Chapter Seventy-Six: Air Show (V)

Eighty thousand dollars for a single model aircraft—it might seem exorbitant compared to the price of real planes, but at this time, the US dollar, propped up by the petrodollar system, was at its strongest, making it exceptionally valuable. To give an example: in 1980, a batch of J-7 fighter jets sold to Egypt, along with all subsequent support and guarantees, averaged only about three million dollars per plane. In contrast, these model planes were turning out to be even more lucrative. After the first batch rolled off the assembly line at the base, an internal audit was conducted. Thanks to an excellent design and affordable materials, the total production cost for each model aircraft was only about two thousand yuan. Don't ask why it's so low—at a time when the average worker's monthly wage was only thirty or forty yuan, labor costs alone were a major advantage. Not to mention, as a military production base, the facility could procure components from other factories at rock-bottom prices.

From 1979 to 1984, a dual exchange rate system was in place; to encourage exports, the foreign exchange rate for exports was set at one dollar to 2.8 yuan. This meant the total production cost per model aircraft was only seven or eight hundred dollars. Even factoring in shipping and miscellaneous expenses, the full cost per unit was no more than a thousand dollars—a pittance compared to the selling price of eighty thousand dollars.

Thus, every model aircraft sold was pure profit; the margins dwarfed those of real fighter jets. Selling one J-7 abroad, after costs, netted maybe a million dollars at most—the equivalent of profits from just a dozen or so model aircraft. More importantly, the model aircraft were a self-funded project; the state took only taxes, and the rest was theirs. This was the most delightful part of all.

Yang Hui was over the moon at the thought of it. This major client had to be treated with the utmost care; once he made a successful purchase, the others who were still hesitating would follow suit and open their wallets.

Eighty thousand dollars per model was steep, certainly pricier than propeller-driven models, almost equivalent to the cost of a new car. But considering the tremendous leap in performance and quality, the price seemed justifiable. Though the company stood to make a hefty profit, it was acceptable.

"Eighty thousand dollars is a bit expensive, but not unacceptable. I have just one more question—how will you handle upgrades and maintenance for your model aircraft?"

What? Eighty thousand dollars per unit, and he didn’t even blink? Was this really happening? Were all Europeans this wealthy and extravagant? The others who had come along were stunned; when Yang Hui quoted a price ten times higher than the expected eight thousand dollars, they were dumbstruck. He was being exorbitant to an extreme, and before they could correct him, the wealthy buyer actually agreed to it. The world was changing too fast.

Well, since the customer had taken the bait, whatever conditions he set now had to be met. Yang Hui, the consummate businessman, immediately replied with enthusiasm.

"Sir, our company has already made arrangements. To quickly establish a comprehensive after-sales network, we will open five maintenance centers across Europe, partnering with aviation enthusiasts knowledgeable in the field. We guarantee first-class after-sales support."

Yang Hui had already made up his mind—given the current promising trend, a robust after-sales network had to be set up immediately. There was no time to dispatch staff from home; they would have to partner with local experts.

"Excellent. As long as your after-sales service is sound, I’ll buy a complete set—I want this very model right here."

He pulled out his checkbook and, with a flourish, wrote a check for eighty thousand dollars and handed it to Yang Hui, then fixed his gaze on the model aircraft with the Tiger Squadron livery, unable to look away.

Xie Lianfa, observing all this from the side, was filled with admiration. This was Yang Hui—the true jack-of-all-trades. In just a few minutes, he’d secured such a major deal. He was the model Xie aspired to imitate; he resolved to become Yang Hui’s apprentice and master the secrets of salesmanship.

Yang Hui, grinning from ear to ear as he accepted the elegant check, felt this was an auspicious beginning. The other onlookers, still hesitating, now looked eager. Anyone who could afford to play with model aircraft like this was certainly well-off; with a bit of determination, they could surely spare eighty thousand dollars. All it took was a little patience.

