717: Chapter 712 I Respect the Soul

That was the pearl atop the crown of modern industrial civilization!

Although the Lin family was a reclusive clan, Lin Zhiyao, as the successor to the family business, was not entirely ignorant of external technological developments.

He clearly understood the immense technological strength and strategic value at the national level represented by the words 'Lithography Machine Core Algorithm'.

At this moment, the way he looked at Shen Yan had completely changed.

This man before him was absolutely not just an ordinary software company boss.

He was a dormant giant dragon.

"So, besides returning Snowball today, I also came to the Lin family to discuss a collaboration."

Shen Yan finally revealed his true objective, showing his hand.

Lin Boyuan raised his eyes, his gaze sharp and penetrating.

"What kind of collaboration?"

"I will provide the technology and the capital to establish a brand-new company, which I shall name 'Tiangong Intelligence'."

"The Lin family, in turn, will contribute all the data, needlework pattern maps, and master experience from the Su Embroidery and Kesi techniques passed down for hundreds of years as technical investment."

"The goal of Tiangong Intelligence is to create the AI I just mentioned—one capable of 'comprehending' art."

"In the future, this company will produce things on two levels."

"First, it will be art restoration services aimed at top global museums and collectors. We can restore any damaged silk or embroidery piece, making it look as good as new, perhaps even surpassing the original work."

"Second, it will be unique, private custom artworks for the world's top wealthy individuals. Clients can make any fantastical request, such as, 'I want a Su Embroidery piece in the style of Van Gogh's Starry Night,' and Tiangong Intelligence will realize it for them."

Shen Yan spoke slowly, but every word was imbued with power.

"I need the 'soul' of the Lin family to breathe life into my AI."

"And through this collaboration, the Lin family's techniques will break free from the constraints of human effort and time, standing at an unprecedented peak of art, becoming a truly immortal legend."

After speaking, he stopped, picked up his teacup, and quietly waited for the Lin family's response.

He knew he had thrown out bait they could not refuse.

Lin Boyuan, Lin Zhiyao, and Ms. Su looked at each other, seeing the uncontrollable excitement and internal struggle in the other's eyes.

Shen Yan's blueprint was too grand, too tempting.

It wasn't just business; it was a promise of ultimate immortality to an ancient noble family's ultimate dream.

However, they also had reservations.

The reason the Lin family had survived to this day relied on one word: 'stability'.

Collaborating with Shen Yan was tantamount to deeply binding the family's lifeline to an outsider.

The risks involved were incalculable.

"Mr. Shen's concept is indeed heart-stirring,"

Lin Boyuan finally spoke after a long silence, breaking the quiet.

His tone had returned to its initial composure, but the ripples in his eyes had not completely subsided.

"But this is a major matter; the Lin family needs time to consider."

"That is only natural,"

Shen Yan nodded, unsurprised. "The prerequisite for cooperation is trust; I am willing to wait."

Lin Zhiyao also spoke up, his questions being more practical.

"How will the equity be distributed? Who controls the company? How can you guarantee that our Lin family's core techniques will not leak?"

This string of questions showed that he was already seriously considering the possibility of cooperation.

"Very simple,"

Shen Yan was prepared. "The Lin family will hold fifty-one percent of the shares in 'Tiangong Intelligence' and will have veto power over all matters related to artistic creation."

"Our side will hold forty-nine percent, leading technological research and development and market operations."

"All core data will be physically isolated and sealed using the quantum encryption technology provided by our side. No one can access it without the Lin family's authorization."

This condition was so generous that even Lin Zhiyao was stunned.

Shen Yan was actually willing to give up the controlling stake!

This meant he was handing over the dominance of a commercial empire worth hundreds of billions, perhaps trillions in the future.

What kind of resolve was this?

"Why?"

Lin Boyuan asked, puzzled.

Shen Yan set down his teacup, looked at the old man, and said sincerely,

"Because from the very beginning, I understood that the core of this collaboration is the Lin family—it is art."

"Technology is merely a tool; art is the soul. I respect the soul."

"Furthermore, my ambition is not limited to just this one company."

His gaze seemed to penetrate the eaves of the Tingyu Pavilion, looking out toward a much broader world.

These words were more persuasive than any business term.

Lin Boyuan fell silent.

He looked at the young man before him and suddenly felt that perhaps he truly was old.

This era was no longer the one he was familiar with.

"Good."

Finally, Lin Boyuan spoke only one word.

"Please give us three days, Mr. Shen. The family needs time to discuss internally. After three days, regardless of the outcome, I will personally give you my answer."

"No problem,"

Shen Yan stood up. "I have overstayed my welcome; it is time for us to take our leave."

The Lin family members did not press him to stay.

They personally escorted Shen Yan's family to the entrance of Tingyu Pavilion, watching them walk away along the corridor.

It wasn't until Shen Yan's figure disappeared behind the Moon Gate that Lin Zhiyao couldn't help but ask,

"Dad, what do you think?"

Lin Boyuan did not answer but turned to look at his wife and daughter.

"Wanqing, Chuxue, what do you think?"

Ms. Su's eyes shone brightly, and she said softly, "I feel like what he said... sounds true. He understands our craft."

Lin Chuxue hugged Snowball and was silent for a moment before speaking.

"He has an aura that can turn the impossible into the possible."

Lin Boyuan let out a long sigh.

"Zhiyao, go investigate him."

"Dig into that 'small company' he founded, thoroughly."

Lin Zhiyao nodded heavily.

"I understand."

He knew his father was moved.

And wasn't he moved as well?

The seed named 'Tiangong Intelligence' had already taken root and sprouted in all of their hearts.

The winding paths in the garden were replaced by wide bluestone slabs, and the faint scent of sandalwood in the air turned into the fresh scent of mountain vegetation.

Youyou's little hand tightly gripped Shen Yan's fingers as she looked up at him.

"Daddy, are we going home now?"

Shen Yan squatted down and gently smoothed the bangs that the wind had blown across his daughter's forehead.

"No rush, Daddy will take you and Mommy for a walk around the city, okay?"

"Yay!"

Youyou immediately cheered. She had been very quiet in that elegant yet somewhat stuffy courtyard earlier.

Liu Hui stepped forward, gently taking Shen Yan's arm, a hint of inquiry in her eyes.

"Did you finish talking?"

Shen Yan turned his head and smiled at her.

"Mhm, pretty much."