Chapter 85: We Must Hurry

Most of the details had been more or less settled, and a preliminary intention for cooperation on the trainer aircraft had been reached. With Saudi Arabia as the major investor, represented by a deputy prime minister, it was highly unlikely they would back out.

Now, upon returning, he would need to carefully devise a strategy to persuade the bureaucrats back home. The project looked promising, but Yang Hui refused to believe the domestic officials would not covet it.

Leaving the conference room, the six had lost all interest in continuing to attend the exhibition. They hurried back to their lodgings to discuss their next steps. There was still the matter of establishing the five after-sales service points promised for the model aircraft, at least finding suitable partners first.

Back at the small hotel, the six gathered in one room, checked for safety, and Old Wu was the first to speak.

“Yang Hui, how did your negotiations with Saudi Arabia go? Any initial agreements?”

Of course, there was an initial agreement—they had just reached terms on the trainer aircraft cooperation. With everyone awaiting his answer, Yang Hui presented the cooperation intention they had just secured.

“The situation is as follows: we discussed with the Saudis, and in the end, Saudi Arabia is willing to invest up to three hundred million dollars to support our joint trainer aircraft project with Pakistan. That means the project will become a trilateral development.”

Director Bai nodded in timely affirmation, indicating Yang Hui’s words were credible. At this point, the director was deeply impressed by Yang Hui’s ability to persuade—just like that, he had convinced the Saudis to invest three hundred million dollars.

Furthermore, from their cryptic hints, there seemed to be an even larger project in the works. No one could tell just how big that might be, but for the sake of this future project, three hundred million dollars were being laid as groundwork. If that project also landed at their own base, it would be perfect.

This three hundred million dollars was almost unbelievable for Old Wu and the other four waiting outside for news.

“If it really is three hundred million dollars, then you’ll be able to achieve a great deal with this trainer aircraft project. I can’t say for sure yet, but once we’re back home and can carefully calculate, we’ll know.”

Were they already planning how to spend the money? It was a little premature; until the funds were actually credited, nothing could be settled.

“Old Wu, things seem promising at the outset, but there are still many uncertain factors. We must consider all these uncertainties and find ways to eliminate them.”

Uncertainties—just mentioning them made Old Wu uneasy. Even domestically, there were plenty of uncertainties. If someone interfered, it would be troublesome. In every country, there are always those who can’t do anything productive but excel at causing trouble.

Not to mention they had already offended the China Aviation Technology company; just the three hundred million dollars alone would attract many hungry wolves. Once they returned home, the news would certainly get out, and all kinds of groups would flock in. Defending their hard-won success would not be easy.

“Your concerns are justified. We must take this into account, and even consider the preferences of the decision-makers above.”

Old Wu had experienced all this many times and was well-versed in these matters, speaking with authority. Hearing all these intricacies, the director was enlightened. His own institute’s engine projects were minor tweaks, so there hadn’t been much competition, and he hadn’t understood the stakes. Now, they needed to prepare for a defensive battle to protect their achievement.

“There’s no need to discuss much here. Tomorrow, we must quickly finalize the follow-up matters with the model aircraft and then prepare to return home. Only once we’re back can we start strategizing. For now, we must keep this absolutely confidential—even from the embassy.”

Keeping it secret from the embassy was necessary. Foreign affairs discipline required that any significant interactions with foreigners abroad be reported to the embassy. If they reported this preliminary cooperation intention, such a major event would surely be relayed back home.

Once those in the aviation industry ministry learned of it, there would be no chance for Yang Hui’s team at their third-tier base. The ministry was dominated by people from the old northeast, and intercepting the project would be inevitable. Yang Hui and his team were still in France, unable even to resist what happened back home.

The director’s words brought everyone to consensus—they needed to act quickly and defend their success.

“Director, then you arrange what needs to be done here. We must speed up the process.”

Old Wu nodded in agreement. “Yes, we need to speed up. Bai, you make the arrangements. I’ll follow your lead.”

After a brief consideration, the plan was set. It seemed the best course.

“Alright, there are two main tasks: training the model aircraft pilots and finding partners to establish the after-sales service network in Europe.”

Splitting into two teams would save time, and roles needed to match expertise.

“Yang Hui, Old Wu, and Yang Yue—stay to train the model aircraft pilots. The other three of us will seek partners and set up the after-sales channels. We must move quickly.”

With the director’s arrangement, they proceeded at once, eager to wrap things up and return home. That was the only priority now; it didn’t matter if they missed the rest of the exhibition. Visiting the exhibition couldn’t compare to the prospect of someday having their own aircraft in the halls.

To have an exhibit, they needed a model worth presenting, and the cost of the exhibition booth during the event had to be justified. If not, they would remain minor players, striving hard. Now, the trainer aircraft project was a potential ticket to fame, a chance to make history—it was no longer just a dream.

As everyone prepared to leave, Yang Hui suddenly remembered another matter.

“Director, we must begin introducing computer-aided design in our work. Both 0132 and 0603 projects have started using computer-aided design; we can’t fall behind.”

Computer-aided design? He had heard of it, but didn’t realize it was already being used domestically. Now that they had funds, they simply needed to report to the authorities—unlike before, when applying for funding was the hardest part.

“In that case, we do need to bring in this technology. If we have time tomorrow, let’s visit the exhibition again. The design software should be available there.”

More than just available—there were sure to be plenty on display. It was a misconception to think only the common types existed; in aviation, the field was subdivided, and there were highly specialized programs for subsidiary projects, though these required considerable computing resources.

“Alright, tomorrow at noon we’ll visit the exhibition and look for the software we need. Let’s try a few widely used, general-purpose programs first.”

Early the next morning, Yang Hui informed Director Bai of his plans and promptly headed to the exhibition. Their first stop was Hall One, where they immediately encountered Dassault Systemes. At the forefront was CATIA, an exceptionally versatile design software. It wasn’t exclusive to aerospace but was certainly standard in the field.

“Director, this is a drawing program developed by Dassault, highly versatile and applicable across industrial design. It’s also optimized for aerospace.”

After introducing CATIA, Yang Hui prepared to review other products from different companies.

As Yang Hui explained the software displayed at the booth, the head of Dassault Systemes clearly noticed the two Easterners standing before the display. Regardless, he felt it necessary to greet them, and asked in English:

“Hello, may we speak in English? I am the manager of the Dassault Systemes booth.”

With sales staff present, it was best to hear their professional explanations. But before discussing business, it was important to reveal their identity.

“Yes, we can communicate in English. Please introduce your company’s products. We are an aircraft manufacturer from the Eastern Republic, and in the coming years, we wish to acquire a series of computer-aided design software.”

From the Eastern Republic—this was a major business opportunity. That country had virtually no foundation in computer-aided design; if Dassault could supply their entire system, it would be a massive deal.

As for export restrictions, the Eastern Republic was now leaning toward the West, and embargoes had been loosened. Moreover, French military industry exchanges with the country had increased in recent years, so selling software posed no issue.