Hung up the phone, Liu Yong's gaze shifted to his wristwatch, measuring the hands of time that steadily approached four o'clock in the afternoon. A calm anticipation nestled within him, for soon he would be headed to No. 1 Middle School of Huahai City. With deft fingers, he sent a message over WeChat to Li Changle, the words promising a dinner later in the evening. A gentle press of the button on his expansive desk marked the initiation of his next move.
In harmonious cadence, a soft knock accompanied the opening of the door, and a voice, respectful and attentive, inquired, "Boss, what can I assist you with?"
Liu Yong's lips curved into a mild smile, and his voice resonated with authority, "Prepare a cup of coffee for me, if you will."
The room's ambiance was graced by two female secretaries, each a paragon of beauty, educated under the distinguished banner of a 985 institution. One of them, tasked with the minutiae of everyday affairs, gracefully brewed tea, crafted coffee, and ensured the tidiness of the office. The other secretary bore the mantle of responsibility for administrative tasks: the meticulous curation of files, the orchestration of meetings.
Amid this orchestrated ballet of service, the coffee was soon conjured, the steaming brew placed upon the desk with a delicate touch. "Is there anything else you require, Boss?" inquired the secretary.
Liu Yong's hand waved gently, an acquiescent dismissal of any further demands. As the beautiful secretary departed, the door closed with a hushed reverence, the sanctity of the office restored.
Cradling the cup in his hand, Liu Yong wandered to the expanse of the floor-to-ceiling windows. His gaze wandered, transcending the glass barrier to the world beyond. Ding Wen's invitation lingered, a dinner engagement that beckoned in the near horizon. What was the purpose of this rendezvous, he pondered.
Ding Wen, a figure who commanded respect, a man of influence and means. An undercurrent of curiosity wove through Liu Yong's thoughts. The return of "Blue Whale" and "Shiwang," laden with their cargo, stood as an impending eventuality. Could there be envious eyes cast upon the metal fragments they carried? In a realm where super metals were a whispered secret, he mused, the domestic military and defense elite were well acquainted with their exceptional properties.
The academic contributions of Lin Jianguo, marked by the publication of seminal papers, had staked his claim to the discovery. The knowledge was not confined to the realm of the esoteric; its echoes reached far and wide. And yet, Liu Yong's discerning mind considered the geopolitical implications. Would certain nations harbor doubt, casting skeptical eyes upon these feats of metallurgy? Could the M country, or even the shadowy Black Iron Company, question the origins of this precious resource?
A scheme of potentiality spun within Liu Yong's thoughts, a chessboard of intentions and doubt. Could the magnanimous "Blue Whale" and steadfast "Shiwang" evade the scrutiny that brewed? Could the metal fragments, testament to Lin Jianguo's ingenuity, remain untouched by probing fingers?
A shiver of premonition traversed Liu Yong's spine. The gust of inevitability whispered secrets yet to be unveiled. Casting his hopes into the abyss of uncertainty, Liu Yong beseeched fate for mercy. An unspoken prayer was woven into his consciousness as he took a sip of coffee, his contemplation a mosaic of thoughts and a canvas of speculation.
Without notice, the hands of time had strode beyond the four-thirty mark, gently urging Liu Yong from his reverie. With purpose, he stepped away from his contemplative stance, bidding his office adieu. Accompanied by the steadfast Chen Hu, Liu Yong descended through the belly of the Universal Building, into the enclaves of the basement, a domain reserved for the Global Shipping Group.
A tapestry of luxury cars, worth their weight in millions, sprawled across the parking spaces, awaiting their master's command. Among them, Liu Yong's gaze alighted upon a Maybach, an embodiment of elegance and opulence. "Shall we take the Maybach today?" he mused aloud.
Chen Hu, with a smile that danced upon familiarity, jested, "Choosing a Maybach over a Rolls-Royce, Boss? Quite the deviation."
Liu Yong's laughter carried a note of light-heartedness. "Variety keeps life interesting. Today, the Maybach it is."
The car's door swung open under Liu Yong's hand, a gentlemanly flourish that preceded his entry to the plush backseat. Chen Hu, ever vigilant, assumed the role of the chauffeur. Their departure was a fluid progression, the Maybach purring to life as it embarked on the journey to Huahai City's No. 1 Middle School.
Arrival, a harbinger of life beyond the confines of academia, found the school gates locked in silent anticipation. Chen Hu adeptly navigated to a quiet corner, a temporary harbor for the Maybach. With a muted exchange, Liu Yong disembarked, leaving the vehicle to the embrace of the shadows. The school's exterior echoed with the movements of students and educators, the latter's departure signaled by the exodus of pupils.
Once again, Liu Yong's fingers danced across his device, delivering a message through the digital ether to Li Changle. The words were simple yet pregnant with promise, "Awaiting you at the school gate, my dear."
Li Changle's response was swift, an affirmation that danced across the screen. Her duties, still tethered to the classroom, detained her for a brief interval. An air of expectancy hung as Liu Yong watched the minutes wane, the anticipation tightening its hold. Finally, a figure emerged from within the school's embrace, an aura of dedication resonating from her very being.
The transition from academia to companionship was seamless, a smile adorning Li Changle's features as she intertwined her arm with Liu Yong's. Their words, exchanged like melodious notes, bore the melody of familiarity and affection. "Where shall our dinner be, Brother Yong?" she inquired.
A suggestion, a gustatory haven named Zhang Ji Seafood Restaurant, was proffered by Liu Yong. Li Changle's recognition of the establishment carried a sense of reverence. "A gem of culinary artistry," she affirmed. "The epitome of seafood indulgence in our city."
Zhang Ji Seafood Restaurant stood as a tribute to taste, an epicurean domain that transcended mere sustenance. The duo strolled together, their laughter harmonizing with the world around them. The anticipation of a shared meal enfolded them in its gentle embrace.
Unveiling the future, the restaurant's entrance bore witness to Ding Wen's presence, his hospitality unswayed by time's passage. A camaraderie sparked as Liu Yong and Li Changle entered, Ding Wen's welcome ushering them into a private enclave.
Liu Yong's keen perception noted the twin bottles of liquor gracing the table, an unspoken symbol of preparation for potential company. A question danced in his eyes, the query silently poised. A gathering not exclusive to the trio, perhaps? He mused over the possible guests that could grace this repast, and with that, the curtain of anticipation was drawn back, revealing the unfoldment
of an intricate evening.
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