Embarking on a journey from the quaint Dongmen Village to the bustling county seat, Liu Yong found solace in his familiarity with the road, confidently navigating the path unaccompanied.
Lu Xiujie had thoughtfully shared the location map, yet Liu Yong possessed an innate knowledge of the route, rendering the need for navigation obsolete. The destination resided in a community opposite the school—a community that housed the newly acquired abode of Teacher Zhang.
In a remarkably brief span of 20 to 30 minutes, Liu Yong arrived at the gate of his former high school, which had witnessed his transformative three-year educational sojourn. From there, his gaze extended towards the community that stood opposite, beckoning him to explore its alleys and corridors.
Veering leftward, Liu Yong directed his vehicle into the welcoming embrace of the community. Finding a suitable parking spot adjacent to Mr Zhang's residence, he disembarked, his eyes tracing the vertical ascent of the building. Intuitively, he deduced that 1201 denoted the dwelling's location on the 12th floor. This marked Liu Yong's inaugural visit to Mr Zhang's abode, and he was determined not to arrive empty-handed, considering it essential to bring a token of appreciation.
With purposeful strides, Liu Yong retrieved two bottles of Moutai and two of Zhonghua from the trunk, carefully securing them within bags. Balancing these prized offerings, he entered the tower, intent on delivering his heartfelt greetings.
Boarding the elevator, he ascended towards the twelfth level; after that, the musical strains of laughter reached his ears, filling the air with an infectious liveliness. Intrigued, Liu Yong discerned that the jovial commotion emanated from Room 1201, the epicentre of the festivity.
Numerous fellow students appeared to have gathered, their punctuality outweighing his arrival time. Pondering this realization, Liu Yong silently acknowledged their timely attendance before advancing into the suite, clutching his gifts.
As he crossed the threshold, all eyes turned towards Liu Yong, their voices animatedly proclaiming his name with an air of familiarity and delight.
"Liu Yong, Liu Yong has graced us with his presence!"
"It's been years since we last saw him. Liu Yong has undergone quite the transformation; he's undeniably more handsome than during our high school days."
"Not only that, but there's an aura of distinction about him now."
Smiling warmly, Liu Yong reciprocated the enthusiastic greetings, offering gentle waves of acknowledgement to his peers. Spotting Teacher Zhang amidst the crowd, he took a few steps forward.
"Teacher, a jubilant birthday to you," Liu Yong greeted, extending the items in his possession towards Mr Zhang.
Appreciatively accepting the proffered gifts, Mr Zhang voiced concern, "Liu Yong, what more have you brought? There's no need to burden yourself with such gestures whenever you visit."
Liu Yong's smile persisted, his response brimming with sincerity, "Teacher, knowing your fondness for a drink and a smoke, these two bottles of wine and two packs of cigarettes seemed only fitting."
Observing the contents within the bag, Ms Zhang's initial surprise transformed into a gracious smile. "These gifts are rather extravagant; you needn't have gone through such trouble. Perhaps you can take them back with you later."
Unyielding, Liu Yong insisted, "Teacher, I've brought these items with utmost sincerity. I implore you to accept them, sparing me the task of returning empty-handed."
Swayed by Liu Yong's determination and awareness of her affinity for these indulgences, Ms Zhang's smile widened as she ushered the offerings into the interior of the dwelling.
Engaging in a heartfelt conversation, the atmosphere gradually shifted to encompass the topic of Liu Yong's entrepreneurial endeavours within the vibrant confines of Huahai City.
"Rumor has it that you've established a small company in Huahai City, venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship," Meng Hengsheng, a high-achieving alumnus who had secured admission to Huahai University, interjected, his tone laced with a hint of superiority.
Liu Yong's smile turned understated as he gracefully affirmed, "Indeed, I find myself situated in Huahai City, treading the path of entrepreneurship during this nascent phase."
Meng Hengsheng, embodying an air of self-assurance, seized the opportunity to showcase his accomplishments. "I, too have launched a company in Huahai City, and allow me to share my contact information with you."
Extending a meticulously crafted business card embossed with an air of elegance, Meng Hengsheng presented it to Liu Yong. The latter, however, fumbled slightly, realizing he rarely carried business cards, a display of his apologetic smile serving as an explanation.
An astute classmate interjected, "Liu Yong, Brother Meng's business has flourished tremendously. He specializes in international trade, overseeing transactions amounting to tens of millions annually."
