Return to Hong Kong Island for a Century

Chapter 230 Different Views (Second Update, 3400+ words)

“Mr. Li, there is also interest in off-road motorcycle racing in China. Could you form a team to participate in the competition?” Ma Shengli asked again.

After all, the first place prize is five million US dollars.

“Of course, but it seems that the mainland hasn’t joined the International Motorcycle Racing Federation yet?” Li Song asked.

"The higher authorities are already in talks, it should be soon," Ma Shengli replied.

"That's no problem."

"It doesn't matter who gets the bonus," Li Song said, waving his hand.

While everyone else thought they were going to be number one, all they wanted was advertising.

This time, Li Song was going back to Chang'an and would also like to visit his home. He then asked his master for a few agile young men to be his riders.

Li Song doesn't care about the rankings, but of course, it would be even better if he could get first place. As for the fact that Xiaoben wants to ride a BMW motorcycle, let him ride it if he wants.

That's right, that's Li Song's attitude. The reputation of BMW motorcycles depends on these people to spread it.

The worst thing about making a product is having nobody know about it.

“Okay, okay, so it’s about licensing the technology for off-road motorcycles?” Ma Shengli said again.

"This is not authorized for public distribution at the moment, but you can purchase our off-road motorcycles or have them customized," Li Song said, shaking his head.

"Yes, I will pass it on."

Li Song held a short meeting to find out about the progress of the motorcycle factory.

At the BMW motorcycle factory, the 250cc off-road motorcycle is expected to be produced in a week, and samples have already been made.

Technical breakthroughs are underway for the 400cc off-road motorcycle and the 150cc regular motorcycle.

Then there were some document signings and such. The company was operating at a loss for the first two quarters of this year, and the motorcycles only started selling in September.

The third quarter's accounts haven't been released yet, but they will be available at the end of this month.

Then Li Song arrived at the BMW outboard motor manufacturing plant, where they were conducting experimental production of a 400-horsepower outboard motor.

Furthermore, other low-horsepower outboard motors have been licensed to several domestic manufacturers, with licensing fees amounting to 5% of sales revenue.

However, other factories have not yet started production because aluminum alloy die-casting machines are in short supply.

When Li Song was at the outboard motor factory, Ma Shengli was giving a work report.

"Li Song's offer is very reasonable."

"Yes, other foreign investors provide outdated technology and demand a 49% stake."

"Although the other party has brand influence, compared to Li Song, it is nothing. After all, the technology they gave us is outdated."

"It's not just lagging behind. When we talk to car manufacturers in some European countries, they refuse to transfer core technologies. We can't even see a single piece of it, let alone get a license."

“Li Song’s asking price is far below the bottom line set by the higher authorities.”

"So many core technologies, these can't be bought with money."

"The thought that we will also ban the sale of some products to other countries in the future is exciting." There is a special team in Yangcheng to handle matters related to Li Song, including the head of the team, the heads of several departments, and the person in charge from Kyoto.

"Let's do a quick survey first. The materials technology used in these engineering machines alone is enough to elevate our steel production technology by several levels."

"Well, the only problem right now is that steel production is too low, but we don't have enough foreign exchange to buy iron ore overseas."

"The higher authorities had already considered this: start with light industry, which consists of labor-intensive enterprises. By 85, several large chemical industrial zones will be built, and textiles will be developed based on these large chemical enterprises."

"This period of time is just right for our companies to absorb and digest these technologies. These heavy industrial technologies cannot be mass-produced in a short time. This time, we don't have the core equipment like Li Song Automobile Factory. All the core equipment needs to be manufactured by ourselves."

"Ok!"

"BMW has already exported 2000 motorcycles."

"I wonder if Li Song can open up overseas markets?"

"It's hard to say."

"As for entrusting the service company under the Science and Technology Commission, I agree with that. Li Song and his team have already taken into account the difference in systems."

After Li Song's reply was processed here, it was sent to Kyoto.

The next day, Li Song returned to Chang'an and felt very comfortable. Guanzhong in October was much more comfortable than Guangdong Province in October.

Li Song was relieved, but some people in the microelectronics and semiconductor companies were not, because they had just received a task from their superiors: to make suggestions on the development path of the domestic semiconductor industry.

Of course, those who could be given positions to Li Song were mostly younger people. The older ones already had positions in the research institute and would certainly not want to work under Li Song like slaves.

Another thing is that the older they get, the more cunning they become, and who knows what trouble they might cause.

Of course, the person chosen for Li Song was a reliable, capable, and honest man who didn't talk much.

These researchers had no idea that this was a watershed moment; some would go down in history, while others would remain unknown.

As usual, Li Song would stroll around the Chang'an BMW aircraft manufacturing company before heading home.

"Master, it's beautiful!" Li Song arrived at his master's house, where three two-story buildings stood together. Although the design was not very attractive, Li Song still praised it.

The rough, uneven cement exterior walls are already the highest grade; many houses are built with red brick walls.

Wooden windows with glass look jarring, but they've already made many people envious.

The roof was still tiled, it was a half-story building, and there was also a cement pool.

Li Song said to Gao Haiyang on the rooftop, "Master, I came back this time to ask you to find a few agile young men with quick reflexes. Three or five would be fine, ten or eight would be fine, and twenty would also be good."

Li Song needed so many people because the team's logistics, maintenance, and upkeep also required personnel. With more people, he could select the best among them, and those with less skill could be assigned to car repair and washing.

