Chapter 219 Unless the plane explodes...
This statement is really arrogant to the extreme, as if to imply that no hero in the world is worthy of my attention.
"How is it?" Xu Cang said, "It's just the A380-800 model now. If we can develop the next generation Trent 1000 as quickly as possible, the A380-900 and A380-1000 in the future may have a chance to make a comeback. Besides, Boeing's 7E7 project has not yet found a suitable engine."
After Xu Cang mentioned the Boeing 7E7 project, Song Xinyang's eyes sparkled. This directly hit Song Xinyang's vital point. He could no longer hold back and stood up suddenly: "What are your conditions?"
Song Xinyang might have been really overwhelmed, since he asked Xu Cang about his new conditions in public. However, he soon realized that he had made a mistake and immediately said, "Xu Cang, I will talk to you alone later."
"Okay!" Xu Cang said directly, and then looked at Yi Feng who had not yet reacted. When he was about to speak, he was interrupted by Yue Sheng who was at the first position.
"Xu Cang, since your cooperation with Airbus continues, our cooperation project will remain the same." Yue Sheng said lightly.
Yi Feng was overjoyed when he heard this. He didn't expect that after reaching the end of his rope, there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
However, Xu Cang stood up and said, "No need. Our cooperation with Guoda Airlines will be converted into a lease. We will pay Guoda Airlines the rent for 20 ARJ21s at the market standard price."
Yi Feng was quite happy a moment ago, but after hearing what Xu Cang said, he became a little anxious. The rental fee for 20 ARJ21s is not a small amount. Chairman Yue Sheng has already said that the cooperation project will continue, so why did he take the initiative to cancel the cooperation project? And he still thinks he has too much money?
Xu Cang's words may have angered some directors, and one of them said dissatisfiedly: "You want to rent it?"
"What else?" Xu Cang laughed. "If you want to go back, it's up to you. Anyway, Tiandong Airlines and Muhua Airlines both want to get rid of the ARJ21 burden. I will rent their aircraft at the market price, and I think they will not refuse. Why, do you want me to do this?"
ARJ21 is not 737, and in most cases it cannot make money for airlines. Previously, Xu Cang wanted to get a plane for free, but Tiandong Airlines and Muhua Airlines would naturally not agree. He could only rely on Yi Feng's relationship to get 20 ARJ21s from Guoda Airlines.
However, if Xu Cang is willing to pay the standard market price to lease the aircraft, what reason does Tiandong Airlines and Muhua Airlines have not to lease it? That would be a relief and a profit, not to mention how comfortable it would be.
The director was speechless after being refuted by Xu Cang. Indeed, if Xu Cang paid the rent, they had no reason to refuse Xu Cang. Moreover, this matter could not threaten Xu Cang.
"However, since the cooperation project has been converted into a lease, the company shares I promised you will no longer have anything to do with you." Xu Cang sneered, "Since you think that I, Xu Cang, can't run an engine company, then don't count on it."
When these words were spoken, some directors' faces turned green. It was clear that the cooperation between Rolls-Royce and Xu Cang had just fallen through, so the engine company would naturally be rootless, and they would not feel sorry for the shares.
But now, Xu Cang has made contact with Rolls-Royce again. If Xu Cang really gets the three-rotor technology from Rolls-Royce, maybe the engine company will really make it for him. This thing can bring huge reputation and is also a treasure pot. If the shares are lost, it will be a huge loss.
Having said that, Xu Cang really didn't want to breathe in the same room with these people, so he planned to leave directly. He waved to Yi Feng, signaling Yi Feng to go with him. Song Xinyang, whose mind had long drifted away, saw Xu Cang was about to leave, and he couldn't sit still, so he planned to say goodbye to Yue Sheng and chase after Xu Cang.
However, Yi Feng grabbed Xu Cang who was about to leave and said in a low voice: "Xu Cang, that's the rental fee for 20 planes, which is too much. These rents alone will cause a huge financial burden. If you want to vent your anger for me, then I hope you won't do this. There is no point in being angry. Now is the time for your primitive accumulation. Profit is the most important thing."
