Chapter Fifty: The Northern Consortium

As the engines roared to life, the plane shot upward, piercing through the clouds on its way to their destination.

Gazing at the billowing clouds below, Zhang Mingyang couldn’t help but ask, “Brother Peng, where are we headed this time?”

Peng Dongli replied, “First, we’re going to Northern Group to tour their spacecraft electronics division. After that, we’ll visit the raw materials plant to inspect the quality of the materials used in the hull.”

At the mention of Northern Group, Tian Wenyuan became instantly excited. “Do you know,” he exclaimed, “Northern Group is our nation’s research and innovation leader! In just over twenty years since its founding, it has monopolized most emerging industries. They’re global frontrunners in aerospace, new energy, advanced materials, and smart pharmaceuticals.”

Of course Zhang Mingyang had heard of Northern Group. He’d actually planned to intern there, which was why he’d turned down the job Wang Bowen had recommended.

But that wasn’t all. Peng Dongli added, “The most unique thing about Northern Group is that it’s a private company. And, apparently, it has ties to our university.”

“I never heard about that,” Zhang Mingyang said, shaking his head.

Peng Dongli continued, “Northern Group was founded around the same time as North China Union University. Their chairman, Nie Zihao, is actually a professor at our university—a rather legendary figure. It’s said that less than a year after the university was established, Nie Zihao left abruptly. Despite being a humanities professor, he founded a research company that, in under ten years, became one of the world’s top three R&D enterprises. Another interesting fact: for reasons unknown, Northern Group loves recruiting graduates from our university. About one-third of their employees are alumni.”

Zhang Mingyang nodded. “That I do know. Back at school, I’d heard they preferred hiring our people. Before the base recruited me, I’d already been preparing to intern there. If the base hadn’t needed people, I’d already be working for them.”

“Hey, Brother Peng, how do you know all this?” Tian Wenyuan asked, eyeing him curiously.

Peng Dongli just smiled and pulled a card from his pocket, hanging it around his neck.

Zhang Mingyang leaned in and read aloud, “Northern Group New Materials Company General Manager—Peng Dongli!”

Startled, Zhang Mingyang stared at him. “Brother Peng, you work at Northern Group?”

Tian Wenyuan was equally incredulous. “When did you become a Northern Group employee, let alone a general manager?”

Peng Dongli waved them off, urging calm. “I always have been. You just never asked.”

Still unconvinced, Tian Wenyuan stepped closer, peering at the badge on Peng Dongli’s chest.

“But Brother Peng, if you’re with Northern Group—especially as a general manager—what brings you to the base? I’ve heard their salaries are sky-high. Why come here and put up with all this hardship?” Zhang Mingyang asked.

“That’s where you’re mistaken,” Peng Dongli replied. “No private company can thrive without the support of the nation. Especially now, when the country needs talent, it’s only right for private enterprises like ours to answer the call and help build the nation. We’re not like those companies in M Country, draped in the banner of patriotism but caring only for profit.”

“Well said!” Tian Wenyuan nodded approvingly, giving Peng Dongli a hearty thumbs-up.

“And what about your work and your family, now that you’ve come to the base?” Zhang Mingyang pressed.

“That’s easily handled,” Peng Dongli said. “My position is held for me while I’m away, salary paid as usual—and doubled, in fact. Don’t forget, everyone at the base is top of their field. Working with them benefits me personally and brings tremendous prestige and technical progress to the company. That’s why they want me involved.”

“Makes sense,” Zhang Mingyang agreed.

“Enough about that,” Tian Wenyuan interjected, looking at Peng Dongli. “Since we’re visiting your company, as our host, shouldn’t you treat us to something?”

Peng Dongli understood at once and pounded his chest in assurance. “Rest easy, you two. Once we get to Xiping, just say the word—whatever you want to eat or do, it’s on me.”

“That’s more like it,” Tian Wenyuan said, sharing a laugh with Zhang Mingyang.

“Looks like we’ll have to trouble you, senior,” Zhang Mingyang added.

“It’s no trouble. It’s not even my money—it’s all reimbursed by the company.”

The three of them burst into laughter.

...

An hour later, the plane touched down smoothly at Xiping International Airport.

Since they’d arrived on a military flight, they bypassed the main terminal and exited through a special military passage.

Outside the terminal, Tian Wenyuan was about to call a car, but Peng Dongli stopped him.

“No need. Our company should have sent someone already.”

He hadn’t finished speaking when a black business vehicle pulled up in front of them. A man in a black suit stepped out and hurried over to shake Peng Dongli’s hand.

“Mr. Peng, the company sent me to pick you up.”

“Good.”

Peng Dongli instructed the driver to open the trunk, and they loaded their luggage. Soon, all three were settled in the car.

“Let’s go,” Peng Dongli said.

The driver pulled away, heading for Northern Group’s headquarters.

On the way, Peng Dongli asked about their schedule for the day.

“Mr. Peng,” the driver replied, “I’ll drop you at the company hotel. You can put your things down and rest. This evening, President Li will personally host a welcome dinner.”

Peng Dongli nodded. “Very good.”

He turned to Zhang Mingyang and Tian Wenyuan. “Either of you have any requests?”

They shook their heads in unison. “We’ll follow your lead.”

Seeing their hesitation, Peng Dongli smiled. “Then I’ll make the arrangements?”

“Go ahead, go ahead,” they replied.

Looking out at the cityscape of Xiping, Zhang Mingyang couldn’t help but marvel. No wonder this was the technological heart of the nation—the city radiated innovation at every corner. Above, magnetic levitation trains zipped by; on the streets, driverless vehicles glided silently; along the sidewalks, smart facilities lined the way, all setting this city apart from any other.

Half an hour later, Peng Dongli pointed out the window. “We’ve arrived.”

They looked in the direction he indicated and saw a round building standing proudly in the distance. With its blue exterior, it resembled a giant blue planet from afar—utterly awe-inspiring.

Tian Wenyuan was visibly moved. “Old Tian, I’ve seen photos of your company’s headquarters, and those alone were impressive. But seeing it in person—it's on an entirely different level.”

Peng Dongli laughed. “Of course. Our headquarters is one of a kind in the world. The upper circular structure is three hundred meters high and three hundred meters wide, set atop a square base. You’ve heard the saying ‘heaven is round, earth is square’—our building embodies that perfectly.”