Chapter 633: All good things must come to an end
Chapter 633: All good things must come to an end
After a few drinks, the atmosphere in the small restaurant became even more relaxed, and the group started chatting.
Huang Xiaochuan took the initiative to ask Chen Zhe, "Old Chen, I heard you want to return to China to develop your career, that's great! When do you plan to come back?"
Chen Zhe looked a little embarrassed and replied, "I originally had this plan, but my daughter Chen Qiao still thinks Australia is better than China, mainly because of factors such as the children's education and living environment. You know, my daughter Chen Qiao is quite stubborn, and I can't persuade her."
As the saying goes, even an upright official finds it hard to settle family disputes. Huang Xiaochuan naturally wouldn't interfere in the affairs between the couple. He smiled and clinked glasses with Chen Zhe to show his understanding.
However, Ding Yi overheard their conversation and immediately suggested to Chen Zhe, "Old Chen, didn't the bigwigs establish the Hong Kong Economic Research Institute? Since your Chen Qiao doesn't want to return to the mainland, why not go to Hong Kong? Hong Kong's education and environment aren't inferior to Australia's, are they? Besides, Hong Kong is closer to home, isn't it?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhe immediately looked at Huang Xiaochuan.
Huang Xiaochuan naturally understood that Chen Zhe was tempted, but he said, "Xier's doors are always open to you. Salary and benefits are not a problem, but you should discuss it with your Chen Qiao first."
Ding Yi shook his head in exasperation, saying, "Old Chen, I don't even know what to say to you! You're a grown man, and you have absolutely no say in the family?"
At this moment, Huang Xiaochuan quickly stopped Ding Yi from continuing, saying, "Alright, alright, it's their business, don't meddle. Let's drink! We haven't even had a drink yet!"
At this moment, Wu Duo put his arm around Chen Zhe's shoulder and said, "Chen Zhe, I think the XIR Research Institute that Xiao Chuan is running in Hong Kong is very good, and it aligns well with your research direction. Besides, funding won't be a problem there. You should definitely consider it!"
At this point, Ding Yi couldn't help but say, "Old Chen, it's just an education issue! You don't know, do you? Xiao Chuan has already bought the parent company of the best private school with a through-train system in Hong Kong. Getting your child into school will be a piece of cake!"
Huang Xiaochuan quickly said, "Old Chen, you should go back and discuss this with your Chen Qiao before making a decision. Of course, if you've discussed it and want to develop your career in Hong Kong, then the child's education will definitely not be a problem."
After speaking, Huang Xiaochuan glanced at Ding Yi again. Ding Yi naturally understood the meaning in Huang Xiaochuan's eyes. He actually meant well, but he was a bit wishful thinking and hadn't considered things as carefully as Huang Xiaochuan. However, he was also an extremely smart person, and he immediately understood why Huang Xiaochuan did this.
The root of the problem lies with Chen Zhe and Chen Qiao. No matter what others do, it's useless, and there's no need for them to meddle. Anyway, they've already laid out their escape route, so they can come back whenever they want.
To change the subject, Huang Xiaochuan took the initiative to ask Zhang Gaolei about the wafer fab.
"Hey Zhang, how have you been lately? It's been ages since you came to me complaining about being broke. Looks like things are going pretty well!"
Zhang Gaolei shook his head helplessly: "The pressure is immense! But you're right, things are going quite smoothly so far. However, there are still a few key processes that we haven't overcome yet, and the money is being burned through like crazy. Every day when I come to the company, what I fear most is the cost department coming to me and telling me how much money we've spent."
Huang Xiaochuan patted Zhang Gaolei on the shoulder: "There are no shortcuts to production technology development and research. It requires a lot of professional personnel, time, and money. Don't worry, with me here, money is not a problem, but I can't help you with time and professional personnel. You'll have to rely on yourself for that."
Ding Yi patted Zhang Gaolei on the shoulder: "Xiao Chuan is right, money is not a problem, you don't need to worry about that. The rest is up to you. If you need money, just ask me anytime. Although I'm not as rich as Xiao Chuan, I can still spare a few coins to tide you over!"
