dognovel Chapter 1622 Surprise
Chapter 1622 Surprise
Chapter 1622 Surprise
Li Xuewu said that Honggang Group would not get involved in the specific negotiation process, and he kept his promise, even not attending the first meeting.
"Phew—" Just after coming out of the conference room, Bai Changmin habitually went to Li Xuewu's office. Without saying anything, he let out a long breath, plopped down on the sofa, covered his face with his hands, and leaned back there.
Li Xuewu, who was studying organizational materials, glanced at him and asked with amusement, "What's wrong? Did the talks fall apart on the first day?"
"This is quite intense—" Bai Changmin opened his eyes and saw Li Xuewu's secretary, Zhang Enyuan, bring him a cup of tea. He smiled wryly and said thank you before looking at Li Xuewu and asking, "Was it this difficult for you back then?"
“Nonsense—” Li Xuewu twisted the pen in his hand, leaned back in his chair, and looked at him, saying, “To grow upwards, to break through the soil.”
He raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "You should treat this project as a form of self-cultivation in your life."
"Then I'll have to call myself an ascetic—"
Bai Changmin rubbed his face, picked up his hot tea, took a sip, and said, "I didn't think it was that difficult when you told me it was so hard."
“Even now.” He looked at Li Xuewu and grinned, but couldn’t manage a bitter smile. “They really are picking at every single detail.”
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu laughed gleefully and said, "Don't worry, Gu Litong from Beijing Second Automobile Works also mocked me like that back then. We'll see what happens when their factory becomes a group."
"Second Automobile Works is also going to become a conglomerate?" Bai Changmin was taken aback and asked in surprise, "Do they have that kind of scale? Are they just going to force it?"
"It's only a matter of time." Li Xuewu shrugged and said frankly, "Enterprises that are more in line with modern market operations will be more dynamic and more competitive in the future market."
“Even if they don’t take such big steps, establishing a corporate-level enterprise is inevitable.”
He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and continued, "Whether it's the industry in the capital or other departments in the city, they can't stop the tide of history."
“Once we start, we’ll start again. Once we expand our territory in Liaodong and revitalize the industrial economy, many factories will follow suit.”
Li Xuewu leaned back in his chair, put his feet on the desk, and looked at him casually as he said, "People will laugh at the fool who is the first to eat crab, but they will never laugh at themselves for eating crab. That's the point."
"Just wait, within ten years, a wave of industrial specialization and corporatization following the integration of factory resources will sweep across the country."
He raised his hand and pointed to the person opposite him, saying, "Those of us who are the first to try something new will become the standard-bearers and guides in their eyes."
Bai Changmin was excited by his spiel, but then he realized that the man in front of him was a notorious conman in Beijing's industrial circles.
Bao Peigang of Dongcheng Credit Union was completely fooled by him, investing no less than tens of millions of yuan in projects held by Honggang Group alone. He was definitely a big bastard.
Of course, it was later proven that Lao Bao did have a long-term vision and the courage to invest, and several projects of Honggang Group were successful... right?
Actually, no. Apart from that bottomless black hole—the drone project, all the other projects can be said to have been great successes.
In the motorcycle project, Hongxing Motorcycle has almost reached three-quarters of the national market share. If it weren't for production capacity constraints, it would probably have driven all the motorcycle factories in the country into bankruptcy.
In the sedan project, the two models launched by Red Star Auto are very popular, with the Gemini and Aries enjoying unparalleled success.
Special vehicles, the Tundra. I heard that even my mentor really likes this car and even sat in the driver's seat to experience it.
Even the drone project, which Lao Bao often complained about at the dinner table, presented a concept product at this year's trade fair.
The drone is as big as a car and looks incredibly high-tech. Except for the fact that it can't fly, it looks very impressive.
It was precisely because of Bao Peigang's remarkable abilities in the investment field that he was able to be promoted to the position of deputy director of the Beijing Credit Headquarters in less than three years of his term, in charge of investment and operations, which was quite prestigious.
