pertwk Chapter 1703 Why are you posting another chapter?
Chapter 1703 Why are you posting another chapter?
Chapter 1703 Why are you back again?
The environment at Qianshan Sanatorium is excellent, especially in the morning when the temperature is a few degrees lower than at the foot of the mountain.
This is definitely a different kind of enjoyment on a hot summer day.
If you soaked in a hot spring last night and completely released the stress on your long-term partner, that would be awesome.
Shantal pushed open the door to the backyard of the room, wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt on top and black skinny jeans on the bottom.
If you didn't see her running shoes, you'd think she was going to Paris Fashion Week.
However, for Chantal, Paris Fashion Week was too mundane and would never make it onto her secretary's shortlist of events.
No matter how well the luxury goods industry develops, it can't compare to a veteran capitalist like her.
"Honey, come running with me."
She rarely has such a free space; she's the only one living in the villa area, so there's no need to worry about safety, and privacy is even less of a concern.
Li Xuewu had just finished his boxing practice, and his skin was slightly sweaty. He turned around and saw her coming out, smiled, and asked, "Do you exercise often?"
“At least more than you.” Shantal smiled smugly, stepped out to stretch his limbs, and casually asked, “What kind of kung fu do you practice?”
"Standing stance training is the foundation of combat techniques."
Li Xuewu smiled, walked over to her, looked her over, and said, "People still need to exercise to stay young."
"Are you saying I'm old?" Women are always more sensitive to this kind of topic. Shantal rolled her eyes at him and said, "Can your kung fu stay young forever?"
"No." Li Xuewu twitched the corner of his mouth and said, "Kung Fu is for strengthening the body, boosting confidence, and protecting oneself, not magic."
"Then why do you say you'll stay young forever?"
Shantal reached out and touched his abs, asking, "Is kung fu the reason you're so strong?"
Looking at the ambiguous expression on her face, Li Xuewu knew exactly where her talk of strength came from.
"Maybe, why don't you give it a try?" he asked with a wicked grin.
"Okay, I'll wait until I get back from my run."
Shantal reluctantly withdrew his right hand and jogged slowly down the path. It would be a shame not to go for a run on such a beautiful morning.
In fact, she was only in her early thirties, a tiger-like age, but she lacked confidence in front of Li Xuewu.
Whether it's age or in bed, she's always at a disadvantage, sometimes even kneeling down in the position, and she can't even get an erection when it comes to serious matters.
In recent years, Honggang Group and Santayar Group have cooperated closely and worked together seamlessly, and it cannot be said that they were not influenced by this relationship.
In the collaboration, she compromised, and Li Xuewu did not push his luck; the companies they each represented remained in this state.
She said that Santayah Group is the insurance of Honggang Group, which is true, and that's how they control Sanhe and other companies.
With such close cooperation, are there any precautions?
Of course, she had seen through Li Xuewu long ago. He was a suspicious young man who wouldn't put all his eggs in one basket.
Since the Santayar Group can exist as an insurance company, it means that the Honggang Group has never been completely dependent on them for technology imports.
East Germany, Britain, Japan, and France are just one of them.
Under these circumstances, Honggang Group can maximize its interests and ensure relative fairness in cooperation.
At least for now, very few cooperative projects across the country can enjoy the same treatment as Honggang Group.
The Santayah Group has more than just Honggang Group as a partner in China. Every April and October, she goes to Guangzhou to participate in export commodity fairs.
However, the difference is that the orders she signs at the trade fair are not negotiated directly with the manufacturers, but with the import and export corporation.
These manufacturers don't even have the power to negotiate prices, so what kind of treatment are they talking about?
But Honggang Group is different. It has independent import and export rights, its own channels for financial transactions, and a well-established export system.
Why would Shantal condescend to come to China to personally discuss cooperation with him? To say it's purely a matter of brotherhood would be utter nonsense.
No money, yet generating electricity out of love?
"Yesterday, your staff mentioned that you're planning an integrated project for the aircraft manufacturing industry?"
