"What? His name is Xu Zhenming. Don't you know Xu Zhenming? The boss of Yiming Group, the richest man in China, is with us. Idiot!" The section chief's grumpy roar came on the phone.
Hearing this, Miyamoto Bridge suddenly sweated, and his face palely nodded, "Hey, section manager! Hey..." Although he said that he knew how to deal with emergencies, he didn't have the confidence in his heart.
"Xu Zhenming sees our problem, what should we do now?" Miyamoto Bridge was like an ant on a hot pot, confused.
"I don't care what method you use, in short, there can be no accidents in this order." At this time, the class leader's command sound came from the phone.
In short, the task has been assigned, and he must complete it without compromise.
Miyamoto Hashi hung up the phone blankly and looked at the SMIC compound with helpless eyes.
"What to do? Ding Chun can be bought, but Xu Zhenming is so rich, how can he buy it?" He muttered anxiously, still starting with Ding Chun.
…………
the other side.
Ding Chun accompanied Director Jin and was hosting Xu Zhenming and his party for a working meal.
According to their company's practice, there must be a few drinks at noon to entertain Director Jin, the superior leader.
But Xu Zhenming insisted not to drink, and just asked for a box lunch.All these arrangements made by Ding Chun were in vain.He had no choice but to accompany Xu Zhenming and the others to eat a box lunch with a dry smile.
"Xu Dong, you just said that there was a problem with NEC's factory design. Is this problem serious?" At this time, Director Jin stopped the chopsticks in his hand and looked up at Xu Zhenming.
He is the main responsible for the introduction of the project.Once the SMIC project had an accident, he would be unlucky and had to pay attention.
Xu Zhenming also put down his chopsticks when he heard the words, and took a napkin to wipe the oil on his lips.
"This plant should waste more than 10,000 square meters. How much does a dust-free workshop of more than 10,000 square meters cost? In the future, the operating expenses of the factory will increase by about 10%!"
Xu Zhenming told the truth and put the islanders’ business traps on the table.This will offend many people, but he is not afraid, anyway, he is not prepared to invest in the Modu Economic Development Zone.
"Only the construction of the factory wasted more than 10 million yuan. With such high operating costs in the future, how can our project be profitable?" After hearing Xu Zhenming's introduction, Director Jin couldn't eat anymore.
He put his chopsticks toward the dining table, and Ding Chun was startled with a "pop".
Ding Chun knew that the major event was not good, and quickly explained: "Director Jin, we are doing this to upgrade the production line in the future. I heard that Canon of the island country is studying a 12-inch silicon wafer production line, so the plant was designed so large."
"Huh? Is there such a meaning in it?" Director Jin's mood improved a lot when he heard this.In any case, Ding Chun's starting point is good.
And he didn't know that even a 12-inch silicon wafer production line does not need such a large plant.Moreover, the factory design in the plant has to be re-arranged, and now this kind of layout is simply not available.
Xu Zhenming heard Wan Ninggu introduce this situation.So he glanced at Ding Chun with a smile, thinking that this person must have a problem.
Director Jin felt bad when he saw Xu Zhenming's expression.
He glanced at Ding Chun coldly, then smiled and discussed with Xu Zhenming: "Xu Dong, I brought you to visit SMIC today, in fact, I just want you to talk about cooperation projects." He told Xu Zhenming, Magic City The Economic Development Zone is preparing to transfer SMIC to Yiming Group.
amount?It turned out to be such a plan!
Only now did Xu Zhenming understand Director Jin's painstaking efforts.
Once the deal is concluded, Yiming Group can make money.For example, the old factory of SMIC is in Xujiahui, and the land is very valuable.In addition to the second, SMIC also has a 2-inch silicon wafer production line that can also be repaired and put into production.
What's more, SMIC’s current plant does not matter to Yiming Group. It can just add a production line for optical fiber preforms and photovoltaic panels to make use of space.
Thinking of this, Xu Zhenming was moved and prepared to buy this company.
But you can't just suffer so much!
"Director Jin, your proposal is very good, but we have to think about it before we can make a decision. You know, the layout of the dust-free workshop of this plant is very unreasonable, which is a waste of construction funds and operating costs."
"Yes, yes! Just think about it. Let's talk in the afternoon." Director Jin smiled, and he was in a much better mood.
