Chapter 651: Chapter 358: Laying the Groundwork
Exiting the Jing Qi building, the biting cold wind hit Chen Cheng as he took a deep breath; the winter in Beijing was dry and cold.
Cao Yue’s family and Chen Cheng, along with Xiao Meier, shared a car en route to tonight’s destination.
The car smoothly traversed the broad Changan Avenue, flanking buildings shimmered in the night, intensifying the festive atmosphere.
Finally, they turned into a quiet alleyway where high walls stood tall, occasionally revealing a corner of glazed tiles, exuding a stately presence of grand mansions.
The car stopped in front of a vermillion-painted gate, above which hung a plaque inscribed with three gold-gilded characters reading "Rong Shou Hall."
Gray tiles with green bricks, carved beams, and painted rafters, exuding an antique charm.
Inside the gate and past the screen wall, a spacious courtyard unfolded with a few plum blossoms standing proudly, their fragrance wafting in the air.
Chen Cheng and Xiao Meier followed behind Cao Yue and Chu Qin as they pushed open the door to find Cao Bofeng seated on the sofa, wearing a gentle smile on his face.
"Dad," Chu Qin first greeted.
"You’re here."
"The traffic was a bit congested on the way, and we also stopped by Rice Fragrance Village," Chu Qin gave Xiao Meier a look, prompting her to offer the pastries, "Xiao Er brought you some snacks."
Cao Bofeng slightly nodded, "Very thoughtful."
"Happy New Year, Uncle." Xiao Meier smiled.
"I’ve heard Xiao Chen has a virtuous helper, and meeting today indeed proves the reputation," Cao Bofeng stood up, "Please, have a seat, don’t remain standing."
Chen Cheng and Cao Yue sat to the side while Chu Qin took Xiao Meier’s arm, whispering, "Xiao Er, let’s take a stroll, they need to discuss matters."
"Okay."
As the door closed again, Cao Bofeng looked at Chen Cheng, "Xiao Chen, Cao Yue told me about the situation; don’t worry, it’ll be resolved before the fifth day of the new year."
Chen Cheng sat upright, "Thank you, Uncle Cao. I am more concerned about Professor Zhang’s situation; he is an invaluable scientist who shouldn’t be entangled in such matters."
Cao Bofeng nodded approvingly, "You’re very considerate, talented individuals are hard to come by, and we will make suitable arrangements. At this stage, our nation indeed needs talents like Professor Zhang to contribute to the strong technological advancement of our country."
He paused, with a profound gaze, "I’ve already sent people to investigate the situation at New Energy Company; some things are more complicated than we imagined."
Cao Yue also spoke up, "Dad, Xiao Chen took a risk to investigate in Harbin; without him, we would still be in the dark."
"I’m aware, Xiao Chen’s responsibility and bravery deserve praise."
Cao Bofeng intently advised Chen Cheng, "Youths should remember to act with a clear conscience and live up to the expectations of the country and its people. I am quite pleased with your choices today."
Chen Cheng humbly responded, "I just did what I should do."
Cao Bofeng waved his hand, shifting the topic, "Enough about that, let’s discuss your upcoming plans. How is Dili lately?"
Chen Cheng cleared his throat, "Uncle Cao, I was about to report to you."
"Oh, not a report, just a brief chat before dinner."
Chen Cheng smiled slightly, "Recently, Dili reached a collaborative agreement with Zhong Tung Hi-Tech and Xingye Co., establishing an industry fund."
"After returning from Harbin, Brother Cao also offered me a chance to collaborate on the super factory."
He continued, "Having studied the project proposal carefully, I found it to be highly promising and aligned with Dili’s investment philosophy. Therefore, I intend to prioritize the super factory as Dili’s key investment project over the coming years."
Cao Bofeng stroked his teacup, intrigued, "Oh? Share your thoughts."
Chen Cheng pondered briefly and elaborated clearly, "I believe the new energy vehicle industry is rapidly developing, with vast market potential. Jing Qi’s super factory project possesses policy support, technical advantages, and talent reserves, holding the potential to become an industry leader."
He paused and continued, "My approach is not merely financial investing, but taking a deep part in project operation and management, using the ’industry-finance integration’ model to aid Jing Qi in establishing a world-class automotive brand."
"How do you plan to execute it?" Cao Bofeng pursued.
Chen Cheng confidently replied, "First, Dili can leverage its resources and network to assist Jing Qi in introducing advanced international technology and management expertise, enhancing product development and production efficiency."
"Regarding the introduction of international advanced technology and management expertise, I have several preliminary ideas." Chen Cheng paused briefly to organize his thoughts, then explained:
"First, we can focus on battery technology. Currently, solid-state battery technology is the industry’s hot spot and crucial for future competition. We can achieve this through collaboration or acquisition; my reference is Chuang Neng’s company."
He continued, "Chuang Neng’s maturity is evident, and for Jing Qi to rapidly achieve mass production, it is advised to utilize their products."
"Only by opening the market first can Professor Zhang Qiming’s research on Niobium Polymer have follow-up, paving the way to develop the next-generation proprietary power battery."
Cao Bofeng and Cao Yue listened intently to Chen Cheng’s exposition, with Cao Yue particularly surprised at how quickly Chen Cheng had formulated subsequent steps.
"That seems feasible," Cao Yue chimed in, "Dad, I previously considered EP Power; their technology is mature and production capacity stable, which suits our current needs."
"However, Xiao Chen has assessed EP Power thoroughly, finding collaboration difficult, thus Chuang Neng has become our primary choice at this stage."