Chapter 1379
Li Aiguo breaks the world record again, press conference, orders explode
Lunch at the Changxindian Locomotive Factory was very plentiful, consisting of white rice and a dish of stewed pork with vermicelli.
However, the experts from the Iron Alliance and the Iron Group looked at the food laid out in front of them, as well as the two slender bamboo chopsticks, and collectively fell into deep thought.
This thing.
how to use?
The leaders from the accompanying ministries immediately felt a chill run down their spines.
It wasn't really their negligence.
As is customary when receiving foreign guests, these experts would visit the electric train in Changxindian in the morning, and then be taken back to the Friendship Hotel by special car at noon to have their steaks cut at the Western restaurant there.
Who would have thought that these foreign experts were so enthusiastic that they were reluctant to leave and stayed to continue their research on electric trains?
What should we do now?
Kuronuma's eyes darted around, and he immediately chuckled, sneering sarcastically, "Heh, I didn't expect this to be your way of treating guests? It's truly an eye-opener for us."
His words instantly extinguished the already awkward atmosphere.
The leaders of Changxindian Locomotive Factory couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
Some things may seem like minor issues, but if they are taken too seriously, they can become major problems.
At this moment, Li Aiguo led Chen Xingyi and a few others in carrying beer.
You can tell what's going on at a glance.
As he had Chen Xingyi place the beer in front of the experts, he picked up his bowl and chopsticks.
Smiling, he said to Bernard, "Mr. Bernard, didn't you ask me this morning why I thought of taking such a big risk of failure to develop the VVVF electric train? I can answer you now."
"Because I really enjoy trying new things."
Although the process of exploration is often fraught with difficulties, you might just reap unexpected rewards.
This is similar to when I was on a business trip in Paris a while ago, I tried eating Western food and using knives and forks.
Although it took some getting used to at first, it truly allowed me to experience a completely different food culture.
These words were like the sun breaking through the clouds.
Bernard's eyes lit up, and he immediately picked up the chopsticks in front of him without hesitation.
"Comrade Patriot's words may sound like casual conversation, but they actually contain profound philosophical insights!"
For a researcher, maintaining a strong sense of curiosity is the most important quality.
Only by daring to try new things can one achieve breakthroughs in their work!
As he spoke, he imitated Li Aiguo, clumsily picking up chopsticks with two fingers, and said with great interest, "Today, I also want to try out this amazing Eastern culinary culture!"
Seeing that even the big boss Bernard had taken the lead, how could the members of the Iron Group and Iron Alliance dare to act coy? They all followed suit and picked up their chopsticks.
"That's right! Eastern cuisine has a long history, and the culture behind it is profound!"
"Incredible! These two simple bamboo stalks can actually become the main tools for eating. It's simply a miracle of human ingenuity!"
"You know what, there really is a big difference between using chopsticks and using a knife and fork."
I feel it's better for improving right-hand coordination!
I once heard a medical expert say that the more you use your hands, the more agile your mind becomes. It seems there's a reason why Easterners are so intelligent!
For a moment, the cafeteria was filled with cheerful conversation.
Although these experts were quite unfamiliar with using chopsticks.
Some people tried several times but couldn't pick up a piece of meat, so they simply picked up the bowl, put their mouths to the edge of the bowl, and tried to scoop it up.
But everyone's enthusiasm was at an all-time high.
At this moment, using chopsticks is no longer just a tool for eating, but a scientific research task.
Those who occasionally stumble upon success by sheer luck may even receive enthusiastic applause and praise from their colleagues.
The atmosphere in the cafeteria, which had been tense just moments before, instantly became warm and harmonious.
Kuronuma, who had originally planned to use this opportunity to make a scene, turned green with embarrassment upon seeing this harmonious scene and reluctantly sat back down in his original seat.
No rush, no rush. If the test fails this afternoon, Li Aiguo will get his comeuppance.
After eating and drinking to our hearts' content, it was already past one o'clock in the afternoon.
Without delay, Li Aiguo led the Iron Alliance and Iron Group experts back to the Changxindian Ring Road Test Site.
