Sea" and Gu Qingcheng. "Star Sea," leveraging its immense computational and simulation capabilities, began reverse-engineering and optimizing the technology of existing deepest-diving submersibles (such as the successors to the Trieste), while drawing on scattered knowledge from the Source Technology Imprint regarding materials science and energy shielding to design a novel submersible configuration better suited for extreme high-pressure and unknown environments. Gu Qingcheng, meanwhile, scoured records of lost civilizations for traces of deep-sea exploration, pressure resistance, and possible energy barrier technologies related to the "Official Vessel," providing ancient wisdom to inspire "Star Sea's" design.

Amid this frantic preparation, one weekend afternoon, Qin Feng, granted rare moments of leisure, idly played a Steinway grand piano in the Concert Hall, where his estate housed countless priceless instruments. After acquiring God-Level Music Mastery, this was the first time he fully immersed himself in the music itself. The notes flowing from his fingertips were no longer mere displays of technique, but profound expressions of understanding—of rules, of vibration, of the cosmic harmony—mysterious and moving.

When the piece ended, crisp applause echoed through the empty Concert Hall.

Qin Feng turned and saw Xia Yunge standing at the doorway, dressed in a simple, elegant dress, her face filled with awe and a hint of shyness.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Qin, I… I told Sister Su I was coming, and she said you were here. I couldn't resist, so I…" She looked like a child who had done something wrong, afraid she had disturbed Qin Feng.

"It's fine," Qin Feng said, unbothered. "What is it?"

Xia Yunge stepped forward, her eyes shining: "I came to deliver an invitation. Next Wednesday evening, there's a solo concert of mine at the National Grand Theatre—it means a great deal to me… I'd like to invite you to attend." She offered a beautifully designed invitation with both hands, her expression filled with cautious hope.

At that moment, the light at the Concert Hall doorway darkened.

A tall, slender figure leaned against the doorframe, his tone casual yet edged with subtle sharpness: "Oh, what a coincidence?"

Qin Feng looked up. The man appeared to be in his late twenties, dressed in casually elegant attire with impeccable tailoring, his features handsome, a wry smile on his lips, his gaze deep as if able to pierce the soul. Simply standing there, he radiated a unique aura—utterly distinct from Han Minghao's flamboyant aristocratic arrogance.

Xia Yunge visibly froze, her brow slightly furrowed: "Ye… Brother Ye? What are you doing here?"

The man addressed as "Brother Ye" did not answer Xia Yunge directly. Instead, his gaze passed over her and settled squarely on Qin Feng—assessing, yet with a hint of interest, like a chessmaster encountering a worthy opponent.

"It seems Yun Ge invited more than just me," he smiled, stepping inside with unhurried grace. "Let me introduce myself—Ye Lingyun."

As he stated his name, his eyes locked onto Qin Feng, observing his reaction.

Ye Lingyun—this name, within the highest circles of the Capital, represented an entirely different kind of power. He was no mere playboy; his personal abilities were formidable, and at such a young age, he wielded considerable influence in sensitive and critical fields. His family's roots ran deep and were immeasurably powerful. He was Xia Yunge's childhood friend and brother, and within their circle, he was universally recognized as the one most likely to end up with her. Compared to Han Minghao, he was the true force lurking behind the scenes—the one with the actual authority to say, "Xia Yunge is not someone you can covet."

Clearly, Han Minghao's downfall and Xia Yunge's unusually intense attention toward Qin Feng had finally drawn this man's notice. The fact that he had located this place without prior notice spoke volumes.

Xia Yunge's expression grew tense and awkward. She had not expected Ye Lingyun to appear suddenly, and feared Qin Feng might misunderstand.

Qin Feng looked at Ye Lingyun, his face utterly expressionless—no surprise, no wariness—only a faint nod, a simple acknowledgment.

Ye Lingyun stepped beside the piano, his fingers lightly brushing the glossy lid, his gaze still fixed on Qin Feng, his tone curious: "That piece you just played… was extraordinary. I've heard countless masters, but never before felt this… this resonance, as if the very environment responded. Mr. Qin, not only do you dominate the business world—your musical mastery is truly peerless."

His praise was not empty flattery—it came from genuine feeling.

Qin Feng did not respond to his words. Instead, he picked up the invitation Xia Yunge had placed on the piano, glanced at it, then raised his eyes, his gaze calm as it swept over Xia Yunge, finally settling on Ye Lingyun, his voice flat as he stated a fact:

"You're here too."

Not a question. A confirmation.

The simple sentence caused Ye Lingyun's smile to falter slightly. Qin Feng's demeanor was too calm—so calm that Ye Lingyun's presence seemed no more significant than a potted plant by the door. No hostility. No special attention. Only a pure, indifferent awareness of existence.

This complete lack of distinction—this near-total erasure of his importance—was something Ye Lingyun had never experienced.

Xia Yunge was stunned, glancing between Qin Feng and Ye Lingyun. The atmosphere grew strangely tense.

Ye Lingyun studied Qin Feng deeply, his playful smile fading, replaced by genuine seriousness.

"Yes, I'm here," he nodded, his tone no longer languid. "I wouldn't miss Yun Ge's concert. Perhaps, then, I'll be fortunate enough to hear your music again, Mr. Qin?"

His words were addressed to Xia Yunge, yet clearly aimed as a test for Qin Feng.

Qin Feng set the invitation aside without comment.

"Depends on my mood."