Chapter 881
Subduing Another General
Upon hearing Lin Haoran's words, Zhang Zhongmou's expression finally changed.
He had never revealed his true feelings to anyone, but Lin Haoran's words seemed to see right through him.
From Hong Kong to the United States, from Harvard to MIT, and then to Texas Instruments, he climbed all the way up.
It can be said that his life was quite legendary.
He was certainly not willing to stop there.
At Texas Instruments, he had already reached the ceiling of his career, and his future would be more about maintaining the status quo and optimizing the business.
In 1967, he had already been promoted to vice president of Texas Instruments.
Now, in 1982, he is still the vice president!
He served as vice president for over a decade, with the only changes being in his job duties.
For example, in 1967 he served concurrently as the general manager of the integrated circuit division, in 1972 he served concurrently as the general manager of the semiconductor group, and in 1978 he was transferred to the position of general manager of the consumer products group under Texas Instruments.
Over the past decade, he has come to see through the invisible yet incredibly solid barrier that Texas Instruments and the entire American business community have placed on Chinese elites.
No matter how capable or accomplished he is, it is almost impossible for him to advance further and enter the core decision-making circle to become the president or chairman of Texas Instruments.
This is an unspeakable frustration and hidden pain for a technology leader and manager in the prime of his life and full of ambition.
Lin Haoran's words were like a precise scalpel, dissecting the protective layer deep within Zhang Zhongmou's heart that even he himself might not want to face all the time, revealing the true emotions surging within.
That deep feeling, suppressed for many years, about career ceilings and the constraints of ethnic identity.
A subtle, almost stagnant atmosphere permeated the room.
Zhang Zhongmou neither refuted nor admitted anything; he simply lowered his head and drank his coffee, lost in thought.
After a long while, he slowly turned his head, his voice carrying a rare, almost imperceptible sense of emotion and relief: "Mr. Lin, you see things more clearly than I imagined."
He didn't say it directly, but the phrase "sees things more clearly" was already a tacit agreement.
They accepted Lin Haoran's "end point," accepted his "unwillingness," and accepted that the "invisible barrier" truly existed.
Lin Haoran knew that he had touched the other party's most genuine and sensitive core of decision-making.
He no longer needs flowery language or grand visions; what he needs now is a concrete path to transform this "unwillingness" into "possibility."
"Moreover, I know that Mr. Zhang was transferred from the semiconductor division a few years ago to become the general manager of the consumer electronics group. Although his position was nominally promoted, he was actually stripped of control over the semiconductor business."
The new management has drastically cut the semiconductor R&D budget, which is completely contrary to your "technology-driven" philosophy!
Most importantly, although Texas Instruments is the world's largest semiconductor company, its chairman advocates a consumer electronics strategy and deliberately supports his own team.
"You're practically isolated inside Texas Instruments right now, aren't I right, Mr. Zhang?" Lin Haoran continued.
Lin Haoran's last words finally made Zhang Zhongmou unable to sit still.
His hand holding the coffee cup paused almost imperceptibly, and the liquid in the cup swayed slightly.
This incident is a hidden sore point in Zhang Zhongmou's career.
In 1978, he was transferred from his highly sought-after position as general manager of the semiconductor group to general manager of the consumer products group.
Ostensibly, it's about broadening management experience and entering a wider range of business areas.
But those in the industry know that this was to remove him from the core of Texas Instruments' semiconductor business, which was also what he was best at and most passionate about.
This was followed by budget cuts for some of the long-term semiconductor R&D projects he led, and preferential support for the consumer electronics business.
Behind this lies not only the company's overall strategic shift, but also power transitions, factional balancing, and that unspoken barrier.
Inside Texas Instruments, Zhang Zhongmou did indeed feel a chill of being "marginalized".
Many of his forward-thinking technological suggestions were shelved, the core semiconductor team he knew was dismantled or reassigned, and his voice at the company's top decision-making meetings no longer seemed to carry as much weight as before.
He never mentioned any of this in detail to outsiders, especially not to an "outsider" like Lin Haoran.
This involves internal company politics, and also concerns his personal professional dignity.
However, Lin Haoran not only pointed it out, but he did so with such precision and directness.
This indicates that Lin Haoran conducted an extremely in-depth and detailed investigation into the internal situation of Texas Instruments, and may even have had unknown information channels.
Zhang Zhongmou slowly put down his coffee cup, the bottom of which touched the saucer, making a crisp "ding" sound.
He raised his head and looked at Lin Haoran with a complicated expression, his eyes showing surprise at being seen through and a hint of displeasure at having his privacy violated.