It was unknown whether Yue Sheng heard what Yi Feng said, but he immediately followed Yi Feng and said, "Xu Cang, fighting for pride is the most foolish thing. Are you willing to pay the rent of 20 planes just to save face? You are very naive. My words are still valid. The cooperation project will continue, and our previous agreement will remain the same. This is my advice to you."
Xu Cang stopped walking, his eyes slightly cold: "I said this before when I was discussing cooperation with Yi Feng. I am not begging you for the cooperation case, but I am giving you a chance. Now that you have missed this opportunity, there will not be a next time."
After saying that, Xu Cang did not stop and glanced at Yi Feng: "Let's go."
After Xu Cang left, Yi Feng hesitated for a moment, bowed slightly to Yue Sheng to say goodbye, and followed Xu Cang. Song Xinyang also stood up to say goodbye, left the venue quickly, and chased after Xu Cang.
The directors present were somewhat overwhelmed by the sudden change, especially Director Chen, who was extremely dissatisfied: "What a bunch of impudent boys."
Yue Sheng took a deep breath, and returned to his original downcast look, and just shouted softly: "Shut up."
Outside the venue, Yi Feng caught up with Xu Cang and said anxiously, "You really have to pay the rent. That's the rent for twenty planes. It's a huge burden."
"It's okay. The recent flight routes have been profitable. There will be many flights in Qianzhou soon. Although I'm making less money, it's not stressful." Xu Cang didn't really seem to care: "Besides, I have other financial gains. The rental of twenty planes is not small, but the impact won't be that big."
Yi Feng was startled: "Qianzhou route, are you going to open a route within the province in Qianzhou? The initial investment is not very large."
Judging from Xu Cang's tone, there are more than one or two routes to Qianzhou. Xu Cang said it was a lot, so it must be really a lot. It's not that he thinks that the routes within Qianzhou Province can't make money, but the company's financial pressure is already very high with such rapid expansion. Wouldn't it be worse to bear the rental of 20 aircraft?
"The investment is not large. We cooperated with Feiyu Airlines. They directly transferred the routes within Qianzhou Province to us. In the future, part of the route revenue will be distributed to them. The base in Qianzhou can also be shared. Fortunately, it is a bargain for free." Xu Cang smiled and said, "You are very quick in getting into the role. You have already started to consider the company."
Yi Feng looked a little embarrassed and didn't know how to respond to Xu Cang's words.
"Why, do you think I was just talking nonsense?"
Yi Feng shook his head: "Of course not, it's just..."
"Just what?" Xu Cang smiled and said, "Yi Feng, you are a person with ideals just like me, so why don't you join me? Our company has many professionals, but those who can coordinate the overall situation are quite scarce. I hope you can be the one to coordinate the overall situation. Except Qin Xin, no one will interfere with your decision."
This was already a promise of the second-in-command position at Spring Airlines. This was not just some polite words or empty talk, but Xu Cang really intended to do so. He had long seen that Spring Airlines was lacking a brain.
Although Qin Xin holds a special place in Xu Cang's heart, Xu Cang is very clear-headed. He knows that Qin Xin's ability is not enough to fully play that role, so he needs to find someone with a big picture perspective to assist.
In fact, Xu Cang had thought of Liu Minxue of Muhua Airlines. This former executive vice president of Muhua Airlines must have no problem in terms of vision and ability. After the establishment of the flight recruitment office, Liu Minxue's ability can be tested. If he is not interesting, Liu Minxue will be promoted all the way.
It’s just that Liu Minxue is good at anything, but he is too old and he really can’t do it for long. Moreover, it seems that Liu Minxue has no interest in holding a high position. He is not ambitious in this, so he can’t put his mind into it.
Unexpectedly, just when Xu Cang was worried that no one was available, Yi Feng fell into the trap. It was really a coincidence that Yi Feng was sent a pillow when he was sleepy.
