"We're new here, so we don't know much about these things," Han Luyi said.
Tong Fei stepped forward to explain. "It's a national-level technology initiative led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. They bring together leading companies and universities to tackle critical technologies where we're being held back. Places are limited, and the organizations selected usually have a solid foundation of core technology in that field." He paused. "Of course, AI is a priority right now, and everyone's competing to get in. Boss Li's company should have a place."
Beijing's business circles really were far more attuned to policy than those in Haicheng.
Han Luyi nodded. "Right now, we're still focused on developing and refining our product. Things like that, honestly..."
He smiled. "It's too early for Source Intelligence. It's not something we should be worrying about yet."
Li Yan picked up the conversation with a gentle smile. "Every company has its own place. A young team is right to focus on its product. Build a solid foundation, and opportunities will come. I have high hopes for your team, Boss Han. Find the right direction and keep at it. Your chance may well come someday."
Han Luyi glanced at him. Only now did Li Yan seem to recover some of the bearing of an old internet titan.
"Let's hope you're right, Boss Li."
By the second half of dinner, few people were still seated at the table. Most had drifted around the room in twos and threes, drinks in hand. Li Yan had the largest crowd around him.
Watching from a distance, Han Luyi could sense Li Yan's determination to build an Agent platform. He talked about it at launches and lectures, and even came to social gatherings like this to draw other companies into the fold.
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