Chapter 35: DreamSphere Technology

Du Qiu had been an observer all along, not quite understanding what Uncle Tang was up to with his mysterious plans.

Now, hearing Tang Wenhai’s words, how could he not understand Uncle Tang’s true intentions?

Du Qiu was inexplicably moved. Just the other day, he had mentioned in jest that he was considering starting a business and might need a loan.

Tang Wenhai was already considering an affordable rental space for him.

Director Shao was initially taken aback but quickly grasped Tang Wenhai’s intention, muttering to himself, “What a sly fox!”

Nevertheless, there was no loss for him in this situation—renting the factory was the same to anyone.

The clout of a party school classmate stood no chance against the face-value of the deputy head of the Criminal Police Brigade.

Besides, Tang Wenhai’s implication was clear: opening a KTV in this place would not pass fire inspection regulations.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry, Officer Tang didn’t introduce me earlier. My name is Shao Wenhua, the deputy director in charge of property management in this industrial park. It’s an honor for us to have Dr. Du consider starting his business in our park.”

Director Shao’s greasy hands immediately clasped Du Qiu’s right hand and shook it vigorously, expressing his respect repeatedly, as if Du Qiu were a renowned scholar.

“Director Shao is too kind. Uncle Tang has been very concerned about my business venture. He mentioned that there is a suitable space available here and spoke highly of the park’s services, and Director Shao has been so enthusiastic, so I took the liberty of visiting,” said Du Qiu.

Du Qiu was no stranger to such bureaucratic social interactions, having been exposed to them through his academic supervisor, and he naturally flattered Director Shao in his response.

After a friendly chat between the two, with Tang Wenhai occasionally chiming in to help, Director Shao decided on the spot to rent the factory space to Du Qiu.

Even more, the park would assign a specialist to help Du Qiu with one-stop services, such as enterprise registration and tax affairs.

In addition, the park would provide other services, such as helping Du Qiu apply for relevant entrepreneurial support funds, tax reductions, and other preferential policies.

Presented with such an opportunity, Du Qiu would naturally not let it slip by—he was precisely looking for help.

He immediately signed a rental contract with Director Shao in the name of DreamSphere Technology Co., Ltd. (Preparing).

The agreement stated that once the company was registered and the capital verified, he would immediately pay the rent.

Du Qiu was well aware that such deals wouldn’t come by again once missed.

Such affordable rent was now only available in the farther districts of Magic City.

The longer he delayed, the more likely the rent would return to normal as the shadow of the murder case faded.

Another point that pleased Du Qiu was the park offering free assistance with company registration. With their involvement, he estimated the paperwork could be completed in a day or two.

Upon hearing from Director Shao that the car repair shop’s equipment had been pawned to the park by the boss’s wife for 300,000 yuan as a penalty for abandoning the lease,

Du Qiu immediately paid the 300,000 yuan and took over all the equipment of the repair shop.

The DaHua car repair shop was originally a secondary repair facility, but in recent years the owner added some new equipment in preparation for applying for a first-class qualification.

Du Qiu was particularly interested in several pieces of newer equipment, as he had just come from a self-driving technology company and planned to return to that field in the future.

After all, self-driving was also a field within intelligent machinery.

Though most of the equipment was intended for car repairs, some could be modified by him to meet the experimental needs of self-driving cars.

After settling all matters, Director Shao happily returned to the park office to arrange for Du Qiu’s company registration to be expedited, eager for the rent to be recorded once the company was established.

“Uncle Tang, thank you,” said Du Qiu, despite knowing it was a bit inappropriate to say thanks in such a familiar context.

“Don’t be pretentious with me. Didn’t you want me to help you get some real benefits for your startup? Knowing that there was a cheap rental here, of course I would help you secure it.

I didn’t expect Shao Wenhua to move so quickly, finding a Mr. Huang who wanted to open a KTV,” Uncle Tang replied.

“Uncle Tang, this factory really can’t be turned into a KTV?” Du Qiu asked.

“Nonsense. Did you think I was deliberately making trouble for them? Let me tell you, if your company isn’t environmentally friendly, believe it or not, I will immediately have it shut down,” Tang Wenhai retorted.