Envious gazes abounded, casting their glance in Meng Hengsheng's direction. Basking in the adulation, he feigned modesty, casually remarking, "Tens of millions? That's merely child's play in the grand arena of international trade—a modest accomplishment, at best."
"Brother Meng, with such an impressive volume, the profits must be in the millions! We, on the other hand, are still toiling away at part-time jobs, earning a meager few thousand dollars per month."
"Indeed, Brother Meng stands as the paragon of our class, the embodiment of promise and success. We can't help but envy you."
Amidst the flurry of compliments cascading towards Meng Hengsheng, he retained an air of composure, having grown accustomed to such accolades, the centre of attention for one and all. Meanwhile, Teacher Zhang emerged from one of the rooms, a wistful smile etched upon his face, observing the discourse around Meng Hengsheng.
As their collective transition into adulthood unfolded, the students underwent subtle transformations. Innocence waned, replaced by a newfound understanding of social acclaim and worldly matters.
Seated on the periphery, Liu Yong quietly contemplated, unaffected by the words exchanged among his peers. Sipping tea leisurely, he appeared impervious to their banter, unswayed by their attempts to overshadow his presence.
Gradually, the conversation gravitated towards the illustrious Global Shipping Group—a topic that seized the collective interest.
"Surely, you're all aware of the celebrity within our county—the renowned Global Shipping Group," one individual initiated, ensuring the query ignited recognition among the listeners.
"Of course, I've heard of it—a colossal conglomerate with a valuation in the billions. I recall they recently conducted a county-wide recruitment drive to bolster their crew. Unfortunately, being away at work, I missed that opportunity. I've heard murmurs of another round of recruitment taking place soon."
"I, too, aspire to join the ranks of Global Shipping Group's crew members. If fate allows, perhaps I'll secure a position."
Amidst contemplative silence, several students expressed their longing to embark on a nautical career, fully aware of the allure of such a job compared to their current part-time employment. In a class of 52 students, most struggled to emulate Meng Hengsheng's success, while the possibility of joining a multinational conglomerate seemed like a distant dream.
Having expressed their collective yearning, the discussion delved deeper, with one student mentioning, "The founder of Global Shipping Group hails from our county, and I hear he's remarkably young."
With expectant gazes now fixated on Meng Hengsheng, it became evident that their curiosity regarding this enigmatic figure had been piqued.
Meng Hengsheng spoke confidently, asserting, "I am acquainted with the founder of Global Shipping Group. We've had several conversations."
Gasps of surprise reverberated throughout the room.
"Brother Meng, you're truly remarkable!"
"Brother Meng, the founder of Global Shipping Group is incredibly young."
Basking in the adulation, Meng Hengsheng beamed, "The boss of Global Shipping Group is in his thirties, and his name is Liu Yong."
A collective realization swept through the room as many pairs of eyes fixed upon Liu Yong, who calmly savoured his tea in a secluded corner. Someone couldn't resist exclaiming, "Liu Yong, the founder of Global Shipping Group, shares your name!"
Laughter erupted, echoing through the room.
The underlying message was clear: sharing a name didn't equate to shared success. While the billionaire Liu Yong commanded a net worth in the billions, Liu Yong, in his midst, claiming to operate his own company, likely ran a modest venture with only a handful of employees.
Amidst the laughter and the gazes fixed upon him, Liu Yong remained unperturbed, his countenance serene. A faint smile graced his lips as he raised his teacup to his mouth, taking a sip.
Trees crave tranquillity, yet the wind shows no respite.
Liu Yong sought a calm moment, but Meng Hengsheng seemed determined to undermine his tranquillity.
"Liu Yong, you and the founder of Global Shipping Group share the same name. Pray tell, what kind of company do you run in Huahai City, and what line of business are you engaged in?"
All eyes turned to Liu Yong, awaiting his response.
Unbeknownst to Liu Yong, Meng Hengsheng aimed to establish his sense of superiority in the presence of their peers. Meng Hengsheng firmly believed that Liu Yong's company must be minuscule, staffed by a mere three or five employees.
Setting his teacup down, Liu Yong smiled and calmly replied, "I operate a maritime shipping company in Huahai City, and it goes by the name of Global Shipping Group."
Meng Hengsheng interjected, "Liu Yong, your company is also named Global Shipping Group, the same as his company."
Astonishment painted the faces of many as their collective gaze shifted towards Liu Yong. Perplexed, they wondered how two companies could share the same name.
Yet, a select few individuals seemed to grasp the situation, contemplating silently: "Good heavens, this can't be true. Liu Yong from our class couldn't possibly be the billionaire Liu Yong."
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