As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

“Your visit today is quite timely. I happened to have something to discuss with you,” Lao Jiang’s words left Zhou Chao looking puzzled. He couldn’t fathom what business Lao Jiang could have with him.

“Grandpa, what’s the matter?”

“Well talk after dinner, no rush.” Grandfather Jiang, with a calm demeanor, didn’t pursue the matter further.

Jiang Youdao, who had entered the kitchen earlier, emerged with a tray of dishes. Zhou Chao and Jiang Li rushed towards the kitchen to assist, and in no time, the table was filled with delicious dishes.

“Grandpa, it’s time for dinner!” Zhou Chao walked up to the sofa and softly called out.

Lao Jiang, who had been resting his eyes, opened them upon hearing Zhou Chao’s voice. Zhou Chao could see a spark of vitality in Lao Jiang’s eyes.

“Let’s go. Why are you staring at me?” Lao Jiang looked at Zhou Chao, who was fixedly gazing at him, and asked.

“I just thought of something, Grandpa,” Zhou Chao scratched his head sheepishly.

“You clever lad! Come on, let’s eat!” Lao Jiang walked toward the dining table, and Zhou Chao quickly followed suit, taking a seat next to Jiang Li.

The dining table was unusually quiet, which suited Zhou Chao just fine since he preferred eating in silence. He dug into his meal with relish.

The food cooked by Auntie was surprisingly delicious, and Zhou Chao ended up eating two large bowls of rice with tears in his eyes.

When Zhou Chao finished his meal and was about to clear the table, Lao Jiang stopped him.

“Xiaochao, have Jiang Li tidy up; you come upstairs with me.” Zhou Chao glanced at Jiang Li, who nodded in agreement. He then put down the dishes and followed Lao Jiang upstairs.

As they entered the study, Zhou Chao noticed a framed calligraphy on the wall with four characters written on it: “Revive Huaxia”.

“Please close the door.” Zhou Chao pushed the study door shut.

“Take a seat wherever you like.” Lao Jiang poured tea from a teapot and handed it to Zhou Chao.

“Grandpa, what’s the matter? Why are you being so secretive?”

“Young lad, why are you in such a hurry? Don’t rush things; patience is a virtue. You still have much to learn in this regard,” Lao Jiang poured the steeped tea into a cup and handed it to Zhou Chao.

“Thank you, Grandpa.” Zhou Chao accepted the tea with both hands, enjoying the pleasant aroma.

Lao Jiang didn’t say anything and started sipping his own tea. Zhou Chao understood that Lao Jiang was testing his impatience.

Time passed, and half an hour went by before Lao Jiang finally set down his teacup.

“You young lad, not bad at all! Jiang Li didn’t misjudge you.” The sudden praise left Zhou Chao pleasantly surprised.

Without waiting for Zhou Chao to respond, Lao Jiang continued, “We have successfully developed the first 511m lithography machine, and its efficiency has already surpassed any other in the world.”

“Really?” Zhou Chao stood up from his chair, excitement coursing through him.

“Of course, it’s real. Moreover, we have you to thank. Without your contributions, who knows how many more years we would have needed to reach this stage. We’ve also completed the necessary supporting equipment for the lithography machine. Now, we no longer have to worry about being blocked. Many domestic companies will embark on new paths as well!”

Lao Jiang’s excitement grew with every word. Perhaps only those of their older generation could truly understand the hardships they had faced. Back then, they had to make progress through experimentation or uncertainty, but now things had changed for the better.

The successful development of the 511m lithography machine represented a significant advancement in China’s technological capabilities and placed them at the forefront of the global tech industry.

“I won’t say more. The decision from above is that on the Lantern Festival, we will send out our unique message to the world!” Lao Jiang stood up with excitement, looking at his tightly clenched fist. He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Zhou Chao’s heart was surging with emotions, and he struggled to find the right words to express his excitement. In this moment, he realized what he should do.

In his heart, Zhou Chao condensed his thoughts into one phrase: “Innovate in technology to strengthen the nation’s foundation!”

“By the way, Xiaochao, there might be some personal rewards from higher-ups when the time comes. Someone will come to see you then,” Lao Jiang added. Zhou Chao nodded silently.

“All right, you can go now. You’ve been keeping this old man company for quite a while, and your heart is probably already down there!”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao was surprised and hadn’t expected that Lao Jiang had such an amusing side to him.

“Grandpa, then I’ll head downstairs!” Zhou Chao stood up, bowed slightly, and turned to open the study door before making his way downstairs.

“You finally came down! What were you discussing with Grandpa upstairs?” Jiang Li, wearing a curious expression, leaned in closer to Zhou Chao’s ear and whispered.

Zhou Chao turned and gently pinched Jiang Li’s nose, whispering three words in her ear, “Can’t tell you!”

Zhou Chao playfully nibbled on Jiang Li’s earlobe, causing her entire face to turn red.

“You naughty rascal!” Jiang Li’s hand had already found its way to Zhou Chao’s waist. In the next moment, Zhou Chao opened his mouth wide, seemingly about to make a sound, but he was silenced by Jiang Li, who placed her left hand over his mouth.

“Honey, look at them, completely ignoring our presence and showing affection right under our noses. What should we do about it?” Jiang Youdao asked while eating an orange, glancing at Zhou Chao and Jiang Li not far away. He turned to Liya beside him for an answer.

“What should we do? What else can we do? Let’s go back to our room and sleep. What else are you thinking?” Liya responded mercilessly.

“Hehe, how about we give it a try too?” Jiang Youdao suggested mischievously.

In response, Liya gave Jiang Youdao a cold glance and whispered softly in his ear, “You rascal, let’s talk in our room!”

Jiang Youdao immediately brightened up and dragged Liya back to their room, leaving only Zhou Chao and Jiang Li on the sofa.

“I won’t go back tonight. 1 want to stay here with you,” Zhou Chao’s words made Jiang Li’s ears turn even redder.

“You wish!”

They chatted for a while, and as the evening grew late, Zhou Chao realized that his plans for the night weren’t going to happen. He cast a slightly disappointed look at Jiang Li and said, “I guess it’s time for me to head back now.”

“Okay, 1’11 make it up to you next time,” Jiang Li’s words instantly cheered up Zhou Chao.

In a hushed tone, Zhou Chao whispered something in Jiang Li’s ear, making her blush even more. After a moment of contemplation, she bit her lip and nodded gently.

“Hey!” With a delighted look on his face, Zhou Chao watched as Jiang Li turned and closed the door, leaving him outside in the chilly night air.

“Hmph, little girl, just wait and see how I’ll deal with you next time!” Zhou Chao hummed happily as he walked towards his car..