Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3298 The outcome was good; everything is alright.

Chapter 3298 The outcome was good, so everything is alright.

As night fell, the banquet proceeded as scheduled.

However, the two only took a small taste before going to the study to discuss it in detail.

"So, industrial methods can now replace folic acid?"

Karen's eyes widened with excitement.

Earl Spree nodded vigorously. "I learned this from the Angel's Tears Laboratory, but I'm sure China's chemical industry can't do that!"

Count Cullen smacked his lips. "Is this thing difficult?"

Earl Spree took a deep breath before explaining, "It's difficult!"

"To produce folic acid, nitrobenzoic acid is used as a raw material, and folic acid can be synthesized through steps such as acyl chloride, condensation, reduction, and cyclization."

"The product made this way is the same as that extracted from pigs, or even purer."

"The entire manufacturing process is complex and cumbersome; with their capabilities, well..."

Count Spry said dismissively, and Count Cullen echoed his disdain, but then became worried. "So, how can we get them to change the formula?"

"We can't just give away the technology for free!"

"And what if they think we have ulterior motives and refuse to accept it?"

After Count Cullen finished speaking, Count Spree was completely bewildered.

Yeah, what if they don't want it?

For a moment, the two looked at each other in silence.

"How about we talk to someone about this?"

Suddenly, Count Cullen spoke up with a suggestion.

Count Spree nodded. "Yes, we need to talk to someone about this."

Two days later, in Hong Kong.

The plane roared down and then slowly landed on the tarmac. The cabin door opened, and seven or eight people stepped out.

The middle-aged woman at the head of the group had just come out when a joyful smile appeared on her face.

"Aunt Hathaway!"

Helen quickly stepped forward and threw herself into the middle-aged woman's arms.

"Hi, our little princess has grown taller and more beautiful."

"If it's two more years, Auntie will have to prepare her dowry."

"No way, I'm not even as tall as my aunt. Besides, my aunt isn't married yet, so I'm not in a hurry."

Helen then clung to Hathaway's arm and acted coquettishly, but Hathaway perceived it as nothing but malice.

"You brat, I just haven't found anyone I like, and I don't want to settle for just anyone."

Helen's big eyes darted around as she smiled, "Yes, yes, yes, how could those ugly ducklings be worthy of an outstanding woman like Auntie? At the very least, he has to be a young and handsome man, tall and strong, and capable of both cooling and heating."

"Stop, stop, stop!"

Hathaway quickly covered Helen's mouth, saying, "I've realized that sending you to learn Chinese was a mistake."

"The words that come out of his mouth are really eloquent, without any of the straightforwardness of us Britons."

Helen laughed and said, "No way, I'm just telling the truth."

"Truth my foot!"

"Where's your dad?"

Helen shook her head. "Dad said he had a meeting, and Mom was busy entertaining those ladies, so neither of them had time to come. That's why they asked me to pick you up."

As they spoke, the group got into a car parked by the roadside and drove towards the Governor's Mansion.

Hearing Helen say that, Hathaway asked indirectly, "What's your daddy busy with?"

"Didn't you say everything was fine when you called me a couple of days ago?"

She had given us advance notice before coming, and mentioned the purpose of her visit over the phone.

My brother was stammering on the phone, clearly not wanting to get involved.

Especially since he only sent his niece to greet him today, that's something to consider!

But thinking of the instructions from his elders before he came, he knew that if he completed the mission, it would greatly benefit the family's affairs.

She herself could gain entry into the core of the family through this achievement.

"He's always busy attending events!"

Helen muttered to herself, and Hathaway's heart sank.

The car quickly arrived at the governor's mansion. As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Governor Edward seeing someone off. Hathaway glanced at the person, then suppressed her surprise, nodded, and walked into the villa.

"Mr. Kate, please rest assured that Hong Kong has become an important free trade port based on its reputation and word of mouth. What you said does not violate Hong Kong's code of conduct, so we will fully support it."

"Please rest assured about that."

Howard maintained his smile and spoke earnestly.

Kate's face also showed gratitude. "Thank you so much. We in the United States will always remember your generosity and kindness."

Thank you again.

