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That evening, Huang Yunyun did not leave after giving her work report as usual.

Instead, he stood in front of Suning's desk and hesitated for a long time.

"Is there anything else?" Su Ning looked up from the documents.

"President Su, I...I want to discuss something with you." Huang Yunyun's voice was soft, but firm.

"You said."

“I want a child.” Huang Yunyun looked directly at Su Ning. “You know I can’t marry you, and I don’t even ask for that. But I want a child, and I’ll raise it myself. I definitely won’t trouble you.”

The office was silent for a few seconds.

Su Ning put down his pen and leaned back in his chair.

He looked at Huang Yunyun, the woman who had been with him for almost three years...

From that naive young girl to a capable assistant now.

She never made unreasonable demands and always worked diligently, managing both her work and life very well.

"Why do you suddenly want a child?"

“It’s not sudden, I’ve thought about it for a long time,” Huang Yunyun said. “I know you won’t marry me, and I don’t expect to get married. I’m going to stay with you for the rest of my life. But I want to have a child of my own, so I’ll have someone to rely on when I’m old.”

Do your family members know?

"I don't know, and I don't plan to tell them," Huang Yunyun said. "I'll give birth to the child myself and raise it myself, so as not to cause them any trouble."

Suning remained silent for a moment.

However, he had to admit that he felt indebted to Huang Yunyun.

This girl gave herself the best years of her youth, handled countless tasks for herself, but never asked for a title or threw a tantrum.

Huang Yunyun just wants a child right now, and that's not an unreasonable request.

"Have you thought this through? Being a single mother isn't easy."

"I've thought it through," Huang Yunyun nodded. "I have a job, I have an income, and I can support myself and my child. Besides... the child is yours, you won't abandon him, right?"

The last sentence was spoken cautiously, with a hint of probing.

Su Ning laughed, "Of course I won't abandon him. He's my child, I'll definitely take responsibility for him."

Huang Yunyun breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes a little red. "Thank you, President Su."

“There’s no rush. Think about it some more,” Su Ning said. “If you’re still insisting after three months, we’ll give it a try.”

"No need to think about it, I've already made up my mind."

“Alright.” Su Ning stood up and walked over to her. “But Yunyun, there’s something I have to say upfront—the child must take my surname. I can’t leave raising the child to you alone. This isn’t because I don’t trust you; it’s a father’s responsibility.”

“I understand,” Huang Yunyun nodded. “That’s better; the child needs a father.”

"Then it's settled! You should focus on getting your body in order during this time."

After Huang Yunyun left, Su Ning stood by the window and lit a cigarette.

He knew that from now on, his relationship with Huang Yunyun was different.

They used to be boss and assistant, man and woman.

In the future, another layer will be added: the child's parents.

But Suning doesn't regret this decision. Huang Yunyun deserves it and should have someone to rely on.

……

Meanwhile, during the time Huang Yunyun proposed having a child, the cooperation negotiations between Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics and an international mobile phone giant also entered a critical stage.

After months of back-and-forth negotiations, Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson, and Siemens finally signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics.

The agreement mainly consists of three clauses:
First, four companies purchased mobile phone components from Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics, including batteries, screens, casings, and circuit boards.

Second, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics obtained cross-licensing of non-core patents from four companies.

Third, both sides will establish a technical exchange mechanism and regularly send engineers to each other for training.

The signing ceremony was held at the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics headquarters.

Dozens of domestic and international media outlets arrived, their cameras and microphones pointed at the podium.

Suning and the presidents of the four companies' China regions shook hands, signed documents, and exchanged documents.

The flashbulbs went off everywhere.

At the dinner following the signing, Smith approached Suning with a wine glass in hand, saying, "Mr. Su, it's been a pleasure doing business with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you." Su Ning clinked glasses with him.

“However, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you,” Smith said in a low voice. “Our headquarters is hoping to source some high-end components from Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. Their wafer fabs have more mature technology and more stable quality.”

Suning's smile faded slightly. "Mr. Smith, our agreement didn't mention suppliers from Taiwan, Japan, or South Korea."

