That night, the banquet hall of the Don River Hotel.
"Come, drink to our friendship!" Qin Tao raised his glass and said to Asnayev.
"Come on, cheers!" Asnayev also raised his glass: "Mr. Qin, please rest assured that some leaders have signed this afternoon. Tomorrow, other leaders will sign. The document will be signed by the day after tomorrow at the latest. We can go through the process. Wait until the day after tomorrow and we can complete the transaction!"
Asnayev vowed: "There will never be any problems with this transaction, I promise!"
"Thank you." Qin Tao said.
Vitalia raised her wine glass and was also toasting with everyone present. Ever since her father became successful, she had grown up in a circle of power. She had long been able to deal with such occasions with ease. At this time, she was wearing a Wearing a long evening dress, she looked so charming. She could communicate calmly with everyone and controlled the rhythm of the entire banquet.
Just as the banquet was coming to an end, Xu Zhengyang quietly came to Qin Tao and whispered to him: "Mr. Qin, something unexpected has happened."
Qin Tao's expression remained calm: "What's going on?"
"Our intelligence officers discovered that a group of foreigners appeared near the Nikolayev Shipyard and had been keeping an eye on the ship."
Qin Tao breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out to be a small matter and nothing.
"We can wait until the day after tomorrow for the resolution of their government department. We can go there tomorrow to take a look and ask for enhanced security measures." Qin Tao said.
Xu Zhengyang nodded.
"Asnayev, since we have to wait for your leader to sign tomorrow, we want to see the Varyag. Please help us greet the big guy over there."
After hearing Qin Tao's words, Asnayev immediately nodded: "Okay, of course, no problem. When do you plan to arrive?"
"We will go there after the banquet and we will arrive after dawn tomorrow." Qin Tao said.
It is not convenient to rent a helicopter in Ermao. You can only drive there and go all the way south from the capital of Ermao. You really have to arrive after dawn.
It's been a really busy day!
Asnayev nodded: "Okay, I'll make a call now."
The next day, at dawn, Qin Tao and his party arrived at the Nikolayev Shipyard.
After receiving the news, Makarov waited at the door of the shipyard early in the morning. Next to him stood Kihaninko, the current director of the Nikolaev Shipyard, and Novishchenko, who was responsible for security work.
Last year, Makarov was already 60 years old and reached retirement age. Over the years, his career has been like a roller coaster from peaks to troughs.
When he took over as director of the plant in the late 1970s, the Nikolaev Shipyard was building heavy aircraft carrier cruisers one after another. It was at its peak. In the past few years, the Red Empire collapsed and the huge The bustling shipyard suddenly lost its vitality, and now it is completely lifeless.
Although they have taken over several construction contracts for foreign oil tankers over the years, the amounts are not high and are simply not enough to maintain this huge shipyard. As for now, the shipyard is completely in decline.
There was no sign of construction, only countless withered and yellow weeds, which made a rustling sound when the cold wind blew.
Compared with the snow-covered capital, the climate here is similar to that of the Mediterranean due to its proximity to the Black Sea. Winters are very short, the average temperature is around zero, and the weather rarely drops below minus ten degrees.
It is precisely because of this characteristic that when the Red Empire chose the construction factory for the heavy-duty aircraft carrier cruiser, it finally chose the Nikolayev Shipyard. Several others could build factories for several months or even half a year within a year. During the freezing period, work is too strenuous.
"Mr. Makarov, we meet again." Qin Tao stretched out his hand.
The two hands were clasped together, and Makarov said with emotion: "Yes, we meet again. I hope you can give the Varyag a new life. Let's go up and have a look."
Vitalia followed Qin Tao and walked in. On the outfitting dock in the distance, a huge warship covered with rust was getting closer and closer.
"After receiving the order from our superiors, we specially placed two sentries at the dock." Ji Haning introduced to Qin Tao.
Qin Tao shook his head helplessly: "There are only two guards, I'm afraid it's not enough! Everyone, we need more manpower."
"Sorry, with our current conditions, we cannot send more personnel to guard. We..." Before Novishchenko finished speaking, he saw Qin Tao take out two envelopes from his pocket and stuff them into Kiha respectively. Rather with his pocket.
He didn't look at it, but just touched it. It was thick. If there were all US dollars in it, there would be at least two thousand US dollars!
"Don't worry, even if we deploy guards from other places, we will protect the safety here." Ji Haning promised immediately.
"Two here at the pier are enough, one on the deck, and one above the island. Moreover, not only during the day, but also at night." Qin Tao began to make demands.
