Reborn in 2014: A One-Man Tycoon

"Meng Chuan, are you sure you're not joking?"

Fifth Master looked at Meng Chuan as if he were a fool.

He always thought Meng Chuan was a smart man.

But how could a smart person not understand this?

Goldman Sachs controls more than $10 trillion in assets.

This is just what’s on the surface.

Trading a company worth over ten trillion dollars for a company worth only 3000 billion dollars.

This is clearly a losing proposition!

“You don’t understand. Once money reaches a certain point, it’s just a string of numbers. There’s not much difference between 10 trillion and 300 billion.”

Meng Chuan gave a wry smile and tried to explain:

"But technology, especially high-tech technology, cannot be bought with money."

"Technology requires a lot of time to develop; time is more important than money."

Meng Chuan is now increasingly understanding what Ma Yun meant when she said that money is the easiest thing to obtain in the world.

However, acquiring the technology requires money and time; none of these can be lacking.

"What technology has a difference of nearly ten trillion? If you're willing to invest ten trillion, what technology can't you overcome?"

Fifth Master still couldn't understand.

Money cannot be immediately converted into technology, but with enough money, quantitative change can lead to qualitative change.

"To put it simply, putting aside Asma's heritage and industry standing, the two technologies it possesses, DUV and EUV, are of immeasurable value."

"The former is deep ultraviolet lithography technology, which is at least 10 years ahead of the industry. The latter is extreme ultraviolet lithography technology, which is at least 20 years ahead of the industry."

Upon hearing Meng Chuan's words, Fifth Master's expression finally changed.

"This lead cannot even be measured by time alone. Asma's patent concentration in the field of extreme ultraviolet light sources is as high as 91%, forming an unbreakable patent barrier."

Meng Chuan said solemnly:

“It will take even longer to bypass its patent barriers.”

Catching up in technology is not like running on a track.

Running allows you to follow in the footsteps of those who came before you and catch up along the same route.

To catch up in technology, we need to find alternative paths and avoid others' patents.

To carve out a new road where there was none.

“Is the gap so big?”

Fifth Master remained silent.

He truly hadn't expected the gap between himself and others in the same industry to be so large.

He may not understand technology, but he knows how precious time is.

Especially for a dying person, time is the most precious thing in the world.

Are these technologies really that important?

Fifth Master remained silent for a long time before suddenly speaking.

"Is it really that important!"

Meng Chuan said without hesitation.

If Meng Chuan can truly gain complete control of Asma Technology, acquire all its patents, and especially bring them back to China.

Then it wouldn't be a matter of foreign countries holding China hostage.

It is China that is strangling the entire world.

Without China's support, everything from industrial manufacturing and medical equipment to satellites and aerospace would be impossible.

From small items like cars and mobile phones, everything requires China's approval.

Without China's support and without ASML's lithography technology, Intel, Samsung, and TSMC would all be nothing more than amateurs.

Even a powerful country like the United States, having mastered ASML, would not dare to easily sanction China.

It even has to worry about being sanctioned by China.

"If it's truly beneficial to the country, then let's do it!"

Fifth Master remained silent for a long time before speaking firmly.

"However, the United States has a natural hostility toward China, and it would be too difficult to take over such an important company."

"And those politicians, they're unlikely to agree unless there are sufficient benefits to offer them."

Fifth Master lived in the United States for decades.

He has a good understanding of the nature of Americans.

In a capitalist world, everything is driven by profit.

As long as there are enough benefits, they're happy to act like subservient grandchildren.

Otherwise, it's all pointless to discuss.

"That's why I've come to ask you for advice!"

Meng Chuan said with a wry smile.

Meng Chuan only had a general idea in mind.

That means first taking over Goldman Sachs, and then exchanging Goldman Sachs for Asma.

However, Meng Chuan had no clue how to implement it.

"You take care of taking down Goldman Sachs, and I'll take care of persuading those politicians."

After thinking for a moment, Fifth Master's thoughts immediately became clear:

"As for how you take over Goldman Sachs, you'll have to figure that out yourself. All I can tell you is that the Shengkesi family's situation is somewhat complicated."

Fifth Master then introduced the Sheng Kesi family to Meng Chuan.

The patriarch of the Shengkesi family passed away peacefully a few years ago.

The one who ascended to the throne was the old patriarch's grandson, Robert Sanx.

Although 40-year-old Robert is young and ambitious, daring and capable, he is still quite capable.

However, he did not have high prestige within the Shengkesi family.

Moreover, there are a large number of uncles and elders in the family who are eyeing the situation covetously.

Therefore, Fifth Master speculated that the person coming to China this time was very likely Robert himself.

As long as he can make a name for himself in the Chinese market, his position in the Shengkesi family will be more secure.

They will even have more say in Goldman Sachs.

"As for the leader of the Blood Gang, this man is not simple. He is ruthless and vindictive."

At this point, a ruthless glint flashed in Fifth Master's eyes:

"Whether to kill or spare you is your decision, but if you choose to kill, it's best to kill him with one blow."

Fifth Master would not easily offend anyone.

But once Fifth Master decides to take action, he never leaves any loose ends.

For example, the Arctic Fox assassin organization was known for its ruthless tactics; when they made a move, they were annihilated.

"Okay, I understand."

Meng Chuan nodded.

Fifth Master did not make a decision for Meng Chuan, and Meng Chuan knew that this was yet another test from Fifth Master.

"Now that you understand, you can go back. I'm tired."

Fifth Master said wearily.

"Are you... really alright?"

Meng Chuan stood up and couldn't help but ask with concern.

"Not dead yet."

Fifth Master said with a look of disdain.

But a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flashed deep in his eyes.

After Meng Chuan and Ying Die left.

Fifth Master coughed violently again.

"Fifth Master..."

Prince Fu became nervous.

"It's okay, just get me a plane ticket tonight, I'm going back to the US."

Fifth Master raised his hand to stop him.

"One? Fifth Master, I'll go back with you..."

"The Prince of Fu said urgently."

Over the years, Prince Fu has almost always stayed by Fifth Master's side.

Only recently, in order to protect Meng Chuan, has he briefly left Fifth Master's side.

He's worried about letting Fifth Master go back by himself!

"No need. You should know that the Blood Gang leader is no pushover either. You should stay in Shanghai! That kid needs you more than I do."

Fifth Master refused.

"But……"

Prince Fu looked troubled.

"There are no buts. I'm an old man, so I might die, but that brat can't die."

Fifth Master said with a faint smile.

Because he is becoming more and more satisfied with Meng Chuan.

Before the Prince of Fu could say anything more, Fifth Master interrupted him firmly in the calmest tone:

"Just stay here and protect him! Although I'm nearing the end of my life, as long as I have a breath left, there aren't many people in this world who would dare to mess with me!"