Chapter 1274: The Doctrine of the Mean

"Between Director Li and that Deputy Factory Director Nie..."

Walking on the way to the conference room, Gao Yaqin asked Li Xuewu in a low voice.

Li Xuewu shook his head slightly and said, "It's a bit complicated, but it won't reach the point where Nie Xiaoguang has to draw a knife."

"Oh—" Gao Yaqin nodded in understanding. She had already grasped the meaning behind Li Xuewu's words, "Young people."

"Mm, Director Li is still magnanimous."

Li Xuewu replied, not going into detail. This kind of matter is impossible to explain correctly, and there is no standpoint to speak of.

Therefore, it can only be understood intuitively, not expressed in words.

Regarding Nie Xiaoguang, Li Xuewu quite admired his courage and tenacity; at least in terms of avenging his father, he possessed the hot-bloodedness of a young man.

But his starting point was wrong, he hadn't understood the words he had been told, and he understood even less what contradictions were entangled within this.

Fortunately, Old Li was wise enough to seize the opportunity and make use of it.

The few joking remarks the two exchanged on the phone just now were precisely about this; don't really think they believed in any metaphysics or evil spirits, right?

Nie Xiaoguang also happened to catch a good time; at this moment, Old Li was like being fried in oil and cooked over fire, as the momentum of the group-based transformation had pushed him too high.

Once he failed to stand firm when falling, he would never recover from then on.

Therefore, this was precisely when Old Li wanted to take a step back voluntarily to ease relations with those above, and also to cool down the heat of his own popularity, which had become red-hot due to the Red Star Factory's group-based transformation, yet he couldn't find a suitable reason or excuse.

This knife wound was not suffered in vain; not only did it allow Old Li to perfectly dodge the landmine buried by Nie Chenglin, but it also earned him enough goodwill from above.

No matter how you put it, Nie Chenglin was a high-ranking cadre of the organization; training and learning were fine, but he had a responsibility for jumping off the train to commit suicide.

Now that Nie Chenglin's son had stabbed him, the rights and wrongs would inevitably be investigated and questioned clearly, and it would be understood that it was not his wish.

Conversely, he voluntarily forgave Nie Xiaoguang, attributing all these matters to a mistake made by a young man under impulse.

What was the meaning of the words Old Li had exhorted to Li Xuewu?

Not only could he not punish Nie Xiaoguang, but he had to do the opposite, showing tolerance and magnanimity, acting for those above and also for those below to see.

It was even more to be done for those comrades within the system who were envious, jealous, and hateful of him; it could also be considered as resolving the hatred of those people—who told him to be so popular.

So, one knife could be exchanged for so many benefits.

Old Li probably thought of this point when he was stabbed; when he learned there was no major harm, he was probably secretly happy in his heart.

This time, even if he only broke a bit of skin, he would have to recuperate for a week or half a month, so as to openly and honestly dodge those rumors, open spears, and hidden arrows.

Now it was fine; there was a bright, gaping wound on his stomach—who could still suspect him? It was said that a large pool of blood had flowed out; it couldn't be fake.

Not only were the open spears and hidden arrows gone, the old wounds and dark mines gone, but the criticisms from above and the heated discussions from below were all gone, and the leaders and the masses still had to come to visit him.

At the very least, Director Han of the First Ministry of Machine-Building's General Office had to come to see him, and Nie Xiaoguang's mother or brother also had to come to thank him.

Li Xuewu hadn't considered others, but he had considered Nie Chenglin alone.

He dared to bet that Nie Chenglin hadn't expected, even in death, that his son would so recklessly and easily waste the blessing he had left for his son, using his life as the price to bury a mine for Old Li.

If Nie Xiaoguang hadn't been so impulsive, as the situation changed in the future, the organization would sooner or later settle old scores with Old Li and investigate Nie Chenglin's matter.

He wouldn't die, but he would have to be skinned!

Furthermore, regarding Nie Xiaoguang, if he had accepted the favor and entered the factory to live a comfortable life, Li Huai De would have guaranteed him a life without worries, without wind, and without waves.

Even if he didn't enter the factory, this blessing would sooner or later fall upon him or someone in their family; at the very least, Kuang Yusheng still remembered the promotion favor of Old Factory Director Nie.

