Shockingly, a counterfeit factory has produced a 3-nanometer chip.

"Transmitted audio?" Lin Wei thought for a moment on the other end of the screen. "Never heard of it. It's not a big company like ZTE, is it?"

"No, it's mainly in Africa."

"Africa." Lin Wei's expression became exaggerated. "It can't be...the kind of thing that involves reselling counterfeit or secondhand phones, can it?"

Mingzhu, you are a graduate student at Kyoto University and Uncle Zhang's daughter. Although it was arranged by the older generation, this is still quite a threshold.

"You two need to have some things to talk about."

"He's a nice person," Zhang Mingzhu interrupted her. "He was very considerate in picking her up from the airport. Although he seems a bit dull, I think he has a great sense of propriety."

"And..." She paused slightly, recalling the story of market expansion that Shen Fei had told her.

"He is very capable and has already captured the market in more than 10 countries in Africa. Next, he will open corresponding branches in Africa."

It's definitely not the kind of ordinary knock-off phone manufacturer you're describing.

"Oh. So you're already protecting her." Lin smiled ambiguously. "Looks like you made a good first impression. I wonder if Miss Zhang has any plans for tonight?"

"Yeah, he said he'd take me to eat at a time-honored restaurant... and maybe stroll around the food street while we're at it."

Zhang Mingzhu's lips curled into a smile full of anticipation.

"Sure! Looks like you're not particularly low on emotional intelligence. You'd better dress up nicely and wear that champagne-colored dress; it really makes you look elegant... You could win over any guy."

"Weiwei!" Zhang Mingzhu said helplessly. Her best friend was being inappropriate again.

"It's just a meal, don't overthink it."

After hanging up the video call, Zhang Mingzhu walked to the wardrobe, where several formal suits prepared for the meeting were hanging, as well as... the champagne-colored dress that Lin Wei had insisted on putting in.

She hesitated for a few minutes, but finally changed into a dress and put on light makeup.

The person in the mirror has gained a touch of radiance from her gentle demeanor.

……

At 5:30, Shenfei arrived in the hotel lobby on time.

When he saw Zhang Mingzhu, a fleeting hint of amazement flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "This dress suits you very well."

"Thank you." Zhang Mingzhu smiled; the outfit she changed into hadn't been in vain. "Where are we going?"

"Panxi Restaurant in Liwan District is a long-established restaurant that serves traditional Cantonese cuisine." Shen Fei led her out, holding her hand. "Their poached chicken and roast goose are exceptional; you should like them."

The car wound its way through the streets of the old town. As evening approached, steam rose from the food stalls set up downstairs. Vendors loudly advertised their stalls, and the constant flow of people made the entire food street very lively.

This kind of lively atmosphere is rarely seen in Kyoto.

"Do you come here often?" Zhang Mingzhu asked.

"I used to come here often... There are many here..."

"Partners?"

"I guess so." After all, the original owner loved coming here to wander around with friends. "Later, after my father got sick, the company's focus shifted to Africa, so I came less often."

However, this time I might have to stay a little longer.

Zhang Mingzhu didn't think much of it and nodded: "Is this because of business?"

"Yes, there's an important negotiation."

Panxi Restaurant is an old-style garden building with small bridges, flowing water, pavilions and towers inside, with a strong ancient style.

Shen Fei booked a private room by the window in advance, which was quiet and private.

After ordering, the waiter left, and the private room became much quieter.

"I heard that Uncle Shen was sick a while ago. Is he feeling better now?" Zhang Mingzhu broke the silence.

"Much better, I've been discharged and am resting at home." Shen Fei picked up the tableware beside him and poured her a cup of hot tea. "Thank you for your concern."

"That's good." Zhang Mingzhu took the teacup, a look of admiration appearing on her face. "It must be a lot of pressure for one person to shoulder the burden of the company."

"It's alright, I like this feeling of having some substance." Shen Fei looked at her, then suddenly remembered a question. "What about you? Studying at Kyoto University, pursuing a combined Master's and PhD, you're definitely a talented woman. It must have been quite tough behind the scenes."

Zhang Mingzhu pouted and nodded: "Yes, it's not easy. Luckily, we're in social sciences, so we don't have to do those complicated experiments."

Writing papers, doing research... it's not easy, but I quite like this kind of life.

As the dishes were served one after another, Shen Fei introduced the origin and how to eat each dish. Zhang Mingzhu listened attentively and occasionally asked questions.

After all, even though my mom has made it before, it never tastes this good.

The two chatted about food, local customs, and their respective studies or work, which deepened their conversation.

"Actually, I really admire you." Zhang Mingzhu picked up a piece of poached chicken and dipped it in ginger and scallion sauce.

"Taking on the mission in a time of crisis, I not only revitalized the company but also successfully expanded overseas. Facing a completely different cultural environment, policies and regulations, and consumer habits... it was far more complex than what we had learned before."

"That's why we need scholars like you to do this research!" Shen Fei praised Zhang Mingzhu, seeing the admiration in her eyes.

"We've also learned our lesson in Africa. We originally wanted to find local channels."

We were mainly responsible for production, but the customs there were different, and the profit distribution was also different. Later, after investigation, we made localized adjustments and used force to solve the problem, which stabilized sales.

"Powerless"? Solving problems with "force"?

Although Zhang Mingzhu didn't hear clearly, her eyes brightened considerably. After all, African culture might be different from that in China; perhaps it was their local tradition.

So she still had that smile on her face and listened attentively.

The meal lasted for more than two hours, and by the time it ended, it was already late.

On the way back to the hotel, Zhang Mingzhu and the other person didn't talk much, but the atmosphere wasn't awkward.

While waiting at a red light, Shen Fei glanced at her in the rearview mirror. She was looking out the window at the night view, her profile appearing very gentle under the streetlights.

She possesses a gentle and intellectual beauty.

"The competition starts tomorrow," Shen Fei asked after arriving at the hotel.

"No. My team members won't arrive until tomorrow; we have a discussion meeting tomorrow afternoon." Zhang Mingzhu didn't unbuckle her seatbelt. "What about you? Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?"

No. My biggest job right now is to be with you.

"Shall we go and browse the food street next door?"

"it is good."

Then Shen Fei took her to a nearby snack street.

After parking the car, the two walked inside hand in hand. The experience here was completely different from what Zhang Mingzhu had felt before; this kind of life seemed pretty good.

"Look at those shrimp dumplings..." Zhang Mingzhu's mouth was already watering.

"Didn't we just have dinner?"

"Dinner is dinner, and snacks are snacks. Now it's..." Before she could finish speaking, Zhang Mingzhu ran over.

At this moment, Shen Fei gently took her hand.

"Wait here for a moment, I'll go join the queue..."