Chapter Nineteen: The Shadow of Capital
The collapse of Tianheng Energy sent shockwaves throughout the new energy industry. As global capital markets grew momentarily cold toward the sector, many companies found themselves mired in liquidity crises. The Shen Group, however, as the industry leader, not only stabilized its market share but seized the opportunity to acquire high-quality assets, thereby consolidating its dominance in the global new energy field.
Yet, Xu Yunchuan knew all too well that the storm was far from over.
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### Undercurrents of the Capital Market
At a high-level meeting of the Shen Group, Zhao Ming reported the latest financial data: "While our market share is steadily increasing, international capital is accelerating its withdrawal from the new energy sector. In particular, several funds have opted to exit their long-term commitments to the Zero-Carbon City project."
"The nature of capital is to chase profit," Xu Yunchuan said calmly. "If they cannot see short-term returns, they will naturally choose to withdraw. But this does not mean they have abandoned the new energy track; they are simply looking for a new point of entry."
"What is their goal?" Shen Qingwan asked.
"To control industry standards," Xu Yunchuan replied, his gaze profound. "Dominance in the new energy sector ultimately depends on who dictates global standards. If we cannot lead the standards, even with superior technology, we could be easily overturned."
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### The International Energy Summit
Before long, the annual International Energy Standards Summit would be held in London. This summit would determine the global standards for the next generation of the new energy industry, covering critical areas such as battery safety, range technology, and cost control.
"This summit is crucial," Xu Yunchuan stated during the meeting. "If our technology is adopted as the global standard, it will lay an unshakable foundation for our Zero-Carbon City project and all subsequent new energy products."
Zhao Ming asked, "But as far as I know, European and American capital consortia have united in an attempt to seize control at this summit. How are we to break the stalemate?"
"First, we must ensure our technical superiority is demonstrated to the fullest extent," Xu Yunchuan said firmly. "Second, we must find true allies at the capital level."
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### Capital Negotiations
Upon arriving in London, Xu Yunchuan and Shen Qingwan engaged in a series of intense negotiations. They not only had to communicate with government agencies from various countries but also persuade major capital institutions, which had been taking a wait-and-see approach, to support the Shen Group’s new energy initiatives.
During a private meeting, Xu Yunchuan met with Eileen Hall, the head of the Global Sustainable Development Fund. Known for her cool rationality, she was a key figure in the global capital market.
"Mr. Xu, your Zero-Carbon City plan is visionary, but it is also extremely risky," Eileen Hall said bluntly. "I can provide funding, but I require more control."
"That is impossible," Xu Yunchuan replied with a faint smile. "Technology and the market are our lifelines. I cannot hand them over to any capitalist."
"Then there is no need for us to continue this conversation," Eileen said, standing up to leave.
"Wait," Xu Yunchuan interjected. "We can reach a balance—capital can enter, but technical standards and control must remain in our hands. That is my bottom line."
Eileen paused and turned to look at him, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "Mr. Xu, I rarely encounter an entrepreneur with such principles. Very well, I will consider your proposal."
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### Negotiating the Deadlock
Meanwhile, the European and American capital alliance began manufacturing public opinion at the International Energy Summit, attempting to force their standards into the global agreement. Their proposed standards contained obvious flaws in many technical details, yet they garnered support from many nations due to the sheer power of their capital.
In the core session of the summit, a fierce debate erupted.
"While the Shen Group’s Zero-Carbon City plan is forward-looking, its high costs make it unfeasible for global implementation," a European-American representative sneered.
Xu Yunchuan stood up and calmly retorted, "The development of the new energy industry is not just a matter of cost, but a matter of direction. If we only pursue short-term gains, then the future of humanity will remain at a standstill."
He then presented a set of the latest data, demonstrating that the Zero-Carbon City could achieve a win-win for both economic and environmental benefits in long-term operation.
The room erupted in applause, yet the European and American capital representatives refused to yield.
"We should hold a vote," one representative proposed. "Let us decide the direction of the next generation of standards in a democratic way."
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### The Decisive Vote
Before the voting began, Eileen Hall appeared in the venue. Standing beside Xu Yunchuan, she smiled and announced, "On behalf of the Global Sustainable Development Fund, I support the Shen Group’s standards."
This move caused an uproar throughout the hall, and the scales of capital began to tip in favor of the Shen Group.
Ultimately, after much maneuvering and deliberation, the Shen Group’s technical standards were officially incorporated into the global new energy agreement. At that moment, a glimmer of victory shone in Xu Yunchuan’s eyes.
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### The Conspiracy Behind the Scenes
On the very day the summit concluded, Xu Yunchuan received an anonymous email. It contained a video showing a serious explosion at a new energy plant in a remote area—a facility equipped with technology provided by the Shen Group.
"This is impossible!" Zhao Ming’s face went pale. "Our equipment has undergone countless tests; how could such a problem occur?"
"It is highly likely that someone deliberately staged this accident," Xu Yunchuan said calmly. "They lost at the summit, but they will not be content to simply admit defeat."
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### Investigating the Truth
To uncover the truth, Xu Yunchuan decided to travel to the accident site himself to investigate the cause of the explosion. Meanwhile, representatives of the European and American capital alliance were privately plotting a new conspiracy, attempting to use the accident to smear the Shen Group once again.
"Yunchuan, this incident does not look like an ordinary safety accident," Shen Qingwan said with concern. "You must be careful."
"Rest assured, I will uncover the truth myself," Xu Yunchuan said with determined eyes. "If this is a trap, I will root out those who set it."