Nie Xiaoguang's brother and mother perhaps couldn't see this point, or perhaps they couldn't help it even if they did, so they chose to avoid the sharp edge and stay far away from their hometown.

Not giving Li Huai De a chance to compensate was equivalent to continuing and preserving the disaster Nie Chenglin had buried at the cost of his life.

They certainly wouldn't have expected that Nie Xiaoguang would be stupid to such a degree.

Now Nie Xiaoguang only had one path, which was to serve as a memorial archway of gratitude for Li Huai De; he might even have to be tearfully grateful and deeply thankful.

He wouldn't even be able to avoid entering the factory to work; as long as he was in the factory for one day, Li Huai De's good reputation would be publicized for one day.

Li Huai De had also conveyed this meaning to Li Xuewu: the person was saved by you, so you arrange it from here on.

How to arrange it?

Li Xuewu really wanted to slap Nie Xiaoguang a few times right now, but he had no way to start.

After all, you cannot hit a person who doesn't know they are wrong, and you cannot reason with a fool.

That was why he said he hadn't contacted the Security Section, and even more so, he had to leave Nie Xiaoguang out in the sun to let him calm down and reflect a bit.

He had to erect this archway of glory for Old Li, so he had to arrange Nie Xiaoguang, and he had to tie this stubborn donkey well and fasten it tightly.

If there was a next time, Nie Xiaoguang might not necessarily catch such good luck, and Old Li would not show mercy either.

Not all killing in the world is done with a knife.

"We don't need to exchange pleasantries, do we?"

Li Xuewu was in a jacket with his chest open, wearing a white shirt inside, clean and capable, looking more mature and steady than in the afternoon.

Chantal shook hands with him and said, "You are very anxious, aren't you?"

"Hahaha—"

Hearing her words, the few people from both sides meeting laughed.

"I'm afraid that you are anxious!"

Li Xuewu's mouth never conceded, especially at the negotiating table, where every inch had to be contested, and he couldn't afford to lose even a single word.

From the moment they entered this room, the negotiations had already begun.

Swords and shadows, back and forth, wishing they could bite a large piece of meat off the other party to win more benefits for their own company.

"What's the use of being anxious," Chantal said while sitting down, "No matter how anxious you are, you still have to sit down and talk slowly."

"Hehe, President Chantal is right," Gao Yaqin sat opposite her and said with a smile, "Friends should talk slowly when they have something to say—"

"I heard that you used to work in the foreign economic and trade system, right?" Chantal sized her up and said, "I have to say, your organization has a natural superiority; at least in terms of human resources, the Red Star Factory will never lack excellent talent."

"Actually, every family has its own difficulties," Gao Yaqin said frankly, "We are very lacking in management cadres and professional technical talent."

"Otherwise, we wouldn't have created such a systematic mechanism for cultivating talent from kindergarten to university."

"Mm, this point surprises me very much."

Chantal nodded, looked in the direction of Li Xuewu, who had just sat down, and asked, "Does the university established by the Red Star Factory have an architecture department?"

"Not this year," Li Xuewu said frankly, "Influenced by budget and business needs, the first year of school did not establish an architectural engineering department."

"But I want to say, perhaps there will be one next year."

He smiled and tapped the table with the pencil in his hand, adding, "Look at the results of today's negotiations; if things go smoothly, that is."

"Hehehe—"

Inside the venue, the interpreters quickly translated the content spoken by the leaders at the negotiating table into the corresponding languages; these pleasantries also helped them adapt and adjust.

Li Xuewu's confident answer made the atmosphere much more relaxed, and the negotiations began in such a relatively loose state.

Chantal naturally opened the materials, looked in the direction of Gao Yaqin, Li Xuewu, and Dong Wenxue, and said, "I think we can talk openly and honestly."

"Instead of wasting time on haggling over every ounce, it would be better to look forward to more development opportunities in the future," she paused and continued, "We both firmly believe that the other party is a rare and indispensable partner."

"We have common ideals and goals, and have the same significance to strive for, so we should negotiate more actively."