They ran three kilometers in one go, and neither of them spoke until they returned to the courtyard of the villa, in order to maintain their breathing rate.
Li Xuewu took two towels, tossed one to her, and explained, "It's not just about aircraft manufacturing, but also electronics and so on."
As he wiped the sweat from his face, he said, "In the future, we plan to establish multiple integrated industrial parks throughout Northeast China."
"No wonder the company you're in charge of now has this name."
With undisguised admiration in his eyes, Shantal asked, slightly out of breath, "First cars, then airplanes, then electronics, and everything else?"
"Isn't this an inevitable trend?"
Li Xuewu wiped the sweat from his body but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he stood in the courtyard and slowly walked around, allowing his body to return to normal.
"Including metallurgy, machinery, food and pharmaceuticals, as long as the integrated industrial construction is completed, the price war can make the opponent question their existence."
This answer surprised Shantal, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense.
Honggang Group can be described as a price killer; every time it enters a field, it stirs up chaos until order is restored.
How many types of industries is your group involved in now?
Shantal thought for a moment and said, "Should each industry set up a dedicated headquarters-level branch?"
“If possible, that’s for sure.” Li Xuewu nodded seriously and said, “I hope to fulfill this dream before I retire.”
"Have you ever thought that your company might become too big?"
Shantal gestured with his hands to describe it, saying, "It's a behemoth; you wouldn't be able to control it."
"That depends on how you command it." Li Xuewu, whose physical condition was nothing short of superhuman, walked to a chair and sat down after recovering, explaining, "Currently, it only involves thirty-two areas, but there may be more in the future."
"I gained a lot from this trip to Japan to visit Panasonic."
He raised his eyebrows and said, "They divide their business units by product, such as radios, televisions, and so on. Each business unit is an independent company."
"The head of the business unit has full operational authority, including production, pricing, sales, human resources, and investment. The head office generally does not interfere with daily operations."
"Are you going to do this too?" Shantal asked him, looking at him with surprise.
"Of course not, doing that would definitely lead to a terrible death." Li Xuewu smiled and said confidently, "There is no perfect management system in the world, but the excellence of this system is worth learning."
He watched Shantal do stretching exercises, then got up and came to her side, saying, "Come on, I'll teach you a set of health-preserving exercises."
"What kind of kung fu? Immortality?"
Shantal can also joke, and after learning Chinese and persevering, she can even make Chinese-style jokes.
Li Xuewu patted her bottom and said, "Immortality is a monster's thing, but this set of skills can make your body and condition better."
Of course, he wouldn't deceive her, nor would he teach her the stance training of Bajiquan; the Eight Pieces of Brocade would suffice for her.
The two of them, one teaching and the other learning, only did two sets before Shantal said she was tired and wiped the sweat from her forehead to show him.
"I'm sweating from such a simple movement!" she said in surprise. "Is there any explanation for this skill?"
"Health preservation, physical fitness, and self-cultivation are all good things to do, but it doesn't guarantee immortality." Li Xuewu smiled and said, "If you're sick, you still have to go to the hospital."
"Thank you—" Shantal sincerely thanked him and said, "I will study hard and persevere."
Li Xuewu believed she could do it; to accumulate so much wealth and hold onto it, she must have great perseverance.
Breakfast was served by the secretary and the staff. It was a classic Chinese breakfast, simple yet sophisticated, and quite nutritious.
Li Xuewu ate a boiled egg before starting to eat steamed buns. It was Xiangtaer who brought up the topic of the Eight Pieces of Brocade earlier.
Her trip to China wasn't simply to meet Li Xuewu, but rather to figure out how to continue their cooperation after it expired.
There's a reason why I came to the steel city instead of talking to General Manager Gao of Honggang Group or others in Beijing.
Once Li Xuewu's approval is secured, the basic framework for cooperation between the two parties will be set, making future discussions much easier.
