Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 2916 Cooperation is not something to be used.

In the conference room, Qing Lao stood to one side, watching the sky outside the window gradually darken.

Mr. Xu and Mr. Ye sat together; they didn't know much about industry.

Of those present, Yang Xiaotao was the only one who was truly knowledgeable in this area.

Of course, Yang Xiaotao's professionalism is beyond doubt.

Otherwise, such an important document would not have been given to Yang Xiaotao.

Tang Mingyue sat next to Yang Xiaotao, mainly acting as a translator. She would help Yang Xiaotao proofread if he didn't understand something.

However, Yang Xiaotao flipped through the documents very quickly, finishing them before everyone else had even finished thinking.

"Sir, I've finished reading it."

Yang Xiaotao spoke, and Qing Lao turned around and sat down in front of him.

Everyone else also pricked up their ears and watched Yang Xiaotao closely.

"Talk about it."

Old Qing looked tired and gestured for Yang Xiaotao to speak directly.

Yang Xiaotao nodded. "Sir, the other party's project proposal covers agriculture, healthcare, technology, and potential future talent education."

"Personally, I think if the other party is genuinely helping us, just like the alliance did back then, it would indeed be a good thing for us."

After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Mr. Ye and General Manager Xu understood the meaning behind his words.

Although the alliance's assistance was provided free of charge back then, many problems have been exposed over the years.

For example, back then, the workers used the Alliance's machinery and equipment. When it broke down, they needed to find Alliance experts to repair and maintain it.

The alliance's design philosophy has also influenced engineers in China.

This is especially true for airplanes.

The aircraft designed nowadays all look a bit like the MiG.

Finally, there's the impact on the future. The foundation laid by the alliance will be used for future development.

Extending means following in the footsteps of others.

But if you want to start from scratch, you have to leave these foundations behind. Wouldn't all the investments you've made over the years be wasted?
They didn't have a choice back then, but now they have the opportunity to choose.

The two exchanged a glance, and then Mr. Xu asked, "So, we can accept their cooperation?"

Yang Xiaotao shook his head. "Commander, leader, to be honest, I'm not sure what to do."

Facing the gazes of everyone, Yang Xiaotao voiced his concerns.

"The reason they helped us was to establish a standard factory that met their needs."

"Some might ask, what's wrong with building a factory that meets the same standards as the other party?"

"I'll give you an example and you'll understand."

Yang Xiaotao pointed to the pen on his body, picked it up and said, "For example, this pen."

"Fountain pens come in different nibs, some very fine, some medium fine, some coarse, some extra coarse, and many more."

"Now, suppose this pen is made according to the requirements of the United States, they are responsible for making the pen barrel, and we make the nib according to their requirements."

"If everything is as usual, the two together make a good pen."

“But if the other party changes the standard for the pen barrel, then if we want to continue making this fine pen, we have to change the standard for the nib accordingly.”

"It is very likely that many factories in China that produce this type of pen tip will need to modify the parameters, upgrade their production equipment, or even purchase equipment from the other party."

"If you don't want to change the standards, then based on the existing nib, you have to use the other party's pen barrel standards to produce the pen barrel. Only in this way can you make a good fountain pen."

"Then here's the problem: you're using their standards, not to mention the patent fees, but the pens they produce are their optimized second-generation products, while we're going through all the trouble to make their obsolete products. Will there be a market for them?"

"Furthermore, once we get used to the other party's products, we will become a dumping ground for their products."

"They sell us whatever we need."

"We can buy whatever we lack."

"If this continues, we'll get used to this 'borrowing' lifestyle, and we'll still be thinking about putting in the effort to develop our own things?"

"You know, the effort we put into processing it is probably less than one-tenth of what others do."

Yang Xiaotao explained it in detail, and everyone understood the situation clearly.

Qing Lao nodded in satisfaction, concluding that sending Yang Xiaotao to the meeting was the right move.

After understanding, the others looked at Yang Xiaotao with more seriousness.

Tang Mingyue sat beside Yang Xiaotao, quietly looking at the man in front of her, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

Because of Xingxing's existence, she could never forget this man in her entire life.

But now she understands that even without Xingxing's presence, such an outstanding man is unforgettable.

This man will surely have a place on this stage in the future.

After a moment of silence, Old Ye looked at Yang Xiaotao again and said, "Stop beating around the bush and just tell me your opinion."

Everyone looked over again, and Yang Xiaotao hesitated for a moment before saying, "In my personal opinion, there can be limited cooperation on infrastructure."

"But in high-precision fields, we must take the path of independent research and development, and we cannot adopt a 'take-it-as-it-is' approach."

"Moreover, I think we can combine the technological advantages of the Alliance and the United States to forge our own path."

After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, everyone's eyes turned to Qing Lao.

Qing Lao agreed with Yang Xiaotao's analysis.

A person who starves to death will not be picky about food.

There's no reason to refuse their help now that we can get it.

Rejecting it will not only hurt feelings, but also cost you a chance to develop a relationship.

However, we cannot accept everything entirely. As Yang Xiaotao said, accepting it is like touching a candy with a slow poison, which will cause us to lose our autonomy in the future.

After a moment of contemplation, Elder Qing looked at Yang Xiaotao and asked, "Do you still remember what the slogan of the Nine Departments was?"

Everyone was taken aback. Yang Xiaotao looked at Elder Qing, puzzled.

Why are we talking about the slogan of the Nine Departments now?
Tang Mingyue, who was standing next to him, poked her hip. Yang Xiaotao realized what she meant and said, "Commander, it means to develop high technology and realize industrialization."

Old Qing nodded, then pointed upwards, "What was the slogan back when it was the Red Star Machinery Factory?"