The two shook hands solemnly before parting ways.

After watching Kate get into the car and leave, Howard finally let out a sigh of relief and turned to walk towards the villa.

Inside the house, Hathaway's wife, Susan, was warmly entertaining her, while their daughter, like a little butterfly, cheered and jumped around happily.

Helen was especially delighted when Hathaway brought gifts from Britain.

"elder brother!"

Hathaway stood up to greet Howard as he walked in.

"You must have had a long and tiring journey by plane."

Howard smiled and nodded, then sat down and picked up some fruit to eat.

"It's alright, but long-haul flights are indeed quite boring."

Hathaway began to pour out her grievances, and Susan, who was standing next to her, told her to go and rest. Hathaway just smiled and continued chatting with the others.

Howard could see through Hathaway's thoughts, so after chatting for a while, he took Hathaway into the study.

After the two sat down, Howard crossed his legs and said, "You came all this way just to bring some local specialties, didn't you?"

Hathaway picked up the kettle on the table and poured a glass of water for the two of them, then said without any politeness, "Of course not, didn't I say that on the phone?"

"Did I tell you? I forgot."

Howard chuckled and started acting like a scoundrel.

Hathaway had no choice but to sit down and say, "Then I'll tell you again."

"The story begins with the research into a specific drug."

Hathaway briefly explained the situation, and Howard pondered for a moment before saying, "So, it's impossible to research it domestically?"

"That's basically it, otherwise they wouldn't have changed their approach and asked us for help."

Howard sighed and shook his head, "Things in the country are getting worse every day."

"However, it is understandable."

The abrupt change in tone made Hathaway somewhat uneasy.

Then he thought of the man Howard had just seen off, and he looked very familiar.

So Hathaway asked directly, "Big brother, who was the person you just saw off?"

“Kate, Kate of the United States, you should have heard of her, the former Chief of Staff.”

After Howard mentioned it, Hathaway immediately remembered who it was.

After that person's master was dethroned, they all scattered like monkeys falling from a fallen tree. But to say that anyone could kick them while they were down is not necessarily true.

After all, it's impossible to sit in that position without some kind of powerful backing.

Why is he here?

Hathaway was very curious, and Howard didn't hide anything, saying directly, "What else could it be? They just want to bypass the United States' fortresses, get their goods from us, and then sell them to the United States."

"These people don't respect the United States. The factory construction on the Japanese islands was their doing, and I heard that this move caused considerable economic losses to the islands."

Howard finished speaking with a gloating expression on his face.

However, these were not things Hathaway should consider, so she frowned and asked, "Since they can produce it on the Japanese islands, why do we still need to buy it from here?"

Howard shook his head and said, "It's simple, we sell it cheaply."

"what?"

"This is cheap?"

Hathaway asked in surprise, "You know, the price of the Chinese Sunshine 75 has been almost fixed at $100,000 since its launch. After deterring most ordinary customers, those who can afford it are all wealthy people."

But I didn't expect to get a discount here.

Seeing Hathaway's astonishment, Howard briefly explained the situation.

"The factory in Japan is still under construction, and there is currently a gap in the supply chain in the United States, so we are thinking of importing goods from Hong Kong. You can imagine the profit margin here."

"Of course, things may change after the factory is built on the Japanese island, but that's a matter for the future."

Howard said nonchalantly, "Hong Kong's status is now clear: it's going to be a free port for trade and economics. Goods from all over the world can be bought here. That's Hong Kong's advantage."

"The matter you mentioned is a bit difficult to handle."

The two continued their previous conversation, and Howard was somewhat skeptical when Hathaway expressed her desire to discuss cooperation with the other party.

"Don't think that their cooperation in building a factory on the Japanese island is easy. In fact, they didn't hand over the core technology at all. Instead, they kept the most important part in their hands."

"How could we possibly collaborate with outsiders on something as simple as a miracle drug?"

"I can only say that you've made assumptions."

Hathaway nodded and then shook her head. "We've discussed this. We know their situation, so we've prepared some preferential policies."

"Preferential policies? For example?"

Hathaway laughed, "For example, we could build a chemical plant here in Hong Kong and then sell the products to them."

