godfather of surgery

Chapter 1250 Falling in love and killing each other
Basel, Switzerland, on the banks of the Rhine River.

Li Gaoyang deliberately chose this location for the meeting so that he could communicate with his European partners at any time, but he himself did not appear in person, only directing from behind the scenes, leaving everything to the vice presidents.

The towering building gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen in the morning light at the foot of the Alps. Inside the "Strategic Decision-Making Room" on the top floor, an emergency meeting that would profoundly impact the landscape of biomedicine in the Far East and even globally had been lingering in the stagnant air for nearly three hours.

Seated around the enormous circular walnut conference table were faces that could easily stir up the capital market and determine the direction of technology; they were the true power core of the group.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we must face a reality we'd rather not face." The speaker was Karl Müller, the group's first vice president, a German known for his iron fist and precision. His grey-blue eyes swept across the room, his finger tapping heavily on the thick file compiled by the intelligence department before him. "Ruixing Medical Technology, and this so-called 'barrier-breaking' alliance it's piecing together, is no longer a minor ailment. What they are undertaking is a 'systemic revolution' aimed at shaking our very foundations."

The assistant projected the key contents of the case file onto a huge screen: a clear technical roadmap for the "Breaking the Barrier" plan, a detailed list of participating companies and their core competency analysis, Ruixing's recent capital operations and resource allocation trends, and even an in-depth analysis report on Huang Jiacai's personal background and personality traits.

“Take a look at this,” Carl pointed to a list of requirements from Yang Ping’s research group marked “Top Secret” on the screen. “Their goal is no longer to replace products in the low-end market, but to directly target our most profitable and technologically advanced core areas—ultra-high resolution imaging, nanoscale protein interaction detection, ultra-high purity special enzymes, and a disruptive AI-based drug design platform! What they want to build is an independent R&D closed loop, outside of our control.”

A low murmur of discussion arose in the conference room.

“Karl, aren’t you exaggerating?” The European president, a meticulously groomed Frenchman, leaned back in his chair and shrugged dismissively. “A loose alliance of twenty or thirty Chinese companies? They’re rife with competition, suspicion, and self-serving agendas. History has shown that with the right amount of pressure—like cutting off supplies of a few key raw materials or questioning their data academically, followed by some incentives—such passionate alliances quickly crumble from within. We’ve seen it far too many times.”

"Passion can only last for a while, but benefits can last."

“Mr. Pierre, this time, it’s completely different.” Karl Muller’s voice suddenly turned stern. He pulled up Huang Jiacai’s video footage, his young, sharp face taking up most of the screen. “The key isn’t the technology itself, but the organizer! Huang Jiacai isn’t an ordinary engineer or businessman; he’s an organizer with exceptional strategic vision and powerful personal charisma, a dangerous idealist. He cleverly used this ‘soft blockade’ incident to transform a crisis into an opportunity to build consensus. What he’s doing is using the banner of ‘autonomy and control’ to unite a disorganized group into a solid rock, strong enough to smash our glass skyscraper!”

He took a deep breath, looked around at everyone, and said, word by word, "We must smash this rock completely before he succeeds. At the very least, we must make it full of cracks and render it harmless."

Soon, a comprehensive strangulation strategy, dubbed "Operation Troy," was swiftly formulated and elevated to the highest priority. The blockade was no longer limited to covert technological barriers and supply chain bottlenecks; it began to be openly implemented:

Several upstream suppliers of key raw materials and core components announced, almost simultaneously, an indefinite delay in delivery of all supplies to core enterprises within the "Breaking Barriers" alliance, citing plausible reasons such as "production equipment failure," "environmental review," or "overwhelmed orders," including but not limited to supplies involving core technologies.

Several internationally influential academic journals published "academic discussion" articles almost simultaneously, questioning the "reliability" and "reproducibility" of experimental data generated using domestically available equipment and reagents in a seemingly objective tone, implicitly equating the use of domestically produced tools with "research risks".

Even more critically, downstream research institutions and pharmaceutical companies that are potential customers of the "wall-breaking" alliance products have successively received "friendly reminders" or "memoranda of understanding" from the giants and their allies, subtly but explicitly implying that using products from non-mainstream supply chains in their core R&D pipelines may affect the international recognition of future data and deeper international cooperation opportunities.

However, this only applies to firepower suppression on the main battlefield.

