As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store - Chapter 303

Chapter 303: Learning Along the Way

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Boss, how did you wake up so early?” When Wang Feng came out of the bedroom after getting ready, he found that Zhou Chao had already woken up.

“I slept early so I could wake up earlier. You can sleep a bit longer, it’s not even 8 o’clock yet!” Upon hearing this, Wang Feng scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“I’ve had enough sleep, feeling energetic!” He patted his chest to indicate he was in good spirits.

“Hahaha, if that’s the case, why don’t you go get some breakfast?”

“Sure, Boss!” After saying that, Wang Feng opened the door and walked out.

Zhou Chao chuckled and shook his head, thinking, “He didn’t even ask me what I wanted to eat, such a simpleton.”

But just as Zhou Chao finished his thought, Wang Feng opened the door again and walked in. He scratched his head sheepishly and asked, “Boss, what kind of breakfast would you like?”

“Congee, and a few other items of your choice will do.”

Wang Feng nodded and then turned to leave.

After 20 minutes, he returned with breakfast, carrying two bags filled with food.

“How far did you go to get these? Don’t you know the hotel serves breakfast in the morning?”

Wang Feng hesitated for a moment and then said, “Boss, I’ve never stayed in a hotel like this before!”

“Well, alright, let’s not dwell on that. Let’s have breakfast!” Zhou Chao didn’t want to make a fuss and took out all the breakfast items from the bags.

There were two boxes of preserved egg and lean meat porridge and five boxes of various snacks.

They finished their meal quickly, and in no time, the table was empty.

“Boss, do you have any plans for today?”

“Nothing special. Give Xu Yu a call, and ask him to come to the hotel. And, hmm, have Zhou Jilong come too. When they arrive, let me know, I’ll go lie down for a while.” Saying that, Zhou Chao got up and headed towards the bedroom.

Seeing this, Wang Feng went to the balcony, took out his phone, and called Xu Yu and Zhou Jilong, telling them that the boss needed to see them.

By 9:10 AM, Xu Yu and Zhou Jilong rushed over to the hotel.

“Where’s the boss?” As soon as they entered, Zhou Jilong didn’t see Zhou Chao and asked Wang Feng, who was standing by the door.

Wang Feng nodded towards the bedroom, and the three of them exchanged glances. Wang Feng reluctantly went to the bedroom door and knocked.

Before he could finish knocking, the bedroom door swung open, and Zhou Chao walked out.

“Please, have a seat. Wang Feng, bring some water.” Zhou Chao naturally took the head seat, and Xu Yu and Zhou Jilong sat on either side.

“Today, I called you here to discuss a few matters, starting with Xu Yu.”

As soon as Xu Yu heard that it was about him, he straightened up, looking attentive.

“As you may know, we’ve made significant breakthroughs in our research institute recently, and our current factory space is getting cramped. So, I plan to expand our factory area.”

“Expanding? Boss, that might not be easy. There’s no contiguous land around us, and the nearest open space is separated by a textile factory,” Xu Yu, who knew the surrounding environment like the back of his hand, immediately pointed out the issue.

Zhou Chao smiled at his response and then shifted his gaze to Xu Yu. The smile faded from his face, and he calmly said, “Don’t you know that the textile factory has already filed for bankruptcy? Do you also not realize the limitations it would impose on Canghai’s future development if that land gets bought by someone else?”

Xu Yu stood up abruptly, a look of fear on his face. “Boss, I’m sorry, it’s my negligence!”

Zhou Chao waved his hand to signal him to sit back down. “Negligence isn’t the issue; what’s concerning is when there’s no room left for recovery. I’ve already talked to Secretary Ye about that piece of land and the adjacent space. It’s temporarily secured for us. Whether or not we can negotiate it at a reasonable price depends on your abilities. I don’t want you to fail even in handling such a minor matter.”

“Boss, please rest assured, I’ll definitely meet your expectations!”

“It’s not about meeting my expectations; remember that you’re working for the company, not just for me.”

“Understood!” Xu Yu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead nervously.

“Alright, you can go now. You need to come up with a plan for this matter today. How to negotiate and the details, that’s up to you.”

“Okay, Boss!” After saying that, Xu Yu got up and walked out, not even touching the tea that Wang Feng had prepared.

Outside the hotel, Xu Yu touched his back, which had already been soaked in sweat.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Zhou Chao was chatting with Zhou Jilong with a smile on his face.

“Boss, scaring him like this, won’t it cause problems? After all, the bankruptcy of the textile factory happened just a couple of days ago, and he might not have noticed it. It’s understandable.”

“Lao Zhou, it’s not as simple as you put it. The ability to capture critical information, especially for high-level executives like Xu Yu, is crucial. Sometimes, being late by just a day or two in knowing something might have a significant impact on the life or death of the company. We can’t afford to be careless when it comes to such matters,” Zhou Chao said sternly when discussing serious matters.

“That’s true, but I was afraid he might not recover quickly.”

“Don’t worry, you should have faith in Xu Yu’s abilities. Despite his shortcomings, he’s still a valuable asset. I believe he’ll do better!” Zhou Chao reassured, waving his hand. He had a positive view of Xu Yu.

“Boss, why did you call me here? It’s not just to have me as an audience, is it?” Zhou Jilong looked at Zhou Chao with a puzzled expression.

“Of course not, there’s something important to discuss. You mentioned you have a friend at Xi’an Jiaotong University. If I were to try to recruit him, do you think it’s possible?”

Zhou Jilong pondered for a moment and then shook his head.

“Boss, I’m skeptical. After all, he’s devoted his entire life to research projects. Trying to lure him away with money is probably impossible.”

“Research projects!” Zhou Chao thought for a moment and seemed to have an idea.

“Do you have any other friends working in the semiconductor field?”

“I do, but their expertise in this technology is uncertain.” Zhou Jilong chuckled, and Zhou Chao shook his head helplessly.

“Alright, I understand. By the way, what’s your friend’s name?”

“His surname is Lan, and his name is Ling, Lan Ling!”

“Lan Ling? That’s an unusual name. If you add a ‘3E’ (Wang), it becomes the famous historical figure, Lan Ling Wang!”

“Ahem, Boss, Lan Ling’s wife’s surname is Wang!” Zhou Jilong glanced at Zhou Chao awkwardly.

“Oh… well, send me his number anyway. No matter what, I’ll give it a try. We’re actively seeking talents like him now.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jilong immediately took out his phone and sent Lan Ling’s phone number to Zhou Chao.

“Boss, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back now.”

“Lao Zhou, go back and check on Xu Yu’s situation. Also, keep an eye on the semiconductor experts in your circle. If you hear any news or developments, even if it’s a slight breeze, give me a call!”

“Don’t worry, Boss!”

Watching Zhou Jilong leave, Zhou Chao stood up from the sofa and walked into the bedroom, taking out a set of Mercedes-Benz keys.

“This car belongs to a friend of mine. I’ve already informed him, and he’ll arrange for someone to pick it up. When the time comes, coordinate with them!”

“Boss, are you leaving?”

“Yes, I have something to attend to. Can you give me a ride to the airport?”

“Boss, where are you going?”

“Ancient capital, Chang’an!”