Chen Zeyan tapped his fingers on the table twice before speaking.
"We need to take the potential downsides of this project into account."
He paused for a moment, then continued,
"We're introducing the robots with multiple functions. That alone able to trigger public fear. As for our defense-class models are top-tier—something the government may initially welcome, but eventually it become a concern.
They're not trying to steal credit Or taking advantage; they're trying to prevent anything that could cause large-scale unrest among the public and themselves.
A defense robot that can function in both civilian and military sectors will inevitably raise serious government concerns."
Chen Zeyan let out a low chuckle..
"As what Ling Yichen said How could the government possibly allow bunch of businessmen swallow such a pieces of big apple!, yes our products was technically a big apple,a sweetest one."
"But our model does not possess military-grade functions. The defensive protocol exists solely to enhance structural resilience."
Yan Mozhou spoke up, irritation slipping through despite his attempt to stay composed.
"They do exist," Chen Zeyan said, interrupting. "And regardless of our intentions, the government will scrutinize us once we release it. Emotional-detection algorithms, self-repairing chassis—resistant to bullets, fire, and explosions. That level of technology will certainly provoke their envy."
"So… you're suggesting a partnership with the government?"
Huo Rongxu murmured, as if testing the idea out loud.
"Wait....if we add a few safety functions—like an auto-shutdown—wouldn't that be enough to calm the government?"
Ling Yichen asked quietly.
"Add all the safety systems you want—it won't matter. A robot this exceptional will always attract trouble. The best move is to partner with the government," Chen Zeyan stated.
"But… if we bring the government in, they'll bind us with regulations. This project is our dream. Losing control of it—just thinking about it hurts,"
Yan Mozhou murmured, eyes dimming.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Yet the silence itself showed they felt the same
Chen Zeyan leaned back slightly, his voice steady.
"I'm not saying we hand over full authority to the Gevorment.
he continued indifferently. "We can offer them limited cooperation.
Our robot is packed with features that will attract worldwide jealousy. Working with the government gives us a shield. We just have to make sure their share is limited so they can't control us. It's the best balance."
At that, all three pairs of eyes lit up—uncertainty replaced by the spark of possibility.
Huo Rongxu hesitated for a moment before asking.
"But… will the government agree to that?"
"Of course they will," Yan Mozhou cut in with a glee. " If they don't cooperate, we can always take the project abroad. Other countries would welcome this technology with open arms,of course the government would hate to see that." He turned to Chen Zeyan.
"Right, Zeyan?"
Hearing this, Chen Zeyan raised a brow. Before he could speak, Huo Rongxu cut in, frowning.
"That won't work. If we move the project overseas, there's a chance the government will ban us here."
"With the level of innovation we've achieved, even if we're baned here, international markets will be more than willing to take us," Chen Zeyan stated plainly. "Should the government choose to shut the door now, they'll only be shutting themselves out of an advantage they can never reclaim."
"So basically, whether they like it or not, they'll still have to collaborate with us, under the terms we dictate!." Ling Yichen's eyes lit up as he spoke, a faint, amused smile tugging at his lips.
"Chen Zeyan… you sly fox." Ling Yichen shook his head with a grin.
Chen Zeyan curled his lip but refused to speak any further.
The earlier tension dissipated, and the room slipped back into that lazy, youthful ease expected from such a second generation young masters lounge.
Ling Yichen, Huo Rongxu, Yan Mozhou, and Chen Zeyan were friends in college, united by a shared passion for robotics.
Huo Rongxu, the second young master of the illustrious Huo family, owners of numerous hospitals whose name was synonymous with medicine and hospitals,so he found little encouragement from his family for mechanical pursuits.
Ling Yichen, hailing from a military lineage through his father and grandfather, was expected to follow the family tradition and join the armed forces.
Only Yan Mozhou and Chen Zeyan coming from a business-oriented family faced no such obstacles.
Chen family was famed for their foothold in the entertainment industry and real estate they also owned many luxury hotels. But Chen zeyan had charted a very different path, he founded Chen Robotics when he was still in college,now the Chen family owns the biggest technological footprint in the field of science.
"So, Zeyan, care to share what marriage feels like? You're the only one in this room brave enough to step into it," Ling Yichen drawled, amusement flickering in his voice.
"Yeah… come to think of it, I never would've expected the first one to get married would be the guy who never even held a girl's hand," Huo Rongxu chimed in,"So how was it, man? And when are you introducing sister-in-law to us?".
Ling Yichen Know more about the inside story, he glanced at Chen Zeyan's striking profile but didn't comment anything. He clearly know—better than anyone—that this marriage wasn't desired. It was nothing more than an old promise between two families, forced onto Zeyan without his consent.
"Not bad," Chen Zeyan said, his tone was calm. "I'll introduce her when the time comes." From his voice alone, it was impossible to tell whether he was pleased or upset.
Since Yan Mozhou and Huo Rongxu sensed nothing unusual, they naturally remained cheerful.
By nightfall, silence swept through the Chen household.
The day had been long and draining, Liu Yiran could barely keep her eyes open.
She knew Chen Zeyan wouldn't return, so she simply freshened up changed into a set of light blue pajamas and climbed into bed. The moment her body touched the soft mattress, she fell into deep sleep.
Then, without warning, the bedroom door creaked open.
A tall figure stepped inside, the moonlight spilling over him like silver paint, outlining his lean frame with an almost ethereal glow.
Chen Zeyan's gaze instinctively fell upon the sleeping girl sprawled across the bed. Liu Yiran lay there in peaceful slumber, unaware of his presence.
Her long wavy hair spread across the bed in quiet disarray.
Few strands of soft hair had fallen against her cheek, and her pink lips are slightly parted.
Which made her looked even more delicate. Like a kitten—so soft, so young.
For a moment, Chen Zeyan simply stood there—silent, distant—unable to look away.
After a reminder from his friends, Chen Zeyan's thoughts drifted to her. He remembered overhearing the conversation between Liu Yiran and the Tang family madams at the tea ceremony, and a pang of guilt struck him—he knew he had wronged her. He was already married, and with that came responsibilities he could not ignore.
He didn't planing to come this night but after thinking about slightly he wanted to explain to her, make her understand—but now, she had already fallen asleep.
Before their marriage, he had tried to make her see how important his research was to him. He had hoped she would understand, especially since she was the daughter of a physicist herself. Surely, he thought, someone with her background would comprehend the demands of his work. Yet now, watching her sleeping figure,
he felt the weight of what he had left unsaid.
He didn't have any particular feeling about the marriage, but he shouldn't ignore his responsibility.
With a sigh, Chen Zeyan walked carefully to the bathroom, trying not to make a sound.