Bao Peigang was naturally involved in the investment in Jingcheng Chemical's project this time, but he had a falling out with Li Xuewu and did not come to see him.
"They all have to go through the United Savings Bank, right?"
Bai Changmin thought for a moment, then looked at Li Xuewu and asked bluntly, "No wonder Honggang Group is unwilling to get involved; it turns out it's easier to make money this way."
"Hehehe—" Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow at his sullen expression and said, "It is indeed easier. I advise you to take advantage of the fact that no one has noticed such a good way to make money and start a bank operation and investment business."
"..." Bai Changmin was momentarily speechless; damn, that's some really dirty swearing.
"Bai Chang, the meeting is about to begin." At this moment, his secretary came in to remind him, "The other leaders have already entered."
"Okay, I understand." Bai Changmin stood up, pointed to Li Xuewu's side, and explained to his secretary, "I said I wasn't coming, but Secretary Li insisted that I come and rest for a while. Alright, I'll go over now."
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu watched him leave with amusement, muttering under his breath, "You dog, you're not human."
As Bai Changmin walked out the door, he cursed inwardly. Did he not know that running a bank was very profitable? Did Li Xuewu really need to tell him that?
But why didn't Li Xuewu tell him how the bank operated?
There's no way to fix it. Ever since Honggang Group found this bug and created Hongxing United Savings Bank, this loophole has been plugged.
Furthermore, if it weren't for Bao Peigang taking the blame, United Savings Bank might not have been able to stand firm.
Most importantly, since the Dongcheng Credit Union made money, the Beijing Credit Corporation certainly wouldn't allow this goose that lays the golden eggs to be slaughtered.
These days, even the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) isn't as effective as the credit unions. Don't be fooled by Li Xuewu's dismissive attitude towards Bao Peigang; Bao is still a very powerful figure.
However, setting up a bank to manage funds is definitely not as simple as just setting up a bank. Bai Changmin finally understood why Honggang Group was able to launch large projects every year.
United Savings Bank set a total investment target of 1700 million for their project in Liaodong, leaving them only a 600 million share.
In other words, although Jingcheng Chemical is the operator and the actual controller in this project, it only holds a 35.3% stake.
Who got the rest of the shares?
Before the meeting and before seeing the project proposal, he had no idea who would be investing in the project.
But when he saw the project proposal, he was completely bewildered because there were several unfamiliar names.
The main investor is United Savings Bank, which goes without saying. The lead investor holds a 7% stake and will be responsible for supervision and auditing throughout the project.
There are many joint investors, including Oriental Times Bank, Beijing Credit Union, Beijing Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Liaodong Credit Union, Liaodong Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Santay Group, Geely Star Shipbuilding, and Dongfeng Sany Construction Engineering Company.
Banks and credit unions are easy to understand, but where did Dongfang Times Bank come from? Isn't Dongfang Sanyi Construction Engineering Company a small construction company?
And what about Santay Group and Geely Star Shipbuilding? Are those foreign-owned companies?
Bai Changmin remembered Li Xuewu's warning and didn't cause trouble for those on the joint investment list because they weren't qualified.
Joint investors have no executive or supervisory rights; they only have the right to contribute capital and receive dividends. The equity belongs to the general investor and is managed on their behalf.
Now, Jingcheng Chemical only needs to communicate with representatives of the United Savings Bank; he hasn't even met many representatives of the joint investors.
He did meet Bao Peigang, but Bao told him that the Beijing Credit Bureau was there with a mission and wouldn't favor anyone.
By now, Bai Changmin surely understands. Just look at the list of Liaodong Credit and Liaodong Industry and Commerce Bureaus, and you'll know.
Although Zhang Zhanshan was reprimanded by his superiors, Beijing has no intention of ignoring this project and has decided to get involved.
However, the city government was very tactful and did not interfere forcefully, but instead provided treatment and attitude commensurate with Liaodong.