If Yiming Group is willing to hold the bottom of the pot, he is not afraid of what the leader above will say.Yiming Group now has the world's most advanced chip manufacturing technology and can sell the technology to the United States.For this kind of enterprise, the big boss and second boss of Mo City are very relieved.
But Ding Chun was very resistant to this decision.
He looked gloomy at this time and thought in a panic: "How can this work? Once the 8-inch silicon wafer project is given to Yiming Company, what should I do?"
At this moment of thought, the expression on Ding Chun's face was stiff, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Seeing this situation, Director Jin asked puzzledly: "Old Ding, are you feeling sick? Do you want to go to the hospital?"
"No! Oh... I'm a bit reluctant to lose!" Ding Chun responded flustered.
He sighed and calmed down."Director Jin, does Yiming Group have the most advanced 8-inch silicon wafer production line?" Ding Chun changed the subject, preparing to put forward different opinions on the advanced level of the project.
This problem is rather prominent.Among the investment plans brought by Xu Zhenming, there is only one 6-inch silicon wafer production line, which does not meet SMIC's project plan.
Thinking of this, Director Jin raised his eyes and looked at Xu Zhenming, “Xu Dong, does your group company plan to increase investment and build an 8-inch silicon wafer production line to settle in our magic city.”
However, Xu Zhenming shook his head. “There is no need to invest so much in 8-inch silicon wafer production lines in China. Besides, SMIC’s plant is actually more suitable for our company’s 6-inch silicon wafer production line, and the operating cost is relatively low. , The benefit must be very good."
"Eh? Let's just listen." Director Jin was surprised.
"How is it possible? Xu Dong is telling a joke!" Ding Chun suspected that Xu Zhenming was deliberately making trouble, so he was in a bad mood and didn't give Xu Zhenming face.
Xu Zhenming didn't look at Ding Chun anymore, but introduced the technical process of reusing a production line of Yiming Group Corporation to produce two by-products.
"The price of optical fiber preforms and monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells is relatively high in the current international market. We do not have such a production line in China. Therefore, all of our company’s silicon wafer factories will use a joint production method to manufacture silicon wafers. Wafers, optical fiber preforms and monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic wafers."
Xu Zhenming told Director Jin that these two high value-added by-product production technologies were originally created by Yiming Group, and only Yiming Company can produce them in this way in the world.
Hearing this, Director Jin applauded happily, "Okay, Dong Xu. Your project must be settled in SMIC. If you have any requirements, please mention it to me. I will share your opinion with the second boss and the company. The boss reported it."
Director Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief, ready to transfer the burden on his shoulders to Xu Zhenming.In this way, he has little pressure, but has political achievements, why not do it?
Seeing that his immediate boss was about to make such a decision, Ding Chun was instantly confused and panicked.
"Director, we can't listen to one-sided words. We'd better go to Yiming Group to investigate, and then have a meeting to make decisions." He hurriedly reminded Director Jin that Xu Zhenming's words were not credible.
Seeing this situation, Xu Zhenming believed that the factory director Ding Chun in front of him must have a problem.
"Isn't it just a black hat, why are you so flustered?" He thought that Ding Chun was worried about the company being acquired, and the departmental treatment was gone.
When the Yiming Group Company acquires state-owned enterprises, it often encounters this type of corporate leader.So Xu Zhenming guessed Ding Chun's heart in the same way.
However, the situation is very bad.
Ding Chun got stuck in the project of introducing NEC's 8-inch second-hand silicon wafer production line.Once this project is cancelled, he will be miserable, and all problems will definitely be exposed to the sun.At that time, he will be locked in.
Therefore, Ding Chun saw that Director Jin did not speak, and then said: "Director, our company has a contract with NEC, and they cannot terminate their contract casually, otherwise they will have to compensate them for their economic losses."
"Compensation for their economic losses? You are right, Lao Ding?" Director Jin stared at Ding Chun's face coldly.He waved his hand, "You immediately notify NEC: We are going to terminate the contract. Not only that, we will also sue them for fraud."
Director Jin was very domineering and ordered one after another.He has decided to terminate this introduction project, but it must be done through legal means.
In fact, if you want to terminate the contract, you must file a lawsuit with NEC.Only by using legal weapons to protect rights can economic losses be reduced.Otherwise, Director Jin just wants to terminate the contract, and it may not be possible.