"Driver Li, can we begin now?"
"of course."
Li Aiguo got into the car, and the members of the Iron Alliance and the Iron Group originally wanted to get into the driver's seat.
However, considering that the cab was too small, only two team leaders and two experts in electric trains went up.
The others rode in the carriages at the back.
As is customary, Li Aiguo sounded the horn, and the electric train slowly started moving.
Waaaaah! I'm eating like crazy, eating like crazy, eating like crazy!
As the electric train sped up, Bernard's eyes grew brighter as he stared at the constantly changing numbers on the dashboard.
"My God! The speed has now exceeded 190 kilometers per hour! And it's running so smoothly!"
Based on this alone, it can be basically confirmed that the high-speed Orient-type electric train is absolutely capable of ranking among the world's most advanced electric trains!
“Yes…” The first vice chairman of the Iron Alliance couldn’t help but nod in agreement.
The head of the Iron Alliance delegation was named Ostrovsky, a Russian.
He had been serious and unsmiling ever since he arrived, but now, feeling the smooth operation of the train, he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
"The Shinkansen bullet train from the small notebook broke down during testing, and it still had problems during operation, rarely maintaining a speed of 190."
Li Aiguo didn't respond; instead, he kept his eyes glued to the instrument panel and pushed the control lever.
Current flows along the pantograph and enters the cable, quickly reaching the inside of the motor.
The electric motor, which was already running at high speed, suddenly unleashed amazing power, and the train's speed increased again!
"201 km/h!"
"210 km/h!"
"260 km/h!"
The train was seen to be traveling at 260 km/h and was still running steadily.
Bernard knew that the next test was pretty much a foregone conclusion.
The performance of the "Extreme Speed Orient" has far exceeded their expectations!
Li Aiguo still did not let go.
The speed is still increasing!
We only started to slow down when we reached a bend not far ahead and our speed reached 285 kilometers per hour.
A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the driver's cab.
"My God! The previous record, which is also the world record, was 281 kilometers per hour!"
This time it reached 285! Patriot, you've accidentally broken another world record!
Bernard was so excited that his face turned bright red.
After the applause subsided slightly, Bernard looked around at the other three experts and solemnly delivered his final qualitative assessment:
"Gentlemen, it is now completely certain."
The 'Extreme Speed Oriental' electric train maintains extremely perfect stability even when traveling at ultra-high speeds.
This is sufficient proof that it represents the future direction of railway development worldwide!
This statement immediately resonated strongly with several other experts.
"Yes, the development of trains has slowed down in recent years. Although various companies have developed different types of diesel locomotives, the speed has not been able to be increased."
"Moreover, electric trains have a huge advantage: they are environmentally friendly!"
You wouldn't believe it, London is shrouded in fog all day long, it's practically become the 'Fog City'!
Experts have already pointed out that this is due to industrial pollution, especially the exhaust fumes from steam locomotives and old-fashioned diesel locomotives!
"I think we should definitely consider introducing this technology!"
At that time, several families, including John Niu's and Xiao He's, began to inquire about the possibility of exporting the Speed Orient model and what the price would be.
There's no way around it; these old money amassed a fortune in their early years and are now living a very comfortable life.
They've become so obsessed with so-called "environmental protection" and "quality of life" that they're now paying close attention to these issues.
"Everyone, experts, please calm down," Li Aiguo said with a chuckle and a humble expression.
"I, Li Aiguo, am just an ordinary researcher who works in technology. I know nothing about things like export and business negotiations."
However, if anyone wants to stay and exchange technical information, I would absolutely welcome them!
Li Aiguo's words were half true and half false.
While the other members didn't understand, Louis knew Li Aiguo's personality very well. He stepped forward and said, "Don't worry, everyone. We've already been in contact with the railway department here. We can make purchases together. I'm sure they'll give us a discount."
"Oh? That's a good idea!"
"Mr. Louis, then I'll have to trouble you to act as a go-between!"
Looking at Louis, who was surrounded by experts, Li Aiguo's lips twitched twice.
