A simple meal

Meng Yihe was in charge of the command center. He was not distracted by the public opinion backlash that Cui Yu was handling, and focused all his energy on the technology itself.

"All equipment that has ever been connected to abandoned pipelines, whether directly or indirectly, must be taken offline. The cleaning process must be thoroughly investigated. I want to see every cleaning record and real-time monitoring data!"

"All raw materials from the three batches before and after the third batch were traced back to their source, and ultra-fine component analysis was performed again, comparing them with the original database. Even a deviation of one part in a million had to be marked!"

"Activate the backup production line, but conduct three times the standard three-air operation before activation, with particle monitoring throughout the process to ensure absolute cleanliness!"

His orders came one after another, swift and ruthless, leaving no room for negotiation.

Cui Yu provided absolute operational support. He mobilized all available testing resources and top-notch third-party institutions within the company to ensure rapid screening; he coordinated logistics to ensure that new production lines and protective materials arrived as quickly as possible; he even personally oversaw the security department, implementing a new round of physical and electronic isolation throughout the entire production area.

The two are one inside and one outside.

The source of pollution was completely identified and eliminated, and a new protection plan was quickly implemented, which was more comprehensive than the original plan.

After a brief interruption, the trial production of the "Galaxy" project has been restarted in a more stable manner.

When the latest batch test report showed that all parameters met the standards perfectly, and even several process details were optimized because of the crisis, a long-suppressed but incredibly exciting low shout erupted in the control room.

Looking at the perfect data curve on the screen, Meng Yihe's tightly pursed lips finally relaxed very slightly. He turned his head to look at Cui Yu, who had somehow become leaning against the control room door frame again.

Cui Yu raised his glass to him, his face showing undisguised admiration and a relieved smile.

at the same time.

The storm of public opinion surrounding Dingsheng Capital intensified under Cui Yu's covert instigation.

That veiled financial article was just the beginning.

Some "industry insiders" began anonymously revealing information on a well-known financial forum. The details became more detailed, pointing directly to how a certain aggressive financial tycoon used industrial espionage, technology theft, and even sabotage to suppress competitors.

The post was quickly shared on various social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion.

The name "Dingsheng Capital" is being mentioned and associated with more and more frequently.

Ji Nan tried to suppress the article and remove the trending topic, but found that there was a lot of resistance, as if an invisible hand was fighting against her.

Her usual public relations tactics seem to have failed this time.

What troubled her even more was the downstream manufacturers who had initially shown interest in the Dingsheng version of the "Stardust" material thanks to Chen Siyang's connections.

Xinghai Technology's marketing team took the initiative. Instead of publicizing it extensively, they adopted an extremely precise communication strategy.

With Cui Yu's personal guidance, Meng Yihe made the final decision.

They sent a well-written and substantial "technical communication letter" to the most critical target manufacturers they had selected.

In the letter, Xinghai Technology acknowledged that it had recently encountered "a brief production disruption caused by certain external factors," but emphasized that the problem had been "quickly and thoroughly resolved." It also attached a full performance verification report from a third-party organization on the latest batch of products from the "Galaxy" project.

The data in that report was stunningly beautiful.

At the same time, the letter subtly mentioned that Xinghai had noticed some “incomplete or misleading information” about similar technologies that may have appeared on the market, and reminded partners to pay attention to verifying the reliability and independence of the technology’s source.

Although it did not directly accuse Dingsheng, it was enough to plant a seed of doubt in the other party's mind.

On one hand, they present impressive technical data to demonstrate their strength and reliability; on the other hand, they imply that their competitors are "unclean."

Soon, the feedback came.

Several manufacturers who were initially hesitant clearly expressed their desire to engage in deeper technical exchanges with Xinghai, and one even suspended all contact with Dingsheng.

"We're temporarily in the lead in the first phase of the information war." Cui Yu handed a report from the marketing department to Meng Yihe.

Meng Yihe took the report and quickly glanced through it, her face expressionless. She simply commented, "For Dingsheng, the methods are not important; the results are what matter."

“Agreed.” Cui Yu nodded. “So, now it’s time to let ‘Galaxy’ truly make its debut. Reports and letters alone aren’t enough to make an impact.”

Meng Yihe looked up at him: "What do you want to do?"

“Hold a small-scale tasting event.” A sharp glint flashed in Cui Yu’s eyes. “Invite only the most core potential partners and a few absolutely reliable top investment institutions to demonstrate the performance of the ‘Stardust’ material on-site and let the undeniable facts speak for themselves. The event is scheduled for next week.”