Yang Xiaotao understood what Qing Lao meant and quickly shouted, "Innovation, learn from the Red Star!"

Upon hearing this, Qing Lao slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed, "Yes, that's exactly it!"

"Innovation, innovation."

What is innovation?

Qing Lao stood up and walked over to Yang Xiaotao. "Innovation is the act of using existing knowledge and resources as a foundation to propose insights or methods that differ from the norm, creating new things, new methods, new paths, etc., and producing beneficial results!"

"That's innovation."

“Absorb the experience of the Alliance, learn from the knowledge of the United States, and then forge our own path and create something of our own.”

"This is what you nine departments are responsible for."

"That's what it's supposed to do as the locomotive."

Yang Xiaotao stood up and suddenly understood what Qing Lao meant. "Sir, do you mean that some people accept the other party's assistance, while others participate in this innovation, thereby guiding others onto a new path of innovation?"

"Correct!"

Old Qing looked at Yang Xiaotao with appreciation, "Just like the fountain pen you mentioned."

"If they want to cooperate with us, then let's cooperate and use their standards." "At the same time, we also need to innovate our own standards based on their standards."

"Moreover, we must proactively move towards our own standards and gradually break free from the constraints imposed by the other party."

After Qing Lao finished speaking, his eyes were filled with solemnity.

"But this road will be very difficult."

Yang Xiaotao, however, revealed a confident smile, "Commander, I know we've encountered no shortage of difficulties over the years."

Those around Yang Xiaotao nodded in agreement when they heard him say that.

But the one who understands the difficulties best is Qing Lao.

He knows best the changes that have taken place in China over the years, and he also knows the efforts behind those changes.

In fact, on many occasions, the nine units were used as targets for "taking".

In many places, in many aspects, and at many times, they have failed the Ninth Department!
Even now, the burden on the shoulders of the nine departments is already heavy enough!
But he still wanted to add more responsibilities to the Nine Departments.

Because there are some things that only the Ninth Division can do.

Because he trusts some people.

Seeing the deep affection in Qing Lao's eyes, Yang Xiaotao couldn't help but say with pride, "But we never felt it was difficult!"

"Because it's not a difficult matter, it's not worth our time!"

Upon hearing this, Qing Lao smiled.

Mr. Xu and Mr. Ye in the conference room both smiled.

Then everyone else started laughing too.

This is the grandeur of the Ninth Division!

It's not difficult; anyone can do it.

Only difficult things are worth doing!

The meeting continued after lunch.

However, this discussion concerns cooperation between the two parties.

Yang Xiaotao remained a listener, simply listening quietly without offering any opinions.

Thus, the meeting continued intermittently until the morning of the following day, when it finally came to an end.

At noon, Qing Lao led the team to take the other party to the airport, and then hugged them goodbye.

Kate gave Yang Xiaotao another warm hug and held his right hand tightly, saying, "Yang, I hope we can work together often in the future."

“Kate, next time you come, I’ll treat you to climb the Great Wall.”

"Oh, damn it, you should go find that Dawson guy instead."

After saying that, both of them laughed.

“Kate, we’re going to need the generators at the nuclear power plant soon. I’d like to have two new units delivered. You know, it’s hard to trust anything that’s been used by ordinary people.”

Kate was surprised that Yang Xiaotao would make such a request before leaving, but she was quite happy to oblige.

This signifies that the other party has begun to accept their 'standards'!
The doctor, who had noticed this, nodded quietly, and Kate immediately shook Yang Xiaotao's hand vigorously, "Don't worry, as a friend, I will definitely help."

"Thank you very much."

Yang Xiaotao smiled as well, and then gestured to Yu Zecheng, who quickly presented the prepared gifts.

As everyone waved goodbye, the other party boarded the plane and then left under the escort of Bai Ju.

As the plane gradually disappeared from sight, Qing Lao led everyone back to the hotel.

After tidying up, everyone continued with the follow-up work.

Yang Xiaotao and Yu Zecheng, on the other hand, were given leave by Elder Qing. In short, the mission was completed, and there was nothing left for them to do.

The two drove back to the courtyard house. They hadn't been home for several days, and seeing the courtyard house again made them miss it.

After passing through the hanging flower gate, Yang Xiaotao went straight home.

Xiao Wei flew out of the pocket quickly and entered the house in the blink of an eye.

As Yang Xiaotao entered the courtyard, Wangcai barked twice and then ran excitedly toward the hanging flower gate.

Yang Xiaotao watched as Wangcai ran over, wagging its tail and circling around him. He reached out to pet the dog's head, and then he saw the door open. Miaomiao ran out carrying Dudu, followed by the twins.

"dad!"

"father!"

"Dad, where did you go? Mom doesn't know either!"

"Dad, I miss you, I miss you so much!"

Several children circled around Yang Xiaotao, chattering away.

Ran Qiuye also came out of the house, smiled when she saw Yang Xiaotao, "They ask eight hundred times a day, just wanting you to come back as soon as possible!"

Yang Xiaotao bent down and touched each of their eyes. "Missing Dad?"

"Think about it!"

The children shouted it out in unison, which made Yang Xiaotao feel even more satisfied.

"Okay, Dad will cook something delicious for you!"

"Okay! I want braised pork!"

"If I were sweet and sour pork..."

The children immediately called out, and Yang Xiaotao nodded in agreement.

Once inside, Yang Xiaotao asked, "What about the Dragon Boat Festival?"

"Where did that kid go again?"

Ran Qiuye helped Yang Xiaotao take off his coat, and then said, "Alfat came over tonight, and the two of them said they were going to find Hongbing."

"They went to the Ninth Division?"

"This kid can get in?"