If not.
At this time, Ding Chungan smiled and said: "Director, our contract with NEC has a clear stipulation that the contract cannot be terminated arbitrarily. Their company uses equipment to convert cash into shares, which is regarded as a shareholder of SMIC. There is no legitimate reason. It's not okay to sue their company."
According to what he said, SMIC was unlucky and was pitted by the islanders, and I am afraid it will be pitted forever.
At this point, Xu Zhenming was curious, "Is NEC a fool? Why are they investing in a loss-making project?"
Now this era is not the Republic of China, and islanders can control the steel industry in China by controlling the "Han Ping Ye Company".Even if they want to control China's semiconductor industry, they wouldn't use such clumsy means, would they?
Xu Zhenming couldn't figure it out.
As a world giant, NEC is responsible to shareholders and the consortium behind the scenes.Why are they doing this for a project with high operating costs?
"Can't terminate the contract? Mr. Ding, who are you helping? We can hire experts to demonstrate the factory design provided by NEC and find out their faults. First send a lawyer's letter, and then prepare to sue their company. I still don't believe it. Now!" Director Jin is very angry, his eyes have become sharp.
Seeing this situation, Xu Zhenming felt embarrassed."Director Jin, let's go back and have a rest and do some preparatory work. Let's talk about the investment project tomorrow." He stood up and led a group of men to say goodbye to Director Jin.
Director Jin also knows that today's environment is not good for project negotiations.He got up to see him off and personally took Xu Zhenming to the restaurant.
"Xu Dong, let me tell you something to my heart. Our boss gave me a task and asked me to keep your group company's project. It's best to buy a stake in SMIC." Director Jin shook hands with Xu Zhenming and said goodbye .He also asked Xu Zhenming how to find fault with NEC.
Hearing these words, Xu Zhenming realized that Director Jin had brought him to SMIC, because he had no intentions."So, people who seem to be more bookish must have twists in their stomachs!" Xu Zhenming was deeply moved.
He told Director Jin, “Director, your idea just now is correct. Hiring an expert to demonstrate the information provided by NEC, and then using the prosecution action of the court to terminate the contract, it must be no problem.”
Tell Director Jin the reason for such confidence, Xu Zhenming and his party drove away and left for the Oriental Pearl Hotel.
…………
the other side.
Director Jin did not leave the SMIC's compound, but went directly to Ding Chun's office."Old Ding, what's the matter with you just now? How can you sing on the stage with me?" He asked Ding Chun with a gloomy expression.
Ding Chun still wanted to save the situation, so he explained with a wry smile: "Director, I want to reduce our company's economic losses. If the cooperation agreement with NEC is terminated, our company will compensate people twice as much for their economic losses."
He told Director Jin that NEC's second-hand 8-inch silicon wafer production line was priced at US$70 million.Once there is a problem with the project, SMIC has to compensate people for economic losses of more than $100 million.In fact, a brand new 8-inch silicon wafer production line is indeed worth more than 100 million US dollars.
After hearing these words, Director Jin decided not to keep anything."Old Ding, let me be honest. The big boss and the second boss in the city have opinions about our 8-inch silicon wafer project and have decided to suspend the project and no longer allocate funds." He told Ding Chun with a solemn expression, no Think about project loans again.
"Why?" Hearing this, Ding Chun's mind was buzzing like thunder."The city is going to terminate the project? Is it okay?" He panicked, his face turned pale as paper after a brush.
Seeing this situation, Director Jin shook his head, "I don't know what the leaders think. Anyway, they are going to terminate the project and prepare to let Yiming Group take over."
"We don’t need Yiming Group to take over. Our company’s old factory still has 300 acres of land, which can be sold or mortgaged. If we cooperate with Yiming Group, we have no status at all; We are a Sino-foreign joint venture by cooperating with NEC in the island country."
"Furthermore, NEC is responsible for the export and sales of silicon wafer rods, which can create foreign exchange for the country. Can Yiming Group do it?"
"..."
Ding Chun kept talking about countless reasons, just not wanting to interrupt the cooperative relationship with NEC.
at this time.
The chief engineer Miyamoto Hashi from NEC Corporation knocked on the door grinningly.
