Starting From the Chip in 1991

Chapter 42 Confirmed, Certain, and Absolutely Sure

The plane landed in San Francisco, and as soon as they exited the airport, Chen Haoming dragged Xi Xiaoding straight to the used car market.

Following his own taste, Chen coaxed Xi into buying a Volvo—boxy and rugged-looking.

Even as a used car, it wasn't cheap, costing $8,000.

After paying, Xi Xiaoding realized he had been tricked—the seats were hard, the gear lever awkward.

Luckily, the brakes and accelerator were decent, so Xi refrained from flipping out at Chen.

Originally, he had wanted to pick something lightweight, like a Japanese car.

The Volvo drove south along the highway, exiting at 35th Avenue onto the expressway that marked the boundary between Santa Clara Valley and San Jose.

Factories lined the north side, high-tech companies sprang up on the south side.

Santa Clara Valley—the world knows it as Silicon Valley.

Birthplace of the semiconductor industry, future capital of Internet technology, and the dreamland for countless young IT enthusiasts.

It would lead global tech development for the next fifty years.

Only in the 2010s would China spread its wings in mobile internet and rejoin the global race.

All the way, Su Yuanshan remained calm, silently watching the factories fade away and the famous sign appear before him:

Silicon Valley.

...

Entering Silicon Valley Boulevard, Xi Xiaoding found a payphone, pulled over, and dropped off Chen Haoming so he could return a call.

Then he turned to Su Yuanshan and asked,

"Why aren't you excited?"

Su Yuanshan withdrew his gaze from the large HP logo nearby, smiled, and said,

"Why should I be excited? I'm not here looking for a job."

Xi Xiaoding smiled and shook his head.

During the ride, he had been observing Su Yuanshan, expecting the kid to be thrilled to reach the fabled Silicon Valley.

But surprisingly, Su was calmer than even him.

Though, to be fair, Su had a point—others came here chasing dreams.

Su's dream...

Silicon Valley was simply not big enough.

Chen Haoming finished his call and returned to the car, staring at Su Yuanshan with a strange look.

"What's that expression for? Your girlfriend's still watching," Su Yuanshan teased.

Qin Si laughed and nudged Chen Haoming.

"Ahem... guess who just paged me? You'll never guess," Chen Haoming said, grinning.

Then he revealed the answer:

"IBM wants to meet you at Fields Café. They said they'll wait an hour and hung up."

Su Yuanshan raised his eyebrows.

He exchanged a glance with Xi Xiaoding—both of them seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

IBM, reaching him through Chen's pager?

That was some FBI-level efficiency.

"I know Fields Café," Xi Xiaoding said, frowning.

"It's just two blocks ahead. Your call whether to go."

Su Yuanshan licked his lips and suddenly smiled.

"Of course we're going! How else will we know what trick they're up to?

An hour wait? Hah! They think they can kidnap me here?"

Everyone in the car burst out laughing.

Everyone thought he was joking—

After all, even if they loved China deeply, they had to admit that this valley was known as the global starting point for dreams.

Opportunity and fairness reigned here.

Kidnapping? That only happened in movies—and even then, rarely in Silicon Valley.

This was the land where America welcomed talent from all over the world.

No one noticed the trace of disdain flashing through Su Yuanshan's eyes.

...

"Excuse me, who should I speak with?"

After introductions, a middle-aged man named Braesman leaned back, twirling a pen between his fingers, eyeing the five of them with interest.

Three men, two women—the perfect headcount for a standard startup team.

But Braesman knew: no way five people could develop an EDA software as powerful as Yuanxin's.

Xi Xiaoding glanced at Su Yuanshan.

"Go ahead."

Su Yuanshan didn't refuse.

He blew on his coffee, took a small sip, then tilted his head to study Braesman.

Around forty years old, wearing a white shirt, striped tie, and a brown suit jacket.

Beard carefully trimmed.

Not a technical guy—probably marketing or investment.

Su Yuanshan made his mental notes.

With a smile, he asked,

"Mr. Braesman, may I ask—how did you find us?"

"Oh, the Miracle Kid's fame spread through the Valley yesterday," Braesman said casually, spinning his pen.

"And although Mr. Xi here rejected IBM's offer six months ago, one of my colleagues recognized him."

"You know," Braesman continued, "there's a theory that you're only six connections away from anyone in the world."

"This shows our sincerity."

Su Yuanshan nodded, accepting the explanation.

Indeed, it would be easy to find him through Xi Xiaoding's network.

"In Silicon Valley, we hate beating around the bush," Braesman said, growing serious.

"So before I show you this document, I need to confirm—do you have authority over Yuanxin EDA?"

"I do," Su Yuanshan said plainly.

"Then fill in a number and sign here."

Braesman opened a folder revealing a draft agreement for transferring software ownership.

There were three blank signature spots—and one blank line for the price, with nine digits before the decimal.

Meaning, he could write up to 999 million.

From behind, Qin Si coughed lightly and said in Chinese,

"If an oil company wants to buy your house, it's because there's oil under it."

Everyone chuckled.

Yang Yiwen even had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing aloud.

Braesman's expression darkened—he didn't understand the sudden burst of Chinese and felt deeply offended.

Su Yuanshan smiled and translated the comment for him.

Braesman's face twitched; his gaze turned sharp.

"Apologies, Mr. Braesman," Su Yuanshan said lightly.

"Ten billion dollars is tempting, but...

You should know, just yesterday afternoon, we already received nearly $100 million worth of intended orders."

Su Yuanshan pushed the folder back toward him and smiled.

"If you're representing IBM's IC Design Department, I'd be happy to discuss a deep cooperation agreement."

Braesman stared at Su Yuanshan.

"Your model is subscription-based.

Are you sure Yuanxin EDA can maintain its advantage next year?"

Su Yuanshan smiled, eyes calm.

"I confirm, am certain, and absolutely guarantee it."

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