The real killer move, hidden beneath the surface, is a combination of "decapitation" and "enticement" targeting the alliance's fragile interpersonal network. Leveraging its vast capital and global network, the giant conglomerate launched a precise and ruthless campaign to divide and dismantle key companies within the alliance.

In Suzhou, East China, Mr. Wang, the founder of a precision instrument factory, repeatedly stroked a beautifully printed letter of intent for acquisition in his modest office. A fund registered in the Cayman Islands had offered a staggering 50% premium for a full takeover bid. The terms were irresistible: the existing team and management would remain stable; the giant conglomerate would inject internationally advanced technology and management experience; and it promised to integrate his products into the giant's global supply chain. This meant his company would leap to new heights, escaping its fate of struggling in the low-to-mid-end market.

His secretary whispered a reminder that Mr. Huang from Ruixing had called three times, but he hadn't answered. Outside the window lay the old factory area that had been with him for decades, every blade of grass and tree imbued with his hard work; while the document on his desk led to a future he had once dreamed of but dared not even dream of. The scales in his heart swung violently between the immense immediate benefits and Huang Jiacai's words from last night's phone call: "Mr. Wang, we are paving the way for future generations."

In Lingnan, Shenzhen, Mr. Li, the CEO of a company specializing in high-end biochemical reagents, had just concluded a "high-level technical exchange meeting" hosted by a tech giant's Asia-Pacific division. Afterwards, a smiling Asia-Pacific vice president privately invited him to dinner, during which he made an irresistible offer: if his company promised to withdraw from the "wall-breaking" project and guarantee not to supply Yang Ping's research group with the key special enzyme preparations they were working on, the giant was willing to sign a ten-year technology licensing agreement with him, authorizing the production of several mid-range enzyme products and opening up some Southeast Asian market channels to him. "Mr. Li, doing business is about making money. Why gamble with a bunch of hotheads on an uncertain future? Stable profits and markets are the real key," the man said earnestly, raising his glass. Mr. Li looked at the swirling red wine in his glass, recalling Jiang Jitong's hoarse yet resolute voice at the mobilization meeting, and felt a mix of emotions.

In Beijing, the CEO of the tech company responsible for coordinating software interfaces faced a much more "considerable" cooperation proposal. The software company under the tech giant offered to provide eight figures in "technical compatibility research and support" funding, along with the option to "slightly" favor compatibility with the data format of one of the giant's mainstream flow cytometers and delay in-depth optimization of interfaces for several specific domestic devices, all while establishing temporary data interface standards within the alliance. They would also become the giant's "preferred software partner" in China. The technical representative, adjusting his glasses, said casually, "It's simply a matter of choosing a technical approach. For your company, it's a win-win situation: you get financial support and ride the coattails of an international giant."

The bloodshed wasn't fought openly, but it made the cruelty all the more chilling.

The immense allure of commercial interests and the pressure of real-world business survival surged like a silent tide, crashing against the fortress of alliances newly forged with passion. Some companies that had initially been resolute began to waver and adopt a wait-and-see attitude, with frequent phone calls to Huang Jiacai filled with anxiety, helplessness, and uncertainty, expressing their concerns and grievances.

Ruixing Headquarters, CEO's Office.

Huang Jiacai stood before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling traffic below and the hazy city skyline in the distance. His posture remained upright, but only those closest to him could discern the immense pressure he was under from his slightly tightened jawline and the fingertips gently rubbing behind his back. He had anticipated a counterattack, but the determination, speed, precision, and ruthlessness displayed by the giant this time slightly exceeded his initial expectations.

“Mr. Huang,” the assistant pushed open the door, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible tension, “Mr. Wang from East China… his secretary replied that Mr. Wang is unwell and needs to rest for a few days, so he will be unable to attend our coordination meeting for the time being.”

"We just received an official notification from General Manager Li that the reagent compatibility test, originally scheduled for next week, needs to be postponed temporarily due to 'technical reasons'."

"The debate in the software standards working group is getting even more heated. The newly emerging technical approach is clearly... an architecture commonly used by tech giants."

One bad news after another, the air in the office seemed to freeze, weighing heavily on the hearts of everyone who knew the truth.

Just then, Huang Jiacai's personal cell phone, which was on the table, suddenly lit up and vibrated briefly. It was a specially encrypted phone. He walked over, picked it up, and saw only a message from an unknown number on the screen, extremely concise: a time, and the name of a secluded garden-style teahouse in the suburbs.