This is not only Xiangtar's own understanding of the cooperation between the two parties, but also the intention of General Manager Gao of Honggang Group, who is in charge of economic work.
Of course, the general manager of Honggang Group thought the same way, so she came.
It is almost assumed that Li Xuewu is the future leader of Honggang Group. Based on the outlook and assessment of future cooperation, it is natural to listen to his ideas and preparations for the future development direction of the group.
She also wanted to hear how Li Xuewu defined the future cooperative relationship between the two parties.
“In fact, starting this year, the group has begun to delegate authority to the lower-level units at the head office level.”
While eating, Li Xuewu explained, "But it's not as complete as Panasonic, and it will never be that complete."
“Yes, I understand.” Shantal nodded and said, “Under the constraints of your system, companies under that system don’t have much freedom.”
“Freedom is relative,” Li Xuewu emphasized. “At the group level, we currently have the capability to provide excellent and feasible management and guidance to our various branches.”
"If one day, as you said, Honggang Group becomes too big to be managed, then it can only be described as a management failure."
He raised his eyebrows and said, "Our organization can manage such a large country, so a mere enterprise is nothing to us."
"Of course, this is something I can't even imagine."
Shantal took a sip of rice porridge and said, "Now I spend most of my energy on how to strengthen my control over the company."
"Because you're missing a crucial element."
Li Xuewu put down his chopsticks, tapped his head, and said, "My thinking is crippled; the higher the building, the more dangerous it is."
"Do you remember when you asked me what kind of kung fu I practiced, and how I answered you?"
"Hmm, stake, merit?" Shantal only remembered the characters, not the words, so he said they had separated.
Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Yes, that's right. Stance training is a basic skill in the martial arts I practice."
There's a saying in martial arts: "If you practice the form but not the stance, you'll have wasted your life." This means that if you don't build a solid foundation, all your training will be in vain.
He raised his chin and said, "If you are troubled by the problems in corporate management, you might as well draw inferences from other cases and think about whether you haven't practiced your basic skills properly."
Such a vivid discussion really made Chantal fall into deep thought, and neither of them spoke during the rest of the breakfast time.
After an afternoon and an evening of communication and organization, Li Xuewu and Xiangtaer obtained a new direction for cooperation in the conference room this morning.
It must be said that Shantal has great ambitions. Without changing the current export agency allocation plan of Honggang Group, it wants to carry out comprehensive cooperation with Honggang Group.
The meaning of comprehensive cooperation is that Honggang Group has 32 fields, and they can participate in almost all of them.
Whether it was technical support or financial support, the idea was excellent, but Li Xuewu saw it but pretended not to.
Isn't this just a case of false advertising?
If you get involved in everything, it may seem like a collaboration on the surface, but in reality, it becomes a joint venture.
He can negotiate any conditions, but principles cannot be touched. Honggang Group will always be a collective industrial enterprise under the leadership of the organization, and that will never change.
Honggang Group belongs to all its employees, and it is impossible for foreign companies to be among its shareholders.
Just think about it; the collaborations on several projects of Honggang Group have all been spun off into independent entities.
United Savings Bank operates independently, in cooperation with Dongcheng Credit Union.
United Energy operates independently, but collaborates with several companies, including Santa Y Group.
United Logistics operates independently, in cooperation with Beijing Railway.
As long as a joint venture model is involved, Honggang Group will not include it in the group's direct management or direct system.
It can be said that independently operated enterprises have more freedom, but they also receive the least support and are subject to the greatest pressure from the planned economy.
At present, the cooperation between Honggang Group and Santayar Group mainly covers joint construction, joint energy, and joint shipping.
Other aspects mainly involve product agency operations, compensation trade, etc.
This time, Li Xuewu only offered her four projects: electronics, automobiles, airports, and metallurgy. It must be said that the two sides already had a strong foundation for cooperation.
It was said to be insurance for Honggang Group, and that was indeed the case. Xiangtal was naturally dissatisfied, but there was nothing he could do about it.
The cooperation projects and agreements reached between Honggang Group and Japan cover these areas.
