Chapter 87: A More Detailed Discussion

First, train a batch of pilots, leaving behind the seeds of revolution; from then on, a spark can ignite a prairie fire. Later, training other model aircraft pilots will become much easier—a truly effective way to save time. Yang Hui also joined in, beginning practical training with these few. With solid theoretical knowledge already in place, learning came twice as fast; instructors were comfortable teaching, and trainees were happy learning.

Yang Hui took over the training duties here, and Xie Lianfa went to find the owner of the grand estate, who happened to be an elderly veteran of the Flying Tigers. This old gentleman had offered up his estate for so many model aircraft enthusiasts to gather—a man surely held in high esteem within the aeromodeling community.

Xie intended to ask the old gentleman for introductions to aeromodeling organizations in Spain and Italy, hoping to contact enthusiasts in those countries. Surely, someone would be willing to collaborate.

Europeans are quite casual about work, unlike Eastern nations where one might hold a job for life. Here, if they find a job more suited to them, switching careers or employers brings little pressure.

Now, Xie Lianfa found the old gentleman engrossed in a flight manual. Though he'd once flown real fighters into battle, those were propeller-driven planes; against today's jet-powered models, the gap was vast. Age, too, was catching up, and studying the manual wasn't as easy as it was for the younger crowd.

Though his memory wasn't what it once was, his eyes and ears were sharp. As soon as Xie approached, he was noticed; the old gentleman set aside his manual and inquired after the young man's business.

“Hello, young man, is there something you need from me?”

Since the old gentleman asked, Xie readily explained his purpose.

“Yes, sir, we've found three partners for our after-sales service, but in Italy and Spain, we've yet to find collaborators. I hope you could tell me about the aeromodeling scene in those two countries.”

Upon hearing the request, the old gentleman, now understanding Xie's aim, began to recount the state of aeromodeling in Italy and Spain like a living encyclopedia.

“In both countries, aeromodeling is fairly modest. There’s a small group involved, but not many. Italy has just over a hundred people, and Spain even fewer—probably less than a hundred.”

Xie hadn't expected things to be so dire in these countries. Italy's hundred seemed passable, but Spain's few dozen was rather bleak. At that moment, Xie decided to scratch Spain off the list—no point wasting time where the prospects were so poor. Settling for Italy would suffice for now; four after-sales stations would be barely adequate.

“Would you mind helping us contact the Italian aeromodeling organization? We need to discuss things with them.”

The old gentleman, always helpful, stood up, found a notebook, and searched through it until he located the contact information for Italy’s aeromodeling group.

“Here, take a look. This is the leader of Italy’s only aeromodeling organization. She’s an excellent organizer, named Mara. You can try reaching out to her.”

He began writing down Mara’s contact information for Xie, then paused to consider.

“Let me contact her for you first. Mara is a very beautiful young woman with many admirers. If you call out of the blue, she might not pay you any mind.”

How rare, Xie thought, to find a female enthusiast in this field—he suddenly felt a sense of anticipation toward Mara.

When the call connected, Xie could faintly hear a woman’s voice on the other end. Even just from her tone, one could sense warmth.

“Come now, young man, I’ve given Mara a brief introduction. She’s willing to speak with you. Make the most of it.”

Xie took the phone from the old gentleman, feeling a bit shy; after all, he was a young man in his twenties, and this was his first time speaking with a young foreign woman. His embarrassment was only natural.

He steadied himself: “Hello, Miss Mara, I am from a model aircraft manufacturer in the Eastern Republic, and I’d like to discuss a potential collaboration with you.”

Mara, far away in Italy, was intrigued upon hearing a young man had come to discuss business. So young to represent his company—clearly quite interesting.

“Hello, I’m Mara. Drop the ‘Miss’—I’m still quite young. I’ve heard a bit about your project and I’m interested. Tell me more.”

Interest meant there was a possibility for success. Mara, the leader of Italy’s amateur aeromodeling organization, would be an excellent partner if an agreement could be reached.

“Very well. Our company is from the Eastern Republic, with strong military technology backing us. We have developed a fully self-designed jet-powered model aircraft. Our first batch of fifty pre-production units has sold out entirely, so we’re seeking after-sales partners in Europe.”

He rattled off a long explanation—his main point: they needed capable partners for after-sales support.

Mara, clever as she was, quickly grasped Xie’s meaning and considered it carefully.

“You’re only seeking after-sales partners? How will sales continue in Europe after you leave?”

Her question reminded Xie that he’d left out an important detail; he hurriedly supplemented his explanation.

“Oh, I may have omitted something. Our after-sales service is also expected to act as an agent for ongoing sales—sales are the real motivation for our collaboration.”

Hearing she could be an exclusive sales agent, Mara’s attention was truly piqued. Jet-powered model aircraft were an advanced novelty, and to be the agent in Italy would mean a lucrative business—surely profitable.

“In that case, we should discuss this project further. I’ll come to Paris tomorrow; it’s too difficult to clarify things over the phone.”

Hearing Mara was willing to come to Paris for negotiations, Xie felt hopeful that the deal was as good as done.

“Excellent. We’ll discuss the details tomorrow—I believe we will have a pleasant collaboration.”

“Good. I hope we can work well together.”

With that, Mara hung up, already pondering how to convince her family to let her pursue model aircraft. Mara came from an Italian air force family—her grandfather and father were both pilots, which explained her interest in models.

But acting as an agent for after-sales and sales would be difficult. Normally, European parents don’t interfere much, but Mara, studying aeronautical engineering, had family connections paving her way to the Macchi Company.

What is the Macchi Company? It’s one of Italy’s long-standing aerospace manufacturers, with many products, though few are famous. The only model well-known in the Republic is the Macchi M346 trainer, which closely resembles the Hongdu L15—both relatives of the Yak-130 and regularly visible in the Republic.

Mara herself didn’t want to become an engineer so easily; she loved flying. She’d failed to qualify as a fighter pilot for various reasons, didn’t want to fly the steady old transports, and ultimately fell in love with model aircraft. Now that she could make it her career, Mara was determined to pursue her passion.

Secretly, Mara left home and set off for Paris. In Europe, crossing borders is easy—countries are small, and travel abroad is common, so border restrictions are relaxed.

Meanwhile, Xie Lianfa shared the information he’d gathered and Mara’s willingness to negotiate with his companions. They considered whether it was best to reduce the number of after-sales stations.

After weighing all factors, Elder Wu and the director discussed and made a decision.

“What you’ve described is indeed important. Let’s stick with four after-sales stations for now—Spain is close enough to France and Italy; those interested in model aircraft can visit either country as needed.”