I can see the commodity price curve

Obama paced back and forth in his office, his face contorted with rage like a volcano about to erupt.

He slammed his hand on the table and roared at his assistant, Henry, beside him:
"What exactly does this guy surnamed Li want to do?"
"They've snatched so much of our business away all at once! Those countries used to cooperate with us honestly!"

Henry stood cautiously to the side, swallowed hard, and said:
"Boss, according to our investigation, the other party has developed reusable rocket technology, and the price is much more reasonable than ours."

Those countries, in order to reduce costs, naturally turned to them.

Obama stopped in his tracks, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes:
"Hmph, reasonable price? I don't believe they can keep offering such low prices forever."

"Henry, go and calculate it immediately, and reduce the cost of launching Starlink for those countries to the same level as the cost of launching Starlink for China."

Henry's eyes widened in surprise. "Boss, isn't this too low?" he exclaimed.

Our profit margins weren't this small before.

Obama waved his hand impatiently: "We can't worry about that now, let's get the business back first."

If we allow them to continue developing in this way, our position in the aerospace market will be in jeopardy.

Henry nodded helplessly: "Okay, boss, I'll arrange it right away."

A few days later, Henry returned to Obama's office with the calculated data:
"Boss, the calculations are complete."

Based on the cost pricing of Starlink launches in China, although our profits will decrease significantly, we will still have a small profit.

Obama took the data, examined it carefully, and a cold smile appeared on his lips:
"Okay, it's settled then."

"Henry, contact the countries that have previously cooperated with us immediately and tell them we are willing to lower our fees and resume cooperation."

Henry accepted the order and set off to contact those countries one by one.

The first person to receive the call was Mr. Black, the head of the UK Space Agency.

Mr. Blake was in his office discussing follow-up matters regarding the collaboration with Mr. Li's company with his team when the phone rang.

He answered the phone and frowned when he heard Henry's voice: "Mr. Henry, what's the matter?"

Henry said enthusiastically on the other end of the phone, "Mr. Black, after careful consideration, our company has decided to reduce the cost of launching Starlink for your country. The price has been sent to you."

Mr. Blake was taken aback at first, then secretly delighted, but outwardly remained calm:

“Mr. Henry, this sounds very tempting.”

However, we have already signed a cooperation agreement with Mr. Li's company, and it would be inappropriate to suddenly change it now.

Henry quickly said, "Mr. Black, we understand your concerns."

But as you know, we have extensive experience and advanced technology in the aerospace field.

Moreover, the significant discounts we've offered this time represent a rare opportunity for your country.

Mr. Blake paused for a moment, then said, "I need to discuss this with my team before I can give you an answer."

After hanging up the phone, Mr. Blake informed his team members of the situation.

Team members shared their opinions.

“The price is indeed very attractive, but our cooperation with Mr. Li’s company has been going smoothly. Wouldn’t there be any risks in suddenly changing partners?” one member said.

“There are definitely risks, but the United States does have considerable strength in the aerospace field, and this price can save us a lot of costs,” another member said.

Mr. Blake thought for a moment and said, "How about this, let's communicate with Mr. Li's company first, see their attitude, and then make a decision."

So Mr. Blake dialed Mr. Li's number.

After receiving the call, Mr. Li smiled and said, "Hello, Mr. Blake. What can I do for you?"

Mr. Blake said apologetically, "Mr. Li, the United States just contacted us and said they are willing to reduce the cost of launching Starlink."

Our team is a bit hesitant and would like to hear your opinion.

After hearing this, Mr. Li smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Black, I understand your thoughts."

Business cooperation is inherently profit-driven.

However, I would like to remind you that our company's reusable rocket technology is not only reasonably priced, but also has significant advantages in terms of technical stability and reliability.

Furthermore, we have always been committed to establishing long-term and stable cooperative relationships with our partners to jointly promote the development of the aerospace industry.

Mr. Blake listened attentively to Mr. Li's words, nodded, and said:
"Mr. Li, what you said makes a lot of sense."

I will relay your words to my team, and we will consider them carefully.

After hanging up the phone, Mr. Blake relayed Mr. Li's words to the team members.

After a heated discussion, the team members ultimately decided to continue working with Mr. Li.

Mr. Blake dialed Henry's number again: "Mr. Henry, thank you very much for the discounts offered by your company."

