Return to Hong Kong Island for a Century

Chapter 273 The First to Make a Move (7000)

The reporters tried to get closer, but were stopped.

The journalists attending the press conference keenly realized that this new product launch was unusual.

"Judging from the level of security and the way things are being done, this must be a different new product."

"Who knows? This guy surnamed Li is very good at packaging himself."

"I also think this guy is very good at packaging himself and is too hypocritical," a reporter with a notebook quickly chimed in after hearing what the reporter next to Amei said.
"Please, do you know what we're talking about?"

"We're saying he's good at packaging himself, which is a compliment; he knows how to promote himself and showcase his strengths to everyone!"

"It's not the hypocrisy you people imagine!"

"Only you little bastards would be hypocritical, bowing and apologizing while continuing to do bad things," Amei's reporter said irritably!
"Huh?" The reporter with the notebook was speechless after being bombarded with questions.

"Hey guys, any news?" a French journalist asked, joining in, assuming there was some exciting news when he saw the group huddled together.

"This guy is talking badly about Mr. Li!" Amei's reporter said, pointing directly at the reporter in the notebook.

"I know that. Because of Li, the notebook suffered huge losses!"

"They originally planned to sell the outdated small-displacement motorcycle technology and production lines to the mainland!"

"As a result, Li's side acquired higher technology and a better production line."

"And the little notebook has made contact with the third leader!"

"Not only did they not get a single penny back, but they also invested a large sum of money, supposedly because of Li!" the French journalist said.
"sad!"

"When I said Mr. Li is good at packaging himself, I meant that he is good at promoting himself. Every time he is interviewed, he shows his personal charm."

“I find this somewhat similar to politicians in our country, who are always trying to present themselves on screen and in front of the public,” the American reporter said.

"Heh heh, how many times has your Declaration of Independence been stolen?"

"Five times!"

"I don't know what they were thinking. The newspapers already said that what they were displaying was a replica!"

"Perhaps the clues on the replica are the same as those on the original?"

“…!” The reporter was speechless upon hearing this.

Just then, Li Song took the microphone and went on stage.

"Welcome everyone to the press conference!"

"This press conference is about my personal investment and has nothing to do with Yum! Brands!"

"I think this will be the most successful investment of my life!"

"The new product launched at this product launch is the Starshine small jet airliner!" Li Song didn't waste any words and turned around to show everyone the poster covered by a black cloth.

After the black cloth was torn off, the spotlight shone directly on the poster.

A poster of a small jet plane appeared in front of everyone!
It can be seen that this small aircraft is in an assembly plant, and some assembly equipment can be seen, but many things are blurred.

A person wearing a mask was standing next to the plane.

"That's me standing next to the plane!"

"Many people probably know that I have applied for two aircraft patents, one is a small jet airliner, and the other is a medium- and long-range airliner!"

"This is the small jet airliner for which the patent application is filed."

"At nine o'clock this morning, the first aircraft began ground testing, and all ground and flight tests are expected to be completed within the next three to six months!"

The reporters below were dumbfounded when they saw the airplane on the poster.

Although everyone knows that Li Song is being so secretive this time, he must be working on some new products.

But I never expected it to be an airplane!

This is a damn airplane!

Are airplanes really that easy to manufacture?

The reporter from the notebook was completely dumbfounded!
You should know that researching airplanes is not allowed in Japan.

Li Song is actually able to build airplanes!

Experts in China have confidently asserted that mainland China will not be able to build its own passenger plane within the next twenty years.

As for the passenger aircraft patent applied for by Li Song!

Even experts from Boeing and Airbus have stated on television that mainland China simply does not have enough technology or equipment to manufacture qualified engines.

In other words, Li Song's aircraft design patent only existed on paper.

How did they manage to build an airplane?!

This is an airplane!

Logically speaking, shouldn't this new product launch be about cars?

How did they jump directly from motorcycles and outboard motors to airplanes?
This is totally illogical!

Is it more difficult to manufacture a car or an airplane?

After a brief silence, the reporters below erupted in a flurry of activity, raising their hands in surprise!

Li Song was also stunned by the reporters' performance and was very satisfied with their reaction.