In other words, if we cooperate with Japan, we should also involve them.
"Our influence in the electronics industry is only average." She glanced at the document, then looked up at Li Xuewu and said, "Including our ability to import technology."
“It’s all about human effort, and it doesn’t say it has to be imported from France.” Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and said, “I believe your company can do that.”
Chantal didn't argue much on this topic, but continued, "Metallurgy is fine, airports are fine, but how do we talk about automobiles?"
She shrugged and said, "We have Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, Alpine, Matra, and Bugatti."
“Some of the more special ones include Rigir, ACMAT, and Saviem.”
“It doesn’t need to be that complicated. What we need is technology, systematic technology,” Li Xuewu explained. “Or research and development capabilities would also be fine.”
“Designer? Engineer?” Shantal looked at him and said, “To be honest, your investment in scientific research has already surprised me quite a bit.”
"Our leadership's intention is that there is no upper limit to investment in scientific research."
Li Xuewu nodded and emphasized, "Even if you find engineers and designers willing to come, we can afford the money."
"Just like our previous collaboration with United Construction, we have absolute influence and potential in the automotive industry."
"Yes, I don't deny that."
Shantal nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, "This is a topic we can discuss. Let's take it slow. First, tell us what you need."
Santayar Group distributes Honggang Group's products in Southeast Asia, including electronics and automobiles.
The difficulty in technology import was determined by the market; at that time, France was arguably the strongest industrial nation in Europe.
Despite its small size on the map, it is one of the five major powers, a major exporter of aircraft and weapons, and possesses the ability to maintain regional peace.
If Honggang Group becomes a competitor to French companies on certain export products, then Santayar Group will be at a disadvantage.
It doesn't matter now, of course. Santayar Group deals in electrical appliances and automobiles, but it has not purchased related technologies from China to provide to Honggang Group.
So how they sell cars and appliances is entirely the responsibility of the distributors and has absolutely nothing to do with the domestic companies.
However, once a technology import project for a related industry emerges, her company will be investigated to see if it is the main cause of the competition.
Don't say that European capital is behaving badly; everyone knows the importance of the market.
-
"Why are you back again?"
Li Xuewu had just returned from the conference room when he saw Ma Baosen pointing helplessly to the office. When he walked in, he saw Ji Weidong sitting there.
He wasn't sitting on the sofa, nor was he sitting in the chair opposite the desk; he was sitting in his office chair.
"Can we talk about anything else when we meet?"
Ji Weidong rolled his eyes impatiently and said, "Every time I hear you say that, I feel like something's not right."
"Damn it—" Li Xuewu put down his notebook and said, "Stop talking nonsense. You can't joke like that. Ya Ting is great."
"Get lost!" Ji Weidong said irritably. "I didn't mean to say that at all. You have such a sharp tongue!"
"So I invited you here?" Li Xuewu picked up a teacup, walked to the tea cabinet to add hot water, and asked, "Are you back for vacation or on business?"
"That's a poor question."
Ji Weidong curled his lip and said, "I don't have a vacation. I can't come back without a valid reason."
"But to say I don't go home when I'm on official business, I'm not Yu the Great, I don't have such noble morals, so I can do both official business and vacation at the same time."
"You're really going all out—"
Li Xuewu glanced at him impatiently and asked, "What do you want from me? Let me remind you, don't talk if it's nothing good."
"Hey, can I contact you if something good happens?"
Ji Weidong was straightforward. He sat up straight, put his arm on the desk, looked at Li Xuewu sitting opposite him, and said, "A big deal has come."
"Your nickname is Big Business?"
Li Xuewu rolled his eyes, completely ignoring his startled reaction, and calmly sipped his hot tea.
"Your nickname is 'Big Business'!"
Ji Weidong smirked and said, "I'm serious, a weapons procurement order of at least 20 million, is that considered big?"
"Huh? Art lost again?"
When Li Xuewu heard that there were 20 million, his eyes lit up, and he asked, "Who are you fighting against this time?"