However, after careful consideration, we have decided to continue our cooperation with Mr. Li.

At least we feel more at ease with them in terms of technology and reputation.

Henry was so angry when he heard the news that he stomped his feet.

“Mr. Black, would you like to reconsider? We are very sincere about this price.”

Mr. Blake firmly stated, "No need. We have already made our decision."

Henry hung up the phone in frustration and told Obama what had happened.

Obama was furious: "These countries are so ungrateful!"

We offered them such a huge discount, and they still don't appreciate it.

At this moment, Jack, the assistant, cautiously said, "Boss, perhaps we can approach this from another angle."

For example, offering additional services or technical support could attract those countries.

Obama calmed down, thought for a moment, and said, "Jack, you have a point."

"Henry, go and contact those countries again. Tell them that in addition to reducing costs, we will also provide free aerospace technology training and follow-up technical support."

Henry accepted the order once again and began contacting those countries one by one.

This time, he went to the German Space Agency's office and met with the head, Schneider.

Henry said with a big smile, "Mr. Schneider, our company wants to express our sincerity in cooperating."

In addition to reducing the cost of launching Starlink satellites, we will also provide your country with free space technology training and ongoing technical support.

Mr. Schneider smiled slightly: "Mr. Henry, that does sound very tempting."

However, our cooperation with Mr. Li's company has entered a substantial stage, and they have been very professional and responsible throughout the cooperation process.

We don't want to easily change our partners for a small amount of profit.

Henry quickly replied, "Mr. Schneider, the strength of our beautiful country in the aerospace field is obvious to all."

Our technical training and support will absolutely enable your country's space program to reach new heights.

Mr. Schneider shook his head: "Technical strength is important, but integrity and a cooperative attitude are equally important."

Mr. Li's company has always been committed to integrity and has maintained good communication and cooperation with us.

We believe they can provide us with a better collaborative experience.

Seeing Mr. Schneider's resolute attitude, Henry had no choice but to leave.

He then contacted several other countries, but the responses were all similar.

Those countries rejected the United States' cooperation invitation because of Mr. Li's company's good reputation and technological advantages.

Upon learning this news, Obama was so angry that he kicked the table over.

His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead, and he roared in the office like a wild beast that had been thoroughly enraged:

"These damned countries dare to ignore us like this!"

Henry, lower the price by half again, down to our cost price!

I refuse to believe they can refuse!

Henry stammered, "Boss, this...this won't do!"
If we lower the price to cost, we will not only lose our profit, but we may also face huge risks of loss!

Furthermore, if any unforeseen circumstances arise, the company's cash flow may be in trouble.

Obama suddenly rushed up to Henry, grabbed him by the collar, and said fiercely:
"I don't care! The most important thing now is to win back the business!"

If we let them continue to succeed, we can forget about ever doing business in the aerospace market again!

Do as I say, immediately recalculate the quote!

Henry was so frightened that he trembled all over and nodded hurriedly: "Yes...yes, boss, I'll go right away."

A few hours later, Henry returned to Obama's office with a new quote, feeling quite nervous.

His voice trembled as he said, "Boss, the new quote has been calculated, and it is indeed our cost price."

Obama snatched the price list, glanced at it, and a sinister smile crept across his face.

“Okay, Henry, go and contact those countries again right away and tell them about this new offer.”

I refuse to believe they won't be tempted!

Henry sighed helplessly, but still accepted the order and left.

This time, he re-contacted the countries that had previously rejected them.

When Mr. André, the head of the French Space Agency, received the call from Henri, he was initially pleased with the smooth progress of the cooperation with Mr. Li's company.

Upon hearing Henry's new price, he was first taken aback, then a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

But he quickly regained his composure and cautiously said:

"Mr. Henry, this price is indeed very tempting, but we have already signed a contract with Mr. Li's company and the cooperation is going very well."

Changing partners so suddenly seems inappropriate.

Henry quickly said, "Mr. Andre, we understand your concerns."

However, this price is offered by our company to show our utmost sincerity, and this opportunity will not be available again if we miss it.

Furthermore, with our long history and extensive experience in the aerospace field, we are confident we can provide you with the highest quality service.

Mr. Andrei was silent for a moment, then said, "I need to discuss this with my team; after all, this is not a small matter."

After hanging up the phone, Mr. Andrei immediately convened a meeting with his team members to discuss the matter.

