Yi Dao Corporation was a household name, having held the top spot among the nation’s top thousand enterprises for fifteen consecutive years, firmly pressing down on Ju Xie Group.

Yi Dao Corporation was quite similar to the American General Electric (GE)—a vastly diversified company involved in virtually every sector.

From massive components for starships down to simple clothing and shoes, it all fell within Yi Dao Corporation’s scope of business.

The current President of Yi Dao Corporation, the man who had propelled the company to unparalleled glory, once famously declared, "If there’s money to be made, Yi Dao Corporation will be there."

In direct contrast stood Ju Xie Group, whose slogan was, "Crafting Excellence Through Specialization." They had always dedicated themselves entirely to the design, production, and research and development of heavy machinery.

In the field of mechanics, Ju Xie Group was the undisputed behemoth. Two-thirds of all starships on Dawa, three-quarters of the mechs, and over ninety percent of various high-tech components... all were manufactured by Ju Xie Group.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Ju Xie Group monopolized the mechanical manufacturing industry.

Yet, this immensely powerful Ju Xie Group had been held under the thumb of Yi Dao Corporation for fifteen straight years.

"What did you need me for?"

The person who arrived was not who Zhong Yun had expected—someone from the government—which caused him a moment of surprise.

"Don't just stand there, please sit down," Zhao Dai made a gesture inviting him to take a seat.

Zhong Yun casually settled onto the sofa, placing his backpack beside him, and watched Zhao Dai.

"It’s not me who sought you out," Zhao Dai maintained an unruffled expression under Zhong Yun's gaze. "It’s our Chairman. He wishes to invite you to be a guest at our company."

"Zhao Tingjian?" Zhong Yun was stunned.

If one were to rank the prominent figures on Dawa over the last decade, Zhao Tingjian would undoubtedly rank in the top ten.

Thirty years ago, a nineteen-year-old, relatively unknown youth took over a small, obscure company. In a mere fifteen years, this small company had ballooned into a behemoth capable of rivaling and surpassing the giant Ju Xie Group.

This was an economic miracle, and Zhao Tingjian, the child of that miracle, was destined to be remembered by history.

Having completed only his intermediate education, Zhao Tingjian was the idol of nearly every young entrepreneur.

Zhong Yun knew that his own father had admired Zhao Tingjian above all others—this self-made super-manager who had taken his company to the apex of the world.

Hearing that this intensely legendary figure specifically requested to see him, Zhong Yun could hardly believe it. "You mean Mr. Zhao... wants to see me?" He wasn't sure how to address Zhao Tingjian, so he vaguely called him 'Mister.'

"Yes, our Chairman personally instructed me to ensure I brought you to our company; he wants to meet you himself," Zhao Dai affirmed.

In truth, Zhao Dai himself didn't understand why his boss was so insistent on meeting this young man, especially with such serious tones. He had initially assumed it was some major figure, only to see from the photograph that it was just a young boy.

With the Chairman's stature, he shouldn't need to court favor with anyone. Zhao Dai wondered what the young man’s background was that made the Chairman value him so highly.

As for the possibility that Zhong Yun might be an exceptionally capable individual, Zhao Dai never entertained that thought. First, Zhong Yun was too young; second, his slovenly demeanor offered no basis for any other conjecture.

"Chairman Zhao is truly too kind," Zhong Yun felt a rush of flattered surprise. Zhao Tingjian had also been one of his idols in the past; who would have thought the day would come when his idol would specifically ask to meet him?

Although his soul had been replaced, out of respect for a legendary figure, Zhong Yun couldn't help but feel a secret joy. Not just anyone received an invitation from Zhao Tingjian.

It was like on Earth: you might not care much for Bill Gates, but if one day he specifically asked to meet you, you would still be overwhelmed with flattery.

Thinking this, Zhong Yun smiled and replied, "It is truly a tremendous honor."

"Then..."

Just then, a commotion erupted outside the door. Zhao Dai frowned, his conversation abruptly cut short. Someone causing trouble at this moment felt like a direct slap to his face. Who could it be?

This was the VIP lounge at Dawa’s Third Airport; those permitted inside were either wealthy or powerful. The disruption was likely caused by the lounge being full.

However, Zhao Dai wasn't worried; the prestige of Yi Dao Corporation was not something just anyone could disregard. He trusted his subordinates to handle the matter.

"It’s nothing, probably just a minor misunderstanding."

No sooner had Zhao Dai finished speaking than a brazen voice echoed from outside the door: "So what if it’s Yi Dao Corporation? Even if Zhao Tingjian is inside, this young master is taking this room."

Zhong Yun flinched at the sheer arrogance of the tone, wondering who this newcomer was.

A flicker of rage crossed Zhao Dai’s eyes. "There seems to be a small problem outside; I’ll go deal with it. Please wait here for a moment."

"Please do," Zhong Yun nodded, thinking that Zhao Dai must be furious at having his authority challenged, and there was a good show about to unfold outside.

Indeed, a crowd had gathered outside to watch. Yi Dao Corporation had enjoyed meteoric success for over a decade, and Zhao Tingjian, having risen from common stock, held immense authority—even some great aristocratic families found it difficult to challenge his sharp edge.

With Yi Dao’s widespread business interests touching every industry, they had inevitably made many enemies. But few dared to actively oppose them.

For Zhao Tingjian to rise from a penniless youth thirty years ago to the influential figure he was now—a man who could command storms—he certainly wasn't a soft individual.

Those present in the VIP area were all connected in the commercial sphere. Almost everyone had a relative or friend whose business had collapsed after losing out to Yi Dao Corporation in a competition. Naturally, they held no favorable impressions of the corporation.

Therefore, upon hearing that Yi Dao people were occupying this room, most instinctively kept their distance.

But today, someone dared to pull the whiskers of the sleeping tiger that was Yi Dao Corporation.

A handsome young man, surrounded by a phalanx of bodyguards, strode toward the Yi Dao suite. When stopped by the security guards at the door, an argument immediately erupted.

Soon, people drawn by the noise gathered to watch the spectacle.

Most observers secretly hoped to see Yi Dao embarrassed, whispering among themselves about the young man's identity. The handsome youth was unfamiliar to everyone.

At that moment, Fei Yingming and his entourage of young men and women rushed over. Upon seeing the young man, Fei Yingming gasped aloud, "It’s him?"

"You know him?" his companions asked with intense curiosity. "Who exactly is he? He doesn't even seem to fear Zhao Tingjian."

Many others had voiced similar sentiments of disdain for Zhao Tingjian, but only in private. To say such things in front of Yi Dao personnel took serious nerve.

Fei Yingming looked at the young man with a complex expression. That was true power, that was the life.

"His surname is Yang."

Fei Yingming’s voice was low, but his words dropped like a bomb into the crowd.

"The Yang family?" someone demanded urgently.

"Besides that Yang family, which other Yang family is there?" another person scorned.

"Someone from the Yang family?" Every eye shifted toward the young man, their gaze transforming into awe, envy, yearning, and even worship.

"The Marshal's lineage."

Fei Yingming sighed inwardly.

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