Chapter 527 The Power Field: Those Who Issue and Receive Notices

Wang Xiao got into bed, closed his eyes, and was still thinking about the problem.

Without a doubt, it would be most convenient to ask Ivan, and he would never refuse.

In his capacity as First Deputy Premier, it is perfectly normal for him to extend an informal invitation or recommendation to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong for a meeting with him. This is a common practice in international political circles.

You can send out your request with just one phone call, without any intermediaries.

However, the risk of doing so is that it would make the Russian influence of the microelectronics center too strong.

This was a sensitive matter in 1999.

Yes, it's very interesting. In this era, a project with a strong American flavor won't be overthought; it might even be seen as proof of internationalization.

But Russia is different.

To avoid this sensitivity, Wang Xiao's list of invited Soviet experts for the plan consisted mainly of scientists who had spent six or seven years in Europe and America after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and who were gradually marginalized and unable to advance further in their careers.

Only such people can dilute their Soviet background to the greatest extent possible in Hong Kong, which belongs to China, and become a minority group that is also trapped by the invisible ceiling of the Western world.

This allowed them to successfully integrate into the ranks of Asian scientists returning from Europe and America.

Such a useful fiancé, and so efficient to use, it's a pity I can't use him now.

Then we'll have to ask Secretary Fang for help.

Theoretically speaking, as the top official of Jiangdong Province, he should go through the central government to contact the Chief Executive of the Special Administrative Region.

But in reality, no one would do that. It's not a major formality; it's just about introducing a member of the provincial political consultative conference from their own jurisdiction.

An informal meeting doesn't need to be so grand.

All she needed to do was make a phone call through the secretariat, and the meeting could be arranged.

Jiangdong is a major economic province in China, so the Chief Executive will surely give her that kind of face.

However, if Secretary Fang is asked to act as a go-between, there is also a risk: she might get scolded!

See? See? We told you to build a chip factory in Jinning, but you wouldn't listen. Now look what happened! The chip factory in Hong Kong couldn't be built.

If you want to work on microelectronics, why don't you just move it to Jinning? Jinning isn't without universities; Jiangdong Province has more science and engineering programs than Hong Kong, and labor is cheaper there too.

Wang Xiao felt a chill run down his spine whenever he thought of Secretary Fang's sighing and disappointed expression.

However, she quickly found a reason for herself: this microelectronics center could only be located in Hong Kong. It wouldn't work anywhere else.

English is widely spoken, the rule of law is sound, information flows freely, and lifestyles are aligned with international standards. For a top Chinese expert working in Silicon Valley or the European semiconductor industry, the psychological barriers and adaptation costs of moving their entire family to Hong Kong are far lower than those of moving directly to mainland China.

Working in Hong Kong meant that they could be deeply involved in a grand project for the future of China, without having to be completely within the mainland system, which at the time still had many inconveniences in terms of scientific research management and living convenience.

As a Chinese-speaking society, Hong Kong offers a cultural affinity and a degree of freedom that the mainland currently cannot provide. This is a crucial soft power for attracting researchers who are patriotic but accustomed to Western academic freedom.

Yes, no other place can replace Hong Kong as the microelectronics center.

Mr. Wang found a good reason for himself and was able to roll around in bed, close his eyes, and prepare to sleep.

Lyuba could tell from her pacing that she was thinking about something.

She is easily excitable, so her mind is quite active. But at the same time, she is prone to insomnia whenever she is thinking about problems.

So Lyuba sighed silently, reached out and massaged the back of her neck until she could soften the stiff neck. Finally, she started snoring softly and fell asleep happily.

The sun did not skip work or ask for leave; it rose as scheduled after the Earth completed one rotation.

But after analyzing the pros and cons and pondering various solutions for seeking help until late into the night, none of them were actually used.

Because Professor Tien Chang-lin was more capable than she had imagined, Professor Sun didn't need to report to higher levels anymore; he took them directly to see the Chief Executive.

You don't even need to stay overnight; it's the evening of the next day.

As everyone boarded the bus, Xiao Gao couldn't help but exclaim, "Professor Tian is truly a representative of high-energy people."

He learned this term from his boss; it describes someone who is always full of energy.