"Okay, we can do that."
"Also, the warehouse where you store the design drawings must be strictly guarded. No one can take the information away."
"No problem, the security measures there are already very strong."
At this time, Makarov was still walking in front and did not see Qin Tao stuffing money behind him. Even if he saw it, he would not say anything because arranging security forces does cost money.
Today’s shipyards are lacking everything!
"This warship is full of rust. Can we modify it after we buy it back?" Vitalia frowned while standing on the deck of the aircraft carrier.
The appearance of the entire warship is the color of rust, and the flight deck is even thicker. In particular, some of the special anti-slip grooves on the deck are almost filled with rust, revealing a reddish-brown color. Come.
At this time, a sea breeze happened to blow over, and a layer of rusty sandstorm was raised on the entire deck.
"Don't worry, these are just floating rust on the surface, and the whole thing is still intact. After you go back, just polish it and re-apply anti-rust paint, and it will look brand new." Makarov said, he is full of enthusiasm for the steel of the aircraft carrier. confidence.
"There's nothing to see up there, let's go down and have a look." Qin Tao said.
Walking down the ramp of the ship island, the hangar area below is also empty. In the anti-ship missile launch area in front, you can see several cut holes.
"Did you take apart the contents and sell them?" Qin Tao pointed to the front and said.
Jihan would rather nod: "Yes, five years have passed and we still can't find a buyer for this warship, so we sold everything on this warship that could be dismantled and sold for money."
"Did the engine room at the back also take action?" Qin Tao asked.
Ji Haning nodded sheepishly: "Yes, it has also been dismantled. However, you are going back to use it as a sea blockage, and there is no need for a power system. The tugboat can just tow it back."
When the Red Empire collapsed, the construction progress of the Varyag was less than 70%, and various valuable equipment had not yet been installed. However, the power system was inserted when the rear deck was welded. , that thing should be the most valuable thing on the warship.
However, in the past few years, everything that can be dismantled and sold on the Varyag has been sold, including the most important main engine system, boiler, steam turbine, and auxiliary diesel generator, which have all disappeared. .
When a few people walked into the engine room at the back, they saw desolation everywhere.
Several large holes were cut without any repairs. It was through these large holes that the marine main engine was lifted out. Once in the hangar, you could go directly to the elevator passage and get out.
The molten edges can still be seen in those cuts, just like the steel is crying. If the Varyag is alive, it must be crying now.
Not only the engine room, but also all other equipped cabins were basically cut open. The entire Varyag was actually just an empty shell.
Makarov didn't say much, he just kept sighing along the way.
"Come on, let's go up and have a look."
Qin Tao was in good spirits. After walking around below, he went to the upper level, walked onto the island, and stood on the aviation bridge.
From here, you can overlook the entire warship.
You can have a panoramic view of the wide deck, the upturned bow, the rough sea, the nearby shipyards, and even the distant city. After all, this place is at least ten stories high.
Looking back, it's not very messy here because the various equipments are not installed at all.
“On the last order of the 105, we used a 12-degree ski jump deck. Later, we found that the angle was slightly smaller. Therefore, on this order of the 106, we used a 14-degree ski jump deck, which can make the aircraft better. Take off," Makarov said.
However, after saying this, he was a little calm: "Of course, to you, no matter what angle it is, it doesn't make any sense."
Qin Tao smiled: "That's not necessarily true. Perhaps, we can also use this place to transform it into a slide in the amusement park. The bigger the angle, the better."
Makarov didn't speak, he just stared at the jump deck in trance.
"Mr. Novishchenko, have you seen it? There seem to be a few foreigners over there taking pictures here." Qin Tao pointed to a place at the entrance of the shipyard and said.
At this time, the sun shines through, and the other party's camera lens reflects the light.
"When I saw it, I immediately sent people to drive them away." For the sake of the green coins in the envelope, Novishenko worked extra hard.
"These foreigners have very sensitive noses. I hope they won't do anything stupid." Qin Tao said, "We have almost seen it. How about going to a nearby restaurant for a few drinks?"
After walking around this circle, several hours passed. I’ve finished reading what I need to see, and of course the next step is to continue making friends.
Near the shipyard, in the best hotel, drinking glass after glass of vodka, the relationship between several people quickly became closer.
"Qin, you have to be prepared for things in the capital. There may be changes." Finally, the current factory director Ji Haning said to Qin Tao after drinking another glass of vodka.
"Really? What else will happen?"
"Someone may deliberately reveal your secret purchase of the Varyag and use this method to ask for more benefits from you..."