Liaodong Credit and Liaodong Industry and Commerce are the capital representatives of Liaodong Industry and will receive corresponding dividends from this project.
The same applies to Beijing. Although they don't approve of corporatization, they still believe in making money together.
Bai Changmin felt betrayed, thinking that Li Xuewu's project plan was a complete free-for-all, using them as scapegoats and treating them as good people.
However, the reality is that without Li Xuewu's balancing act, they would have faced even greater pressure, and the process of conglomeration would have been much more difficult.
At that point, the city's attitude will no longer be one of disapproval, but rather opposition.
Li Xuewu kept telling Bai Changmin that the relevant parties must agree with the viewpoint of the Beijing Chemical Group, or at least not oppose it.
Therefore, not a single piece of the pie should be missing; otherwise, it will be difficult to raise funds later, and group-based projects will be hindered.
When Liaodong Credit and Liaodong Industry and Commerce appeared on the list of joint investors, it became much simpler for Jingcheng Chemical to acquire and merge local chemical companies, as it could fully utilize the resources of these two entities.
They are the funders, and they didn't say they wouldn't help, right? The organizations that appear on the list are all prepared to contribute money or effort.
Jingcheng Chemical has suspended non-essential investments in its chemical plants in Beijing, and all efforts are being made to redirect these investments toward projects in Liaodong.
What must be determined at the meeting is that projects related to pesticides, fertilizers, plastics, paints, nylon, flame retardant materials, chemical fibers, synthetic resins, and petrochemical smelting will be implemented, which is a common goal of all parties.
The joint project team provided by Dongfang Sanyi Construction and United Construction Engineering Corporation has started the geological survey project and begun design work.
The European design team from the Santa Y Group will also be involved in this project, providing support and guidance.
What Beijing Chemical needs to determine now is which factories in Beijing will be retained, which factories will be integrated and retained in Beijing, and which factories will be completely relocated to where in Liaodong, and which resources in Liaodong need to be integrated.
To be honest, Li Xuewu was quite worried about this project. Luckily, he didn't get involved, otherwise he wouldn't even have time to handle the daily management work.
Integrating so many resources, considering the retention and resettlement of so many employees, and dealing with the conflicting interests of several parties—it's overwhelming.
No wonder Bai Changmin was scratching his head as soon as the negotiation meeting began; the difficulty level was much higher than that of the Red Star Factory back then.
Hongxing Factory was lucky to have caught a good time. Although the process was very dangerous, looking back now, it can be considered a kind of luck.
At that time, no one interfered with the Red Star Factory's self-improvement. Even if a few minor problems arose, they were all cleverly resolved.
The problems and difficulties that Beijing Chemical is currently facing are typical of what a company should and should normally face when it is undergoing group-based development.
But it must be said that Beijing Chemical Industry was lucky, because they didn't have to fight alone like Hongxing Factory did back then, relying entirely on luck.
Now their group-based projects are backed by capital, supported by local governments, and guided by Honggang Group, which makes things much more convenient.
The test Bai Changmin is taking now is not the question-and-answer test he faced in person at the Red Star Factory, but a multiple-choice test. The United Savings Bank has provided them with many options to choose from.
Li Xuewu hosted a lunch banquet for the conference delegates, during which he engaged in some communication with the delegates from various parties.
Although he said he wouldn't participate in the negotiations, he still needed to keep track of the direction of the negotiations, so that they wouldn't really fall apart as he said.
This time, the United Savings Bank appointed Zhao Shulan, a very capable woman, as the vice president in charge of fund management.
Hu Ke personally oversaw the Liaodong Industrial Project, along with Wang Lu, the head of the Gangcheng Industrial Project, and Ge Ping, the head of the Yingcheng Industrial Project.
The fact that even figures of Liu Lixin and Zhao Ershan's stature couldn't sit at the negotiating table demonstrates just how intense the negotiations were.
-
"I've already gotten you the computer."