After saying that, Xu Cang added: "Of course, even Qin Xin will not interfere with you."
Qin Xin has a huge advantage, that is, she knows her own strengths and can tolerate talented subordinates and listen to reasonable suggestions. Lack of leadership ability is not fatal, but lack of ability and not knowing it is the most fatal.
"I understand what you mean, but I'm leaving NUS so suddenly, and I'm still a little... confused."
Yi Feng was not nostalgic for his position at NUS Airlines, but he was a little uncomfortable with the sudden change after staying in one place for a long time.
"It's okay, just go to Erhai Lake to adapt." Xu Cang patted Yi Feng's shoulder: "It's decided happily."
Yi Feng smiled bitterly but did not refuse.
At this moment, Song Xinyang caught up with him, glanced at Yi Feng first, and whispered: "Xu Cang, can we talk alone?"
"It doesn't matter, let's talk here, there are no outsiders here."
Song Xinyang glanced at Yi Feng again, and finally listened to Xu Cang's words and said directly: "Xu Cang, tell me your conditions."
"In addition to the previous conditions, I also need to participate deeply in the research and development of Trent 1000." Xu Cang smiled and said, "How about it?"
As a result, as soon as these words came out, Song Xinyang's face changed drastically on the spot: "Impossible, there is absolutely no possibility of agreeing to this condition. If we deeply participate in the research and development of Trent 1000, then won't we lose all our secrets?"
At the end, Song Xinyang was probably irritated by Xu Cang's conditions, and even added: "Xu Cang, in cooperating with you, we at Rolls-Royce have always been very sincere. However, the three-rotor technology and the future UltraFan technology are our bottom line. You know what the bottom line is, we can't give you any other technology, and this will not change."
You know, the technology of an engine is not limited to the rotor and fan, but also includes various details such as the combustion chamber. That is why Rolls-Royce gave a small part of the technology to Xu Cang, which was a controllable impact. But Xu Cang asked to participate deeply in the development of the Trent 1000 engine. This was not just a lion's mouth, but a delusion, a complete delusion. It was no wonder that Song Xinyang reacted so strongly.
"Is it too much?" Xu Cang looked at the furious Song Xinyang with a smile.
Song Xinyang was so angry that he almost fainted. He snorted heavily: "What do you think?"
Xu Cang laughed: "Forget it, since you can't accept it, then I will change the conditions."
"Xu Cang, let me make it clear to you again. I will never give you the engine technology again. If you still have that in mind, we can only go our separate ways. There is no turning back."
No matter from which angle, Song Xinyang was forced into a corner. There was no other way. Xu Cang was planning to hit Luo Luo's vitals, how could Song Xinyang not react?
"Don't worry." Xu Cang looked calm and said, "Since you can't give me the technology, then give me the money. It just so happens that I'm in dire need of money."
"Money?" Song Xinyang's eyes suddenly lit up and he breathed a sigh of relief: "How much do you want?"
In comparison, giving money is the condition that Song Xinyang is most likely to accept.
Xu Cang smiled and said, "How about this? Give me the distribution rights of the Trent series engines in the Asia-Pacific region for five years. How about that?"
"Five years of distribution rights?" Song Xinyang suddenly fell into deep thought.
The application range of the Trent series engines is still good. For example, the Airbus 330 uses the Trent 700 engine. And the distribution rights of aviation engines can allow Xu Cang to earn huge profits.
"You have quite a big appetite." Song Xinyang said.
However, Xu Cang said directly: "That's enough. The best-selling A320 and B737 have nothing to do with the Trent series engines. The slightly more popular ones are the Airbus 330. In any case, the Airbus 330 is a wide-body aircraft and its sales range is not large. The 777 may partially use the Trent 800 in the future, but Boeing seems to prefer GE and Pratt & Whitney engines. In the 777 model, the share of the Trent 800 is at least not the majority. Moreover, the Boeing 777 costs more than 200 million US dollars. I don't think there will be many airlines that can be so extravagant."
