Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 2913 focuses on economic cooperation.

1971 12 Month 25 Day.

West of Beijing, the airport.

Yang Xiaotao and Tong Xiaolong sat in the welcoming Hongqi car, looking at the airport not far away, and reached out to turn on the car radio.

Chi Chi
Check...

After trying to find a radio station for a while, Yang Xiaotao turned the switch off again.

"This radio station is no good!"

Tong Xiaolong, sitting in the passenger seat, chuckled, "Maybe the signal isn't very good here!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao rolled down the car window and looked outside. There wasn't a single building obstructing the view, so where did the poor signal come from?

It's clearly this car that's faulty!

"what time is it?"

Yang Xiaotao changed the subject, and Tong Xiaolong glanced at it, "12:05!"

"They should be here by now?"

Yang Xiaotao looked at the horizon again, but there was no movement at all.

Because of today's incident, a curfew has been imposed around the entire airport, and the airspace in this area has been restricted.

If there's any commotion, it's almost certainly true.

"Don't worry, news has come from the Northwest, they're flying here. Once we're in, everything will be fine!"

Tong Xiaolong said definitively.

"hope so!"

After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Yu Zecheng, who was sitting behind him, sat up from the back seat, his eyes bloodshot.

"Don't worry, there will be absolutely no problem."

Instantly, the two turned around.

"I want to know when you got on the bus!"

Yang Xiaotao suddenly asked, and Tong Xiaolong, who was standing next to him, also looked over curiously.

Yu Zecheng was speechless for a moment.

"I've been in the car the whole time, okay?"

"But you guys, don't you ever check your vehicles before driving?"

After saying this, Yang Xiaotao and Tong Xiaolong immediately turned around and sat up straight. They really hadn't expected there to be someone in the car.

Both of them felt a little uneasy.

"Don't worry, there won't be any problems."

Yu Zecheng reiterated this statement with certainty, as if he were hypnotizing himself, as if he was certain that nothing would go wrong.

Seeing that Yu Zecheng seemed a bit off, Yang Xiaotao took out a cigarette from his pocket and offered it to him, saying, "Don't worry, there won't be any problems."

Yu Zecheng nodded, then took the cigarette, but got out of the car and lit it outside.

Seeing this, Yang Xiaotao and Tong Xiaolong got out of the car and each lit a fire.

The three of them huddled together, unsure of what to say.

"All three of you are here."

Just then, Old Ye's voice came from behind them, and Yang Xiaotao and the other two quickly put out their cigarettes.

"Chief."

Old Ye, dressed in a green military uniform, walked over and raised his hand to signal the three of them not to be nervous.

"I just confirmed with air traffic control that the plane encountered turbulence in the northwest and is adjusting. It is estimated that it will not be able to reach the airspace over Beijing until 12:30."

The three nodded in agreement, but they were still on edge.

I don't feel at ease until the plane lands.

"By the way, I heard you've run into some trouble?"

Old Ye changed the subject and asked, his gaze falling on Yang Xiaotao.

Yang Xiaotao nodded, "Yes, this is to help build a ship."

"After several attempts, the materials were all substandard."

"Especially the arresting cables used to stop aircraft, which look like they're made of twisted steel wire, but that's not actually the case at all."

At this point, Yang Xiaotao noticed that Tong Xiaolong and Yu Zecheng were somewhat confused, so he took out a cigarette from the pack, but didn't light it. He then explained, "Modern airplanes are no longer traditional propeller-driven. Due to the change in the combat environment, airplanes are required to have speeds exceeding Mach 1, and their size and weight are also incomparable to those of the past."

"Such a large and fast plane, when it falls from the sky, the powerful kinetic energy is so great that the runway is simply not enough!"

"So a rope is needed to hold them down and bring the plane to a quick stop."

Both Tong Xiaolong and the other man nodded in agreement. Even Old Ye understood Yang Xiaotao's explanation better than reading the report.

"But this plane is going so fast, you can imagine how much force it would take to stop suddenly."

The two nodded again.

This thing is like holding back a runaway horse; it not only has to bear the weight of the horse but also the added speed.

"According to our calculations, for a carrier-based aircraft based on the J-8C to be caught, the arresting cable needs to withstand an instantaneous impact force of about one hundred tons."

"It would be very difficult for our steel mills to achieve this performance."

"At least so far, no steel mill or research institute has dared to complete this task."

Finally, Yang Xiaotao sighed, "Now I finally understand Old Chen's good intentions."

"Without a solid financial foundation and a strong industrial base, doing this is like slamming your head against a brick wall."

"We were too hasty."

When General Manager Ye heard Yang Xiaotao say this, he said, "Since we've already started, let's proceed step by step."

"If we don't do it, the people who come after us will have to."

"If we do more, those who come after us will avoid some of the detours."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then said with a wry smile, "Exactly, this expense is too high."