Wu Duo laughed and said, "Old Ding, you're being too modest. None of us know you well. You're next in line after Xiao Chuan."
Wu Duo was right. While others might not know Ding Yi's situation, the original members of 222 were well aware of it. This place is a treasure trove for finding excellent urban novels. This guy used to be a force to be reckoned with in the stock market, making a fortune. If his family hadn't dragged him back into the system, he might still be a big shot in the Hong Kong stock market!
Ding Yi, upon hearing Wu Duo's words, surprisingly didn't refute them, but instead looked melancholy: "Sigh! You know, every day I'm in endless meetings, reading countless reports, and dealing with never-ending work. I can't..."
Wu Duo then asked, "What are you planning to do?"
Ding swallowed back the words he was about to say: "I plan to continue working hard, what else can I do?"
"Hahaha," the group couldn't help but laugh at Ding Yi's antics.
The five of them reminisced about embarrassing incidents from their college days, each one as vivid as if it had happened just yesterday. Gradually, more and more beer bottles piled up on the ground.
At this moment, Zhang Gaolei suddenly suggested, "How about we go for a walk? It's been a long time since we've all gone for a stroll together."
"good!"
"Can!"
"OK!"
The remaining four responded in unison. Since they had been drinking beer that night, none of them had drunk too much, just a little tipsy. The five of them walked arm in arm down the street, with bodyguards and assistants following them at a distance.
I don't know who started it, but all five of them started singing "We Are Walking on the Great Road" in unison.
"We march on the main road, full of vigor and high spirits."
"Forward! Forward!"
"Towards victory!"
Not only did he sing, but he also gestured wildly to make it famous.
It was already 11 p.m., and the five people were singing loudly in the street, attracting the attention of some passersby. Some even cursed, "You bastards! It's 13 o'clock! You son of a bitch!"
Ding Yi, with his incredibly sharp ears, heard everything clearly. He immediately launched into a tirade of profanities in the Shanghai dialect. Seeing that the group outnumbered him, the man didn't dare to retaliate and was dragged away by the woman beside him. They seemed to be a young couple who had just finished watching a movie.
Wu Duo advised, "Take it easy, take it easy. If this gets out, it will definitely be the headline news tomorrow."
The group laughed upon hearing this; it was indeed big news. Among the five people were Asia's richest man and China's only recipient of the Clark Medal in Economics, an official from the Shanghai branch of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, a core staff member of a central government agency, a billionaire who had successfully returned from starting a business in the United States, and a professor teaching at an Australian university.
If that media reporter finds out, it'll be incredibly lucky for his family; it'll be huge news.
After laughing, the group stood by the roadside and said their goodbyes one by one.
Huang Xiaochuan hugged Chen Zhe and Wu Duo: "Take care, both of you!"
Wu Duo also specifically reminded him: "Xiao Chuan, now that you're famous, there will be many people eyeing you, so you need to be more careful."
Huang Xiaochuan nodded and patted Wu Duo on the shoulder to indicate that he understood.
Ding Yi, who was listening nearby, sneered: "I'd like to know who's got the nerve? They're tired of living, do they really think we're saints?"
Wu Duo quickly covered Ding Yi's mouth: "How much the hell did you drink tonight? You're just spouting nonsense."
Huang Xiaochuan pulled Ding Yi from Wu Duo's arms and took him to his side: "I'll take care of Old Ding. I'll take him back. Old Wu and Old Chen, there will be a car to take you later. Old Zhang, you can take care of yourself. I won't take you."
Zhang Gaolei waved his hand dismissively, indicating that he understood.
The five parted ways. Surrounded by Gao Song and the others, Huang Xiaochuan helped Ding Yi into the van and drove away.
On the way, Huang Xiaochuan glared at Ding Yi with displeasure: "I know you're not drunk, but you can't just say things like that, don't you understand?"
Ding Yi gave a mocking smile: "I did that on purpose."
"Alright, I already had a plan for this, you don't need to worry about me!" Huang Xiaochuan patted his friend's leg to reassure him.
dkrc