Chen Hu maneuvered the car along the winding coastal road, leading them closer to their destination—the seaside warehouse. The salty scent of the ocean mingled with the anticipation in the air. The sun had risen high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the surroundings, indicating that it was already around 10:00 AM when they finally arrived.
As they approached, the imposing sight of two gates came into view. The first gate, a sturdy iron entrance, served as the primary barrier, while the second gate marked the access to the expansive warehouse ahead.
Security measures were robust, and the responsibility of holding the keys to both gates fell into the capable hands of Liu Yong.
While wielding the key, Liu Yong approached the warehouse door, feeling nervous in his gut. The task at hand held significance, for inside awaited the wooden bounty that Bawang had relocated. A sea of large logs sprawled before them, leaving one to wonder how they would appear when stacked together, forming a magnificent timber tableau.
Questions lingered in their minds. What type of wood comprised these logs, and did they hold any substantial value? Were they merely ordinary logs or something more precious?
Liu Yong couldn't help but feel optimistic, believing these logs would bring fortune as new ventures were established—a testament to the adage that opportunities abound when money is sought with diligence. With these thoughts in mind, Liu Yong approached the warehouse door, ready to unveil the hidden treasure.
As the door swung open, the interior of the warehouse was revealed. A breathtaking sight unfolded before them—a vast expanse filled with neatly stacked wood piles resembling a majestic mountain. Each piece of wood boasted a considerable thickness, with minor diameters ranging from 30 to 40 centimetres, while the most extensive logs boasted a diameter of up to 1.5 meters. Their surfaces exuded a dark, grey-black hue, glistening with moisture; some even bore sludge traces, evidence of their last journey.
Seeing so many massive logs evoked a sense of satisfaction within them. Captivated by the scene, Chen Hu couldn't contain his surprise, " Boss, look at all these logs! And that one is huge! " Liu Yong nodded, acknowledging the awe-inspiring sight before them.
Chen Hu, too, marvelled at the sight, paying close attention to the details. After observing the logs, he finally said, " Boss, it seems like two different kinds of wood here. "
Liu Yong concurred, his eyes fixed on the logs, and replied, " Indeed, I also noticed the distinction. But to delve deeper into the specifics, we need the expertise of someone who can discern these woods. "
Determined to gather comprehensive information, Liu Yong took dozens of photos, capturing different angles and close-ups of specific wood parts.
Documenting the logs nearing completion, Liu Yong gestured, " Alright, let's move this particular log to the side so I can capture it in detail. "
Chen Hu hesitated momentarily, contemplating the log's sheer weight. He doubted their ability to move such a massive, heavy piece of wood, fearing it weighed at least several hundred catties. Yet, before he could voice his concerns, Liu Yong, undeterred, rolled up his sleeves, ready to take on the challenge.
Chen Hu watched with bated breath as Liu Yong put away his phone, reached out, and with seemingly effortless strength, lifted one end of the colossal log single-handedly. Chen Hu's astonishment knew no bounds. His initial doubts faded, replaced by a newfound admiration for his companion's hidden strength.
" Boss, how could you...? " Chen Hu began to speak, but his words trailed off. He marvelled at Liu Yong's ability to effortlessly handle the weight of the log, knowing full well that it required tremendous strength to lift something of that magnitude.
With a calm demeanour, Liu Yong directed, " A little further this way, " as they maneuvered the log to a more suitable spot for detailed photography. Still slightly overwhelmed, Chen Hu regained his composure and squatted down, lending his strength to the endeavour. With both of them working together, they successfully moved the log to the desired location.
His face displayed a sense of ease; Liu Yong focused on the task while Chen Hu was utterly drained. Despite exerting all his strength, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the capabilities of his Boss.
Chen Hu, known for his physical prowess as an exceptional soldier, rarely encountered individuals who surpassed him in strength. Yet, a hidden power defied expectations in Liu Yong's unassuming exterior.
In his mind, Chen Hu couldn't help but wonder, " Could it be that the boss is a legendary internal master? " The thought flickered through his consciousness, causing a mix of curiosity and intrigue to settle within him. He silently pondered the mysteries surrounding Liu Yong, contemplating the possibility of hidden depths beneath his charming and unassuming facade.
While Chen Hu's thoughts meandered, Liu Yong remained focused, capturing numerous photos of the log from different angles. Satisfied with the documentation, Liu Yong signalled their task's completion. " Okay, let's put it here, " he instructed, indicating the log's final resting place.
As Liu Yong appeared at ease, Chen Hu found himself in bewilderment. Physically drained and mentally rattled, he struggled to regain his composure.
Observing Chen Hu's state, Liu Yong glanced at him, seemingly unaffected by the physical exertion. However, he did not acknowledge the unspoken question lingering in Chen Hu's mind. Instead, Liu Yong continued taking more photos, ensuring every detail was recorded.
Feeling their mission was nearly accomplished, Liu Yong finally declared, " Let's Go, we are done " Chen Hu snapped out of his daze, admiration for Liu Yong lingering in his eyes. He followed Liu Yong out of the expansive warehouse, their steps echoing against the sturdy walls.
As they left the warehouse behind, their attention shifted to the larger realm outside.
In HTC Group.......
HTC Group, a prominent name in their field, held Zhao Zhenbiao, a man currently engrossed in a conversation with considerable weight. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he engaged in a tense phone call, his voice resonating with respect and determination.
The call held personal significance for Zhao Zhenbiao. Persuasion was necessary to convey the urgency of the matter. The desk in question was not intended for his personal use but rather as a gift for Prince A, a member of a Middle Eastern country known for its vast oil resources.
Prince A wielded immense power, controlling the exploitation and export of the country's oil and held the esteemed position of the throne's first heir.
Zhao Zhenbiao recognized the value of establishing a solid connection with Prince A, as did many others who sought to secure a favourable relationship. The importance of delivering the desk within a month weighed heavily on his mind.
After the call ended, Zhao Zhenbiao's countenance remained tense, and he let out a soft sigh before reaching for a cigarette. Lighting it, he took a solitary moment to smoke, the smoke swirling in the air as he contemplated his next course of action.
Despite the substantial price he was willing to pay, finding a suitable golden nanmu desk within such a short timeframe seemed highly improbable. The rarity and difficulty in obtaining this type of wood posed a significant challenge. It was even possible that the elusive golden nanmu didn't exist naturally.
Recent news reports about the discovery of centuries-old golden mangosteen in a southwestern province further complicated matters. These mammoth fruits, requiring multiple individuals to embrace them, had been estimated to be worth around 1 billion. The state strictly protected such golden nanmu, making it an unsuitable option for Zhao Zhenbiao's predicament.
Lost in thought, Zhao Zhenbiao contemplated various countermeasures, even considering the pessimistic consequences that could arise if the delivery couldn't be made on time.
..........