Chapter 306 The Elusive Lithography Machine
Both Liu Yong and Li Changle were taken aback momentarily, surprised to encounter acquaintances in this particular place. Following the sound of the voice, their curiosity led them to gaze in the direction it came from.
A young man stood before them, his face filled with astonishment. He sported a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, meticulously groomed hair, and attire that exuded success—clad in a white shirt and tie, and he projected an air of confidence and accomplishment.
"Lele, it's really you! I thought I must be mistaken," the man exclaimed, walking over with a noticeably elated expression.
Li Changle reacted with more composure, replying flatly, "Chen Yiyuan, didn't you go to America?"
"Not long after returning, I've been inquiring about you. I heard you're teaching at Huahai City's No. 1 Middle School. I had intended to visit your school, but I didn't expect to run into you here," Chen Yiyuan replied, his words flowing out in a rush.
Liu Yong felt confused, unsure of Chen Yiyuan's identity. Judging from his demeanour, it seemed likely that Chen Yiyuan had feelings for Lele.
Li Changle's reaction remained composed, merely offering a polite smile.
Chen Yiyuan continued, "Lele, let's exchange WeChat IDs so we can easily stay in touch."
As he spoke, he took out his mobile phone.
Li Changle frowned slightly and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't bring my phone with me today."
Chen Yiyuan appeared momentarily stunned, but he refused to give up. Producing his business card, he said, "Here's my business card. I'm heading back to work. I've found a position and I plan to submit my resume to the Global Shipping Group."
"Do you want to join the Global Shipping Group?" Liu Yong couldn't help interject, reminding them, "It's quite challenging to get in. Even domestic graduates from prestigious universities may struggle."
Chen Yiyuan cast a disdainful glance at Liu Yong, privately wondering where this "loser" had come from. Why was he having dinner with Li Changle? Could he be Lele's boyfriend?
No, I pursued Lele for so long back in school and made no progress. How could he compare to me? How could Lele possibly fall in love with him?
Concluding that Liu Yong might be another suitor for Lele, Chen Yiyuan's thoughts spiralled, and his contempt for Liu Yong grew more apparent, mingled with a hint of hostility.
"Hehe, it might be difficult for others to enter the Global Shipping Group, but I won't have any problems. I graduated from Huahai University and have overseas work experience. I'm confident I can secure a position at the Global Shipping Group," Liu Yong smiled, disregarding Chen Yiyuan's ignorance.
With the meal concluded, Liu Yong stood up and said, "Lele, let's go."
Li Changle happily stood up, took a few steps forward, and gently hooked her arm through Liu Yong's, displaying an intimate gesture.
Chen Yiyuan looked on, confused. Could it be that he's Li Changle's boyfriend? No, I'm far superior to him. Li Changle should find someone like me.
Driven by urgency, Chen Yiyuan hurriedly caught up and eagerly suggested, "Lele, where are you headed? I have a car; let me give you a ride."
Li Changle politely declined, saying, "No need, we have a car too."
Chen Yiyuan persisted, stating, "Lele, my car is a Mercedes-Benz. Let me drive you. How about going to the movies together this afternoon?"
Li Changle ignored his plea and, holding onto Liu Yong's arm, proceeded to descend the restaurant's staircase.
Chen Yiyuan ruminated, noting that his car was worth over 400,000 yuan, a Mercedes-Benz sedan. Reluctant to surrender, he loudly said, "Lele, Lele, let's go this afternoon!"
Suddenly, his voice halted abruptly.
Liu Yong took out his car keys and pressed a button. The entrance of the hotel illuminated, revealing a Pagani supercar. Liu Yong and Li Changle swiftly entered the vehicle.
A Pagani supercar with a domestic price exceeding 30 million yuan!
Chen Yiyuan stood there dumbfounded, left to the mercy of the wind.
Once inside the car, Li Changle was apologetic and said, "Brother Yong, please don't overthink it. Chen Yiyuan was just a suitor from my college days. We have no relationship whatsoever."
Liu Yong responded with a generous smile, "I didn't pay it any mind. After all, he doesn't even have your contact information. There's no reason for me to dwell on it."
Hearing Liu Yong's words, Li Changle, felt relieved and smiled joyfully.
With Huahai University on summer break, Ding Wen had returned to the capital. Hanhai Culture Company was temporarily entrusted to its subordinates for management and operation, with a professional manager assuming the specific leadership role.
In the study, Ding Wen and his father, Bi Qingyun, sat together, creating an atmosphere tinged with solemnity.
"Dad, the school doesn't have many courses now, so I want to come to the company and assist you," Ding Wen proposed.
Bi Qingyun replied, "Your current task is to focus on studying diligently. We can discuss it further after you graduate. The company has your brother, sister, and uncles to help me. For now, I don't need your assistance."
Ding Wen persisted, "However, the sanctions imposed by country M on Qingyun Group have intensified. Even finding a chip foundry has become a problem. No foundry company dares to manufacture chips for us."
Bi Qingyun confidently said, "There's always a solution to every problem, and we'll overcome these difficulties too."
Bi Qingyun exuded an air of self-assurance, seemingly unafraid of adversity.
Feeling reassured by his father's confidence, Ding Wen sighed softly, offering another suggestion, "Dad, should we put in more effort? If we can acquire an advanced lithography machine from abroad, all our problems would be solved."
Bi Qingyun shook his head, deeming the possibility almost zero. "No one abroad will sell us a lithography machine. We have to focus on domestic options," he stated.
Ding Wen remarked, "But the most advanced domestic lithography machine is only capable of 20 nanometers, which falls short of our requirements."
"Well, a 20nm lithography machine can't meet our needs indeed. Don't worry about the current challenges faced by the group. Concentrate on your studies, and we'll address them after you graduate," Bi Qingyun replied.
Ding Wen wanted to say more, but Bi Qingyun raised his hand, interrupting him, and left the study. Ding Wen sighed, understanding that his father wanted to shoulder the burdens alone, sparing him from undue pressure.
I hope we can resolve these difficulties as soon as possible. If only we had one or two advanced lithography machines. Even without them, having a chip foundry company willing to manufacture our chips would be beneficial.
At the Global Shipping Group, Liu Yong had just informed Qiu Yang that any Chen Yiyuan applicant should be immediately disqualified.
After the call, Liu Yong settled into the boss's chair and watched the news. By chance, he stumbled upon a piece of information concerning lithography machines.
Two 5nm lithography machines, ordered by a semiconductor company in country M, were loaded onto a plane and shipped to the United States.
Liu Yong couldn't help but curse inwardly. "Damn it! They managed to purchase two 5nm lithography machines at once. It's infuriating that Qingyun International can't even buy one, and no chip foundry companies are willing to assist us."
He silently wished for the plane carrying the machines to crash into the sea, resulting in their loss.
Just as Liu Yong was about to leave the company early and head to the big villa where Li Changle resided, his phone rang a few minutes later.