Chapter 135: Problems That Money Can Solve

“Your Highness, please watch your step. Now is not the time to celebrate; at this stage, it’s not even a preliminary intention. Before I came, Commander Nie asked me about your missile range requirements, but we have no information on those.”

Without knowing the missile specifications, how can we even discuss purchasing missiles? These are the most fundamental details, and they must be resolved immediately.

Prince Sultan suddenly felt uneasy underfoot and quickly withdrew his foot, moving with Yang Hui to another spot. Only then could Yang Hui call the staff in to clean up the mess.

They settled beneath the sofa and continued discussing Saudi Arabia’s missile needs.

“You mentioned the missile range requirements earlier. Have you determined a specific range? With that, we can select the most suitable missile.”

Rubbing his thick beard, Prince Sultan began to outline the range requirements.

“The missile range we’re looking at is about 800 kilometers. Would you be willing to sell missiles with that range?”

Seeing Sultan’s cautious inquiry, Yang Hui knew the prince had yet to witness the might of the ‘Great East Wind.’ Requesting such a short range was essentially asking for the standards of the Dongfeng-2 missile. Providing the Dongfeng-2 wasn’t out of the question, but such missiles certainly wouldn’t fetch the billion-dollar price tag of later models. Naturally, the deal was most profitable if sold at the highest price.

“We can certainly provide missiles with that range. Our Dongfeng-2 missile meets this requirement, with a maximum range of up to 1,300 kilometers.”

One thousand three hundred kilometers—such a distance was formidable, a true game-changer. The thought of Saudi Arabia possessing such powerful missiles made Prince Sultan even more eager.

“That’s excellent. A missile this powerful, we’re definitely interested. As long as you sell it, we want to buy. At minimum, thirty units. The price can be negotiated—at least equivalent to the procurement cost of a third-generation fighter jet.”

Buying a missile at the price of a third-generation fighter jet seemed reasonable, but Yang Hui felt it was still too low. Could such a price really earn the exorbitant sums expected in the future?

“That price is acceptable for a short-range ballistic missile, but out of personal friendship, I’ll bend the rules once to share some news: our Dongfeng-3 missile is even better. Its performance surpasses the Dongfeng-2, with a range three times greater.”

After revealing the Dongfeng-3’s capabilities, Yang Hui said no more. Having been so straightforward, there was little left unsaid. Naturally, they would want this missile.

Prince Sultan’s face lit up with joy as he whispered, “Is it really that powerful? Can such missiles be sold?”

Selling this missile posed no issue—if the money was sufficient, there was no problem. Yang Hui was recommending the powerful missile precisely for the financial gain.

“I don’t know for sure, but wouldn’t you want to try? At worst, it’s a matter of money. As long as the price is right, acquiring this missile will be easy.”

At the mention of money, Sultan’s usual brilliance returned instantly. The old saying holds true: money gives a man courage. Now, money was Saudi Arabia’s courage. Saudi lacked nothing except a sense of security. Spending more to obtain absolute security was something Saudi was more than willing to do.

Hearing Yang Hui’s guidance, Sultan seemed enlightened, as though a veil had lifted. His expression of understanding was genuine.

“This is wonderful. If money can solve the problem, then it’s not a problem. Brother Yang Hui, you needn’t worry; just wait and see.”

Ha! This was the attitude Saudi Arabia had to have—willing to spend money, and there would be no obstacles. Financial shortages were everywhere now. Whether Yang Hui could witness the Saudi billionaire’s lavish generosity was another matter. The missile export negotiations would certainly not conclude quickly. Yang Hui had no time to waste, nor the standing to participate.

A nation’s most vital assets cannot be casually displayed. Even if urgent circumstances forced a sale, it would be under strict controls. There was no way someone like Yang Hui, a mere novice, could be involved. Even if Yang Hui secured the deal, he would have to relinquish the follow-up credit. Export missile negotiations naturally fell to the aerospace system’s foreign trade company.

As for what benefits Yang Hui’s company might gain from the missile project, the chief designer had already made it clear—arms transportation.

Such large contracts involve huge sums and specialized products. Charging transportation fees amounting to fifty percent of the total deal price would be reasonable.

Transport security was even simpler now. The navy was broke but could charter cargo ships and conduct a military visit to Pakistan en route. Adding some military equipment exports to Iraq, truth and falsehood would intertwine seamlessly, causing little trouble. This would mark the navy’s first real foray into long-range operations.

In the 1980s, escorting intercontinental missile shipments was a feat that took them all the way to the South Pacific. Despite numerous hardships, the mission was ultimately successful.

By the time the exported Great East Wind missiles were produced—around 1985 or 1986—the navy would have no shame in taking credit. Moreover, Yang Hui had a perfect pretext, which would ensure the navy eagerly undertook this ‘friendly visit.’

During 1985 and 1986, the Republic’s relations with the West were at their best. In later years, transporting these missiles without naval escort involved only a single transport ship, yet it still safely reached Saudi Arabia under the ‘escort’ of U.S. aircraft carriers.

Thus, this project actually involved tacit agreements with the United States. What price was paid remains unknown, but perhaps Yang Hui would have the chance to uncover the truth someday.

Setting such thoughts aside, since Saudi was on board, there was no problem: “Alright, since the information has been conveyed, I will take my leave. I will come to inform Your Highness immediately when there is news tomorrow.”

After a long night, Yang Hui had completed his mission and prepared to rest at the guesthouse. Tomorrow would be the real challenge, likely requiring another full day of effort. Afterwards, introducing Sultan to the aerospace system’s people for collaboration would be straightforward.

Yang Hui then went to sleep, but in a room in the South China Sea, smoke filled the air, punctuated by bursts of coughing.

“Hiss, Yang Hui is really bold, taking on such a risky task. Doesn’t he fear causing leaks of our military technology?”

Regarding this concern, the chief designer smiled, stubbed out his cigarette, and shared his impression of the young man he had only met once.

“This young man is quite remarkable—intelligent and quick-witted. The current prosperity of the 0011 base owes much to him. He is bold, insightful, and knows when to advance or retreat. As for leaks, I don’t think it’s a real issue. He only mentioned ‘big guys’ in passing. As long as the missile data isn’t revealed, it’s not a big deal.”

For some reason, the chief designer held Yang Hui in high regard. Now that the chief designer spoke so, there was little else to say. It would be as it was.

“Hmm, these are minor issues. Tonight, our main focus is discussing missile sales to Saudi Arabia. I think this sale is definitely worth considering. We need money badly. Given Saudi Arabia’s performance with trainer aircraft previously, we certainly won’t lose out.”

Speaking of money, there were plenty of good reasons now.

“Yes, the country is short of funds everywhere, and foreign exchange is even scarcer. Selling missiles earns real dollars—exactly what we need. Both the No. 2 and No. 3 missiles can be sold, and since they will remain within Saudi territory, they pose no threat to our security.” (To be continued.)