"What? His name is Xu Zhenming. Don't you know Xu Zhenming? The boss of Yiming Group, the richest man in China, is with us. Idiot!" The section chief's grumpy roar came on the phone.
Hearing this, Miyamoto Bridge suddenly sweated, and his face palely nodded, "Hey, section manager! Hey..." Although he said that he knew how to deal with emergencies, he didn't have the confidence in his heart.
"Xu Zhenming sees our problem, what should we do now?" Miyamoto Bridge was like an ant on a hot pot, confused.
"I don't care what method you use, in short, there can be no accidents in this order." At this time, the class leader's command sound came from the phone.
In short, the task has been assigned, and he must complete it without compromise.
Miyamoto Hashi hung up the phone blankly and looked at the SMIC compound with helpless eyes.
"What to do? Ding Chun can be bought, but Xu Zhenming is so rich, how can he buy it?" He muttered anxiously, still starting with Ding Chun.
…………
the other side.
Ding Chun accompanied Director Jin and was hosting Xu Zhenming and his party for a working meal.
According to their company's practice, there must be a few drinks at noon to entertain Director Jin, the superior leader.
But Xu Zhenming insisted not to drink, and just asked for a box lunch.All these arrangements made by Ding Chun were in vain.He had no choice but to accompany Xu Zhenming and the others to eat a box lunch with a dry smile.
"Xu Dong, you just said that there was a problem with NEC's factory design. Is this problem serious?" At this time, Director Jin stopped the chopsticks in his hand and looked up at Xu Zhenming.
He is the main responsible for the introduction of the project.Once the SMIC project had an accident, he would be unlucky and had to pay attention.
Xu Zhenming also put down his chopsticks when he heard the words, and took a napkin to wipe the oil on his lips.
"This plant should waste more than 10,000 square meters. How much does a dust-free workshop of more than 10,000 square meters cost? In the future, the operating expenses of the factory will increase by about 10%!"
Xu Zhenming told the truth and put the islanders’ business traps on the table.This will offend many people, but he is not afraid, anyway, he is not prepared to invest in the Modu Economic Development Zone.
"Only the construction of the factory wasted more than 10 million yuan. With such high operating costs in the future, how can our project be profitable?" After hearing Xu Zhenming's introduction, Director Jin couldn't eat anymore.
He put his chopsticks toward the dining table, and Ding Chun was startled with a "pop".
Ding Chun knew that the major event was not good, and quickly explained: "Director Jin, we are doing this to upgrade the production line in the future. I heard that Canon of the island country is studying a 12-inch silicon wafer production line, so the plant was designed so large."
"Huh? Is there such a meaning in it?" Director Jin's mood improved a lot when he heard this.In any case, Ding Chun's starting point is good.
And he didn't know that even a 12-inch silicon wafer production line does not need such a large plant.Moreover, the factory design in the plant has to be re-arranged, and now this kind of layout is simply not available.
Xu Zhenming heard Wan Ninggu introduce this situation.So he glanced at Ding Chun with a smile, thinking that this person must have a problem.
Director Jin felt bad when he saw Xu Zhenming's expression.
He glanced at Ding Chun coldly, then smiled and discussed with Xu Zhenming: "Xu Dong, I brought you to visit SMIC today, in fact, I just want you to talk about cooperation projects." He told Xu Zhenming, Magic City The Economic Development Zone is preparing to transfer SMIC to Yiming Group.
amount?It turned out to be such a plan!
Only now did Xu Zhenming understand Director Jin's painstaking efforts.
Once the deal is concluded, Yiming Group can make money.For example, the old factory of SMIC is in Xujiahui, and the land is very valuable.In addition to the second, SMIC also has a 2-inch silicon wafer production line that can also be repaired and put into production.
What's more, SMIC’s current plant does not matter to Yiming Group. It can just add a production line for optical fiber preforms and photovoltaic panels to make use of space.
Thinking of this, Xu Zhenming was moved and prepared to buy this company.
But you can't just suffer so much!
"Director Jin, your proposal is very good, but we have to think about it before we can make a decision. You know, the layout of the dust-free workshop of this plant is very unreasonable, which is a waste of construction funds and operating costs."
"Yes, yes! Just think about it. Let's talk in the afternoon." Director Jin smiled, and he was in a much better mood.
