Chapter 386: On the day of September 11th, a shocking gamble!
"Buy Obilo Manor for one dollar?" Yi Feng was stunned. For a moment he thought Byron Warwick was joking with him, but looking at Byron Warwick's expression, it seemed that this remark was not a joke.
However, this unexpected blessing does not feel real in any way.
Yi Feng thought for a moment and calmed down. He raised a finger, which was a habitual action of his, hoping to force himself to calm down: "Mr. Warwick, can you tell me why?"
Byron Warwick smiled calmly, "I think Mr. Yi must have heard something about Obiro Manor. When Mr. Xu Cang started the rescue, he did not consider ordinary manor employees in the original rescue plan because of the weight of the plane. In the end, it was Mr. Xu Cang who insisted on his own opinion and took the risk to bring enough supplies to save everyone in the manor."
"In order to save those wealthy people, Mr. Xu Cang collected a 10% commission from them, but for the ordinary employees, he only symbolically charged one dollar, which was the one dollar bill he took from me." Byron Warwick said: "Not only me, the families of the ordinary employees of Obiro Manor are also quite willing to let Mr. Xu Cang take over."
Yi Feng had some memories of what Byron Warwick said.
Since the airport affiliated with Obiro Manor is in principle only for small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters to land, the runway is very short. In addition, there is heavy snow in the Alps and the road surface is slippery, so there are extremely stringent restrictions on landing weight.
In the rescue plan led by the owner of Obiro Manor, in order to limit the landing weight of the aircraft to a reasonable range, the material needs of nearly 180 ordinary employees were directly eliminated. It was not until the relatives of the employees who did not know the truth came directly to them that they realized this problem.
However, Xu Cang finally overcame all the opposition and took the risk to bring the supplies of another 180 people. For this, both the 180 employees and their relatives were grateful to Xu Cang and hated the owner of Obiro Manor who led the rescue plan.
"I heard that the owner of Obiro Manor is now embroiled in a lawsuit. I wonder..."
"Yes, it was me who initiated it." Byron Warwick said bluntly: "If Mr. Xu Cang doesn't take over, then this manor will just be abandoned."
Now, Yi Feng fell into silence.
According to what he heard, the rescue plan formulated by the owner of Obiro Manor was too anti-human, and the lives of 180 ordinary employees were directly ignored. Therefore, he was sued in the European Human Rights Council and had to pay a huge amount of mental compensation. In addition, Obiro Manor was extremely passive in the public opinion field.
Whether it is hypocritical or sincere, in Europe where left-wing ideas are prevalent, it is politically correct to condemn such actions that disregard human lives. Therefore, even if the owner of Obiro Manor wants to sell it at a low price, no one dares to take on this hot potato.
If this continues, Obiro Manor will be completely abandoned.
However, there is one person who is most suitable to take over Obiro Manor now, and that is Xu Cang.
At the beginning, Xu Cang risked his life to save the 180 employees, and did not ask for anything in return. From the perspective of public opinion, even if Xu Cang took over, there would not be any negative comments.
Moreover, as the plaintiffs, the employees and their relatives will certainly not ask for sky-high compensation from Xu Cang, which is perfectly appropriate.
"If Mr. Xu Cang is willing to take over Obiro Manor, all of us are willing to withdraw all compensation lawsuits against Obiro Manor, and all Mr. Xu Cang needs to pay is that one dollar bill."
"Is that so?" Yi Feng was a little confused, and then he felt ecstatic.
Once Byron Warwick explained this, everything became clear.
"Is it true that one can buy a top-notch manor for one dollar in this world?" Yi Feng really envied Xu Cang's luck. It was really a blessing in disguise that the heaven and earth were on his side, and God was helping him.
Byron Warwick chuckled and said, "I wonder if I could trouble Mr. Yi to tell Mr. Xu Cang that if he agrees, I will go back and draft the contract immediately, because this involves a three-party agreement, and the agreement is quite complicated."
This agreement includes the owner of Obiro Manor, Xu Cang and employee representatives. Only with the consent of all three parties can Obiro Manor be handed over to Xu Cang in a clean and normal state.
"Wait a moment, I'll call Xu Cang, you sit down!" Yi Feng didn't dare to neglect him, he quickly calmed Byron Warwick and shouted outside: "Wang Qing, entertain the guests."
Not long after, his secretary came in with tea.
Yi Feng asked his secretary to entertain Byron Warwick first, and he went out of the office to find Xu Cang. I tried to call Xu Cang just now, but no one answered. I don't know what to say now.
