Chapter 2960
There's Money to Be Made Doing Business with Germany
Chapter 2960 There's Money to Be Made Doing Business with Germany
The following day, Yang Xiaotao and Yu Zecheng appeared together at the entrance of the alley.
When the two met, their previously slightly hunched backs immediately straightened up.
Yang Xiaotao stepped forward to greet him, "Old Yu, you weren't too tired last night, were you?"
"You're getting older, you need to take care of your health."
Yu Zecheng didn't stand on ceremony, "It's alright, you're in good shape. But you're so young, don't let yourself go. You should focus your attention on revolutionary construction."
After saying that, the two looked at each other and then laughed.
They turned around and breathed a sigh of relief. Then they got into the car and walked out of the alley one after the other toward their workplaces.
In the courtyard.
Ran Qiuye tidied her hair and went to the backyard. She knocked on the door, and Cuiping lazily got up to open it.
As soon as they entered the house, Ran Qiuye began to tease, "Are you planning to have a third child?"
Cuiping sat on the bed, feeling a little uncomfortable. She moved around a couple of times before saying, "What? It's all because of your man."
"What does this have to do with my man?"
Cuiping snorted coldly, "Isn't it because your man drank the medicinal wine? Otherwise, hmph."
"Your man has completely led her astray."
Ran Qiuye suddenly realized, then muttered to herself, "No wonder, she was so amazing last night."
Cuiping spat upon hearing this, "Next time, when I'm ready, I'll definitely get my revenge."
Then he looked at Ran Qiuye and asked, "You lost last night too?"
Ran Qiuye blushed, but tacitly agreed.
"Sigh, we have to stand up for women, we can't keep losing."
Ran Qiuye nodded.
Then, getting down to business, he said, "Hurry up and get ready, we have to go to a meeting today, don't be late."
Cuiping then remembered that she had received a notice from Tang Mingyue a couple of days ago that she had to go to a meeting at the bureau today.
In the past, they were in charge of rural education and would report directly to their eldest sister if anything happened. They would only go to the bureau when their eldest sister asked them to.
Therefore, they don't even have an office in the bureau, and they have no say in meetings.
The fact that they were suddenly notified to attend a meeting means there's most likely something important going on.
Cuiping quickly tidied up, not even bothering to eat, and led her daughter Qianqian to the central courtyard to be looked after by Miaomiao. She also asked the elderly women in the courtyard to help take care of her before she and Ran Qiuye drove out.
The two met up with Feng Nan, who was waiting there, at the entrance of the alley, and the three of them rode bicycles all the way to the bureau.
At 8:30 a.m., the three of them arrived in front of the office building. They had just parked their car and were about to ask someone where the meeting room was when they heard someone calling Ran Qiuye's name.
The three of them looked over and saw the bureau secretary walking quickly towards them, followed by several elderly people.
"Director Ran!"
"Secretary Chen."
Ran Qiuye felt a little strange when she saw the other party's friendly manner. She never received this treatment when she came here before. Even Secretary Chen in front of her always acted in a businesslike manner. It was nothing like today, when he actually took the initiative to come forward and greet her.
"Director Ran, we have a small meeting after this one, and we would like to invite you to attend."
"The main purpose is to discuss the situation of rural education, and also to let us understand it."
Secretary Chen had a kind demeanor, and the people behind him echoed him, their smiles never fading.
This scene made Cuiping uneasy, because her husband had once said that when someone smiles at you, it might actually be funny.
But when a bunch of people are laughing at you, it's definitely not just one person who's funny.
Cuiping glanced at the person in front of her and made up her mind to remind Qiuye later.
In the end, Ran Qiuye agreed to Secretary Chen's invitation, but she also decided that she would only talk about the current situation and not discuss any other opinions.
Then everyone walked together towards the conference room.
Upon arriving at the conference room, Ran Qiuye was surprised to find that her seat was in the front row.
You know, there are many 'senior' people in the bureau, so how could she possibly sit in the front row? She even wondered if the nameplate was misplaced.
There was nothing he could do at the moment, so he could only sit in the chair, his mind filled with even more doubts.
So I sat in the chair very carefully, trying not to speak as much as possible.
At 9:30, the side door of the conference room opened, and a round of applause immediately rang out in the room.
Ran Qiuye stood up with the others, and then saw Secretary Chen and others clearing the way before welcoming an elderly man.
In an instant, Ran Qiuye understood.
Nine parts.
Upon arriving at headquarters, Yang Xiaotao met Zhao Dongliang through the introduction of teacher Xie Jiarong.
This is what Chen Gong meant by the next-door neighbor.
Moreover, this person's left eye is indeed slightly larger than his right eye. However, judging from his speech and demeanor, he has a deep understanding of geology and is worthy of being the vice dean of the geology college.
Then, the vice dean of the geology college became one of the deputy leaders of the special task force, specializing in the route design of the gas pipeline.
Now, people from all over the world who participated in the West-East Gas Pipeline project are beginning to gather in the Ninth Department.