"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey—" Ji Weidong spat several times before complaining, "Can't we hope that A-te is doing well? After all, he's a big client, right?"
"Who else could it be but Art?"
Li Xuewu asked with amusement, "So, this is the only stubborn guy you have right now, supported by a big grudge, isn't it?"
He dared to say that the money Att used to buy weapons definitely did not come from the opposition faction that opposed Colonel Gaddafi, because those people were all poor and destitute.
They dared not let Colonel Gaddafi live too comfortably, yet they couldn't personally intervene, and they couldn't even sell their own weapons to him. What a clever charade!
Starting two years ago, Art changed his status, unfortunately becoming a shareholder instead of a supplier. Money flowed into the Port City Oriental Times Bank like water, while the weapons and supplies of the Honggang Group were also sent to North Africa like water.
The rapid development of Honggang Group's weapons manufacturing plant in recent years is entirely due to Ate's efforts.
How many guns can Ji Weidong sell in a year in Hong Kong?
A single purchase order for gas cylinders from Art can be transported on an entire 10,000-ton cargo ship. Just imagine, isn't that a godsend?
Is it excessive for Ji Weidong to emphasize that Li Xuewu should show more respect to Ate?
"I didn't say anything else, it's just that you gave me the wrong impression."
This matter really can't be blamed on Li Xuewu, because every time he inquired about At's situation, Ji Weidong used one word to describe it: "repeatedly defeated but never giving up."
He never wins, but if he does win even once, Ji Weidong would describe it as a spectacular victory.
"It's Africa, but not North Africa."
Ji Weidong said with great distress, "From now on, you have to show me more respect, because starting this month, your brother Ji will be in charge of coordinating the entire equipment procurement business in Tanzania."
"Hehe, Brother Chicken—" Li Xuewu looked at him amusedly and asked, "Is that what people call you in Hong Kong?"
"Go to hell—" Ji Weidong said irritably, "I'm giving you a chance, so be smart."
"I'm just too smart to say it," Li Xuewu chuckled and said, "When we get home, I'll tell my third son to call you Brother Chicken from now on."
"..." Ji Weidong was speechless, his lungs ached.
"Tell me, how did you get your hands on her?"
Li Xuewu stopped teasing him, afraid that he would die of anger in his office.
Ji Weidong wouldn't get angry. If he took this bastard seriously, wouldn't he be a fool?
"No empty talk, just pure strength."
He leaned back in his chair, waved his hand, and said, "You can now look up to me with eyes of adoration. I allow it."
"Heh—" Li Xuewu chuckled lightly, "Making a big deal out of nothing, someone like you wouldn't look like a prince even in a dragon robe."
"Go away, go away—" Ji Weidong waved his hand and said, "I got this project based on my own abilities, believe it or not."
"Okay, okay, I believe you, alright?"
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and asked, "How did you get in touch with them? Why do you want to buy our equipment?"
Ji Weidong is now the general agent of Honggang Group's weapons factory in the port city. He runs the port, so doing this kind of business couldn't be more convenient.
However, the fact that he was able to maintain his position for so long and keep the Hong Kong authorities in the dark truly shows his ability.
With this tacit understanding that weapons should be transported through port but not disembarked, his goods have never encountered a problem.
The Hong Kong side is actually more worried. If this equipment were to land, their limited troop strength wouldn't be enough to sustain the retreat.
So it's not about opening one eye and closing the other, but about closing both eyes.
"You don't know this."
Seeing that there was still something he didn't know, Ji Weidong began to describe, with winks and exaggerated expressions, the story of how the rabbit trained those black guys in Tanzania.
It didn't just start recently; it's been almost ten years. Finally, we've achieved some results, and it's time to upgrade our weapons and increase their strength.
"The list is complicated; I want everything that flies in the sky, runs on the ground, and swims in the water." Ji Weidong slammed a document on the table, pushed it in front of Li Xuewu, and said arrogantly, "Give me a look of admiration."
