73: Nifeng Express: I worked on it for 8 months, and Mr. Lu got it done with just one phone call?

The fans guessed correctly; Bai Xiaoying's interview did indeed end there, but the showdown between Lu Shenwei and Wang Jiawei had only just begun.

Wang Jiawei had already given Lu Shenwei face—cold, hard cash—and now it was Wang Jiawei's turn to ask for the substance.

"Actually, the main reason I came this time was to check on the development progress of the large commercial unmanned transport aircraft, and to ask about something in passing."

Wang Jiawei appeared nonchalant, but Lu Shenwei knew this was the moment the true motive would be revealed.

Lu Shenwei turned his head to look at Ma Quanlin: "Director Ma, please introduce the R&D progress of our large commercial unmanned aircraft."

Ma Quanlin picked up a laser pointer and spoke eloquently; according to the current progress, the large unmanned aircraft could be trial-produced and test-flown in at most half a year.

Wang Jiawei interjected from time to time to ask for details, and Ma Quanlin explained them one by one.

The progress is faster than I expected, but the route issue hasn't been solved; even if the large unmanned transport aircraft is built, it's useless.

"Director Lu, your R&D team is very efficient; it truly exceeded my expectations," Wang Jiawei said with a chuckle.

Lu Shenwei replied: "Mr. Wang, you've invested real money, so we certainly can't let you down."

The large commercial unmanned transport aircraft was a major trump card that Lu Shenwei was optimistic about; if it really succeeded, selling over a billion worth a year would be no problem.

If Nifeng Express is already using large unmanned transport aircraft to increase efficiency, the major express companies can't just sit there and wait for their doom, right?

Crazy Rabbit is busy trying to capture the Dragon Xia express market; would they let this opportunity pass?

The "Green Hat" big brother will probably be sweating profusely too, and by then, the entire express industry will go crazy over large commercial unmanned transport aircraft.

If the large unmanned transport aircraft sells like hotcakes and piles of cash flow in, things like the Artificial Sun won't be an issue at all.

"Director Lu, that's the truth, but it's a pity that even if the large unmanned transport aircraft is successfully developed, we can't purchase large quantities for the time being."

What's the meaning of this? Are you messing with me?

We're all set to go, and you're telling me you're a eunuch?

"How do you mean? Does Mr. Wang have some difficulty?"

Seeing Lu Shenwei press for an answer, Wang Jiawei feigned bitterness: "It's not a huge problem, but Director Lu, you should know that we purchased a large batch of Longying Drones from your company for deliveries."

"That is the case. Is there a problem with the quality of the Longying Drones?" Lu Shenwei asked.

Wang Jiawei waved his hands quickly: "The quality of the Longying Drones is excellent; it's just that we encountered some issues when applying to open unmanned transport routes in three cities."

"The higher-ups won't approve it?"

"They didn't say they wouldn't approve it, it's just that the approval process is too slow. We submitted our application eight months ago, but we still haven't heard back."

Upon hearing this, Lu Shenwei immediately guessed the purpose of Wang Zizhong's trip.

He immediately took out his phone: "I'll try to pull some strings, though I can't guarantee success."

"I'm satisfied with just having your word; after all, if the routes aren't granted, both our companies suffer losses."

Lu Shenwei nodded and dialed Gu Ming's number: "Director Gu, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with."

"Little Director Lu, what made you think of me? Speak up, as long as it doesn't violate any principles, it can be done."

If Lu Shenwei is reaching out to me, he must have encountered a difficult problem.

"It's not my business, but our partner enterprise, Nifeng Express, wants to open unmanned transport routes in several domestic cities. Do you think that's possible?"

"I can help with your matters, but Nifeng Express is a no-go; I'm not familiar with them."

Gu Ming refused flatly, and Lu Shenwei became anxious.

Wang Jiawei was even more anxious. He guessed that Lu Shenwei was likely contacting a military bigwig behind the scenes; if that person agreed, everything would be easy to handle.