The wealthy young man, delighted beyond measure as he admired the handsome and imposing model aircraft, was thrilled to finally own such a jet-powered model ahead of his peers—a true symbol of status. Eager to take it for a spin, he was itching to fly it, but quickly realized a problem: he didn’t know how to operate a jet-powered model. This wasn’t some old propeller-driven plane; without the proper skills, he wouldn’t be able to handle it.

"Sir, how do you fly this model? I only know how to operate propeller planes, not jet-powered ones."

Hearing another question from the wealthy young man, Yang Hui hastened over with a smile.

"That’s no problem. Although switching from propeller to jet-powered models isn’t easy, we offer hands-on instruction. Guaranteed teaching until you master it—if you can’t learn, your tuition will be refunded."

Realizing he’d misspoken, Yang Hui quickly corrected himself.

"Ah, no, we don’t charge tuition. Anyone who orders a model from us will receive free training. We can start right away—these two aircraft here are for training purposes."

But as Yang Hui pointed to the model the young man had just bought and suggested using it as a trainer, the buyer immediately objected.

"No, sir, that aircraft is already mine. You don’t have the right to use it."

Seeing this businessman from the red republic attempting to infringe on his private property, the young man was visibly displeased, clutching his model tightly and taking the opportunity to lecture Yang Hui on the laws of the capitalist world.

Yang Hui, realizing the misunderstanding, quickly explained with a smile.

"Sir, this model is not brand new; it’s already been used for demonstrations. Our company never sells used models as new. Your model is still in the warehouse on the outskirts of Paris—we guarantee those are brand new."

Who says all communists are unscrupulous? This businessman from the republic was a prime counterexample—his commercial integrity was beyond reproach.

"Very well, I’ll wait. Let this model serve as the trainer for now, and you can teach me."

"Of course, sir, please follow me and experience our simulated flight cockpit."

When Yang Hui mentioned the "simulated flight cockpit," Xie Lianfa and the other four could only marvel. It was just a ground control console, but he’d managed to give it such a high-tech name. Truly impressive.

Seating the young man at the simulator, Yang Hui began explaining the controls corresponding to each flight surface. With only seven or eight controls, it was much simpler than a real aircraft, yet still managed to convey a sense of advanced technology.

Under the watchful eyes of a crowd of model enthusiasts, the young man gently pressed the rudder pedal—there was even subtle force feedback, perfectly calibrated. It was simply marvelous. Powering on the model, the control lights flickered to life; with a gentle pull on the stick, the horizontal stabilizer moved as if alive.

"Incredible—truly high-tech. This feels completely different from flying a propeller-driven model. This is exactly what I wanted—eighty thousand dollars well spent."

The wealthy young man kept raving about the model, unwittingly providing Yang Hui and his team with a live advertisement.

Though there was no English-language manual, Yang Hui’s fluent instruction quickly imparted the basics of flight to the buyer.

The takeoff phase was the trickiest. Yang Hui called the young man aside and personally launched the model before handing over the controls in level flight.

Handling the jet model for the first time, the wealthy young man made only minor adjustments to the control surfaces, but the aircraft responded instantly, gently lifting its nose and climbing.

"Our model handles high angles of attack exceptionally well. Try pulling the stick further—we’ve set it up so pulling all the way gives you maximum angle of attack."

Taking the instructor’s advice, the young man pulled hard on the stick, and the model in the sky lifted its nose dramatically. At a seventy-two-degree angle of attack, it shot upward, the control display ticking rapidly past 4000 meters.

"Push the stick forward—level off! If you exceed 4000 meters, the airshow officials will issue a warning," Yang Hui called out, stopping the model’s climb just in time.

"Damn those official restrictions," the young man muttered.

"Exactly," echoed the onlookers with a sigh.

Sensing the moment was right, Yang Hui spoke up.

"Our model can reach altitudes up to 5000 meters, though at that height you won’t be able to see it with the naked eye. But I assure you, the quality is military-grade—absolutely reliable."

"Alright, eighty thousand dollars—I’ll tighten my belt for two months, but I have to have one," a spectator declared.

"Count me in as well. Let’s start training right away," another added.