Upon hearing Liu Yong's proposal, a smile crept across his face, reflecting the thoughts he had pondered for an extended period. The inquiry posed before him had lingered in his mind, contemplating the most fitting response and the approach to adopt in such a situation.
And now, a golden opportunity had presented itself.
In Liu Yong's discerning eyes, Hu Jianguo emerged as the perfect shield, the epitome of an ideal candidate. With Hu Jianguo at the forefront, the enigmatic origins of this remarkable metal would cease to be a problem, enabling a comprehensive explanation to be disseminated to the world beyond.
Seriousness filled the air as Liu Yong addressed Hu Jianguo with unwavering resolve. "Director Hu, when it comes to the source of this extraordinary metal, I assure you that it is unquestionably legitimate. However, I have a request to make."
Hu Jianguo mulled over the proposition momentarily, his voice conveying a hint of curiosity. "Tell me, what is your request?"
Liu Yong leaned in, his words dripping with sincerity. "I am willing to provide you with a quantity of this metal for scientific research, completely free of charge. In return, I ask that you publicly announce that this metal was successfully developed by your own efforts."
A moment of astonishment washed over Hu Jianguo. "What? Such a generous gift!"
Momentarily stunned, he gathered his thoughts and issued a gentle reminder. "Mr. Liu, are you certain about this? This would bestow upon me a great honor."
This metal was nothing short of miraculous, boasting technological advancements that surpassed all previous achievements. Once it became common knowledge that Hu Jianguo's scientific research team had developed this unparalleled substance, a whirlwind of sensation would ensue, accompanied by a cascade of prestigious accolades.
Liu Yong's voice carried unwavering conviction as he responded. "We do not seek personal glory. As long as Director Hu agrees to publicly credit the success of this metal's development to yourself while maintaining its secrecy, my gratitude will be boundless."
Hu Jianguo concurred, expressing his sense of worthiness. "This honor is indeed tremendous. I am deserving of it."
Liu Yong proposed the signing of a confidentiality agreement to solidify their commitment. "Let us formalize our agreement through a confidential contract. I will uphold absolute secrecy and maintain that this metal is the result of your team's research."
Hu Jianguo felt the allure tugging at him, yet his integrity prevailed. Reluctantly, he consented to the arrangement, recognizing the magnitude of the offered advantage.
"Well then, I must seek approval from the higher-ups before proceeding. Only after obtaining their consent can I proceed with this endeavor."
The upper echelons of Hu Jianguo's organization were revered figures, representatives of the nation itself. Their agreement would signify the country's decision to safeguard Liu Yong's secret, an auspicious outcome.
Liu Yong nodded in agreement. "Yes, if you can secure the confidentiality, I can offer you additional quantities of the metal, all free of charge."
With that, Liu Yong retrieved three more substantial pieces of metal. Each piece dwarfed a washbasin size and weighed between 20 and 30 kilograms.
Upon witnessing the total of four awe-inspiring chunks of metal, Hu Jianguo and Liang Chengwen struggled to conceal their amazement.
"Mr. Liu, are you genuinely gifting us all of this for free?" Hu Jianguo inquired, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Liu Yong's response was unwavering. "Of course, they are yours, free of charge."
As Hu Jianguo and Liang Chengwen marveled at the display before them, Hu Jianguo voiced his concern. "Mr. Liu, are you not afraid that the country might demand all of the metals from you? Are you not worried about being forced to disclose their source?"
Liu Yong's expression turned solemn as he replied, "If such a situation were to arise, I would have no choice but to resist. However, I firmly believe it won't come to that."
Hu Jianguo nodded, sharing Liu Yong's conviction. Most likely, the country would make reasonable requests rather than resort to drastic measures. They might restrict selling the metal to foreign entities and limit its availability to domestic enterprises and organizations.
Prompted by his thoughts, Hu Jianguo called to seek approval from the higher-ups, swiftly obtaining the green light for their collaboration. Things were falling into place.