"You don't want something that jumps in the grass?"
Li Xuewu picked up the documents and looked at them, then said, "I was wondering what you were busy with in Hong Kong. Turns out you were learning crosstalk."
Ji Weidong shook his back teeth, reminding himself not to get angry, because if he did, the bastard on the other side would take advantage of him.
"Yes, the coverage of basic weapons is very comprehensive."
Li Xuewu glanced at the list and said, "It's the same thing: can we even fly the plane we buy?"
"This is not something you need to worry about."
Ji Weidong looked down at him with an arrogant air and said, "Just tell me if you can take this job or not."
“No problem at all. Once the money is in place, the goods will be loaded onto the ship.” Li Xuewu picked up his teacup and said, “It’s a good opportunity to clear out our inventory.”
"Didn't you say you were going to cut production?"
Ji Weidong was taken aback, then stared wide-eyed and said, "Who was it that said last time that the world has been at peace for so long that there won't be many weapons businesses to do?"
"Reduce production? What will our workers do then?"
Li Xuewu looked him up and down and said, "I'm just reminding you to be aware of potential dangers and not to say whatever comes to mind."
"You used to say your second aunt was so-and-so? Nobody bothered you then, did they?"
"Sigh—my older cousin doesn't acknowledge his family."
Ji Weidong dared to take on any job and say anything. At that time, the transport captain on the other side of the strait was seriously ill, and it was the time when his "elder cousin" was in power.
If he were to say this in Hong Kong, someone might actually come looking for him to "claim kinship."
However, given Hong Kong's current state, the other side might actually know of his existence, given how successful Shunfeng Ocean Shipping has become.
At that time, there were still disturbances on the route from Tianjin to the port city, but when cargo ships sailing with the wind were equipped with anti-aircraft guns, the entire voyage became much safer.
Since they are cargo ships, it would be unreasonable to send out large ships, and they wouldn't be able to win if they sent out small ships. So they are quite in sync.
This made Ji Weidong's identity even more fantastical, and many people in Hong Kong actually believed that he really had a second aunt named something like that.
-
"Why is Ji Weidong here?"
As Yu Li took on more responsibilities, she naturally came to know Ji Weidong over time, and they frequently kept in touch.
"Purchasing weapons, and it's a big order."
Li Xuewu put down the book in his hand, picked up the watch on the bedside table and looked at it; it was already 9:30.
His daily routine is relatively healthy. He always goes to bed before 10 o'clock and wakes up around 6:30 in the morning to go for a run or practice boxing.
Yu Li returned after applying moisturizer, raising an eyebrow and saying, "A big order? Another one from North Africa?"
"Hmm, but it's not Art's."
Li Xuewu explained, "It's a purchase order from Tanzania, the formal kind, but the list looks a bit irregular."
"What do you mean?" Yu Li was taken aback and asked, "Is there anything special about it?"
"Six thousand gas cylinders, is that a legitimate claim?"
Li Xuewu smirked and said, "I doubt there are even gas stations in Tanzania. Why would they order so many gas cylinders?"
“This—” Yu Li wasn’t stupid; of course she knew what six thousand gas cylinders meant.
Currently, the recycling station system and Honggang Group's distribution cooperation are liaised with Jinmen Shunfeng Trading Company.
Some products produced by Honggang Group or other joint ventures need to be distributed by Tianjin Shunfeng, while some local specialties also need to be collected by Tianjin Shunfeng.
Throughout this process, Jinmen Shunfeng maintained its usual low profile and did not attract much attention.
Many people habitually regard it as a front for Honggang Group's external operations, a kind of barrier to prevent danger.
Since it was Honggang Group's own choice, there must be connections involved. Who would bother with Honggang Group if they didn't interfere?
Yu Li controls the business in the steel city and is in charge of many projects, including connections with the weapons factory.
Li Xuewu rarely talks about this at home, but she has still learned about this strange type of shell from the side.
A gas cylinder filled with explosives, steel balls, and nails is equivalent to three thousand hand grenades.