That evening, Li Xuewu invited the visiting president of the Santayar Group, Xiangtar, to dinner. As soon as they sat down, Xiangtar responded to his question.
"You guys really made a fortune by buying things for millions like that."
Chantal looked at him, picked up his glass, took a sip, nodded, and said approvingly, "Yes, you can tell from the taste of the wine that you are really serious about your work."
"There's still a considerable gap, and we need to continue learning." Li Xuewu smiled and said modestly, "We still have a long way to go in terms of value creation."
“You’ve seen through the essence of marketing.” Shantal glanced at him with amusement, then asked with a gleam in his eye, “Is the Santayana Group isolated? Why do I feel like you’re guarding against us for something?”
"Hmm? Why do you think that?" Li Xuewu was taken aback, raised an eyebrow at her, and said, "Why don't you look for the reason within yourself?"
"Heh—" Shantal chuckled and curled his lip, "Is this our fault?"
“No, it’s your fault—” Li Xuewu pointed at her with his finger and said bluntly, “Think about it, how long has it been since you’ve been to the mainland?”
"What does this have to do with how long it's been since I've been to the mainland?" Shantal emphasized earnestly, "Even if I don't come, this place is still operating, and our investment level remains constant."
"But you haven't personally experienced that force—"
Li Xuewu continued bluntly, "You are ignoring this process, so it's difficult to get feedback that you're being noticed."
"Actually?" Shantal asked, looking at him with a complicated expression. "We're not isolated?"
“Of course—” Li Xuewu said very firmly, “If you are isolated, you will not appear on the joint investment list.”
"Then I really have to thank you—"
Chantal raised his glass of red wine to him, raising an eyebrow as he said, "It's a great honor that you still remember me."
"I've been thinking about you, but you're almost forgetting me." Li Xuewu pursed his lips, took a sip of red wine, and asked with a half-smile, "What have you been busy with lately? Did you go back to France to have your baby?"
"Hahaha—" Shantal's laughter was quite hearty, but it was only in the private room that it attracted criticism if it were in the main hall.
She looked at him meaningfully and asked provocatively, "What would you think if I told you I gave birth to your child back in France?"
“You really should learn more about our history,” Li Xuewu said, rolling his eyes. “In China, only mothers gain status through their sons; there’s no such thing as a father gaining status through his son.”
Of course, what he said is not absolute. Many people know that Puyi's father was a prime example of someone who rose to prominence through his son, but there are not many such figures in history.
Shantal tilted his head, looked him over, and said, "You have absolutely no doubt that I would do this?"
“No, I have no doubt that I will do it.” Li Xuewu smiled and poured wine for the two of them as he said, “I am absolutely confident that no one can break through my defenses.”
"But you always do—" Shantal's words, though impulsive, were ultimately stopped by reason, preventing the dinner from changing its color.
"Hmm—" Li Xuewu smiled, raised his glass, and toasted her, saying, "I wish your loved one good health and longevity."
"Heh—" Shantal chuckled, turning his face to the side, but still couldn't help laughing.
She glared at Li Xuewu, picked up her wine glass, and took a big gulp.
"Let's talk about something interesting."
As Li Xuewu ate his not-so-authentic Western food, he casually asked, "How's the large aircraft project going?"
"You're still thinking about those big guys?"
Shantal composed himself and looked at him, asking, "Didn't you say you were planning to do this project yourselves? Did I hear you wrong?"
"Stop with these underhanded tactics—" Li Xuewu brandished the knife in his hand, gave her a serious look, and said, "There are limits to business cooperation. Don't go too far."
"Of course, I have very strong principles."
Shantal smiled confidently and said, "I would never cross what you call a red line, so all this information is true?"
“I don’t want to answer your question.” Li Xuewu put down his knife and fork, picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and said casually, “Fengcheng’s Tadong Airport will be completed next June. We need cargo planes, lots of cargo planes.”
"Heh—" Shantal laughed as he looked at him and said, "All you know is how to ask for things, and you don't know how to give anything back?"