Some of these people were called by Teacher Xie Jiarong, while others had to come because of a notice from the Ninth Department.
Without exception, everyone showed excitement after learning about the project they would be participating in.
This is a chance to go down in history!
Who would say no?
Moreover, the support provided by the Ninth Department is very comprehensive, including not only food and lodging but also additional subsidies.
You couldn't find such a good thing even with a lantern!
In recent days, Yang Xiaotao, Li Hongfeng, Lao Hong, Xu Yuanshan, and others have been meeting with project team members and local representatives from time to time, introduced by Xie Jiarong.
Both sides enjoyed themselves immensely and are just waiting for the project to start.
However, as the deadline approached, the pressure on Yang Xiaotao and Xie Jiarong and the others grew heavier.
The unresolved material issue weighed heavily on everyone's minds.
Just then, good news came from Li Shengli: the people sent to work in West Germany had unexpectedly heard that there was an alloy material there used for gas pipelines.
The unclear details, however, gave Yang Xiaotao and the others a boost of spirits.
Regardless, with this material, whether we buy it or use it to research and create a knock-off, as long as we can make it, that's fine.
Yang Xiaotao then hurriedly found Old Chen and asked for his help.
In Mr. Chen's office.
Yang Xiaotao came in happily and explained his purpose, but then noticed that Old Chen's expression was not quite right.
It felt like he was absent-minded.
"Boss, what's on your mind?"
Yang Xiaotao asked tentatively, then looked at Secretary Guo beside him, only to find that Secretary Guo had a serious expression and remained silent.
Yang Xiaotao's heart skipped a beat, thinking that apart from giving the submarine 200 million, he hadn't done anything else during this time.
This shouldn't be my own business.
Yang Xiaotao asked cautiously. Old Chen's eyelids drooped, and he looked up at Yang Xiaotao.
Sigh.
Yang Xiaotao's heart skipped a beat.
Something's not right, something's definitely not right.
"Well, boss, this is crucial to the West-East Gas Pipeline project, you'd really have to help us out."
"I still have some things to take care of, so I'll head back now."
Yang Xiaotao dared not linger in this dangerous place, and he regretted it even more. He wished he had made a phone call and not come!
Before Yang Xiaotao could turn around, Old Chen suddenly said, "So eager to leave!"
Yang Xiaotao turned around with difficulty, then smiled and said, "I'm not in a hurry!"
"sit down!"
"Okay, sure!" Yang Xiaotao immediately sat down, his expression serious and his eyes fixed straight ahead.
Old Chen glanced at it again and casually asked, "Tell me, what are your plans for that oil?"
"oil?"
Yang Xiaotao's eyes widened; he had been so busy these past few days that he had forgotten about this.
Hearing Old Chen mention it now, I immediately asked, "Sir, what happened to the oil industry?"
"What else happened?"
Old Chen stood up from his seat and walked over to Yang Xiaotao. "What are you thinking, kid? You're already twenty-five, and you're still holding onto this?"
"I'm telling you, the money from these sales is going to the West-East Gas Pipeline project, so don't mess it up."
Yang Xiaotao blinked, then asked softly, "Um, twenty-five?"
"What price did Dawson offer? That's another increase!"
Old Chen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then nodded. "The current international crude oil price is 23 per barrel, and there are restrictions on purchases in the desert. Oil prices continue to rise."
"He was eager to act as a middleman, offering twenty-five yuan a barrel, thinking he could buy them quickly and sell them to the Japanese islands!"
"By the way, the information about the Japanese islands that you asked Li Rong to collect has also been received!"
Yang Xiaotao immediately asked curiously, "How is it? What's the situation on the Japanese islands now?"
Mr. Chen nodded to Secretary Guo, who immediately handed Mr. Chen a document, and then to Yang Xiaotao.
"The impact on the Japanese islands this time is considerable. Industrial development has been severely damaged, and economic decline is a foregone conclusion!"
"However, they are now seeking remedial measures after realizing what has happened!"
"It is said that some oil companies in South America have been approached and are currently negotiating prices."
"However, with oil prices rising right now, those oil companies aren't stupid. The longer it goes on, the better the price they can get. It will probably take some time to buy them."
Yang Xiaotao quickly finished reading the report and then asked, "Now that we've found a substitute, shouldn't we just wait? Why are you in such a hurry for our oil?"
Old Chen took a deep breath. "Dawson said that Japan urgently needs oil to support its industry, but the only ones who can provide this much oil at once and deliver it as quickly as possible are us!"
"So, there's a time difference involved?"
Old Chen nodded, "It will take them at least a month to sort things out."
"So they've set their sights on us this month?"
"Do you want our oil to tide you over, to provide some relief?"
Yang Xiaotao asked with a smile, and Old Chen nodded, "Yes, that's what I mean."
"Otherwise, why would they offer such a high price?"
Then Yang Xiaotao asked in confusion, "Boss, if that's the case, why should we sell it? Wouldn't it be better to just keep it and wait for a higher price?"
Old Chen shook his head, picked up his water glass again, took a sip, and said, "It would be abnormal if the current international situation didn't allow oil prices to continue rising."