“I know, but this is headquarters’ decision,” Smith said. “Don’t worry, we will continue to source most of the components from Shenzhen and Hong Kong, only a small number of high-precision ones…”

“No way.” Suning interrupted him. “If we’re going to cooperate, we have to use the entire supply chain from Shenzhen and Hong Kong, because that’s the only way to maintain low costs. If you don’t trust our quality, you can send someone to the factory to supervise, and we can make technical upgrades together. But we have no room for negotiation on suppliers from Taiwan, South Korea, or Japan.”

Smith's expression was somewhat unpleasant. "President Su, it's not that I don't trust you, it's a technical consideration. Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan are indeed more advanced than mainland China in the semiconductor field..."

"Being behind now doesn't mean we'll always be behind," Suning said. "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is already expanding its own wafer fabs and semiconductor production lines. Your orders give us the opportunity to expand and develop rapidly. Using your orders to incubate our own technology is what true win-win cooperation is all about."

Smith was stunned. "You also have semiconductors?"

"What do you think? You don't really believe that the chips from Shenzhen and Hong Kong are purchased, do you?"

"This...this is unbelievable! How did you do that?"

“You don’t need to worry about that!” Su Ning nodded. “The core of a mobile phone is the chip, the semiconductor. If we always rely on imports and procurement, we will always be at the mercy of others, and the costs will be controlled by them. If Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics wants to grow bigger and stronger, it must master the core technology.”

"But...that requires a huge investment and is very risky."

“We in Shenzhen and Hong Kong are not afraid of investment or risk,” Su Ning said. “Mr. Smith, you have made so much money in the Chinese market over the years, it’s time for you to make a contribution to China. Using your orders to support China’s semiconductor industry is the foundation for long-term cooperation.”

Smith remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "I need to report to headquarters."

“Go ahead,” Suning said. “But let me make this clear—if you insist on using suppliers from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, then our cooperation ends here. Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has no shortage of orders, and domestic brands are also rising; the market is huge.”

These are strong words, but Suning has the confidence to back them up.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics' supply chain has now taken shape and has a clear cost advantage.

If these foreign companies don't use it, other companies will.

……

After the dinner, Suning called several core executives to his office.

"The expansion of the semiconductor project must be accelerated." He got straight to the point. "Orders from companies like Motorola are our best training opportunity. We can use their money to develop our technology and strengthen our industrial chain."

The CTO expressed some concern: "President Su, the investment in semiconductors is too large. A single production line costs hundreds of millions of yuan, and the technical threshold is high. We don't have enough talent."

“Money is not a problem,” Suning said. “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has ample cash flow and banks are willing to lend to us. If we don’t have enough talent, we’ll poach them—from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. We’ll offer high salaries, stock options, and do whatever it takes.”

"But……"

“No buts.” Suning said firmly, “You need to understand that the mobile phone market is currently a price war, but in the future it will be a technology war. Whoever controls the chips will control the initiative. We must take this step, and we must do it quickly.”

The executives looked at each other and saw the determination in each other's eyes.

“Mr. Su, we understand,” the CTO said. “We will accelerate the expansion of the semiconductor project.”

“Okay.” Suning nodded. “In addition, notify the supply chain department that from today onwards, all components for international orders must be produced within the Shenzhen-Hong Kong system. Outsourcing is strictly prohibited, especially to Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.”

"Yes!"

After the meeting, Suning sat alone in his office for a long time.

He knew that the semiconductor industry was a difficult path, requiring large investments, having long cycles, and carrying high risks.

But he also knew that if he didn't take this path, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics would forever remain just an assembly plant, forever dependent on others.

Huang Yunyun wanted a child to find solace for herself.

He works in the semiconductor industry to find a future for Chinese companies.

These two things seem unrelated, but they are essentially the same...

They are all seeking certainty in an uncertain future.

……

The new headquarters building of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has been completed.

The main building, a 38-story glass curtain wall structure, stands in the Futian Central District of Shenzhen, becoming a new landmark.

The building is surrounded by other buildings of varying heights, forming a dense network that has created a Shenzhen-Hong Kong area. Ah Fu is directing the moving team, working non-stop.

Documents, equipment, and office supplies were transported over truckloads from the old factory area.

The employees were all very excited when they saw the brand-new office building.

"Our company is really growing bigger and bigger!"

"I heard this building cost 200 million?"

"More than that! President Su said that if we're going to build one, we'll build the best one. It's full of imported equipment! All kinds of laboratories are also top-notch in the world."

"Is this place big enough for us to use up?"

