133: I like large caliber ones. Can Mr. Lu handle it?

Chapter 133: Likes Large Caliber? Can Director Lu Handle It?

“Is that strange? Our aircraft carrier…”

Before Lu Shenwei could finish, Ma Quanlin suddenly interrupted, “Cough, cough, we’ve donated before too.”

Lu Shenwei immediately understood; he had almost let it slip.

He picked up the conversation, “You should be aware of our Bee Colony Drones technology.”

“Donating it to the military, let me think about it.” Xu Lei went out to call his superior.

“Yes, Julong Steel wants to donate the “Liuguang” Coating technology to us for free.”

“Yes, yes, how can our Air Force let them suffer a loss? Don’t worry, I will handle it properly.”

Having received his superior’s approval, Xu Lei had a clear idea of what to do.

“Director Lu, we’re family, so let’s not beat around the bush. We won’t take the “Liuguang” Coating technology for free. The Air Force is willing to pay 160 million for the technology transfer.”

“That much? Is our Air Force’s budget enough?”

“Let me finish. 160 million for the technology transfer fee, and then subsequent purchases will be 30,000 per barrel. For the first year, the Air Force will need at least 1,500 barrels per month. How about that?”

With 1,500 barrels needed per month, the monthly income would be 45 million. After deducting labor and material costs, they could earn at least 25 million.

Lu Shenwei pondered for a moment, “That’s too expensive. I think 20,000 per barrel is about right.”

??????

Why wasn’t Lu Shenwei playing by the rules, negotiating the price down instead?

“Wait a minute, everyone usually thinks the selling price is too low. Why are you doing the opposite?” Xu Lei asked, puzzled.

Lu Shenwei mumbled, “Don’t you know? Julong Steel isn’t short on money; we don’t care about such a small amount.”

“Business is business. Letting you make money is also for you to better serve the country,” Xu Lei said.

He had investigated many infrared-detection-proof paints on the market; each kilogram cost at least 500 yuan. The “Liuguang” Coating, however, combined multiple uses.

It could absorb radar waves, prevent rust and corrosion, and was high-temperature resistant. Each kilogram should sell for more than 500 yuan.

“Then I will accept it graciously.” Lu Shenwei no longer declined.

“Oh, and the Air Force also wants some of your Bee Colony Drones. The price should be the same as what you supply to the Army.”

“5,000 per drone, and the launch tubes are free.”

“That price is also low. Just make sure you don’t lose money.”

“We won’t lose money, don’t worry.”

In the end, the Air Force also ordered 5,000 Longying Drones. At noon, Lu Shenwei invited Xu Lei to stay for lunch.

“You absolutely must have this meal.”

“You kid, you’re still holding a grudge.”

“How could I? Last time, you ate a lot of popsicles in our lab. Consider this my return gift.”

“Why bring that up? Want to have a drink at noon?”

“My alcohol tolerance is poor, but since you’ve asked, I’ll risk my life to accompany a gentleman.”

How could the chairman of a large factory have an alcohol tolerance lower than three to five catties?

At the dinner table, Lu Shenwei, Xu Lei, Ma Quanlin, and others clinked glasses.

Soon after, Xu Lei looked at Lu Shenwei, who was sprawled on the table, and muttered, “An honest man, indeed. Not three to five catties, but more like three to five cups.”

“I toast you. Our Director Lu rarely drinks; he gets drunk after two liang.” Wang Zizhong raised his glass.

“Director Lu is young and promising. Drinking less allows him to contribute more to the country,” Xu Lei said with a smile.

Ma Quanlin interjected, “Director Lu has contributed a lot to the country. If the higher-ups hadn’t stopped him, Director Lu would have donated the Julong Steel Plant directly to the country, do you believe me?”

“If you had told me before today, I might not have believed it. But having officially met Director Lu today, I believe it. Forget donating the factory, even if you asked him to donate himself, he wouldn’t even frown,” Xu Lei said seriously.

In an era where money reigns supreme and entertainment is paramount, a big boss earning billions a year constantly thinks about how to contribute to national defense and military industries.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, Xu Lei would never have believed it.

“Old Ma, quickly tell the leader about that matter and ask him to help Director Lu connect.”

Wang Zizhong nudged Ma Quanlin with his elbow, and the latter immediately spoke, “Director Xu, there’s another matter that we need your help with.”

“Is the factory encountering operational difficulties? Don’t worry, I don’t know about other military branches, but our Air Force protects its own. Feel free to state any demands you have!” Xu Lei patted his chest.

“Don’t get excited. The local authorities treat us very well; it’s not a factory issue, but a personal issue of our Director Lu,” Wang Zizhong interjected.

Personal issue? What’s going on?

“Can you elaborate? This is hard to guess.” Xu Lei poured another glass of wine.

Ma Quanlin said, “You also know that our Director Lu is no longer young, and he hasn’t started a family while managing such a large enterprise. We, as elders, would like to ask for your help in arranging a marriage, to see if there are any eligible young women in our Air Force.”

Regarding Lu Shenwei finding a partner, Ma Quanlin had privately discussed it with Wang Zizhong. Julong Steel had connections in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and even Two Artillery.

The Army has too many hardships; it’s always five-kilometer cross-country runs.

The Navy is always at sea and can’t go home, and Two Artillery goes without saying.

Girls who like large calibers are definitely wild, and their personalities wouldn’t match Director Lu. After much thought, only a girl from the Air Force seemed suitable.

“Help Director Lu find a partner? I remember Director Lu is less than 27,” Xu Lei asked.

Ma Quanlin slapped his thigh, “Isn’t that right? He’s almost 27, and Director Lu hasn’t even had a proper relationship.”

“With so many excellent employees in your factory, can’t you find one who likes Director Lu?” Xu Lei asked.

Wang Zizhong glanced at Lu Shenwei, who was sleeping soundly on the table, “Xiao Zhou, you first help Director Lu back to his dormitory. We’ll continue drinking with the leader for a while.”

Zhou Cun nodded and helped Lu Shenwei leave.

Ma Quanlin added, “Many people like Director Lu, but the key is that Director Lu doesn’t see them. He’s completely focused on work, which makes us two uncles so worried.”

“And please don’t laugh, but Director Lu grew up under my watch. He’s humble and doesn’t contend for anything; he’s absolutely a good kid.”

Xu Lei nodded, “Director Lu’s character is impeccable, and his personal ability is even first-class.”

If Lu Shenwei could become the Air Force’s son-in-law, wouldn’t the good equipment developed by Julong Steel be prioritized for our Air Force’s use?

Understanding this, Xu Lei immediately guaranteed, “Don’t worry, two factory directors, this matter is on me. I will definitely find a few good matches for Director Lu.”

“No need for a few, one is enough,” Wang Zizhong said with a chuckle.

“We’ll choose the best of the best; there are plenty of good girls in the Air Force.”

Ma Quanlin picked up the wine dispenser, “That’s wonderful then!”

Xu Lei was also generous and immediately drained his glass.

The three chatted and laughed, drinking until the afternoon.

Xu Lei, tipsy, said, “If your Julong Steel produces any new equipment, you must notify our Air Force first. We’re family, so don’t be polite.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll definitely tell you first about any new gadgets,” Ma Quanlin said, his cheeks flushed and his words slurred.

Wang Zizhong whispered, “Oh, and our factory got an an-225 wreckage from the Russians, and our large commercial unmanned transport aircraft is also almost ready. What do you think…”

Crack—

Wang Zizhong looked up and saw Xu Lei sprawled on the table, fast asleep.