Chapter 859: Chapter 837: The World Is Just One Big Makeshift Troupe “Mr. Lu, are you all right?” Sun Zheyuan noticed that ever since they left the hotel this morning and all the way through boarding, Lu Liang seemed a bit strange, often lost in thought. Things that used to be explained in one sentence now had to be repeated several times. Lu Liang remained silent, turning his head to look out the window, as the plane slowly ascended, Wuhan became increasingly smaller. He watched for a long time until the clouds covered the ground before he spoke, “Give me the phone.” Lu Liang took the satellite phone and called Wang Xiaofeng to inquire about the details of the second phase production base project of Tianxing Automobile. Wang Xiaofeng replied, “Mr. Lu, the estimated duration for this project is ten months. The contractors are China Construction Investment and Huazhong First Construction. Both companies have assured us that they will complete and deliver before the National Day next year.” He thought Lu Liang was dissatisfied with the project timeline, so he hurriedly added, “Actually, I think the ten-month construction period leaves plenty of room. The contractors are waiting for us to propose by increasing the advance payment to shorten the construction period.” When we initially invested in the Su City Tianxing Park, we needed to build not only workshops and factories but also office buildings and research buildings, which ultimately took only eleven and a half months. A significant reason was the advance payment of 50% of the project cost and the commitment to settle the balance six months after delivery. This kind of commitment is music to the ears for those domestic companies engaged in construction engineering. Thus, there arose the civil engineering myth of working tirelessly during the day, treating night as day, and treating rainy days as sunny ones. The construction period originally scheduled for sixteen months was brutally compressed by more than half. A while ago, the delivery deadline passed for half a year. They kept their promise and paid the project balance to the contracted company. This behavior also made Tianxing Automobile very reputable in the domestic construction industry. Therefore, during the bidding for the second-phase factory, more than a hundred companies, both large and small, came to participate in the bidding. The bidding documents presented by each company were increasingly competitive, and China Construction Investment and Huazhong First Construction successfully made the shortlist. However, the second-phase factory in Wuhan is not as urgent as the first-phase factory in Su City. They prepaid only 20% of the project cost according to industry practice, with the remaining 80% balance to be gradually paid based on project progress. If Lu Liang has any strange ideas and needs the second phase to be completed ahead of schedule, he can fully emulate the first phase’s model. As long as the money is in place, the construction period of ten months could be reduced to six months or even five months, it’s not impossible. Anyway, Tianxing Automobile just completed financing, with more than sixty billion US dollars of cash flow in the account, the financial situation is very healthy. “No need, just let it be. It’s fine as long as it’s completed before the National Day next year.” Lu Liang frowned, almost forgetting there’s also a seventieth-anniversary celebration next year. This way, the timing of the dissemination can be determined, basically after October next year. Because before October, the entire country will be preparing for the anniversary, and this should be known by the United States as well. Lu Liang covered the phone’s microphone and beckoned Sun Zheyuan over, “Help me check if there are any large-scale international events in Wuhan after October next year.” According to what Wilson said at the time, this poison evolved from the Spanish flu back then, so the focus should be on dissemination. After all, anyone who has been a terrorist knows the best way to revenge against society is to barge into a concert with a machine gun and sweep indiscriminately. Similarly, the best avenue is through large events with lots of people, as it’s difficult to trace even if someone wants to investigate afterward. Sun Zheyuan walked to the side to investigate, not thinking much, just assuming Lu Liang wanted to sponsor these events. After all, although the second-phase base is set in Wuhan, there will be a long vacuum period until the first new car rolls off the line. The municipal government has diverted resources to them, and before they create jobs and boost GDP, some gratitude is expected. Lu Liang pondered for a moment and asked Wang Xiaofeng, “I heard that the German equipment would take up to half a year before it can be put into production?” Wang Xiaofeng smiled wryly and nodded, “Although the integrated die-casting production line requires huge upfront investment, it can significantly reduce costs later on and provides a safety edge as a great selling point. Seeing Tesla and us both succeed together, competitors are also imitating and catching up, but Morse assured us they would prioritize us.” East Country is excellent; it’s just that there are too many people, leading to fierce competition. Once a technology gains market approval, peers will go all-out to imitate, especially when the technology can be acquired with money. As far as he knows, Xiaomi ordered long ago and should be about to ship. Furthermore, NIO, Li Xiang, and Geely’s high-end brand Jikr also placed orders. It is estimated that by the middle of next year, new cars using the integrated die-casting technology will emerge in the market. Lu Liang said, “Our hybrid and range extension technology hasn’t achieved a breakthrough yet, so the production line isn’t a rush, no need to open a special channel for us.” Wang Xiaofeng was stunned and quickly said, “But in this case, when the second-phase base is completed, the production line might still be on the way, and next year’s sales target might also not be met.” “The words are out. If the sales target isn’t met, that’s your problem.” Lu Liang’s face was calm, and their exchange resembled a negotiation between a rogue client and a helpless contractor. He paused for a few seconds to explain, “Now technology