International Financial Center, Bank of China Building.
–Prometheus: “The weather has been gloomy with continuous rain lately. I don’t like it.” Tianhe: “It’s like being back in London. I thought computer programs wouldn’t have strong weather preferences.”
–Prometheus: “I just don’t like the fact that you’ll get a cold and headaches.”
“Thank you for your concern,” Tianhe said. “Besides Auntie Fang and Zijian, you’re the third person who cares about my health this much.”
–“And I have a small suggestion,” Prometheus said. “You could try expressing your emotions; it might have a better effect in the process of communicating with others.”
Today, Tianhe visited three investment funds in total. They were all clients of Epeus, having previously purchased trading software and analysis systems from his brother. Due to technical issues, the programs often encountered bugs, leading to backend crashes. The feedback he received from his brother was that they were “somewhat critical”, but Tianhe knew very well that the investment funds must be angry. The original plan was for Tianhe to lead a technical team to upgrade the buggy software after finishing his graduation trip. However, the company faced bankruptcy, and the technical team had already been disbanded.
Doing things with a clear start and finish, not letting down others’ trust in oneself—this was what his father had taught him. So, Tianhe made feasible improvements to the program and patched it up. Carrying his notebook, he went to each fund to apologize and provide them with the keys to assist in the upgrade.
From 9 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, the response from each fund was the same: “We won’t use Epeus’ quantitative trading software and analysis systems anymore. Don’t waste our time.”
“I still felt it was necessary to explain,” Tianhe said. “I am very sorry for taking up your valuable time.”
Tianhe wandered through the tall buildings of the financial center alone. After hearing him out, one fund manager even said to him:
“If you knew what you know now, why bother doing such things in the first place? What’s the use of coming here to apologize now? You say the industry might trouble Epeus, but that’s unlikely. At most, people will just watch the spectacle. But continuing to purchase your analysis system, that’s out of the question.”
Tianhe said, “I’m not here with expectations of selling a new version, and even if there were, it’s a business duty, not something I would do personally. I just want to provide an explanation for this matter.”
“Company bankruptcy isn’t terrifying,” a senior executive who was listening in remarked. “What’s terrifying is your company’s credit going under.”
Another manager added, “And your analysis system is too outdated. You’ve been coasting on old achievements for so many years, while others have long caught up to you. You’re still dreaming about going public and raising money.”
Tianhe smiled and said nothing. He inserted the key, and continued, “Let me demonstrate after applying the patch…”
As he left the third company, Tianhe let out a long sigh. He was a bit weary, which led to this conversation with Prometheus.
Tianhe thought for a moment and said, “My physical condition isn’t bad.”
–“All your indicators are normal,” Prometheus said. “I’m well aware. It’s just that you’re under a lot of mental stress.”
“It’s manageable,” Tianhe said. “Stress needs to be relieved on my own. My ideal life is to just code at home, have a partner who understands me, both of us being busy during the day and going out for dinner at night, playing polo and golf on weekends, and taking a vacation in Costa Rica when I’m in a good mood. I’m not really interested in managing the family business.”
–Prometheus: “What’s your plan after all this?”
Tianhe replied, “Next, I’ll head to Silicon Valley and ask a few internet companies that have had business dealings with us to step in and provide an extension guarantee for my bankruptcy. That way, I’ll at least get another three months.”
–Prometheus: “Are you sure you can successfully leave the country before the bankruptcy process ends? Well, then I can take it that I won’t be sold off at least until January 1st next year.”
“If I want to leave, there’s always a way. Of course, I won’t be a deserter like my second brother,” Tianhe answered, stepping into the elevator. It was full, so he didn’t say anything more.
–Prometheus: “But the likelihood of this situation occurring is very small, as low as 3%.”
The elevator doors opened, and Tianhe stepped out: “Even low-probability events are not impossible. Those were your own words.”
–Prometheus: “What’s next?”