"Hmm?" Li Xuewu sensed something was off about those words and raised an eyebrow, asking, "You already have some leads on this matter?"
“Of course—” Chantal put down his glass meaningfully and said calmly, “When have I ever disappointed you?”
Auntie really is very caring; look how gently she speaks.
A smile immediately appeared on Li Xuewu's face. He picked up the wine bottle and poured her a drink, his words becoming more cautious and flattering.
"I knew I'd have to leave this to you."
"That sounds fairly comforting—"
Shantal glanced at him with a smile and asked, "How do you plan to repay me? I came prepared this time."
"I'd risk my life to accompany you, my lord!" Upon hearing this, Li Xuewu became even more excited, picked up his wine glass, raised it, and downed it in one gulp.
“No, that doesn’t count,” Shantal said with a smile. “Drinking is a skill, but it doesn’t count with you. Drinking won’t get rid of me.”
"Of course, of course, just watch how I perform."
Li Xuewu smiled and nodded, then tentatively asked, "What treasure did you find that makes you so confident?"
"Ha—" Now Shantal was no longer in a hurry. He picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and asked, "Tell me, why isolate the Santayar Group?"
"Want to hear the truth?" Knowing he couldn't fool her, Li Xuewu could only nod and say, "I assure you, there's absolutely no such thing."
“But—” Just as the other party was giving him a cold look, Li Xuewu made a sudden turn, explaining with some difficulty, “The current Honggang Group is not the same as the Honggang Group of the past.”
Seeing Shantal frown, he took a deep breath and carefully considered his words before continuing to explain with reservation: "At least it's not like it used to be."
Is it because of the management change?
She did receive the news, but she didn't take it seriously because Honggang Group's operations were relatively stable.
"This is just the surface." Li Xuewu pursed his lips and explained softly, "The changes in management are the result of certain shifts in mindset."
“You mean—” Shantal frowned and said, “We are very sincere in our cooperation and have never done anything excessive in the mainland.”
"Of course, of course, I know all that." Li Xuewu patted his palm to reassure her, "I'm also making efforts for you."
“I believe you,” Shantal said, looking into his eyes. “Because we share common interests, but there are no conflicts.”
"Thank you for your trust." Li Xuewu accepted the recognition readily, but still said earnestly, "It's all I should do."
“But I cannot accept this unfair treatment,” Shantal said, frowning. “I demand an explanation.”
“There’s no answer.” Li Xuewu placed his hand on the table and emphasized softly, “When the Santaya Group wants to acquire more resources, it has to put in more effort and take on more responsibility.”
"I'm not talking about me personally, or Honggang Group."
He raised his eyebrows, but didn't continue explaining. He was sure that Shantal would understand and be able to figure it out.
Shantal, of course, understood, but still frowned and said, "This is unfair."
“No, it’s fair.” Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, “To date, Santayar Group is the foreign company that has participated in the most domestic projects.”
"Isn't this the result of our efforts?" Shantal asked, puzzled. "Haven't we done enough?"
“In my opinion, that’s enough.” Li Xuewu nodded affirmatively at first, then emphasized, “But it needs time to settle.”
"I understand." Shantal understood completely at this point, and nodded knowingly, saying, "Too fast is no good, too much is no good either, right?"
Li Xuewu blinked and said gently, "I firmly believe that Santaya Group will be able to achieve great things in China, but we cannot be too hasty."
"Hmm, it seems so." After figuring it out, Shantal breathed a sigh of relief and looked at him, saying, "I thought someone was targeting us."
"Ha—" Li Xuewu raised his glass and said, "We have so many projects we are involved in together, such a thing will not happen."
“I hope so—” Shantal thought for a moment, then raised his glass as well.
***
Shantal did not lie to him; he did indeed make efforts in the large aircraft project, and his "efforts" were not in vain.
She found a plane for Honggang Group, and Li Xuewu let her experience the feeling of flying all over the room, which she deserved.