"Even our nine departments are struggling to cope."

After saying this, not only did President Ye smile wryly, but Tong Xiaolong and Yu Zecheng beside him also showed helplessness.

Nine parts.

In the past, if you were to ask which department was the most extravagant, you would say the Ninth Department without even looking.

During this time, they spent time with Yang Xiaotao and witnessed firsthand what it meant to 'spend money like water'.

Everyone knows that the Ninth Division can make money, but what they don't know is that the Ninth Division is also the most extravagant spender.

In addition, this time, in cooperation with the Sixth Ministry of Machinery Industry on shipbuilding, not to mention anything else, the Ninth Ministry alone covered 90% of the research expenses and the cost of steel.

This number wasn't something they guessed randomly, nor did it come from Yang Xiaotao's mouth; it was something Qing Lao mentioned when he was chatting with President Xu.

He even joked that the Sixth Ministry of Machine Building would become the Ninth Ministry's subordinate in the future.

Because this 90% may be even higher in the future.

This can be seen from the increasing number of documents that Yang Xiaotao is reviewing.

Mr. Ye suddenly laughed, took out a matchbox from his pocket, and pulled out a match.

Then, to Yang Xiaotao's surprise, he lit a torch and moved closer to Yang Xiaotao.

"No, no, sir, please don't do that."

Yang Xiaotao simply held the cigarette in his hand.

How could we possibly let them order?

If word gets out, I don't know what others will say about him, but his own grandfather will definitely scold him.

Mr. Ye smiled and said, "What, can't I smoke if I want to?"

Yu Zecheng, who was standing nearby, quickly took out a cigarette and handed it to President Ye. President Ye then lit his own cigarette and gestured for Yang Xiaotao to come forward.

Having no other choice, Yang Xiaotao lit his cigarette with the help of President Ye's fireworks before leaving.

"Old Peng also mentioned this matter."

"He also regretted it a little, but there was no turning back once the arrow was released."

"and!"

Mr. Ye took a deep drag, exhaled the smoke, and then said seriously, "Moreover, Mr. Peng and I share the same view."

"We believe in you, we believe in your Ninth Division, that you will overcome the current predicament."

We have confidence in you.

Yang Xiaotao took a deep drag on his cigarette, his expression serious.

President Ye patted Yang Xiaotao on the shoulder again, then smiled and said, "You have to believe in yourself too."

Yang Xiaotao nodded vigorously, "I will."

As they were talking, the roar of an airplane suddenly rang out in the sky.

My gaze quickly swept across the runway and I saw a Blue Horse taking off, while another plane had already taken off ahead of it.

"This plane is nice."

President Ye remarked with emotion, while Tong Xiaolong beside him smiled and said, "Yes, this is our best plane."

Yang Xiaotao shook his head, "No, we'll have better planes in the future." President Ye looked at Yang Xiaotao and noticed a strange confidence on the young man's face.

As the two planes took off and flew westward, everyone knew that they were probably coming soon.

After finishing his cigarette, Mr. Ye walked towards the reception area.

The three of them returned to the car and waited to depart.

"Oh, right, I suddenly remembered something."

Yang Xiaotao spoke first, and Tong Xiaolong immediately asked, "What is it?"

Yang Xiaotao leaned on his chair and looked at Yu Zecheng, saying, "You guys think we should try to get on better terms with them now that they're here."

"Correct!"

The two nodded.

"So, do you think we can still sell weapons to Bei'an?"

Before the two could speak, Yang Xiaotao said definitively, "Definitely not."

"I estimate that the other side may withdraw its troops from Annam, and then our business will be canceled."

"This breakup act is over."

"That source of income is gone."

Yang Xiaotao patted the seat, full of regret.

Tong Xiaolong and the other looked at each other in bewilderment.

Yu Zecheng, in particular, was very clear about the situation in Annam.

If the enemy withdraws their troops, Nan'an's strength is so limited that it could be wiped out in no time.

It seems that, just as Yang Xiaotao said, there's no chance to continue doing business.

"No, I have to get Old Chen to urge them to settle the remaining payments as soon as possible."

"We still haven't paid for the two artillery reconnaissance radars."

Yang Xiaotao clapped his hands as he spoke, looking very anxious.

Tong Xiaolong comforted him from the side, "It's over, it's over. Even if we don't sell weapons, we can still sell machines."

"They need to rebuild, so they'll definitely need our machines."

Yang Xiaotao shook his head and remained silent.

Selling weapons and ammunition to ungrateful people is fine, but selling machinery and equipment requires more caution.

Especially with high-end equipment, we must be even more cautious.

"Actually, it's not that there's no market for them."

Yu Zecheng suddenly spoke up, and Yang Xiaotao immediately looked over.

"Old Yu, what are you trying to say?"