"Please ask your question, sir!" Li Song directly rebuked one of Amei's reporters.

The staff handed the microphone to the reporter, who took it and asked in a somewhat disbelieving tone, "Mr. Li, is everything you said true?"

"Of course it's true. The aircraft is already undergoing ground testing, and I believe we'll see more news soon." Li Song nodded.

Amei's reporter was completely confused, thinking this was a car press conference, so she prepared questions about cars.

"Then, Mr. Li, where is this aircraft manufacturing plant located?" Amei's reporter asked, prompted by her companion.

"Chang'an!"

"Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Company!"

"This is a manufacturing company that I own entirely," Li Song replied, because others could see it from the satellite!

There was no other way; the aircraft manufacturing plant was so large, and it had several long runways.

"Then, Mr. Li, how many people work in this factory?"

"This is a secret!"

"So, Mr. Li, is all the manufacturing technology used in this aircraft owned by your company?"

"All the parts of this aircraft are manufactured by our company."

"Our company's independently developed small turbofan engine, CA001, is undergoing comprehensive testing. You can check the relevant patents; our company owns all the patented technologies for this engine!" Li Song said.
"Then, Mr. Li, how many people are working at this aircraft manufacturing plant, and what is its production capacity?"

"This is a secret!"

"Mr. Li, how long did it take to build this factory?"

"Keep this a secret too!"

"Now, gentlemen, please ask your questions!" Li Song then invited another reporter to ask a question!
“Mr. Li, given the level of industrial development in mainland China, it is impossible to manufacture such an advanced small turbofan engine.”

"So, did the production technology for this turbofan engine originate from another third party?" the reporter asked.

Upon hearing this, Li Song said very formally, "First of all, I must correct your mistake. You have been misled by the relevant experts. I don't know about the overall aircraft manufacturing technology in mainland China, but we have already successfully manufactured our first aircraft!"

"No matter which expert you hear this from, the plane is right in front of you!"

"In addition, I have commissioned Parkson to apply for a special airworthiness certificate in Europe. If we can obtain the special airworthiness certificate, everyone will be able to see our new aircraft on Hong Kong Island."

"I have prepared detailed information for everyone!" As soon as Li Song finished speaking, staff members began distributing the materials.

"The documents contain detailed information about the aircraft!"

"We support customization of both the aircraft's paint scheme and interior design."

"The Star Shine passenger jet has a fuselage length of 29.9 meters, a wingspan of 29.5 meters, a height of 7.9 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 40987 kg, a maximum weight of 33927 kg, and an empty weight of 21709 kg."

"Our new passenger aircraft can easily cross the Pacific Ocean, with a maximum range of 12051 kilometers."

"Maximum cruising speed: Mach 0.88".

"Service ceiling: 15636 meters."

"Takeoff distance: 1685 meters."

"Landing distance: 839 meters."

"The cabin length is 13.29-16.2 meters."

"The cabin width is 2.24 meters."

"Cabin height: 1.88 meters."

Passenger capacity: 14-18 people.

"The luggage compartment has a volume of 6.4 cubic meters."

"The cabin layout can be configured in 12 ways, including a separate passenger area and beds." Li Song smiled meaningfully as he said this.

"Equipped with two CA001 turbofan engines."

"Single-unit thrust is 69.6 kN."

"It's equipped with a flight system developed by our Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Company!" Li Song said as his subordinates looked at the documents.

Of course, many of the materials are renderings.

Some journalists knowledgeable about aircraft quickly realized that this document was more like a sales brochure.

It contains amazing photos, featuring a variety of paint schemes, including red, black, and blue, and this particular blue is a royal blue.

The interior designs also come in a variety of styles.

There is no manufacturer information available; there is only one manufacturer listed: Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Plant!

Where is this factory located? How large is it?

There was absolutely no introduction whatsoever!

Many reporters immediately realized that Li Song's document was actually a sales brochure.

"The base model of our aircraft is only $1200 million!" Li Song announced the price at the end.

The reason it's priced this way is because it's comparable to the Dassault 900, which costs $2500 million!
Li Song simply cut the price in half, because only in this way could he find a market.

Without a sufficient price advantage, why would anyone buy your new aircraft?

