Leveling Up With My Pet



Since the introduction of the lithography machine, a crucial breakthrough has been achieved, alleviating all concerns.

The Global Shipping Group had assembled a dedicated team to tackle the intricate planning involved. Their tasks included determining the required land area, estimating the necessary investments, selecting the appropriate production equipment, and establishing an efficient management structure. Every aspect was meticulously considered to ensure a seamless execution.

As a chip foundry specialist, Liu Yong clarified that his focus lay solely on chip production rather than manufacturing the initial wafers. He preferred to procure the required wafers directly from the market, thus avoiding the need to produce raw materials internally. With numerous world-class companies in China excelling in wafer production, Liu Yong remained confident that any concerns regarding the availability of raw materials for chip manufacturing would be unfounded.

The planning process was in full swing, with the dedicated team working diligently to set everything in motion.

A few days later, the "Blue Whale" vessel traversed the Strait of Malacca, venturing further into the Indian Ocean. Uninterrupted by stopovers or rest breaks at any port, the ship maintained a swift pace, aimed at crossing the Indian Ocean and entering Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

At the Global Shipping Group headquarters, accompanied by Hu Shijun, Liu Yong assessed several plots of land. However, he found them somewhat lacking, whether in inadequate areas, suboptimal locations, or exorbitant prices.

On this particular day, Liu Yong and Hu Shijun, joined by members No. 1 and No. 20 of their entourage, visited an industrial park in Huahai City. Present were also middle and high-level executives from the Global Shipping Group and several officials from the Industrial Park Management Committee.

"Mister Liu," began Director Lu, an official from the management committee, "this land spans 282 mu and boasts a well-aligned, square terrain. It is situated alongside Jianshe Road, offering excellent transportation connectivity."

Liu Yong listened attentively as Director Lu presented the details, maintaining a composed demeanour that revealed little of his inner thoughts. While the information appeared formal, there was no visible sign of satisfaction on Liu Yong's face. After absorbing the presentation, Liu Yong inquired, "Director Lu, what is the price of this land?"

Director Lu replied, "As one of Huahai City's iconic enterprises, the Global Shipping Group has been granted favorable treatment in its pursuit of chip foundry investment. The land price is exceptionally advantageous, priced at only 6.2 million yuan per mu."

Indeed, the price was remarkably lower than expected. In a city like Huahai, where land prices in most industrial parks exceeded 10 million yuan per mu, securing land at a rate of 6.2 million yuan per mu was undeniably economical.

However, there was one drawback—the land area was preliminary. With only 282 mu at their disposal, it fell short of Liu Yong's requirements. He was concerned, "Director Lu, could the price be further negotiated? Our investment amounts to tens of billions, and our future annual output value will reach the same magnitude."

Director Lu, exhibiting generosity, responded, "Let's round it up to an even figure of 6 million yuan per mu. The total price for the 282 mu would amount to 1.692 billion yuan. Moreover, this is the largest land parcel available in our entire industrial park."

Liu Yong refrained from further comments. Although the price was ideal, the land area remained a concern. Liu Yong yearned for a plot spanning 350 mu or even more, which would be optimal for their endeavours.

Director Lu interjected, remarking, "Mr. Liu, finding a land parcel spanning four or five hundred acres in Huahai City is exceedingly challenging."

Liu Yong concurred, understanding the complexities involved. Acquiring such a sizable plot within the existing industrial parks was daunting unless the government intervened by allocating new areas. Alternatively, they could explore nearby cities, where land might be available, and local governments might be willing to give prime industrial land for their project. However, smaller towns held less allure, dissuading many from considering them as potential locations.

Shortly after they inspected the industrial park, Liu Yong received a call from Ding Wen.

"Brother Yong, have you returned to the company?" asked Ding Wen.

"I just got back. Is there something you need?" replied Liu Yong.

Ding Wen responded, "I'd like to have a chat over tea. I'll come over right away."

Liu Yong smiled, realizing that there was likely more to their meeting than mere tea drinking. Ding Wen's unexpected request piqued his curiosity. What could Ding Wen possibly want from him?

Approximately ten minutes later, Ding Wen arrived, declaring, "Brother Yong, I've brought some fine tea."

With these words, Ding Wen set up a tea set in Liu Yong's office, taking charge of boiling water and preparing the tea leaves. Diligently attending to each step, he soon filled the air with a delightful aroma. This fragrance suggested the tea was of exceptional quality, such as the scarce West Lake Longjing harvested in limited quantities each year.

After the tea was brewed, Ding Wen proposed, "Brother Yong, care to taste this tea?"

Liu Yong nodded, taking a sip from his cup and commending, "Impressive. This is truly excellent tea."

As the two conversed, their dialogue flowed along with the tea. After indulging in a few cups, Liu Yong addressed Ding Wen, saying, "Brother, based on what I know about you, I sense that today's meeting involves more than just tea. There must be something else on your mind."

Ding Wen affirmed, "Brother Yong, you know me well. There is indeed another matter I wish to discuss."

Liu Yong chuckled, "Then speak freely. We're just two comrades here."

Curiosity piqued, Ding Wen asked, "Brother Yong, I heard that you're planning to establish a global semiconductor company and venture into the field of chip foundry. Is that true?"

Ding Wen had likely caught wind of the Global Shipping Group's plans as Liu Yong had been actively scouting industrial lands recently. The chip supply issue faced by Qingyun International, entangled in sanctions by Country M, had its roots in the lack of chip foundries capable of manufacturing their designed chips.

Liu Yong confirmed, "Yes, that's indeed the plan. Our company's professional team is already working on the related planning, and I've personally inspected several industrial lands in recent days."

Ding Wen's excitement surged upon hearing the confirmation. Clearly, Liu Yong's intention to establish a Universal Semiconductor Company and delve into chip foundry had piqued Ding Wen's interest.

Responding to Ding Wen's query, Liu Yong shared, "Who said we couldn't acquire lithography machines? We currently possess two 5-nanometer lithography machines and two 8-nanometer lithography machines."

Ding Wen was dumbfounded! It took him a moment to process the revelation before he posed his next question, "Brother, where did you obtain these lithography machines? Did you conjure them up?"