But more than anything, it was a sense of relief, as if the dust had settled, and a reassessment of Lin Haoran's intelligence capabilities and dedication.
He began by saying, "Mr. Lin, the preparation you did for today's meeting is impressive, even somewhat beyond my expectations."
He did not deny it.
This in itself is the clearest form of acknowledgment.
Lin Haoran knew that any empty words or words of comfort would be superfluous at this moment.
What he needs is understanding, empathy, and a more attractive way out based on that.
"Mr. Zhang, please forgive my bluntness."
Lin Haoran spoke sincerely and respectfully, “I did not intend to pry into your privacy, but I know that to invite an industry leader of your caliber to start a business together, I must understand the whole background and deep motivations behind your choice.”
Your situation at Texas Instruments is not an isolated case; it reflects a structural dilemma.
What I hope to offer is not just a business opportunity, but a 'Noah's Ark' to help you escape this predicament, regain control of your career, and realize all your technical and managerial ambitions.
"At Texas Instruments, you may feel isolated, your ideas stifled, and your talents unable to be fully utilized, but in the company we are about to co-found, you will have absolute 'technological dictatorship'!"
This is a phrase I'm willing to include in the founding agreement: your technological vision is the company's highest strategy, and your R&D plans will receive the highest priority and most abundant resource support.
There are no factional struggles to drain your energy here, and no short-sighted financial goals to distort your long-term plans.
You will be the sole and highest technical authority here, and all engineers and scientists will work around your vision.
"More importantly, you will regain 'control' and 'definition' over the semiconductor business. You will no longer be passively executing headquarters' strategies, but will define our company's technology roadmap, product direction, and even corporate culture."
You can put those forward-thinking ideas that you couldn't realize at Texas Instruments into practice here.
The stage you've lost, I will give you a larger, more autonomous stage; the isolation you feel, I will become your most steadfast and reliable ally and supporter.
These words directly addressed Zhang Zhongmou's core needs in his current situation.
His desire for technological dominance, his yearning to break free from internal political constraints, and his urgent need to regain control of the business's direction.
Lin Haoran did not make any patriotic remarks.
Because he already knew Zhang Zhongmou's character through news reports from his previous life, he knew that Zhang was not someone who could be easily moved by patriotism.
He was an extremely rational, pragmatic technocrat and entrepreneur who valued personal achievement and historical standing.
What moves him must be clearly visible benefits, an irreplaceable stage, and the ultimate realization of his personal value.
Zhang Zhongmou leaned back in his chair, gently rubbing his temples with his fingers, as if digesting the immense information shock and temptation brought by Lin Haoran.
After a long while, he lowered his hand and calmed down.
“Mr. Lin, you not only saw the problem, but also provided a very targeted solution,” Zhang Zhongmou said slowly. “The picture you painted really hits my current pain point.”
However, there's a huge execution gap between addressing the pain point and realizing the vision. How can you convince me that you have the ability to turn this seemingly perfect solution into reality in Hong Kong, rather than just another beautiful castle in the air?
Lin Haoran knew that the moment of truth had arrived.
Zhang Zhongmou has shifted from emotional resonance to a cold, realistic assessment.
Empty talk is no longer useful; he needs to produce concrete evidence that can withstand the scrutiny of this top engineer and manager.
He smiled slightly, did not answer directly, but took out a document from his handbag and handed it to Zhang Zhongmou.
"This is the first phase of funding I've approved for Oracle Semiconductor. The funds have already been deposited into the company's dedicated account. Once the company officially launches, this money will be available for the company's use. And this is just the beginning!"
One billion dollars!
Just start-up reserves!
Zhang Zhongmou's eye twitched slightly.
This number was extremely impactful, even to someone as experienced as him.
This is not just a display of financial strength, but also a quantification of determination; Lin Haoran has already locked his real money into a specific goal.
Even at Texas Instruments, $10 billion is an unimaginable figure.
After all, when he was at the helm of Texas Instruments Semiconductor Group, the annual investment was only in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and it required layers of approval and competition for budgets with departments such as consumer electronics.
The "initial funding" that Lin Haoran so casually provided was so generous and efficient that it exceeded the usual procedures of large multinational corporations.
Before Zhang Zhongmou could speak, Lin Haoran continued, "As for talent, I can recruit from all over the world, but if Mr. Zhang's influence in the semiconductor field were to join us, it would definitely be twice as effective, or even ten or a hundred times more effective. You yourself are the brightest banner, the biggest magnet attracting global semiconductor Chinese elites back to the East to start new businesses. As long as you give the call, I believe that countless top talents who are feeling their ceiling in Silicon Valley and Texas and seeking a bigger stage will follow you without hesitation."