Vitalia's expression suddenly changed.
After the collapse of the Red Empire, countless people fell into the abyss from their prosperous lives, struggling for bread every day. There were also a group of people who received a lot of benefits and became increasingly greedy.
Now, they have to face such a person, whose appetite will never be satisfied.
"Is it Asnayev?" Qin Tao asked.
"No, it's not him. He hopes to complete this transaction, but there are also a group of people who hope to sell this warship at a higher price."
"Kihan rather, you drank too much." Makarov spoke.
Therefore, Ji Haning did not continue talking, but Qin Tao already knew what he should know.
In the evening of that day, Qin Tao took Vitalia back to the capital of Ermao. As soon as he returned to the hotel, Asnayev came in a hurry.
"Qin, I'm very sorry. Due to some reasons, our original agreement was forced to be suspended. The latest plan is to sell the Varyag to the public through an auction in three days."
"Your Excellency Asnayev, you are going too far!" Vitalia immediately became angry: "Our Green Venture Company decided to come here to buy the Varyag for the sake of our friends. , we went to see it today. The state of this warship is so bad that we are very dissatisfied. Now, you are still playing such a trick. Do you think we have to buy this Varyag? Let me tell you, we still have We can choose from French or American aircraft carriers, and we can even commission Mingzhou Group to build a simulated shell, so we don’t need to sit on the bench here!”
Asnayev's face was very embarrassed: "I'm sorry, I'm very sorry, please believe in my sincerity. I don't want to see these things. I don't know what happened, but our transaction was leaked." , many countries have submitted notes to us, questioning Green Venture Company’s purchase of aircraft carriers. Moreover, they are opposed to our private transaction and require us to auction this warship to the public. I hope you can understand.”
Qin Tao nodded: "I believe in your sincerity, but you should also know our attitude. For this warship, 20 million US dollars is already a loss-making business for us. We only take care of friendship, so That’s why we decided to continue this cooperation, even if it’s an extra dollar, we won’t spend it.”
A few years ago, at the auction of the Minsk, Qin Tao deliberately went against the South Korean company, raising the price of the Minsk, which could only be sold for a few million, to a sky-high price. This operation has long been uploaded internationally. opened.
Therefore, Qin Tao must explain in advance that we don't care how you play, in short, we will pay 20 million. If you want to sell it at a higher price, you are dreaming.
Asnayev nodded: "Of course I know, Qin, please don't worry, I am on your side. Regarding this auction, is there anything you can do to ensure that you will succeed in bidding?"
This incident caught Asnaev off guard, but the good thing is that he was still in charge of the entire project, and he was also in charge of the auction.
"After three days of auction, then the day after tomorrow at the latest, all parties to the auction need to deliver all the materials to you for review." Qin Tao said: "For example, the buyer's qualification certificate, international credit certificate, usage plan, project demonstration Reports, etc., if these information are incomplete, then they cannot participate in the bidding.”
The so-called bidding must have corresponding qualifications. Who is qualified and who is not qualified is of course decided by the seller, so it can make a fuss.
This is just like the Civil Service Examination. There will be all kinds of weird conditions, such as being in a certain small age range, such as having a special certificate, etc., which are specially tailored for a specific candidate. Build.
Today's bidding can also be done in this way, so that the other party does not have time to prepare materials, and then the needs of the election will not be met.
Asnayev nodded: "Okay, let's announce it like this, Qin, give us a list of all your materials, and we will ask for these materials."
Asnaev left.
Vitalia was still a little angry: "These damn bureaucrats deliberately let the news out to force us to raise prices."
"Yes, their tricks are all the rest of my tricks. However, no matter how many come, we are the only real buyers. If they miss this opportunity, the Varyag will forever become Just a pile of scrap metal."
The current Mingzhou Group is gradually developing and growing. Now it still needs to purchase Varyag because it wants to be more secure. If the other party refuses to sell, then it will not be used in the future and construction will start directly in the Mingzhou Shipyard. alright!
Qin Tao has made a lot of preparations in order to bring back the Varyag, and there are many purposes. After all, the country is still debating whether to need an aircraft carrier. To drag back the empty shell of the Varyag, then It can't be wasted, it must be modified. However, if construction starts now, it may be difficult to pass the budget unless Mingzhou Group raises its own funds.
You really can’t do this kind of thing by yourself!
Therefore, if you can take the Varyag away, you still have to take it away. However, if the other party keeps playing tricks, then don't do it.
