Chapter Four: More Doors, Narrower Roads

“I did not approve the certification rule,” she said. “My second uncle, Gu Tingchuan, controls the warehouse network. He thinks Far Lantern raised a dog that bites its owner.” “What do you need?” “Next week the board votes on taking Far Lantern from me. Obtain mutual-recognition approval from the industry association before then, and I can argue that open standards are irreversible.” “If I fail?” “The fund remains legal, but litigation will delay every payment. You will starve before winning.” She pushed her coffee aside. “I can arrange one Gu warehouse for testing if you delegate fifteen percent of Bright Mirror's voting rights to me.” “No.” “Another refusal?”