North Atlantic Ocean.
Beneath the vast expanse of the seabed, more than 4,000 meters deep, the majestic Overlord gracefully swims, its movements unhurried and deliberate. While finding moments to rest and hunt, it has been tirelessly exploring the intricacies of this plain.
The Overlord's search revolves around the three colossal caves arranged in a triangular pattern. Its objective is to survey the surrounding area meticulously, determined to ascertain the existence of any other grand caverns hidden in this domain.
However, despite several days of relentless exploration, the Overlord's efforts yield little result. It scours a radius of two to three hundred nautical miles, leaving no stone unturned.
Fortunately, the enormity of the gaping holes makes them conspicuous, significantly reducing the search challenge. It is akin to finding a distinctive necklace on the ocean floor—no arduous task.
The Overlord is situated at least 300 nautical miles away from the three giant caves. The once-flat seabed has given way to undulating mountains, creating a captivating and treacherous landscape.
As the Overlord proceeds, the topography gradually shifts, and an upward slope comes into view. Rather than continuing its forward movement, it communicates with its master, Liu Yong.
"Master, as per your instructions, I have conducted a comprehensive search within a radius of two to three hundred nautical miles. I can confidently confirm that only those three giant caves exist in this submarine plain," the Overlord telepathically relays to Liu Yong.
Liu Yong finds himself in his office at this moment. Representatives from China Overseas Communications Company have arrived, and Hu Shijun, acting on behalf of Universal Semiconductor Company, is hosting them in the reception room. Negotiations are likely underway, although Liu Yong is unaware of the details. Nevertheless, he anticipates fruitful cooperation between the two parties.
This development is quite reasonable. Universal Semiconductor Company has recently been established, with its factory still under construction, and business opportunities have already presented themselves.
While contemplating these matters, Liu Yong is interrupted by the voice of the Overlord resonating within his mind. He promptly engages in communication.
"Have you discovered a fourth giant hole?" Liu Yong inquires.
"No, I have searched within a radius of two to three hundred nautical miles, and I am absolutely certain that no other giant caves exist," the Overlord responds unequivocally.
Liu Yong concurs with its conclusion. Given the immense size of these cavities, measuring a thousand meters in diameter, they would be practically impossible to overlook.
"Bawang, I appreciate your diligent efforts," Liu Yong expresses his gratitude.
"Director, it was not much trouble. I did not encounter any significant creatures apart from sharks. Occasionally, I would encounter whales. However, I do miss the Indian Ocean dearly. It would be pleasant to return to the Pacific Ocean," the Overlord muses with a touch of longing.
Liu Yong responds straightforwardly, "That's not an issue. You can indeed return to the Pacific Ocean. However, before you depart, please visit any one of the giant caves and retrieve a stone from its walls."
The Overlord's curiosity is piqued. Why would its master desire such an inconsequential object? To the Overlord, a mere stone holds no value whatsoever.
Having examined the cave walls before, Bawang knows that although they possess distinct layers, each showcasing a different hue, they do not appear to contain any valuable ores.
Liu Yong proceeds to elucidate, "Bring back a stone so that we can analyze its isotopes and determine the time of formation for these three giant holes."
Initially, Liu Yong sought to ascertain the time of their creation, but now the Overlord comprehends the purpose behind its master's request.
"Very well, I will proceed into the giant cave immediately," the Overlord responds dutifully.
Equipped with its colossal spear, the Overlord embarks on its journey. It arrives at its destination after approximately an hour of traversing over 300 nautical miles.
Before it lies a perfectly formed giant round hole with a diameter of 1,000 meters; familiar with the path, the Overlord swiftly swims into the cave, quickly navigating its way.
Descending to a depth exceeding 6,000 meters in a single breath, the Overlord employs its massive spear to gently dislodge and collect a few stones from the cave wall. Among the assortment, it selects one that captivates its aesthetic sensibilities.
Though the chosen stone weighs a mere hundred or so catties, it appears insignificant in the presence of the Overlord. Grasping it in its powerful jaws, the Overlord emerges from the cave, carrying the stone with pride.
At this moment, the Overlord experiences a surge of excitement. After spending more than a month, nearly two months, in the North Atlantic, it relishes the prospect of returning to the Pacific Ocean, a place it holds dearer than the Indian Ocean.