“You don’t understand. Shenzhen and Hong Kong will definitely become conglomerates, and they will be involved in all sorts of industries.”

"Working in such a high-class place in the future will be so prestigious!"

Suning stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his new office, looking down at the bustling scene below.

This is the CEO's office on the top floor, over 200 square meters, with a panoramic view that overlooks half of Shenzhen.

Huang Yunyun came in with documents. "President Su, the relocation is 70% complete and we expect to finish moving everything the day after tomorrow. Also, please take a look at the office allocation plan for each department."

Suning took the document, glanced at it, and said, "Place the R&D department on floors 16 to 18, the production and supply chain departments on floors 6 to 10, and the administration and finance departments on floors 20 and above. This arrangement is acceptable, so let's go with it."

“Okay.” Huang Yunyun noted it down. “Also, the city leaders said they will be visiting the new headquarters next week and asked when would be a convenient time for you.”

"Any day next week is fine, you can arrange the specifics." Su Ning thought for a moment, "Also, make some preparations, after the leaders' inspection is over next week, I need to go to Shanghai."

"Shanghai? What for?"

“Look at machine tool factories,” Suning said. “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics’ next step is to enter the high-end equipment and machine tool industry.”

Huang Yunyun was stunned. "President Su, aren't we in the mobile phone business? Why are we suddenly going to make machine tools?"

“Mobile phones are end products, but manufacturing mobile phones requires equipment, including machine tools.” Suning turned and walked back to his desk. “Currently, most of the equipment on Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics’ production lines is imported from Germany and Japan. A single precision machine tool costs several million yuan, and we are often held back by the supply chain, as they don’t sell us advanced models.”

"But... the machine tool industry has a very high technical threshold, and we have no experience!"

"If we lack experience, we'll learn; if we lack technology, we'll develop it ourselves." Su Ning said firmly, "I've already sent headhunters to poach people, recruiting key technical personnel from several large machine tool factories in China and experts from abroad. Money is not a problem, as long as we can bring in the right people."

Huang Yunyun still didn't understand, "President Su, we're doing so well in the mobile phone business, why would we want to venture into such a difficult industry?"

“Because we can’t be controlled by others forever! Because people should have their own pursuits.” Su Ning looked at her. “Yunyun, have you ever thought about what we would do if one day foreign countries stopped selling us equipment? If the production line stops, we can’t make mobile phones, and the company will collapse.”

"Surely...no way?"

"It's better to be safe than sorry," Su Ning said. "I want to take my destiny into my own hands. We need to make mobile phones, equipment, and chips. Only in this way can Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics become a true giant."

Huang Yunyun nodded as if she understood, knowing that once Su Ning made a decision, no one could change it.

A week later, Suning flew to Shanghai with his technical team.

Shanghai Machine Tool Plant is a long-established state-owned enterprise in China with a strong technical foundation, but its equipment is outdated and its efficiency is poor.

The factory manager, surnamed Chen, was in his fifties. Upon hearing that Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics was coming to inspect the factory, he personally went to the door to greet them.

"President Su, it's an honor to meet you!" Factory Director Chen shook hands warmly. "Your Shenzhen-Hong Kong mobile phones are now a nationally renowned brand!"

"Director Chen, you're too kind," Su Ning said. "We're here today to learn from you."

Suning looked around very carefully during the workshop visit.

Most of those machine tools were old equipment from the 1970s and 1980s, covered in oil stains. The workers were skilled at operating them, but their efficiency was low.

"Director Chen, what types of machine tools does your factory mainly produce?"

"It's mainly ordinary lathes and milling machines, which don't require much technology," Factory Director Chen sighed. "We also want to develop high-end CNC machine tools, but we lack the technology and funds. A five-axis CNC machine tool sells for tens of millions of yuan abroad, but we can't manufacture them."

“What if Shenzhen and Hong Kong invest in electronics?” Suning suddenly asked.

Factory Director Chen was taken aback. "President Su, you mean..."

"Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics wants to enter the machine tool industry, but lacks the foundation. If we cooperate with your factory, we will provide the capital and technology, while you will provide the existing factory buildings, equipment, and skilled workers to jointly develop high-end CNC machine tools. What do you think?"

"This..." Factory Director Chen's hands were trembling with excitement. "President Su, you're not joking, are you?"

