Steal the enemy's base at the start and build a technological empire.

Chapter 254 New Location of Xinghuo Network Technology Company

Qilu Software Park, Building 3, Block B. This is a newly built six-story office building with a modern glass curtain wall. Currently, only a few small companies have moved in, and most floors are still vacant.

Ling Yun, Zhao Weiguo, Chen Lingling, and the director of the Software Park's investment promotion office went to look at the fourth floor together.

The entire fourth floor, 1,200 square meters, is spacious with a concrete floor and only a few load-bearing columns. The windows face south, so it gets plenty of sunlight.

"Mr. Ling, this is our park's model floor. It has a great view and a well-proportioned layout," the director of the investment promotion office enthusiastically introduced. "The rent is 1.2 yuan per square meter per day, and you can get a 10% discount if you pay annually. The property management fee is 3 yuan per square meter per month. If you rent the entire floor, we can do some basic renovations for free, including partitions, ceilings, and flooring."

Ling Yun walked a few steps in the open space and looked out the window. Outside was the park's green space, and in the distance was a research and development building under construction.

"Zhao Weiguo, what do you think?" he asked.

"It's big and impressive," Zhao Weiguo said. "Our current second-floor office is 20 square meters, and four people are crammed in. This place is 1,200 square meters, and there's plenty of room for fifty people. We can even partition it into meeting rooms, training rooms, and product display areas."

"Chen Lingling?" Ling Yun looked at her.

"The location is good, not far from the city center, and the park is quiet, which is suitable for office work," Chen Lingling said. "Moreover, there are many IT companies in the software park, which will make it easier to recruit technical and design talents in the future."

"This floor it is," Ling Yun said to the head of the leasing office. "We'll lease it for five years, pay annually, with a 10% discount. We'll design the interior ourselves, and you can cooperate. Can we sign the contract today?"

"Yes! Yes!" The director was overjoyed. "I'll have the contract prepared immediately. President Ling is such a straightforward person!"

"In addition," Ling Yun added, "Are there any staff canteens or dormitories in the park?"

"There's a cafeteria in Area A. As for dormitories... there aren't any in the park, but there are residential areas nearby, and we can help you find a place to rent."

"Okay, we'll take care of our own dorms," ​​Lingyun said. "Let's sign the contract as soon as possible; we want to move in after the Spring Festival."

"no problem!"

Leaving the Software Park, on the way back.

"Zhao Weiguo, the office is booked. Next is assembling the team," Ling Yun said. "Do you have a plan for a team of fifty people?"

"Yes." Zhao Weiguo pulled out a small notebook. "I'll transfer a few hardworking and reliable people from the factory to manage administration, finance, and purchasing. Lingling came back from the United States and knows some people who understand chain operations, so we can poach them. In addition, some of the more capable store managers from our various regions can be transferred to headquarters as supervisors."

"Okay," Ling Yun said. "The salary and benefits will be 20% higher than the industry average. We need to attract more talent."

"clear."

"Chen Lingling," Ling Yun turned to her, "For the construction of the operation system, you should start with the training system. How to compile the teaching materials, how to select the lecturers, how to set up the courses, and produce a first draft within two weeks."

"Okay." Chen Lingling nodded. "I referenced some management training materials from American chain restaurants and hotels, and adapted them to suit the characteristics of internet cafes."

"Furthermore," Ling Yun thought for a moment, "the internet cafe's logo, color scheme, interior design, employee uniforms, and promotional materials should all be standardized. Hire a professional design company to do it; don't try to save money."

"Yes."

The car was parked in front of the hotel.

"I'll be going back to Silicon Valley after the Spring Festival," Lingyun said before getting out of the car. "You're in charge of the internet cafe company. Give me a progress report every month, and call me anytime if there are any problems."

"Don't worry, Mr. Ling," Zhao Weiguo said.

"President Ling," Chen Lingling suddenly spoke up, "thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Ling Yun looked at her. This girl, who a year ago was working at the front desk of an internet cafe and was driven to desperation by her stepfather, now had eyes full of confidence and light.

"You earned this yourself," Ling Yun said. "Keep up the good work."

He got out of the car and went into the hotel.

Zhao Weiguo and Chen Lingling exchanged a glance as they watched his figure disappear.

"Lingling," Zhao Weiguo said, "Are you under a lot of pressure?"

"It's big," Chen Lingling said honestly, "but more than that, I'm excited. We must do this well."

"Of course." Zhao Weiguo started the car. "Let's go back to the internet cafe and get back to work."

Morning light shone through the gap in the curtains, illuminating Lingyun's profile.

He opened his eyes; the faint scent of An Shiyu from the previous night still lingered in the bedroom. The person beside him was gone; a slight noise came from the kitchen. Ling Yun glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table—February 1, 1998, 6:07 AM.

He lay on the bed for ten seconds, then sat up. He was flying back to Silicon Valley today. Xingyu's fundraising was about to begin. The news of Microsoft's acquisition of ICQ had spread throughout the industry, and Xingyu could take advantage of this momentum to raise its fundraising amount.

In the kitchen, An Shiyu was frying eggs with her back to him. The oil in the pan sizzled softly, and the edges of the egg whites turned golden brown. She was wearing Lingyun's old T-shirt, the hem of which reached her thighs, and her bare feet were on the tiles, her ankles slender.

"So early?" Ling Yun walked up behind her and naturally put his arm around her waist.

An Shiyu's shoulders trembled slightly, but she didn't turn around. "I was afraid you'd miss your flight." She gently stirred the fried eggs with a spatula. "I packed my luggage last night, please double-check that nothing's missing."

"I trust you to handle this." Ling Yun rested his chin on her shoulder, watching her skillfully scoop the fried eggs into a plate.

Soy milk and fried dough sticks were already laid out on the table. The soy milk was in a white porcelain bowl, with a thin layer of bean curd skin on the surface. The fried dough sticks were still warm; she must have bought them early in the morning at the entrance of the residential area.

The two sat down facing each other. Ling Yun broke off a piece of fried dough stick and dipped it in the soy milk. The dough stick soaked up the soy milk and became soft. He took a bite, and the aroma of soybeans and wheat mingled in his mouth.

An Shiyu sipped her soy milk, her eyes fixed on the bean curd sheets in the bowl. "How long will this trip take?"

"It depends on the progress of the financing." Ling Yun broke off another piece of fried dough stick. "If everything goes smoothly, it will take a month; if not, it may take two or three months."

"Mmm." An Shiyu scooped up some bean curd skin with a spoon and put it in her mouth. She chewed very slowly, as if she were savoring something precious.

A few sporadic firecrackers could be heard outside the window. Although New Year's Eve had passed, some families were still setting off firecrackers during the first month of the lunar calendar. The sound came in through the glass, muffled, like distant drumbeats.

"Grandpa called yesterday," An Shiyu said, "asking when we're going to get our marriage certificate."

Ling Yun looked up. An Shiyu's expression was calm, but the knuckles of her fingers, which were gripping the spoon, were turning white.

"Wait until I come back this time," Ling Yun said. "We'll pick a good day in March or April."

An Shiyu nodded. "It's nothing, it's just... the house feels empty again now that you're gone." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Eat quickly, it'll get cold soon."

"I'll finish dealing with the financing as soon as possible and then come back to marry you. Let's get our marriage certificate first, and we'll let our parents handle the wedding arrangements. You just need to be in charge of the inspection, hehe!" Lingyun was very happy.

Time flew by, and Lingyun didn't have time to linger with An Shiyu any longer. After quickly finishing breakfast, it was time to leave.