Look at Professor Tian! He's over sixty years old, and he discussed things so late last night, but that didn't stop people from calling others to his place early this morning to continue discussing the details. He didn't even take a nap in between.

Even so, he didn't rest that night and went straight to attend the Chief Executive's dinner.

Xiao Gao sighed with emotion: "Indeed, successful people are all high-energy individuals."

Those self-help books in bookstores, though full of nonsense, are absolutely true on this point.

Look, only those who maintain passion for their work and push themselves forward without needing anyone's encouragement can achieve great things.

This principle applies to everyone who can be a leader or a boss.

No wonder company leaders love to work overtime.

At first, Wang Xiao just laughed at his rambling, but after hearing this, she finally couldn't help but say, "Alright, stop glorifying so-called successful people. Leaders who like to work overtime probably don't have anything important to do. They stay in the office to continue to enjoy the pleasure that power brings them—if the leader doesn't leave, the subordinates dare not leave either, and everyone has to revolve around him (her). On the other hand, it may be to escape family responsibilities. Working overtime at the office allows them to legitimately avoid going home to take care of their children and do housework, and they can also enjoy a sense of power that they can't experience at home."

"In addition, he (or she) can show his (or her) superiors how much he (or she) loves his (or her) job and how much he (or she) considers him (or her) for promotions and raises, since he (or she) has worked so hard for him (or her)."

"But such superficial efforts are completely meaningless because he (or she) is not doing anything productive. He (or she) is also disrupting the work rhythm of the entire team, exhausting subordinates, and damaging the normal work atmosphere."

Tang Yicheng laughed when he heard this.

There are tons of bosses who linger in their offices, drinking coffee, playing games, and generally refusing to leave. All they do is waste electricity and everyone's time.

Xiao Gao had his own thoughts: "There are still many people who are really passionate about their work. How can they be so passionate about it? They don't feel that their work is hard at all."

Mr. Wang was in a very good mood today, patiently chatting with his bodyguard: "That's because they can easily see the results of their work. Results that are within easy reach are the best demonstration of the rewards of hard work. Positive feedback comes quickly, which can motivate people to keep working hard and achieve even better results."

"It's like a top student doing practice tests. The whole process is easy. When they encounter a difficult problem, they can solve it after thinking about it carefully for a moment or two. If all else fails, they can ask a teacher or other top students for help. Once they explain it, they can understand it quickly. The whole process is very enjoyable. Isn't that the so-called joy of learning?"

The people in the car, not to mention Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao, even Tang Yicheng felt his scalp tingle instantly upon hearing this.

What a joke!

Tang Yicheng, who was attending night school, felt his whole life was going to fall apart when he thought about the upcoming exams.

Wang Xiao laughed out loud: "That's why people feel happiest when they're doing what they're good at. Those insurmountable gaps and peaks that others think are impossible to cross, I can get over if I grit my teeth and work hard. Looking back, wow, all of that is my achievement. My life is fulfilling, and my life experience is a treasure. Because I've proven to myself that I can do it."

Xiao Gao sighed: "Boss, only someone like you who can do everything can have this kind of experience."

Wang Xiao rolled her eyes: "Oh my, what are you talking about? Did I get into Tsinghua University or Peking University?"

I've never been on it before or after the time travel.

Everyone on the bus burst into laughter, even Lyuba couldn't help but chuckle.

Because everyone remembered how embarrassed she was when Professor Tian asked her so many questions, she wished she could dig a hole and disappear.

Xiao Zhao comforted his boss, saying, "At least you went to college, boss! We can't even get into college. You're really something!"

Wang Xiao chuckled and said, "Next time we play ping-pong, give me a few more points, and maybe I'll believe you with my eyes closed."

Everyone was overjoyed.

Their boss's hand-eye coordination is really terrible; when she plays ball, it always makes you wonder if her limbs were just attached.

The assistant blurted out, "So that means we can only find enjoyment in doing what we're good at, and then we'll get better and better at it?"

Wang Xiao shook his head: "Not necessarily. There aren't that many things that one is naturally good at."

She pointed out the window; after Hong Kong's property prices soared again, the city saw a surge in construction sites.

