Chapter 371 Looking Forward!
Liu Yong and Chen Hu found themselves at the grand entrance of the Xinpeng Special Steel Factory, a sprawling industrial complex that held promises of untapped potential. With its imposing gates and modern architecture, the factory invited them in with a sense of purpose.
Curiosity burning within him, Chen Hu couldn't help but ask, "Liu Yong, why did we choose this particular factory today?"
Liu Yong's eyes gleamed with determination as he explained, "My foremost objective is to find a suitable special steel processing facility capable of transforming these enigmatic gray-black metals into standardized bars, sheets, or steel ingots. As they are now, these metallic fragments merely hint at the wreckage of a mysterious spaceship. To avoid unnecessary speculation and complications, we must have them properly processed."
The rumours of Xinpeng Special Steel Factory planning to transfer its operations to foreign hands piqued Liu Yong's interest, prompting him to venture here in person, accompanied by Chen Hu.
The duo strolled purposefully into the vast expanse of the factory, observing keenly as they moved along. Covering an impressive area of at least 300 acres, the factory's infrastructure comprised relatively new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities. Liu Yong had gathered information about the place beforehand, which sparked his hopefulness and motivated him to inspect it personally.
His optimism only grew as he explored further. The factory's modernity, efficiency, and well-maintained premises reaffirmed his initial belief in its capabilities. Liu Yong continued his tour, taking in the sights and sounds, eventually arriving at the smelting workshop.
Within the confines of the workshop, special steel was born. The heartbeat of the operation was the massive 500-ton special smelting furnace, an impressive piece of imported equipment that impressed even the most seasoned observers.
Liu Yong couldn't help but marvel, "It's astounding! Huahai City can't boast of more than one such gargantuan smelting furnace."
While they stood at a safe distance, Liu Yong and Chen Hu watched as the diligent workers carried out their tasks with unwavering dedication. The sweltering molten steel flowed like molten lava, finding its place in ladles before being carefully poured by the crane into moulds, where it would cool and take on the form of steel ingots, one by one.
Although they didn't venture into the midst of the production site, the passion and craftsmanship of the workers were evident even from afar.
Before too long, a figure emerged, seemingly an authoritative figure, perhaps a supervisor or the workshop director. He approached Liu Yong and Chen Hu with a hint of curiosity, questioning, "May I inquire who you are and what brings you here?"
Liu Yong confidently responded, "We are merely here to observe and learn."
As they stepped into the smelting workshop, the supervisor's words echoed in Liu Yong's mind like a cautionary whisper. "This is a special smelting workshop, teeming with potential risks. You mustn't venture deep into the operation site. At most, you can observe from a safe distance."
With a respectful nod, Liu Yong acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He was curious about the smelting furnaces and couldn't help but inquire further. "These are imported special smelting furnaces, correct?"
Pride brimmed in the executive's voice as he confirmed, "Indeed, these smelting furnaces were imported from Germany. Take the 500-ton special smelting furnace, for example; it can even smelt tungsten steel, reaching scorching temperatures of up to 3500 degrees Celsius."
The executive was passionate about the subject, and discussing this impressive equipment appeared enough to open the floodgates of conversation.
Listening intently, Liu Yong pondered the benefits of such advanced equipment. With this machinery, they could effortlessly melt various metals, producing steel ingots, bars, and other valuable products. The potential for their steelworks was vast.
Concern etched on Liu Yong's face as he asked, "Given the capabilities of your equipment, I assume your business is doing quite well?"
A bitter smile played across the executive's lips as he replied, "Mediocre, at best. Unfortunately, our Boss has plans to transfer the entire factory. We are all in a state of uncertainty, not knowing what the future holds."
Amid their conversation, Liu Yong skillfully gleaned valuable insights, gradually forming a picture of the factory's current predicament.
After some time, Liu Yong and his companion Chen Hu proceeded to another section of the steelworks, specifically the Xinpeng Special Steel Factory rolling workshop. The raw special steel was processed into many steel products, ranging from sturdy bars to sleek plates and even finely crafted wires.
The pair wandered through the workshop, curiosity guiding their steps, until they inadvertently attracted the attention of the director of Xinpeng Special Steel Smelting Factory. The director, having received a report from his subordinates, approached them with a polite inquiry.
"What brings you two here?" he asked, his demeanour amiable yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.
Liu Yong stepped forward and candidly replied, "We were just curious to see the operations in action."
Factory Director Xin Feiwen scrutinized Liu Yong with suspicion, his mind racing to comprehend the true purpose of Liu Yong's visit. With pride and self-assurance, Xin Feiwen boasted about the Xinpeng Special Steel Smelting Factory's remarkable prominence within the industry, declaring their capability to fulfil virtually any requirement a potential client might have.
Inwardly, he saw Liu Yong as a potential client, his eyes alight with the prospect of securing a lucrative deal. However, Liu Yong's response caught him off guard. With a friendly smile, Liu Yong casually mentioned having heard about the factory's impending transfer. Xin Feiwen's surprise at this unexpected turn of events was palpable. He had assumed that Liu Yong was just another prospective customer, but he seemed genuinely interested in acquiring the factory.
Acquisition? The word resonated in Xin Feiwen's mind, echoing the secret desire harboured not only by him but also by Li Xinpeng, the factory's owner. Li Xinpeng had been facing hardships, ruing the decision to diversify into real estate and the unique steel smelting industry, yearning for the stability and prosperity of his previous ventures.
Momentarily taken aback, Xin Feiwen exclaimed in a raised voice, inquiring whether Liu Yong had come for an acquisition inspection. Liu Yong responded calmly, affirming he was there to assess the potential purchase. This response left Xin Feiwen inwardly shocked. It seemed as though buying the factory was as simple for Liu Yong as purchasing vegetables from the market, with no apparent financial strain.
Unsure whether Liu Yong's claims were mere bravado or if he genuinely possessed such formidable financial strength, Xin Feiwen was torn between scepticism and intrigue. After introducing himself courteously, he inquired about Liu Yong's name, to which Liu Yong replied with a warm smile, stating that he was called Liu Yong. He then exchanged a subtle signal with his companion, Chen Hu.
Understanding the gesture's significance, Chen Hu promptly presented Xin Feiwen with a luxurious bronzing business card. Surprised by the luxury of the card and curious about its owner, Xin Feiwen couldn't help but glance at it. To his disbelief, the card revealed that Liu Yong was none other than the Chairman of Global Shipping Group.
Astonished, Xin Feiwen's heart raced, realizing the significance of this revelation. The Global Shipping Group was a prominent and renowned 100-billion-level shipping conglomerate responsible for constructing Huahai City's landmark building, the awe-inspiring Global Building.
In a state of near disbelief, Xin Feiwen eagerly welcomed Liu Yong and his companion to the factory's best reception room. Excitedly, he arranged for refreshments, tea, and delectable fruit snacks to be served. Overwhelmed by enthusiasm, he rushed to Li Xinpeng's office, not even bothering to knock before entering.
Breathlessly, he exclaimed, "Boss, we're saved! Do you know who's here at our factory?"
Li Xinpeng, smoking contemplatively, instantly stood up, his eyes brimming with hope. "Tell me quickly! Who's come to our factory?" he urged, anxious for the answer.