Chapter 113: First Arrival at the Research Institute

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The following morning, Zhou Chao was playing chess in his dream when the sound of his phone ringing woke him up. He reached for his phone with a groggy expression, recognizing it was Aunt Wang calling. After rubbing his eyes, Zhou Chao answered the call.

“Hello, has big brother woken up?” A sweet and childish voice came from the other end. It was Little Mango’s voice. Zhou Chao became more awake upon hearing her voice.

“Big brother has been up for a while. What’s up, Little Mango?”

“I just wanted to ask if big brother is coming to play with me today.” Zhou Chao was momentarily unsure how to respond to Little Mango’s question. After all, he had plans to visit the research institute today. If he told her the truth, he wasn’t sure if Little Mango would be disappointed. After pondering for a moment, he decided to share his plans.

“Little Mango, big brother is going to the company for an inspection today, so I won’t be able to come and play.” There was a pause on the other end of the line. Zhou Chao was about to continue speaking when he heard Little Mango’s voice again.

“Sure, if big brother has things to take care of, feel free to do them. Just come and play with me whenever you have time.” Little Mango’s words prompted a smile to form on Zhou Chao’s lips.

“Sure, I’ll come see you when I’m done with my work.”

“Okay.” After hanging up the call, Zhou Chao got up from his bed. Since he had already planned to visit the research institute today, he decided to go there a bit earlier.

Leaving the hotel, he saw that Da Wu had already parked the car in the hotel’s parking lot. Zhou Chao walked straight over.

“Boss!” Da Wu greeted Zhou Chao as he opened the car door.

“Yeah, let’s go. We’re heading to the research institute!” Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Da Wu quickly started the car and drove towards the research institute.

The research institute under Zhou Chao’s name mainly focused on materials research. It was located in the high-tech zone of Nanshan District in Peng City. The main areas of research and development included: metallic materials, polymer materials and composites, engineering ceramics, powder materials, vibration and support technology, as well as material performance testing and failure analysis techniques!

Zhou Chao’s residence was about 20 kilometers away from the high-tech zone. Da Wu reached the research institute in less than 30 minutes. When they reached the entrance, the security personnel stopped the car. Upon approaching, they recognized security supervisor Da Wu and allowed them to pass.

Zhou Chao got out of the car and looked at several 10-story buildings. Da Wu led Zhou Chao inside, and upon entering, it felt like stepping into an industrial exhibition area. Various types of materials were displayed in glass cabinets, most of which Zhou Chao didn’t recognize.

Da Wu led Zhou Chao into an elevator and they arrived at Zhou Ji Long’s office. As the director of the research institute, Zhou Ji Long was an expert in the field of materials science. He had been the director even before Zhou Chao acquired the institute, overseeing its overall development.

“Knock knock knock.”

“Come in.” Da Wu knocked on Zhou Ji Long’s office door, and Zhou Ji Long’s voice came from inside.

Da Wu pushed the door open, and Zhou Chao walked in. Zhou Ji Long, who was busy working at his desk, didn’t even lift his head as he said, “What’s the matter?”

“Director Zhou, the boss is here!” Da Wu quickly spoke up from the side. Zhou Ji Long, who had been buried in his work, quickly raised his head to take a look. “Boss, why did you come?” Zhou Ji Long hurriedly stood up, looking at the handsome man before him. This was his first time meeting the boss in person. He had only heard from CEO Ling that the boss was incredibly handsome. Seeing him now, that reputation was indeed well-deserved.

“No particular reason, I happened to be in Peng City, so I thought I’d come by and see what’s going on here. Just wanted to see if there’s anything I can help with, and to casually tour the research institute.” Zhou Chao sat on the nearby sofa with a smile.

“Boss, I’m not busy right now. How about 1 take you on a tour of our research institute?” Zhou Ji Long walked respectfully from his desk to Zhou Chao’s side.

“Sure, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your work.” With that, Zhou Chao stood up and walked out of Zhou Ji Long’s office with him.

“Boss, our research institute has a total of 14 departments. We have specialized divisions like the Special Metal and Process Division, Mold Materials and Corrosion Protection Division, Polymer Materials Division, Chemical New Materials Division, Engineering Plastics Division, Hard Alloy Division, Ultrafine Powder Materials Department, Powder Materials Development Department, Ceramic Ball Bearing Development Department, Fine Oxide Ceramic Development Department, Vibration Technology Division, Non-Destructive Testing Division, Scientific Journal Division, and the Testing Center. We’re heading to the Special Metal Laboratory.”

Soon, the three of them passed through a few checkpoints and arrived at an experimental area. Zhou Chao looked at the busy staff inside but didn’t go in to disturb their research. He watched them work busily through the glass wall.

“System check-in.”

“Congratulations to the host for acquiring a special steel formula suitable for aviation and naval use!”

Zhou Chao looked at the USB drive in the system’s inventory without showing any surprise on his face. He attentively listened to Zhou Ji Long’s explanations. Soon, Zhou Ji Long took Zhou Chao through all the different sections, broadening his knowledge significantly.

“Boss, how about we have a simple lunch in our cafeteria? I’ve asked the chef to prepare something good!” Zhou Ji Long looked at the time; it was nearly 12 o’clock. He suggested to Zhou Chao.

“No need to make it special. I’m not some delicate princess. Let’s just see how the cafeteria food at the research institute is. Let’s go!” Seeing Zhou Ji Long’s proposal, Zhou Chao brought him to the research institute’s cafeteria.

Perhaps due to the approaching lunchtime, people were gradually lining up to get their food in the cafeteria. Zhou Chao also grabbed a tray and joined the queue.

Thankfully, the cafeteria staff worked quickly. Each dish was served in a separate small bowl. If you liked a dish, you could simply take one serving. The portions looked substantial as well.

After going around the food counters, Zhou Chao ended up with four dishes and a portion of fruit—two meat and two vegetarian dishes. The meat dishes were mushroom stewed chicken and stir-fried pork, while the vegetables were broccoli and shredded potatoes. The portions seemed quite generous. Zhou Chao looked at his tray and felt quite satisfied. Unlike some school cafeterias, where the aunties serving food sometimes shook as they served the dishes!

Zhou Chao didn’t eat quickly; he savored each dish carefully. Surprisingly, he found the cafeteria food to be quite satisfying. As more researchers arrived at the cafeteria during their meal, Zhou Chao picked up his pace.

“Boss, please have some tea!” By the time Zhou Chao finished eating, he was back in Zhou Ji Long’s office with him. Zhou Ji Long prepared tea for Zhou Chao and Da Wu.

“Well, not bad! I’m quite satisfied with the way the entire research institute is being managed under your leadership.” Zhou Chao lifted the tea cup and took a gentle sip, cleansing his palate.

“Don’t worry, boss.”

Without delay, Zhou Chao reached into his pocket, pretending to retrieve something. In reality, he took out the USB drive containing the recently acquired special alloy formula from the system’s storage space.

“Here you go!” Zhou Chao tossed the USB drive he had in his hand to Zhou Ji Long, who quickly caught it with both hands.

Zhou Ji Long examined the USB drive up and down, looking at Zhou Chao with curiosity. He asked, “Boss, what’s this?”

“A new formula for a special steel!”