“Especially the United States and Western European countries, because of the inflation and industrial recession caused by oil export restrictions, so they will not let it continue indefinitely.”
"According to our estimates, they will soon make the corresponding compromise and then end this war."
"At that time, the price of oil will naturally fall!"
Yang Xiaotao understood what Old Chen meant: take advantage of the good market conditions and sell quickly so that the money could be used for the West-East Gas Pipeline project.
Understanding something is one thing, but selling it for a living is another.
After a moment of contemplation, Yang Xiaotao picked up the document and looked at it again, focusing on the analysis chart on the last page.
Last year, the GDP of Japan was around 200 billion yen.
This year, due to the opening up of the real estate industry, Japan's total value announced in the first half of the year was 150 billion US dollars, which means that Japan's monthly income will reach about 25 billion US dollars.
Looking at the final survey result in the report, why is he saying this? Shouldn't he be saying this? It's just something I say casually; I usually say things like that.
'The Japanese economy is facing a major crisis that cannot be effectively remedied within a month, and the economic losses will exceed 50 billion yen…'
"US dollars..."
Yang Xiaotao immediately reported, smiling, "Sir, I understand this report!"
"But I still think we can't let our little life earn 50 billion just for 7 billion. We can't do this deal!"
Old Chen naturally understood the meaning behind the numbers in Yang Xiaotao's words.
It's simply a matter of selling oil to Japan, which would earn the country seven billion US dollars.
However, if we don't sell oil to Japan, the island will face a shortage of oil and factories will have to shut down within a month, resulting in economic losses of 50 billion yen or even more.
But if we do that, wouldn't it be like killing a thousand enemies while losing eight hundred of our own?
In particular, it has affected domestic construction, which is not good for our side either.
Seeing that Old Chen remained silent, Yang Xiaotao pondered for a moment and then said, "Boss, just because we don't sell to ordinary people doesn't mean we don't sell oil."
"This report says that many countries in Western Europe are facing a shortage of oil, so we can sell some to them."
"It's just earning a little less, but it can make life difficult for a month. Anyway, I think it's feasible."
After listening, Old Chen looked at Yang Xiaotao again and asked, "Do you have some plans?"
"Stop beating around the bush, just tell me!"
Yang Xiaotao scratched his head, "Well, no, I don't have any plans."
Old Chen took out a cigarette, lit it, and said quietly as the smoke rose, "Just say so if you have it. Don't make up for it later, that wouldn't be good."
Yang Xiaotao smiled again, then took a deep breath and said, "Boss, I personally think it would be better to sell these oils to West Germany."
"reason!"
Old Chen didn't waste any words, knowing that Yang Xiaotao must have a reason for doing this, and he also wanted to know what that reason was.
Yang Xiaotao stopped joking and said with a serious expression, "Boss, there are four reasons!"
"One reason is that I don't want to sell to Xiao Rizi (a company name), that's the main reason."
"Ok!"
Old Chen agreed, saying that if there were other ways, he would never sell his life for a pittance.
"Secondly, I think that after this incident, the US dollar will depreciate, while other countries' currencies will appreciate."
"Especially West Germany, whose domestic economy is relatively stable, will see the mark appreciate due to trade advantages and capital inflows!"
"We'll sell them to them for marks, then convert them into dollars and make more money."
As he spoke, Old Chen seemed to be deep in thought, the ash on his cigarette burning quite long.
But then, a glint of light flashed in Old Chen's eyes, and he said with satisfaction, "What you said makes a lot of sense."
Yang Xiaotao smiled, because these things really happened in another world.
With the US dollar depreciating and the German mark appreciating, you'll only earn more in the future.
"The third is that our Ninth Department used our foreign trade connections to acquire a German oil company. I wanted to take this opportunity to expand the company and then use its technological advantages to support the domestic petrochemical industry."
Mr. Chen was very pleased to hear this, as the petrochemical industry is indeed a weak point in China.
"Finally, regarding this matter of natural gas materials, good relations between the two sides can also promote trade exchanges."
"This way, our West-to-East Gas Pipeline project can start sooner."
After Yang Xiaotao finished explaining the four points, Old Chen put the burnt-out ash into the ashtray, then nodded and said, "We'll do it your way."
"I will have Li Rong and the others contact the Federal Republic of Germany. If there are no problems, then that's settled."
Yang Xiaotao nodded, "When we find that kind of material, it would be best to buy some back so we can study it ourselves."
"Other things are not urgent."
Old Chen stood up. "Of course I'm in a hurry."
"I will arrange for someone to handle this matter, and you can follow up on it later."
"Also, the West-East Gas Pipeline project has been approved by higher authorities, so you should be prepared."
"The whole country is watching this time, so we can't afford any mistakes."
Yang Xiaotao immediately replied seriously, "Yes, I guarantee there won't be any problems."
Afterwards, Old Chen saw Yang Xiaotao out of the office. When he returned to the office, he asked Secretary Guo, "How many marks do we have in foreign exchange reserves right now?"