Yes, the price of a Boeing 777 is between 250 million and 300 million US dollars. One Boeing 777 can be exchanged for four Boeing 737s. This price is simply outrageous. Even for airlines around the world, the high value of the Boeing 777 undoubtedly places it in the range of extreme luxury.
As a result, the sales range of the Trent series engines is indeed not very large.
"If it's the CFM56 engine, my five-year Asia-Pacific distribution rights would be wishful thinking. Unfortunately, you don't have CFM56." Xu Cang sneered, "So, don't act awkward with me. All I want is the distribution rights. You won't lose a penny of the money you deserve. Or are the previous Asia-Pacific distributors irreplaceable?"
Xu Cang's words left Song Xinyang unable to refute. Indeed, compared with the CFM56, a world-class best-selling engine, the Trent series engines are indeed a little bit niche.
Limited to the range of models that the Trent series engines are suitable for, the distribution profit is indeed not that exaggerated. Of course, it is just not that exaggerated, and the actual profit is certainly an astronomical figure.
Xu Cang felt unhappy when he saw Song Xinyang's hesitation: "Why, you can't agree to this condition. You can't give me the technology, and you're so stingy with the money. You should just stay where you want. I think I can go to Russia. Although it's not as good as yours, it's still okay."
Song Xinyang's face almost turned the color of liver after being scolded by Xu Cang: "But it's not easy for us to explain to the dealers in the Asia-Pacific region."
Rolls-Royce headquarters makes a lot of money, but the sudden change of dealers will definitely make the business partners who have cooperated with them for so long have opinions, which is not easy to deal with.
"You have to understand that I have a backup plan, but you don't. Among the new aircraft models that have been announced, the new generation of Airbus and Boeing narrow-body aircraft use CFM's LEAP engine. GE takes the largest share of the Boeing 777, and Pratt & Whitney is second. You just get a share of the pie. The A380 will also have to share half. I don't understand what retreat you have. You are the world's three largest aircraft engine manufacturers. Tsk tsk tsk, I want to see how you can hold on when the 7E7 project abandons you."
Xu Cang's words were heartbreaking. Among the world's three largest aircraft engine manufacturers, Rolls-Royce was the most difficult, and the painful memory of the previous bankruptcy and reorganization had already begun to hit every Rolls-Royce executive, so Rolls-Royce was actually very anxious. Xu Cang had grasped this point of Rolls-Royce. Since the Trent 900 had not made a comeback, Rolls-Royce could only pin its hopes on the Trent 1000.
Sure enough, Song Xinyang gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, five years of Asia-Pacific distribution rights. But the prerequisite is that you help us complete the finalization test of the Trent 1000. I remind you again that the Trent 1000 has only done a few ground tests, and basically there will be problems during the test flight. You are really gambling your life this time."
However, Xu Cang smiled gently and extended his hand: "Happy cooperation."
Song Xinyang was stunned. He did not expect Xu Cang to be so straightforward. He shook his head and praised: "I really don't know whether to say that you are arrogant or confident. If nothing unexpected happens, the test flight will still be in Derby, England. Then, you will have to come to England."
Xu Cang nodded: "Okay."
"Okay!" Song Xinyang looked at Xu Cang deeply and said, "In that case, I won't bother you anymore."
After saying that, Song Xinyang went straight back to the venue, leaving only Xu Cang and Yi Feng.
"Xu Cang, are you really confident about the test flight of the Trent 1000 engine?" Yi Feng said worriedly, "This is not a test flight of the Boeing 777."
The Boeing 777 was simply Boeing paying for its own safety, so there was a high probability that nothing would happen. But even Song Xinyang felt that something would definitely happen to the Trent 1000, as the nature of the two was different.
Yi Feng was worried that Xu Cang had gained benefits from the Boeing 777, so he naturally wanted to use the same method on Rolls-Royce.
"It's okay. Luo Luo is not destined to die. It means that I can still benefit from them now. There will be no more trouble in the future." Xu Cang sighed.
