Chen Hu's voice carried a sense of urgency as he alerted his boss, "Boss, a group of individuals is heading in this direction."
Liu Yong acknowledged the information with a slight nod. From his vantage point, he could already discern the leader of the approaching group—Ling Jun, the first deputy prime minister of Universal Semiconductor Corporation. Ling Jun, an expert in chip foundry manufacturing, had been recruited through a headhunting company.
Leading the way, Ling Jun walked towards them, his voice resounding with enthusiasm from a distance of at least ten meters, "Boss, you've arrived."
Initially, Liu Yong had no intention of interrupting their work, but now that they had come, maintaining a low profile was no longer an option. Sporting a smile, he said, "You all have put in great effort. I will join you and take a look around."
Ling Jun's excitement was palpable as he tightly shook hands with Liu Yong, and the group members displayed similar enthusiasm. To encounter the big boss in person was a rare opportunity.
Following the spirited handshake with Liu Yong, Ling Jun introduced the other group members, each shaking hands with Liu Yong individually. Evidently, their excitement ran deep; some even trembled slightly during the handshake due to their delight.
After the introductions and handshakes, Ling Jun accompanied Liu Yong and the rest of the group to inspect the construction site.
Ling Jun proceeded with an introduction, and his words imbued with pride, "Boss, our preparations are nearly complete. We commenced laying the first pile foundation yesterday. Currently, there are six pile foundations in place. Our plan is to complete a total of 628 pile foundations within the next two weeks."
He presented the information as though it were a valuable treasure, and Liu Yong listened attentively. It was evident that Ling Jun had done thorough research, as his introduction provided accurate and precise details, rendering the need for external information unnecessary.
Liu Yong responded, "The two 5-nanometer lithography machines required for the No. 1 factory have already been dispatched and are en route. They are currently traversing the international waterway from the Indian Ocean to the Strait of Malacca. We can expect their arrival in Huahai City within approximately 20 days."
Ling Jun's face lit up with joy, fully aware that with the arrival of these two 5nm lithography machines, their production capacity would significantly increase.
In addition to the critical lithography machines, chip manufacturing necessitated acquiring numerous other manufacturing equipment. These additional equipment were already in the process of being procured and would be in place within the next month or two.
Accompanied by Ling Jun and the others, Liu Yong continued to observe the construction site for another 30 to 40 minutes.
As noon approached, shortly after 11:30, Ling Jun tentatively proposed, "Boss, how about we depart after having lunch?"
Liu Yong responded promptly, "No problem. Let's find a restaurant of higher caliber, and I'll treat you all."
Ling Jun was delighted, exclaiming, "Boss, lead the way."
Liu Yong did not insist and added, "The expenses for this meal will be covered by the company's account. No one should pay for it individually."
The group exited the construction site and entered their respective cars parked at the gate. Including Liu Yong and three others, the total number of people amounted to nearly twenty.
Ling Jun quickly located a reputable restaurant nearby, approximately a 20-minute drive from the No. 1 factory site.
The restaurant boasted a pleasant ambience, though it was bustling due to the lunchtime rush, resulting in all the private rooms being occupied.
Observing the favourable establishment, Liu Yong saw no need to search for another restaurant and waved his hand, stating, "Here will do. Let's take two tables on the second floor lobby."
The group settled into the second-floor lobby, which exuded a lively atmosphere despite not being a private room. Around seven or eight diners at each table contributed to the festive ambience, and the restaurant was bustling with a considerable crowd.
Once seated, Liu Yong wasted no time perusing the menu, confidently ordering various dishes, some of which were the restaurant's renowned specialties, undoubtedly carrying a hefty price tag.
As he placed the order, Liu Yong discerned the high-end nature of the establishment. The extensive selection of dishes alone would amount to tens of thousands of dollars. This didn't even account for beverages.
Such extravagant dining required substantial financial means. Nevertheless, Huahai City boasted a multitude of affluent individuals with esteemed status, hence the thriving business of this particular restaurant.
Upon confirming the food selection, Liu Yong also ordered a bottle of Moutai for each table, saying clearly, "Please drink in moderation. There is only one bottle per table, as we all have work in the afternoon."
Laughter filled the room, indicating the warm reception of his statement.
The first table comprised ten individuals, while the second table accommodated nine, totalling nineteen predominantly male guests, with only three female attendees. Two bottles of Moutai were clearly insufficient to quench everyone's thirst.
Prompt service saw the dishes promptly served, their exquisite presentation immediately catching the eye. Taking hold of his chopsticks, Liu Yong exclaimed, "Let's dig in, everyone! Enjoy the dishes before indulging in some drinks."
Each table was graced with a bottle of Moutai, distributed among the male guests, with each receiving less than two small cups of the prestigious liquor. The occasion focused primarily on savouring the culinary delights, with the drinks playing a supplementary role.
Despite the lack of a private room, the lively atmosphere persisted within the hall.
Dining alongside Liu Yong was considered an exceptional opportunity, prompting each individual to offer toasts. After raising their glasses to Liu Yong, many turned to Chen Hu, acknowledging his presence and importance.
Whispered remarks circulated among the guests, expressing awe at Chen Hu's presence and acknowledging his role as the boss's personal driver.
"Chen Hu, the renowned athlete?"
"Yes, that Chen Hu. The one who shattered eight world records and won eight gold medals in the Olympic Games."
"Ah, it truly is him! Chen Hu!"
"Oh my, why is Chen Hu here?"
As more onlookers became aware of Chen Hu's presence, murmurs spread throughout the restaurant. Curiosity peaked, and some individuals even rose from their seats. Gradually, the entire establishment became animated with excitement.
Not only the patrons in the first and second-floor lobbies but even those dining in private rooms caught wind of the news and ventured out to catch a glimpse.
The commotion continued to escalate.
Observing the situation, Liu Yong couldn't help but think to himself, "Your reaction is excessive."
Considering the restaurant's clientele consisted of the wealthy and influential, a degree of composure and restraint would be expected.
Your identities, and your status have all seemingly vanished.
Amidst the frenzy, bold individuals approached Chen Hu, raising their wine glasses in a toast. Content with sipping fruit juice, Chen Hu would reciprocate, clinking his glass against theirs, displaying no airs of superiority.
Apart from the toasts, requests for autographs surfaced, transforming the scene into a star-chasing spectacle. However, this type of star-chasing differed from the pursuit of entertainment celebrities. As a sports star and a national hero with numerous gold medals to his name, Chen Hu commanded a level of respect and admiration that surpassed typical celebrities.
The entire atmosphere grew increasingly lively, capturing the attention of the restaurant owner. He approached, requesting an autograph and offering a generous 50% discount on the two tables.
Such an offer carried significant weight. Usually, a 20% discount would be considered excellent, but a 50% discount translated into substantial savings, amounting to tens of thousands of yuan.
The scene spiralled out of control, and, aware of the situation, Liu Yong waved his hand, urging everyone, "Let's go. We need to leave, or things might escalate."
The group exited the restaurant, with numerous onlookers casting curious glances. Many even began following them.
As Liu Yong stepped into his Rolls-Royce and Chen Hu assumed the driver's seat, astonishment washed over the crowd. Confusion and curiosity swirled.
"Who is that young man? And why is Chen Hu, the famous athlete, acting as his driver?"
"He must be extraordinary if Chen Hu is driving for him."
The commotion continued as the group departed, attracting more attention from passersby and diners alike. The atmosphere had reached a fever pitch.
Observing the spectacle, Liu Yong couldn't help but smile. The reaction was far more intense than he had anticipated.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om