As soon as he left the office, Yi Feng couldn't hide a smile on his face. Not only did a pie fall from the sky, but it was so big that it almost knocked him out.
…
In a hotel room in Tokyo, there was an extra person in Xu Cang's room. It was Chen Tianyang, who had been sent to Japan by Xu Cang.
Lying on the sofa in the room, Xu Cang was flipping through the information that Chen Tianyang had recently investigated, which was about Kawasaki Refrigeration and Heating Industries.
Previously, in order to stop Kawasaki Industries from helping Bombardier, Xu Cang asked Li Rongcheng contact Kawasaki Industries' president, Kawasaki Akizo. However, Kawasaki Akizo obviously disagreed with Xu Cang's proposal, and even thought that he should take advantage of the opportunity to make more money while Bombardier was weak.
Bombardier is already on the brink of collapse, how can it be allowed to breathe?
Now the only technology left for domestic engines is planetary gear technology, and Pratt & Whitney is also under the control of Xu Cang, so there is basically hope for domestic production.
However, domestically-made large aircraft are not just about engines. Even though AVIC can manufacture very good fuselage components, it still has shortcomings in other aspects.
Xu Cang is a thorough pragmatist. If he cannot do something himself for the time being, he will not just go about doing it. If anyone out there has it, then just give it to you.
Bombardier is restricted by Pratt & Whitney in terms of engines, but it still has its own unique insights and technologies in other aircraft systems. After all, it has been honing its skills in regional jets for many years and has real abilities of its own.
As long as we get Bombardier, the last piece of the puzzle of domestic large aircraft will be almost completed. All that remains is time to digest and realize it.
Therefore, there must be no mistakes in Bombardier's affairs.
It is unrealistic to bring down Kawasaki Heavy Industries, but it is very easy to create some trouble for Kawasaki Meizo and stir up trouble.
In recent years, Japanese industry has been touted for its craftsmanship. This halo is the most excellent beautifying filter, but once it is punctured, the negative impact will be even greater.
In Xu Cang's memory, Kawasaki Heavy Industries was the first to go bankrupt, and the most thorough one was Kawasaki Refrigeration and Heat Industries. Kawasaki Refrigeration and Heat Industries not only committed fraud, but also lasted for a particularly long time, up to decades.
It is inevitable that people will become complacent if the fraud goes undetected for a long time, and they will probably not even bother to cover it up in the end. Therefore, Xu Cang believed that with Chen Tianyang's ability, the problem of loopholes in Kawasaki Refrigeration and Heating Industries would not be too big.
However, Xu Cang still overestimated the prudence of Kawasaki Refrigeration and Heat Industries. After a quick check by Chen Tianyang, all the problems emerged.
"The main business scope of this subsidiary is the refrigeration machines for the central air-conditioning system of the building. From a long time ago, this subsidiary has modified the data of product performance to meet the quality requirements of the Ministry of the Environment, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Environmental Association. In addition, I have also found some rumors that some of the company's products will fabricate data that has not been actually measured during the trial operation inspection stage. During the actual experience of customers on site, they will modify the testing equipment so that it can meet the testing standards."
As Xu Cang was looking through the documents, Chen Tianyang continued, "However, there is no direct evidence for the things mentioned later. However, based on my experience investigating their company, the issues involved in the rumors later have a longer history, perhaps even close to twenty years. If I am given a little time, I believe I can find out. Over time, they have become numb to the issue of fraud and lack the awareness of covering it up, so it won't be difficult to investigate."
"I know this, but I didn't expect it to be found so quickly." Xu Cang placed the information on the table. The screen of the mobile phone placed on the bed not far away lit up, indicating that it was a call from Yi Feng.
However, Xu Cang muted his phone, and his attention was all on Chen Tianyang, so he didn't notice that the phone screen suddenly lit up.
Chen Tianyang also laughed: "To be honest, I didn't expect it. They didn't seem to think that anyone would check it out. They could find a lot of information just by checking it out."
"Made in Japan, they've been praised so much that they've believed it themselves, it's all the same." Xu Cang leaned back on the sofa: "Let's leak out the confirmed fake information and create some trouble for Kawasaki Heavy Industries. However, we have to wait and spread the unconfirmed rumors after we confirm them."
"No problem. With Kawasaki Refrigeration and Heat Industry's sieve-like state, I can figure it out in a few days. By the way, who should I give the news to?"
Xu Cang looked up at Chen Tianyang: "Do you know any Japanese reporters?"
