Zhang Wei also went to Evergreen Marine’s headquarters, leaving only Qi Yun, Fu Wentao, and Wei Zhe in the manor.

Originally, as one of the major shareholders, Qi Yun should attend Evergreen Marine’s board meeting, but he doesn’t like that kind of occasion and directly delegated it to President Bi and the others.

In the tea room, Fu Wentao glanced at Qi Yun before cautiously speaking, "Mr. Wei, do you think there’s potential for further advancement in production technology at the two T-Semiconductors factories in the mainland?"

Wei Zhe’s eyes narrowed; this question was quite sensitive.

T-Semiconductors has two factories in the mainland, located in Shanghai and Nanjing. However... due to certain constraints, these factories mainly manufacture chips with mature processes, lagging far behind the headquarters in terms of production equipment and technology.

Even so, these two factories remain crucial in the mainland semiconductor manufacturing sector, providing essential manufacturing support for many local companies.

But to truly break through in the semiconductor industry and reach the level of the international first-tier, relying solely on current models and technology is far from enough.

This is another reason for Fu Wentao’s visit,

He aims to persuade Wei Zhe, or reach some sort of deal, allowing him to shift more advanced technological resources toward the mainland and stimulate its semiconductor industry development.

After all, manually reaching 5 nm exists only on the internet; in reality, without the most advanced EUV lithography machines, top-tier material process formulas, a vast pool of high-end talent, and decades of accumulated experience, wanting to surpass others out of thin air is almost impossible.

Take the last time for instance, several heads of research institutes, to fight for the EUV lithography machines Qi Yun acquired, literally jumped up and cursed in the meeting room...

It shows how scarce these high-end manufacturing devices and technologies are.

Wei Zhe remained silent, not responding immediately.

Of course, he understood Fu Wentao’s intent, but everyone knew the risks involved.

It’s not that he doesn’t want to proceed, but he must be accountable to the enterprise, the shareholders, and tens of thousands of employees.

T-Semiconductors isn’t solely his, and every decision must be made with consideration of the consequences.

Qi Yun set down his teacup and, prompted by Fu Wentao’s gesture, took over the conversation, "President Wei, we have a foundation for collaboration between us. I believe this matter isn’t without possibility; the key is finding a collaborative model that both parties can accept."

Wei Zhe nodded, signaling him to continue.

"I wonder if President Wei has recently followed up on changes in ASML Company’s stock ownership. The person behind Valiant Tech, who recently acquired an 8% stake in ASML, is named De Gaulle."

"To be honest, I have a deal with this De Gaulle; Valiant Tech is about to become my company, which means the 8% stake in ASML belongs to me."

"I think... this may serve as an additional assurance for our collaboration."

Upon hearing this, Fu Wentao showed little reaction, as he knew about this already, but Wei Zhe’s expression froze in surprise, looking at Qi Yun with disbelief.

ASML’s 8% stake!

The value of this is undoubtedly no less than the 12% stake in Evergreen Marine.

He knows better than anyone what ASML means to T-Semiconductors; it is the most crucial guarantee for maintaining their technological leadership, bar none.

ASML’s yearly production of lithography machines is limited, and these share allocations need to be competed for against Samsung Electronics, Intel, and other peers.

If Qi Yun truly possesses this 8% stake, it implies that he may use his shareholder status in ASML to provide unprecedented conveniences to T-Semiconductors in the future, such as priority supply of equipment, and so forth.

This is practically holding the lifeline of T-Semiconductors’ future, and the person holding this hand is now sitting in front of him, smilingly proposing a cooperative invitation.

Qi Yun observed the changing expressions on Wei Zhe’s face, knowing he was undergoing intense mental struggle.

From previous interactions, he understood that Wei Zhe was not unwilling to deepen cooperation with the mainland, but was constrained by external pressures and a massive board of directors.

Playing the ASML card was to enhance the possibility of collaboration, giving the counterpart ample reasons to persuade those on the board.

Fu Wentao’s eyes were like torches, speaking again, "Mr. Wei, we understand T-Semiconductors’ position and respect business rules."

"However, some things are the trend of the times, and the outcome will not change." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Should we achieve deeper cooperation, I, Fu Wentao, can assure that T-Semiconductors will be one of the biggest beneficiaries in the future."

Time seemed to freeze, until finally, Wei Zhe took a deep breath, as if he had made an extremely significant decision.

He glanced at Fu Wentao, then at Qi Yun, his gaze complicated, and sighed deeply, "Little Qi, if you can really secure that 8% stake in ASML, then I’m willing to personally push this matter and do my utmost to convince the board."

Qi Yun felt reassured and nodded in response, "Thank you, President Wei. The matter of the stake will soon be settled; I will bring the documents to meet you then."

"Alright, I await your good news."

Wei Zhe finally revealed a relieved smile; from the heart, he wants to support the mainland’s development. With enough leverage, he could garner some people’s support.

Fu Wentao watched this scene with satisfaction, the younger fellow was already able to help him resolve matters.

A significant exchange of interests was thus accomplished.

If T-Semiconductors is willing to invest more advanced technology and equipment in the mainland factories, it will undoubtedly enhance the mainland’s chip manufacturing level immensely, potentially driving the upgrade of the entire semiconductor industry.