这么形容吧，122毫米榴弹炮炮弹大概是2到4公斤的TNT，152毫米榴弹炮炮弹大概是6到8公斤TNT。
How much TNT can a gas cylinder hold?
The answer is terrifying: 150 to 200 kilograms. One shot is almost equivalent to a small aerial bomb, making it an excellent material for urban demolition.
Others may not know, but Li Xuewu knows that Ate's team has been honed to a high level; they can demolish a three- to four-story building with just a gas cylinder.
Demolition of buildings is not the primary purpose of this type of shell. With an impact radius of 50 to 100 meters and a coverage area of 200 square meters, isn't that terrifying?
Six thousand rounds—even if it's guerrilla warfare, that's enough to give the enemy a hard time.
If this were Li Yunlong back then, he would have dared to march all the way to Tokyo.
"He has another purpose for coming back this time."
Li Xuewu said calmly, "We're recruiting. They're setting up a security company there, mainly responsible for the security work during the construction of the Tanzanian railway."
"I don't quite understand. Does this mean..." Yu Li asked hesitantly, "He's going to go there in person?"
“Impossible, he can’t stay away from the port city for long.” Li Xuewu lay down on his pillow and said, “It must be an organized operation.”
"You mean—" Yu Li looked at him in surprise, but didn't finish her sentence. She was already used to the danger of having someone overhear her.
Li Xuewu nodded without saying anything; he was content that she understood.
"This is really something." Yu Li thought for a moment and said, "Then why did I call you here? Could it be related to this matter?"
"Yes, they're going to do a big construction project over there."
Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, "This can also be seen as giving Honggang Group an opportunity to officially go global."
"What?" Yu Li asked, "Construction?"
“Hmm—” Li Xuewu shook his head and said, “Not only that, there are collaborations in other fields besides engineering construction.”
"This is the most dangerous time to go, but the return on investment is also the highest."
"Is it because no one else is willing to invest, so they came to you?" Yu Li raised an eyebrow and guessed, "They can't possibly think of you first when there's such a good opportunity, can they?"
"Hehe—" Li Xuewu chuckled, reached out and tapped her nose, saying, "You're really too smart."
"Ugh—" Yu Li snorted and burrowed into the covers, saying, "Just say you want to make fun of me."
“That’s not what I meant. You’re right, we’re just scouting ahead.” Li Xuewu thought for a moment and said, “But we’re not the first one.”
"Currently, there are several joint ventures in Tanzania, including shipping, textiles, railways, farms, coal mines, sugar mills, and medical facilities."
He pondered for a moment and said, "Ji Weidong means that this timing is just right, and Honggang Group can undertake a major project in Tanzania."
"What big project?" Yu Li thought for a moment, then raised an eyebrow and asked, "A steel mill?"
"Yes, Tanzania has abundant coal and iron resources, but no truly modern metallurgical plants."
Li Xuewu was not surprised that Yu Li could guess the answer, after all, Honggang Group only had two formal industries: metallurgy and steel rolling.
“If we could build a steel plant in Tanzania, that would be so much more convenient,” he said, looking at Yu Li. “Even for rudimentary refining, it would be much more economical to transport steel ingots back than iron ore.”
"You're going back to Beijing to report this to the group?"
Yu Li thought for a moment and said, "If this project can be completed, does it mean that your group will be able to establish itself in Africa?"
"Heh, it's not that easy."
Li Xuewu put his hands behind his head, glanced at her, and said, "That place is full of gold, and along with the gold, there is dog poop."
“That’s disgusting—” Yu Li scolded, “What golden dog shit?”
“That’s just how it is,” Li Xuewu said with a laugh. “You go mining, it looks like gold, but when you pick it up, it’s just a pile of shit.”
Yu Li understood what he meant, but she still felt disgusted.
"If what you say is true, and purchase orders are the first step, then the next step is investment cooperation?"
"Hmm, more or less." Li Xuewu nodded and said, "Perhaps it's happening simultaneously."
