Leveling Up With My Pet

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Bi Qingyun's resonant voice trailed off, leaving a lingering sense of agreement in the room. The people of Qingyun International nodded, their faces mirroring the weight of the situation they had endured. They were no strangers to the sanctions and stranglehold that had gripped them tightly; their experiences were etched deep within.

Like a beacon of hope, a world-class chip foundry company emerged from the shadows, bearing the gifts of two advanced lithography machines operating at 5 and 8nm. This revelation was nothing short of a dream realized for Qingyun International. The shimmer of hope in their eyes intensified, reflecting the collective yearning for liberation.

The subtle exchange between Liu Yong and Hu Shijun spoke volumes, an unspoken agreement passing between them. With practised ease, Hu Shijun activated a projector, unveiling a series of slides that told the story of Universal Semiconductor.

In the hushed reception chamber, Hu Shijun embarked on an eloquent presentation. His words, accompanied by rich imagery and flowing text, attracted the audience. In that quiet room, the only sound was Hu Shijun's voice, a symphony of knowledge and possibility.

As the presentation concluded, a discernible glint of hope danced across the faces of Qingyun International's members. Bi Qingyun's voice cut through the stillness, his gratitude palpable: "How fortuitous it is that Universal Semiconductor Corporation has emerged precisely when we needed it most."

It was as if fate had intervened, delivering a much-needed saviour to the chip-dependent companies, Qingyun International at the forefront.

Bi Qingyun's words continued to resonate: "With 5nm and 8nm lithography machines at our disposal, Universal Semiconductor offers us the canvas upon which all our chip designs can flourish."

Turning his gaze toward Liu Yong, he proposed, "Mr. Liu, might we entertain the idea of a comprehensive partnership?"

Liu Yong's response was swift and affirmative: "Absolutely, our doors are open wide for such collaboration."

And so, the two parties delved into the intricacies of partnership, their dialogue flowing seamlessly as they forged the blueprint of their collaboration. Negotiations proceeded like a well-choreographed dance, and within a single day, the framework for their cooperation was meticulously laid out.

Qingyun International would take charge of design and development. At the same time, Universal Semiconductor would lend its expertise to chip production and manufacturing – a harmonious division of labour united by comprehensive cooperation.

As discussions concluded, a collective exhale of relief swept through Qingyun International's members, the weight on their shoulders lightening. The custodians of Universal Semiconductor, including Hu Shijun, harboured their own concealed elation, a monumental business deal poised to usher in tens of billions in revenue through the synergy of Guanghe and Qingyun International. This prospect could only elicit joy.

With Qingyun International annually importing hundreds of billions in chips, their dependency was poised to wane. Starting the upcoming month, they would gradually wean themselves off these imports. Chips, conceived by Qingyun International, would find their physical form within the manufacturing facilities of Universal Semiconductor. The negotiations, for the most part, were an unequivocal success.

The final task at hand was the formal signing of the contract.

Bi Qingyun's voice brimmed with anticipation: "Mr. Liu, might we propose a visit to your No. 1 factory tomorrow? Could we finalize the formal cooperation contract by tomorrow afternoon?"

Liu Yong's immediate response was affirmative: "That sounds like an excellent plan. Consider it arranged."

And so, the sun greeted a new day.

The delegation descended upon Factory No. 1 – an expansive complex sprawling over 300 to 400 acres. The nearly complete facility emanated a contemporary, high-tech ambience, a testament to cutting-edge industry.

A sense of satisfaction radiated from Liu Yong as he surveyed the factory grounds.

The tour led them through the chip manufacturing workshop. Donning specialized attire and undergoing meticulous preparations, the group finally crossed the threshold into the sacred workspace.

Amidst the array of specialized equipment, the centrepiece was undoubtedly the 5nm lithography machine. Eyes glinted with excitement as the delegation converged on the device, this artifact representing their emancipation from the shackles of chip scarcity.

Bi Qingyun, swept up in the moment, extended his hand to touch the lithography machine.

Liu Yong's words, like a balm, soothed the collective apprehension: "The era of chip scarcity is now firmly in the past."

Bi Qingyun's emotions running deep, agreed: "You are entirely correct." Spontaneous applause erupted, filling the room with a chorus of appreciation.

The culmination of the event was the formal signing of the contract.

Qingyun International entrusting its chip production to Universal Semiconductor sealed their partnership with a sense of shared purpose. Their collaboration was a finely woven tapestry of ambition and ingenuity.

With the dawn of a new day, Qingyun International stood before a podium, announcing Universal Semiconductor as its exclusive chip manufacturer. It was a declaration that resonated far beyond the confines of the room, a testament to their liberation from a history of sanctions and limitations.

The following press conference was a sensation, captivating the news landscape and dominating headlines. Praise flowed freely, a unanimous sentiment that united even the most disparate voices.

"Universal Semiconductor's triumph is evident. A well-deserved commendation."

"The relief is palpable. I imagine some in Country M are grinding their teeth in frustration."

Liu Yong perused the news in his expansive office with a contented smile. Their victory was two-fold: they had shattered the constraints of sanctions while elevating Global Semiconductor's reputation. Moreover, an influx of orders loomed as domestic enterprises sought to engage their services.

In the vast embrace of the Pacific Ocean, "Blue Whale" and "Shiwang" sailed side by side, their course set for Huahai City. They would transport tens of thousands of tons of metal fragments in a matter of days.

Despite the smooth waters and gentle currents, Ren Ziquan sensed an unease stirring within him. His sixth sense, that uncanny intuition, hinted at impending turmoil – a disquiet he could not ignore.

His vigilance remained unwavering. As he gazed out across the endless expanse of the ocean, he murmured a silent prayer, invoking the gods' protection for a safe return to Huahai City.

At the vantage point atop the "Blue Whale," two crew members maintained a watchful stance, their mission to scan the horizon for any disturbances.

"No sign of anything. Lao Zhu, let's take a moment for a smoke."

Cigarettes exchanged hands, and the crew members engaged in casual banter.

"This job can be tedious at times. Is the captain overly cautious, you think?"

A long drag on a cigarette ensued: "Caution is never excessive. I'll take over lookout duty later, and you can rest." 𝒃𝙚𝙙𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡．𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Sounds like a plan, I could use a break."

Moments I was ticked by. The crew member with binoculars detected a shift in the vista, his expression morphing as he recognized the anomaly.