"What's the point of having so many people?" Gao Haiyang asked upon hearing this.

"BMW Motorcycle Factory has assembled a BMW Motorcycle Racing Team to participate in this competition, and the champion will receive five million US dollars."

"Go to the Yangcheng BMW Motorcycle Factory to report for duty. First, you need to learn how to drive and repair motorcycles. Then, the best technicians will be selected to compete."

“If there’s any problem with the race car, I’ll take responsibility. Each household will contribute 10,000 yuan upfront, and the rest will be deducted from their wages,” Li Song said.

Gao Haiyang rode a 125cc motorcycle, which was given to him by Li Song. He also had a son, Li Song's father, mother, eldest sister, second sister, second sister's husband, and two uncles.

But let me make this clear upfront: don't try to extort money from me if something goes wrong.

Because Li Song has seen too many cases like this. Although it might hurt feelings a bit, it's better than something going wrong and causing conflict. Of course, it shouldn't be that bad yet at this point.

What is an off-road motorcycle?

"We just go wherever the roads are bad, whether it's puddles, ravines, log bridges, wastelands, or mud pits."

"The route is full of twists and turns, with lots of sharp turns, so you have to be quick to react," Li Song said.

"Wouldn't that break it?"

"This is also a way for motorcycle manufacturers to advertise; whoever's motorcycle comes in first place is the best, right?"

"That's true, I'll look for it for you."

"Call this number after you find it, and someone will take care of the arrangements," Li Song said.

"Can your two senior brothers go?" Gao Haiyang was referring to his two sons.

"I have arrangements." Li Song was not one to forget his roots; once the Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Plant was established, he could place some people there.

Because these large companies have many jobs that don't require technical skills, and as for family businesses, Li Song doesn't like doing that.

Family businesses have their advantages and disadvantages, because not all relatives will be grateful. If there are only one or two, you will feel disheartened.

In technical management, the principle is that the capable rise and the incapable fall, with no favoritism shown to anyone.

"it is good!"

"What about your martial uncle?"

“He’s come to Hong Kong Island, we’ll see what happens next.” Li Song shook his head.

“They are already the second generation. Unlike my grandmaster, they have already settled down there.” Li Song could roughly guess that.

“That’s true!” Gao Haiyang nodded.

“Master, if there are still people struggling to make ends meet, you can contact me. I have connections.” Li Song thought of Uncle Hao’s business in Southeast Asia and wondered if he could help him out.

Li Song felt that some people, when pushed to the limit, were capable of anything, so rather than committing crimes domestically, it was better to send them abroad to try their luck.

"This?" Gao Haiyang was a little confused.

“There’s a guy in Southeast Asia who’s been taking over territory. I have connections there,” Li Song said.

Gao Haiyang understood: warlord infighting?

During this period, many people ventured out from the coastal areas, and their身影 (figures/presence) could be seen in Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, America, and South America.

It's just that it's inconvenient to go out from the mainland.

Li Song flew to Shanghai in the afternoon, while Zhu Lin was undergoing closed training with the film crew. The current training focused on thoroughly understanding the character.

For example, lifeguards need to be trained on what operating procedures they should follow and how to rescue people. This is different from those ridiculous dramas where people wear hair oil, leather pants, and leather jackets to look cool.

"Boss!" It turned out that Yang Wen, the head of the logistics department of BMW Motorcycle Factory, and Li Tianyou, the receptionist of Hong Kong Island Parkson Company and now the head of the racing division, were waiting for Li Song in the office building.

"Thank you for your hard work, Minister Yang. Thank you for your hard work, Supervisor Liu," Li Song said.

"It's not hard work. We just handle the fund review and disbursement. The design is done by Duolun Company, and the acceptance and supervision are also handled by their people. We outsource the construction to the local company." Yang Wen used to be the general manager of Dongfang Hotel.

"Hmm, how long will it take to complete the construction of the stadium?"

“At the current pace, it will be completed by the end of this month. The local authorities are extremely proactive. In many places, people are carrying things on their shoulders and backs. Apart from some bridges, most of the work can be done manually. In the past few days, the number of people working every day has exceeded 30,000,” Li Tianyou said.

"Okay, that's good. It doesn't matter who earns the money." Li Song knew, of course, that many artificial reservoirs in the mainland were built using manpower in the past.

Therefore, each village can create its own race track, as long as the route is well planned.

"Has the land compensation been given?"

"It's already been given." There weren't many people in the company, and they were quite surprised to see Li Song, not expecting their boss to be so young.

Li Song looked at the design drawings. The design was about 484 kilometers long, surrounding the entire Taihu Lake. The surrounding terrain was diverse, and it utilized some hills and mountains, building narrow bridges, leaps and slopes, and of course, muddy ditches.

Designed by Dorren, with the International Federation of Motor Racing (IFRC) overseeing the acceptance process.

Parkson donated $500,000 to the International Motorsport Association.

Of course, this rally doesn't yet have a standard class, namely the 250cc off-road motorcycle rally, and the schedule hasn't been finalized yet.

Because this race includes not only professional racing teams but also city racing teams from various countries, the race is quite long.

First, we need to see how many teams are participating before the knockout stage begins, based on a points system, where a certain number of points are needed to advance in each round.

"Boss, Duolun Company has expressed some objections to some of the issues we raised," Li Tianyou said.

"Regarding the number of viewers, the company headquarters reported two million, but Duolun Company thinks one million is the maximum," Li Tianyou said.

(End of this chapter)