Leveling Up With My Pet



The air in the office hung heavy with tension as Shi Xinyuan hesitated to speak, his words caught in his throat. President Wei Zhengde finally noticed his hesitation, furrowing his brows in concern. Sensing something amiss, he couldn't help but ask, "Xinyuan, what's the matter?"

Shi Xinyuan's voice was barely above a whisper as he slowly uttered his concerns, his tone laced with apprehension. "President, our chip design and development have made significant progress. We have ventured into 8-nanometer chip design for the first time. However, once the design is completed, we may encounter obstacles in OEM production."

Wei Zhengde, hoping to alleviate the tension, replied confidently, "Coffey Company, Becky Company, and Pole Company are all reputable chip foundry companies. Once the chip design is finished, we can entrust them with manufacturing. It shouldn't pose a major problem."

A heavy sigh escaped Shi Xinyuan's lips as he dropped the bombshell. "I just spoke with the senior management of Coffey Company and Becky Company. They informed me that due to pressure from country M, they will not undertake chip foundry production for us."

Wei Zhengde's face contorted in shock. If what Shi Xinyuan said was true, the situation would be dire. Designing the chip would be futile without a manufacturer to produce it.

Wei Zhengde had initially believed that finding a manufacturer wouldn't be an issue with numerous chip foundry companies available. However, he realized his assumptions were flawed, and a sense of urgency overwhelmed him.

"What about Jiji? Surely they won't refuse to manufacture our chips," Wei Zhengde implored, his voice tinged with desperation.

Shi Xinyuan replied, "I haven't contacted Jiji Company yet, so I'm unsure of their stance."

Wei Zhengde grabbed the phone, his mind racing. China Overseas Communications and Jidian Company had a well-established relationship, with Jidian Company manufacturing chips for country M and supplying them to China Overseas Communications. After a brief conversation over the phone, Wei Zhengde's face grew graver.

Silence filled the room as he hung up, absorbing the conversation's implications. Although the other party had couched their words delicately, they inadvertently disclosed a crucial piece of information—manufacturing chips for China Overseas Communications Company was out of the question.

Wei Zhengde was gripped with anxiety, his thoughts running wild. What could he do? It seemed as if they were being pushed into a corner, forced to submit to the demands of country M.

The office atmosphere turned sombre, and Shi Xinyuan found himself at a loss for words. He wanted to offer words of comfort, but under such circumstances, he understood the futility of mere consolation.

Just as despair settled upon them like a heavy shroud, a knock on the door shattered the silence. The executives of China Shipping Communications entered the room, their faces beaming excitedly.

"President, we bring good news, great news!" one of the executives exclaimed, unable to contain their enthusiasm.

Wei Zhengde looked at them with puzzled curiosity, urging them to explain. "Vice President Fang, why are you so jubilant?"

Vice President Fang proclaimed joyfully, "I have received the latest information. The Global Shipping Group has established a global semiconductor company, intending to venture into the field of chip foundry."

Universal Semiconductor Corporation!

I am entering the field of chip foundry!

Wei Zhengde and Shi Xinyuan stood dumbfounded, taking a few seconds to regain their composure.

"Is this information genuine?" Wei Zhengde asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Vice President Fang nodded emphatically, affirming the news. "It is absolutely true, President. I havPresidented thorough investigations. They have registered a capital as high as 15 billion, and construction has already commenced on two large factories."

A glimmer of hope ignited in Wei Zhengde's eyes, dispelling the darkness that had settled upon him. Shi Xinyuan couldn't help but ask, his voice filled with anticipation, "What about their foundry capabilities? Can they handle the 8nm chip process?"

Vice President Fang reassured them, "There shouldn't be any issues. I made a specific inquiry, and they possess both 5nm and 8nm lithography machines."

Unbelievable! How did they acquire such advanced lithography machines? The presence of 5nm lithography machines was awe-inspiring.

Wei Zhengde's spirit began to rekindle, and he waved his hand firmly. "Prepare everything. I'm going to visit the boss of Universal Semiconductor."

Vice President Fang inquired, "Shall we schedule the visit in a few days?"

Wei Zhengde shook his head determinedly. "The sooner, the better. I can't wait any longer."

At the Global Shipping Group headquarters...

Liu Yong, the prominent figure leading the organization, conversed with Hu Shijun, his trusted subordinate.

"Brother Yong, both of our factories have commenced construction. I visited the sites myself, and they are bustling with activity. The progress is highly gratifying," Hu Shijun reported excitedly.

Liu Yong smiled and replied, "I visited Factory No. 1 a couple of days ago, and I was pleased with the construction progress."

After briefly discussing the advancement of the factories, Hu Shijun broached another matter. "Brother Yong, China Overseas Communications has sent an official letter. Their president, Wei Zhengde, wishes to visit usPresidentng chuckled. "You can handle the visit, Hu Shijun. I suspect it's related to the chip foundry. Both Qingyun International and China Shipping Communications have faced severe sanctions."

Hu Shijun raised a concern, "But Brother Yong, China Overseas Communications boasts an annual revenue in the hundreds of billions. Is it appropriate for me, as the general manager of Universal Semiconductor Corporation, to receive the president of such a colossal company?"

LiuPresidentmile widened, and he assured him, "Why would it be inappropriate? You are now the general manager of Universal Semiconductor Corporation. Embrace your role. Besides, they have come to visit you, so there's no need to be nervous."

With newfound confidence, Hu Shijun pondered on Liu Yong's words, acknowledging his position as the general manager of Universal Semiconductor Corporation. He felt reassured by this realization.

Building on his newfound assurance, Hu Shijun continued, "Boss, has our 'Blue Whale' safely passed through the Strait of Malacca?"

Liu Yong nodded with satisfaction. "I received a call from Captain Ren Ziquan of the 'Blue Whale' not long ago. They successfully navigated the Strait of Malacca and will enter the South China Sea of the Yan Kingdom in two days."

The news brought a smile to Hu Shijun's face. He knew that four lithography machines would soon arrive in Huahai City.

At China Shipping Communications Co., Ltd...

Wei Zhengde appeared markedly different from just a few days ago. He exuded energy and vitality, no longer bearing the weariness of before.

He meticulously adjusted his tie in his office, examining himself in the mirror. Satisfied with his appearance, he confidently declared, "Xinyuan, during our visit, Universal Semiconductor will surely agree tocooperate with us."

Shi Xinyuan responded, his voice filled with hope and confidence, "I believe it won't be a problem. I have high hopes and confidence in this collaboration."

The two shared a joyful laugh, brimming with optimism for their upcoming trip to Huahai City. They had gathered more information, confirming that Universal Semiconductor possessed 5nm and 8nm lithography machines, indicating that manufacturing the 8nm chips through OEM wouldn't pose a significant challenge.

After a while, Wei Zhengde took the lead, accompanied by a group of over a dozen people dressed formally, exuding a sense of importance. They boarded the vehicles waiting outside the China Shipping Communications Company's office building, heading towards the airport.

Their purpose was to visit Universal Semiconductor formally, but their main objective was to discuss a potential collaboration. They hoped that Universal Semiconductor could manufacture the chips they had independently developed and designed.

If they could resolve this issue and establish a partnership, all their problems would be solved, rendering the sanctions imposed by country M meaningless.

...