Gao Yaqin exchanged a glance with Li Xuewu, and Dong Wenxue also looked over; through the exchange of glances among the three, they all understood the other's meaning.

Li Xuewu and the others all read Chantal's statement; it was nothing more than the day's inspection content having broken down the other party's psychological defense line, leaving them with no more trump cards.

After bringing out their limited trump cards, they actually thought about going all-in with the Red Star Factory.

Numerical control machine tool technology, non-ferrous metal metallurgical technology, helicopter manufacturing technology, welding rods, marine crankshaft heat treatment technology...

Almost all the technical processes that the Santa Ya Group could provide, the Red Star Factory had mastered some of them to a greater or lesser extent, or already possessed part of the technology.

It really lived up to that old saying: only when you have it will the other party really give it to you!

Actually, just like the last cooperation, the technical support provided by the Santa Ya Group was within the scope of existing technology, appearing particularly cautious and trivial.

For technology that the Red Star Factory didn't have, they provided next-generation technology, at least an era apart; for technology that the Red Star Factory already had, they would provide targeted technical support, and they certainly wouldn't give it all to you at once.

This was also why, even though both sides signed a manufacturing process contract for cargo ships, the Red Star Factory still had to go to the Jiangnan Factory to learn from their experience.

Because the engineers of the Santa Ya Group didn't teach everything, and they didn't even expect that the Red Star Factory could deliver that giant ship on time.

Cooperating with foreign merchants is always like this.

Old Li had also expressed a similar sentiment, saying that these stingy Europeans were not as generous as those little devils next door whom he hated to the bone.

From the very beginning, Li Xuewu had never thought about carrying out serious cooperation with the Sanhe Stock Company, including the electronics industry, hardware industry, and so on.

On one hand, he was cautiously acquiring technology, while on the other, he was guarding against the schemes and calculations of the little devils, all while laying out the Northeast Asian economic circle.

However, up to now, the Sanhe Stock Company had only shown caution in the transfer of new-generation technology, and there had been no other schemes.

Looking at the Santa Ya Group, although the scope of cooperation between the two sides was larger and the closeness deeper, the suspicion and tactics had never stopped.

Up to now, they were still holding tightly onto that little bit of stuff in their hands, which looked stingy and awkward.

After hearing the interpreter's narrative, Dong Wenxue looked at Gao Yaqin and didn't speak.

Gao Yaqin also maintained a fairly indifferent attitude, not showing the enthusiasm and confidence expected of her regarding Chantal's words.

"What kind of cooperation support does your side hope the Red Star Factory can provide, or rather, what prospects do both sides have in the following cooperation?"

Finally, it was Li Xuewu who took the initiative to speak, continuing the negotiations.

Perhaps having already felt the attitude of the two main leaders of the Red Star Factory, Chantal also became cautious.

"First is to accelerate the promotion of cooperation negotiations in architectural engineering; the Santa Ya Group has the confidence and the ability to work together with your side to strive to create brilliant achievements in architecture-related businesses."

"Second is cooperation in non-ferrous metals and mineral resources; as an international trader, the Santa Ya Group possesses a broader business foundation..."

She spoke very clearly; besides architectural engineering, which had already been contacted and had a certain foundation for cooperation, this time she targeted mineral resources.

"The Santa Ya Group is willing to provide advanced metallurgical technology to continue to carry out in-depth cooperation with your side and actively promote the rapid development of related industries."

"Finally, the Santa Ya Group expects to carry out comprehensive technical and industrial cooperation with the Red Star Factory to build an emerging technology incubation industrial chain..."

Dong Wenxue really guessed right; the Santa Ya Group was aiming for the Red Star Factory's technical reserves, which possessed a complete technical chain of metallurgy, steel rolling, heavy industry production, and light industry production.

What did that mean?

Very simple: the Santa Ya Group collected advanced production technology and development intelligence from all over the world, and after providing it to the Red Star Factory, they shared the technical achievements.

In other words, the Santa Ya Group was using the Red Star Factory as a reactor, constantly throwing various residues and waste into it, attempting to synthesize a new technology or integrate it into a set of industrial technology under specific conditions.

Whether it was new technology or a complete set of industrial technology, these were not the root of profitability; the root was the supporting production machinery and equipment.