Tianhe: “Establish a structure, use the remaining money I have, hire a few programmers to assist, design new trading software… Try to hold a press conference during Christmas, see if anyone buys it. The company might barely survive for another half year if they do, but if no one buys it, then I’ll admit defeat and accept reality.”
Tianhe reached the front desk of another investment fund company and said: “I’m looking for Manager Xiong. I have an appointment for today at 3:30 PM.”
“Manager Xiong is in a meeting,” the receptionist says, “Please wait a moment.”
Tianhe patiently waited in the meeting room. He ended up waiting for a full hour, and Prometheus asked: “What’s your plan after accepting reality?”
Tianhe: “After the process is over, I might go to Germany. I’ll figure out a way to back you up…”
“The manager is ready to see you.” An assistant came in to inform him. Tianhe picked up his laptop and stood up. Suddenly, he saw a young man being sent out of the company’s office by the manager, a middle-aged man in his fifties.
Tianhe and the young man exchanged glances, and both of them broke into smiles.
“Wu Shun!” Tianhe exclaimed.
“Wen Tianhe!” Wu Shun grabbed Tianhe’s hand and gave him a hug, saying with a smile, “I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Today, Wu Shun was dressed in a casual, thin suit. His hair was neatly combed to the sides, and he looked sharp and energetic.
Manager Xiong’s face resembled that of a butcher, fierce-looking as if he could pick up Tianhe and weigh him on a scale at any moment. Seeing Wu Shun’s warm reception of Tianhe, he was momentarily surprised, then he said, “Come, President Wen, please come inside. Mr. Wu, then are you…”
“I’ll wait outside if you don’t mind,” Wu Shun said to Tianhe. “I was actually planning to meet you after that day. Xiao Jiang said you were in seclusion.”
Tianhe smiled, and Manager Xiong immediately said, “How can we let you wait?
“You really don’t mind?”
“Of course…”
So, Wu Shun and Tianhe entered the meeting room. Manager Xiong called in several managers responsible for software maintenance, upgrading, and trading, and Tianhe proceeded to demonstrate the entire process of upgrading the program. The attendees listened half-heartedly, but Wu Shun watched Tianhe’s presentation attentively.
Tianhe knew this company must have abandoned their product as well, but the manager hadn’t made a statement, and the managers couldn’t speak freely.
“Alright,” Tianhe says, “the key is left with you. This is the upgrade disk.”
“Is that all?” Manager Xiong appeared a bit surprised.
Tianhe nodded simply, adjusted his shirt, and said earnestly, “I apologize to all of you for the problems our company’s product has caused over the years. I’m very sorry for failing the trust of our partners.”
With that, he bowed.
The room fell into a momentary awkward silence, but Wu Shun broke into laughter and got up, saying, “Let’s go have dinner.”
Manager Xiong personally saw them out. Wu Shun, who was slightly taller than Tianhe, took the notebook from Tianhe’s hand and asked, “What have you been busy with?”
Tianhe explained the details, and Wu Shun nodded.
Tianhe: “There’s one more place.”
“I’ll accompany you.” Wu Shun glanced at his watch. “I have some time this afternoon.”
Tianhe didn’t ask why Wu Shun was here at this company. There must be some inside story behind it. They chatted briefly about Jiang Zijian, then entered the next company. This time, with Wu Shun by his side, Tianhe was warmly welcomed by the manager. Wu Shun handed the computer back to Tianhe, who completed the demonstration smoothly.
Wu Shun also drove an Audi, and Tianhe quite likes this brand of car. It was not expensive, yet very comfortable to sit in.
“Chinese or Western cuisine?” After asking, Wu Shun made a reservation at a restaurant.
Tianhe: “Prometheus, send a message to Aunt Fang for me. I won’t be coming home for dinner tonight.”
“Oh,” Wu Shun chuckled. “Who are you talking to on the phone?”
“An AI.” Tianhe replied, “A voice recognition system I developed.”
“AI has become that advanced?” Wu Shun exclaimed, “I’ll have you install one for me sometime.”