He paused, then added, "Of course, the security level is raised to the highest. I don't want to see any more uninvited guests or random intrusions."

Meng Yihe was silent for a few seconds, seemingly assessing the risks, before finally nodding. "Okay, I'll take charge of the technology demonstration."

“No problem.” Cui Yu smiled. “Showing off your ‘muscles’ is something that Director Meng should do in person.”

Within Xinghai Technology, all resources are operating at full speed in preparation for the upcoming "Stardust" product showcase. Having learned from the previous infiltration incident, the security measures this time are incredibly stringent, bordering on obsessive.

Cui Yu personally supervised the operation.

All attendees underwent triple verification, on-site signal jamming, and even the introduction of non-destructive security screening equipment to ensure absolute safety.

Meng Yihe devoted himself entirely to preparing the technology demonstration. He abandoned all flashy embellishments and prepared to present the performance of the "stardust" material in the most hardcore and intuitive way.

The huge showroom was temporarily converted into half a laboratory, complete with all kinds of testing equipment.

On the day of the tasting event.

Only seven or eight of the most powerful downstream giants and one or two representatives from top investment funds with strong backgrounds were present.

Wearing a well-tailored dark suit, Cui Yu delivered a speech as the host, with a polite smile on his face and a calm and confident tone.

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here at Xinghai. We invited you here today not to watch a performance, but to witness together the first solid step of a materials technology that could change the industry landscape from the laboratory to reality. We believe that facts and data speak louder than words."

He handed the stage over to Meng Yihe.

Meng Yihe was still wearing a cool-toned suit, his expression serious and devoid of any extraneous expressions. He didn't use a fancy PowerPoint presentation, but instead directly brought up the real-time data interface.

"I am Meng Yihe, the technical lead for the 'Galaxy' project." His opening remarks were concise. "All the following demonstrations and data are available for immediate verification by any third-party organization you designate."

The next hour became Meng Yihe's personal showcase of skills.

He didn't waste any words and went straight to operating the instrument.

A series of extreme tests, which can be described as "violent", were conducted on the "stardust" material samples.

The readings on the high-strength tensile testing machine easily broke through the theoretical limits of traditional materials; under ultra-high temperature flame spray, the material surface only turned slightly red and the structure remained intact; in an ultra-low temperature liquid nitrogen environment, it still maintained excellent toughness; it even demonstrated its amazing lightweight characteristics in public, a plate that can withstand several tons of pressure can be easily lifted by a single person.

After each test, the large screen will simultaneously display the data results accurate to multiple decimal places, providing a brutal comparison with the most advanced similar materials on the market and demonstrating an overwhelming advantage.

The guests in the audience, who had initially maintained a somewhat businesslike demeanor, gradually changed their expressions from curiosity to surprise, then from surprise to solemnity, and finally were left with only complete awe and rapt attention.

Some people even leaned forward involuntarily, trying to get a closer look.

The whispers completely disappeared, leaving only the faint sounds of the instruments running and Meng Yihe's clear and calm explanation.

"...Based on the above data, 'Stardust' material has achieved significant breakthroughs in core indicators such as strength, temperature resistance, lightweight, and fatigue resistance. Its comprehensive performance curve is currently at the top of the known materials in the industry," Meng Yihe concluded.

After the demonstration ended, the room fell into a brief silence, which was then followed by enthusiastic applause.

Several senior technical experts couldn't wait to get up, gather around the display stand, personally examine the tested samples, and ask Meng Yihe a series of questions.

Meng Yihe responded calmly.

Every question was answered precisely and thoroughly. The answers even extended to deeper technical logic and application potential, prompting frequent nods of approval from the questioners.

Cui Yu stood aside, watching Meng Yihe, who had become the absolute focus of attention.

At this moment, Meng Yihe stood in his area of ​​expertise, radiating an almost dazzling light.

Calm, confident, and strong.

She was a completely different person from the pale and fragile woman she appeared in the infirmary that day.

Cui Yu's lips unconsciously curled up, a sense of pride spreading through his heart.

The atmosphere became extremely lively during the subsequent business exchange session. The manufacturers who had previously been observing became incredibly enthusiastic, surrounding Cui Yu and Meng Yihe, eagerly expressing their intention to cooperate and inquiring about mass production timelines and application details.