How many third-world countries in the world were crying out for food, urgently needing this kind of set equipment and technology that could realize industrialization?

Still remember how these industrial technologies in the interior came about?

Yes, it was by tightening belts, starving countless people to death, and repaying the unconditional aid promised by the Old Russians in exchange.

You tell me if these technologies are valuable.

Now the Santa Ya Group wanted to use newer technology and more advanced technical theory to support the Red Star Factory's rapid iteration and updating, to fully develop, so it could become a hen that lays eggs, constantly researching, developing, and producing complete sets of technology that could hatch chicks.

Of course, you couldn't say they were empty-handed, nor could you say they had been planning for a long time, calculating against you when you were unsuspecting, bullying you for having no ability.

You could only say that commercial cooperation is like pimping; it has to be willing on both sides.

"Numerical control technology, metallurgical technology, aircraft manufacturing, shipbuilding..." Li Xuewu flipped through the memorandum he had just received, summarized the technical attachments the other party had just mentioned, and continued, "With the expectation of acquiring the interior's construction market, mineral resources, and industrial technical resources."

He raised his head, looked at Gao Yaqin and Dong Wenxue, smiled slightly, and said, "It seems we really have something to talk about today."

"No problem, negotiations, after all."

Chantal raised her hand, signaled to this side, and said, "Your side can also put forward the cooperation content you expect; we will negotiate and study together."

"Actually, during the day today, when the Secretary-General and I accompanied you to visit the related industrial development, we already put forward our views," Gao Yaqin cleared her throat and said, "We will not refuse technical cooperation."

"But just like you said just now, we should be open and honest, treat each other with sincerity, and start from the perspective of fairness, reasonableness, and mutual benefit, instead of being overly cautious and operating technical cooperation into a means of coercion and temptation."

She said with sharp words, "Precisely because we have expectations for this cooperation, we are willing to cooperate with the Santa Ya Group and sit at the negotiating table."

"You should know that we put down the ongoing inspection activities and organized this negotiation meeting according to special care."

Gao Yaqin's speaking speed was neither fast nor slow, her pronunciation was clear, her tone didn't appear serious, but it was enough to command respect.

"I still hope you can abide by your promise and bring out negotiation conditions that both of us can accept and that have sincerity."

She signaled to the two people beside her and said, "We sincerely hope to continue the friendly, mutually helpful, and healthy cooperative relationship between the two enterprises."

After signaling the "that's it" closing remark to the interpreter, Gao Yaqin ended this speech and also reminded Chantal that her proposal was not sincere enough.

Very obviously, after hearing the translation, a burst of slight discussion appeared in the Santa Ya Group's negotiation representative seats.

With technology, the backbone is hard.

The Red Star Factory performed quite tenaciously and toughly; after expressing dissatisfaction with the technical cooperation suggestions put forward by the Santa Ya Group, it also expressed disdain for the demands they put forward.

After experiencing a day of inspection and visiting, Chantal had already guessed that the Red Star Factory would not appear too enthusiastic about the technical cooperation she proposed this time; this was something she hadn't expected, and although very surprised, she was also calm.

At this moment, she didn't pay attention to the commotion of her own negotiation representatives and took the initiative to ask, "I don't understand your side's cooperation demands."

Her gaze flowed, she looked at the three of them, and her line of sight fixed on Li Xuewu's side, saying, "I should have already expressed it very clearly; if there is a cooperation intention or demand, it can be put forward, and we can discuss and study it together."

"I understand what you mean, and I think you should also understand what Deputy Director Gao means."

Li Xuewu took the initiative to speak and respond to the other party, "Regarding the cooperation matters put forward by your side, our side has no cooperation intention whatsoever."

He was truly ruthless, directly overturning the table, and said bluntly, "Regarding architectural cooperation, mineral resources, and industrial technology, after asking the leaders for instructions, we have already given your side a clear answer, which is that it can be talked about."

"Now it shouldn't be us putting forward cooperation intentions, but your side must provide the negotiation conditions that are due and conform to the basic principles of fairness, reasonableness, and mutual benefit, so as to facilitate our side to fully consider and judge whether your side has enough sincerity to respond to our negotiation cooperation arrangement this time."