"Where did you find these antiques?"
Shantal came prepared, and Li Xuewu, having chosen the best, looked at the materials Shantal brought and said with amusement, "In the museum?"
"There are no Il-12s in the museum."
Chantal, dressed in his pajamas, sat down beside him, glanced at the documents in his hand while holding a glass of red wine, and said, "This is the pride of the Northern Soviet Union."
"To be precise, they were the pride of the North Soviets during World War II." Li Xuewu smirked, looking at the documents in his hand, and said, "They've been out of production for over twenty years. Are you sure these Il-12s you found can still fly?"
“Of course I can be sure.” Shantal rolled his eyes and said, “I won’t try to fool you with scrap metal.”
Look at that, her Mandarin is so clear and standard, she's even learned to say "fool" (糊弄), she must know how to fool people.
What kind of aircraft is the Il-12?
A military aircraft developed in 43, first flight in 45, and production ceased in 49.
From its maiden flight to the end of production, a total of 663 aircraft were produced in four years. Just think about it, think about it carefully, and you'll realize how complicated the background of this aircraft must be.
The empty weight is 11.1 tons, the payload is 2.6 tons, the normal takeoff weight is 16.8 tons, the maximum takeoff weight is 17 tons, and the maximum range is 3300 kilometers.
The route from Beijing to the border uses this aircraft, so it's no wonder that Shantar dared to show him this old guy, because this aircraft is still in use.
"Why can't they all be Il-14s or Il-18s?"
Li Xuewu opened the document below and found that there were three models of the Il-7 transport aircraft, each more advanced than the last, but the number available for purchase was decreasing.
The Il-14 transport aircraft first flew in 50 and went into production in 54.
最大航程1785公里，标准型最大载客量为18-24人，改进型可运输2500公斤货物或增至32人载客量。
The Il-18 is a medium-range jet airliner, designed in 55, first flown in 57, and entered service in 59. The standard version has a passenger capacity of 110.
"What? You don't think much of it?"
Seeing him looking at the documents without saying a word, Shantal smiled and asked, "Isn't there too much? Are you overwhelmed by the choices?"
"May I ask where you found all these antiques?" Li Xuewu shook the documents in his hand and looked at her, asking, "There won't be any problems, will there?"
"What problems could there be?" Shantal shrugged and said, "I assure you, there won't be any disputes, and it'll even be sent for repairs."
She raised an eyebrow and said, "Send it to France first, I'll use my connections to do a major overhaul and inspection for you, and then send it over, is that alright?"
“That would be even better.” Li Xuewu smiled and said, “It’s not that I don’t trust you, but I find it quite incredible.”
There are eight Il-12s, three Il-14s and three Il-18s, and she acquired as many as 14 Il transport planes, exceeding the target.
Moreover, the Il-18 is a jet airliner, and even if it's been phased out, it's still a valuable asset that can't be obtained through ordinary connections.
Moreover, the Santayar Group doesn't have any connections in Eastern Europe, so it must be that Shantal obtained these aircraft through personal channels.
He underestimated her; this French woman was indeed quite capable, but he also realized that she had come prepared.
"Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Algeria."
Shantal smiled, raised an eyebrow, and said, "If I can afford it, they dare to sell. It's that simple."
"Ah—" Li Xuewu nodded in understanding, finally figuring it out. So it was these few opportunists, no wonder.
"There's more surprise—" Seeing that he was about to be satisfied, Shantal took out two more documents from his bag and placed them in front of him.
"This is—" Li Xuewu was stunned for a moment, glanced at her, picked up the documents and started reading, and found it more and more unbelievable the more he read.
"You managed to get your hands on both of these?"
After looking at the two documents, he asked in surprise, "Did you get them from these three places?"
“Of course—” Shantal said with a smile, “It’s a pity that there are too few.”
"It's ready." Li Xuewu smiled and shook the documents, saying, "This is truly an unexpected delight."