The team members were shocked when they heard the price.

"This price is too attractive. Although our previous cooperation with Mr. Li's company went smoothly, the cost was much higher than this."

One member said.

"However, Mr. Li's company has advanced reusable rocket technology, and they have always been very responsible."

"What if we suddenly change partners? Will that affect the project's progress and quality?" another member asked worriedly.

Mr. Andrei thought for a moment and said, "Everyone has a point."

However, this price can indeed save us a lot of money.

"Let's talk to Mr. Li's company first and see if they can make some concessions on the price before making a decision." So, Mr. Andrei dialed Mr. Li's number.

After receiving the call, Mr. Li still politely asked, "Mr. Andre, what can I do for you?"

Mr. Andrei said somewhat embarrassedly, "Mr. Li, the United States offered a very low price."

Our team is a bit hesitant and would like to see if you can offer us some discounts.

After hearing this, Mr. Li smiled and said, "Mr. Andrei, I understand your thoughts."

However, our company's prices are already based on reasonable costs and high-quality service.

Our reusable rocket technology is not only superior in performance, but also guaranteed in terms of safety and stability.

Furthermore, we are committed to providing long-term, stable service to our clients and will not compromise quality for short-term gains.

Mr. Andre nodded and said, "Mr. Li, what you said makes a lot of sense."

But the price offered by the United States was too low, which put us in a difficult position.

Mr. Li thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Andrei, I can make you a promise."

If you continue to work with us, we will provide you with additional technical support and preferential services in future projects.
We ensure you receive not just a low price, but a high-value partnership.

Mr. Andrei was somewhat shaken after hearing this.

After thanking Mr. Li, he hung up the phone and told his team members about the situation.

After a heated discussion, the team members were ultimately swayed by the incredibly low price offered by the United States.

Mr. Andrei dialed Henry's number again: "Mr. Henry, after careful consideration, we have decided to accept your new offer and sign a new cooperation agreement with you."

Henry was overjoyed upon hearing the news and exclaimed, "That's wonderful, Mr. Andre!"

We are committed to providing you with the best service.

In the following days, Henry, with this new offer that was almost at cost price, successively reached cooperation agreements with several other countries.

Those countries abandoned their cooperation with Mr. Li's company and instead signed new contracts with the United States.

Upon hearing this news, Obama laughed heartily with smug satisfaction.

"Haha, I knew these countries couldn't escape my grasp!"

"Hey Li, let's see how you fight me now!"

A triumphant smile spread across his face, as if he could already see his future dominance in the aerospace market once again.

At this moment, Mr. Li was not as relaxed as when he was on the phone with representatives from other countries.

His face was full of anxiety, and his eyes were even bloodshot.

Suddenly, he picked up the phone and dialed Zhang Yue.

Zhang Yue's calm voice came from the other end of the phone: "Mr. Li, what's up? Is there something you need?"

Mr. Li took a deep breath and tried his best to calm himself down:

"Zhang Yue, the situation is urgent!"

The United States has driven prices down to cost price, and many countries that originally cooperated with us have switched to them.

We need to quickly find a way to win back those partner countries. Do you have any good ideas?

Zhang Yue was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Mr. Li, I think that if we want to turn the situation around, we still have to start with the technology."

Although our reusable rocket technology is already advanced, there is still room for improvement.

I suggest we look for solutions in rocket manufacturing materials and develop lighter materials.

This not only reduces launch costs but also improves rocket performance.

Mr. Li's eyes lit up: "Your idea is brilliant!"
The weight of reusable rockets has always been a key factor affecting cost and performance.

If we can develop lighter materials, we can absolutely crush them.

However, this research and development is quite challenging!

Zhang Yue smiled confidently: "Mr. Li, it's definitely going to be difficult, but I believe that as long as we work hard, we will definitely succeed."

I have some research experience in materials science, and I also have some like-minded friends.

We can form a team to tackle this problem together.

Mr. Li exclaimed excitedly, "Really? That's wonderful!"
I sincerely invite you to join this research project and lead it.

"Tell me what resources you need, and the company will fully support you."

Zhang Yue readily agreed: "Thank you for your trust. I will definitely not let you down."

However, this project requires professionals in various fields.

Besides myself, we need to find a few more experts in materials science and physics.