Once this price is announced, it will definitely attract a lot of attention.

Of course, this is the basic model. If you want to customize something, you'll definitely have to pay extra.

Li Song's idea was simple: even if there was no market, he wanted to be a disruptive force.

There are two types of people who buy private jets: those who are truly wealthy and those who own companies.

But regardless of the type, they all have this price as a reference when purchasing!
There will definitely be a lot of haggling involved.

After all, I got a full 50% discount!
Those who buy the property privately for half the price probably aren't happy about it.

Of course, Li Song's actions were somewhat unethical.

However, for newcomers to gain market share, price is the decisive factor. "Wow!" The reporters present were stunned after hearing Li Song's final offer!
"Mr. Li!"

"Mr. Li!" Many people asked questions.

A European journalist, holding a microphone, asked, "Mr. Li, with such a low price for this aircraft, are there any quality issues?"

"Of course not, because our products have no advantage over other products, but I have already invested so much money, so price is the only thing we can offer."

"If our products are only 10% cheaper than similar products, would you, as a customer, even bother to look at them?" Li Song asked.

"Of course not!" the reporter replied without hesitation.

"What about 20%?" Li Song continued to press.

"No, if I could buy a private jet, I would definitely go for the reputation, after all, my safety is also very important."

"What about 30%?" Li Song continued to press.

"That's something to consider, after all, it's several million US dollars."

“What about 40%?”

"You should be interested!"

"What about 50%?" Li Song continued to press.

"We can learn more about it."

"Less than 50%!"

"Uh, sorry, I don't know." The reporter was clearly hesitant to say, but would definitely buy it as long as the quality was good.

“I am a businessman. This price is indeed very low, but as long as there are enough orders, I can make money.”

"To put it bluntly, I'm taking a gamble, because regardless of whether I get orders or not, I've already put my investment in," Li Song continued.

The reporter understood: if they didn't offer such a low price, they probably wouldn't be able to sell a single one.

With such low prices now, if there are enough orders, costs can be reduced.

"This aircraft needs to go through the relevant agencies to apply for an airworthiness certificate and flight permit, so there won't be any quality issues. On the contrary, our aircraft engine has lower fuel consumption than similar models, making it more environmentally friendly and economical," Li Song said with a smile.

The reporters at the scene had no idea what to ask, because they didn't understand.

If they had known earlier that it was a small jet aircraft, they could have looked up relevant information and asked questions. Now, faced with the series of data that Li Song presented, the reporters on the scene did not know whether it was high or low, good or bad.
"Mr. Li, what other information did you just share?" a reporter asked.

“I was interviewed by mainland official news, and it should be broadcast soon,” Li Song replied.

"Mr. Li, according to some reports, McDonnell Douglas is in talks with the mainland about cooperation, but the two sides have not reached an agreement on some differences. Is your decision to announce the news at this time related to this?" an Amer reporter asked.

“I’ve heard about it, but I don’t think McDonnell Douglas is being sincere. Everyone knows it’s the king of air disasters. If another accident happens, then the DC-10 might face a lifetime grounding. That’s a risk.”

"What else does McDonnell Douglas have? The engine is a generic one, and this particular model of engine has some defects."

How many major accidents have occurred since 1971?

“Personally, I think Airbus technology is superior; Europe is, after all, an established nation.” Li Song naturally had to belittle McAvoy.

I'm the one who builds airplanes; all my competitors are trash!

Anyway, that's what they say. Of course, right now they're praising one while stepping on another. But once they can build their own passenger planes, they'll step on everyone.

"As for whether our company's aircraft have any impact on McDonnell Douglas, I don't know," Li Song said.

"Mr. Li, you have also applied for a medium-to-long-range passenger aircraft. How long will it take to see the finished product?" a reporter asked.

"It's hard to say, because I don't understand the technology. I'll leave it to the professionals. However, our second independently developed CA101 high-bypass turbofan engine, which has all the patented technologies, will undergo engine testing soon. You can see from the materials that these are all our test items." Of course, Li Song wouldn't say that it could be produced before the end of 81.

"Mr. Li, you just mentioned the aircraft manufacturing plant you invested in. That means the plant has only been established for less than a year. After all, it hasn't even been a year since your first large sum of income came in," a reporter asked.

