The eldest son trap

The news of his bank card being frozen popped up on Shi Xu's phone like a cold system notification, silently announcing the complete severing of his economic ties with the Shi family. He wasn't surprised; he even felt a sense of calm, as if "the other shoe had finally dropped." He simply packed the few personal belongings he had left in the villa—mostly books and the pebble that had always been with him—and left without disturbing anyone, like brushing dust off his clothes, completely departing from that place.

Back in the apartment he shared with Yunxi, he told her everything. Yunxi's reaction was more...excited than he had expected.

“Great!” She almost jumped up, her eyes shining brightly. “Now we don’t have to worry about them anymore, or about any money coming with strings attached!” She even started rummaging through drawers and cabinets, found a piggy bank, and poured the coins and loose bills inside onto the table, starting to count their “start-up capital.”

Looking at her earnest profile, Shi Xu's slight unease from suddenly losing his source of income vanished instantly. He joined her, and together they tallied up all their savings—including prize money Shi Xu had won in some small competitions, and money Yun Xi had saved from tutoring and part-time jobs. It wasn't a large sum, but for their upcoming "entrepreneurship," it symbolized absolute independence and purity.

Their first step was to analyze their biggest asset—the project that won the national competition award. Shi Xu was responsible for in-depth technical research and feasibility studies, reconstructing and optimizing the lab prototype towards productization, removing unnecessary features and strengthening core strengths. Yun Xi, on the other hand, demonstrated amazing initiative and social talent. She began frantically studying business plan (BP) writing, collecting information on potential investors, and even actively attending local startup salons and technology forums.

“We can’t just wait for investors to come to us,” Yunxi said to Shixu while rapidly jotting down industry news she’d heard at a forum on her computer. “We have to take the initiative! We have to make our voice heard in the market!”

She started a tech blog and related social media accounts, sharing technical insights and application prospects of their projects in simple and easy-to-understand language, gradually building a small following. She also proactively contacted university labs and small tech companies, seeking opportunities for technical collaborations or project outsourcing, partly to earn a meager development fee to make a living, and partly to accumulate industry experience and connections.

Life became exceptionally busy and frugal. They squeezed into a small apartment, often discussing technical problems until late at night, and taking turns cooking to save a few dollars on takeout, though the food was often unsatisfactory. Shi Xu, who had never lifted a finger to cook, had also learned to skillfully make instant noodles and fry eggs.

However, reality was far harsher than imagined. The first batch of investors they encountered, while appreciating their technology, hesitated upon hearing about their team's background (two college students with no industry experience and no strong backing) and learning about their separation from the Shi family. Some even offered extremely harsh conditions, attempting to acquire a majority stake and technological control at a very low price.

“Young people, it’s good to have ideas, but starting a business is not child’s play. Without a lot of resources, it will be hard for your project to grow.” A well-dressed investor said to them in an almost condescending tone, “Accept our conditions, and at least you can keep a spark of your dreams alive.”

Emerging from the investment firm, walking through the bustling evening streets, the chilly air seemed to penetrate my thin coat. The repeated rejections had created a somber atmosphere.

"Pah! What kind of bullshit is this? He's just trying to get something for nothing!" Yunxi made a face at the office building, venting her frustration, but when she turned to look at Shixu, her eyes remained stubborn. "It's okay! If this one doesn't work, we'll try another one! There's always someone who knows what's good!"

Looking at her slightly red nose from the cold, and her eyes that seemed even brighter in adversity, Shi Xu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He reached out and naturally helped her straighten her scarf, which had been ruffled by the wind.

"Yes," he replied simply, his voice low but firm. "We're not in a hurry. The technology is in our hands, and the initiative is in our hands."

What he didn't tell her was that he vaguely sensed an invisible hand influencing the attitudes of certain investors. Some institutions that initially showed interest would inexplicably become distant in subsequent contacts. Was it Shi Chongyuan? Or the unwilling Shi Zhiyuan? He wasn't sure, but this possibility hung over him like a dark cloud.

Just then, Yunxi's phone rang. She took it out and glanced at it, her eyes widening in surprise, followed by an expression that was a mixture of astonishment and excitement.

"Shixu! Look!" She handed the phone to Shixu.

It was a text message from an unknown number, and the content was concise:

[I'm very interested in your project. May I meet you at Wutong Cafe tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM? — Lin Feng, Lin's Venture Capital]

Lin's Venture Capital? Lin Feng?

Shi Xu's mind raced, searching for relevant information. The Lin Group was a powerful local private enterprise that had recently begun heavily investing in technological innovation. Lin Feng, the eldest son of the Lin family and the de facto head of Lin Venture Capital, was known in investment circles for his keen insight and decisive style. How could he have noticed these two students with no background whatsoever?

A mixture of surprise and apprehension washed over me. This was a tremendous, unexpected opportunity, but it also carried hidden risks, especially at this sensitive time.

"Shall we go?" Yunxi looked up at him, her eyes gleaming with a sense of adventure.

Shi Xu looked at the text message, then at Yun Xi's expectant face, pondered for a moment, and nodded:

"go."

Whether what lies ahead is opportunity or trap, they must walk it themselves. This is the path they chose, and they must continue it regardless of wind or rain. And this suddenly appearing Lin Feng may be the key figure who breaks the deadlock and truly embarks on their journey of independence. A new challenge has arrived.