Huang Jiacai's eyes narrowed sharply, as if a falcon had locked onto its target. All his anxiety and pressure transformed into extreme calmness at that moment.

He turned to his assistant and instructed, "Cancel all my appointments for tonight and tomorrow morning. Also, prepare a set of casual clothes and a regular car for me."

Late at night, in the suburbs. "Bamboo Rhyme" Tea House.

The teahouse is hidden behind a dense bamboo forest, with only a few independent tea rooms. The lights are dim, and it is so quiet that you can only hear the rustling of the bamboo leaves in the wind and the faint sound of flowing water.

When Huang Jiacai arrived, Gan Fengyi was already there.

She wore a high-quality dark gray cashmere suit, without any conspicuous jewelry, and sat alone in the "Listening to the Rain Pavilion" by the water. A copper kettle rested on a small red clay stove, the water bubbling softly as it was about to boil. She was intently rinsing a white porcelain tea set, the dim light of the palace lantern casting a soft, hazy glow on her cool, delicate profile. Her posture was elegant and composed, as if she were a modern woman seeking tranquility, rather than a shrewd and capable female CEO.

Huang Jiacai sat down opposite her, saying nothing, simply watching her fluid and graceful movements. Gan Fengyi poured the first infusion of water for rinsing the tea into the tea pitcher, then skillfully poured out two cups of clear, bright tea, gently pushing one of them towards him. The aroma of tea rose gently, filling the space between them.

“They’ve used the ‘Troy’ plan. This time it’s not just one company, but a coalition of international giants…” She finally spoke, her voice as calm as if she were narrating something distant and unrelated to herself, her gaze still fixed on the teacup in her hand.

"Troy?" Huang Jiacai picked up his teacup, smelled the aroma of the tea, and spoke in a calm tone.

“One of BG Group’s highest-level competitive strategies is specifically designed to divide and dismantle potentially threatening alliances. It’s directly led by veteran Karl Muller, authorized by the board, and has an unlimited budget.” Gan Fengyi raised her eyes, her gaze clear as a cold star behind the misty steam, carrying a calm understanding of everything. “Acquisitions, inducements, sowing discord—these are all standard procedures. But this time, the activation level is the highest. Headquarters assessments suggest you’ve touched the very foundation of BG.”

“As expected.” Huang Jiacai took a sip of tea, the warm liquid sliding down his throat. He looked at her and said, “Thank you for telling me.”

Gan Fengyi's lips twitched slightly, revealing an almost mocking smile: "Huang Jiacai, don't misunderstand. I'm not helping you; I'm trying to prevent a pointless war of attrition that is destined to be mutually destructive. Your alliance is too shallow, and internal cracks have already appeared. Once one or two core companies are successfully acquired or turned against you, Ruixing will be completely isolated. Your ambitious 'breaking the wall' plan will ultimately become a laughing stock in the industry, proving the pale powerlessness of idealism in the face of reality."

Her tone was calm, even carrying a hint of cruel analysis; every word was like a cold needle piercing Huang Jiacai.

"So?" Huang Jiacai put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and looked at her sharply, a faint, challenging smile playing on his lips. "What brilliant idea does Vice President Gan have?"

Gan Fengyi is now not only the president of Giant Asia, but also the vice president of Giant's global headquarters. Giant is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BG Group.

"Accept reality." Gan Fengyi met his gaze without backing down. "Before utter failure, proactively seek a dignified exit strategy. You can choose to cooperate with giants in certain non-core niche areas where we are temporarily unwilling to invest too many resources. With your abilities and Ruixing's technological accumulation, you can exchange them for some survival space and time to develop. Enduring hardship and biding your time may not necessarily lead to a future."

“Jia Cai! You’re too impatient. These international giants have accumulated over a hundred years of experience; you can’t break through that with just a burst of enthusiasm. You need to build up your strength; you need time…”

Huang Jiacai gazed at her silently for a few seconds, his deep eyes swirling with complex emotions—admiration for her accurate judgment, a slight annoyance at her detached composure, and an incomprehensible loneliness and unwavering resolve. Suddenly, he chuckled softly, a hint of weariness in his laughter, but even more so, an unyielding determination.

“Fengyi,” he called her name, his voice lower, “you still don’t understand me, or rather, you are still underestimating our determination to do what we are about to do, and the significance it carries.”

He stood up, walked to the window of the tea room, and looked at the bamboo shadows swaying in the night outside the window, as if he was organizing his thoughts, or as if he was calming the turmoil in his heart.

