As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 306: Poaching People

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Lithography machine? Little brother, this isn’t something you can just play with. Do you know why ASML dominates the world in this field? It’s because it requires a tremendous amount of money for research, not something ordinary companies can afford. Even if you spend billions on research, the quality won’t match theirs. It’s just a waste of money.

After the New Year, you might see news about the successful development of 5nm lithography machines by the country. But do you see large-scale production happening? It’s because other hardware components aren’t up to par, and making just a few machines a year is already a limit. Can you compete with the nation’s capabilities?”

Lan Ling finished speaking and wanted to see Zhou Chao’s reaction, but he still had a cheerful smile on his face.

“Did I not explain clearly, or is there something wrong with my expression?”

Zhou Chao shook his head in response and pondered for a moment before saying, “I understand that researching and manufacturing lithography machines is very challenging. But if we have the world’s most advanced industrial mother machine, doesn’t that mean we’ve overcome the problems you mentioned?”

“It’s impossible. Those foreign companies won’t sell ultra-precision machine tools to us, even if they’re defective.”

Zhou Chao then said mysteriously, “What if we develop it ourselves?”

Lan Ling suddenly stood up, slamming his hands on the table.

“Self-development? Impossible. There are so many research institutes and university laboratories in the country working on it, investing a significant amount of funds. But so far, none of them have dared to claim that their machine tool technology has reached a world-class level.”

“Lan Lao, since I’ve come here, I must have accurate information with me. Otherwise, why would I bother to make this trip in person? If you don’t believe me, you can call Zhou Jilong and ask him if what I said is true.”

Zhou Chao remained calm and pulled out his phone, turning to Zhou Jilong’s contact and handing the phone to Lanling.

Lan Ling looked at the familiar phone number on the phone, hesitated for a moment, and eventually returned the phone to Zhou Chao.

“I believe you! I didn’t expect that, the younger generation surpasses the older one. But regarding the research on lithography machines, I still need to think about it. After all, it’s not something that can be developed in the short term.” “Lan Lao, if you join us, I believe we can achieve mass production of our self-developed lithography machine this year!” Zhou Chao knew he couldn’t reveal too much. Sometimes, saying too much wouldn’t make others believe you.

Lan Ling furrowed his brows slightly at Zhou Chao’s words, pondering the meaning behind them. As a leader in the semiconductor industry, he knew how long it would take to develop a lithography machine. But looking at Zhou Chao’s confident demeanor, Lan Ling hesitated.

“President Zhou, 1’11 think about it. Let’s not discuss this further today. Let’s have a meal and taste the local specialties of Northwestern Polytechnical University. Your friend can join us as well.”

“Sure, let’s do that! Wang Feng, please have a seat.” Upon seeing the two of them seated, Lan Ling got up and walked to the door, calling out. In no time, someone appeared carrying dishes.

“Enjoy! These buns and cold noodles are some of the specialties of Northwestern Polytechnical University.” Zhou Chao looked at the noodles and a plate of chicken on the table, realizing that he was in a region where noodles were a staple.

“1 won’t hold back then!” Zhou Chao began eating, picking up a large meat bun.

“Well, 1 have to say, the taste of these big meat buns is really good!”

Upon hearing this, Lan Ling laughed heartily.

“Of course, these big meat buns have a long history at Northwestern Polytechnical University. They’ve been a part of our journey to where we are today,” Lan Ling said as he also picked up a big meat bun to eat.

The three of them ate and chatted, and before long, they were all satisfied.

Lan Ling glanced at the time and then looked at Zhou Chao, saying, “President Zhou, I’m sorry, but 1 have experiments to conduct in the afternoon, so 1 won’t be able to accompany you further. 1 will seriously consider what you’ve said about that matter.”

“Sure, no problem! I also plan to explore the historical traces of Chang’an, the ancient capital. Enjoy your experiments, and thank you for your time today.”

“Then you should stay here for a few days and, if you get the chance, you can climb Mount Hua to experience its breathtaking steepness.”

“1’11 definitely come back if I have the time!”

The three of them got up and walked outside. Zhou Chao and Lan Ling walked ahead, chatting and laughing, while Wang Feng followed closely behind.

“Lan Lao, where are you going? Shall I give you a ride?” Zhou Chao stood at the cafeteria door and asked, looking at Lanling.

“No need, I’m just nearby. It’s very close, only a two or three-minute walk,” Lan Ling replied, pointing to a building not far away.

“Alright, then I’ll be on my way. By the way, Lan Lao, here’s my business card. Please keep it, and if you decide, you can give me a call!” With that, Zhou Chao took out a specially customized business card from his pocket, which had his name and a phone number on it.

The quality of the business card was exceptional, and Lan Ling could tell that it was quite valuable.

“Well, I will give it serious consideration.”

