Chapter 2856
International Competition
Chapter 2856 International Competition
Speaking of this, Yang Xiaotao was speechless.
After Lao Hong raised this issue last time, Yang Xiaotao agreed to "collect the debt," but after much deliberation, he still didn't take any action.
If it comes to a complete falling out, Yang Xiaotao isn't afraid.
Those seasoned debtors aren't afraid of losing face, so what's there for a young man like him to be afraid of?
The main concern is that the other party might genuinely not have the money.
Old Hong and the others were aware of this matter; some relationships still needed to be maintained.
Then there are research institutions, such as the research institutes under the Sixth Ministry of Machinery Industry, which specialize in researching underwater missiles. They spend the most on computers and also owe the most money.
What can they do?
It's all for the sake of revolution and construction, and it's such an important department, yet they still come to our door to collect debts.
Doing that would not only damage relationships but also make you look down on by your superiors.
Moreover, their nine departments did not come away empty-handed; at the very least, they spent money and gained a good reputation.
At this time, reputation is very important.
Just like when it was still a machinery factory, when something happened to the machinery factory, nearly half of the factories in Beijing voiced their support, and in the end, the other party had no choice but to back down.
Furthermore, during the National Day holiday, many factory secretaries, factory directors, and department heads all strongly supported the Ninth Department.
This favor cannot be measured in money.
Therefore, the nine departments introduced new regulations to gradually recover outstanding IOUs, those that could be recovered would be recovered, and those that could not be recovered would continue to be kept on file.
According to Yang Youning, it would be quite meaningful to put these IOUs in the memorial hall later.
Yang Xiaotao declined to comment, saying it was all Yang Youning's suggestion anyway.
From now on, strictly control the number of IOUs issued.
We can't stop the car all at once, but we should reduce it gradually.
Finally, they provide convenience to units facing difficulties, even opening up special departments to them free of charge, and providing staff rest rooms, meals, and accommodation.
This transformation not only won the favor of other departments, but some units even took the initiative to pay back the IOUs.
Whether it's genuine gratitude or being intimidated by Yang Youning's suggestion, the situation is definitely improving.
Strolling into the satellite research department, I found the entire workshop bustling with activity.
When Wang Can and Shu Xingbei saw Yang Xiaotao coming over, they quickly went up to greet him.
We briefly discussed the current progress. The first communication satellite of the nine departments is about to be completed. The next step is to test each instrument and equipment individually and check its performance and parameters.
As for the rockets, the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry will need to provide corresponding support.
This will officially begin next year after the base in Xizhou is completed.
Therefore, the first communications satellite is expected to be launched next year.
Shu Xingbei also talked about the situation of communication satellites. The new satellite phone will use integrated circuit technology, which will reduce its size and weight and improve call quality.
The research is now in its final stages and is expected to be completed around the same time as the satellite.
Yang Xiaotao nodded in agreement.
These two things cannot be rushed; what is needed is stability.
After offering some encouragement, Yang Xiaotao went to the Ordnance Research Institute.
Liu Xiangdong came out to greet them with Jiang Ningning, who was heavily pregnant.
Jiang Ningning and Yu Bei have lived in harmony since they got married, the only pity being that they have no children.
Given the current situation, it's estimated that the two of them won't be far from becoming parents.
"Why aren't you resting at home?"
Jiang Ningning smiled and said, "It's okay, it's not good to stay cooped up at home."
"I can also talk to everyone here."
"What's wrong? Where's your Yu Bei?"
"He's busy at the military camp outside the city all day long, and only comes back once a week."
"That won't do. How can this house be managed without someone to look after it?"
“My mom and grandma are with me, so he doesn’t need to worry.”
Yang Xiaotao chatted with Jiang Ningning for a while, then asked about the research progress of artillery reconnaissance radar.
Liu Xiangdong took over the conversation, saying, "We have made plans according to the design drawings you provided."
"We sent a computer to the 14th Research Institute of Jinling, and also sent them the radar performance requirements. This morning I asked about the progress, and they said it would be assembled in another half month."
Yang Xiaotao nodded in satisfaction.
Although the two weeks may seem short, Jinling Institute of Technology had already begun preparations two months prior.
By taking all possible scenarios into full consideration and preparing for all possibilities, we were able to handle the situation with ease once we received the design drawings.
"Our radar is designed to have a range of up to 20 kilometers and is required to track, respond to, calculate and respond to mortar shells in the area."
"The other equipment will also arrive in batches within half a month."
"We also plan to modify the Kui Niu armored vehicle to serve as a platform for easier mobility."
Liu Xiangdong briefly explained the research progress to Yang Xiaotao, who nodded in satisfaction.
"We need to hurry. I made a promise to my superiors, and I can't break my word."
Liu Xiangdong smiled, then assured him firmly, "Minister Yang, don't worry, everyone knows in their hearts that we will definitely complete the mission on schedule."
