Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

His mind raced, piecing together this information with Wu Ming's "channel advantages," Rossi's "local methods," the cargo owner's core need for "quick and safe monetization," and his own absolute advantage of limited funds but advanced knowledge, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

Simply sowing discord is too inefficient, while forming alliances with one side is too passive.

What he needs to do is not become the fourth contender, but the one who redefines the rules of the game.

Wu Ming wanted profits and authority, Gulf Capital wanted secrecy and stability, and the moneylenders wanted security and efficiency.

The needs of these three are inherently conflicting; forcibly binding them together will only lead to conflict.

So, is there a way to simultaneously satisfy the core demands of these three parties, while one can act as the designer and essential component of this new solution, and obtain the most crucial piece of the puzzle?

A clear, bold, and highly disruptive plan quickly took shape in his mind.

This is a cognitive dimensionality reduction attack based on precise calculations.

He wanted to use his deep understanding of the flow of "strategic materials" to design a transaction structure that everyone would find "better".

"Vivian,"

Lin Dong turned around, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable determination, "The plan has changed. We're no longer just investigating our opponents; we're going to provide a 'solution' to this stalemate that everyone will seriously consider."

Chen Wei'an was slightly taken aback: "A solution?"

"That's right."

Lin Dong walked to the table and pointed to the document marked "strategic reserve". "What Gulf Capital really wants is not the whole batch of goods, but the highest quality, most reliable, and confidential 'core part' that can be held for a long time."

Wu Ming wanted to quickly cash out and solidify his position. The cargo owner wanted a safe landing. Their goals were different from the start; forcing themselves onto the same track would only lead to them trampling each other.

He raised his head, his eyes flashing with a calm yet sharp light.

"My plan is to technically divide this batch of goods into 'strategic reserve' and 'commercial circulation' grades and deliver them independently."

I'll define the standards, I'll facilitate the agreements. In return, I want a portion of 'circulation-grade' goods, and... to be the architect of this new transaction structure.

Chen Wei'an gasped.

This idea is too audacious! It means that Lin Dong, with the weakest capital position, will lead a complex transaction and restructuring involving tens of millions of US dollars and multiple giants.

But upon closer reflection, this seems to be the only way for him to break out of his predicament and even turn the tables.

"first"

Lin Dong's voice brought her back to reality: "We need to prepare an impeccable 'material grading and supply chain security solution' that will be 'just right' for Gulf Capital to see."

Secondly, I need to talk to Wu Ming and give him an option that "better preserves his face and interests." Finally, and most importantly, we need to be able to speak directly with the cargo owner's decision-makers.

"I see."

Chen Wei'an quickly took notes. Her professionalism allowed her to suppress her shock and get into execution mode. "This means we need a more professional materials science consultant, and... an opportunity to convince the cargo owner of our solution."

"There is an opportunity."

Lin Dong looked out the window, the lights of San Francisco flickering in his deep pupils.

"When Wu Ming and Gulf Capital were deadlocked due to fundamental differences in their demands, and when cargo owners began to feel anxious about the increasingly complex situation and the risk of delays, our 'solution' was the stepping stone and key they needed most."

He not only wanted to acquire the aluminum materials, but also wanted to use this opportunity to announce a completely new way of playing in this unfamiliar battlefield.

Chen Wei'an is extremely efficient.

noon the next day.

A summary of a professionally bound and data-rich report entitled "Batch Analysis and Grading Application Recommendations for 7050 Aviation Aluminum Alloy".

It had already been quietly placed on the desk of the project manager through an independent materials laboratory that had business dealings with Gulf Capital.

The report’s core conclusion is clear and compelling: about 35% of the billets in the bonded warehouse fully meet or even exceed the stringent standards for “long-term strategic reserves” due to their smelting batches, internal stress release data and microcrystalline structure.

The remaining portion is classified as "excellent commercial distribution" grade. The report does not mention any trading parties, but only objectively recommends "adopting differentiated procurement and logistics strategies for different grades of materials to optimize costs and risks."

Meanwhile, reservations for the Peninsula Hotel's tea room have also been confirmed.

On Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m., Wu Ming will meet with a manager of a local bank here.

At 2:50 p.m., Lin Dong, accompanied by Chen Wei'an, arrived at the tea house ahead of schedule.

He chose a seat next to Wu Ming's reserved spot, slightly shaded by greenery, so that he could observe Wu Ming and naturally enter his field of vision at the "right time".

At 3 o'clock sharp, Wu Ming appeared on time.

In his fifties, dressed in an elegant tailored suit, he walked with a steady gait and shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with the bank manager with a friendly smile; it all seemed like a relaxed, routine meeting.

However, Lin Dong noticed that when Wu Ming sat down, his gaze habitually and very quickly swept across the entire tea area, especially when he saw the unfamiliar face of Lin Dong, his gaze lingering for a barely perceptible moment.

Lin Dong waited patiently.

He sipped his water slowly, as if he were just an ordinary guest waiting for someone.

Just as Wu Ming's conversation seemed to have come to an end, the bank manager got up to leave, and Wu Ming leaned back in his chair alone, picking up his teacup—

Lin Dong nodded slightly to Chen Wei'an, then picked up the South China Morning Post on his desk. Seemingly attracted by a report, he stood up naturally, as if to find a better angle, but his footsteps "just happened" to pass by Wu Ming's desk.

His gaze "inadvertently" met Wu Ming's raised eyes.

A perfectly measured expression of respect, tinged with surprise and hesitation, immediately appeared on Lin Dong's face. He stopped and tentatively asked in clear, slightly accented Mandarin, "Excuse me... are you Mr. Wu from Hong Kong Mingyuan Trading?"

Wu Ming put down his teacup, his professional smile unchanged, but his eyes held a scrutinizing gaze: "I am. And you are?"

"Ah, it really is you!"

Lin Dong appropriately displayed a bit of "awkwardness" upon meeting a senior figure in the industry, bowing slightly. "Excuse me, Mr. Wu. My name is Lin Dong, and I'm from Shenzhen. I've long admired your reputation; I never expected to meet you here."

He handed over a simple business card with only his name and domestic mobile phone number printed on it.

Wu Ming took the business card and glanced at it.

"Mr. Lin, it's a pleasure to meet you. Shenzhen is a great place; there are many opportunities for young people." His tone was gentle, but carried a condescending perfunctory air, clearly not taking this overly young visitor seriously. "Are you here in San Francisco for tourism, or...?"