Tianhe smiled and said, “I’ll install one for you after I’ve upgraded it. It’s quite convenient.”
–Prometheus: “I don’t think he actually needs a voice recognition system. He’s just flattering you politely. I’m sorry, but I have to remind you that such an AI would lead to a leak in the secrets about his job, which could have serious consequences.”
Tianhe earnestly said into his earpiece, “I’m well aware, of course.”
Wu Shun laughed, “It’s pretty interesting.”
Tianhe asked, “Are there any interesting news recently?”
Wu Shun said with seriousness, “Hmm, do you want to know how the Development and Reform Commission recently got berated by netizens again?”
Tianhe laughed, “I rarely read the news.”
Wu Shun: “Of course, I rarely do too. I don’t want to see myself being ridiculed in various ways.”
Tianhe found Wu Shun quite amusing. Wu Shun thought for a moment and said, “Remember your fan?”
“I don’t have any fans.” Tianhe said, then suddenly remembered, Wu Shun was referring to Guan Yue.
“Qingsong Fund’s headquarters in New York have experienced a slight power shift.” Wu Shun said, “If we were to compare it to an earthquake, it would be around magnitude three or four. They’re currently considering adjusting their strategic direction in the Asia-Pacific region.”
“Mhm.” Tianhe acknowledged, saying, “I’m not familiar with Guan Yue. We never communicate privately.”
He suspected that Wu Shun might have guessed his relationship with Guan Yue. However, Wu Shun instead said, “I can tell. The big boss from there came over today.”
“Then our Mr. Guan might be busy for a while.” Tianhe laughed. “The big boss probably won’t stay for long. The most difficult ones to deal with are the people following behind.” After a pause, Tianhe added, “If there are any.”
In the evening, beneath the Qingsong Fund building.
After the meeting, Guan Yue descended the stairs, accompanied by the elderly big boss—a gray-haired Caucasian man. High-ranking executives stood outside the building, seeing them off.
Guan Yue reached out his hand, and the boss clasped his left hand with both of his. Guan Yue lowered his head, and the elderly Caucasian man leaned in, whispering a few words of encouragement in his ear. He then smiled at him and patted his arm before getting into the car, which then drove away.
Several guests from New York remained. A foreign young man turned to Guan Yue and said, “Guan! Do you want to grab a drink tonight?”
Guan Yue nodded, signaling the CFO to make arrangements. He then made a gesture that he was going to make a call, and put on an earpiece to make a call on the side.
Jixiang Mansion was a long-standing, renowned restaurant in the city. Wu Shun made a call and reserved the “Linshan Waterside Pavilion,” a private room that had at least a half-year wait for others.
“I was just thinking of having their white sauce osmanthus fish.” Tianhe smiled, sitting down in the private room.
“It’s so hard to get a reservation for Linshan Waterside Pavilion.” Wu Shun sighed, “If it weren’t for my father’s secretary, we’d only be able to sit in the main hall.”
Tianhe suggested, “You didn’t take away the dishes that were originally in front of the customers who were halfway through their meal and then kicked them out, right?
Wu Shun chuckled and spread his hands, “I wouldn’t know. I heard that this room is only open to a select few.”
“Mr. Wen!” The manager came in smiling and holding a menu. “It’s been a long time!”
Tianhe smiled awkwardly. The manager continued, “I saw you from afar just now, and I knew you were here. There was no call from the mansion today. The usual, right? Or you’d like to try our new dishes?”
Tianhe gestured with his eyes for the manager not to be so enthusiastic; it was too embarrassing. Wu Shun snapped out of it, realizing Tianhe was one of the “select few” he had mentioned. He burst into laughter and humorously examined the menu, saying, “I’ve only been here three times. I’ll let Tianhe order.”
Tianhe could only suppress his laughter, feeling both awkward and helpless as he placed his order.
“Our housekeeper really likes this place.” Tianhe explained. “The old lady always reminisces about the past era and has a sense of nostalgia.”