Zhang Zhongmou did not respond, which was taken as tacit acceptance of his ability.
Indeed, given his current influence in the semiconductor industry, it would be no difficult task for him to assemble a core team, especially among Chinese engineers.
Within Texas Instruments, there are many capable individuals he personally trained who are now frustrated and unfulfilled.
Many top Chinese talents in Silicon Valley admire his technical leadership and aspire to break through the glass ceiling.
The point Lin Haoran made was indeed an irreplaceable hidden asset he possessed.
"In terms of technology, we will not start from scratch. I have already acquired SVLT Semiconductor, a semiconductor company in Silicon Valley with early patents and technology reserves, through my relationship with Citibank. I think Mr. Zhang, as an industry insider, should be aware of this."
"Furthermore, once Mr. Zhang takes over Oracle Semiconductor, I can do my best to help you acquire any semiconductor companies you have your eye on, as long as the funding isn't excessive." Lin Haoran's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable confidence.
“SVLT semiconductor?” Zhang Zhongmou’s eyes narrowed.
He did know this company; it wasn't large, but it had some unique patents in specific analog circuits and early CMOS process optimization, so its technical level was quite good.
However, due to increasingly fierce competition in the semiconductor industry in recent years, the company has fallen into difficulties due to poor management, and unexpectedly, it has been taken over by Lin Haoran without making a sound.
This means that Oracle Semiconductor had a legitimate technological entry point and a "seed team" with at least some experience from the very beginning, and was no longer a complete blank slate.
“Mr. Zhang, I know that even if you left Texas Instruments, you could have gone to other semiconductor companies to serve as president or in a higher position. For example, General Electric or RCA have both offered you positions.”
Lin Haoran changed the subject and directly pointed out another possible, even safer, option for Zhang Zhongmou.
Zhang Zhongmou was slightly taken aback, then his eyes became even more profound.
Lin Haoran's intelligence work was extremely meticulous.
These potential career opportunities do exist, and they once tempted him.
Compared to the enormous risks of starting from scratch in Hong Kong, these options are undoubtedly much safer.
"But what do those choices offer you? Another 'vice president' or 'president' title? To continue being a high-level 'cog' or 'gear' in a mature, large machine with its own established culture and strategy? Or to continue facing potential barriers, whether overt or covert, elsewhere?"
I believe that if Mr. Zhang chooses these paths, it's simply like jumping from Texas Instruments to another 'Texas Instruments'!
I think Mr. Zhang is well aware of the internal competition within large corporations. In those massive corporate machines, even if you rise to a high position based on your outstanding abilities, it is difficult to fully exercise your power according to your own wishes.
Behind every decision the group makes are countless complex interests at stake, and every step forward may be hampered by vested interests.
You possess technical insight and managerial wisdom far exceeding those of ordinary people, yet you are consumed by those tedious internal processes and factional struggles. Is this the career outcome you desire?
While Oracle Semiconductor started from scratch, it had not only funding but also resources, and most importantly, it was entirely up to you to define its DNA and future.
Lin Haoran's voice carried an almost seductive magic: "At Oracle Semiconductor, there is no historical burden, no seniority system, and no elders or factions that you need to carefully balance."
You can personally select each cornerstone, from the core process engineers to the cutting-edge architects, from the company's first charter to the technology roadmap for the next ten years.
Here, you can create your ideal, absolutely technology-driven utopia.
“You can bring to life here those technological ideas that you’ve shelved at Texas Instruments due to budget, political, or strategic disagreements.”
You can implement the R&D management model that you believe is most effective and establish the corporate culture that best inspires creativity in your mind.
Everything here, whether it's success or failure, glory or setback, will bear your personal mark, Zhang Zhongmou. This is not managing someone else's business, but creating a legacy that belongs entirely to you and can be passed down through generations.
If Mr. Zhang knows me, he should also know that I rarely interfere in the specific operations of my several large groups. I have always believed that professional matters should be handled by professionals.
In a highly specialized field like semiconductors that requires long-term technological accumulation, I will place absolute trust and authority in you. My role is to be your strongest support, not a boss who micromanages you.
Lin Haoran's words struck a chord with Zhang Zhongmou.
Zhang Zhongmou was not entirely unaware of Lin Haoran, after all, Lin Haoran had appeared far too frequently on American television news and in newspapers in the past few months.
As someone who is also Chinese, he would naturally pay more attention to this.
Therefore, he also learned a lot about the rise of this young business tycoon from Hong Kong and his style of doing things through the news.
As he himself said, Lin Haoran indeed plays the role of a strategic investor and resource integrator in his vast business empire, granting great autonomy to the heads of his various business segments.
