King of Technology: A Fresh Start in 1983

Chung Chiu-fai's open attacks and local bullies' treacherous schemes made the journey south far more dangerous than imagined!

Zhao Xiaobo immediately dialed the number for Huilongguan: "Brother Jianghe! There's progress in Guangzhou, but also some trouble..."

He gave a detailed report, focusing on Boss Ma's proposal and his own refusal.

On the other end of the phone, Chen Jianghe was silent for a moment, then said in a steady voice, "Xiao Bo, you did the right thing! Tiangong would rather not set foot in Guangzhou than get involved with that dirty stuff!"

"Technology is our foundation, and cleanliness is our bottom line! Continue along your path! Take it one step at a time! We'll tackle the tough challenges with our products and services!"

"Remember, behind us are products, a reputation, and, most importantly, solid technology!"

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Xiaobo took a deep breath and opened the window of the guesthouse.

The humid, hot wind of Guangzhou hits you, carrying the hustle and bustle of the city and the salty smell of the ocean.

...

After the Spring Festival in 1986, a registered letter from Hong Kong was sent to the Tiangong Factory in Huilongguan.

The envelope was elegant, and the signature was in English: Horizon Technology Investment Ltd.

"Horizon Robotics Investment Company?!"

Chen Jianghe was taken aback!

He immediately opened it, and inside was a beautifully produced investment intention document in both Chinese and English.

The core content of the letter of intent caught Chen Jianghe completely off guard!

I. Investment Target: Tiangong Precision Electronics Processing Plant, including the [Pangu Card] brand and technology.

II. Phase I investment amount: US$300 million.

Chen Jianghe paused for a moment.

"Based on the exchange rate at that time, it was equivalent to more than 1000 million yuan..."

He took a deep breath and continued reading…

III. Investment Method: Acquisition of 70% equity in Tiangong.

IV. Supplementary Terms and Conditions:

Tiangong founders Chen Jianghe and Zhou Yuguang, along with key team members, own 30% of the new company's shares, but they must sign a service agreement with the new company for more than five years.

The patents and subsequent research and development results of the Pangu Card technology belong to the new company.

The new company will bring in an international management team to be responsible for day-to-day financial management and market expansion, with a focus on overseas markets.

We also provide comprehensive legal support and settlement solutions for patent disputes involving [Zhongka].

...

Signature: Victor Lam.

This is Lin Jianye's English name!

A blatant conspiracy!

Absolute controlling stake and ownership of technology!

Once accepted, Tiangong will become a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary.

Chen Jianghe and Zhou Yuguang will become high-level employees.

The hard-earned technological achievements will belong to others!

Chen Jianghe's eyes were icy cold.

Lin Jianye has finally shown his true colors!

The guise of "cooperation" has been torn off, revealing the fangs of capital!

After Ziyunxuan's attempt at a "joint venture" failed, he directly launched a strong acquisition plan!

Three million dollars was an astronomical figure in 1986, enough to tempt anyone!

But what Chen Jianghe saw was not money, but a future where Tiangong's soul had been drained!

"wishful thinking!"

Chen Jianghe slammed the letter of intent on the table. "As a project supported by special funds from Department D, Tiangong does not rule out financing for the Pangu Card."

"But we must guarantee absolute control! Technological dominance must be in our own hands!"

However, Lin Jianye's shadow did not dissipate as a result.

A week later, even worse news arrived.

Zhou Yuguang approached Chen Jianghe with a grave expression: "Xiao Chen, things are a bit troublesome with Department X."

"What's wrong, Engineer Zhou?"

"The research collaboration grant I applied for, intended for purchasing a used imported automatic chip mounter... has been blocked."

Zhou Yuguang's tone was filled with suppressed anger, "The reasons were vague, saying things like 'the direction of fund usage needs further demonstration' and 'to avoid duplication of investment with foreign investment projects'..."

"I asked around, and apparently... companies with Hong Kong investment backgrounds have been quite active lately..."

"We hope that Department X will take the lead in facilitating the acquisition of Tiangong..."

"It was implied that Tiangong could thus obtain substantial foreign investment, and the ministry would no longer need to provide Tiangong with funds..."

This is a radical solution!

He took advantage of the reform and opening-up policy to attract foreign investment, and the country's urgent need for research funding during this period...

They extended an olive branch to relevant departments, attempting to block Tiangong from receiving domestic policy-based funding and drive Tiangong into a corner!

Either accept the acquisition, or wither away due to a broken cash flow!

Suddenly, pressure from multiple dimensions, including the market, distribution channels, and capital, tightened simultaneously, like an invisible giant net!

Inside the factory in Huilongguan, the newly ignited flame of hope seemed poised to be extinguished at any moment.

Just when Chen Jianghe was in a state of extreme anxiety, an unexpected turning point appeared.

Professor Li Mingyuan from the Institute of Microelectronics at Tsinghua University visited again.

This time, he brought some very important news.

"Factory Manager Chen, Engineer Zhou! Good news!"

Professor Li was beaming with excitement, "Our university, in conjunction with several other universities and ministries, is applying for a national 'Seventh Five-Year Plan' key scientific and technological research project—"

[High-performance Chinese character information processing system and core components are domestically produced!]

"Your Tiangong's [Pangu II] card, especially the design concept and innovation of its graphics acceleration unit, has received high praise from the expert review panel!"

"The project team hopes to incorporate some of the core technologies of the Pangu II, such as bus optimization drivers and graphics instruction set architecture, into the research project."

"Conduct in-depth research and development and promote industrialization!"

"If the project is approved, Tiangong will serve as a key collaborating unit, receiving project funding and preferential policies!"

Included in a national-level public relations project!

Deep integration of industry, academia, and research!

This is undoubtedly a ray of hope in a desperate situation!

In this way, not only will the funding problem be solved, but we can also gain strong policy support and brand enhancement with the support of Department D!

Moreover, they were able to break through Lin Jianye's encirclement!

"real?!"

Chen Jianghe stood up excitedly!

"Absolutely true!"

Professor Li affirmed, "The project proposal has been submitted, and the chances of approval are very high! However..."

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, "The project requires that collaborating units ensure that the technology is 100% independently controllable and that the intellectual property rights are clear and complete."

"Therefore, before the final approval of the project, Tiangong's technology equity structure must remain clear and stable, and there should be no foreign investment involved."

The last sentence struck Chen Jianghe and Zhou Yuguang like a hammer blow!

At this moment, the letter of intent for acquisition by Hong Kong capital is on the table!

Department X's funds have been blocked!

If Tiangong's technology equity becomes complicated due to foreign investment, not only will the opportunity for this national project be lost!

Even the special monthly allowance of 300 yuan for Department D could be lost.

On one hand, they received a huge sum of US$300 million from Hong Kong capital, which solved Tiangong's long-term funding problem.

On one hand, they gritted their teeth and persevered, resisting temptations and fighting a desperate battle while waiting for the approval of national projects.

A deathly silence fell over the workers' shed.

All eyes were on Chen Jianghe and Zhou Yuguang.

Zhou Yuguang took a deep breath, looked at Chen Jianghe, his expression troubled, his eyes somewhat complicated...