At this moment, the city lights are just coming on, and the construction site is quiet, with the gantry crane standing silently in the night and under the light and shadow.

"A skyscraper rises from the ground, just like building a house. The roof appears high in the sky, which seems incredible. But bricks are stacked layer by layer, and cement slabs are laid layer by layer. When you reach that height, you look up and the clouds seem within reach."

"That's how it is when you start doing things. At first, you're completely clueless. Who knows anything? But as you do it, you gradually gain some experience. Then, you keep thinking as you go, ask more people for advice, and refine your experience. Slowly, you'll become a skilled technician."

She smiled and pointed to the gantry crane, "If I come across another gantry crane and quickly lift myself up, I'll become an expert."

Xiao Gao laughed: "You don't come across a gantry crane so easily."

Wang Xiao smiled and spread his hands: "That's okay. Even if you don't become an expert, you'll still be a skilled technician. As long as you don't stay in the same place and just complain, as long as you keep moving forward, things will get better and better."

The assistant wondered if he should summarize his thoughts.

For example, it's just like making semiconductors.

At first, Wuzhou was completely clueless and had nothing. He could only grit his teeth and do it anyway, just to barely support himself.

Then came the Asian financial crisis, LG Electronics was forced to sell its chip business, and Hyundai Electronics was forced to sell its LCD screen business. This was the gantry crane that extended out, allowing Wuzhou Semiconductor to rise several levels directly.

Now, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Centre is the second gantry crane, capable of carrying five semiconductors directly to the top.

However, before the assistant could even gather his thoughts, the car had already stopped.

The view from the window is Government House.

This former official residence of the Governor of Hong Kong, which was originally built in 1855 during the colonial era, has become the official residence and reception venue of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region more than two years after Hong Kong's return to China.

The white facade of the Victorian Gothic Revival building stands silently under the spotlights, like a silent witness.

Wang Xiao looked up at it, and in an instant, he suddenly thought of the red wall.

Yes, it's the Red Wall in Moscow.

Regardless of whether it's red or white, they are both containers for power, only the ideologies they contain are completely different.

These silent giants are the imprint of their time; even without making a sound, their presence resonates with the echoes of history.

Wang Xiao took a deep breath and ordered, "Let's go."

Tonight, a grand charity gala is being held in this official residence.

From the moment you step through the gates of the official residence, the chilly wind of the Hong Kong night quickly vanishes, and upon entering the banquet hall, a warm fragrance wafts towards you.

Everything was warm and soft.

The crystal chandelier generously casts warm golden light into every corner, exuding an air of wealth and luxury.

The men's dark suits and the women's silk cheongsam dresses and jewelry intertwined to create a subtle yet magnificent beauty.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of cigars, perfumes, and evening spices, making one feel dizzy with just one breath.

Hong Kong's top government officials, business tycoons, and social elites gathered together, some chatting and some laughing.

Some faces are familiar, some are unfamiliar—unfamiliar faces don't necessarily mean they're not important; they might just be low-key and don't like to be in the spotlight.

At least Mr. Wang believed that someone who could sit and chat with Hong Kong's top tycoons could not possibly be an unknown figure.

Zhang Rujing was also dressed in a suit and tie tonight. Before greeting his acquaintances, he specifically instructed Boss Wang: "Today we are here to find people and money."

So don't get impatient and run away. We have to finalize the microelectronics center matter today.

Wang Xiao was still aggrieved: "I never said I would run away."

Dr. Zhang choked, realizing that he had indeed wronged Boss Wang for no reason.

But how should he put it? Mainly, he subconsciously felt that Boss Wang didn't need to wrong himself, so he might leave if things didn't go his way.

But this is a question that shouldn't be thought about too deeply.

Why would she feel wronged? Because it was TSMC that messed things up with Worldwide Semiconductor, because TSMC wanted to acquire Worldwide Semiconductor but was unwilling to continue building the chip factory in Hong Kong.

So let's skip this question.

What a beautiful night, a night when Hong Kong's celebrities gather.

Dr. Zhang smoothly recommended to Mr. Wang, "There will be a charity auction later; you might find something interesting. Boss, if you're interested, you can take a look at the list."