"Thank you, that's all."

Li Xuewu directly used French to expound and explain, further and clearly expressing the intentions of the competent leaders to the negotiation opponent.

There were some words that Gao Yaqin found inconvenient to say too clearly, but Li Xuewu had to show the necessary tough attitude.

Even when expounding related viewpoints, he more conveniently applied French to grasp the rhythm and quickly respond to the other party's questioning.

Very obviously, Chantal had a full understanding of his aggressiveness; this was not the first time the two sides had clashed at the negotiating table.

She also knew that Li Xuewu was the hardest stubborn stone to conquer in this negotiation; it was almost universally acknowledged that all foreign merchants believed he was the first person in charge of the Red Star Factory's foreign trade negotiations.

Therefore, the negotiations only entered the white-hot stage here; what came before were just appetizers, small skirmishes.

Chantal certainly couldn't fall into the negotiation rhythm given by Li Xuewu; she had to counterattack, and the strategy of advancing by retreating was very good.

"Then, taking this as the basis for negotiation, what kind of technical cooperation does your side expect to obtain that would conform to the conditions of the basic principles of fairness, reasonableness, and mutual benefit?"

"Do you mean for our side to put forward the negotiation conditions?"

Li Xuewu narrowed his eyes and said, "This doesn't seem to conform to the negotiation procedure; if I say too much, won't you feel that I am deliberately obstructing the negotiation activities?"

Once Chantal saw him say this, her heart jumped, and then she leaned back confidently, sat in the chair, and watched him perform.

False and real, what Li Xuewu said wasn't necessarily true; they were just testing each other's bottom line. She gave up the right to speak, which didn't mean she had nothing to say.

"You should know that the Red Star Factory has already obtained the qualification to form a group industry," Li Xuewu said, "Which is to say, at present, our factory no longer has the need to open up new territory in new industrial fields."

"Instead, it should be to rectify and organize existing industrial production technology, deeply cultivate and carefully polish, integrate, and create a technical system that conforms to the group's development context."

He tapped the table and said, "We all know the truth that biting off more than one can chew; if your side cannot give what we need, it means our need for technology is not as urgent and impatient as you imagine."

"Numerical control technology, unless you can give us the best currently in Western Europe, otherwise if you come to visit the Red Star Factory three years later, I will definitely let you see a numerical control machine tool production equipment cluster."

Li Xuewu said very seriously and confidently, "Including non-ferrous metal metallurgical technology, since we can determine that mineral slag contains these industrial vitamins, we have the confidence and ability to extract them; it's just a matter of time."

"In industrial production fields such as aircraft manufacturing, shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, etc., while the Red Star Factory already possesses complete production lines, I am not sure how much actual productivity the technology provided by your side can help us improve."

He said definitely, "Conversely, looking at the price we need to pay, a commercial cooperation content that can be provided to a high-level partner is the most precious wealth; today, we must be responsible for the Red Star Factory ten years from now."

Inside the venue, the interpreters were all translating Li Xuewu's words, mainly for the leaders and representatives of the Red Star Factory side to hear.

Maggie Roman and Zhou Gancheng, who were sitting in the seats for those in attendance, maintained the necessary silence and attention.

The second in-depth cooperation between the Red Star Factory and the Santa Ya Group was not only a key point of concern at the foreign affairs level but also an experimental field in the economic cooperation domain.

The high-level officials of both sides tacitly maintained the necessary restraint on the cooperation between the two enterprises and actively provided a relatively relaxed environment for cooperation and development.

It was just that the British hadn't found the way; if they really came up to negotiate, those above would open up more conditions for related economic and trade cooperation.

Because of the matter last November, they were, after all, in the wrong.

"So, what do you want?"

Chantal's understanding of the Red Star Factory was very comprehensive, and her understanding of Li Xuewu was even more comprehensive; conversely, it was the same.

This was the convenience and inconvenience of having acquaintances sitting at the negotiating table.

Regarding the situation of the Santa Ya Group, no one in the entire Red Star Factory understood it better than Li Xuewu, including its president and the complex relationships behind it.