If Yiming Group is willing to hold the bottom of the pot, he is not afraid of what the leader above will say.Yiming Group now has the world's most advanced chip manufacturing technology and can sell the technology to the United States.For this kind of enterprise, the big boss and second boss of Mo City are very relieved.
But Ding Chun was very resistant to this decision.
He looked gloomy at this time and thought in a panic: "How can this work? Once the 8-inch silicon wafer project is given to Yiming Company, what should I do?"
At this moment of thought, the expression on Ding Chun's face was stiff, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Seeing this situation, Director Jin asked puzzledly: "Old Ding, are you feeling sick? Do you want to go to the hospital?"
"No! Oh... I'm a bit reluctant to lose!" Ding Chun responded flustered.
He sighed and calmed down."Director Jin, does Yiming Group have the most advanced 8-inch silicon wafer production line?" Ding Chun changed the subject, preparing to put forward different opinions on the advanced level of the project.
This problem is rather prominent.Among the investment plans brought by Xu Zhenming, there is only one 6-inch silicon wafer production line, which does not meet SMIC's project plan.
Thinking of this, Director Jin raised his eyes and looked at Xu Zhenming, “Xu Dong, does your group company plan to increase investment and build an 8-inch silicon wafer production line to settle in our magic city.”
However, Xu Zhenming shook his head. “There is no need to invest so much in 8-inch silicon wafer production lines in China. Besides, SMIC’s plant is actually more suitable for our company’s 6-inch silicon wafer production line, and the operating cost is relatively low. , The benefit must be very good."
"Eh? Let's just listen." Director Jin was surprised.
"How is it possible? Xu Dong is telling a joke!" Ding Chun suspected that Xu Zhenming was deliberately making trouble, so he was in a bad mood and didn't give Xu Zhenming face.
Xu Zhenming didn't look at Ding Chun anymore, but introduced the technical process of reusing a production line of Yiming Group Corporation to produce two by-products.
"The price of optical fiber preforms and monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells is relatively high in the current international market. We do not have such a production line in China. Therefore, all of our company’s silicon wafer factories will use a joint production method to manufacture silicon wafers. Wafers, optical fiber preforms and monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic wafers."
Xu Zhenming told Director Jin that these two high value-added by-product production technologies were originally created by Yiming Group, and only Yiming Company can produce them in this way in the world.
Hearing this, Director Jin applauded happily, "Okay, Dong Xu. Your project must be settled in SMIC. If you have any requirements, please mention it to me. I will share your opinion with the second boss and the company. The boss reported it."
Director Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief, ready to transfer the burden on his shoulders to Xu Zhenming.In this way, he has little pressure, but has political achievements, why not do it?
Seeing that his immediate boss was about to make such a decision, Ding Chun was instantly confused and panicked.
"Director, we can't listen to one-sided words. We'd better go to Yiming Group to investigate, and then have a meeting to make decisions." He hurriedly reminded Director Jin that Xu Zhenming's words were not credible.
Seeing this situation, Xu Zhenming believed that the factory director Ding Chun in front of him must have a problem.
"Isn't it just a black hat, why are you so flustered?" He thought that Ding Chun was worried about the company being acquired, and the departmental treatment was gone.
When the Yiming Group Company acquires state-owned enterprises, it often encounters this type of corporate leader.So Xu Zhenming guessed Ding Chun's heart in the same way.
However, the situation is very bad.
Ding Chun got stuck in the project of introducing NEC's 8-inch second-hand silicon wafer production line.Once this project is cancelled, he will be miserable, and all problems will definitely be exposed to the sun.At that time, he will be locked in.
Therefore, Ding Chun saw that Director Jin did not speak, and then said: "Director, our company has a contract with NEC, and they cannot terminate their contract casually, otherwise they will have to compensate them for their economic losses."
"Compensation for their economic losses? You are right, Lao Ding?" Director Jin stared at Ding Chun's face coldly.He waved his hand, "You immediately notify NEC: We are going to terminate the contract. Not only that, we will also sue them for fraud."
Director Jin was very domineering and ordered one after another.He has decided to terminate this introduction project, but it must be done through legal means.
In fact, if you want to terminate the contract, you must file a lawsuit with NEC.Only by using legal weapons to protect rights can economic losses be reduced.Otherwise, Director Jin just wants to terminate the contract, and it may not be possible.