Charity auctions have always been an integral part of charity galas. Today's event is hosted by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, one of Hong Kong's oldest and most influential charitable organizations.

The auction items are not about luxury, but about taste and heritage: a set of Ming-style rosewood official hat chairs, an oil painting of Victoria Harbour by a local emerging painter, a bottle of aged cognac that has accompanied the legend of Hong Kong's shipping history, a set of limited edition zodiac gold seals, and the highlight, the opportunity to have lunch with the Chief Executive.

Wang Xiao stared at this line and couldn't help but want to laugh.

She thought of George Soros, who also seemed to have a similar charity lunch auction.

Hmm, is it really Soros? It's probably more like Buffett.

She turned to Lyuba and asked, "Does Buffett have a charity lunch? You know, the kind that's put up for auction?"

Lyuba paused for a moment, then shook her head: "I don't know, I've never heard of it."

Sigh, at this moment, Wang Xiao suddenly missed his smartphone.

If we move forward a few more years, it won't even take ten years; five or six years should be enough. We can just use our phones to search for the answer.

Now she can only stare at Lyuba.

However, Lyuba told her with certainty, "Soros does not hold charity lunch auctions."

It didn't exist before, and it probably won't exist in the future.

Because this unfortunate guy was targeted by the trader who suffered heavy losses when Mr. Wang was shorting US stocks, he was sent to the ICU and apparently hasn't come out since.

Now, when Mr. Wang thinks about this, all he can do is click his tongue.

It's not fair to blame her; she wasn't the one who fired the shot.

Besides, haven't you seen the public opinion saying that it's because he didn't know the rules in Hong Kong and angered the local tycoons, so they joined forces to find a powerful feng shui master to "suppress" him, making him a living dead.

Since this version is so popular, let it continue to circulate.

Wang Xiao turned the page of the auction introduction and fixed his eyes on the limited edition zodiac gold seal.

It will be Ivan's zodiac year after the new year, so we'll give him a zodiac gold seal to ward off bad luck.

So she skipped over everything else, from the sandalwood to the oil painting and the fine wine, and only when she got to the Zodiac Gold Seal did she raise her paddle, determined to win it.

Whether it's because these auctions have shills or she just looked too easy prey today, every time she raised her paddle, someone else would beat her.

Even if this set of zodiac gold seals is designed by a famous artist, uses an intricate casting and engraving technique, and is a high-end commemorative edition issued by an official institution, it is still a bit too exaggerated for the starting bid of HK$100,000 to soar all the way to a million.

When someone offered 1.05 million, Wang Xiao gave up immediately.

With that money, she could just buy gold and cast it into a golden dragon to give to Tai Sui of Ivan Town. That would be the real deal, and she wouldn't have to worry about middlemen taking a cut.

"1.05 million once! 1.05 million twice! 1.05 million three times! Sold!"

As the crisp sound of the hammer falling rang out, Wang Xiao immediately looked away.

She didn't even glance at who had raised the paddle to win the limited edition zodiac gold seal.

But she doesn't look at others; they look at her.

After the auction of the zodiac gold seals concludes, the final highlight will be the opportunity to have lunch with the Chief Executive.

Without a doubt, whoever wins this opportunity will quickly become famous in Hong Kong, and may even be able to drive up the stock price and asset value of related companies.

So the old money remained calm and watched with amusement as the new rich eagerly prepared to make their move.

Therefore, there needs to be a break before it goes on sale, allowing the newcomer and their team to further refine their strategy and ensure success.

Wang Xiao took the fruit platter from Lyuba, took a bite, and was immediately amazed: "Ice cream custard apple?"

Before she transmigrated, she really enjoyed eating ice cream custard apples, but after transmigrating, she couldn't find this variety. She didn't know if it wasn't called that, or if it simply wasn't cultivated.

The waiter passed by her and was stopped by her, but even the polite waiter didn't know the specific name of the fruit.

It was only when Chiang Shang-yi and Chang Ju-ching saw her talking to someone that they became worried and quickly came over, and then gave the answer: "This should be pineapple custard apple, which is sold in some places in Taiwan."

Mr. Wang immediately agreed: "OK, then please arrange for two portions to be airlifted to me, one to Jinning and one to Moscow."