Without Varyag, once the results of Ma Gong's research and development are released, perhaps the first ship to be launched will be equipped with electric bombs.
Vitalia nodded: "Qin, you are always so confident."
"Yes, you have to be confident even if you are not confident. This is called the spirit of optimism. In the past two days, we have stayed the same to cope with the changes. Since we are in the capital of Ermao, we can't be idle. Let's go shopping around in these two days. "
Vitalia nodded: "I'll take you there."
Although the family has been separated, Vitalia has still been here several times in the past few years, as a courtesy to the landlord.
"good."
The next day, Qin Tao and Vitalia walked around the scenic spots in Ermao's capital openly. Originally, he planned to hide behind the scenes, but now it seems that others already know about it, so he doesn't need to hide it. It’s a secret. Anyway, after the Green Venture Company purchased the Varyag, it will be handed over to the Mingzhou Group for modification. Now, semi-publicity is not bad.
"Mr. Qin, there is a reporter from the Washington Post who wants to interview you and Ms. Vitalia."
"No time." Qin Tao shook his head.
He is not something anyone can see if they want to. Didn't you see that he was busy?
"This reporter won the Pulitzer Prize." Xu Zhengyang added: "Because he reported on the Watergate incident."
Qin Tao stopped and said, "Could it be Bob Woodward?"
Xu Zhengyang opened his eyes wide: "Mr. Qin, you guessed it right."
Qin Tao really guessed it right. Of course, he knew this person's name not because of the Watergate incident, but because this guy reported the 9-11 incident and won the second Pulitzer Prize.
"Since it's him, let him wait at the hotel and we can give him ten minutes for the interview."
Woodward waited for more than two hours before Qin Tao and Vitalia, who had gone out for a walk, finally returned.
"Ms. Vitalia, you are so beautiful." Woodward said respectfully: "And Mr. Qin, you are younger than we imagined."
"I'm sorry, let's get down to business as soon as possible, because we are very busy and have work to do next, so I can only give you ten minutes. There is no need for all kinds of pleasantries. Let's get down to business." Qin Tao interrupted the other party. .
Woodward nodded: "Okay, let's get started. We learned that Green Venture Company has decided to bid for the Varyag and transform it into a offshore dam. Mingzhou Group is the client. We want to know what the Varyag is. Will it have other uses? For example, can it be remodeled into an aircraft carrier?"
Vitalia frowned: "Are you saying that the purchase purpose of our Green Innovation Company is fraudulent? We established a company in Ma Gang, and we have also obtained the authorization to block cards. We have also contacted companies in France and the United States. , are these all for fraud? What you said is really ridiculous!"
"Weina, don't worry, let me explain to them. After all, even reporters don't understand everything." Qin Tao acted very calmly.
"Mr. Woodward, you are a journalist who has won the Pulitzer Prize. You have boldly reported on the Watergate incident. Therefore, you must be an upright reporter. This is why we are willing to accept an interview with you."
Woodward was very happy. Qin Tao said it was the most proud thing in his life.
"You may be a layman in terms of military affairs, so I can give you a brief introduction." Qin Tao said: "The Varyag, all the equipment has been removed, it is just an empty shell, even the power None, and the exterior is still rusty, so it is impossible for it to be used for military purposes anymore. Do you think the military will trust an aircraft carrier that has been rusting in the sea for five years?"
Woodward's pen was recording Qin Tao's words quickly.
"If we really want to use it for military purposes, we will encounter many unsolvable problems, such as the boiler it uses. We know that Dazhou Company originally obtained the Minsk and wanted to convert it into an aircraft carrier, but it was unable to solve it. For boiler problems, we can only purchase them from Damao. However, due to the loss of talent, the supporting factories there have already produced countless pieces of that equipment. It is said that the products they barely provided exploded during the trial."
"Our Mingzhou Group already has the ability to build and design aircraft carriers. The aircraft carrier we built for Siam has been delivered, and we have designed aircraft carrier drawings for Turkey. If we really need an aircraft carrier, wouldn't we build it ourselves? Do you have to come all the way to buy a second-hand scrap metal boat?”
This explanation is reasonable and reasonable.
PS: Some readers have mentioned the problem of book reviews being deleted. Heroes of East China has also explained it. Today, I suddenly discovered that many of the book reviews I posted have been deleted. As long as there is time, Heroes of East China will still pay attention to book reviews. I have responded to book reviews to many book friends, but I don’t know that so many of them have been deleted, so please just be normal. Whether the book reviews are there or not is completely a Brownian movement.
(End of chapter)