"Don't say that; helping them is the same as helping me," Lu Shenwei said hurriedly.

Gu Ming thought for a moment: "And what's in it for us?"

"Think about it, if Julong Steel thrives, won't the quality of the things we build get better? It benefits you and your organization."

Lu Shenwei spoke lightly, but he was more anxious than anyone inside.

Director Gu, please, just agree already. Once the problem for Nifeng Express is solved, I can earn more.

The Artificial Sun and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier are waiting for funds.

"That may be true, but you aren't throwing our name around to show off, are you?" Gu Ming warned.

Lu Shenwei waved his hand to explain: "We operate within the law and would never tarnish the reputation of our affiliated units."

"Alright then, for your sake, I'll solve it within a week. Also, tell Nifeng Express that making money is fine, but don't mess around."

"The issue of the couriers' treatment needs to be addressed properly; if the bosses are eating meat, the employees should at least get some soup."

Gu Ming's cautionary words made Wang Jiawei nervous; the person on the other end was using this opportunity to warn Nifeng Express.

"Rest assured, I will definitely convey that."

Lu Shenwei said with a smile, and Gu Ming exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call.

"Mr. Wang, you heard that, right?" Lu Shenwei said with a smile.

Wang Jiawei nodded repeatedly: "I heard, I heard. Nifeng Express will definitely respond to the call from above; I'll raise the base salary for everyone next month."

"That's up to you; I've delivered the message," Lu Shenwei said casually.

Wang Jiawei lowered his voice: "Director Lu, would it be convenient to introduce me to this leader? After all, they've done us such a huge favor."

To solve a problem that tens of thousands of people at Nifeng Express couldn't fix in eight months within a week—this kind of power is at least that of a regional titan.

"I can make the introduction, but the leader might not like it. What do you think?"

"Then never mind; I'll trouble you to pass the message along."

Wang Jiawei was visibly delighted, and Lu Shenwei just nodded.

As expected, it's easier to get things done when you have connections at the top; it's just a pity that those connections can't be used for myself.

"After the longmao agricultural vehicle upgrade is complete, I will contact you again."

"Director Lu, you're too polite; I'll come to pick up the vehicles in person."

Wang Jiawei said with a smile, as Lu Shenwei had helped him solve such a big problem.

He naturally returned the favor; not to mention 5,000 agricultural vehicles, he would even pay for 10,000.

After watching Wang Jiawei leave, Lu Shenwei immediately contacted Bai Xiaoying.

"Miss Bai, please delete today's live stream content."

Lu Shenwei had originally feared that Wang Jiawei wouldn't play along, which is why he thought of having Bai Xiaoying live stream it to make it public knowledge, so Wang Jiawei wouldn't be able to back out later.

Now it seemed that both sides were like Zhou Yu and Huang Gai—one willing to hit and the other willing to be hit; it was truly mutually beneficial.

"Alright! Director Lu, would it be convenient to reveal what you and Mr. Wang talked about?" Bai Xiaoying asked curiously.

Lu Shenwei said with a grin: "A strategic cooperation between the two companies; you'll know when the news is released tomorrow."

"Director Lu, don't forget about Xiao Ying if there are any more good opportunities."

"I'm still counting on you to help us promote; how could I forget?"

After instructing Bai Xiaoying, Lu Shenwei immediately called for Zhou Cun.

"Find a few more streamers to repost the report about us hosting Mr. Wang from Nifeng Express; we need to build up the momentum."

Zhou Cun asked: "Should we specifically notify Section Chief Huang from the Municipal Bureau?"

"Huang Liang is sharp; he'll definitely pass the word to Director Zhou," Lu Shenwei said casually.

The next day, the news that Julong Steel had reached a strategic cooperation with Nifeng Express, including the purchase of 5,000 agricultural vehicles for express delivery, exploded across the entire internet.