Transitioning from the depths of the seabed, exceeding 4,000 meters, to a mere depth of two to three hundred meters, the Overlord propels itself at full speed, racing across the waters at a staggering pace of over 300 nautical miles per hour, heading towards the South Atlantic Ocean.
However, instead of traversing the Suez Canal, the Overlord plans to navigate through the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, venturing into the Indian Ocean. From there, it will continue its journey back to the Pacific Ocean, ultimately returning to Huahai City.
With its path set, the Overlord embarks on its voyage, maintaining a depth of approximately two to three hundred meters underwater as it accelerates towards the southernmost tip of the African continent.
Meanwhile, in the reception room of Universal Semiconductor Corporation...
Wei Zhengde and his entourage arrived in Huahai City the previous day. The two parties engaged in an entire morning of discussions primarily focused on cooperation. In the afternoon, they visited the construction site of the No. 1 factory. Now, they sit together, continuing their in-depth negotiations.
The conversation revolves around the prospects of their collaboration, and progress flows smoothly. China Overseas Communications is in dire need of a chip foundry company, and Global Semiconductor, in turn, positions itself as a critical player in chip manufacturing.
Hu Shijun, acting as the host of this crucial business endeavour, attaches great importance to the negotiations. At this point, the discussions have covered most of the essential details, and the two parties are prepared to sign a cooperation memorandum the following morning.
The strategic alliance between the two companies will revolutionize their operations. China Overseas Communications will focus on chip design and development, while Universal Semiconductor will take charge of chip fabrication.
In the afternoon, Liu Yong finds himself lost in thought. He plans to finish work early to accompany Li Changle on a shopping trip at the supermarket. Cooking has become Li Changle's newfound passion, and she jests about mastering the hall and the kitchen.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
A knock at the door jolts Liu Yong back to reality. Hu Shijun enters the office, wearing an expression of pure joy, eager to share the news. "Brother Yong, the negotiations have reached a substantial agreement," he announces enthusiastically.
Hu Shijun provides a detailed account of the negotiation process, explaining the key points discussed between the two parties. Liu Yong listens attentively, absorbing the information.
After hearing the report, Liu Yong praises the outcome, recognizing the significant benefits of this collaboration. With Universal Semiconductor as their chip foundry partner, they gain complete control over the pricing power of chip manufacturing.
Hu Shijun explains, "China Overseas Communications has a pressing need for a chip foundry company. We possess both 5nm and 8nm lithography machines, which are the exact resources they were searching for."
Indeed, the emergence of Global Semiconductor Company fulfils the urgent requirement of China Overseas Communications. Hu Shijun further elaborates, "The most demanded lithography machines will undoubtedly be located in the South China Sea of Yan Kingdom."
Liu Yong confirms, "I entered the South China Sea of Yan Kingdom the day before yesterday and will arrive in Huahai City in four or five days."
Excitement surges through Hu Shijun as he exclaims, "That's fantastic! We'll be able to witness these lithography machines in just a few days."
Liu Yong glances at the clock, realizing it's time to leave work early to accompany Li Changle on their shopping trip. She has developed a keen interest in cooking and wants to buy ingredients to prepare another meal tonight.
"Boom, boom, boom!"
The sound of knocking interrupts their conversation once again. Hu Shijun is momentarily taken aback, his expression hinting at his disbelief. With his busy schedule, he seems to question whether Liu Yong truly needs to buy vegetables and cook for himself.
With a slight smile, Liu Yong ignores Hu Shijun's bewilderment and exits the office. Hu Shijun finally regains his composure and follows suit, closing the office door behind them.
True to his words, Liu Yong intends to purchase vegetables and accompany Li Changle on their grocery shopping trip. Li Changle has ample time during the summer vacation, but once it ends, she will have little opportunity to cook for herself. Most of the meals will be prepared by the private chef at their villa.
A Rolls-Royce pulls out of the office building, with Chen Hu serving as the driver, a role now widely acknowledged by the entire company. Chen Hu has become the boss's full-time driver and bodyguard, and no one would dare to usurp his position.
And so, Liu Yong departs from the office, eager to join Li Changle for their shopping expedition.
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