Mr. Li nodded quickly: "No problem, I'll arrange for someone to find suitable talent right away."

Please provide me with a list as soon as possible, and I will personally invite them.

A few days later, Mr. Li brought Zhang Yue to a secret research and development base.

Several invited experts have already gathered at the base.

They are Dr. Chen, a leading professor in the field of materials science; Dr. Lin, a physics expert; and Mr. Wang, an experienced engineer.

Mr. Li stood before everyone and said sincerely, "Experts, the reason I have gathered you all here today is because our company is facing a huge challenge."

The United States has snatched away many of our partner countries with low prices. We must come up with more competitive technologies to win back the market.

Mr. Zhang proposed the idea of ​​developing lighter rocket-making materials.

I believe that once this idea is realized, we will once again lead the world.

I hope everyone can work together to accomplish this challenging task.

Dr. Chen pushed up his glasses and said seriously, "Mr. Li, we are all aware of the difficulty of this project."

But now that we're here, we'll give it our all.

However, we need a detailed research and development plan and sufficient resource support.

Zhang Yue stepped forward, smiled, and said, "Dr. Chen, I have already formulated a preliminary research and development plan."

Our first step is to analyze the existing rocket materials to identify areas for improvement.

Then, we will try different combinations of materials and manufacturing processes to screen out the materials with the best performance through experiments.

Dr. Lin nodded: "This plan is feasible."

Of course, in addition to these factors, we also need to consider the stability and reliability of the materials.

Rocket launches are no small matter; even the smallest problem can have serious consequences.

Engineer Wang echoed, "Dr. Lin is right."

We must not only pursue lightweight materials, but also ensure that they can function properly in extreme environments.

Zhang Yue said earnestly, "What you all said makes sense."

During the research and development process, we prioritize stability and reliability.

We will conduct extensive simulations and actual tests to ensure that the new materials fully meet the requirements for rocket launches.

Mr. Li looked at everyone and said firmly, "Okay!"

I believe that with the efforts of all the experts, we will definitely succeed.

I will assign someone to provide resource support. Please let me know if you have any needs.

In the days that followed, Zhang Yue led his team to begin intensive research and development work.

They worked day and night in the laboratory, analyzing and experimenting on various materials.

Sometimes, an experiment needs to be repeated dozens or even hundreds of times to get a satisfactory result.

In one experiment, they tried to use a new type of alloy material to manufacture the rocket shell.

However, cracks appeared in the material during simulated launch tests.

The team members were all very frustrated. Dr. Chen frowned and said:
"It seems this material won't work; we need to find a more suitable one."

Zhang Yue was not discouraged. He carefully analyzed the experimental data and then said:

"Don't be discouraged, everyone. Although this experiment failed, we have learned a lot from it."

The material may crack because it lacks sufficient toughness.

We can try adding other elements to the alloy to improve its toughness.

Dr. Lin nodded: "That's right, failure is the mother of success."

Based on the results of this experiment, we can adjust the material formula and conduct the next experiment.

So the team members rallied and continued their research and development work.

They continuously adjusted the material formula and manufacturing process, conducting experiment after experiment.

After several months of hard work, a major breakthrough was finally achieved.

A new type of alloy material has been developed.

This material has only one-sixth the mass of the original rocket materials, and it has high strength and toughness, and can remain stable even in extreme environments.

Zhang Yue, smiling, ran to Mr. Li's office with the experimental data:
"Mr. Li, we have successfully developed a new type of alloy material with a weight that is only one-sixth of the original."

The properties of this material fully meet the requirements for rocket launches.

Mr. Li stood up excitedly and grasped Zhang Yue's hand tightly:

"That's great! You guys are awesome!"

This is truly our company's lifeline.

With this new material, our reusable rockets will be more competitive.

Those partner countries will surely return to our side.

Soon after, Mr. Li held a press conference to announce to the world that they had developed a new type of alloy material.

The news caused a sensation as soon as it was released.

Those countries that had originally signed contracts with the United States are now filled with regret.

They immediately contacted Mr. Li and expressed their willingness to resume cooperation with Mr. Li's company.

Upon hearing this news, Obama was furious: "These countries are despicable!"
They just signed a contract with us, but now they're backing out.

And you, surnamed Li, I will absolutely not let you get away with this!

Meanwhile, Mr. Li and his team were celebrating their victory. (End of Chapter)