This decentralization model appears somewhat unconventional in the American business environment, which emphasizes control and short-term returns, but it is extremely visionary and enables his companies to often unleash amazing vitality.
Zhang Zhongmou greatly admired this.
More importantly, through his network and observations, Zhang Zhongmou learned that Lin Haoran not only possessed astonishing wealth, but also had a remarkable grasp of trends and an almost instinctive investment sense that transcended his age.
From real estate and finance to retail, and now to technology, Lin Haoran has always kept pace with the times and executed his plans with great efficiency.
Such a person, choosing to enter the semiconductor industry at this time with such great determination, is certainly not acting on impulse.
He must have seen some enormous opportunity that ordinary people have not yet noticed, or he must have been convinced that he could create such an opportunity.
While collaborating with such people carries enormous risks, the likelihood of success seems to far exceed that of starting a business in the conventional sense.
Zhang Zhongmou leaned back in his chair, his gaze lowered, his fingers tapping lightly on the table—a signature gesture when he was deep in thought.
Lin Haoran's words are like a jigsaw puzzle, piecing together funding, technological starting point, talent attraction, cooperation model, and even Lin Haoran's personal reputation and style to form a complete picture that, despite the numerous challenges, is logically consistent and full of allure.
He had to admit that Lin Haoran had provided him with more than just an escape from his career predicament; he had also provided him with a once-in-a-lifetime platform to realize his ultimate personal ambitions and even potentially participate in defining the future of an industry.
The foundation of this platform—namely, funding, basic technology, and a unique cooperation model—has already been laid by Lin Haoran.
Now, the decision is in his own hands.
Should one stay in the familiar comfort zone where there is no room for further advancement, or jump into the unknown but potentially turbulent current that leads to the peak?
Time flowed slowly in silence.
While Zhang Zhongmou was thinking, he would occasionally tap the table with his fingers, making a crisp and regular "tap, tap" sound.
This seemed to be the metronome of his intense inner contemplation.
Lin Haoran remained silent and waited quietly.
He knew that he had revealed all the cards he could play, and that each card had hit its target precisely.
Now is the moment for Zhang Zhongmou to have his final dialogue with his inner self, with the past, and with the future.
The knocking stopped at some point.
Zhang Zhongmou slowly raised his head, his gaze no longer wandering, but rather, like a precisely calibrated instrument, steadily focusing on Lin Haoran's face.
All the struggle, deliberation, and emotion on his face had vanished, leaving only a calm that had settled like the deep sea, and beneath that calm, a resolute flame of determination, like burning one's boats.
He didn't speak immediately, but instead picked up the now-cold coffee in front of him and drank it all in one gulp.
After setting down his cup, Zhang Zhongmou said, "This matter is too important, and I need some time to consider it carefully. How about this, Mr. Lin, I will give you a clear answer by noon tomorrow at the latest, okay?"
Judging from his expression, Lin Haoran already knew that it was basically a sure thing, but the other party might still want to know something or investigate something.
He understood this; he hadn't expected to be able to book this private room so easily.
Lin Haoran did not show any impatience; instead, he smiled with understanding and support.
"Of course, Mr. Zhang, such a major decision concerning the second half of your career should be carefully considered. I respect your pace and believe that you will make the choice that best suits your heart."
"This is the hotel's phone number. I'll be waiting for your call anytime!" Lin Haoran handed over a slip of paper with a phone number written on it.
Instead of saying "waiting for good news," he said "respectfully awaiting your message." This subtle difference in wording not only expressed his anticipation but also gave the other party ample respect and space.
Zhang Zhongmou nodded slightly, glancing at Lin Haoran with a complicated expression, as if trying to read something from his face, but Lin Haoran simply smiled calmly.
Zhang Zhongmou said no more, picked up his coat and briefcase, and got up to leave.
Lin Haoran escorted him to the elevator, and the two shook hands and said goodbye.
The elevator doors slowly closed, cutting off their line of sight.
Before we knew it, it was January 30th, 11:30 a.m.
As Lin Haoran sat in his luxury hotel reading a magazine, the phone rang.
Lin Haoran knew that this must be Zhang Zhongmou's call.
Sure enough, when he picked up the phone, he heard Zhang Zhongmou's voice.
"Good morning, Mr. Zhang," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Lin."
Zhang Zhongmou's voice came from the other end of the phone, more composed than the day before, and with a clarity that came after everything had settled.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
"Mr. Zhang, you flatter me. It is only right to consider this carefully," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"I've thought it through."
Zhang Zhongmou didn't waste time with pleasantries and went straight to the point.
"Mr. Lin, I accept your invitation." (End of Chapter)