Although Rolls-Royce seems to be lagging behind now, in the future, Rolls-Royce will show explosive growth, surpassing Pratt & Whitney and becoming the world's second largest aircraft engine manufacturer. If you don't make a fortune now, it will be difficult to negotiate when Rolls-Royce has finally made its fortune.
Xu Cang suddenly remembered something: "By the way, do you know anyone in the bank? How much money can I borrow from them?"
Yi Feng was stunned for a moment, then he became furious: "You are in financial difficulties, why are you still holding on? Go back now and continue the cooperation project."
Yi Feng thought that Xu Cang wanted to borrow money from the bank because his company was short of cash, but that was not Xu Cang's intention.
"What? That's not what I meant. I will have some investments later, and I don't have enough funds. The company still has sufficient funds to operate."
"Ah? You want to invest." Yi Feng finally reacted: "I do know some bank managers. However, I will resign from NTU later, and it is hard to say whether they will give me face. When do you want to use the money?"
Yi Feng didn't even ask Xu Cang where he wanted to invest.
Xu Cang calculated: "It will take at least half a year."
"How much?"
"Of course, the more the better."
"Then Spring Airlines should run well in the next six months. If the performance is good, I will have a reason to convince the bank to lend money. However, the performance of six months is not that meaningful for reference, and I am not confident about how much money can be loaned out."
Xu Cang only regarded the bank loan as the icing on the cake. It would be better if he had it, but it would be fine if he didn’t. So he didn’t care much about it: “Just do your best when the time comes, don’t force it.”
"By the way, why did you suddenly come to Hanjing? There is no news at all."
Xu Cang laughed heartily, very proudly: "I knew that Airbus had finalized the power scheme for the A380, so I guessed that you were going to be in trouble. It just so happened that I came to Hanjing to meet someone, so I came directly here. Isn't this just a coincidence?"
As he spoke, Xu Cang patted Yi Feng on the shoulder and said, "I didn't expect you to think so highly of me."
Yi Feng snorted heavily: "This is the only time I'll bet in my life. However, there is one thing I've always been concerned about. You said you could solve the process problem of high-temperature alloys, but you never told me how to solve it. Are you lying to me?"
"How did I lie to you?" Xu Cang said with a smile.
"Then tell me how to solve the problem of high-temperature alloys?"
Xu Cang had given specific solutions for the three-rotor technology and planetary gears, but he had kept the high-temperature alloy a secret. It wasn't that Yi Feng didn't trust Xu Cang, but this matter was like a cat's claw scratching his heart, which made Yi Feng very uncomfortable.
Xu Cang looked around and confirmed that there was no one around. He finally said in a deep voice: "Is it possible that someone in the country has already mastered the process of high-temperature alloys?"
"In...in the country? Impossible, who is it?" Upon hearing this, Yi Feng was completely shocked.
His first thought was that it was impossible. It was impossible for him to have no information about such a big thing. He was not well- informed , but he had many sources of information. It was impossible for him to be completely unaware of the fact that someone in China had mastered the high-temperature alloy process.
"I don't know, I don't know yet." Xu Cang said expressionlessly.
Yi Feng took a deep breath and said, "Xu Cang, are you making fun of me?"
Xu Cang's eyes showed a strange light: "I don't know now, but I will know soon..."
Xu Cang hadn't said half a word yet, the person who mastered the nickel-based high-temperature alloy technology was on... the plane that crashed in Incheon.
Fate is so magical!
Seeing Xu Cang's thoughtful expression, Yi Feng didn't ask any more questions. Although Xu Cang's words sounded unreliable, Xu Cang was still a relatively reliable person, even though Yi Feng didn't quite understand what Xu Cang said.
After a lot of twists and turns, Yi Feng thought of the Trent 1000 test flight and began to persuade Xu Cang non-stop. Finally, Xu Cang was annoyed and said directly: "I am not worried myself, so what are you afraid of? Unless the plane explodes in the air, I can handle it."