updates too quickly, when everyone else speeds up, we should slow down.” Though the future market value of Ningde Era tells him that this crisis won’t affect the new energy industry, and it will continue to thrive. In the early stages, however, things will surely be chaotic. Su City Park is already built and operational, so it can only focus on protection measures, while the second-phase factory, still under construction and yet to start operations, can afford to be slower. After all, fewer people mean easier management. As for the sales target of 700,000 units, he doesn’t care. Anyway, he’s done this kind of thing where he controls the killing but not the burial more than once. Wang Xiaofeng was struck as if by lightning, silent for a long time. Lu Liang smiled and said, “Two new car models in one year, both achieved remarkable results. The pressure on you must have been significant; next year’s main task is to digest the achievements.” “Indeed, slowing down the development pace is more beneficial for the long-term development of the company.” Wang Xiaofeng sighed, subconsciously touching the increasingly scarce hair on his head. Tang Caide’s words on value once again proved true. Working under Lu Liang, there’s no need to worry about external pressure because Lu Liang shields them completely, but they must always beware of internal pressure. Boss Lu is the biggest pressure monster, always stirring things up and inexplicably increasing their workload. Lu Liang laughed out loud; through the phone, he could feel Wang Xiaofeng’s helplessness. So, he suddenly talked about Tongtian’s roadshow in Xiangjiang today. “I told Wen Chao to reserve $100 million worth of original shares for us. I plan to put them into Tianxing Automobile’s option pool.” After giving a stick, it’s time to offer a jujube as a sweet treat. General Tianxing has gone public, so Tianxing Automobile will not necessarily go public. But this idea is something Lu Liang knows well himself. After all, middle and senior management all hope the company can go public, so options can be cashed, realizing a sudden fortune. Upon hearing this news, Wang Xiaofeng instantly felt invigorated, his scalp itching as if new hair was about to grow. He patted his chest and said, isn’t it just a sales target of 700,000 units? Tesla sold 550,000 units across its range last year. If the market can continue to grow this year, they have no reason not to achieve the sales target of 700,000 units. “Mr. Lu, if we don’t meet this target, next year’s bonus will entirely serve as employee welfare,” said Wang Xiaofeng. Lu Liang was speechless: “Mr. Wang, that’s what you said.” “That’s right, I said it.” “Looking forward to your performance.” After ending the conversation with Wang Xiaofeng, Sun Zheyuan conveniently handed over a piece of freshly collected information. Wuhan is a key city in central China and a leader among the country’s new first-tier cities. Many international events will be held after October next year. Such as the international tennis open, the bridge team championship, the seventh military games, the international aviation federation world flyers congress, the international architectural universal exposition, and seven major events or competitions in total. This is just for the last two months after October; considering before October until now, there are even more. “Isn’t there any way to stop it?” Lu Liang frowned deeply, unable to determine, and he couldn’t tell anyone. After all, knowing such a plan is explainable, but knowing such details, neither those above nor even he himself would believe it. “Mr. Lu, the plane is about to land at Xiangjiang International Airport, please fasten your seatbelt.” At this moment, a female voice with a broadcasting accent interrupted Lu Liang’s thoughts. He raised his eyes to see it was the new chief steward. Facing Lu Liang’s gaze, Xu Ying smiled admiringly, flashing a pleasing smile: “Mr. Lu, hello, my name is Xu Ying.” Lu Liang hummed a response, fastened his seatbelt, absentmindedly asking, “Has Chief Steward Lin completed the resignation procedures?” He knew Lin Yan wasn’t there when boarding but was too lazy to pay attention to the newcomer. Because Xu Ying probably should also have been quite pretty originally, but there were traces of knife work on her chin and nose. “That’s right, Chief Steward Lin has completed the procedures and resigned from the airline.” Xu Ying smiled broadly. She heard the former steward had an unclear relationship with Lu Liang, making her feel this was an opportunity. However, Lu Liang never had interest in the artificial, so he responded with an “oh” and was too lazy to deal with her, turning his head to look out the window. Looking at the increasingly large Xiangjiang Peninsula below, he suddenly smiled, remembering his previous conversation with Li Junyi in Beijing. Get full chapters from 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩 East Country is always adept at turning some bad things into good. Wanting to truly surpass Britain and America without relying on war in peacetime requires some sacrifices. “After all, compared to war, this is actually more controllable, with lower casualties, isn’t it?” Lu Liang whispered to himself, asking and answering. His vision was still too small. Suddenly understanding why Li Junyi advised him to act as if he knew nothing, if it really happens, just fulfill the social responsibility of a true entrepreneur. Just now, Lu Liang figured it out. After all, some girlfriends can intervene in politics, some countries play around only to find themselves quitting Europe, some leaders only engage in private Marseilles, some actors plan to run for election, and some real estate tycoons have already ascended the top. These years, too many bizarre things have happened in the international market, making the world aware that it’s like a huge makeshift theater. If comparing countries to a class, East Country is like the honor student maintaining an 80-point grade for years; the others don’t even reach the passing mark, including the class monitor, the United States. If one day the teacher suddenly visits, aiming to conduct some test and reselect the class monitor. East Country has confidence and will definitely do its best. “The pain of development, should be understood and accepted.”