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There was still a light mist in the early morning at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The sunlight shone through the glass dome of the terminal onto Yu Wang and Shen Qingyu.
In two hours, they would board a flight to San Francisco. This was Yu Wang's first meeting with Shen Qingyu's father, Shen Changshen. This Silicon Valley tech tycoon, who lived overseas for years, didn't often interfere in his daughter's life, but he held a special place in Shen Qingyu's heart.
"Have you put your passport and plane ticket away?" Yu Wang checked his backpack again, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the zipper, which was a small movement he made when he was nervous.
Shen Qingyu saw it, reached out and held his hand, and said softly: "Everything is put away, don't worry. My dad looks serious, but he actually loves me very much. You just need to act like usual."
Yu Wang nodded, but couldn't help but go over his "Meet the Parents" strategy in his head—should he start by talking about his father's tech company, or mention the business management course he was taking? What if he was asked about the future of esports? How would he answer in a professional and steady manner?
After boarding and taking off, the Boeing 787's windows slowly closed, and the city's outline gradually shrank, eventually being covered by clouds. After the plane entered the stratosphere, Shen Qingyu caught a glimpse of Yu Wang, who, despite closing his eyes to rest, was slightly sweaty in the palm of his hand, and his knuckles were a little tight.
She squeezed his hand gently, then leaned over to his ear and whispered soothingly, "Don't be nervous. Although my dad looks serious, he's actually very open-minded. He even praised you for your courage in rejecting match-fixing."
Yu Wang opened his eyes, with a hint of embarrassment at being seen through. He held her hand tightly and paused: "I want him to know that I am capable of taking good care of you."
Shen Qingyu said softly: "I know, he will know too."
The long flight passed in a state of half-sleep and half-wakefulness. When the plane landed at San Francisco International Airport, it was already afternoon local time. After collecting their luggage, the two followed the signs to the arrival gate. From a distance, they spotted a tall, middle-aged man in a dark blue suit, holding a sign that read "Chen Qingyu, Yu Wang." He stood out from the crowd.
When the man saw them, he immediately came forward with a respectful but not flattering attitude: "Ms. Shen, Mr. Yu, I am Mr. Shen's assistant. Mr. Shen is already waiting for you in the car, please follow me." He skillfully took the suitcases of the two and led them to the parking lot.
In the VIP area of the parking lot, a black Maybach sat quietly, its body gleaming coldly in the setting sun. The car door slowly lowered, revealing a face somewhat similar to Shen Qingyu's—strong features and a high nose bridge. Only the fine lines at the corners of his eyes and his sharp gaze revealed the majesty accumulating with time. It was Shen Changshen.
"dad."
Yu Wang nodded slightly: "Hello, uncle."
Shen Changshen nodded, but his eyes fell on Yu Wang intentionally or unintentionally, and his voice was low and steady: "Get in the car."
The car drove smoothly out of the airport and headed towards Palo Alto. The scenery along the way gradually changed from a bustling city to a quiet suburb. Single-family villas were nestled among the green trees, and the air was filled with the fragrance of grass and flowers.
Shen Qingyu sat in the passenger seat, occasionally chatting with his father about recent developments, while Yu Wang sat in the back seat, listening quietly. When occasionally asked questions, he answered them clearly and logically.
Half an hour later, the car pulled into the courtyard of a modern villa. Tall California sycamores lined the grounds, the lawn was neatly manicured, and the outdoor swimming pool, reflecting the sunset, created a particularly relaxing atmosphere. Entering the villa, the living room was minimalist yet luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the courtyard. Several abstract paintings hung on the walls, revealing the owner's refined taste.
Dinner was arranged in the villa's western restaurant. The long dining table was covered with a white tablecloth and set with silver cutlery and crystal glasses.
When the servants brought the appetizers, Shen Changshen finally spoke first. His question was direct and sharp, without any detours: "Yu Wang, I've learned about the e-sports industry. Players' careers are very short, and they usually retire at the age of twenty-five or twenty-six. You're already twenty-four this year. What are your specific plans after retirement? You can't let Qingyu be unstable with you, right?"
This question was sharp but practical, but Yu Wang put down his knife and fork, leaned forward slightly, and said sincerely and firmly: "Uncle, I understand your concerns. In fact, I have been studying business management courses since last year. I take time every week to take online courses and learn business operations from my grandfather. After retiring in the future, I plan to switch to team management, or cooperate with partners in the industry to engage in e-sports related industries, such as youth training camps and event operations. These are the directions I am currently preparing. My grandfather also supports my plan and has introduced me to some senior people in the industry."