"For example, by purchasing more of their products and strengthening trade between the two sides."

"As long as the price of the finished product is lower than the loss of the raw materials, there is no reason for the other party to refuse."

Hathaway spoke confidently, but Howard laughed out loud, "You guys don't think that China is still the same country that had to import even its socks, do you?"

After saying that, Howard said very seriously, "You'd better not look at them with your own standards."

Hathaway rolled her eyes. "Big brother, you're one of us too, okay?"

Howard smiled without saying a word, then took a deep breath and said, "We will not get involved in this matter."

“As I just said, Hong Kong is a trade transit hub, and it’s only a small place. Building a chemical plant there doesn’t fit Hong Kong’s development philosophy.”

"so what?"

Hathaway crossed her arms and waited for Howard's advice.

"So, personally, I think it's better to be direct. Based on my understanding of them, it's better to be straightforward than to beat around the bush."

"Wouldn't we be more grateful to have the chemical plant's production technology directly given to them, so they can produce it themselves, than to spend money to buy the products?"

"You should know that there is a Chinese saying: 'A drop of water in need is repaid with a spring of water.'"

"Being sincere might bring you more rewards."

Hathaway listened thoughtfully, then looked at Howard again, "Big brother, are you serious?"

Howard picked up his teacup and nodded. "This is my suggestion for you. Whether you accept it or not is up to you."

Hathaway nodded and then said, "If other countries knew about this, there would be a lot of pressure at home."

Why bother with them?

Howard stood up and said, "Didn't you see the United States, which is making the biggest fuss, is still secretly buying computers?"

"They're not a united front from within, so what are you afraid of?"

After saying that, he stepped forward and patted Hathaway on the shoulder, "Some things, you just have to look forward to."

"As long as the outcome is good, everything is good."

Hathaway seemed thoughtful, then before Howard could leave, she said, "Big brother, could you help arrange this?"

"I want to go to Beijing."

"Of course, the fewer people who know, the better."

Howard turned to Hathaway and asked, "Don't you need to consult with the authorities back home?"

Hathaway stood up proudly and said, "Didn't you say so?"

"As long as the result is good, the process is good."

Howard said with a wry smile, "I feel like you're using me."

Hathaway blinked and then stepped forward to put her arm around Howard's. "That's right, since you're the older brother."

"So, the eldest brother is just there to take the blame, right?"

"Haha, you're tall, you can carry it."

"Go to hell."

Howard smiled helplessly, but considering Hathaway's status in the family, he knew that this opportunity was rare and very important to her.

Of all his siblings, only Hathaway could lend him a hand in the future.

After thinking for a moment, he thought of something and said, "There's a Star Shine Entertainment in Hong Kong, I don't know if you're familiar with it."

"Star Shine Entertainment? I don't know."

Hathaway didn't know much about Hong Kong, but Howard was well aware that Star Shine Entertainment had close ties with Beijing, and that many songs were said to have originated from there.

Moreover, thanks to the promotion of tape recorders and cassette tapes, many star singers were quickly cultivated and developed rapidly in Hong Kong.

Star Shine Entertainment's influence is also growing, and it is even beginning to spread to Taiwan and Japan.

It has to be said that those people in the north really treat Hong Kong as a 'bridgehead,' constantly making moves and scheming in Hong Kong.

After briefly explaining the situation of Star Shine Entertainment, Howard revealed his plan: "In a couple of days, Star Shine Entertainment will organize a group of artists to go north to Beijing to participate in an event. You can go with them then."

"I'll have someone arrange it!"

Hathaway frowned slightly. "Is this level of caution necessary?"

Howard simply shook his head and said, "The Britain of today is not the Britain of the past."

"Do you understand?"

Hathaway took a deep breath before solemnly saying, "Okay, I'll follow your arrangements."

"Okay, let's go, we should head out."

Howard got up and walked out, Hathaway following behind. "Hey, Helen's not young anymore."

Howard slowed his pace, turned around with a dangerous look in his eyes, and Hathaway smiled, "You don't want her to end up like me, do you?"

Howard scoffed, "She's my daughter!"

"Okay, you're good."