With the approval of the esteemed leaders, the two parties delved deeper into their discussions, eventually sealing the arrangement with a formal non-disclosure agreement.
Liang Wencheng, a witness to the proceedings, appended his signature to the document, pledging to keep the matter confidential.
In total, there were four sizable pieces of metal. Two were designated for Hu Jianguo and his team, enabling them to conduct scientific research. At the same time, the remaining two would be allocated to Liang Chengwen and his team for the turbofan X engine project.
Each of these two metal pieces weighed tens of kilograms, a sufficient quantity to fabricate crucial components for the turbofan X engine. Liang Wencheng eagerly anticipated the remarkable performance enhancements that could be achieved by employing such extraordinary materials.
"Mr. Liu, I express my gratitude for these two pieces of metal. We will undoubtedly require them in significant quantities in the future. I shall contact you for purchasing arrangements, with the expectation of a reasonable price," Liang Wencheng remarked, his tone brimming with enthusiasm.
Liu Yong responded unwaveringly, "Price negotiations shall be effortless, and I assure you, it will be a fair deal."
The three individuals engaged in pleasant conversation, revelling in the joyous atmosphere that accompanied signing the non-disclosure agreement. Hu Jianguo and Liang Wencheng politely declined the invitation to stay for dinner as they had pressing matters to attend to.
One would embark on profound scientific research on the metal, while the other would immediately commence processing and producing key turbofan X engine components.
After bidding farewell to their guests, Liu Yong couldn't help but ponder the staggering wealth concealed within the cave—approximately two to three hundred tons of coveted metal. Its value was immeasurable.
Liu Yong knew all too well the exorbitant prices of imported high-temperature alloys, particularly those required for aerospace engines, which could reach thousands of dollars per kilogram. He marvelled at the fact that the metal in his possession surpassed these so-called imports in quality. Selling it at a similar price, such as thousands of dollars per kilogram, would hardly be unreasonable.
A kilogram fetching thousands of dollars would mean a ton would command millions of dollars.
Such thoughts sent a shiver down Liu Yong's spine. Earlier, he had estimated a reserve of at least two to three hundred tons in the massive cavern. However, he suspected there might be even more. The giant octopuses from elsewhere likely acquired the dozens of large and small pieces within the colossal circular cavity.
Considering this possibility, Liu Yong communicated with Bawang.
From a third-party perspective, Liu Yong glimpsed Bawang, resting within a vast cave that was nestled halfway up a mountain range.
As Liu Yong surveyed the expansive opening, he marvelled at the wonders of nature. The cavity assumed a nearly rectangular shape, spanning a width of around 50 meters and towering over 30 meters in height. However, the actual depth of the cave remained unknown to him.
Unbeknownst to Liu Yong, the cave's interior mirrored its rectangular entrance, a straight and uninterrupted expanse without any bends. If he had witnessed this phenomenon, his astonishment would have only deepened. For now, he could only marvel at the entrance, acknowledging the incredible diversity found in nature.
"Overlord, I have a task for you," Liu Yong addressed his loyal companion.
Overlord promptly responded, "Master, please enlighten me. What is the mission at hand?"
Liu Yong shared his observations of the grey-black metal within the circular cave, speculating that the giant octopuses might have sourced it from other locations. He instructed Overlord to scour the vicinity, extending hundreds of nautical miles, to ascertain if similar metals were present elsewhere.
Overlord, ever obedient, assured him, "There is no problem, Master. With ample food supply, I can devote plenty of time to exploring the nearby areas."
With those words, Overlord embarked on his quest armed with his formidable spear. The cave still housed the lifeless remains of a giant octopus, guaranteeing him sustenance throughout his journey. Before venturing out, he decided to feast on the octopus, ensuring his hunger wouldn't hinder his exploration.
Meanwhile, at a renowned aero-engine design institute, Shen Wencheng returned in high spirits, carrying two large pieces of metal, each exceeding the size of a washbasin.
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