"This..." Chen Tianyang pondered for a moment and clicked his tongue: "However, considering the size of Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan, the few I know probably don't dare to offend them."
Xu Cang took a sip of the tea, a smile on his face: "Is it difficult to find this person?"
"It's not hard to find them. There are always some young and inexperienced people who only care about how explosive the news is. They don't care who they offend and will bite whoever they catch."
Xu Cang's brows twitched: "You know such people."
"Yeah." Chen Tianyang nodded. "There's an independent journalist in Tokyo called... Fujido Tsuyoshi. He never refuses anyone who comes to him. Why don't we give him a try?"
"Tsuyoshi Fujido?" Xu Cang recalled and confirmed that he did not know this person: "If you think it is feasible, you can give it a try."
Chen Tianyang leaned on the table, his fingers flicking and tapping on the table like playing the piano: "But to be honest, this news is not that big. What if that guy doesn't like it?"
"Just tell him that if he does a good job with this piece of news, he will get another piece of news that's explosive enough later."
Chen Tianyang was startled: "What?"
"This is news that will turn JCAB, Haneda Airport, and ANA upside down." Xu Cang put down his teacup: "Just tell him that."
Chen Tianyang was shocked when he heard this: "You want to let him do that?"
"No way?" Xu Cang said with a smile: "It doesn't matter who it is handed over to. The key is who can guarantee that the news will be released. This time, it is a good opportunity to test the weight of this Fujitang Gang and see whether he is a brave but reckless man or a sinister and cunning fox."
Chen Tianyang pursed his lips and didn't speak for a long time.
"Why, do you have any objections?" Xu Cang put one hand on the armrest, looking very relaxed: "Tell me, I am a person who is very willing to accept advice."
"Xu Cang, I think there's nothing wrong with you targeting ANA in that matter, but wouldn't it be a good idea to drag JCAB into this? After all, we still have to develop in the Japanese market in the future." Chen Tianyang said worriedly.
Chen Tianyang knew about Xu Cang's layout in Japan, because a lot of information in Japan was collected by Chen Tianyang, and he was the main participant.
Admittedly, Chen Tianyang was unwilling to doubt Xu Cang in his plan, but at this point, he was still worried that Xu Cang's attack would be too wide, and even Japan's civil aviation agency JCAB would be attacked.
Chen Tianyang felt that it was quite unwise .
"You don't know." Xu Cang showed a trace of solemnity on his face: "The prospects of CAAC's election for a Category 1 council member this time are not very good. Nowadays, the world's three major civil aviation markets are Europe, the United States and East Asia. Their attitudes directly determine whether CAAC can be promoted to a Category 1 council member. I am still thinking about how to deal with EASA in Europe and FAA in the United States. In terms of the right to speak in East Asia, besides CAAC, JCAB has the highest right to speak. Now that CAAC is a candidate, it is naturally not included. In fact, JCAB has the final say in the East Asian region. At least on this vote, I want to ensure that JCAB casts a vote of approval."
"But, you have something to ask for, how can you use force?"
"It's the principle of using war to stop war." Xu Cang said, "Talk to the JCAB nicely. They won't care about you. Only by giving them a beating first can they understand their position and what they should do."
“But what if JCAB targets us in the future?”
"Hahaha." Xu Cang laughed. "In the future, we will be entangled with Japan Airlines and become a community of interests. JCAB is targeting us, which means they are targeting Japan Airlines. Will they target Japan Airlines?"
Chen Tianyang opened his mouth and said, "You have taken everything into consideration as always. What do EASA and FAA say?"
When it comes to EASA and FAA, Xu Cang has a headache.
To be honest, JCAB is not very influential and it is easy to find fault with them. If you were to threaten EASA and FAA, they would take care of you.
“Actually, EASA and FAA have put forward conditions to me, but I cannot accept them yet.”
"Oh?" Chen Tianyang was very surprised: "Did people from EASA and FAA contact you?"
"Yeah." Xu Cang admitted it and sighed: "I still need to consider their conditions."
Not long ago, the chief engineers of EASA and FAA asked Xu Cang absolutely not to succeed the position of President of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Association. In return, EASA and FAA could support the election of Class A directors of CAAC and provide assistance on European and American routes.
However, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Association is also an extremely helpful force at this stage. Xu Cang certainly does not want to refuse it just like that, which makes Xu Cang in a dilemma.
Fortunately, the chief engineers of EASA and FAA did not push too hard and gave Xu Cang some time to think. However, this is at least a problem .