Two An-12 transport aircraft and one An-24 transport aircraft can serve as the main aircraft types for Honggang Group.
The An-12 transport aircraft is also an old relic, having first flown in 56 and entered production in 58. Although it is about to cease production, it still has some value.
With an empty weight of 35 tons, a maximum cruising speed of 670 km/h, a maximum payload of 20 tons, a maximum takeoff gross weight of 61 tons, a maximum range with a maximum payload of 400 km, and a maximum range with a maximum fuel capacity of 5720 km, it is a mixed passenger/cargo aircraft.
The An-24 is a newer model, designed in 58, first flown in 60, and put into service in 63. It still has a few years before it is discontinued.
空机重量13吨、标准载客44或50人、巡航速度450公里／小时、最大商载5.5吨、最大起飞总重21吨、最大载重航程550公里、最大油量航程2400公里。
The An-12 can be used as a cargo plane, while the An-24 can be used as a passenger plane.
Having 17 long- and short-haul passenger and cargo aircraft at once, although they are all old or about to be phased out, is enough for their needs.
In this day and age, owning an airport is impressive enough, but to have 17 aircraft of various models is truly an ace in the rough.
This time, Li Xuewu can truly make a name for himself in the domestic shipping and aviation industries and realize his ambitions.
To put it simply, the current flight routes are extremely flexible. The reason there are so few flights is not because of strict regulations, but because there are no planes available.
If the price of business flights can be driven down and the cost of flights reduced, the total number of domestic customers will be enough for Honggang Group to make a profit.
After all, they don't have a fleet of hundreds of aircraft, so they don't need to bear such heavy maintenance and management costs.
Especially when the number of available passenger planes is not large, operating a project with three to five passenger planes, focusing on good routes, can definitely achieve break-even.
Another point is that charter flights still exist these days, although not very often, but each time there are special policies and preferential treatment.
"Tell me, what do you want in return?"
Li Xuewu calmly put down the documents in his hand and looked at her directly, asking, "I don't think I can repay your kindness within my capabilities."
"Don't try to trap me." Shantal smiled and said calmly, "I'm still trying to get the Lockheed C-130 project for you."
"Alright, that's enough—" Li Xuewu waved his hand repeatedly and said, "If you really bring this thing over, I don't know whether I should accept it or not."
“Of course you can—” Shantal looked at him with a slight buzz and said, “Actually, you know that the An-12 and An-24 have been on your official procurement list. You’ve bought quite a few over the years, so it’s not a particularly difficult project.”
She's right. Despite the tense relationship with the North Soviet Union, the procurement of transport planes and helicopters has continued.
65年至67年国内买了14架安-12，68年买了11架安-24，这几年又买了8架米-6。
Moreover, they are still buying. When Li Xuewu wanted to develop the large aircraft project, he checked the domestic transportation import projects and found that the largest amount was purchased from the Soviet Union.
It's normal that Shantal knew about this situation, because the sale of large aircraft is an international project and is easily traceable.
"Whether it's the An series or the Il series, the ones I found for you are all replacement products, nothing special."
She looked at Li Xuewu very seriously and said, "I also really hope that you can realize your dream of large aircraft."
"As I said, we have common interests, but no conflicts, and even if there are, they can be resolved quickly."
Chantal stood up, walked to the cabinet, poured himself another glass of wine, turned around and looked at him, saying, "You may think I'm lying, that I'm hypocritical, but you can wait and see. I have no requests."
“You can use ‘requirements’ here,” Li Xuewu nodded slowly, correcting her word choice.
He leaned back on the sofa and looked at Shantal, saying, "We do have a dream of large aircraft, because you know it's a key technology area, and once a blockade is imposed, it's very difficult to catch up."
"However, the reality is that we do not have the conditions to produce large aircraft, nor do we have the foundation to develop them."
He shrugged and said, "I can tell you the truth. We are developing jet engines in order to collaborate with projects at other factories to achieve this goal together."