Zhou Chao nodded and, along with Wang Feng, boarded the nearby Phantom and headed out of the university campus.

As Lan Ling saw the car Zhou Chao was getting into, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He then carefully examined the business card in his hand for a moment and muttered to himself, “Looks like 1 need to consider this seriously.” “Boss, do you think Lan Ling will agree to join us?”

Zhou Chao gazed silently out of the window, and after a while, he finally spoke, “I don’t know. If Zhou Jilong calls me and tells me that Lan Ling inquired about the matter, then it’s highly likely. Right now, all 1 can do is wait quietly. If there’s no other way, we might have to use the school’s funds to acquire Lan Ling’s laboratory.”

“Boss, should we go back to the hotel now?” Wang Feng sneakily glanced at Zhou Chao through the rearview mirror.

“Not yet. Let’s visit the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas first. Since we’re in Chang’an, the ancient capital, we should at least experience some of the local attractions. Tomorrow, we can go to Li Mountain and the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the Terracotta Warriors for a long time!”

“Alright, boss!” Wang Feng then drove towards the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

As luck would have it, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda was located near the Friendship Campus of Northwestern Polytechnical University. Zhou Chao realized that they should have visited it before meeting Lanling.

After arriving at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, they bought two tickets for 8o yuan each and entered. Zhou Chao had always been curious about the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It had a total of seven floors, while the Small Wild Goose Pagoda had a staggering thirteen floors. He had never seen them in person.

As they entered the Great Ci’en Temple, they saw the towering Big Wild Goose Pagoda standing in an open area.

“Boss, what’s so special about this pagoda?”

Zhou Chao gave Wang Feng a glance and didn’t say much. After spending half an hour exploring the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, they drove to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

When they arrived at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the Jianfu Temple, they noticed that there were significantly fewer visitors compared to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

“Boss, why is the top of this Small Wild Goose Pagoda incomplete?” Wang Feng looked at the top of the pagoda with a puzzled expression.

ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ ɴoᴠel ꜰɪre.nᴇt

“That’s due to a major earthquake that occurred during the Jiaqing period of the Ming Dynasty. It caused the top two layers of the pagoda to collapse, and it has remained that way until now.”

“Why didn’t they repair it at the time?”

“How would 1 know? If you want, I can drop you off and you can ask the managers from back then why they didn’t repair it!”

“Uh… Boss, I’ll pass on that, I’d rather enjoy the scenic beauty here!”

“That’s better. Don’t ask such questions next time!”

“Alright, Boss!”

After a brief discussion, they continued their exploration and soon arrived at the Bell Tower.

“This is the Morning Bell of the Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of Guanzhong!”

“Guanzhong Eight Scenic Wonders? Boss, what are the eight wonders? Let’s go see them all!” Wang Feng said with an eager expression.

“Do you think I’m your tour guide? If you ask such questions again, I’ll send you back to Peng City. I’m starting to think that bringing you out here might have been a mistake!”

Zhou Chao couldn’t help but complain, “Guanzhong Eight Scenic Wonders? You’re asking me what they are? 1 have no idea. If 1 hadn’t glanced at the introduction when we entered, who would care about that!”

Wang Feng was silenced by Zhou Chao’s scolding and decided to keep quiet. Zhou Chao was relieved.

They didn’t spend much time exploring and soon returned to their hotel. As they entered the hotel, Zhou Chao lay down on the sofa without moving.

Zhou Chao glanced at Wang Feng, who was sitting next to him, and then said, “There’s nothing to do this afternoon. You can rest in your room for a while. In the evening, we’ll go to the Tang Dynasty Night Market and try some street food.”

Wang Feng nodded and then left to go to his room.

“1 won’t bring this guy out to play next time. He’s just adding to my troubles!”

Zhou Chao also got up from the sofa and returned to his room, preparing to take an afternoon nap before exploring the Tang Dynasty Night Market in the evening.

Time passed quickly, and it was already 8:30 in the evening when Zhou Chao and Wang Feng strolled through the Tang Dynasty Night Market.

“1 didn’t expect the Tang Dynasty Night Market to be so beautiful after the renovation. The lighting design is really good, making the whole place look magnificent!”

“Boss, look, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda at night has a unique charm!” Zhou Chao followed Wang Feng’s pointed finger and indeed, it looked different.

The two of them strolled along the main road, leisurely enjoying the atmosphere. Before long, they both had various skewers and street food in their hands. Especially Wang Feng, who had at least twenty skewers, making Zhou Chao feel the burning sensation on his face just looking at them.

They continued to stroll until past 10 o’clock, watching a performance by a talented acrobat, visiting several themed squares, and enjoying a full-circle tour of eating, shopping, and playing.

“Let’s go, it’s getting late.. Time to head back and rest!”