Chapter 345: Returning to Peng City

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

In no time, the three-day International Machine Tool Expo came to a close, and Canghai Technology’s ultra-precision machine tool emerged as the biggest winner of the event.

Simultaneously, the internet was abuzz with discussions primarily centered around the issue of Canghai Technology’s machine tool patents.

Anonymous User: “That machine tool from Canghai Technology doesn’t even have a patent. How could it possibly reach the world’s most advanced level?”

Industrial King: “Could it be that Canghai Technology has developed their technology in a way that avoids existing patents, and their security measures are so advanced that they haven’t found it necessary to apply for patents?”

1 Understand: “It’s impossible. If that were the case, all technologies would be patented. Do you think they simply forgot about the patenting process?”

“How is that possible, unless everyone at Canghai Technology is a bunch of idiots!”

“I think so too. It’s all about money. How could they forget something like this?”

At this moment, Zhou Chao and Jiang Li were driving towards the machine tool, preparing to return to Peng City.

“The online discussion is probably like this. Some netizens couldn’t find information about patents. For now, it seems no other group has taken any action!” Jiang Li showed some heated comments she had collected from the internet on her phone to Zhou Chao.

“Hmm. I’ve already instructed Zhou Jilong to expedite the process. Let’s wait until we’re back in Peng City to assess the situation further.”

There was no point in rushing now; after all, they had to follow the process. However, as long as the patent application process started, the problem should be manageable.

Upon arrival at the airport, they booked the fastest flight to Peng City.

Two and a half hours later, they landed in Peng City. As they walked out of the airport, they saw an Alphard not far away.

“Boss, let me carry these for you!” The one who came to pick them up was Wang Feng. Whether it was due to the nourishment of love or some newfound enlightenment, he seemed much more astute than before.

Wang Feng took their luggage and placed it in the trunk, which was quite spacious and contained their clothes and the painting Zhou Chao had asked Ma Weidu to find.

“Boss, should I take you to the hotel first?”

No, take me to the company first. Then, you can take Jiang Li to the hotel.” Zhou Chao still wanted to visit the company in person and see how things were progressing.

“Sure!” The car then left the airport.

Wang Feng dropped Zhou Chao off at Canghai Technology’s office building and then drove away.

Zhou Chao went straight to Xu Yu’s office.

As soon as he entered Xu Yu’s office, he saw a chaotic scene. The whole office was filled with smoke, and the ashtray on the desk was almost full. It was clear that Xu Yu had smoked a considerable number of cigarettes.

“Ahem, ahem,” Zhou Chao lightly cleared his throat as he saw Xu Yu concentrating on organizing documents.

“Boss, why are you here?” Xu Yu looked tired like he hadn’t slept in days.

“How long has it been since you slept? Even when you’re busy, you need to rest.”

“Boss, the job isn’t done. How can I rest? If there’s any mistake, I… I…” Xu Yu choked up as he spoke.

“A grown man like you crying over nothing. It’s not a big deal, especially since Zhou Jilong is already applying for the patent. Everything will be fine.”

“Boss, I’m just worried. What if someone registers our patent before us, then…”

Before Xu Yu could finish his sentence, Zhou Chao interrupted him.

“That’s highly unlikely. Consider the fact that we’ve always had control over our technology, and there hasn’t been any information leakage. Your concerns are excessive.”

“Yeah, our technology is solely in our hands, and outsiders have no idea about it. They won’t register it before us.” Xu Yu, who had regained his spirits, nodded.

But soon, he slumped onto the sofa, startling Zhou Chao.

“Xu Yu, are you okay?”

“Boss, I’m fine, just want to sleep.”

Hearing Xu Yu’s words, Zhou Chao understood that he had finally released his tension, so he was naturally exhausted.

“Why don’t you rest on the sofa for a while?” Zhou Chao helped Xu Yu lie down on the sofa, and he quickly fell asleep, snoring softly.

“It seems like these past few days have really taken a toll on him. I wonder how things are progressing on Zhou Jilong’s end.”

Zhou Chao shook his head as he watched Xu Yu sleep and opened the window to let in some fresh air. Then, he sat down in Xu Yu’s chair and started looking at the documents on her desk.

After about an hour, the office door was pushed open.

“Xu Yu, good news, good news! The patent has entered the process, and we’re waiting for the patent office to come for the review!” Zhou Jilong burst into the office, his face filled with excitement.

Bo… Boss!” When Zhou Jilong saw Zhou Chao sitting in the chair, he was utterly shocked.

“Don’t rush with everything, and keep your voice down. Xu Yu just fell asleep not long ago.” Zhou Chao looked up at Zhou Jilong and calmly said.

“I understand, Boss!” Zhou Jilong glanced at the sleeping Xu Yu on the sofa and spoke softly.

So it entered the process this quickly?”

“Originally, it wouldn’t have been this fast, but they said the higher-up wanted to speed things up.” Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao pondered for a moment and nodded slightly.

“Alright, you should also pay attention to this matter. By the way, have you prepared the documentation for applying for global patents?”

“Boss, it’s not fully prepared yet. The main issue is that everything needs to be translated into English, and then it has to be proofread, so it might take another week.”

