Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3024 Preparing for Launch
Department Nine, Reception Room.

Old Chen and Li Rong sat in chairs, leisurely drinking tea, with Yang Xiaotao keeping them company.

Li Rong put down her teacup and then smiled, "The report for last month is already out, aren't you interested?"

Yang Xiaotao wasn't too surprised when he heard this. He just sat there and smiled. "What's the use of caring? In the end, what's due still has to be handed over. We'll just get a taste of the soup."

Li Rong laughed heartily upon hearing this, then looked at Old Chen and said, "Listen to this, there's nothing but resentment and dissatisfaction in his words."

"No, no, you can't talk nonsense."

Yang Xiaotao quickly waved his hand in denial, knowing that even if he felt dissatisfied, he shouldn't show it.

"Alright, stop stirring things up."

Old Chen straightened up and waved his hand, saying, "I don't know how much money he makes, but he knows everything about the investments in natural gas pipelines."

Do you think he really wouldn't know?

Upon hearing what Old Chen said, Yang Xiaotao smiled repeatedly.

Li Rong raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, realizing that she was the one who was ignorant.

"You two, one an old fox and the other a young fox, neither of you can gain the upper hand."

Old Chen and Yang Xiaotao smiled at each other, their understanding unspoken.

"Alright, let's quickly discuss what to do next."

"You two have to make a decision. Dragging this out will only cause us to miss opportunities."

Li Rong steered the conversation back on track, revealing the purpose of her visit to the Ninth Division.

Since the launch of the tape recorder, it has quickly set off an entertainment storm in the world.

Now, more than a month has passed, and entertainment companies of all sizes around the world are springing up like mushrooms after rain.

Then came releasing records and albums.

Before the advent of magnetic tape, these records were mostly made of vinyl.

However, compared to cassette tapes, vinyl records are not only expensive, but also unaffordable for the average person.

Moreover, the manufacturing cost is high, the production cycle is long, and the materials are scarce, making it unsuitable for ordinary people.

Conversely, cassette tapes, due to their simple manufacturing process, low price, and sound quality that was not much worse than vinyl records, immediately became the preferred choice for ordinary residents.

In this way, a small entertainment company only needs to recruit a few artists to release albums and make money.

With so many entertainment companies worldwide, the demand for tape recorders and tapes is even greater.

This is even more than a game console cartridge.

So the purpose of this trip is twofold: either to increase production or to sell the patents and reap the benefits of the technology.

In retrospect, increasing production as a first step seems rather difficult.

As for the second one, it's really hard to say right now.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao lowered his head and remained silent, clearly indicating that everything was in Chen Lao's best interest.

Old Chen glanced at Yang Xiaotao, then smiled at Li Rong and said, "Comrade Li Rong, we need to consider this matter carefully!"

Li Rong rolled her eyes, then said seriously, "Boss, it's been fermenting for two months already, we can't wait any longer."

Old Chen was somewhat embarrassed after being rebuked.

Seeing Yang Xiaotao smiling with his head down, he felt a surge of anger.

The two had discussed it and agreed to stand together through thick and thin this time.

But this guy just pushed him out and then ignored him. That guy is such a scoundrel.

Li Rong, oblivious to their situation, continued talking to herself, "You probably don't understand the situation abroad."

"In the realm of culture and entertainment, they are even more insane than we imagined."

"There's a band called Queen in Britain, just four young people, yet they managed to cause a sensation throughout the whole of Britain."

"Can you imagine tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of people attending a concert?"

"Can you imagine an album selling tens of millions of copies?"

"It's like they've gone mad."

As Li Rong spoke, Yang Xiaotao finally raised his head and agreed, "That's right, they're just full of themselves. If you let them go hungry, let's see if they'll still have the mind to listen to any songs."

Li Rong slammed her hand on the table. "Don't interrupt me. Is this what I meant?"

Yang Xiaotao immediately lowered his head, while Old Chen's lips curled up in a smile.

Li Rong took a deep breath, then gritted his teeth and said, "Nowadays, many world-class bands are seeking creative inspiration, seeking new breakthroughs, and trying to use cassette tapes to increase their influence."

"There is a huge business opportunity here, and we must seize it."

After finishing his sentence, he looked at the two of them again and said, "You two either increase production tenfold, so that I can complete global sales in the shortest possible time."

“Or do as I said, just like with insulin, sell the patent, and we won’t make less money.”

Li Rong shared her thoughts, and Yang Xiaotao and Old Chen exchanged a glance before nodding silently.

Finally, Mr. Chen said, "Domestic production capacity has reached its limit, and it will be very difficult to increase it."

"Moreover, this is only the first generation product, and we cannot afford to spend huge sums of money just for short-term gains."

“Selling the patents is possible, but we need a suitable price.”

Li Rong picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip. This was almost exactly what she had expected.

He put down his cup and said, "You can rest assured about that. Our partners are all long-term clients, so their reputation is guaranteed, and they won't let us suffer any losses on prices."