"Ji Weidong said that Tanzania will send a professional team to inspect the equipment and will also talk to us."
"What a great opportunity to collaborate! Aren't you going to take it?"
Yu Li smiled and said, "This way you'll also have a chance to go to Africa and see the world."
That's nonsense. Li Xuewu would never want to go to Africa. He almost became useless there in his past life. Why would he want to go again?
Is lobster delicious? I'd let you eat it every day, at every meal, steamed, grilled, in 180 different ways for three years, and you still wouldn't get sick of it!
I don't want the small ones, I only want ones that are as long as an arm. Are you going?
Three years, it felt like being confined to a fence.
You said you have one family at home and another when you're away from home, that's pure nonsense.
Just imagine how many unsolvable viral genes exist on that continent. We have to be extremely careful in our daily work, let alone when we come into contact with them.
There are beautiful girls there, many of whom meet Chinese beauty standards. Moreover, the girls there are hardworking, simple, and not demanding.
However, without the necessary conditions, one would not dare to easily make contact.
It's not that I'm afraid of the package sticking to me, but that I'm afraid I won't be able to come
This is different from going on a business trip to Annam. If you say you have one home in China and another home in Annam, that's absolutely possible, but not in Africa.
Li Xuewu knew Yu Li was teasing him, but he still couldn't muster any interest.
However, Shantal was quite interested in Africa, and when she learned that Ji Weidong had come, she wanted to talk to him.
Unfortunately, Ji Weidong came and went in a hurry, and has already returned to the capital. If she wants to see him, she will have to go to the capital to catch up with him.
"Have you ever thought about collaborating with me?"
It doesn't matter who Xiangtar talks to; talking to Ji Weidong might be more independent, but talking to Li Xuewu would definitely be a loss.
However, the opportunity to establish an industrial system in Africa is an extremely tempting prospect for the Santayah Group.
France has a special fondness for Africa, but unfortunately, it hasn't made much of a splash over the years and has even voluntarily withdrawn.
If we can ride the wave of Honggang Group's success and expand our business to our doorstep, then this trip to Xiangtal will definitely be worthwhile.
"The environment for our investment is not even mature enough yet, and you want to get involved so early?"
Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow and reminded her, "They just purchased 20 million worth of weapons from us. Are you sure you want to invest now?"
"Really?" Shantal frowned and said, "This isn't an investment, it's practically giving away money!"
"So I'd say let's wait and see."
Li Xuewu raised his eyebrows and said, "We plan to send United Energy and United Construction over to test the waters first."
"United Construction is going too?" Shantal raised an eyebrow and asked, "Didn't the original plan for this railway fail?"
"It wasn't successful at the time; we didn't expect the mining to be so difficult."
Li Xuewu explained, "We need external assistance now, so we are looking for a domestic company with absolute construction capabilities to provide support."
“Yes, it’s necessary for United Architecture to go there,” Shantal reminded him. “This is the first time United Architecture has gone abroad, so you should cherish it.”
“We would have noticed this even if you hadn’t reminded us,” Li Xuewu said with a smile. “If we can participate in this project, it will be much easier to come back and take on projects.”
"Flowers bloom outside the wall but their fragrance lingers inside," right?
As expected of someone who studied Chinese, Shantal described the situation very accurately, and she shook her head with a slight chuckle.
Li Xuewu, however, didn't seem to mind and nodded, saying, "Everyone goes through this process. Once the workload increases, we'll have an absolute advantage."
"Compared to the current domestic engineering and construction companies, United Construction is the most standardized and regulated."
He raised his chin and said, "We urgently need a few projects to prove our capabilities, even if it means going abroad to work."
"There are many complicated issues involved, so you need to be careful."
Shantal reminded him, "Don't be reckless. There's a reason why Africa is so rich in resources yet so poor."
“I’ve been there. The land’s agricultural capacity is not much worse than that of Northeast China, but it’s rare to see self-sufficiency there.”