His answer was clear and coherent, explaining both the current situation and the future without any ambiguity. Shen Changshen nodded, but didn't comment immediately. Instead, he changed the subject and cut the steak on his plate, saying calmly, "I heard that Mr. Yu gave you the riverside apartment in the city center? The location is good and it's worth a lot of money." He paused, looked up at Yu Wang, and said, "The Shen family also has several properties along the Huangpu River, all with first-line river views. If you like, you can choose one to live in. There's no need to be polite to Mr. Yu."
These words seemed to be expressions of concern, but they actually contained a deeper meaning - the Shen family was not short of these material things, and would not let their daughter suffer any grievances.
Shen Qingyu's face darkened slightly. Just as she was about to speak, Yu Wang took over the conversation first. His attitude was still sincere, but a little more insistent: "Thank you for your kindness, uncle. I am very grateful for your love for Qingyu. But I hope that Qingyu and I can settle down with our own abilities. We cherish the apartment that grandpa gave us. It is a gift from our elders. We will keep it well, but we will not regard it as our own capital. I can make money from the team's profits and business cooperation. My future career will gradually stabilize. I want to give Qingyu a home with my own hands, rather than relying on the help of both families."
His words were neither humble nor arrogant, expressing his respect for his elders while also sticking to his own principles. Shen Qingyu gently held his hand under the table, and the warmth from his fingertips instantly put her at ease.
Shen Changshen looked at Yu Wang, the scrutiny in his eyes gradually fading, replaced by a hint of recognition. He didn't continue the conversation, instead turning to talk about Silicon Valley's technological trends. Although Yu Wang wasn't as expert in the tech field as Shen Changshen, he was able to draw on his own knowledge and insights, occasionally raising one or two insightful questions that impressed Shen Changshen.
After dinner, when the servants were clearing the table, Shen Changshen looked at Yu Wang and said lightly: "Yu Wang, come with me to the study, I have something to tell you."
Shen Qingyu immediately became nervous and subconsciously wanted to follow, but his father waved his hand to stop him: "Qingyu, wait in the living room for a while." His tone left no room for doubt, so Shen Qingyu had to stop and look at Yu Wang worriedly.
Yu Wang smiled at her, mouthed "Don't worry", and then followed Shen Changshen into the study.
The design of the study is simple and elegant. The bookshelf on the entire wall is filled with books, including professional works in the field of science and technology as well as literary classics.
Shen Changshen walked to the wine cabinet, took out two crystal glasses, poured two glasses of whiskey, and handed one to Yu Wang: "Try it, it's Scottish single malt, it tastes pretty good."
Yu Wang took the wine glass, touched the cold wall of the glass with his fingertips, and said thank you softly.
Shen Changshen leaned against the bookshelf, looking at Yu Wang, his tone much softer than before: "Qingyu's mother and I divorced and moved to France when she was very young. Over the years, Qingyu has grown up in front of me. I have high expectations for her, but I am also most afraid that she will suffer any grievances."
Yu Wang listened quietly without interrupting. He knew that what Shen Changshen said at this moment was his truest thought.
"I know what the outside world thinks of me. They think I'm snobbish, that I'm particular about matching up, and that I use my daughter's happiness as a bargaining chip." Shen Changshen laughed self-deprecatingly, his eyes gazing out the window at the night. "But as a father, I just don't want my daughter to regret it in the future. I don't want her to marry someone irresponsible and without a future because of a momentary impulse. Over the years, Qing Yu has had many suitors, including children from wealthy families and industry elites, but she didn't fall in love until she met you."
He turned around and his gaze fell on Yu Wang again, his eyes sharp but frank: "Your family background is indeed beyond my expectations. I have also heard about Mr. Yu's character. He is an elder worthy of respect. But what I want is not the Yu family's wealth, nor Mr. Yu's face, but your responsibility - can you protect her when she is wronged, can you give her a stable life in the future, can you always stay with her no matter good times or bad."
Yu Wang put down his wine glass, stood up straight, and said sincerely, "Uncle, I promise you that no matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, I will do my best to protect Qing Yu and make her happy. I know I may still have many shortcomings, but I will work hard to grow and prove with my actions that I am worthy of her trust in my life."
Chen Changshen looked at Yu Wang's determined eyes and was silent for a few seconds. Suddenly, he turned and walked to the desk, picked up a document, and handed it to Yu Wang: "This is the complete investigation report on your refusal to participate in a fixed match three years ago. It includes the chat records at that time, the flow of funds, and the evidence that the Li Group planned to expose the news. I have already asked my assistant to investigate it."
Yu Wang was stunned. He didn't expect that Shen Changshen had paid attention to this matter a long time ago and had investigated it in such detail.
"In the face of huge temptation, you can stick to your principles and not be swayed by interests. I admire this." Shen Changshen's tone finally softened, and he even revealed a rare smile. "Qingyu chose you, which shows that she has good vision. I respect her decision and am willing to trust you. But-" He changed the subject and his eyes became serious again, "If I find out that you bully her in the future, no matter who you are, I will not let you go."