“Mm, prepare it as soon as possible and let me know.”

“I understand, Boss. Also, do you want to visit Professor Lanling? He has already set up in Factory No. 3, and he’s started the preliminary research on the lithography machine.”

“I know, 1’11 go see him later. You go ahead and work, no need to wait for me all the time.”

“Got it, Boss!” Zhou Jilong turned and walked out but quickly returned.

“What’s the matter? Do you need something else?”

“Boss, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? 1 can have the canteen prepare some dishes for you.”

Looking at the time, Zhou Chao realized it was already 2 o’clock in the afternoon, and he hadn’t noticed how quickly time had passed.

“Sure, have them prepare a few extra dishes, and don’t forget about Xu Yu; he hasn’t eaten either.”

“Okay!” Zhou Jilong left the office and closed the door behind him.

After about half an hour, there was a knock on the office door.

“Come in!”

Two cafeteria workers entered the room carrying large meal trays, and there were five or six covered plates on each tray.

The two cafeteria workers placed the dishes on the table and then left.

“Xu Yu, Xu Yu, it’s time to eat!” Zhou Chao gently nudged Xu Yu, who was still half asleep.

“Boss, what’s going on?”

“Have some food first, fill your stomach.”

Only now did Xu Yu notice several dishes laid out on the table.

“Thank you, Boss, for your trouble!” Xu Yu, who was initially drowsy, became much more alert.

“Go ahead and eat; it won’t taste as good when it gets cold.” Zhou Chao picked up his bowl and began eating.

Perhaps it had been several meals since Xu Yu had eaten, but he enjoyed the food immensely and quickly finished two bowls of rice and several dishes.

After eating one bowl, Zhou Chao felt full and stopped eating.

“Excuse me, Boss, for making you witness that.”

Zhou Chao smiled and waved his hand, saying, “It’s okay, it’s something all humans do. Have someone come to clean up, and I’ll go check on the park.”

“Boss, I’ll accompany you!” Xu Yu quickly stood up, but immediately stumbled and nearly fell.

“Look at you, you can barely stand due to fatigue. Why do you want to accompany me? Just rest!”

Lately, Xu Yu had been exceptionally busy, with numerous phone calls, invitations, and the patent documents, all of which had left him overwhelmed.

Apart from the office building, Zhou Chao slowly made his way to the factory, intending to check on Professor Lanling’s progress and hand over the second USB drive.

He soon arrived at Factory No. 3, which was similarly arranged to the others, but with one noticeable difference: there were three ultra-precision machine tools operating inside, all working away!

Zhou Chao stood in front of the glass curtain wall, quickly drawing the attention of those inside. Soon, a man wearing a white sterile suit emerged.

“Boss, what brings you here?” The man removed his sterile suit, revealing that it was none other than Professor Lanling.

“Professor Lanling, how’s the progress of the first phase?”

“Boss, the first phase is going very smoothly. We’ve basically mastered it, and we are currently working on producing the corresponding components.”

“Well, it seems I arrived at the right time. Professor Lanling, this is for you!” Zhou Chao reached into his pocket and retrieved the second USB drive from the system warehouse.

“Boss, is this the research data for the next phase?” Seeing the USB drive in Zhou Chao’s hand, Lanling’s eyes lit up, and he carefully took it.

“When you’ve thoroughly understood all the technical data in the second USB drive, I’ll give you the rest!” Zhou Chao knew that the second USB drive contained the most critical information, detailing the primary manufacturing methods of the lithography machine. The rest was relatively less important.

“Don’t worry, Boss. It won’t be long before I come to ask for the rest!” Lanling exuded confidence.

“I appreciate your dedication!” Zhou Chao replied politely.

The two of them chatted about the lithography machine for a while, but they were soon called inside by one of Lanling’s researchers. After observing for a while, Zhou Chao left.

After a brief stroll, Zhou Chao reached the parking lot and found that Wang Feng had been waiting there for some time.

“Boss!” Wang Feng was sitting in a chair, smoking a cigarette. Upon seeing Zhou Chao, he quickly got out of the car.

“How long have you been waiting here?”

“I dropped the Lady Boss at the hotel and came back.”

“Well, thank you for that. Let’s go; take me back to the hotel.” Zhou Chao opened the rear door and got in.

By the time Zhou Chao returned to the hotel, it was nearly 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

Wang Feng dropped Zhou Chao off at the hotel and left. Using the room number Wang Feng had provided, Zhou Chao knocked on the door.

“Click!” The door was unlocked, and behind it appeared Jiang Li’s head, with a chain lock securing the door.

H

Hey, it’s you, dear husband! Just a moment!” Jiang Li recognized the person at the door and quickly removed the chain lock, opening the door.

“Is everything settled?”

H

It’s still early; all we can do now is wait.” As Zhou Chao entered the room, he sat down on the sofa, looking visibly fatigued.

Seeing Zhou Chao looking so tired, Jiang Li sat down next to him and said, “Do you want to rest for a while or take a nap?”

“Uh-huh.” Zhou Chao nodded and lay down, placing his head on Jiang Li’s lap..