“I never joke like that,” Su Ning said. “Specific plans can be discussed, but the principle is that Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics must hold a controlling stake and control the technological direction. Your key technical personnel can have their salaries doubled, and they will also receive bonuses if the research and development is successful.”

"Technology...do you have the technology?" Factory Director Chen asked cautiously.

“Yes,” Su Ning said confidently. “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has provided a large amount of advanced technical information. Although we cannot directly copy it, we can refer to the ideas and principles. We can localize these technologies and transform them into something we can use. So it’s not just about financial investment, but also about advanced technology.”

That's half true and half false.

Suning does indeed possess technological knowledge from another world, which is its biggest trump card.

However, these things cannot be released directly; they must be gradually released under the guise of "research and development."

Factory Director Chen didn't know the specific source of the technology, but he understood the words "advanced technology".

"Mr. Su, if you really have the technology, our factory is willing to cooperate!" he immediately stated. "To be honest, the factory is almost unable to pay wages right now, and if things don't turn around soon, it might go bankrupt. You've saved our factory!"

“Mutual benefit and win-win,” Su Ning said. “Here’s what we’ll do: prepare a detailed report, including the factory’s personnel, equipment list, and technical reserves. We’ll go back and study it, and give you a reply within a month.”

"Good! Good!"

"There are still procedures to be handled by the relevant departments that you will need to deal with."

"Understood! The higher authorities are also very supportive of our restructuring."

After the inspection, on the plane back to Shenzhen, the technical director couldn't help but ask, "President Su, are we really going to cooperate with Shanghai Machine Tool Factory? Their equipment is too old, and the average age of their workers is almost fifty."

“Old equipment can be replaced, and older workers are experienced,” Suning said. “What we need are their technical foundation and skilled workers. Shenzhen and Hong Kong can provide new equipment, and we can develop new technologies, but a mature technical team cannot be trained overnight.”

"As for the technical aspects..."

“We have our own direction in terms of technology.” Suning lowered his voice. “After we get back to Shenzhen, I will give you a batch of technical materials about CNC systems, servo motors, and precision guide rails. You can study them and see how to transform them into something we can use.”

The CTO's eyes lit up. "Mr. Su, where did you get these materials?"

“You don’t need to worry about that.” Su Ning waved his hand. “Remember, this information is the result of the ‘Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics R&D Team.’ That’s all we’ll say to outsiders. Core technical personnel must sign confidentiality agreements, and technical details cannot be leaked.”

"Hehe, got it!"

……

Upon returning to Shenzhen, Suning immediately took action.

He instructed the finance department to prepare a special fund of 50 million yuan for the launch of the machine tool project.

At the same time, we should encourage headhunters to intensify their efforts to recruit talent from the machine tool industry across the country.

A month later, the cooperation agreement between Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics and Shanghai Machine Tool Factory was officially signed.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics invested 50 million yuan, holding 70% of the shares; Shanghai Machine Tool Factory contributed its factory buildings, equipment, and technology, holding 30% of the shares.

The new company is named "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Precision Engineering".

At the signing ceremony, Factory Director Chen was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. "Thank you, General Manager Su! Thank you, Shengang Electronics! Our factory is saved!"

Su Ning just smiled and said, "Director Chen, we're all family now. Work hard and make high-end CNC machine tools so that those foreign companies can see that Chinese people can also make good machine tools!"

The news sent shockwaves through the industry.

"Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics wants to make machine tools? Do they even know anything about them?"

"I heard they invested 50 million, they really have money to burn!"

"Just wait and see! The machine tool industry is a murky business; it's not something you can just play in with money!"

Suning ignored all these comments.

Once the mobile phone business is stable, we need to move upstream.

By manufacturing chips, equipment, and machine tools, we are gradually making the entire industrial chain more complete and stronger.

Only in this way can Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics become a true giant and gain a foothold in the international market.

His trump card—advanced technologies from another world—will be gradually revealed in this process, incubating industries in this world.

In the new headquarters building in Shenzhen, Suning's offices are brightly lit.

Standing by the window, looking at the city's night view, I already had a complete blueprint in my mind.

Mobile phones, chips, equipment, machine tools...

A vast industrial empire is slowly taking shape in his hands.

It's okay for others to call you crazy; after all, you can't live without being obsessed.

I want to be a madman who changes the world, and make China in this alternate world even stronger.

...(End of this chapter)