The scene was nothing short of astonishing, a spectacle that would leave anyone dumbfounded upon witnessing it. A massive snapping turtle, of all creatures, was diligently working as a porter on the seabed, expertly maneuvering thick logs out of the wreckage of a sunken ship known as the Shenchuan.
Indeed, it was an unbelievable sight to behold. Bawang, the colossal snapping turtle, exerted tremendous effort in its laborious task. Initially, it relocated several bulky logs from the vessel and carefully arranged them on a level, open area near the wreckage. The commotion attracted the attention of a group of marine creatures, including some sizable ones measuring up to two meters in length.
As the sea creatures encountered the colossal Overlord (also called Bawang), they were taken aback and swiftly retreated to a safe distance.
The presence of the sunken vessel created a radius of exclusion, as no aquatic organisms dared to venture within a few hundred meters.
However, amidst the startled marine creatures was a massive deep-sea octopus measuring three to four meters long. It gazed perplexed at the Overlord, curious why it was causing such a reaction. The octopus, contemplating the sight before it, entertained the thought, " I have never seen a creature like Overlord, and I want to catch it and taste it. "
-Hmmm!
Unbeknownst to the octopus, its curiosity would lead to a swift and painful encounter. As it entangled Bawang with its tentacles, the octopus immediately felt a sharp pain, desperately trying to escape.
The Overlord, with its powerful jaws, had taken a bite out of the giant octopus, severing one of its tentacles. In a quick motion, the Overlord finished off the octopus with one of its razor-sharp claws, satisfied with its unexpected meal. With a hint of amusement, the Overlord remarked, " I'm getting a bit hungry, and it seems like some are willing to come to me. "
Pausing its labour momentarily, Bawang indulged in the freshly caught meal before resuming its work. Having satisfied its hunger, Bawang proceeded with the arduous task of dismantling the sunken ship. The decision to disassemble the vessel proved to be a pragmatic choice, making transporting logs considerably easier.
The next day, Liu Yong woke up from a nap, and before heading out, he made sure to inquire about Bawang's progress. He was pleased to learn that Bawang had worked tirelessly throughout the night. " Take your time, Bawang. Rest when you're tired, " Liu Yong advised.
Bawang replied, " Master, I'm not tired but a little hungry. I'll continue working after I fill my stomach. " Thanks to its robust physical constitution, Bawang could endure long hours of labour without experiencing fatigue, making overnight work manageable.
The dismantling of the shipwreck was nearing completion, exposing all the wood inside. Sensing the wood's potential value, Liu Yong instructed Bawang to move and neatly arrange all the logs in a nearby open space.
While Liu Yong was still determining the wood's nature, his intuition told him it might be something of value, offering a potential source of funding for his newly established Global Ocean Services.
With the responsibility of choosing the company's general manager, Liu Yong had just completed the interview process and selected Qiu Yang for the position. Qiu Yang, 42 years old and in the prime of his life, possessed a master's degree and a wealth of experience as a former vice president of a large shipping company.
Liu Yong firmly believed in his ability to assess people and saw great potential in Qiu Yang. Not only did Qiu Yang possess an impressive resume, but Liu Yong also found his character commendable.
When selecting individuals for his team, Liu Yong prioritized strong abilities, good moral character, and a sense of loyalty. While Qiu Yang met the first two criteria, only time would reveal his level of commitment.
Nevertheless, Liu Yong remained optimistic, convinced that with a good character, loyalty would naturally follow.
With the general manager position filled, Liu Yong could have spent more time conducting a short meeting. However, the gathering consisted of three individuals: Liu Yong himself, Qiu Yang, and Hu Shijun, who was appointed as the deputy general manager. Liu Yong delegated responsibilities, assigning Qiu Yang to oversee the company's daily operations while Hu Shijun assisted. As the Boss, Liu Yong clarified that his role would primarily focus on managing the company's overall direction.
Simultaneously, Liu Yong urged Qiu Yang and Hu Shijun to establish the company's framework swiftly and set it on the right track. Their primary objective was to initiate market development, secure contracts for deep-sea salvage and exploration, and ensure everything was in order before the arrival of the first cargo ship.
Curiosity sparked within Qiu Yang as he pondered the feasibility of engaging in deep-sea salvage and exploration. Seeking reassurance, he turned to Liu Yong, asking, "Boss, can we really undertake deep-sea salvage and exploration? "
Liu Yong responded unwaveringly, affirming, " No problem at all. Trust me, I have a solution. You don't have to worry. Just focus on getting the business back. "
Feeling assured by Liu Yong's conviction, Qiu Yang ceased questioning, trusting his Boss's expertise.
As the afternoon progressed, the trio shared a meal, fostering a sense of camaraderie and ease among them.
Meanwhile, Liu Yong received a message from Li Changle, notifying him of her impending arrival. The statement read, " Liu, I will be arriving today. Wait for me at the station, okay? "
Liu Yong promptly responded with a simple " OK " and immediately went to the high-speed rail station.
Checking the time, he waited patiently near the exit, feeling the weather's heat intensify.
Not wanting to succumb to the scorching heat, Liu Yong sought refuge at a nearby KFC. It provided him respite from the sweltering weather, and he felt calmer in the air-conditioned environment.
Settling at KFC, Liu Yong eagerly awaited Li Changle's arrival. Positioned strategically, he had a clear view of the station exit, just a short distance away.
As expected, Li Changle's high-speed train arrived on schedule without any delays. Liu Yong's eyes lit up with anticipation as he observed the crowd emerging from the station. Leaving KFC, he scanned the area until his gaze locked on Li Changle's presence among the group.
Impressed by her beauty, tall stature, and youthful demeanour, he couldn't help but marvel at her perfect appearance. Hoping for a pleasant personality devoid of trouble or princess-like behaviour, Liu Yong eagerly waved at her, his face adorned with joy.
In response, Li Changle noticed Liu Yong, offering a sweet smile as she waved back. Dragging her suitcase, she walked gracefully towards Liu Yong, exuding an air of elegance.
" You must have been waiting for quite some time, " Li Changle said, expressing concern.
" No, it hasn't been long since I arrived, " Liu Yong reassured her with a smile.
The scorching weather became apparent to Li Changle as they stood outside the station. Liu Yong, considerate of her comfort, suggested, " Are you feeling hot? Why don't I treat you to a sundae? "
Li Changle gladly accepted the offer, and they walked to a nearby KFC. Inside, they ordered two sundaes and sat down together, savouring the cold and sweet treat with their spoons.
The sundaes provided a refreshing respite from the heat, enhancing the delightful taste. Liu Yong couldn't help but think that they tasted even better than usual. The ice cream's creamy texture and the sweetness of the toppings brought them a moment of simple joy amid their busy lives.
As they enjoyed their sundaes, Liu Yong admired Li Changle's beauty and youthful charm. He silently hoped that her inner qualities would match her outward appearance.
With each passing moment, their conversation flowed naturally, allowing them to get to know each other better.
The encounter at the KFC marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. Liu Yong felt a sense of contentment, grateful for the opportunity to meet Li Changle and eager to embark on this journey together.
...........