“Uncle Tang, since I’m a high-tech enterprise, how could I not meet environmental standards?” Du Qiu responded.

Tang Wenhai shook his head and replied, “That’s not always certain. Nowadays, there are quite a few companies that use the guise of high-tech but are the worst polluters.

You know, this industrial park is right next to our Tianhai neighborhood. It took a lot of effort to relocate those polluting factories over the years. If you suddenly cause pollution, the whole neighborhood will block your company’s entrance.”

“Uncle Tang, don’t you trust me?” Du Qiu questioned.

“I actually have some doubts,” Tang Wenhai half-jokingly answered, then, as if remembering something, said, “You seem quite generous with the payments. Doesn’t look like you’re short on money or need a loan. I don’t think you’ll need Aunt Zhao to get you one anymore…”

“Don’t say that! After paying this rent, I’ll need to buy quite a number of production and experimental devices, and then I’ll be out of working capital. Didn’t you see I even bought these old devices?” Du Qiu explained.

“Are you really planning on getting a loan?” Tang Wenhai asked, somewhat concerned.

“Who can earn money without a loan when starting a company? Don’t worry, I won’t borrow more than I can repay,” Du Qiu assured him.

“Alright, if you’re ever short on cash, just say the word. I’ve saved some money over the years. Your brother Yufei has given his life to the military—probably won’t need it,” Tang Wenhai commented, his expression growing complicated.

Du Qiu understood Tang Wenhai’s feelings and quickly consoled him, “Uncle Tang, these couple of years are crucial for the carrier’s combat readiness. Brother Yufei is our country’s first-generation carrier-based aircraft pilot; it’s normal for him not to be able to come back and see you guys.”

Tang Wenhai’s only child, Tang Yufei, was a carrier-based aircraft pilot and hadn’t come home for two consecutive years.

“Sigh, I really think too much now that I’m old.”

“Uncle Tang, you’re not old at all. Who knows, maybe you’ll get promoted and become a city bureau leader,” Du Qiu replied.

“Kid, stop blabbering. These kind of matters can’t just be mentioned carelessly,” Tang Wenhai chided, and glanced at Du Qiu. “Now that you’ve got the factory, you’ll be busy. I’ll head back to the brigade myself.”

“Uncle Tang, should I see you out?” Du Qiu offered.

“No need. It’s very convenient to catch a cab,” Tang Wenhai said, waving his hand and leaving on his own.

Looking at the vast factory in front of him, Du Qiu shouted excitedly, “DreamSphere Technology is born!”

“Liu Yaofeng, have you found a job yet?”

“Thanks for asking, boss. I just got one, also in self-driving. Started today. What about you, boss?”

“Nice going! With your skills and knowledge in electrical engineering, you’re the most sought-after talent in the job market, especially in a company that’s developing self-driving technology,” Du Qiu reflected.

“Not bad… I’d have taken a bit more rest if it wasn’t for my girlfriend urging me. I bet the company you found is definitely better than this one,” Liu Yaofeng said.

“I’ve started my own company, and I’ve just secured the location…” Du Qiu began.

But he was interrupted by Liu Yaofeng.

“Holy moly, boss, you’re awesome for starting your own business! Wait for me, I’ll quit my job right now. Got to follow you, boss!” Liu Yaofeng said excitedly.

“Hey, I can’t offer you the salary you’re getting there. Aren’t you afraid your girlfriend will be upset?” Du Qiu asked.

“As long as I have food on my table, I’m good. I deeply believe you have something great going on, and it’s worth working for,” Liu Yaofeng insisted.

“You should think it ove—”

But the call had already ended with a series of beeps. Liu Yaofeng had hung up.

Du Qiu felt a warmth in his heart. In the year at Luxing Technology, meeting Liu Yaofeng, a true friend, was indeed valuable.

He then sent a message to Yuan Minhua.

“Sister Yuan, I’ve started my own company. If you haven’t found a better place and don’t mind my small temple with less generous offerings, I cordially invite you to join,” Du Qiu messaged.

As Du Qiu’s company launches, dear readers and officials, come and celebrate with your votes and rewards!