Chen Hu embarked on a long journey, driving for over an hour through the vast outskirts until he finally arrived at the warehouse.
Nestled in the rural expanse, the location boasted a well-developed road network, making the commute smooth and unhindered. The road to the warehouse stretched wide and flat, a testament to its easy accessibility.
Situated in a region abundant with natural coastal beauty, the area thrived on its rural character, with the local population predominantly engaged in aquaculture and sea fishing to sustain their livelihoods.
The coastline revealed extensive tidal flats, carefully utilized for aquaculture purposes, while further out to sea, clusters of aquaculture cages could be spotted.
As the middleman began to explain, it became clear that the warehouse owner, previously involved in the seafood industry, sought a change in direction due to age.
Consequently, the warehouse stood vacant, and the owner was more than willing to rent it for a nominal fee.
Liu Yong pondered the situation and wondered, " What about his children? Couldn't they continue with the seafood business? "
The intermediary replied with a hint of disappointment, " He has just one son, who adamantly refuses to return from Country M. "
Understanding the circumstances, Liu Yong contemplated the warehouse's potential and expressed his desire to see it firsthand.
" Why the sudden interest in renting a warehouse? " he asked.
Liu Yong's reasoning revolved around the presence of "Bawang," anticipating the discovery of various items on the seabed.
However, transporting those findings to a different location where Bawang was absent posed risks, as other individuals might stumble upon valuable items such as woollen cloth.
Bawang had overgrown, gaining almost one circle in circumference each day. It weighed slightly over one ton a few days ago but surpassed two tons.
Foreseeing its relentless growth, Liu Yong speculated that Bawang could reach a staggering weight of 10 tons or even more.
If such an enormous creature were to emerge from the sea and attract attention or be photographed by others, it would pose significant challenges.
Having a warehouse close to the sea offered undeniable advantages. Liu Yong envisioned Overlord, the nickname for his endeavour, storing the discovered items safely within the warehouse, shielded from prying eyes.
Liu Yong sought an ideal warehouse near the sea yet secluded from bustling areas. He desired a place free from neighbouring buildings or inhabitants, ensuring utmost privacy and security.
It gradually came into view as they approached the warehouse during the drive. Sitting in the passenger seat, the middleman gestured toward the building by the sea and announced, " Mr Liu, do you see that? That's the warehouse. "
Liu Yong turned his gaze, captivated by the sight. The warehouse stood right beside the sea, its concrete foundation almost within reach of the seawater. It exuded an imposing presence, appearing considerably spacious.
Impressed by the warehouse's exterior, Liu Yong couldn't help but remark, " It looks quite remarkable. "
Upon passing through the warehouse gate, they observed that the walls and gates enclosed the premises. Inside, two buildings stood side by side. The larger of the two was the warehouse, while the two-story building likely served as accommodation for the staff or workers.
Already awaiting their arrival was the warehouse owner, a man with greying hair who seemed to be in his sixties. Xiao Zhou, the middleman, introduced introductions, bridging the gap between both parties before embarking on a tour of the premises. Upon opening the warehouse door, they were greeted by a vast, open interior.
The warehouse owner took the opportunity to provide further details, stating, " This warehouse used to be primarily used for sorting and packaging seafood. It spans an area of over 2,800 square meters. "
While the owner shared these introductory remarks, Liu Yong focused on the warehouse's interior. Intrigued by what he saw, he couldn't help but approach quickly to explore further.
Pointing to a waterway leading directly from the warehouse to the sea, the owner explained, " This is a specially built waterway. Our fishing boats used for transporting seafood can enter the warehouse directly, allowing for convenient unloading. "
Liu Yong was astounded, exclaiming, " Having such a waterway is incredible! "
The presence of a waterway, constructed with sturdy reinforced concrete and spanning a width of 20 to 30 meters, filled with seawater, left Liu Yong impressed. From the channel, one could gaze out towards the vast expanse of the sea.
The waterway's depth hinted at its capacity to accommodate fishing boats weighing hundreds of tons, allowing them to enter the warehouse efficiently. Furthermore, there were gates in place that, when lowered, ensured the security and safeguarding of the warehouse.
With its unique attributes, this warehouse was perfect for Liu Yong's vision. He envisioned Bawang discreetly entering the warehouse through this waterway, transporting the discovered items from the sea.
As he gazed at the waterway, Liu Yong's excitement couldn't be contained. The prospect of having such a tailored warehouse near the sea, secluded and equipped with outstanding features, thrilled him.
Meanwhile, back at the office of Hongda Redwood Group, Zhao Zhenbiao, a well-known figure in the domestic mahogany industry, felt a sense of irritability as he smoked a stale cigarette. Despite his reputation, he faced a vexing predicament.
Recently, a client requested a custom-made set of high-end desks, explicitly demanding that the entire desktop be crafted from a piece of golden nanmu wood. Given its scarcity, Zhao Zhenbiao knew that acquiring such a sizeable golden nanmu was nearly impossible. However, he dared not oppose the client, notorious for his violent temperament.
Unable to find a giant golden nanmu even after more than ten days of exhaustive searching, Zhao Zhenbiao's frustration grew.
-TOK! TOK!
Suddenly, there was a knock on the office door, and Wu Qingshan, the vice president of Hongda Group, entered. Observing Zhao Zhenbiao smoking and sensing his agitation, Wu Qingshan spoke softly, " Boss, I've been thinking about that golden nanmu issue. "
Zhao Zhenbiao extinguished the cigarette butt in the ashtray and sighed
" It's been days, and we've made no progress. I fear there's little hope. "
Wu Qingshan spoke optimistically, saying, " I have an idea we can try. "
Perking up at the prospect of a solution, Zhao Zhenbiao eagerly asked, " What can we do? Tell me quickly. "
...........
Creation is hard, cheer me up!