Embarking on a journey from the quaint Dongn Village to the bustling county seat, Liu Yong found solace in his familiarity with the road, confidently navigating the path unaccompanied.
Lu Xiujie had thoughtfully shared the location map, yet Liu Yong possessed an innate knowledge of the route, rendering the need for navigation obsolete. The destination resided in a community opposite the school—a community that housed the newly acquired abode of Teacher Zhang.
In a remarkably brief span of 20 to 30 minutes, Liu Yong arrived at the gate of his forr high school, which had witnessed his transformative three-year educational sojourn. From there, his gaze extended towards the community that stood opposite, beckoning him to explore its alleys and corridors.
Veering leftward, Liu Yong directed his vehicle into the welcoming embrace of the community. Finding a suitable parking spot adjacent to Mr Zhang's residence, he disembarked, his eyes tracing the vertical ascent of the building. Intuitively, he deduced that 1201 denoted the dwelling's location on the 12th floor. This marked Liu Yong's inaugural visit to Mr Zhang's abode, and he was determined not to arrive empty-handed, considering it essential to bring a token of appreciation.
With purposeful strides, Liu Yong retrieved two bottles of Moutai and two of Zhonghua from the trunk, carefully securing them within bags. Balancing these prized offerings, he entered the tower, intent on delivering his heartfelt greetings.
Boarding the elevator, he ascended towards the twelfth level; after that, the musical strains of laughter reached his ears, filling the air with an infectious liveliness. Intrigued, Liu Yong discerned that the jovial commotion emanated from Room 1201, the epicentre of the festivity.
Nurous fellow students appeared to have gathered, their punctuality outweighing his arrival ti. Pondering this realization, Liu Yong silently acknowledged their tily attendance before advancing into the suite, clutching his gifts.
As he crossed the threshold, all eyes turned towards Liu Yong, their voices animatedly proclaiming his na with an air of familiarity and delight.
"Liu Yong, Liu Yong has graced us with his presence!"
"It's been years since we last saw him. Liu Yong has undergone quite the transformation; he's undeniably more handso than during our high school days."
"Not only that, but there's an aura of distinction about him now."
Smiling warmly, Liu Yong reciprocated the enthusiastic greetings, offering gentle waves of acknowledgent to his peers. Spotting Teacher Zhang amidst the crowd, he took a few steps forward.
"Teacher, a jubilant birthday to you," Liu Yong greeted, extending the items in his possession towards Mr Zhang.
Appreciatively accepting the proffered gifts, Mr Zhang voiced concern, "Liu Yong, what more have you brought? There's no need to burden yourself with such gestures whenever you visit."
Liu Yong's smile persisted, his response brimming with sincerity, "Teacher, knowing your fondness for a drink and a smoke, these two bottles of wine and two packs of cigarettes seed only fitting."
Observing the contents within the bag, Ms Zhang's initial surprise transford into a gracious smile. "These gifts are rather extravagant; you needn't have gone through such trouble. Perhaps you can take them back with you later."
Unyielding, Liu Yong insisted, "Teacher, I've brought these items with utmost sincerity. I implore you to accept them, sparing the task of returning empty-handed."
Swayed by Liu Yong's determination and awareness of her affinity for these indulgences, Ms Zhang's smile widened as she ushered the offerings into the interior of the dwelling.
Engaging in a heartfelt conversation, the atmosphere gradually shifted to encompass the topic of Liu Yong's entrepreneurial endeavours within the vibrant confines of Huahai City.
"Rumor has it that you've established a small company in Huahai City, venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship," ng Hengsheng, a high-achieving alumnus who had secured admission to Huahai University, interjected, his tone laced with a hint of superiority.
Liu Yong's smile turned understated as he gracefully affird, "Indeed, I find myself situated in Huahai City, treading the path of entrepreneurship during this nascent phase."
ng Hengsheng, embodying an air of self-assurance, seized the opportunity to showcase his accomplishnts. "I, too have launched a company in Huahai City, and allow to share my contact information with you."
Extending a ticulously crafted business card embossed with an air of elegance, ng Hengsheng presented it to Liu Yong. The latter, however, fumbled slightly, realizing he rarely carried business cards, a display of his apologetic smile serving as an explanation.
An astute classmate interjected, "Liu Yong, Brother ng's business has flourished trendously. He specializes in international trade, overseeing transactions amounting to tens of millions annually."