"Okay, good luck to you guys."
Yang Xiaotao was about to leave after he finished speaking, but Liu Xiangdong said, "Director Yang, there's something else I need to tell you."
Yang Xiaotao stopped in his tracks. "Go ahead," he said.
"Well, this is what I'm relaying. Comrade Wang Qing from the 14th Research Institute of Jinling wants two more computers. She told me first so I could mention it to you."
Liu Xiangdong was a little embarrassed when he said this.
Yang Xiaotao asked curiously, "What did she say she needed two computers for?"
"It seems they are researching a new type of radar that requires computer assistance."
Yang Xiaotao was silent for a moment, then said, "If they complete this task, I will approve three units for them."
Liu Xiangdong's eyes lit up. "Three units? Director Yang, could our research institute need one?"
Yang Xiaotao smiled and then said, "Don't worry, every research institute will be equipped with one in the future."
"Really?"
"That's natural."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Ningning immediately clapped, and the other researchers around her followed suit.
"Alright, you guys get back to work, I'm off now."
Yang Xiaotao waved and left.
Equipping each research institute with a computer was an idea he had long harbored.
In particular, I talked with Professor Qian in Dengzhou last time, and we learned that computers can provide great convenience in scientific research.
With the help of computers, research speed can be accelerated and research efficiency can be improved.
If that's the case, why doesn't he improve his own research capabilities?
After leaving the ordnance research institute, Yang Xiaotao wandered around the corridor at will.
Then we arrived at the game console research institute.
As soon as I entered, I saw two people sitting in front of the TV with game consoles.
Logically, most people who play games here are testing the quality of the game, checking for potential problems, and identifying areas for improvement.
As required, this job is usually done by key personnel responsible for game development, and others have no right to interfere.
But now the core members of the game console research institute are helping out at the computer research institute, these two.
Suddenly, Yang Xiaotao felt that these two people looked familiar.
Upon closer inspection, Yang Xiaotao's eyes sharpened.
Who else could it be but Alphabet and Ran Hongbing?
No wonder I didn't see Ran Hongbing at the Computer Research Institute; he's here now.
As for Alphat, ever since the Persians sent people to study at the Nine Departments Technical School, he has rarely returned to the school and has been living and eating in the family compound arranged by the Nine Departments.
Seeing the two guys get together, Yang Xiaotao's expression became somewhat unnatural.
However, Yang Xiaotao's gaze immediately fell on the TV screen, where the game character was the Predator they had previously developed, and the two of them were currently trying to complete the game. "You two, having a lot of fun."
The sudden voice startled Ran Hongbing, who jumped up in fright. When they saw that it was Yang Xiaotao, both of them looked embarrassed.
"Sister, brother-in-law."
"Brother Tao~"
The two greeted each other, and the two characters on the TV stopped, then were killed by a sudden burst of cannonballs, ending the game.
What are you two doing here?
Yang Xiaotao decided to find out more about the situation before making a decision.
The two exchanged a glance, and finally the older Alphat spoke up, "Brother Tao, we're practicing, preparing for the competition."
"Game? What game?"
Yang Xiaotao looked surprised; he had never heard of the Nine Departments having such a game competition.
Is Yang Youning up to something again?
This publicity campaign is incredibly effective.
Seeing that Yang Xiaotao didn't understand, Alfat quickly took out a report from his backpack. "Brother Tao, this is an invitation to the Hong Kong International Game Competition."
"I received this invitation from Manager Li a couple of days ago; it's an invitation for us to participate in a game competition in Hong Kong."
"We're practicing here right now."
As he spoke, Yang Xiaotao took the report and began to read it.
The letter above reads "Invitation to the Hong Kong Games Competition," and below are the specific entry requirements.
If you register before October, your registration will be successful once you receive the confirmation receipt.
Arrive in Hong Kong before October 10th, and then begin a two-week game competition.
Below are some requirements for participation, as well as some information about the competition.
Yang Xiaotao looked at it carefully for a while. The game was divided into three categories: Super Mario, Battle City, and Predator.
Participation is in teams of six, aged between ten and twenty-eight, with no gender restrictions.
The game is divided into individual games, two-player games, and four-player team games.
In individual games, which are played offline, players participate in three games and earn points based on their performance. The final total score determines the top three players.
Finally, Yang Xiaotao glanced at the prizes: the first place winner would receive one million Hong Kong dollars, the second place winner would receive five hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars, the third place winner would receive two hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars, and the fourth to tenth place winners would receive fifty thousand Hong Kong dollars.
It's fair to say that Hong Kong has suffered a significant financial loss this time.
However, considering the benefits of successfully organizing the event, this amount of effort is not a problem at all.
"So, you want to participate?"