Goodness, they've even come up with this "group buying" tactic. This French rooster is really cunning!
This favor was done so smoothly and without any flaws.
A dozen minutes later, the high-speed Oriental Electric Train came to a smooth stop on the platform.
As soon as Li Aiguo and the experts got out of the car, the reporters who had been waiting nearby stepped forward.
"Mr. Bernard! What is your assessment of the performance of China's new electric train during testing?" Reporters from both delegations shoved their cameras and microphones directly at Bernard.
Bernard straightened his collar: "Friends from the media, although we have not yet conducted a full-scale test of the train."
However, I can now declare with great responsibility:
The 'Tokyo-type' electric train has successfully broken the world record for the highest speed set by the Shinkansen in the test just now!
Furthermore, this result is genuine and valid!
The current world speed record for railways is 285 km/h!
"Whoosh!"
There was an uproar.
"Huh? 285?" A reporter was a little confused. "Wasn't the previous record 281? How... how could you break the world record again after just running one lap?"
However, the reporter, who also knew something about trains, quickly realized it.
This is a loop test, where the train's speed is limited, preventing it from demonstrating its true potential.
In other words, the Dongfang Speedway might break the world record again in the future.
Ignoring the reporters' shock, Bernard pulled Li Aiguo from behind him in front of the camera and patted him heavily on the shoulder.
"To be honest, before coming to this side of the country, I always thought that the railway technology here was still stuck in the last century."
But today, when I saw this 'Extreme Speed Orient' with my own eyes.
I then realized how superficial my understanding had been!
He looked at Li Aiguo with undisguised admiration in his eyes.
"Especially Comrade Li Aiguo!"
This young, brilliant engineer not only led the development of such an advanced electric train, but also independently developed a world-leading train control system!
He is absolutely qualified to be among the world's top train designers!
To be honest, I'm really a little jealous of you guys, having such outstanding talent!
These words were met with enthusiastic applause.
Chief Engineer Liao and the leaders of the Changxindian Locomotive Factory applauded enthusiastically.
You have to understand, Bernard is an authoritative representative of the Western camp!
The fact that he gave such high praise in front of the world's media today is an immense affirmation and honor!
After finishing his speech, Bernard turned to Ostrovsky, who had remained silent, and asked, "Professor Ostrovsky, what are your thoughts on this train?"
All eyes, including those of all the reporters, instantly focused on the representative of the elder brother's family.
Ostrovsky was experiencing intense inner turmoil and torment. Before leading the team here, someone had already spoken with him.
The original quote was: "Comrade Auster, you are the most outstanding electric train expert in our alliance, and you have personally participated in the development of the D-type electric train."
"You should know exactly what to look at and what to say when you go there for this inspection."
The implication of these words is self-evident.
But now, Ostrovsky hesitated.
As a true scholar, he could not deceive himself.
Their proud D-type electric train uses 750V DC third rail under-rail current supply technology.
Its maximum speed can barely reach 75 km/h, and it can only carry a maximum of 6 carriages.
And what about this "Extreme Speed Orient" in front of us?
Top speed: 285 km/h!
And there is clearly still room for improvement!
In the test just now, the Speed East was equipped with a total of 13 carriages.
Not to mention operational stability and stability inside the carriages.
This is a complete and utter crushing defeat.
Should he go against his profession?
Should he abandon his professional ethics as a train expert?
Faced with a barrage of gazes, Ostrovsky spoke with difficulty, uttering a sentence that even he himself could not believe.
"Comrade Li Aiguo... has developed an electric train that has completely reached or even surpassed the world's most advanced technological level."
This is the pride of all the people in our great Eastern family!
Here, on my personal behalf, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Comrade Li Aiguo for his outstanding contributions to the railway industry!
Wow!
This round of applause was even louder than before.
Although the Russians hadn't revealed anything, everyone present knew Ostrovsky's purpose in coming here.
Now even the elder brother's family has given their approval, so how could this electric train not be good?
At the back of the crowd, Old Cat, who had been observing the situation silently, couldn't help but raise his hands and clap a few times.