"This is not a simple business competition, not a game of gaining or losing a few percentage points in market share." His back was straight, and his voice carried clearly back, "This is a struggle, a struggle to carve out a space where we can breathe and stand up, for ourselves and for those who come after us, when we are almost suffocated by someone's grip on our necks! Once the 'Breaking the Wall' plan is launched, there is no turning back, because behind us lies an abyss. Professor Yang Ping's research group is in the lab using 'makeshift methods' to hold on while waiting for our news; countless eyes across the country are watching us, some expectant, some skeptical, and some waiting to see us fail. We have no right, nor the qualification, to talk about a 'dignified exit'!"

“If a company withdraws, we’ll bring in another company. If no company joins, we’ll start a new company. If no company is willing to cooperate, we’ll complete the plan with just our own company.”

His voice wasn't loud, but it was like a heavy drumbeat, striking Gan Fengyi's heart. Her fingers, gripping the teacup, unconsciously tightened, her knuckles turning slightly white.

Huang Jiacai turned around, his gaze sharp, and looked directly at her again: "They can use capital to lure us, but we can unite them with faith and vision! They can use short-term interests to divide us, but we can unite them with a long-term shared destiny! They underestimated the determination of Chinese companies to burn their bridges this time, and they also underestimated... my ability and determination to weather the storm."

He paused, his tone softening, yet carrying a deeper, more undeniable power: "Fengyi, I know your position and understand your situation. I, Huang Jiacai, am grateful that you came tonight and gave me this information, whatever your purpose may be."

“But… I can tell you clearly… I will not back down. I, Huang Jiacai, am determined to have the meat in their pot.”

He walked back to the table, placed his hands on the surface, leaned forward slightly, and closed the distance between them. Their eyes met again, and it seemed as if invisible sparks were flying in the air.

"But I don't want to be your enemy, you know? I don't want to... I'm conflicted right now, you know, being where I am today is my dream, and I have my own dream too, I also want to stand at the top..."

Gan Fengyi's tone was a little agitated, and her eyes were slightly red.

Huang Jiacai said calmly, “The business world is like a battlefield. Since we are each fighting for our own interests, from your perspective, you can use all your means without any scruples. As for me,” he said, emphasizing each word, “I will also fight back in my own way.”

Their eyes met, and the tea room fell silent, save for the faint sound of water boiling in the stove. On one side lay the cold, cruel reality of business and the overwhelming power of global giants; on the other, a burning, unwavering, yet somewhat lonely, ideal and sentiment. Between them, subtle emotions surged beneath the surface, and their diametrically opposed stances clashed fiercely in silence.

Love and hate. Reason and emotion are torn apart at this moment.

Gan Fengyi stared intently at him, at the unwavering flame in his eyes, a determination that seemed capable of burning away all difficulties. A complex and indescribable wave surged within her: anger at his lack of pragmatism, worry about his potential failure, and weariness at her own predicament. Perhaps, in the deepest, most secret corner of her heart, there was also a trace of admiration for his almost tragic persistence, a sentiment she herself was unwilling to admit.

In the end, she said nothing. All words seemed pale and powerless at this moment. She stood up abruptly, picked up the exquisite handbag that was placed to the side, and turned away without looking at Huang Jiacai again.

She stopped abruptly at the door, turned back as if to say something, but ultimately said nothing. A few seconds later, she resolutely pushed open the door and her figure quickly disappeared into the thick night outside the teahouse, leaving only a faint, familiar scent of perfume slowly drifting in the air.

Huang Jiacai didn't move, remaining in that position for a long time before slowly sitting down. He picked up the slightly cool copper kettle, refilled his cup with tea, and then drank it all in one gulp. The tea was cold, and the bitterness was particularly pronounced, but after swallowing, a lingering sweetness stubbornly rose in his throat.

He took out the encrypted phone and deleted the message. Then, he picked up his everyday phone and dialed his assistant's number. His voice had returned to its usual calm, collected, and decisive tone, as if the tense meeting that had just taken place had never happened.

"Notify all heads of core member companies of the 'Breaking the Barrier' plan that a top-level emergency video conference will be held tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. No one is allowed to be absent."

"In addition, I will prepare three handwritten letters in my personal capacity to General Manager Wang, General Manager Li, and General Manager Zhang of the software company."

At this moment, the night outside the window was as deep as ink.

(End of this chapter)