Both senior managers gasped inwardly. Boss Wang was indeed generous; if he enjoyed the fruit at the banquet, he wanted it air-freighted directly.

As expected, money talks.

Soon, the two old gentlemen discovered that there were plenty of willful rich people everywhere.

Before they had even finished their fruit salad, a man in his thirties, wearing a bespoke suit and gold-rimmed glasses, walked over with a smile, carrying a box in his hands.

The box was opened, and inside were neatly arranged a set of limited edition zodiac gold seals that had just been auctioned.

Wang Xiao's face immediately darkened. What did he mean? Was he here to show off?

Ha! Who do you think you are? Showing off in front of me.

Her expression was unpleasant, but the man with the gold-rimmed glasses smiled and said, "Beautiful lady, I wonder if I have the honor of presenting you with this set of gold seals?"

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a deathly silence around him.

Zhang Rujing was eating a melon when he suddenly stopped talking and his ears perked up.

Chiang Shang-yi also dared not extend his fork, and instead kept his eyes fixed on the young man.

Could it be that he's trying to pursue Boss Wang?

After all, HK$1.05 million is not a small amount; it's not like a box of banknotes that you can just throw around.

Good heavens! If that's really the case, things are going to get really funny.

Wang Xiao, however, was very wary: "Why are you giving me this?"

The man with gold-rimmed glasses said with an air of elegance, "Because I sense that you really like it, I can't bear to let you part with it."

Wang Xiao was utterly speechless: "Then why did you try to take it from me just now?"

This whole thing is so boring!

The man with the wire-rimmed glasses gave an embarrassed smile: "I forgot for a moment, and I hope I can make up for it now. I can't bear to see you part with it, so I'm giving it to you."

Wang Xiao shook her head: "No need, I originally planned to auction it off and give it to my fiancé."

Zhang Rujing lowered his head, desperately trying to suppress his laughter, afraid that he might accidentally burst out laughing.

Wow, Mr. Wang is really decisive and efficient!

However, when a woman is resolute, a man tends to become clingy and indecisive.

Even though Mr. Wang had already put it that way, the man with the gold-rimmed glasses still wouldn't give up: "It's okay, I'll give it to you, then it belongs to you, and you can give it to anyone else. Actually, I just wanted this opportunity to get to know you. Two years ago in Bangkok, I had the pleasure of admiring your handsome figure at a hotel, and I really wanted to meet you then."

Wang Xiao was completely bewildered. What was this "heroic figure" all about? What was she doing in Bangkok? She didn't seem to have ever laid a hand on anyone.

She's always been a very civilized person; a gentleman uses words, not fists—well, mainly because she's afraid of being at a disadvantage if she can't win a fight.

The man with the gold-rimmed glasses had sparkling eyes: "I really, really admire your rebuttal of those American ronin."

He caught up with her then and even handed her a business card to her entourage, but for some reason, she never contacted him again.

That's normal; outstanding women aren't so easy to meet.

Wang Xiao finally managed to understand the whole story.

She shook her head: "I'm sorry, but I still can't accept this gift. Because if the gift you give passes through my hands to my fiancé, then my fiancé is accepting a bribe, and your behavior is bribery. We're almost in the 21st century, let's all be law-abiding citizens of the new era."

As she spoke, she nodded slightly and smiled.

The man with the gold-rimmed glasses was stunned.

Zhang Rujing secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself: Whose child is this? Hurry up and take him away! You're trying to steal the Russian Deputy Prime Minister's girlfriend, are you tired of living?

You're tired of living, but I'm not! I'm still hoping the microelectronics center can be built properly so that China's semiconductor industry can really take off.

Anyone who might sabotage this plan is a monster and must be wiped out.

Fortunately, at that moment, Professor Tian sent someone to call them.

The three quickly put down their plates and hurried over to meet the Chief Executive.

Zhang Rujing also whispered to Wang Xiao, "Give us the conditions we agreed on, don't add anything more."

He was really afraid that Boss Wang would get annoyed after staying at the banquet for so long, and then she would take on all the social fundraising funds, except for government grants.

