Chapter Sixty-Eight: Everything Is Settled

The first chapter today is a bit late, but it doesn’t affect anything; there will still be three updates today. I hope everyone will continue to support me.

“All right, don’t say I’m neglecting you. The new company will approve fifty thousand in foreign currency for you. Once you’ve made money, just return it to the bank.”

Although the chief designer now looked every bit the shrewd businessman, the three of them were still moved to tears. Why? Because fifty thousand in startup foreign currency had been approved! That was the most crucial thing. Foreign currency was truly invaluable at this time.

Without this initial foreign currency, going abroad? Don’t even think about it. Without foreign currency, you’d better not expect to come back once you’ve left the country.

The negotiations concluded, and naturally, South Sea was not a place to linger. The chief designer had his own tasks. With a wave of his hand to signal there was nothing more, the three left South Sea to prepare for their own matters.

Finally, stepping out of the deep and imposing palace-like halls and returning to the Aviation Department, Yang Hui still felt that the air outside was far easier to breathe, lacking that intimidating pressure.

Director Bai was now the most excited. Having entered South Sea once today, all issues had been resolved. If he’d known it would be so easy, all that effort with the aviation corporation had been a complete waste of breath.

“Master Wu, now that everything is settled, please write us a note! We need it to request a production schedule.”

Director Bai and Yang Hui had come to the capital in search of a foreign trade export company. Now, together with Master Wu, they had secured export rights. Of course, they needed Master Wu to give them an intent order for the foreign trade export; only with this could they go back and request a production schedule.

Speaking of foreign trade orders, Master Wu was naturally delighted. This was the first deal for his newly established company, and it needed to be handled with utmost care. He quickly found a sheet of official red letter paper and wrote up the intent order.

“All right, my newly established company will take on this foreign trade order for aircraft models. I just hope you won’t mind my company being too small.”

Truth be told, Master Wu’s new company consisted of only himself—a company so small it barely existed, not even fully equipped.

Regarding this issue, Yang Hui had already thought it through. This trip to Paris with the aircraft models, he would definitely go in person. The foreign trade company had little to do; it was essentially a shell company, just a name.

“Master Wu, we’ll have people from our institute go with you to Paris, to participate in this year’s June Paris Air Show. The air show is full of aviation enthusiasts—it’s the perfect opportunity to sell aircraft models.”

As the developer of the aircraft models, Institute No. 2 sending people along to participate in the sales was ideal. Judging by Yang Hui’s performance in South Sea, he would certainly be indispensable in Paris.

“That’s necessary! I’m absolutely short on people, so even if your institute didn’t want to, you’d have to send someone—especially you, Yang Hui. You’ve studied Neoclassical economics, after all!”

Everything necessary was done, everything wanted was in hand. Amid laughter and conversation, all that remained was to return to the base, finalize the aircraft model, start mass production, and then set out for Paris.

“All right, Master Wu, it’s settled then. We’ll come directly to the capital when the time comes.”

Master Wu waved them off, not forgetting to remind Yang Hui and Director Bai.

“Go on, you two, and make sure to keep a close eye on quality. Strive to finalize production as soon as possible. The new company is waiting for your order to make a splash!”

“Certainly, certainly.”

Bidding Master Wu farewell, Yang Hui and Director Bai walked the streets of the capital. Now that their business was finished and they had plenty of time, they left the Aviation Department and headed for the National Defense Science and Technology Industry Committee—not far enough to warrant a car, so the two walked there.

“Director, I asked my father yesterday. He told me that Director Yang was originally a deputy director, and after the merger, he’s still a deputy director. His duties now include not just personnel and education, but also structure, layout, and capacity adjustment in national defense science and technology industry.”

On the way, Yang Hui briefed Director Bai on the current situation of Director Yang, so he’d have some idea for their upcoming meeting.

Director Bai grew more excited as he listened. Director Yang’s responsibilities had expanded—a very good sign.

“I never thought Director Yang would get such a promotion. We’re here to add glory to his achievements.”

Yang Hui, being a native of the capital, had left four years ago, but the city hadn’t changed much. He was familiar with its traffic conditions. Leading Director Bai, who was unfamiliar with the city, they wound through streets and alleys, taking shortcuts, and arrived at the committee’s gate in half an hour.

The capital’s powerful ministries were always low-key, and the National Defense Science and Technology Committee was no exception. Apart from a white sign with black characters displaying its name, there was nothing else—not even the sentries stood outside, but inside their booths.

Once again, Yang Hui produced his work permit, explained their purpose, and the reception office put through a call to Director Yang’s office. After explaining the situation, they were allowed in.

Even before reaching Director Yang’s office, they saw him open the door and come out to greet them. This startled Director Bai—when had he ever been received like this?

“Come in, let’s talk inside.”

After a few polite exchanges, they got down to business. Director Bai came, ostensibly, just to thank Director Yang for sending talent.

Yang Hui, meanwhile, sat idly by, watching the two converse. The more he watched, the more amused he was. Director Bai never mentioned the assignment of next year’s university graduates, but his words constantly hinted at it.

If one had to describe it, Director Bai could have been chief editor of a magazine on public speaking and eloquence—his art of conversation was truly masterful.

Eventually, Director Yang decided not to beat around the bush and gave Director Bai a number directly.

“Twelve. I’ve doubled your quota for this year; not a single extra.”

Director Bai immediately beamed, clearly feeling he’d accomplished a great feat.

At last it was Yang Hui’s turn to speak with Director Yang, who, before anything else, wanted to check on his precious granddaughter.

“Hui, how are you and Yue doing over there?”

Yang Hui had expected this question and was prepared.

“We’re doing well. I intended to bring Yue back with me this time, but Chief Engineer Yang is busy now.” When mentioning Chief Engineer Yang, Yang Hui deliberately emphasized the words.

Director Yang caught the implication immediately. “Chief Engineer Yang? What do you mean?” Perhaps...

Since Director Yang was sincerely asking, Yang Hui carefully recounted the events after their arrival at the base, omitting Xiao Bo, of course.

After listening, Director Yang pondered.

“It seems you made the right choice. It’s tough in the southwest, but it’s good for young people. If you work hard, you’ll make something of yourselves.”

Speaking of young people, Director Bai quickly chimed in.

“The Director is right. Our southwest base is the best place for nurturing young talent—the perfect destination for fresh graduates.”

Seeing Director Bai at it again, Director Yang didn’t need to guess what he was after.

“Don’t get any ideas. Only twelve people,” Director Yang reiterated.

...

“All right, Hui, take good care of Yue over there. If there are any problems, call home right away.”

After a lively conversation, Director Bai successfully secured next year’s quota for university graduates, and Yang Hui conveyed all of Yue’s messages. All matters in the capital were now settled. With train tickets bought, they prepared for another five or six days on the journey, moving from the nation's northeast to its southwest.

The tickets were for the next day. Yang Hui checked his money and found he still had some left, enough to buy a gift for Yue. He spent a few more hours traveling far to shop for her, since the southwest really couldn’t compare to the capital in material abundance.

With the train’s departure, Yang Hui and Director Bai once again embarked on their return journey. The next trip to the capital wouldn’t be far off—at most a month later, when they’d be preparing for the campaign in Paris.

Without Chief Song striking up a conversation this time, Director Bai immersed himself in his book, nodding and shaking as he read, ignoring Yang Hui entirely. He had clearly become a fan of Master Wu’s writing. In the end, Yang Hui could only spend the journey dozing off, half asleep.