Lei Chunping stared at the final program code, his clouded expression clearing in a flash of epiphany. He whooped, "Yes, that's it! It's perfect!" His pale face flushed with excitement as he grabbed Zhengyang. "Zhengyang, this is a revolutionary system! Once it launches, it'll shake the world!"
Xu Miaoli stepped forward, eyeing her manic husband with concern. "Sure, world-shaking. You're done—go rest. Tomorrow, you can bask in global fame." Like coaxing a child, she tried to calm him.
The family, baffled by the scene, pressed for answers. Lei Qiuping asked, "Big Brother, what's going on? Another breakthrough? Zhengyang, spill."
Zhengyang shrugged casually. "Just a new computer system. Once it hits the market, it'll wipe out Microsoft's entire software lineup. Should make a fortune."
Xu Miaoli, a savvy businesswoman despite limited tech knowledge, sensed a goldmine. Microsoft was the world's cash cow—ousting them was unthinkable. She leaned in. "Son, you really built this? How's its performance? Can it top XP?"
"XP's nothing," Chunping scoffed, irked by her doubt. "This system's unmatched in function and compatibility. It could be the foundation for AI!" A top scientist, he wouldn't lose sleep over a mediocre system. AI was a national secret, still in early stages with no breakthroughs. His words jolted Patriarch Lei Yunbao.
"Chunping, is this true?" Yunbao asked, stunned.
"Absolutely," Chunping affirmed. "I haven't cracked its core yet, but this system opens a new research path. Father, we must secure its core data first to give the Leis leverage."
His urgency sparked the others. Lei Xiaping, Qiuping, and Dongping, less versed in science, perked up. Boosting the Lei family's clout was their shared dream. Zhengyang, ignoring their eager stares, said boredly, "Uncle-in-law, this is for you. With the Longteng system, you can eclipse Microsoft. I want your company to soar—you'll be a big help later."
Wang Jiansheng was floored. Handing him such a groundbreaking tech to run? His tiny computer firm never dreamed of challenging Microsoft—a giant versus a gnat. "Zhengyang, this is… for me?" He hesitated to take the files, especially under the uncles' intense glares.
Lei Xinping, no fool, saw their looks and knew the system's value. "Zhengyang, it's too precious. Your uncle and I can't handle it. Give it to your mom—Tianhua Group has the muscle."
Zhengyang stuffed the files into her hands. "Relax, I've got this. The core codes are with me. You and Uncle just run it—updates are my job. And it's not free—you'll owe shares. Call it your startup."
Xinping knew it was a game-changer. If her husband's firm could wield this system, it'd skyrocket, letting her hold her head high. But monopolizing such a prize felt wrong. The uncles stayed silent, but Yunbao chuckled. "Xinping, it's Zhengyang's to give. If he chooses you, fine. Maybe Xiaoli can partner with you—family doesn't split hairs."
Yunbao was irked—such a system could elevate the Leis, yet Zhengyang gave it away. But he relented: Zhengyang was a Lei, Xinping his daughter. It stayed in the family. And he saw Zhengyang's resolve—opposing him was futile. A "partnership" ensured the profits wouldn't leak outside.
Chunping grumbled, but with Yunbao's word, they acquiesced. The others, unaware of the system's true worth, didn't protest. Xinping's heart soared. Fresh off family acceptance, Zhengyang's gift was a dream come true. She hugged him, planting a big kiss on his cheek. "Zhengyang, I adore you!"
He laughed awkwardly. "Easy, Auntie, or Uncle'll get jealous."
Jiansheng grinned. "Zhengyang, forget your aunt—if I were a woman, I'd propose! Don't worry, I won't let you down."
The joyful vibe made the birthday banquet a hit. Before leaving, Xinping and Xu Miaoli hashed out a partnership. Xu Miaoli sighed, "Xinping, this kid used to beg me for cash. Now I'll be handing him money—and groveling."
"Sister-in-law, aren't you thrilled he's shining?" Xinping said. "Jiansheng and I agreed—ninety percent of the shares are his. The company's named Longteng, the system LT. We'll rake in foreign cash!"
While the women chatted, the men bonded. Zhengyang's brilliance softened the Leis' stance toward Jiansheng, exactly as Yunbao wanted. Integrating him was now priority one.
Lunch and dinner made it the Leis' happiest day. Xinping planned to stay a few days, but the system's urgency changed that. Eager to build and test it, they left that night. Given its importance, Xu Miaoli deployed a Tianhua Group security squad—ex-military under Qiuping's command—to escort them. Tianhua would guard Longteng henceforth, keeping it in the Lei fold.
Once Xinping's family left, the Leis turned on Zhengyang.
Chunping, most incensed, led the charge. "Zhengyang, do you grasp this system's value? It's a fortune! Tianhua could've pushed the Leis to new heights. Why give it to your aunt?"
Zhengyang, serious, explained, "First, she's my aunt—I owe her, and this is repayment. Second, Tianhua's already a cash cow. Adding this would spark envy from Beijing's clans. Money's great, but too much makes the Leis everyone's enemy. Third, the Leis are under a microscope—every move's watched. I don't want anyone knowing I made this. Aunt's company is perfect: Jiansheng's researching this field, with a foundation to build LT smoothly."
"Most importantly," he added, "this system's good, but not the best. Success or failure? Doesn't matter to me."
"Not the best?" Chunping's eyes lit up. "Tianxing, you've got something better? Show me! I swear, just for study, no leaks." Research was his drug.
Zhengyang eyed his hyped-up father, exasperated. Despite their strained bond, he didn't want him burning out early. "Just talk, Dad. Right now, you need rest."
"Everyone's beat, right? I'm off to bed. Great birthday—let's do it again next year." Yawning, Zhengyang ignored their stunned looks and sauntered off to sleep.