The fundamental reason why Chantal could firmly grasp the international trading group enterprise was that this enterprise was not purely a commercial enterprise.

Call it a white glove, call it a combination of interest output, anyway, that's how it was.

Li Xuewu, representing the Red Star Factory, rejected those proposals of hers, absolutely in a rhythm of asking for a lion's share.

Sure enough, when the foreshadowing was finished and she asked bluntly, Li Xuewu pushed a document over.

"This is the mineral resources that the Red Star Factory can master, as well as the partners we have already contacted."

"This is the development plan for the Red Star Factory's industrial area and technical hierarchy; we have never held any illusions about Western advanced industrial production technology."

He pushed the technical materials prepared for the negotiations to the middle of the conference table and finally said, "I also hope your side will not hold any illusions of monopoly; there is no technology in this world that can be monopolized against us."

"If you want to continue this negotiation in the form you expect, then calculate and deduce according to the technical hierarchy development plan I provided, based on the years of scientific research breakthroughs and production realization, whether we will agree to the related cooperation conditions you provide."

"Of course, if you are willing to increase more negotiation chips, such as the production technology for the Jaguar helicopter, we will also fully consider it..."

Wait, it seems something extraordinary got mixed in here.

Chantal was flipping through the technical materials and related hierarchy plans provided by Li Xuewu with her representatives when she suddenly raised her head.

"Are you serious?" She confirmed very seriously, "I don't know how you know about this Jaguar helicopter, but I am certain it hasn't fully realized mass production yet, and you want me to put it on the negotiating table?"

"?"

Under Li Xuewu's understatement, he spoke out the accurate research and development time for this helicopter, even precise to the month, stunning the group of French people opposite.

Damn! There's a problem with the confidentiality work!

Although the Aerospace Industry Company had no direct relationship with them, and the Westland Company of the UK that joined later had even less relationship with them.

However! The person opposite could actually accurately call out the research and development time and evaluate the approximate production and industrial design time; this was too terrifying.

Chantal was also a bit stunned; did we talk off-track?

"Your factory has only just obtained helicopter production capability," she reminded Li Xuewu, "But that is only a small helicopter from the 40s."

"I am very certain that it is a helicopter."

The focus Li Xuewu emphasized seemed to be different from what she said, but his attitude was very clear: he wanted the twin-engine helicopter that France had just developed.

If you say the helicopter production line the Red Star Factory is currently preparing can produce models that satisfy small helicopters for reconnaissance and rescue, etc.

Then what Li Xuewu was naming now was a medium-sized multi-purpose transport helicopter capable of carrying air-to-ground strike capability.

Do you know what multi-purpose means?

It means it can be weapon-modified, or magic-modified.

"How about the Alouette III?"

Chantal was really anxious; she couldn't waste time in endless negotiation probing; she came this time with the purpose of being eager for quick success.

If she could quickly complete an in-depth cooperation agreement with the Red Star Factory, she could turn her energy completely back to the country; she needed at least one year.

Marrying a sixty-year-old man, of course, is coveting the other party's property, betting that the other party won't live longer than her; do you really think she likes old men?

As long as she could stabilize the Red Star Factory, she would have the confidence to bloom on two fronts, putting more industrial development capability into the interior, in expectation of obtaining greater benefits.

At the same time, separating the enterprise's resources into two baskets; once the domestic business had problems, it wouldn't lead to total annihilation.

Last time her husband left her at the Red Star International Hotel, she felt a deep crisis; this time her husband's work had problems, deepening her sense of crisis regarding crisis prevention and handling.

Therefore, even if she had to pay a little more, she hoped to save time, end the interior itinerary as soon as possible, return to France, and deal with the mess over there.

The Alouette III was also a helicopter, also a light, single-engine, seven-seat multi-purpose helicopter produced by the Aerospace Company.

However, this aircraft was a bit early; it had its first flight in '59.

Of course, compared to the KH-4 that the Red Star Factory was about to mass-produce, it was a bit larger, but not much larger; it was also a single-engine helicopter capable of carrying weapons.

Moreover, last year the interior purchased fifteen from France: ten for the Air Force, five for civilian use—don't ask who the civilian ones were given to.