Originally Xu Cang had temporarily forgotten about this matter, but after hearing this, he remembered it again and immediately became annoyed.
Seeing Xu Cang's facial features like an emergency meeting, Chen Tianyang knew his mental state at the moment just from Xu Cang's expression: "Forget it, forget it, I won't ask anymore, seeing how entangled you are. I will look for Fujido Tsuyoshi according to your wishes. Since you have made up your mind about the matter in Japan, there is no need to change it."
"Yeah." Xu Cang didn't continue talking about business, but pointed to the tea set and tea leaves on the round table in the corner: "Make a cup of tea, and sit down and chat together."
Seeing Xu Cang still being so elegant, Chen Tianyang couldn't help but laugh and cry: "The hearing will be in a few days, I'm sweating for you, aren't you worried?"
"That was a sad moment. It's better not to think about it. Drinking tea is the most important thing." Xu Cang called Chen Tianyang over: "You should also take a break. After drinking, continue to work."
The corners of Chen Tianyang's mouth twitched. It turned out that this was just a little "reward" before urging him to work.
Chen Tianyang brought the tea set and tea leaves over, and as soon as he sat down, he heard someone knocking on the door. Xu Cang did not move, so Chen Tianyang went to open the door, but it was an unexpected person, the director of JCAB, Nagashima Kenjiro.
Today, Nagashima Kenji was wearing a dark gray windbreaker and a retro round hat on his head, which looked very much like the Japanese style of the 1980s.
Changdao Jian looked straight at Chen Tianyang. He had never met Chen Tianyang before, which made him a little concerned.
"Mr. Xu, how are you?" Changdao Jianzhi took off his hat and greeted Xu Cang politely. At the same time, his eyes slightly shifted to Chen Tianyang.
Before Xu Cang could speak, Chen Tianyang understood: "I want to go out for a walk?"
"It's okay. It's not top secret. Let's listen and give me some advice." Xu Cang said with a smile, pointing to the small sofa opposite: "Director Changdao, please take a seat."
Changdao Jianzhi was a little embarrassed, but he still sat down as he was told: "Mr. Xu, we just received your application to acquire Jiasu Airlines."
Just like in China, foreign capital must notify JCAB when acquiring local airlines, but according to convention, JCAB will not refuse to allow it.
However, the necessary process must be followed.
"Yes." Xu Cang admitted it very readily. Just today, the legal team of Guoda Airlines formally proposed an acquisition plan to Jiasu Airlines.
I can only say that Changdao Jianzhi is very fast. As soon as the acquisition proposal was submitted, we came to us.
Changdao Jianzhi said pointedly: "How come Jiasu Airlines is our third largest airline? How come you just bought it?"
"Director Changdao, you can't say that. The civil aviation market can only support two giant airlines at most. Jiasu Airlines' third place is very different from the first two. And anyone with a discerning eye can see that Jiasu Airlines is still a golden sheath. If we wait a few more years, it will be just rotten sheath." Xu Cang said with a smile, "Not only will you not stop us, but you should also thank us for solving the rotten sore of Jiasu for you."
"You know?" Nagashima Jian frowned. "Then you acquired Jiasu Airlines because you were sure that Japan Airlines would acquire Jiasu Airlines and then charge the difference?"
Xu Cang stared at Chang Daojianzhi and showed a playful smile: "Director Chang Dao, do you have any misunderstandings about me?"
Changdao was stunned: "What?"
Xu Cang pointed at himself and said, "I am Xu Cang, a rag picker, am I going to make you think like this?"
"Xu Cang, you..." Changdao Jianzhi didn't know how to respond to Xu Cang's words for a moment: "If my words have caused any trouble to Mr. Xu, then I apologize to you."
"No..." Xu Cang just started talking when he suddenly noticed that the screen of the mobile phone on the bed had lit up. He raised his hand and said to Chang Daojian directly: "Director Chang Dao, please excuse me."
After saying that, he stood up and went to the bed to pick up the phone. He found that it was Yi Feng calling, so he answered it: "What's the matter?"
"Xu Cang, you finally answered the phone." Yi Feng's voice came from the other end, letting out a sigh of relief: "Just now, a man named Byron Warwick came to see you..."
Yi Feng briefly told Xu Cang that Byron Warwick wanted to sell Obiro Manor for one dollar.
Xu Cang remembered Byron Warwick. After Yi Feng's explanation, he probably understood the situation of Obiro Manor. Moreover, before this, Xu Cang actually had some understanding of the difficulties encountered by Obiro Manor, so Xu Cang was not very surprised.
