Chapter 399: The Arrival of Various Countries

On the way to the hotel, Fujita kept observing the city scene through the car window. Although it was clear that the city was still in post-war reconstruction, the streets were tidy and the people were full of spirit, without the slightest sense of decadence of a defeated nation.

"It's truly hard to believe," he sighed to his economic advisor, "just a few months ago they were still at war with the Star-Spangled Country, and now they can host an international exhibition of this scale."

The economic advisor nodded in agreement: "What's even more surprising is their industrial strength. If the products at the exhibition are truly as the brochure claims, we must re-evaluate Long Country's position."

After arriving at the hotel, the members of the Yinghua Guo delegation found a private corner to discuss their upcoming plans.

"The focus is on their light weapons and steel products," Fujita instructed, "especially the Type 56 Rifle series; if the performance is indeed reliable, we can consider purchasing."

The economic advisor added: "And that so-called 'Numerical Control Machine Tool', if it is truly that advanced, it will completely change our industrial planning."

"Numerical Control Machine Tool?" A technical expert scoffed, "Impossible. Even the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo are still in the research and development stage; how could Long Country be ahead? The parameters in the brochure are purely exaggerated."

Fujita pondered for a moment: "Regardless, tomorrow we will first go to see the preparation of the exhibition area and get a preliminary understanding of the products. Remember, act friendly but cautious; do not easily reveal our procurement intentions."

Two days later, the Taiji Tiger delegation arrived in Yangcheng. Unlike the reserved nature of the Yinghua Guo delegation, the representatives of Taiji Tiger could hardly hide their excitement.

"Look at this city," Deputy Minister of National Defense Jin Tieshu exclaimed, "only a few months after the war, it has recovered so quickly. The efficiency of the Long Country people is admirable."

Minister of Economy Pu Shenghao nodded in agreement: "They are indeed born builders. If we can introduce their steel technology and mechanical equipment, our industrialization process will be greatly accelerated."

The hotel where the delegation stayed was near the exhibition area, and Jin Tieshu couldn't wait to demand to go to the perimeter of the exhibition area to visit immediately.

"It's so spectacular," standing at the entrance of the exhibition area, he looked up at the huge entrance arch, the Long Country national emblem cast from steel shining brightly in the sun, "this is completely a world-class exhibition facility."

Pu Shenghao was more concerned with the substantive content: "I heard that their Type 56 Rifle series has already been set up in the exhibition area; we will be able to see the real items early tomorrow morning."

"What I am looking forward to most is the 107 Rocket Launcher," Jin Tieshu said excitedly, "if the performance is truly as the brochure claims, we must purchase a batch immediately."

The accompanying technical advisor Li Zhitai, however, raised doubts: "Everyone, I have reservations about that so-called 'Numerical Control Machine Tool'. Technically speaking, fully automatic numerical control machining requires extremely precise control systems and servo motors; how could Long Country master this in such a short time?"

"Have you forgotten the Modan Jishu?" Jin Tieshu asked back, "Who would have thought that Long Country would master this technology before the Star-Spangled Country? That Li Mingyuan is clearly a genius."

Li Zhitai shook his head: "Modan Jishu is one thing, Numerical Control Machine Tool is another. The former is mainly a breakthrough in physics, while the latter requires integrated innovation of multi-field technologies. I bet a month's salary that their 'Numerical Control Machine Tool' is just an improved version of a Semi-automatic Machine Tool."

Pu Shenghao smiled: "Tomorrow we will find out. In any case, this exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us."

Over the next few days, delegations from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America arrived in Yangcheng one after another. Although the sizes of these countries' delegations varied, their enthusiasm was almost identical.

When the delegation from a newly independent African country, personally led by President Mubeike, arrived, they almost jogged off the plane.

"Finally here," Mubeike said excitedly to the Minister of Defense, "I can't wait to see Long Country's weapons and equipment. If the quality meets expectations, we will sign a procurement agreement immediately."

Minister of Defense Aobite nodded in agreement: "Long Country defeated the Star-Spangled Country on the battlefield; their weapons must have something superior. Especially that kind of light weapon that is reasonably priced and suitable for our national conditions, it is our first choice for building our national defense forces."

The accompanying economic advisor, however, revealed a hint of worry: "Mr. President, we also need to be cautious. After all, we have never used Long Country's products, and the quality and follow-up services are still unknown."

Mubeike waved his hand: "You are too cautious. Just look at the efficiency with which they organized this exhibition to know that the Long Country people are serious. Besides, what other choice do we have? Continue to buy the Star-Spangled Country's phased-out equipment at high prices?"

On the way to the hotel by car, the members of the delegation kept taking pictures, recording this strange yet vibrant city.

"Look at those construction sites," Aobite said, pointing out the window, "there is construction everywhere, and people are full of energy. This is the spirit we need to learn."

Mubeike agreed deeply: "After we go back this time, I will organize a Long Country inspection team to specifically learn their construction experience and industrialization path."

Compared with the enthusiasm of the Yafelai Guo, the attitude of the European countries was much more complicated.

When the "business delegation" from Yuegongniu arrived in Yangcheng, they deliberately kept a low profile and did not even use their official identities.

"Remember, we are just here to observe," the head of the delegation, former diplomat Williams, reminded everyone, "do not make any statements that could be interpreted as an official position."

Industrial expert Jackson looked around, slightly surprised: "It is... much more modernized than I imagined."

"Surface phenomena only," financial expert Smith dismissed, "a few new buildings don't mean anything. Long Country is still a backward agricultural country, and their industrial foundation is very weak."

Williams warned: "Do not underestimate Long Country. Their Modan Jishu proves their potential. I suggest everyone keep an open mind and objectively evaluate their products."

On the way to the hotel by bus, the members of the delegation whispered, discussing the exhibits they were about to see.

"I have reservations about their steel products," metallurgical expert Brown said, "Long Country has always relied on imported steel; them suddenly claiming to have world-leading smelting technology sounds like a fantasy."

Mechanical engineering expert Thompson echoed: "Not to mention that so-called 'Numerical Control Machine Tool'. As an expert who has worked in this field for thirty years, I can responsibly say that fully automatic numerical control machining technology will take at least another ten years to realize. The parameters in Long Country's brochure are purely exaggerated."

"Perhaps it is some kind of semi-automatic device," another expert guessed, "plus some manual adjustments, and then it is grandiosely called 'numerical control'."

Williams listened to these discussions, thoughtful: "In any case, we will find out tomorrow. If their products are indeed competitive, we need to re-evaluate our economic and trade relations with Long Country."

The attitude of the delegation from the Gaul Chicken Country was even more subtle.