Dr. Zhang earnestly advised: "This is a major event for the entire Hong Kong. We need to involve all available resources so that even if people don't help, they won't cause trouble for us."

Wang Xiao even suspected that she had gone too far before, so Dr. Zhang had no trust in her at all and wanted to keep talking to her all the time.

She swore, "Don't worry! I'm saving money for the New Year, I won't be extravagant."

Zhang Rujing thought about how she would give out large bonuses to other employees every year during the Chinese New Year, and figured that she probably would keep some funds, which put his mind at ease.

Even Chiang Shang-yi, listening from the side, sensed a subtle tension in his emotions.

Although this Ms. Wang doesn't really understand semiconductors, she does understand people who work in the semiconductor industry.

No employee dislikes their boss paying them more money.

No wonder she was able to get Zhang Rujing and Lin Benjian to work for her, even though she knew almost nothing about semiconductors.

Sigh, the thought of Dr. Lin breaks my heart.

He was already ready to recruit the person, but Boss Wang intercepted the deal.

As the group passed the entrance to the banquet hall, Tang Yicheng cautiously followed and explained in a soft voice, "I did receive a business card at the time, but things got messy later, and I don't know where I put it."

Wang Xiao was stunned. It took him a while to realize what he meant.

She waved her hand dismissively: "You can handle this little thing yourselves."

She has so much free time, all day long.

The Chief Executive doesn't need to know how many people want to see him every day, nor does she need to know how many people hand her their business cards every day.

If you have the ability to see it, you will eventually see it.

It doesn't matter whether I meet with them or not if I don't have the ability.

The Chief Executive was sitting on a sofa in a corner talking with Professor Tian and others; you could also think of it as a salon.

Upon seeing the three men, Professor Tian immediately stood up and introduced them to the Chief Executive: "Mr. Tung, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Centre project was proposed to me by these three talented individuals. This is Mr. Wang from Wuzhou, this is Mr. Chiang Shang-yi, Vice President of TSMC, and this is Mr. Chang Ru-jing, General Manager of World Semiconductor Corporation of Taiwan. They are all elites in the Asian semiconductor industry."

Chief Executive Tung was humble and gentle, and stood up to shake hands with each of them.

Wang Xiao didn't get much of a chance to speak, because Zhang Rujing and Jiang Shangyi were better suited to answer all the technical questions.

Her only chance was to state: "We are prepared to donate the renovated microelectronics center, so that by next summer at the latest, everyone will have a cleanroom for research and development."

The university presidents present all silently held their breath.

Even educators who know little about the semiconductor industry know that the cost of this cleanroom is not small.

Besides, land prices are already very high.

With Mr. Wang's generous investment, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Centre doesn't even need to worry about where to put its plaque; it can be displayed directly at the main entrance, and it's a genuine, unambiguous sign.

On behalf of the Hong Kong government, Chief Executive Tung thanked Ms. Wong for her generous donation and for her contributions to Hong Kong's education, scientific research, and the future of Silicon Harbour.

Wang Xiao smiled and said, "We have actually built supporting talent apartments, which will be completed next summer. At that time, scientists and engineers working at the Microelectronics Center will not have to worry about inconvenient transportation or troublesome accommodation."

The Chief Executive readily agreed: "Having readily available talent apartments to rent is indeed very convenient and can solve their worries."

Tang Yicheng was the logistics manager that Wang Xiao had assigned to the Microelectronics Center. Hearing this, he knew what was going on: the Microelectronics Center's accommodation and meals had been outsourced to the Wuzhou Group.

Therefore, it doesn't matter that the talent apartments cannot be sold to the public. As long as the microelectronics center exists, the talent apartments will receive rent and will not lose money.

He listened to the crowd exchanging a few polite and courteous words, and then he walked away with them.

It wasn't until he was leaving that Tang Yicheng suddenly realized what he had said.

That's right, the decision to arrive before you was made; your appearance was merely a notification.

He subconsciously looked up at the room full of elegantly dressed people, all of whom were laughing and chatting happily.

So, among them, who are the ones who issue the notices, and who are the ones who receive them?

Perhaps even they themselves don't know the answer.

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[Cracked] You probably won't believe it, but I couldn't log into the backend all day. Of course, I was also late when I tried to post.