"However, they also made demands."

"any request?"

Yang Xiaotao asked casually, as if he already knew.

Li Rong glanced at Yang Xiaotao and Old Chen, knowing in her heart that these two guys had probably been waiting for her for a long time.

However, this matter also benefits the country, so he said, "If there are any technological breakthroughs in the future, they will have the right of first refusal to purchase."

"Moreover, the products they develop based on this are not included in the scope of cooperation."

Yang Xiaotao twisted his fingers together for a moment, then nodded. "We can agree to their request, but the price will have to be increased by 20%."

Upon hearing this, Old Chen picked up the slightly cold water glass on the table and remained silent.

Li Rong looked at Yang Xiaotao and asked, "Isn't 20% too high?"

Yang Xiaotao shook his head, "Aunt Rong, you said it yourself, entertainment activities are very developed abroad, so you can definitely earn more money."

Do you think they earn less than they put in?

Li Rong didn't say anything more, she just nodded.

"Okay, since it's settled, then so be it."

"Comrade Li Rong is in charge of contacting and selling the patented technology. You should provide proper support here."

With Old Chen's final decision, Li Rong's mission was considered accomplished.

The three chatted for a while longer, and Li Rong, seeing that the two still had things to do, got up to say goodbye.

Yang Xiaotao escorted Li Rong downstairs, and only after watching her leave did he come back to his senses and enter the conference room.

"Finally, they're gone."

As Yang Xiaotao walked in, he sighed. Old Chen, standing to the side, gently shook his head, "It's better to resolve this matter sooner rather than later, to avoid further trouble."

"And it can also provide us with cover."

After saying that, he got up and walked to the window, looking at the lush greenery below, and casually asked, "Has the date been set?"

Yang Xiaotao walked to the side and nodded, saying, "The official announcement is October 21st, but we will actually depart two days later."

Old Chen nodded. "This is also a suggestion from the internal affairs department."

Yang Xiaotao nodded silently, "Let alone internal affairs, our security department has been busier than ever lately."

"Before this thing was launched into the sky, those people wanted nothing more than to come up and crush it under their feet."

"If we really go to heaven, we'll make them all look up at us."

Upon hearing this, Old Chen reached out and patted Yang Xiaotao on the shoulder, saying, "The more the enemy wants to sabotage something, the more we should do it."

"Be careful on this trip south."

As he spoke, Old Chen still seemed somewhat worried.

Seeing the expression on Old Chen's face, Yang Xiaotao smiled nonchalantly, "Don't worry, we'll fly there, and there will be fighter jets escorting us along the way, so there won't be any problems."

"However, we'll need you to keep an eye on this natural gas project. It's a critical time right now, and we can't leave it unattended."

Old Chen nodded, "Don't worry about that. Right now, there are just as many people watching the West-East Gas Pipeline project as there are here."

"They're looking at it with a very critical eye!"

"I can rest assured that."

Yang Xiaotao laughed as he spoke, and then Old Chen said, "Tell me the plan!"

"it is good!"

"We will secretly transfer flights starting tomorrow, and then be flown to Wujiang the day after tomorrow. The accompanying personnel will travel to Wujiang in three batches." "After Wujiang, we will transfer to trains and travel all the way to Xizhou."

"Finally, it will be towed by a car into the launch center."

"The route will be protected by local authorities, and a curfew has been imposed within a ten-mile radius of the base."

After Yang Xiaotao finished explaining everything, Old Chen reviewed it in his mind and asked, "Is everything arranged at home?"

"They didn't tell the truth, they just said they were working overtime in the Ninth Department."

"Once the plan begins, the security department will be outwardly relaxed but inwardly tight, cutting off all information transmission."

Old Chen asked again, "Can the tungsten rod be taken up there?"

Yang Xiaotao nodded, "Okay."

"The new type of lithium battery we used this time has a large capacity but is much lighter. This makes room for the tungsten rod."

Old Chen nodded again, "You need to confirm with Lao Peng that he can cooperate at any time."

"Of course, if this tungsten rod really works, then we'll consider it a lucky accident."

Yang Xiaotao shook his head and smiled, "Let President Peng prepare it; that's more reliable."

They both laughed and then continued discussing their plans.

As night fell, Yang Xiaotao saw Elder Chen off and then went to the Satellite Research Institute, where final checks were being conducted.

"Wang Suo, how is it?"

"Minister Yang, everything is normal with Taurus."

Wang Can looked at the test data and said confidently.

As for Taurus, that is the code name for this satellite.

When the satellite code name was initially solicited within the Nine Departments, the Golden Ox was suggested by the old Taoist priest.

Of course, I'm not just making things up.

According to the old Taoist's research, this year is the Year of the Ox, so we should choose a name with the ox in it.

Considering its future potential, it was named after the Twenty-Eight Mansions.

Thus, the code name Taurus came about.

Yang Xiaotao thought the Twenty-Eight Mansions were not bad either, so he decided on the order of the future communication satellites.

