Chapter 37: Shipbuilding & Riches

Liu Yong had a lengthy conversation with Li Changle, and they agreed to meet at the high-speed railway station. However, Liu Yong's plans took a turn when he received a phone call from the headhunting company.

The phone call was about the information on the three individuals opting for the job in Global Ocean Service.

So, in response to the call, Liu Yong told the headhunting company that he and the other two individuals would arrive for interviews the following day. He also mentioned that he would personally conduct the interviews.

After the phone call, Liu Yong checked the time and left the company. As he stepped into the front hall on the 42nd floor, shared by two companies, he encountered Zhao Zhenbiao wearing an uninviting expression. Two individuals stood behind Zhao Zhenbiao, mirroring his stern demeanour.

Initially, Liu Yong intended to approach Zhao Zhenbiao and show him some photos he had taken, hoping to gain insight into the type of wood depicted. After all, Zhao Zhenbiao was an expert in the field. However, upon observing their unfavourable expressions, Liu Yong decided against it. Instead, he greeted them politely before entering the elevator, understanding that the opportunity would arise at a more suitable time.

With plenty of time, Liu Yong set out to inquire about the price of a 10,000-ton giant ship. Global Ocean Services, the company he own, had a significant presence in ocean transportation, necessitating the need for ships. Huahai City, where Liu Yong was located, boasted a thriving shipbuilding industry, with notable shipbuilding companies such as Qiming County specializing in this field.

Liu Yong planned to visit Qidong Shipyard in Qiming County and had already made arrangements with the company. As he approached the parking lot, he was greeted by Hu Shijun and Chen Hu, who were waiting for him.

" Hello, Brother Yong, " Chen Hu called out.

" Hi, boss! " Hu Shijun also greeted.

Liu Yong acknowledged their presence and instructed them to get in the car for their journey to Qidong Shipyard. Chen Hu took the car keys and settled into the driver's seat while Hu Shijun occupied the co-pilot's seat.

As Liu Yong sat in the car's spacious and comfortable rear seat, he couldn't help but appreciate the luxury and convenience of being the boss. No longer did he have to drive whenever he went out personally.

Their destination, Qidong Shipyard, was a two-hour drive away, and Chen Hu showcased his excellent driving skills, ensuring a fast and smooth journey.

Just as they were nearing the factory gate, Liu Yong called to notify a manager he had been in contact with. The manager promptly approached and guided them into the shipyard's factory area, where they embarked on a tour.

It was an awe-inspiring sight for Liu Yong, witnessing the construction of an enormous ship for the first time. Even ships in the 10,000-ton class were considered relatively small, with most vessels exceeding 100,000 tons. The largest ship under construction at the shipyard was a bulk cargo vessel with a displacement exceeding 200,000 tons.

Liu Yong marvelled at the ship's scale, and the manager took the opportunity to provide further information. He mentioned that the shipyard had previously delivered a container ship exceeding 300,000 tons, emphasizing that it was their most significant accomplishment. The manager introduced various types of vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, and large oil tankers.

Regardless of size, the shipyard had the expertise to construct ships ranging from several thousand tons to over 300,000 tons. Liu Yong had a rough plan for the company's first ship—a 10,000-ton offshore bulk cargo vessel primarily operating along coastal routes, potentially expanding its reach to Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea.

The manager escorted Liu Yong and his companions to the shipyard's reception room, where they were warmly received. Over a cup of hot tea, they delved into business discussions.

" Mr. Liu, what kind of ship do you wish to order? " the manager inquired.

Liu Yong pondered momentarily and responded, " Do you have any ships in stock that we can purchase and have delivered immediately? "

" I'm sorry, but that's not how it typically works in our industry. We usually receive orders first and then design and build the ships according to the customers' requirements, " the manager explained.

Liu Yong nodded in understanding and continued, " Could you provide me with an overview of the prices for your ships? "

The manager gave a rough estimate of the prices for each ship category. For a 10,000-ton offshore bulk cargo vessel, the price range varied from tens to hundreds of millions of yuan, depending on the specific customer requirements.

As Liu Yong contemplated the prices, he realized he lacked sufficient funds. With only less than 20 million yuan at his disposal, he decided to proceed by paying a deposit initially.

" Mr. Liu, which type of vessel would you like to order? " the manager asked again.

After careful consideration, Liu Yong responded, " Let's proceed with ordering a 10,000-ton offshore bulk cargo vessel for now. "

The manager approved, stating that offshore bulk cargo vessels were a favourable choice for transporting commodities like coal and iron ore. He highlighted the recent increase in the coal transportation business and assured Liu Yong that a 10,000-ton offshore bulk cargo vessel would prove profitable within a few years.

Profitability typically requires several years to achieve, although, during lean periods, it could extend to ten years. Nevertheless, with a ship's service life ranging from 20 to 30 years, once the initial costs were recovered, the subsequent period would yield pure profit.

Liu Yong finalized the deal by paying a 5-million yuan deposit. With the business matters concluded, the shipyard hosted a banquet for Liu Yong and his companions, acknowledging the significance of this multimillion-dollar venture.

During the banquet, a vice president of Qidong Shipyard graced the event, further demonstrating the shipyard's commitment to the partnership. The evening passed swiftly, and it was already well past ten o'clock when Liu Yong returned home.

Despite the late hour, Liu Yong's spirits were high. The company's first shipment was underway and scheduled for delivery in a few months. Looking ahead, Liu Yong dreamed of expanding the company's fleet to include ocean-going vessels exceeding 100,000 tons and massive oil tankers. The transportation of oil from the Middle East promised substantial profits.

As the night drew close, Liu Yong prepared for an important event the following morning. After freshening up, he retired to bed but not before engaging in a brief WeChat conversation with Li Changle.

Settling into bed, Liu Yong soon drifted into a peaceful slumber.

Meanwhile, deep beneath the ocean's surface, the diligent Overlord followed Liu Yong's instructions. Engaged in shipbreaking, Overlord meticulously extracted the ancient shipwreck's wooden components, leaving no valuable item behind.

With the dismantling process complete, the search for valuable artifacts commenced. Although the vessels were disassembled, it was still possible to find useful items if luck was on their side.

Bawang, the loyal companion, tirelessly assisted in the endeavour. Over time, Bawang had grown significantly, nearing a weight of 1,000 kilograms. Its attributes had improved, particularly his strength, making it a formidable presence akin to a modern-day Hercules.

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