The only surprise he had was that Byron Warwick would eventually find him and want him to take over Obiero Manor.
To be honest, Obiro Manor is an extremely high-quality asset, and taking it over with almost no investment is indeed a great bargain.
"Yi Feng, let Mr. Warwick answer the phone."
"Ah? Oh." After a while of rustling, Byron Warwick's voice came from the other side: "Mr. Xu Cang?"
"It's me! Mr. Warwick, Yi Feng has just told me your idea. I can take over Obiero Manor. You can draft an agreement first, but the final decision still needs me to go there in person." Xu Cang thought that he would have to go to Europe to find Rosefield Capet in the near future, so he made an agreement with Byron Warwick: "After I have settled the matter in Japan and the United States, I will go to Europe again. Let's make a decision then, how about it?"
Byron Warwick barely thought: "Then I will wait for Mr. Xu to arrive."
"Yeah." Xu Cang responded, and suddenly changed the subject: "Mr. Warwick, are you still an independent lawyer now?"
"Yes, what's the problem?"
Xu Cang smiled and said, "I am about to set up the Cangqing Group, and the legal department is in need of a leader. I wonder if Mr. Byron Warwick is interested?"
After saying that, Xu Cang suddenly realized something and added, "Do you know what it means to calm the situation?"
"Yes, yes. I lived in China for a while." Byron Warwick paused and said, "I will seriously consider Mr. Xu's invitation."
Xu Cang was already quite satisfied with this answer.
"Let's discuss it together when I get to Europe."
"OK!"
After saying that, Xu Cang hung up the phone, threw the phone back on the bed, and went back to sit opposite Chang Daojianzhi: "I'm sorry to have kept Director Chang Dao waiting. However, Director Chang Dao should not have come here just for the Jiasu acquisition case. At least in name, there is no obvious problem, and JCAB is not allowed to stop normal business practices."
"Of course, as long as the procedures are in compliance, we will not stop it." Changdao said bluntly: "I came here to confirm something with Mr. Xu, because too many people are also confirming it with me."
Xu Cang expected this: "Please speak!"
Chang Dao stared at Xu Cang and asked in a very serious tone, "Will Mr. Xu attend the hearing on the morning of September 11?"
Xu Cang chuckled and said, "Yes, I will attend."
Changdao Jianzhi was obviously relieved: "That's all, Mr. Xu Cang, will you allow us to disclose this news? As you know, we are also under tremendous pressure."
"It doesn't matter." Xu Cang played with the porcelain cup in his hand.
Changdao Jianzhi's face lit up, he stood up and tightened his windbreaker: "Thank you very much, Mr. Xu Cang. The official consent for the acquisition of Jiasu Airlines will be issued within two days."
"Yeah." Xu Cang raised a smile: "Director Changdao, I won't see you off."
Chang Daojian stared at Xu Cang, who was motionless, and his eyelids twitched, but he finally nodded and said, "See you at the hearing on September 11th."
…
As soon as the news that Xu Cang would attend the hearing on September 11 was confirmed, it immediately caused a storm in Japan. In recent days, Xu Cang has been the most talked about person in Japan, and the discussion about him has been going on for a long time.
Japan's Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun each reported Xu Cang's case with eye-catching headlines on their front pages.
The title of the first day is...The Cold-blooded Butcher Arrives on the Japanese Archipelago.
The next day...the cruel executioner approaches Honshu.
On the third day, September 10th, the day before the hearing, all the newspapers printed the following words... A ruthless killer has entered Tokyo!
On the morning of September 11, on the balcony of the hotel, Xu Cang was holding a newspaper in his hand. He knew clearly the accusations against him, and he also knew what he would face tomorrow morning, but there was no fear in his heart. When he made this decision, he was no longer afraid.
At the same time, on the front page of the Asahi Shimbun on the table in the room, there was an interview with Isshin Kikawa, the president of Jiasu Airlines. In the interview, Isshin Kikawa publicly supported Xu Cang in an almost resolute tone, without any perfunctory or wavering. His firm attitude was extremely rare.
At the moment before the hearing began, Ji Chuan Yixin made a shocking statement, which was simply a sign of madness, but only Ji Chuan Yixin knew that this was a gamble.
The gentle glow of the rising sun appeared on the golden horizon, inlaying a layer of gold on the buildings of Tokyo. Looking at the prosperous and unparalleled Tokyo, Xu Cang took a deep breath and murmured to himself: "Everything has finally begun."
