234: Chapter 234 The Red Flag's "Three Arrows Fired Simultaneously"

Lei Zhan paused, seeing the interest in the President's eyes increasing.

"But that's not all." Lei Zhan swiped on his tablet, pulling up a more ambitious plan. "We are willing to establish a 'New Energy Industry Development Fund' with the government of Congo, with Spark Group initially injecting 500 million USD."

"This money will be used for: first, supporting local battery recycling companies in Congo; second, investing in solar power projects in Congo to solve power issues at mines; third, sponsoring students from Congo to study in China, focusing on geology, materials, and new energy technologies."

Tshisekedi was silent for a minute.

"Very tempting," he finally said. "But America... they have political pressure. If I choose a Chinese company, it might affect our loans from the International Monetary Fund."

Lei Zhan knew the critical moment had arrived.

He closed the tablet and looked the President straight in the eyes: "Mr. President, let me say something offensive but true: America is offering you the world order of yesterday, while China is offering you the opportunity of tomorrow."

He stood up and walked to the map of Africa hanging on the office wall, pointing his finger at the location of Congo: "In the twentieth century, the resources of Africa were plundered by colonists, leaving behind only poverty and war. In the twenty-first century, must we repeat this tragedy?"

"Spark Group is not here to plunder." Lei Zhan turned around, his voice calm but powerful. "We take away the ore, but we leave behind roads, hospitals, schools—and more importantly, a complete new energy industry ecosystem. Ten years from now, when half of all electric vehicles globally use cobalt from Congo, your country will no longer be a resource exporter, but a key link in the global new energy industrial chain."

"At that time, what you will need is not loans from the International Monetary Fund, but for other countries to come seeking cooperation with you."

The office was so quiet that the ticking of the clock on the wall could be heard.

Tshisekedi looked at the three documents on the table, then at Lei Zhan, and finally out the window—there lay the streetscape of Kinshasa, the future of Congo.

"I need to discuss this with my cabinet," the President said. "But personally, Mr. Lei, you have convinced me."

Lei Zhan glanced at his watch: 8:38 AM.

There were 22 minutes left until the start of the Shenzhen press conference.

"Mr. President, as a gesture of sincerity, we can immediately begin the construction of the first road after signing the agreement." Lei Zhan took out a draft contract already translated into French from his briefcase. "Furthermore, we can accept installment payments—a 10% down payment, with the remainder paid off within three years, so this will not put pressure on your country's finances."

This was the negotiation strategy personally approved by Su Chen before departure: make no concessions on price, but show flexibility on payment terms and additional investments.

Tshisekedi took the contract and quickly flipped through the key clauses. When he saw the sections on "technical training," "local employment," and "infrastructure construction," he nodded.

"Give me two hours," the President said. "I will give you an answer by 10:30."

"That is enough." Lei Zhan smiled. "Additionally, if the agreement is reached, we would like to invite you to visit China to tour Spark Group's battery factories and R&D centers. Seeing the future with your own eyes is more persuasive than any document."

When shaking hands to say goodbye, Lei Zhan could feel the strength in the President's palm—that was the power of deciding to change fate.

After walking out of the presidential palace and getting into the car, the legal advisor asked in a low voice: "Team leader, what do you think the success rate is?"

"Eighty percent." Lei Zhan watched the streetscape flying by outside the window. "Because he knows that America offers a transaction, while we offer a way out."

The car's communicator rang; it was the encrypted satellite channel from the headquarters in Shenzhen.

"Lei Zhan, this is Su Chen." The voice coming through the communicator was calm but clear. "How is the negotiation going?"

"The President needs two hours to discuss, but I judge that he will choose us. Our proposal is not just an acquisition, but a development partnership."

"Very good. Pay attention to one detail: if the agreement is signed, have the media focus on 'China-Congo New Energy Industry Cooperation' rather than simple mineral acquisition. We want to shape a win-win narrative."

"Understood."

"Also," Su Chen paused, "the press conference starts at nine. News from your side will be released globally via press release around ten. Let the world see how fast Spark Group acts."

May 3rd, 9:00 AM sharp, Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, Hall 3, Red Flag Main Stage.

The lights dimmed, and the music began.

It was not traditional symphonic music, but a symphony blending the Chinese guqin with modern electronic music—the strings plucking like flowing mountain springs, the electronic beat intensifying like a heartbeat.

In the center of the stage, a huge circular LED screen lit up, the visuals beginning from the vast universe, stars shifting, and finally condensing into a burning spark.

The Spark Group logo.

Then the spark exploded, transforming into a long red dragon, circling and flying on the screen, finally freezing into two Chinese characters: Red Flag.

Over three thousand people sat in the audience: automotive executives, media reporters, industry analysts, and fanatic car enthusiasts.

In the front row VIP area, Mercedes-Benz Global President Ola Källenius, BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse, and Audi CEO Markus Duesmann sat side by side—these three heads of German automotive giants were originally in Germany three days ago, but today they had all coincidentally come to the Red Flag press conference.

Because they knew that what they were about to witness today might be the turning point of an era.

The music reached a climax, and a spotlight shone down on the side of the stage.

Zhou Qingyu walked out.

Forty-eight years old, 1.8 meters tall, wearing a dark blue custom suit with a cut that fit his frame perfectly.

He had earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, later worked at Volkswagen Group for fifteen years, rising from an engineer all the way to Global Vice President, and had led the development of seven global best-selling car models.

Two years ago, he joined Hongqi Automobile, leading the development of the Red Flag H9, H8, X1, and EV-Mini.

"Some say that Chinese automotive brands can only make low-end products," Zhou Qingyu began, his voice carrying across the venue through a hidden microphone, steady and confident. "Last year we released the E-MINI, a 50,000-yuan level national electric vehicle, and many said that Red Flag had lowered its standards."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the German automotive executives in the front row.

"But today, we want to prove—Red Flag can not only build cars for the people, but can also build cars for leaders."

The big screen behind him lit up, and three terms appeared simultaneously: H7: Star Journey Imperial Realm, X2: Blue Realm Expanding Borders, P1: Raptor Golden Eagle.

"The first model," Zhou Qingyu turned to the side, and the curtain on the left side of the stage slowly pulled back, "Red Flag H7 Star Journey Imperial Realm, our redefinition of a luxury sedan."