Chapter 134: You May Have Rendered a Great Service

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Where did he get the nerve? Yang Hui had already prepared an answer for this.

"It’s simple. I spoke of possibilities. As for how things ultimately turn out, that is not for me to decide; I am merely passing along a message. My goal remains the funding for the new trainer aircraft."

This explanation was plausible enough to pass for the moment, so they continued with the questioning.

"Then how did you know we would have a 'big guy' like that? This is not something you could have known. Explain your reasoning. First, we must address your situation, as this is the standard procedure for handling classified matters."

When the conversation turned to this "big guy," things became much more interesting. These items were practically semi-public; anyone with basic military common sense could make an educated guess.

"Grandpa Nie, you underestimate me. The issue regarding missiles is obvious. We have already announced that we sent a satellite into space; it is impossible that we would face any obstacles with long-range missiles. I, for one, simply do not believe that."

It wasn't just Yang Hui saying this; it was the reality of the situation. Given the Republic's capabilities, was having missiles really that difficult? It couldn't be kept secret for many more years, and by the time of the information explosion, these things would be common knowledge.

Yang Hui’s reasoning was flawless. If asked, he had one answer: "I deduced it through my extensive knowledge. Deductive reasoning does not constitute snooping for state secrets." As for leaking classified information, that was even less likely, as he had never once mentioned the word "missile" during his contact with the Saudis.

Hearing this explanation, Auntie Li, who worked in aerospace technology, nodded, confirming the validity of Yang Hui’s deduction.

"That’s correct. The difference between a missile and a launch vehicle is minimal. By publicly announcing launch vehicles and satellites, we have effectively semi-announced our missile capabilities."

Marshal Nie, who oversaw the "Two Bombs" program, naturally understood the distinction between missiles and launch vehicles perfectly. He was quite satisfied with Yang Hui’s explanation.

"Hmm, not bad. The young man has excellent deductive reasoning. I understand now; your actions do not constitute a breach of secrecy. Let us continue. What else did the Saudis say?"

Yang Hui could clearly see a golden glint in Marshal Nie’s eyes when he mentioned the Saudi side. It was pure desire for capital. It seemed the Saudi spendthrift behavior during the trainer project had truly impressed the upper echelons of the country.

As long as Marshal Nie was interested, the rest would be simple. They just needed to follow the course of history, which would be no problem at all.

"Exactly. Later on, the Saudis became interested in my proposal and asked if I could help facilitate the acquisition of a high-performance missile. At the time, I vaguely indicated that such a thing might be possible, but it would depend on their sincerity and our history of cooperation."

Yang Hui began to describe how masterfully he had employed his "bluffing" skills. No matter how passionately he spoke, however, Marshal Nie was uninterested in the tactics. The Marshal was currently considering whether it was truly possible to sell a missile. It was not without precedent internationally; the Soviet Scud missiles were sold all over the world.

The first things that came to mind were the Dongfeng-1 and Dongfeng-2 missiles. Both were excellent short-to-medium-range ballistic missiles that should satisfy Saudi Arabia's needs.

Now that Marshal Nie was interested in the project, he naturally wanted more information.

"Did you mention anything specific during your contact with the Saudi side? To be honest, I am very interested in this project now; it is possible that a sale could succeed. Tell me the specific requirements of this project, such as what the Saudis require in terms of range."

Saudi requirements? Prince Sultan hadn't specified them yet, but Yang Hui could roughly reveal a bit; it wouldn't hurt.

"Prince Sultan didn't say anything specific, but I can guess a few things. Saudi Arabia needs this missile primarily to counter Israel, Iran, and potentially the Soviet Union. Therefore, a range of one thousand to three thousand kilometers would suffice. One thousand kilometers would threaten parts of Israel and Iran, and a longer range would provide full coverage while allowing the Saudis to position the missiles further back."

Listening to Yang Hui’s analysis, Marshal Nie felt it was very sound. According to his reasoning, the Dongfeng-2 and Dongfeng-3 were the only ones that fit the bill. Selling either would be acceptable; even the longest-range Dongfeng-3 could not threaten the Republic.

"Based on your analysis, this is quite promising. We need to contact the Saudi side specifically to hold open and honest negotiations. You may go back and tell them that there is a seventy percent chance of this project succeeding. Prince Sultan is surely unable to sleep right now."

At this, Marshal Nie laughed, Yang Hui laughed, and even Auntie Li laughed. It was rare to see a Saudi tycoon lose sleep.

Auntie Li couldn't help but add, "You should hurry back. We cannot neglect our big spender. Go and tell Prince Sultan this good news immediately."

"Yes, Xiao Li is right. You should go. I am effectively showing you the door now, as I must head to Nanhai tonight. This news is of great significance; even the Standing Committee members who have already retired for the night will have to wake up immediately. I must say, Yang Hui, your timing was excellent."

Once Marshal Nie finished speaking, Yang Hui knew he had obtained the most crucial piece of information. He did not say another word, bowed, and took his leave.

Following Yang Hui, Marshal Nie packed his things and boarded a car for Nanhai.

Over the phone, Marshal Nie had already roughly outlined the situation. The Chief Designer, who had been preparing to rest, was energized by the news.

The car sped through the night toward Nanhai. In other parts of the Imperial Capital, similar scenes were unfolding; they all had the same destination—Nanhai.

Setting aside the bombshell Marshal Nie was dropping on Nanhai, Yang Hui had arrived at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where Prince Sultan was staying.

Prince Sultan was naturally restless and unable to sleep, waiting by the phone for Yang Hui's news. When Yang Hui arrived, he sat down and began to brief the Prince on what he had gathered.

Even before he spoke, one could tell from Yang Hui’s expression.

With a beaming smile, Yang Hui said to the Prince, "Your Highness, I have probed the authorities, and they have expressed interest in this transaction, stating there is a seventy percent chance of success."

Prince Sultan’s hand, which had been trembling, suddenly went limp. The glass he was holding slipped and shattered on the floor; the sound of the breaking glass startled him.

Ignoring the shards, Prince Sultan excitedly confirmed the news again.

"Are you telling the truth? A seventy percent chance of success? This is not something to joke about."

It was a grave matter, so caution was necessary. Yang Hui understood. "Indeed. It was the old gentleman who attended the new aircraft presentation. He is the administrative head of our missile program. If he says there is a seventy percent chance, it is certain. He has already gone to convene the other leaders to discuss this matter."

At this, Prince Sultan remembered the upright and decisive old man from the previous meeting. He stood up in excitement and began pacing back and forth, completely unaware that he had stepped onto the shattered glass.