"However, this cooperation has not yet reached a critical stage."
Li Xuewu crossed his right leg and said, "You should also know the operating environment and nature of Honggang Group. This determines that we must first produce products before we can find the market, rather than the market assigning the task to us."
"So what do you want?" Shantal stood there with his arms crossed, holding a wine glass, looking at him and said, "Do you know why I'm helping you with the Lockheed C-130 project?"
"Because it is old enough, but it is still young."
This statement is contradictory, but Li Xuewu knows it is the truth. Lockheed C-130 is also known as Hercules.
The Hercules transport aircraft is a familiar name, and even in later generations, it remains a mainstay aircraft.
It's important to know that this aircraft is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft developed more than 20 years ago, with its first flight in 1954 and a total production of several thousand units.
Why was Shantal able to easily buy North Soviet aircraft, and even have them repaired in France without any concealment before giving them to the Honggang Group?
Because these are not "their" planes, Western Europe doesn't care about these old models, nor does it think these planes have any secrets worth prying into or keeping.
Even if Shantal operated these aircraft to the port city and handed them over to the Honggang Group to establish an operating company for their use, they would not make a ripple in the world's list of aircraft.
17 aircraft, not 170.
However, the Hercules transport plane is different. It is "their" plane, and any one of them, even the decommissioned ones, is a powerful weapon.
If the 33-ton transport capacity is successfully secured, Honggang Group will definitely be placed under scrutiny by those people, even if it operates in the steel city.
This approach can only be used under "reasonable" conditions; even if the main aircraft model were to be put into operation, the Shantal would not be able to do it.
Therefore, Li Xuewu dared not hope for anything, nor did he dare to let Xiangtar use this to make any demands on him.
He cannot accept any negotiations that are predicated on the introduction of this aircraft, nor will he consider this aircraft as a target for the Honggang Group.
For now, operating these aircraft in Northern Sudan is enough for Honggang Group to establish itself in the domestic aviation and shipping market; anything more would be beyond its capabilities.
Shantal understood his low-key mindset and nodded, saying, "It can be a process to work on, right?"
“Of course.” Li Xuewu thought about it seriously for a moment and looked at her, saying, “If you can really help Honggang Group import this aircraft through normal procedures, we will be extremely grateful.”
"Only gratitude? Hmm—"
Shantal smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Don't mind my joke. I said I wouldn't make any demands on you."
"I really hope you can bring it up," Li Xuewu said with a wry smile. "It's always unsettling to have this kind of anxiety."
“I only hope that our cooperation can last a long time.” Shantal walked to his side, put his hand on his shoulder, looked up at him and said, “You see further than I do, and you know better that what I’m saying is true.”
Of course it's true. The Santa Ya Group had no reason to make this "declaration" before, nor was it worthy of such an investment.
But the Honggang Group is different now. If another international trading behemoth, even larger than the Santay Group, enters the market, what choice should the Honggang Group make?
It goes without saying that international trading companies have long had their eyes on Honggang Group, but they just haven't been able to get a piece of it yet.
However, if the Honggang Group is contacted and extensive and pragmatic business cooperation is carried out, the Santayar Group will be in danger of being eliminated.
Although Santayar Group has invested in many projects alongside Honggang Group, they only have the right to invest in all of them, and have no decision-making power whatsoever.
But what we can actually see is that United Construction has started to make money, and United Energy's investments are getting bigger and bigger, and the scale is also getting bigger and bigger. It is foreseeable that this project will also make money.
Finally, there's the Yingcheng Port project. Santayar Group has absolute confidence in it because it's the first modern port in the Bohai Bay.
Another reason why Xiangtaer is convinced to continue investing in Li Xuewu is Li Xuewu's strategic layout in Yingcheng Port.
It has already attracted so much attention before it even started operating; once it does, it will undoubtedly cause a huge sensation.
"Okay, that's all the surprises." She smiled and looked at him, saying, "Can you give me some more surprises?"