The representatives of those two investment funds saw even greater investment value.

The tasting event was a success that far exceeded expectations.

After all the guests left, only Xinghai Technology's core team remained in the exhibition hall.

After a brief silence, someone suddenly cheered. Then, everyone spontaneously burst into applause, their faces beaming with tired yet incredibly excited smiles.

Meng Yihe stood in the center of the crowd, seemingly unaccustomed to such a passionate outpouring of emotions.

Cui Yu walked over to him, handed him a bottle of water, and said with a smile, "Director Meng, you're absolutely radiant today. I saw those bosses' eyes practically glued to the 'Stardust' material and to you."

Meng Yihe took the water, glanced at him, ignored his teasing, and simply said in a low voice, "The effect is better than expected."

“It’s more than just good.” Cui Yu looked at him, her tone becoming serious.

"We fought this battle brilliantly."

He glanced around at his excited team members and raised his voice: "We're having dinner tonight, anywhere you like, it's on me! To celebrate our success!"

"Long live President Cui!" The team erupted in even louder cheers.

...

The atmosphere at Xinghai Technology was completely different from usual the following morning.

It's no longer the tense atmosphere driven by a crisis, but a highly efficient operation full of hope.

As soon as Cui Yu and Meng Yihe stepped into the office building, the internal communication at the front desk was directly transferred to the CEO's office.

"Good morning, Director Cui and Director Meng."

The CEO's voice came through the speakers, full of pleasure.

"Yesterday's tasting event was brilliantly organized! I just received several calls from old friends, all praising and inquiring about 'Stardust'. You guys have really pulled off a stunning comeback for the group and for Xinghai Technology this time!"

His tone became more serious.

"The board is very satisfied with this. The resources and support previously promised to Xinghai will be delivered double. The group will fully support you in the upcoming mass production and market promotion. Thank you for your hard work!"

"This is the result of the team's joint efforts," Cui Yu replied with a smile.

"It's my duty," Meng Yihe replied succinctly.

The two spent the entire morning dealing with numerous matters following the tasting event: a deluge of cooperation inquiries, letters of intent for investment, confirmation of internal celebration arrangements, and the latest plans for the "Galaxy" project to move towards mass production...

The official business was temporarily suspended until noon.

Cui Yu stretched and walked to Meng Yihe's office door, knocking on the open door.

"Director Meng." Cui Yu leaned against the door frame, a lazy smile on his face, and brought up the agreement. "We agreed before that after we finished dealing with this mess, we would have a normal meal together."

"How about lunchtime today? Would you do me the honor?"

Meng Yihe looked up from the documents, glanced at the bright sunshine outside the window, and then at Cui Yu's smiling yet determined eyes.

He paused for a few seconds, seemingly quickly assessing the schedule.

"Okay." He nodded and closed the folder in his hand.

We didn't choose any fancy restaurants.

Cui Yu drove him to a private restaurant with an elegant atmosphere, located a little distance from the park. The private rooms were situated by the water, offering a quiet and private environment.

Cui Yu had ordered the dishes in advance; they were lightly seasoned, catering to Meng Yihe's stomach.

There was no wine, only tea.

Cui Yu broke the silence. He didn't talk about work, but instead chatted about the restaurant's signature dishes and how the owner was supposedly the head chef of a five-star hotel before opening this small shop, catering only to regular customers.

Meng Yihe listened quietly, nodding occasionally, and ate her food with refined manners.

"Is the taste alright?" Cui Yu asked him. "It's better than the cafeteria food and soda crackers, right?"

Meng Yihe paused, looked up at him as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just gave a faint "hmm".

Cui Yu laughed, not minding his sparing use of words.

He knew that it was already a huge step forward that Meng Yihe could put down her work and sit here quietly to have a meal.

This meal was eaten very slowly.

Most of the time, Cui Yu talked about trivial matters, with Meng Yihe occasionally responding with a word or two. There was no intrigue, no strategic analysis, just a simple meal.

Finally, the teapot was empty.

Cui Yu looked at the person opposite him, his tone becoming slightly more serious: "Thank you for your hard work these past few days."

Meng Yihe paused slightly in her teacup, lowering her eyes to look at the tea leaves that had sunk to the bottom. After a long while, she said softly, "Likewise."

Cui Yu knew when to stop.

"Have you finished eating?" he asked.

"Um."

"Then let's go back, we have a meeting this afternoon."