"Sorry, this is confidential!" Li Song certainly couldn't just say that's how it was, because that would cause a lot of problems.

Of course, Li Song could probably guess that these reporters also had ways of knowing that the big commotion at the Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Plant might have already been monitored by satellites from some countries.

If others discover that your account is completely different from theirs, even if reporters later present some evidence, you will keep it a secret and deny it, no matter what questions you may have.

"Mr. Li, can you predict how many units this model of small jet aircraft will sell?" a reporter asked.

"Selling a few hundred units in the future shouldn't be a problem," Li Song casually mentioned a number.

Li Song knew that relevant industry professionals would definitely come out to refute his claims, which was also his goal.

How can you get more people's attention if you don't give others something to talk about?
Moreover, Li Song thought that was also correct. Once the mainland economy improves, wouldn't his small jet airliner sell like hotcakes?
They will improve the services related to private jets, such as building dedicated hangars, VIP channels, and member centers at airports.

It brings maximum convenience to customers and can even build its own airport, which can be used when developing domestic air logistics in the future.

No one objected, because the price was too attractive.

Then the other reporters didn't have any questions either. Today's new product launch left these reporters feeling frustrated because they didn't know what to ask.
Because I don't know much about this industry.

Faced with the series of parameters that Li Song presented, he had no way to question them.

This made the reporters uncomfortable, but they were also happy because it was sure to be a very exciting piece of news.

A few days ago, experts from Europe and the United States commented on Li Song on television, saying that Li Song was a puppet regarding the patents he held.

They also said that the mainland cannot manufacture airplanes within 20 years because everyone knows that the mainland is under a high-tech blockade.

Without these advanced technologies, the mainland could not have made such a rapid breakthrough.

The technological blockade imposed on the mainland is something that both the West and the US have tacitly agreed to.

Leaving aside the conflict between Fat Bear and us, Amei is in an even worse predicament.

On the peninsula, they were brutally beaten by the mainland, 1 vs 17!

It's important to know that at this time, America was at its peak of fighting power, riding the wave of victory from World War II.

But it still failed.

Later in Southeast Asia, Ami also blamed his failures on the mainland, saying that if it weren't for the mainland's support, those monkeys would have been dealt with long ago.

So it goes without saying what kind of relationship Amer has with the mainland.

Anyway, Amy was traumatized by those two defeats, and it wasn't until the Iraq War in the 90s that she regained her confidence.

Of course, they were frustrated by the defeat in Tokharistan, which made some people in America realize how good the situation was. Money poured in and went straight into their own pockets.

Then America's foreign wars changed; war became merely a means, a means to make money.

When America invaded Iraq, many people thought oil prices would surge, and many entered the futures market. But no one expected America to win so quickly, and many people jumped off buildings in despair.

The two-hour new product launch ended in just one hour because the reporters didn't know what to ask.

Li Song declined to answer any other questions asked by reporters.

After the new product launch, reporters from various companies quickly relayed the news back to their respective companies.

It's 10 a.m. now, it's 10 p.m. in America, and Europe can still catch the morning news.

Of course, the busiest people are the information departments of various countries. Faced with such information, these departments quickly contact their home countries.

This is not just a problem with one aircraft; it is a problem of reassessing the aircraft manufacturing technology in mainland China.

What technologies are involved in aircraft manufacturing?
It directly involves military force!
The intelligence personnel on Amei's side had just finished get off work and gone home when they were called back.

In Europe, I was woken up in the middle of the night to attend an emergency meeting.

When many countries in Asia received this news, they felt like the sky was falling!

I originally thought that the mainland had a weakness in aircraft manufacturing.

It now appears that this is not a weakness at all, because these countries have also consulted with aircraft manufacturing experts from other countries.

These experts all firmly believe that the mainland will not be able to turn the patent into a physical product within 20 years. After all, many relevant experts probably know about the problems with the Y-10 transport aircraft that the mainland developed last year.

If the technology and materials are substandard, then the design is just design!

Now it seems, has the mainland made a breakthrough, or...?
With such advanced aircraft manufacturing technology in mainland China, is the Tang Dynasty about to return?