The Alouette's military use covered aerial observation, photography, sea-air rescue, liaison, transport, training, etc.

This thing could also be equipped with anti-tank missiles, anti-ship torpedoes, etc., to execute combat missions.

How to put it, it was definitely better than the KH-4, but not as good as the Jaguar, and not even as good as the Gazelle—won't explain what the Gazelle is here, it's also single-engine.

"I still like the Jaguar."

Li Xuewu appeared quite stubborn, even taking out a related economic industry comparison report.

"Only the Jaguar can be matched with mineral cooperation."

He nodded seriously and said, "You should know the important status of non-ferrous metals in the international market; we know it too."

"But you don't have related metallurgical technology," Chantal reminded him with a serious tone, "Even if you get the related technology, you can't exchange the production technology for the Jaguar with these mineral resource cooperation projects."

"That's why we want to talk about cooperation with the Santa Ya Group."

Li Xuewu's way of speaking could make people angry to death; up to now, he still had his reasons, "Talk about the Jaguar, talk about technical cooperation and development for non-ferrous metal metallurgical projects."

"We only want the Jaguar; I haven't even asked you for the Lynx."

"Lynx? You really dare to think."

Chantal was even laughed at by him, "Or how about I help you make an appointment with the Westland Company to talk, and ask them if they are willing to sell the Lynx?"

"I think you don't need to help introduce the Westland Company," Li Xuewu smiled slightly, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "The research on the Lynx is too slow; there is no good news coming now, let's wait a bit longer."

The atmosphere suddenly froze; the Santa Ya Group negotiation representatives raised their heads one after another and looked over, their gazes like they had seen a ghost.

They had just guessed that the Aerospace Industry's confidentiality work wasn't good enough, leaking secrets; now they didn't expect that the Westland Company also leaked secrets?

Chantal bit her back molars, stared at Li Xuewu's eyes, hoping to see some truth or falsehood to determine whether his source of information was true or false.

Do you think she wouldn't suspect Li Xuewu was bluffing her?

However, how could she still suspect it now.

The Aerospace Company had its first flight more than a year ago; it was very likely the news leaked, which could be understood; as for the Lynx, according to her understanding, there really was no news!

"Let's go with the Alouette III; your current production line can produce it."

With an appearance of "I'm doing this for your own good, considering it for you," Chantal said seriously, "Your traffic conditions are lacking; I'll give your company another Mystère 20E business jet as a congratulatory gift."

She said very generously, "This way, from Beijing to Steel City, it won't take four hours to fly there."

"The Mystère 20E business jet can accommodate 10 passengers, has a cruising speed of 0.8 Mach, and a range of 1000 to 1500 kilometers," fearing Li Xuewu didn't know the industry, the Santa Ya Group's engineer made a note, saying, "The selling price is no less than 200,000 US dollars."

Do I need you to tell me?

It's obvious you understand!

"How long does it take to fly from Beijing to here in a Jaguar?"

Li Xuewu seemed to be teasing him on purpose, turned his head and asked this, then looked at Chantal and said, "If you want to talk about this business jet and the Alouette, then we can only talk about cooperation related to architectural engineering."

He turned his head and asked Gao Yaqin with a smile, "Do you like business jets?"

"Sorry, I get airsick."

Gao Yaqin answered Li Xuewu's question very humorously, not saying she had no experience riding a business jet, and even less did she follow Li Xuewu's words to refute the other party's face.

Some people might feel Li Xuewu was crazy, biting onto the other party's new model like a dog, insisting on using a small horse to pull a large cart.

Actually, it wasn't so; the few models he mentioned, even if they didn't cooperate with the Red Star Factory now, would be introduced to the interior in the future.

Including the Gazelle, Ecureuil, Dauphin, Super Puma, and Super Frelon, etc.

It could be said that the development of helicopters in the interior was following the French; you can tell by looking at the appearance of the models—there's a French baguette flavor.

Why did Li Xuewu want to plot the Jaguar?

Because now is a once-in-a-lifetime good opportunity; the relationship between France and the interior has been very good these past few years, and in a few years it won't be good again, and in a few years it will be good again, and in a few years it won't be good again; anyway, it has been repeating.