If not.
At this time, Ding Chungan smiled and said: "Director, our contract with NEC has a clear stipulation that the contract cannot be terminated arbitrarily. Their company uses equipment to convert cash into shares, which is regarded as a shareholder of SMIC. There is no legitimate reason. It's not okay to sue their company."
According to what he said, SMIC was unlucky and was pitted by the islanders, and I am afraid it will be pitted forever.
At this point, Xu Zhenming was curious, "Is NEC a fool? Why are they investing in a loss-making project?"
Now this era is not the Republic of China, and islanders can control the steel industry in China by controlling the "Han Ping Ye Company".Even if they want to control China's semiconductor industry, they wouldn't use such clumsy means, would they?
Xu Zhenming couldn't figure it out.
As a world giant, NEC is responsible to shareholders and the consortium behind the scenes.Why are they doing this for a project with high operating costs?
"Can't terminate the contract? Mr. Ding, who are you helping? We can hire experts to demonstrate the factory design provided by NEC and find out their faults. First send a lawyer's letter, and then prepare to sue their company. I still don't believe it. Now!" Director Jin is very angry, his eyes have become sharp.
Seeing this situation, Xu Zhenming felt embarrassed."Director Jin, let's go back and have a rest and do some preparatory work. Let's talk about the investment project tomorrow." He stood up and led a group of men to say goodbye to Director Jin.
Director Jin also knows that today's environment is not good for project negotiations.He got up to see him off and personally took Xu Zhenming to the restaurant.
"Xu Dong, let me tell you something to my heart. Our boss gave me a task and asked me to keep your group company's project. It's best to buy a stake in SMIC." Director Jin shook hands with Xu Zhenming and said goodbye .He also asked Xu Zhenming how to find fault with NEC.
Hearing these words, Xu Zhenming realized that Director Jin had brought him to SMIC, because he had no intentions."So, people who seem to be more bookish must have twists in their stomachs!" Xu Zhenming was deeply moved.
He told Director Jin, “Director, your idea just now is correct. Hiring an expert to demonstrate the information provided by NEC, and then using the prosecution action of the court to terminate the contract, it must be no problem.”
Tell Director Jin the reason for such confidence, Xu Zhenming and his party drove away and left for the Oriental Pearl Hotel.
…………
the other side.
Director Jin did not leave the SMIC's compound, but went directly to Ding Chun's office."Old Ding, what's the matter with you just now? How can you sing on the stage with me?" He asked Ding Chun with a gloomy expression.
Ding Chun still wanted to save the situation, so he explained with a wry smile: "Director, I want to reduce our company's economic losses. If the cooperation agreement with NEC is terminated, our company will compensate people twice as much for their economic losses."
He told Director Jin that NEC's second-hand 8-inch silicon wafer production line was priced at US$70 million.Once there is a problem with the project, SMIC has to compensate people for economic losses of more than $100 million.In fact, a brand new 8-inch silicon wafer production line is indeed worth more than 100 million US dollars.
After hearing these words, Director Jin decided not to keep anything."Old Ding, let me be honest. The big boss and the second boss in the city have opinions about our 8-inch silicon wafer project and have decided to suspend the project and no longer allocate funds." He told Ding Chun with a solemn expression, no Think about project loans again.
"Why?" Hearing this, Ding Chun's mind was buzzing like thunder."The city is going to terminate the project? Is it okay?" He panicked, his face turned pale as paper after a brush.
Seeing this situation, Director Jin shook his head, "I don't know what the leaders think. Anyway, they are going to terminate the project and prepare to let Yiming Group take over."
"We don’t need Yiming Group to take over. Our company’s old factory still has 300 acres of land, which can be sold or mortgaged. If we cooperate with Yiming Group, we have no status at all; We are a Sino-foreign joint venture by cooperating with NEC in the island country."
"Furthermore, NEC is responsible for the export and sales of silicon wafer rods, which can create foreign exchange for the country. Can Yiming Group do it?"
"..."
Ding Chun kept talking about countless reasons, just not wanting to interrupt the cooperative relationship with NEC.
at this time.
The chief engineer Miyamoto Hashi from NEC Corporation knocked on the door grinningly.