"It seems there are still some people in Big Brother's family who truly uphold the truth and their beliefs... It's just a pity that there are fewer and fewer of them." Old Cat sighed inwardly.
His gaze swept across the crowd, passing over excited faces, before quickly settling on a gloomy one.
"The train driver warned us to be careful of this person, but unfortunately, the documentation on the other side of the notebook was very thorough, and we still haven't figured it out."
Perhaps we should utilize the organization over there.
After thinking for a moment, the old cat shook his head and rejected the idea.
We need to be aware that the organization over there has been noticed, and any action is risky.
Therefore, unless the other side actively contacts the weather station, the weather station rarely issues orders directly to that side.
This is to ensure the safety of our comrades over there.
That's how it is in intelligence work; sometimes you can weather all the storms, only to stumble in the gutter.
"Forget it, let's follow Comrade 'Train Driver's' advice and keep an eye on this black swamp first..."
The old cat narrowed its eyes slightly.
With the authoritative assessments of Ostrovsky and Bernard, two top experts from both the Eastern and Western camps, the enormous success of the "Eastern Express" electric train has become an indisputable fact.
However, to Ostrovsky and Bernard's utter surprise, this was only the beginning.
After the test, Li Aiguo actually invited them and the reporters to the auditorium of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.
They were accompanied by reporters from various media outlets, as well as a reporter from Renren Daily.
On the stage of the auditorium, in front of a long table covered with a red velvet tablecloth, there was a long row of microphones.
Leader Teng from the ministry, Section Chief Xing from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, the factory director of the Changxindian Locomotive Factory, and the two heads of the delegations from the East and West took their seats in front of the microphones in turn.
Of course, Li Aiguo, as the main character, stands in the center position.
Ostrovsky was initially a little confused.
He understood when Li Aiguo announced that the interview could begin.
"This guy is using our endorsement for publicity."
However, this method seems quite good, as it allows for direct answers to reporters' questions without losing its solemnity.
From now on, our Iron Alliance can also use this method when releasing information to the public.
That's right, Li Aiguo's event was just a simplified version of a press conference.
The first person to get a chance to ask a question was a star reporter from the elder brother's newspaper, Pravda.
"Comrade Li Aiguo, Professor Ostrovsky has already congratulated you. I would like to thank you again here for your contributions to the railway construction work of our big family."
First, he flattered her, then the reporter abruptly changed the subject, saying, "However, if the 'Extreme Speed Oriental' model is to be exported, will you only consider our market share?"
What does it mean to have ill intentions? What does it mean to dig a pit?
That's it!
Extreme Speed East was developed in the East.
Whether to sell, and to whom to sell, is entirely up to the eastern side.
However, our relationship with the Russians is complicated right now, and Leader Teng was worried that Li Aiguo might act rashly, so he was about to speak.
Li Aiguo smiled and said, "Comrade reporter, the Extreme Speed Oriental model is the result of our independent research and development, and the right to choose for export is in our hands."
Everyone's expression changed, especially the members of the large family on the east side.
Is this a sign of things turning sour?!
Just now.
Li Aiguo smiled calmly and said slowly, "We will prioritize cooperating with our partners within the camp to repay the support and cooperation they have provided in the past."
However, priority does not equate to exclusive monopoly.
If other friendly families seek cooperation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, we naturally have no reason to turn them away.
We must live up to the expectations of our comrades and safeguard our right to independent cooperation.
"Today, I can make a statement to everyone here!"
We will definitely reserve the first batch of export cooperation slots for the Oriental Express model for our brothers in the Oriental family!
We will fully support you if you need us!
As soon as he finished speaking, the young men from the Eastern camp were so moved that tears almost streamed down their faces.
"Yes, this is something they created, why can't it be sold?"
"Besides, they even gave us priority in selling."
"Sigh, to be honest, the older brother's behavior is sometimes really too domineering and unreasonable..."
"It has to be this guy from the east, so generous! So loyal!"
The reporter from Pravda, who had initially intended to use the alliance and Big Brother's reputation to pressure the reporter, was rendered speechless upon hearing these words.