"Absolutely not!" Yu Wang immediately promised, his tone extremely firm, "I will love her well throughout my life and will never let her suffer any injustice."
Shen Changshen nodded with satisfaction and patted Yu Wang on the shoulder: "Okay, go out, don't keep Qing Yu waiting anxiously."
When she came out of the study, Shen Qingyu was sitting on the sofa in the living room, holding a pillow in her hand, but her eyes were fixed on the direction of the study. When she saw Yu Wang coming out, she immediately stood up and ran over, whispering, "What did my dad say to you? Did he make things difficult for you?"
Yu Wang held her hand, his eyes full of smiles: "No, my uncle talked to me about his future plans and praised me." He did not elaborate on the conversation in the study, wanting to keep this recognition as a little secret between the two of them.
Although Shen Qingyu was still a little confused, she did not ask any further questions. She just saw peace of mind in his eyes.
The next morning, Shen Qingyu woke up to find her father sitting in the dining room reading the newspaper. On the table was her favorite breakfast—fried eggs, bacon, whole-wheat bread, and her favorite blueberry jam. What surprised her even more was that her father actually took the initiative to say to Yu Wang, "I don't have anything to do today, so I'll take you to the company to see what I do. Maybe we'll have a chance to work together in the future."
Shen Qingyu couldn't believe her ears. Her father, who had looked at Yu Wang with scrutiny yesterday, actually took the initiative to invite Yu Wang to the company today. The change in attitude surprised and delighted her.
Yu Wang was also a little surprised, but then he reacted and quickly thanked him: "Thank you, uncle, I'm happy to do it."
Shen Changshen's company, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, stands out in a modern glass-walled building. Upon entering, the employees greeted him respectfully, their eyes filled with awe. Shen led them to the showroom, where the company's latest smart devices were on display: intelligent diagnostic instruments for medical applications, VR teaching equipment for education, and motion capture systems for sports.
"These technologies can also be applied in esports in the future," Shen Changshen said to Yu Wang, pointing to a motion capture system. "For example, training data analysis can generate personalized training plans by capturing players' movements and reaction speeds. Also, live broadcasts of competitions can use VR technology to give viewers an immersive experience. These are all future trends."
Yu Wang's eyes lit up. He had thought about combining esports with technology before, but he had never found the right technical support. Shen Changshen's words just woke him up. He immediately put forward his own idea: "Uncle, if the motion capture system is combined with AI, can we simulate the operating styles of different players and help the team conduct targeted training? And VR live broadcast, if it can achieve multi-perspective switching, the audience can freely choose to watch the player's first-person perspective, the experience will be better."
His idea was concrete and feasible, and Shen Changshen's admiration deepened. The two chatted about technical details, market prospects, cooperation models, and resource integration. The more they talked, the more they became interested, as if they weren't just elders and juniors meeting for the first time, but like-minded partners.
Shen Qingyu followed behind them, looking at the rare smile on her father's face and Yu Wang's confident and calm look, she couldn't help but laugh - it turned out that her father's recognition of Yu Wang came faster than she had imagined.
In the evening, Shen Changshen booked a table at a famous Michelin three-star restaurant in San Francisco to see them off. The restaurant was softly lit, and outside the window was the night view of San Francisco, with the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge shining brightly in the night.
During the meal, Shen Changshen suddenly put down his knife and fork, looked at the two of them, and said seriously: "Next month, I will contact your mother to return to China together. At that time, we will arrange for the parents of both sides to meet and finalize your marriage. I will contact your grandfather, so you don't have to worry about it."
These words were like a reassurance, causing Shen Qingyu to open her eyes wide in surprise. She looked at her father and found that there was a rare gentleness in his eyes, and even a hint of a smile.
Yu Wang was also stunned, but then he reacted and quickly stood up to thank him: "Thank you, uncle, for your trouble."
"Don't thank me," Shen Changshen waved his hand, his eyes falling on his daughter, "As long as you are happy, I will be relieved."
In the car back to the hotel, Shen Qingyu leaned on Yu Wang's shoulder, his tone full of joy: "I didn't expect my dad to recognize you so quickly. I thought it would take more effort."
Yu Wang held her hand, gently stroking the back of her hand with his fingertips, his eyes full of tenderness: "It's your father who is reasonable, and thank you for always believing in me." He paused, then added with a smile, "However, there is still a hurdle to overcome - it's time to go to France to see your mother."
Shen Qingyu thought of her mother's prejudice against the entertainment and e-sports circles, and couldn't help but frowned: "It does take some effort on my mother's side. She always feels that e-sports players are unstable, and she is worried that you will ignore me because of the competition."
Yu Wang was not worried, but smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. I will prove myself with my actions."
Shen Qingyu looked at his confident look, the worries in her heart gradually dissipated, and she nodded vigorously.
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