Base

Near a fairly prosperous small town by the Taihang Mountains stood a base sprawling across nearly three hundred mu. It was one of the Xingyan Group's most important bases, a large-scale facility combining experimental research and development with pilot production.

Dozens of people had gathered at the base's entrance. A sturdy man with a weathered face stood in their midst, radiating an imposing air.

Sunlight streamed down from overhead, revealing faint strands of silver-white at the roots of his seemingly thick black hair—a sign that he was no longer young.

A capable-looking woman in a black business suit hung up the phone at her ear and hurried over to the man.

"President Chen, Secretary He just called. They're expected to arrive in about five minutes."

The man everyone called "President Chen" nodded, then continued watching the far end of the road.

This was Chen Yanbing, the Xingyan Group's largest shareholder and general manager.

Just as his name suggested, Chen Yanbing was a veteran. He had received second-class merit awards, both individually and as part of a unit, on several occasions.

After retiring from the military, Chen Yanbing and several fellow veterans pooled their money to establish a chemical raw materials manufacturing company.

At first, Chen Yanbing's strong ambition, abilities, and network had driven the company's rapid growth. In ten years, it had grown from less than ten million yuan to three hundred million. But amid the broader economic climate, its growth later slowed, and its annual output value failed to exceed five hundred million for five consecutive years.

After a business meeting, he happened to be in Hangcheng, where Jiangzhe University was located, and decided to visit the university his son, Chen Mingsheng, attended.

At the time, Chen Mingsheng was a freshman. He was easygoing, and after joining the student union as an officer in the Life Department, he got along well with his fellow members.

When he learned that his father had come to campus, Chen Mingsheng suggested inviting his fellow student union members out for a meal.

Lin Chenxing was then a sophomore and vice president of the student union. He often dealt with companies outside the university, and his foresight about future developments made many business owners eager to talk with him.

For this reason, Chen Mingsheng made Lin Chenxing a key guest for the occasion.

Through that conversation, Chen Yanbing realized that Lin Chenxing could help his company build a brighter and more far-reaching future. He invited Lin Chenxing to several important gatherings after that.

Later, through Lin Chenxing's introduction, Chen Yanbing sat down with Gao Zheng and others to begin consolidating their businesses. Xingyan Chemical was officially established.

Although the Xingyan Group now operated in fields beyond the chemical industry, chemicals still made up the largest share of its business.

The purpose of inviting the delegation from Jiangzhe University's School of Chemical Engineering was to establish a deeper partnership, including talent development and tackling key projects.

As two buses pulled in, the people gathered at the base entrance quickly formed orderly lines.

The doors opened, and Gao Zheng and Jin Zhenwei led the way off the bus.

Chen Yanbing headed toward Gao Zheng and Jin Zhenwei, extending his right hand to Jin Zhenwei with a broad smile. His earlier air of authority seemed to vanish in an instant.

"Welcome to Xingyan Group, Dean Jin! We're honored to have you here."

Jin Zhenwei extended his hand and gave Chen Yanbing a light handshake. He, too, looked full of energy.

"I never expected you to take time out of your busy schedule to come in person, President Chen. I'm deeply honored."

Chen Yanbing turned to the side and gestured toward the base entrance with his right hand. "It's already noon, and I imagine everyone must be hungry. Please come to the cafeteria for a meal."

The building housing the cafeteria had the feel of a large shopping center.

The cafeteria occupied the first and second floors. The first floor served food buffet-style, while the second was laid out like a mall, with dozens of shops where people could order meals.

The third and fourth floors were spaces where company employees could relax in their free time, with facilities for watching movies, working out, and more.

When the Jiangzhe University delegation arrived at the cafeteria and saw how thoughtfully the base had been designed, they couldn't help showing their appreciation.

"The environment and design here are quite nice. Is the cafeteria only for company employees? Is it open to visitors as well?" Jin Zhenwei asked Chen Yanbing.

"These facilities were designed with help from your talented students. Visitors can get a card on the first floor and eat here, too. They can also go upstairs to watch movies or work out, though they'll have to pay more than our employees."

Chen Yanbing smiled, his expression revealing a hint of satisfaction and pride.

After the first day, Chen Yanbing and Gao Zheng went off to handle work at other branches and bases, leaving Lin Chenxing to host the Jiangzhe University delegation and show them around.

Over the following few days, the group toured the base's various production processes and research facilities, learning about the Xingyan Group's future needs.

At the base's research center, the Jiangzhe University delegation saw the potential for it to develop into a branch of a small-scale academy of sciences.

This was the only major research center in which the Xingyan Group invested. The other research bases were less than one percent its size. The center covered more than seventy mu, with buildings taking up nearly ten thousand square meters. Half of the company's annual profits went into this research facility. It covered a wide range of research fields, and whenever the group had a need, it would set up a lab there.

The planned second phase of the base was right next to the existing site. Once it was completed, the research center would expand again, with fifty mu provisionally set aside for research.

Seeing how much importance the Xingyan Group placed on research, Jin Zhenwei felt increasingly reassured. He secretly resolved to ensure that their project partnership went through. It would benefit both him and the university.

In particular, over the past few days, the professors and students traveling with him had all been drawn to the facilities. In their private conversations, they spoke of how much they wanted to work there and made plans for their futures.

The scheduled five-day visit finally came to an end, and it was time to leave. Gao Zheng had barely managed to return late the night before to see the Jiangzhe University delegation off.

"Dean Jin, on my way back and forth these past couple of days, I've often seen rocks and fallen trees blocking the road. Be careful on your way back, and don't drive too fast. I still have to head elsewhere, so I won't see you off. With Chenxing accompanying you, I'm at ease. You and the others are always welcome at our base and branches."

Gao Zheng held Jin Zhenwei's hand reluctantly, repeatedly urging him to travel safely and expressing his hope that they would visit again.

Lin Chenxing watched the scene and smiled faintly before saying to Gao Zheng, "Don't worry, Brother Gao. We've brought plenty of supplies on the bus, all prepared for what might happen. Besides, with me there, Dean Jin and the others will definitely come back."