As a good brother, I'll sell to you first; that's more than enough.
Whether you can afford it or not is your own business.
You can't just occupy the toilet without using it and then prevent others from buying it, can you?
"Well done!" Leader Teng secretly gave Li Aiguo a thumbs up in his heart.
This kid is not only good at technology, but also has a knack for diplomatic rhetoric. He's firm yet persuasive, never giving an inch. He's a real talent!
"Alright, next question." Li Aiguo didn't give the other party a chance to continue arguing and casually pointed to a reporter sitting in the front row.
This time, it wasn't an ordinary reporter who stood up, but a middle-aged man with a thick headscarf and a full beard.
Just by looking at their attire, you can tell they're from Xiao Yi's family.
"Dear Comrade Li Aiguo, may our Yi family reserve a set of high-speed Eastern-type electric train system?"
These words silenced the entire room once again.
The fact that a reporter could place an order on behalf of Xiao Yi's family clearly indicates that he had received instructions from Comrade Lao Sa.
The experts exchanged glances, and all saw shock in each other's eyes.
The price of the high-speed Orient-type electric train has not been announced, but the entire system is certainly astronomically expensive.
Xiao Yi's family actually placed a reservation directly; they must be really rich.
Li Aiguo never expected that Comrade Sa would be so accommodating. Why not take advantage of such a tycoon who comes to our doorstep?
"Since Xiao Yi's friends are so sincere, we naturally can't be stingy!"
If this electric train system ultimately receives export approval.
My personal suggestion is that, as a token of our sincerity, we could offer you a free five-year technical maintenance and upkeep service!
What do you think, Leader Teng?
As Li Aiguo spoke, he turned to look at Leader Teng beside him.
When faced with a demanding client who wouldn't negotiate the price, Boss Teng naturally agreed.
"Of course, that's no problem."
Experts see the details.
Electric trains are completely different from ordinary trains, and their parts are not interchangeable, so even if others wanted to imitate them, they would not know where to begin.
Don't be fooled by our promise to give you five years of free maintenance.
What about five years from now?
Just by selling those specialized spare parts and collecting subsequent system upgrade and maintenance fees, they can make a fortune!
What is this called?
This is called casting a long line to catch a big fish!
The John Bull family and the Gallic family had already decided to buy it.
Seeing that Xiao Yi's family had beaten them to it, they couldn't hold back any longer.
"We'll also order one."
"And what about us French! We demand the same five-year free maintenance treatment as the Yi family!"
Li Aiguo naturally accepts all orders.
First, we need to confirm our intentions. We'll discuss the details once the export deal is finalized.
In one afternoon, a total of six sets were ordered.
This includes, apart from those wealthy Western and Middle Eastern tycoons who are not short of money.
Surprisingly, the Jack family, who had always kept a low profile in the Eastern camp, also reserved a set.
Actually, it makes sense when you think about it.
Although the Jack family's house is not large, their ancestors were once very wealthy, inheriting the most important industrial area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Before World War II, it was a renowned heavy industry, military industry, and precision machinery manufacturing base in Europe.
Even now, the Jack family is undoubtedly the richest family in the entire Eastern Europe.
Its economic strength far surpasses that of its big brother and little brother.
Prague happens to be planning and building a high-speed rail network recently.
Now that their good friend has created the world's fastest train, they naturally want to buy it.
Kuronuma, standing to the side, almost had tears in his eyes.
After the Shinkansen was built, it was marketed several times, but all attempts were unsuccessful.
Especially the French, they've been negotiating for a full six months and made countless concessions, and what was the result?
The agreement was about to be signed, but now they've turned around and bought the Speed Oriental model instead.
Suffocated!
Now he is very clear that the situation is hopeless!
No amount of overt slander can stop the export of the Speed East!
The Shinkansen has been completely trampled underfoot today!
Looking at the smug Li Aiguo, a vicious glint flashed in Kuronuma's eyes.
"In that case, we have no choice but to launch Project Two."
(End of this chapter)