DreamersGN Chapter 79 Further Expansion
Chapter 79 Further Expansion
The following week, 402 entered its largest expansion period since its inception.
Han Lu sent out more than twenty job offers in one go, recruiting eight recent graduates and three engineers with more than two years of work experience from universities such as Huaxia University, Huaxia University of Technology, and Hangzhou University. The company expanded from its original 50 square meters to 120 square meters next door, and the number of workstations increased from twelve to twenty-five.
Liu Wei is in charge of the new employees' onboarding, handling everything from computer configurations and access cards to workstation assignments and lunch allowances. When the team was smaller, these things didn't require anyone's attention, but now that there are more people, logistical support has become a serious matter. Han Lu jokingly calls Liu Wei the "housekeeper" of room 402, to which Liu Wei rolls his eyes at her: "Without me managing the logistics, you wouldn't even be able to find your workstations."
"Brother Cheng, I've made arrangements for the new hires." Liu Wei walked into Zuo Cheng's office with a list in hand. "Three engineers will be assigned to Zhang Lei's hardware group, two to Chen Hao's software group, and the three recent graduates will temporarily work with Ma Hao on preliminary research in the Internet of Things field."
"Okay." Zuo Cheng glanced at the list. "What did Professor Li say about the joint laboratory?"
"The contract has been signed." Han Lu pushed open the door, holding a document in her hand. "Huaxia University of Technology is moving very quickly. Professor Li said the lab can be officially opened next month. The first batch of five graduate students includes two of Yu Ying's juniors, whose research focus happens to be sensor networks."
Zuo Cheng nodded. The joint laboratory with Huaxia University of Technology has been established; next up is Huaxia University.
In the afternoon, Zuo Cheng went to Huaxia University.
He knew the building of the School of Information Engineering all too well; he had walked through every classroom and laboratory from the first to the fifth floor. But the feeling of walking in now was different from before. Before, he was a student; now, he was an entrepreneur.
Professor Lin Zhiyuan's office was at the end of the fourth-floor corridor. Zuo Cheng knocked on the door, and a gentle voice came from inside: "Come in."
Pushing open the door, Lin Zhiyuan was sitting in front of the computer reading a paper. He was in his fifties, and most of his hair was already gray, but he was in good spirits. When he saw Zuo Cheng come in, he put down his teacup and smiled.
"Zuo Cheng, it's been a long time. Please have a seat."
"Hello, Professor Lin." Zuo Cheng sat down opposite him.
Lin Zhiyuan looked at him, his gaze a mixture of scrutiny and satisfaction: "You're a celebrity now. The 1.2 million contract for the third phase of Sky Dome is being discussed all over the school. Our School of Information Engineering has produced its youngest CEO; even the dean has mentioned it several times."
"Professor Lin, you flatter me," Zuo Cheng said. "I'm here today to discuss something important. 402 wants to establish a joint laboratory with Huaxia University, similar to an industry-academia-research collaboration. The university would provide the facilities and personnel, while 402 would provide funding and projects. I've already signed an agreement with Professor Li from Huaxia University of Technology, and now I'd like to see if Huaxia University is interested."
Lin Zhiyuan put down his teacup and looked intently at Zuo Cheng: "A joint laboratory? In what direction?"
"The Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems," Zuo Cheng said. "402 is developing IoT technologies, which require technical support in sensor networks, low-power communication protocols, and edge computing. Professor Lin's research group is the strongest in the university in the fields of embedded systems and communication protocols, which is very complementary to ours."
Lin Zhiyuan thought for a moment: "How should the budget be allocated?"
"The plan is the same as that of Huaxia University of Technology, with an annual investment of 200 million yuan for Laboratory 402 and a matching investment of 100 million yuan from the university. The laboratory will have around 20 staff members, and graduate students will be selected by your side. The research direction will be jointly determined by both parties."
"That sounds like a good offer." Lin Zhiyuan nodded. "I agree in principle; the college will handle the specific details with your business team."
"Thank you, Professor Lin."
Lin Zhiyuan waved his hand: "No need to thank me. Your achievements outside are also a form of publicity for our college. By the way, I heard about Ma Hao's situation."
Zuo Cheng was taken aback: "Ma Hao?"
"He went back to Hangzhou and joined 402," Lin Zhiyuan said calmly. "To be honest, I also bear some responsibility for what happened in my research group. If a young person makes a mistake and is willing to correct it, they should be given a chance. Letting him join 402 shows you have a broad perspective."
Zuo Cheng hadn't expected Lin Zhiyuan to bring this up. Back then, Ma Hao had been exposed in public for "borrowing" his plan from the research group, causing a very ugly situation. Lin Zhiyuan, as the supervisor, was caught in the middle, which wasn't easy for him either.
"Ma Hao is indeed talented, and he grew a lot during his two years in Shenzhen," Zuo Cheng said. "402 happened to be short-staffed, and since he was willing to come, I hired him."
"Okay." Lin Zhiyuan nodded and didn't say anything more.
After leaving Huaxia University, Zuo Cheng received a call from Han Lu in the car.
"President Zuo, I have something to report." Han Lu's voice was somewhat serious. "I just received news that Huaxin Group is also developing its IoT strategy. They issued an internal notice last week announcing the establishment of an IoT business unit, reportedly with a team of fifty people."
Zuo Cheng frowned: "Fifty people?"
"Yes. And they're in contact with the Hangzhou municipal government, hoping to secure IoT projects for smart cities."
Huaxin's actions were faster than Zuo Cheng had anticipated. After failing to win the third phase of the Sky Dome project, Huaxin didn't become discouraged; instead, it quickly shifted its focus to the Internet of Things (IoT). This demonstrates Lin Jianhua's strategic vision; he recognized the potential of IoT and also saw 402's strategic positioning in this area. Given Huaxin's resources and technological accumulation, once they exert their strength in the IoT field, 402 will face significant pressure.
"Keep an eye on them," Zuo Cheng said. "Give me as much information as you can about their contact with the government."
"clear."
After hanging up the phone, Zuo Cheng leaned back in his seat, watching the street scenes flow by outside the car window. Huaxin's entry into the Internet of Things (IoT) was expected. Lin Jianhua wouldn't be content to lose to 402 on the Sky Dome project; the IoT was his second battleground.
However, 402 has a technological advantage. With its Internet of Things (IoT) branch just activated, the passive bonus of a 30% increase in collaborative efficiency gives 402 a natural edge in IoT solution design. This is an advantage that Huaxin lacks, and it's Zuocheng's biggest trump card. If they can act quickly enough to secure smart city projects before Huaxin, 402 can gain a head start in the IoT race.
Zuo Cheng picked up his phone and sent a message to Yu Ying: "Kongkong, the joint lab's sensor network project starts next week. Are you ready?"
Yu Ying replied instantly: "I've already prepared. Don't worry, brother."
He looked at the words on the screen, a slight smile playing on his lips. This was his Kongkong, always someone to rely on.