"That's good. We're leaving tomorrow, so get some rest."

Wang Can nodded, "All I can think about right now is getting the satellite up there as soon as possible, how can I possibly sleep?"

"You still need to rest, otherwise the long journey will wear you down when you get to Xizhou."

Yang Xiaotao spoke earnestly, and Wang Can nodded, "Okay, I'll go back to my dorm to rest later."

"Minister Yang, you should get some rest too."

"Don't worry, I'm still young."

Wang Can was speechless.

The next evening, as soon as it got dark, the workshop became busy.

In the middle of the night, Yang Xiaotao watched the truck drive out of the gate, waved to Wang Can and the others who were with him, and then they all got into the truck and disappeared into the night.

Outside the nine gates, Yu Zecheng yawned as he watched the convoy depart, then patted his face. "Follow up!"

The car started immediately and followed at a distance.

They only stopped at the perimeter after the car entered the airport and continued to serve as a guard.

At this moment, the outside of the airport was quiet, but the inside of the airport was bustling with activity.

Upon seeing Yang Xiaotao get out of the car, Wang Minghai quickly walked up to him and extended his hand.

"Minister Yang, you've finally arrived."

"We're a little late, sorry to have kept you waiting."

"It's alright, are you leaving now?"

"Yes, I'll leave after my connecting flight."

Wang Minghai nodded, "Come sit at my place first, the loading and unloading will take some time."

"it is good!"

The two arrived at the office, where Wang Minghai personally brewed tea and said, "President Peng has already gone to the Southwest region to make some arrangements there."

"Also, he told me to tell you that this operation needs to be secretive and swift, and to prepare in advance."

"To attract attention, I won't come to see you off."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, "Don't worry, we've made all the preparations."

“The preparations in Xizhou are also complete.”

"That's good."

The two chatted briefly until the early hours of the morning when news came from the plane that the installation was complete. Yang Xiaotao then got up to say goodbye.

Soon, everyone boarded the plane and waited for takeoff.

The first to take off were two Blue Horse fighter jets, followed by two J-8C fighter jets.

Then the transport plane carrying Yang Xiaotao and others took off, followed by the Y-5 transport plane carrying the satellite.

Amidst a sea of ​​red, an airplane takes off in the rising sun, its wings glowing crimson, the horizon ablaze like flames, or perhaps wisps of purple aura drifting from the east.

After a bumpy six-hour flight, we finally landed in Wujiang.

Once again grounded, and with the cooperation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, they began their journey by train.

After a two-day, two-night journey, the train stopped near Xizhou, where access is only possible by private vehicle.

Fortunately, with the full support of local authorities and the continuous efforts of the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry, the infrastructure in Xizhou was deemed adequate, which ensured that the satellite could arrive in Xizhou without any obstacles.

Xizhou Launch Center.

Old Wang arrived first and is currently checking the status of the instruments and equipment.

Standing next to Old Wang was Ran's father, and next to him, taking notes in a notebook, was Ran Xinrui.

Throughout the hall, control consoles were running at full capacity, and computers were spinning rapidly.

People in white coats walked back and forth, their faces serious.

Old Wang walked around with his hands behind his back, sometimes standing at the door.

"Report, the Ninth Department's transport team has arrived."

Suddenly, a voice came, causing the anxious Old Wang to take a deep breath and wave his hand, saying, "Let's go, let's go greet them."

Ran's father put down the documents in his hand, and Ran Xinrui was the fastest, shouting that her brother-in-law was coming and running outside.

The base gates opened, and trucks came in one after another.

The largest one, Optimus Prime, is the most eye-catching.

Above them, three helicopters hovered in the air.

The car drove for another five minutes after entering the base before stopping in front of the control building.

Yang Xiaotao jumped out of the car and saw many beautiful sights along the way, scenery full of pristine beauty.

But after arriving at the launch site, I felt out of place with the surrounding environment.

This place feels more like a technologically advanced futuristic civilization.

"Minister Yang!"

"Brother-in-law!"

The sound came from inside the building. Yang Xiaotao looked up and saw a group of people running out.

They led their men to greet him, and the first person they saw was Old Wang.

Then Ran Xinrui rushed up from behind, calling out "Brother-in-law".

Ran's father also walked over from behind.

Yang Xiaotao put Ran Xinrui down, then shook hands with Old Wang, Ran's father, and everyone else.

Old Wang stepped forward again, saying, "I've been waiting for you here for half a month."

"You're really late."

Yang Xiaotao laughed and said, "This is what they call good food is worth the wait."

"That's right!~"

Both sides met, and then the satellite was put into storage, where staff went to inspect it.

Two days later, the satellite and rocket were both in good working order, and all pre-launch preparations were complete.

Yang Xiaotao and Wang Lao jointly reported to their superiors that the satellite had arrived at the launch center and requested to be launched.

News soon came from Beijing that the launch had been approved.

The two then set a launch time and prepared for launch.