Every few years when it's good, it's really damn good; any technology can be sold, any cooperation can be talked about, and any economy can be traded.

But every time it's not good, all economic and trade relations cool down, and technical cooperation is also broken off; it's a very strange relationship.

Taking advantage of the fact that the relationship is quite decent now, and France is a well-known anti-American leader in Western Europe, it is not stingy with technical output for us.

Looking at history, actually, a considerable part of the core technology was traded by them; although because of various relationships, the other party acted like a whore, cold and hot, turning their faces and not recognizing people, but in the end—right.

Watching Li Xuewu's disdain for the Alouette and the Falcon business jet, Chantal's back molars were about to be crushed.

You just can't talk about culture with a bastard and a hooligan, because he doesn't understand at all what you are talking about, or whether it has actual value.

"Even if I gave you the Jaguar, you couldn't build it," she still patiently emphasized, "The unevenness of industrial levels simply cannot support you to complete such high-level industrial production; this is determined by comprehensive industrial strength."

"Then let's change our thinking," Li Xuewu tapped the table with his finger and looked at her, "We don't care how your side operates, but we are willing to cooperate with your side to jointly build a production line and jointly operate this project, how about that?"

If you can't beat them, cooperate; if you can't get it, pee; it's all about the same routine.

Even if the people of the country pay attention to the Doctrine of the Mean, Li Xuewu is not willing to be mediocre, but rather to make concessions in cooperation and continue to bind the Santa Ya Group.

"Can we talk about the cooperative development of mineral resources?"

Chantal seemed to be moved, looked at Li Xuewu and asked, "If, I mean if we jointly build the Jaguar production line, is your side willing to carry out the smelting technology of non-ferrous metals and the development and application of related mineral resources?"

Facing Chantal's question, Li Xuewu looked at Gao Yaqin and Dong Wenxue, and the two also looked at him; the three exchanged glances.

Without verbal discussion, just one look, they all understood the other's intention and opinion.

"Yes, as long as your side completes the preparation of related technology and production equipment, the corresponding negotiations can be carried out immediately."

Gao Yaqin, as the negotiation representative, made a confirmatory expression.

And Li Xuewu added from the side, "What was said just now also counts."

Seeing Chantal look over, he emphasized, "The Alouette and the Falcon business jet, as well as the corresponding numerical control technology, aircraft manufacturing technology, etc."

Li Xuewu nodded and said, "As long as you can determine the related technology and equipment, we can carry out negotiations regarding engineering construction."

"Didn't you just—" Chantal really wanted to spit on his shameless face; who was it just now that showed a disdainful face for the Alouette and the business jet!

"Oh, you mean just now—"

Li Xuewu said without caring, "Deputy Director Gao gets airsick, but our Director Li doesn't; he might like business jets better."

France's numerical control technology, aircraft manufacturing, shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, etc., although the Red Star Factory has the potential for substitution and independent research and development.

However, time is money!

If one can use trade or foreign affairs means and convenience to obtain related technology, directly shortening research and development time, then a lot of money can be saved.

Furthermore, the faster production is realized, the faster technical mastery and accumulation are completed, and for the Red Star Factory, the faster technical superiority is realized.

"You see, our negotiations are fruitful."

Li Xuewu spread his hands with a smile and said, "We have found corresponding negotiation conditions for the architectural engineering and mineral resources your side expects."

"What about technical industrial cooperation?"

Chantal tapped the table, stared into Li Xuewu's eyes and asked, "I promise to act according to your side's wishes, and abide by related policies, strictly following trade guidelines to carry out cooperation, how about that?"

"On this basis, I'll say one point for you to consider."

Li Xuewu sat up straight, looked at her and said, "The Red Star United Savings Bank and the Orient Era Bank are preparing to cooperate to acquire iron ore in Australia..."

This is his Doctrine of the Mean.

?? PS: When Australia launched its first iron ore export in 1960, the first shipment was sent to Japan. Starting from the 60s, Japanese steel enterprises relied on trading consortiums like Mitsui & Co., Mitsubishi Corporation, and Itochu Corporation to quietly buy up assets in Australia and Brazil.

? (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 1275 =====