Why is no one paying attention to tank technology?
MTU is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Parkson in Hong Kong Island, so what else is there to worry about?
Moreover, these Southeast Asian countries aren't afraid of tanks. If you're so capable, try flying over from the sea.

But airplanes are different; they can get there with just one tap of the accelerator.

On the evening of the 20th, a news report was broadcast on mainland television.

The host began the news report by saying: "Breaking news from our station: Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Plant has produced its first small jet airliner with independent intellectual property rights and international patents. After being appraised and accepted by relevant departments, it has reached the world's advanced level, filling a gap in this field in China."

The wording here is rather vague; it refers to independent intellectual property rights, but doesn't specify whether they are privately owned or state-owned.

On the television screen, a small jet airliner slowly taxied out of the hangar, its skin yellow.

The host continued in a voiceover: This is December 20th, which is 9:00 AM today. The first prototype successfully rolled off the production line and is undergoing relevant ground tests.

This aircraft uses the CA001 turbofan engine with completely independent intellectual property rights, which is currently being tested by professional institutions.

The aircraft in the video begins to taxi under constant commands, controlling its various attitudes.

Then, a voice-over: We interviewed Li Song, the general manager of Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Company.

Wearing sunglasses and using a globe to cover his face, Li Song said, "Our success is inseparable from the support of higher authorities, the care of the Party and the country, and the hard work of our technical personnel. In the days to come, we will continue to grow stronger and build more aircraft of our own."

The higher-ups did this at Li Song's request; the main point was that those who knew should know, and those who didn't should pretend not to know.

A reporter asked, "Manager Li, how long does it take for an aircraft to go from prototype to mass production?"

Li Song: This depends on the actual situation. We are currently applying for a special airworthiness certificate for this prototype. We will conduct tests in tropical marine environments, plateau environments, Gobi environments, and extremely cold environments. We will also produce three to five more aircraft for various tests, such as life tests and gravity tests. Our internal testing requirements are even higher than those of European and American countries.

Li Song: If everything goes smoothly, mass production is expected by the end of this year.

Reporter: It's even higher than in Europe and America?
Li Song: Yes, because we are newcomers, we must demand high technical standards of ourselves so that we don't fall behind.

Reporter: Manager Li, is there anything you would like to say to the audience?

Li Song: Happy New Year to all viewers across the country.

Reporter: On behalf of the audience across the country, I wish Mr. Li and all the employees of Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Plant a Happy New Year.

Li Song: Thank you!
The news article was short, but it conveyed a lot of information.

In particular, the reactions from various countries are different. It's not like Li Song simply holds a new product launch event, then makes a poster and some information.

People were still skeptical.

However, the reports in mainland media are very likely true.

Especially for the small-scale motorcycle companies, they originally regarded Li Song as a rival, but now that their rival is producing airplanes, what are they going to do?
Li Song didn't see this news on Hong Kong Island because he was watching news on RTV (Rediffusion Television). He also noted that TVB doesn't uphold martial ethics and would start airing "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" tonight.

Li Song still couldn't bear to look at the props and sets of TVB's Legend of the Condor Heroes; they were so stingy!

What Li Song didn't expect was that the first opponent to attack him had arrived.

The next morning, Li Song had just gotten up when he received a call from Liu Jiale: "Boss, Taiwan has announced a ban on you. Your works, as well as the film and television works derived from your works, and your industrial products are not allowed to enter their market."

Li Song felt a headache coming on. What the hell!
However, Li Song really couldn't do anything about the Taiwanese, because by 2080, they had already returned, and he had no way to deal with those guys.

"My balls hurt!" Li Song felt a pain in his balls.

"Okay, I understand. You go ahead with your work," Li Song said.

Then Li Song called Tian Jiahui over: "Old Tian, ​​find someone to find a way to investigate this matter for me, find out who proposed it, where the family members are, it would be even easier to talk if they are in the West."

"Besides, since you're a legal professional, could you find a place to sue Taiwan?" Li Song continued.

“Also, you should find someone to protest to the Hong Kong Island government, since I pay taxes,” Li Song added.

"Okay!" Tian Jiahui nodded.

(End of this chapter)