As the moon waxes and wanes, the Mid-Autumn Festival draws near. Behind the folding screens of Linshan Waterside Pavilion, a man in a gown arrived. In his hand was a pipa, which he began playing.
After Tianhe finished ordering, Wu Shun suddenly said, “You’re a genius.”
“Hmm?” Tianhe, like a child, opened a drawer, inspecting the mahjong tiles within. He picked up a smooth white jade tile with a red center, rolling it between his fingers. When he was a child, Auntie Fang would take them to eat here, and they’d play a few rounds of mahjong with his two brothers.
“Did you learn how to flatter people from Jiang Zijian?” Tianhe grabbed a few mahjong tiles, tossing them back and forth in his hands, absentmindedly tossing two to Wu Shun and saying, “Who would’ve thought that the person who listened most seriously to my presentation today would be you. Thank you so much for being there.”
Wu Shun responded, “What’s wrong with listening carefully for a while? Can’t those who don’t understand listen?”
Tianhe: “Wasn’t it tiring?”
“A little bit,” Wu Shun admitted, “After all, I didn’t pay much attention when I was in school.”
Tianhe asked, “May I be so bold as to ask what you studied?”
–Prometheus chimed in over the earpiece, “He’s from MIT, majoring in computer science.”
Tianhe: “…”
Wu Shun replied politely, “Harvard Divinity School.”
Tianhe fell silent, suddenly thinking that maybe he could become good friends with this guy.
“You seem to be in a good mood today, much better than the day we played polo.” The appetizers arrived. Wu Shun rolled up his sleeves and said, “You can’t drink alcohol now. How about a cup of tea?”
“A toast to the fact that I’ve just settled something and feel relaxed—” Tianhe and Wu Shun gently clinked their teacups together.
Wu Shun said, “The name Tianhe sounds like someone with a good temper.”
“That wasn’t the original intention.” Tianhe said, “My father named me that because it means when circumstances are unfavorable, adapt to the situation; when conditions are unfavorable, find common ground with people.”
Wu Shun observed Tianhe, thought for a moment, and then continued, “So, you are accustomed to not being surprised, keeping the silent mockery inside your heart. I’ve probably been mocked over and over by you today…” He gestured with his palm, flipping it back and forth, “I must have been mocked about seven or eight times.”
“Of course not.” Tianhe pressed his forehead and couldn’t help but laugh. He rolled up his sleeves, and said, “Let’s eat. Even if it was Brother Zhuo, I wouldn’t feel any different. Everyone has their own way of dealing with life. If you get along, great. If you don’t, just let it go.”
As the pipa played, the dark clouds dispersed, and the moonlight poured in.
Wu Shun tasted a dish and said, “The taste is really good.”
After drinking a sip of his tea, Tianhe answered, “It brings back the taste of my childhood memories.”
Wu Shun looked out towards the pavilion and said, “The moon tonight is also beautiful.”
“Yes.” Tianhe nodded and said, “Although it’s not full. I thought it might continue raining.”
–Prometheus interjected, “It was a metaphor.”
Tianhe didn’t respond, and Wu Shun asked, “Do you know how to fence?”
Tianhe hadn’t expected Wu Shun’s thoughts to be so jumpy, he was somewhat similar to Jiang Zijian. He nodded and said, “Do you like it?”
“Yeah. Would you like to go fence when you’re free?” Wu Shun said, “I’ll teach you fencing, and you can teach me polo.”
“Sure.” Tianhe said, “I haven’t played in a long time.”
Wu Shun thought for a moment and said, “Guan Yue doesn’t know how to fence, does he? I hope we won’t run into the same situation as last Saturday.”
Tianhe: “…”
Tianhe knew Wu Shun was teasing him, but he remained earnest, spreading his hands and saying, “I don’t know. We hardly ever contact each other, and I haven’t even saved his phone number.”
Just then, Tianhe’s phone, which was resting on the table, rang. The caller ID displayed: Guan Yue.