Yu Zecheng rubbed his cheeks with both hands. "Actually, there are many places in this world that are not peaceful."

"Our weapons were tested in this battle of Bei'an."

"I think we can find a new job."

Yang Xiaotao's eyes lit up. "Old Yu, tell me quickly, where do we need your help?"

Yu Zecheng coughed lightly, then said in a low voice, "I've heard... just heard... about the Middle East..."

Tong Xiaolong watched the two huddled together, discussing who to sell to, what weapons to prepare, and so on.
These two guys look like arms dealers no matter how you look at them.

"Kate!"

"Is this the kind of plane that gives our entrepreneurs a real headache?"

On a Boeing airliner, a square-faced middle-aged man from the United States is looking out the window at the blue plane.

Kate glanced at the plane, a picture of her father flashing through her mind, then nodded, "Yes, Doctor."

"This is their plane, a plane that can fly very fast and very high."

"Our people call it the Blue Devil."

The middle-aged man's face turned solemn. "Blue Devil, what a fearsome name."

Kate sighed, "Ever since that blue demon appeared, our blackbirds have flown straight back to our homeland and dare not enter its airspace again."

“Even our bases in the surrounding area are much quieter than usual.”

"The key point is that the cost of their aircraft is not high."

"The funds we use to manufacture one Blackbird are enough to produce two and a half Bluehorse aircraft. As for the Whitehorse, we could probably produce three."

At this point, Kate took a document from her briefcase, which was an evaluation report of Blue Horse.

"It's hard to imagine that a country that used to have to import even propellers has now developed such a powerful aircraft."

"Now countries all over the world are eyeing this aircraft."

"The alliance's latest aircraft has just been built, and it has already been left behind by the other side. They are eager to acquire this technology."

"Unfortunately, until now, all we know is that the place that manufactures this weapon is called the Ninth Department, or the Ninth Ministry of Machine Building."

"Apart from that, we know nothing."

"We don't know its designer, we don't know its origin, and we don't know its manufacturing process."

"It's like it appeared out of nowhere, leaving no trace, which is unbelievable!"

After Kate finished speaking, she handed another document to the doctor in front of her. "According to our intelligence, the other side already has two hundred of these aircraft in their country."

"However, a significant portion of them are deployed in the north, which is good news for us as well."

The doctor took the materials and nodded. "This is indeed good news."

"This shows that their relationship is not as good as imagined."

Kate nodded. "Yes, this is our chance."

"Moreover, I think the other party also needs this opportunity."

"After all, no one can refuse the friendship of the United States."

Upon hearing this, the doctor smiled, and his companions also smiled.

The next moment, someone exclaimed, and everyone quickly looked over.

Then we saw two more Blue Horses flying in from not far away, followed by four smaller planes.

"That's their J-8 fighter jet. Our Tomcats have suffered quite a few losses against Persia."

"I know, I know."

The doctor looked at the planes flying around him, and even saw one plane waving its wings at his passenger plane, showing goodwill.

"Have you noticed that the Blue Steed that came along the way did not go back?"

"And there was no refueling either."

The doctor spoke softly, and everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

This suggests that their guess about Blue Horse's range may be slightly less than the actual range.

Can the United States really build such a high-altitude, high-speed aircraft capable of long-distance cruising?
After a moment of silence in the cabin, the doctor took a deep breath.

"It seems we need to show more sincerity to satisfy our future friends."

"Gentlemen, we have ten minutes left. Please come up with a proposal as soon as possible."

"I don't want my things to be disliked by others."

Although the doctor's voice had a touch of humor, it sounded quite grating to everyone's ears.

Watching everyone busy at work, Kate tidied up the documents and said with a smile, "Doctor, we don't really need to worry."

"Although the other party has established a system in some aspects, there is still a huge gap in basic infrastructure."

"For example?"

The doctor asked very seriously, his hands clasped together.

Kate laughed, “A friend of mine has done business with them a few times.”

"He discovered that the other side's basic industries were not even up to our level in the 1950s."

"Moreover, their current industrial foundation was built with the help of the alliance. Without their own set of standards, it will be difficult for them to go far."

"Therefore, they are very eager for machine tools, which enhance the industrial foundation. Of course, I'm referring to the kind of machine tools that enhance the industrial base."

"In addition, they import a large amount of grain every year."

"And we happen to have all of these."

"And what the other side possesses, such as calculators, satellite phones, game consoles, photocopiers, and those miraculous drugs, is also what our capital seeks."

At this point, Kate smiled confidently and said, "So I think we just need to strengthen our cooperation in the economic sphere to achieve a win-win situation."

After listening, the doctor fell into deep thought.

At that moment, a sound came from the plane.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

"We have entered Beijing. The plane is descending. Please prepare to disembark."

The doctor took a deep breath and then looked at Kate.

"I think you're right."

Kate smiled and bowed her head slightly. "I hope this helps."