Ran Hongbing nodded vigorously, while Alphat raised his fist and said, "Brother Tao, we created this game. Such an important international event, if it weren't for us, wouldn't we be laughed at?"
Having spent so long in China, Alfat speaks fluent Chinese and even knows what a joke is.
Yang Xiaotao remained silent upon hearing this.
Indeed, as Alphat said, it would be abnormal for them, as the developers of the new era game console and the developers of these games, not to participate in the competition.
What will outsiders think of this?
Don't support this event?
You have to understand, this is a game they designed. If even their own people don't support it, what will the organizers think?
If this matter gets publicized, it could even affect the sales of game consoles and game cartridges, impacting profits.
Therefore, we must send someone to support us in this competition.
As for grades, of course the higher the better.
"You've registered?"
Yang Xiaotao asked with a serious expression, and Ran Hongbing immediately shook his head, "Not yet, we're just, just practicing a bit first. If it's not good, we won't go and embarrass ourselves."
Yang Xiaotao nodded.
But Alphat said, "We're both pretty good."
"But I team up better with Duanwu. Oh, and Xingxing too. Last time we secretly played a competition, and both Xingxing and Duanwu made it to the seventh level."
Before Alphat could say anything more, Ran Hongbing quickly reached out and tugged at his pants, reminding Alphat that he had already said something.
Besides, my nephew will be having bamboo shoots stir-fried with pork tonight.
Of course, the scariest thing would be if my older sister found out.
The thought of being double-teamed by her older sister and brother-in-law during the Dragon Boat Festival made Ran Hongbing's heart tremble.
He was already planning in his heart that after work he must go home and invite his mother to the courtyard house.
Only Ran's mother could save Duanwu.
Alphat realized something, stopped mid-sentence, and smiled at Yang Xiaotao.
But by then it was too late. Yang Xiaotao's expression made the two of them afraid to speak, and they could only lower their heads.
"You guys continue."
Yang Xiaotao left a message and turned to leave.
The two people behind him looked at each other in bewilderment.
Did I say something wrong?
Alphat asked knowingly, and Ran Hongbing nodded vigorously, "You've really ruined this Dragon Boat Festival."
Alphat slapped his forehead. "Oh no, oh no, I've messed up."
Back in his office, Yang Xiaotao looked at the invitation letter in his hand again and again, then said to Lou Xiao'e, "Go and fetch Li Shengli."
Lou Xiao'e was confused, but seeing Yang Xiaotao's cold and stern expression, she didn't dare to say anything and quickly ran out.
Liu Lixue, standing to the side, glanced at Yang Xiaotao, then at the invitation on the table, and suddenly understood something.
After waiting for a while, Li Shengli followed Lou Xiao'e into the office.
"Minister Yang, you wanted to see me?"
Yang Xiaotao nodded, then pointed to the invitation on the table and said, "Did you give this to me?"
Li Shengli glanced at it and then nodded, "Yes, this was transferred from foreign trade."
"So the organizers are Li San and his group?"
Li Shengli nodded again, "Yes, they organized it in conjunction with several local wealthy businessmen in Hong Kong, and it also received local support."
"This competition has also been given special significance. If it is successful, it will continue to be held in the future, and it will also benefit us."
Li Shengli explained the matter in detail, and naturally, foreign trade was involved.
Yang Xiaotao listened in silence for a moment, then let out a long sigh, pointing to the invitation, "It's a good thing that you're holding this competition; it's also meaningful for improving our international image, but..."
"Why did you bring this invitation to the Ninth Department?"
"Are people from our Ninth Division allowed to go out whenever they want?"
Upon hearing this, Li Shengli gave a wry smile, "Minister Yang, this is the only way we can do it."
"You know the situation in our country, how many people actually play this game?"
"It's mostly us developers who have contact with a lot of people; the others..."
"Even if they go, they probably won't even make it out of the preliminaries."
Lee Seungri looked helpless. Back then, Lee Rong was looking for suitable contestants in the country, but after searching around, he couldn't find a single one.
Left with no other choice, we had to target the Ninth Department.
"Don't publicize this matter yet. Go down and give them some instructions."
"I'll ask my superiors and see if we can find a few suitable intensive training sessions during this period."
Yang Xiaotao ultimately did not agree to have the people from the Ninth Division participate, but instead offered a compromise.
Li Shengli immediately agreed and then turned to leave.
After Li Shengli left, Yang Xiaotao rubbed his temples and pondered. As the game's developer, he had an advantage, knowing about hidden levels, hidden rewards, hidden techniques, and so on.
If this were to participate in a competition, it would be very unfair to the other participants.
If other countries find out about this, the impact will only be worse.
But not participating isn't an option either.
But if you participate and don't perform well, that's even worse.
After thinking it over and over, Yang Xiaotao was at a loss.
After a long while, Yang Xiaotao, having no better ideas, slammed his hand on the table. "Damn it, this game has turned into trouble."