CHAPTER 245: CHAPTER 245: WHERE DID YOU GET THE FACE TO WHINE HERE?

Now everyone understood why Zhang Jing from Huaxin Company was able to become the highest-tier guest and dine at the same table with Elder Liu.

It seemed that Zhang Jing was indeed the focal point of tonight.

Huaxin Company, the second-largest semiconductor company in Huaxia, second only to TSMC.

After TSMC decided to stop producing chips for Zhongwei Company, the greatest hope fell on Huaxin Company.

TSMC possesses the world’s most advanced chip production technology and equipment and is a top semiconductor production company capable of mass-producing 5nm chips.

As for Huaxin Company, ranking in the second tier, can only mass-produce 14nm chips and cannot yet mass-produce 5nm chips.

But even so, as long as Huaxin Company is willing to support Zhongwei Company, it can provide a temporary lifeline for Zhongwei Phone, and with the advancement of technology, Huaxin Company will inevitably be able to mass-produce 5nm in time.

So the key is, will Huaxin Company support Zhongwei Company?

As for this question, the general opinion online is that Huaxin Company will definitely support Zhongwei.

There’s no other reason; after all, Huaxin Company is a Huaxia company. What reason is there not to support one’s own country?

However, Huaxin Company has never made a statement about this, leaving people a bit confused.

Tonight, Liu Tingshan specifically invited Zhang Jing to the birthday banquet, just to ask Zhang Jing his views on the matter.

"Mr. Zhang, what are your thoughts on this?" Liu Tingshan asked.

For a moment, everyone’s eyes were focused on Zhang Jing.

"Isn’t it obvious? Huaxin will definitely support Zhongwei Company."

"What reason could there be not to support?"

"Exactly, it would be strange not to support."

The crowd murmured.

The expectations of Liu Tingshan, combined with the crowd’s words, invisibly placed enormous public pressure on Zhang Jing.

Zhang Jing’s face turned red, but he couldn’t speak immediately.

People were surprised at this, they had expected Zhang Jing to passionately promise support for Zhongwei Company, which would certainly have excited everyone present and stirred national pride.

But Zhang Jing didn’t do so; his expression suggested he was troubled, as if he couldn’t get out of it.

Liu Tingshan chuckled and said, "Mr. Zhang, feel free to speak; I’m only interested in hearing your perspective."

Zhang Jing had to respond, "Firstly, thank you, Elder Liu, for valuing this so much, I’m truly ashamed. This matter...our company’s internal discussions are ongoing, and there’s no resolution yet, so I don’t know how to comment. Once we have a decision, we will announce it immediately."

This left everyone looking at each other.

Someone couldn’t help but angrily say, "This concerns national dignity, what is there to hesitate about? Could it be that you won’t support it?"

Zhang Jing’s face reddened, uncertain how to respond, as if he hadn’t heard the remark.

Liu Tingshan smiled, "Mr. Zhang, there’s no need to feel pressured. I’m not trying to press you, just expressing concern, everything is up to your company to decide."

Zhang Jing felt relieved, "Thank you, Elder Liu."

Feng Ruolan then said, "Mr. Zhang, even if your company hasn’t decided, you should have your own opinion as an individual, right? Could you share it with everyone?"

Upon hearing this, everyone agreed, thinking Feng Ruolan’s question was well asked.

Zhang Jing felt vexed; just when he had dodged the issue, Feng Ruolan’s question had put him in a difficult position again.

Feng Ruolan must have done it on purpose!

Because before the banquet, he had said Lin Fan was a pretty boy, and Feng Ruolan took the opportunity to trip him up!

Zhang Jing was furious.

"My personal opinion is unimportant; I represent the company’s interests, so before a company decision, I’m not in a position to express an opinion. I ask for everyone’s understanding," Zhang Jing maintained his calm.

Liu Tingshan smiled, "Since Mr. Zhang says so, let’s not make things difficult for him. This matter ends here, Mr. Zhang, I look forward to your company’s final decision."

"Thank you, Elder Liu." Zhang Jing breathed a sigh of relief, holding a grudge against Feng Ruolan in his heart.

Liu Tingshan turned to Feng Ruolan, "Next, let me talk about Miss Feng. Miss Feng is the richest woman in Yun City, known as the female financial wizard. I know that Longheng Group, under Miss Feng, has invested in many technology companies. I inadvertently saw an interview of Miss Feng, where she said her reason for investment was her belief in technological advancement benefiting the country. Miss Feng is young yet has such insight and breadth of mind, I am truly touched."

Feng Ruolan modestly replied, "Thank you for your praise, Elder Liu. I hope our country gets better and better. There’s not much I can do; I can only invest some money."

This statement made everyone chuckle.

Elder Liu also laughed, "Miss Feng is indeed a heroine among women, worthy of being the richest woman in Yun City."

Seeing Liu Tingshan constantly praise Feng Ruolan, Zhang Jing felt a bit displeased.

Zhang Jing couldn’t help but say, "The richest woman in Yun City? With all due respect, Miss Feng is essentially a Rich Second Generation. Without the Feng Family, would she have her current status? Rather than saying it’s investing money, I think it’s more like borrowing the flowers to offer to Buddha."

The crowd exchanged glances; Zhang Jing’s comments seemed a bit unreasonable, as if he were being needlessly argumentative.

Feng Ruolan didn’t get angry, smiling, "You’re right about one thing; without the Feng Family, I wouldn’t be here, but I am a part of the Feng Family, and spending the Feng Family’s money doesn’t seem illegal, does it? Moreover, the investment money I use now is from what I’ve later earned myself, so saying I borrowed flowers to offer to Buddha isn’t accurate."

Zhang Jing sneered, "You say that yourself, but who can prove it?"

Lin Fan, who had been quietly observing, couldn’t stand it anymore.

"Mr. Zhang, why do you have to be so sour about my sister? You haven’t even cleared up your own company’s issues yet. I suspect you’re most likely not supporting Zhongwei; otherwise, why are you being so evasive? My sister is honestly supporting the country, and what face do you have to be nitpicking here?" Lin Fan retorted.

Zhang Jing: "..."

Speechless.

He found that he couldn’t contend verbally against Lin Fan; previously, he had been unable to counter Lin Fan’s arguments as well.

Feng Ruolan gave Lin Fan a big thumbs up, feeling that Lin Fan’s words hit the mark perfectly.

"Little Fan is right, I have the same concern. Mr. Zhang, I wonder if you’ve already made a decision?" Feng Ruolan said.

Zhang Jing coldly snorted, "Whether there’s a decision or not, what difference does it make? Right now, only our company can save Zhongwei Phone. If we decide to save it, that’s our company’s mercy. If we choose not to save it, it won’t affect our company. Even if we exclude Zhongwei, with the technology we possess, there will still be new clients to fill the gap!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned. Was Zhang Jing in a hurry, revealing his true thoughts?

These words were certainly hate-provoking.

As expected, capitalists are indeed capitalists, seeing only business, with no thought of patriotism or unpatriotism.

If the Zhongwei incident would affect Huaxin’s business, Huaxin would presumably kick Zhongwei aside without hesitation!

Zhang Jing stood up, "Elder Liu, I’m sorry, I suddenly feel a bit unwell and will take my leave!"

Zhang Jing left in a hurry.

As expected, Lin Fan’s guess was correct. The next day, Huaxin made a public announcement that shook the internet.