Envious gazes abounded, casting their glance in ng Hengsheng's direction. Basking in the adulation, he feigned modesty, casually remarking, "Tens of millions? That's rely child's play in the grand arena of international trade—a modest accomplishnt, at best."
"Brother ng, with such an impressive volu, the profits must be in the millions! We, on the other hand, are still toiling away at part-ti jobs, earning a ager few thousand dollars per month."
"Indeed, Brother ng stands as the paragon of our class, the embodint of promise and success. We can't help but envy you."
Amidst the flurry of complints cascading towards ng Hengsheng, he retained an air of composure, having grown accustod to such accolades, the centre of attention for one and all. anwhile, Teacher Zhang erged from one of the rooms, a wistful smile etched upon his face, observing the discourse around ng Hengsheng.
As their collective transition into adulthood unfolded, the students underwent subtle transformations. Innocence waned, replaced by a newfound understanding of social acclaim and worldly matters.
Seated on the periphery, Liu Yong quietly contemplated, unaffected by the words exchanged among his peers. Sipping tea leisurely, he appeared impervious to their banter, unswayed by their attempts to overshadow his presence.
Gradually, the conversation gravitated towards the illustrious Global Shipping Group—a topic that seized the collective interest.
"Surely, you're all aware of the celebrity within our county—the renowned Global Shipping Group," one individual initiated, ensuring the query ignited recognition among the listeners.
"Of course, I've heard of it—a colossal conglorate with a valuation in the billions. I recall they recently conducted a county-wide recruitnt drive to bolster their crew. Unfortunately, being away at work, I missed that opportunity. I've heard murmurs of another round of recruitnt taking place soon."
"I, too, aspire to join the ranks of Global Shipping Group's crew mbers. If fate allows, perhaps I'll secure a position."
Amidst contemplative silence, several students expressed their longing to embark on a nautical career, fully aware of the allure of such a job compared to their current part-ti employnt. In a class of 52 students, most struggled to emulate ng Hengsheng's success, while the possibility of joining a multinational conglorate seed like a distant dream.
Having expressed their collective yearning, the discussion delved deeper, with one student ntioning, "The founder of Global Shipping Group hails from our county, and I hear he's remarkably young."
With expectant gazes now fixated on ng Hengsheng, it beca evident that their curiosity regarding this enigmatic figure had been piqued.
ng Hengsheng spoke confidently, asserting, "I am acquainted with the founder of Global Shipping Group. We've had several conversations."
Gasps of surprise reverberated throughout the room.
"Brother ng, you're truly remarkable!"
"Brother ng, the founder of Global Shipping Group is incredibly young."
Basking in the adulation, ng Hengsheng bead, "The boss of Global Shipping Group is in his thirties, and his na is Liu Yong."
A collective realization swept through the room as many pairs of eyes fixed upon Liu Yong, who calmly savoured his tea in a secluded corner. Soone couldn't resist exclaiming, "Liu Yong, the founder of Global Shipping Group, shares your na!"
Laughter erupted, echoing through the room.
The underlying ssage was clear: sharing a na didn't equate to shared success. While the billionaire Liu Yong commanded a net worth in the billions, Liu Yong, in his midst, claiming to operate his own company, likely ran a modest venture with only a handful of employees.
Amidst the laughter and the gazes fixed upon him, Liu Yong remained unperturbed, his countenance serene. A faint smile graced his lips as he raised his teacup to his mouth, taking a sip.
Trees crave tranquillity, yet the wind shows no respite.
Liu Yong sought a calm mont, but ng Hengsheng seed determined to undermine his tranquillity.
"Liu Yong, you and the founder of Global Shipping Group share the sa na. Pray tell, what kind of company do you run in Huahai City, and what line of business are you engaged in?"
All eyes turned to Liu Yong, awaiting his response.
Unbeknownst to Liu Yong, ng Hengsheng aid to establish his sense of superiority in the presence of their peers. ng Hengsheng firmly believed that Liu Yong's company must be minuscule, staffed by a re three or five employees.
Setting his teacup down, Liu Yong smiled and calmly replied, "I operate a mariti shipping company in Huahai City, and it goes by the na of Global Shipping Group."
ng Hengsheng interjected, "Liu Yong, your company is also nad Global Shipping Group, the sa as his company."
Astonishnt painted the faces of many as their collective gaze shifted towards Liu Yong. Perplexed, they wondered how two companies could share the sa na.
Yet, a select few individuals seed to grasp the situation, contemplating silently: "Good heavens, this can't be true. Liu Yong from our class couldn't possibly be the billionaire Liu Yong."
...
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