The dinner broke up, and Li Yan was the first to leave.
He shook hands with He Yunshen, then Han Luyi, and said warmly, "Boss Han, we should see more of each other in Beijing.
"The AI industry can't have everyone working in isolation. We need to talk more."
Han Luyi said, "Absolutely."
Li Yan glanced at Zhao Wenyuan and smiled with a nod. "Dr. Zhao is very talented too. Beijing has plenty of universities and research institutes. You should get out and meet people when you have time."
Zhao Wenyuan replied politely, "Thank you, Boss Li."
Tong Fei was still seeing to the other guests. When he noticed Li Yan leaving, he followed him out.
He Yunshen left with Han Luyi and Zhao Wenyuan. Once they were in the car, he spoke.
"About tonight's dinner—"
He Yunshen paused, as though weighing his words.
Han Luyi looked at him.
He Yunshen sighed. "I owe you an apology."
Han Luyi was a little surprised. "What for?"
"I meant to make an introduction," He Yunshen said. "Now that you're setting up a research institute in Beijing, you're bound to cross paths with major companies like Seek Him Technology. Beijing's a small circle; you were going to run into each other sooner or later. I thought if you met ahead of time,
"you could at least keep things civil when that happened."
"I didn't expect you and Li Yan to clash so badly."
Zhao Wenyuan sat in the front without saying a word.
"Clash" was putting it mildly.
Li Yan had made targets of Source Intelligence and Glutinous Rice Ball, and Han Luyi's counterattack had been just as sharp. He had all but accused Li Yan of taking his platform strategy in the wrong direction, then dredged up the old scandal of paid