463 Lanma's Offer !
In the bustling hub of Universal Enterprise Group, Qiu Yang, the man of the hour, found himself immersed in a whirlwind of activity. A constant stream of visitors graced his office daily, sometimes in multiple waves. Just as he had bid farewell to one group, news arrived that the President of Lanma Automobile Group was en route with his entourage.
Lanma Automobile Group, a renowned overseas brand from country D, stood tall among the automobile giants. Qiu Yang leaned back in his chair, contemplating his response. "Inform them that we won't entertain orders from foreign car manufacturers for our graphene-aluminum car batteries until six months from now."
In the current scenario, the domestic market took precedence. Domestic car manufacturers received first priority, followed by joint ventures, and only then were foreign-funded car companies considered.
"Very well, I'll convey the message," replied his subordinate.
As the underling departed, Qiu Yang rubbed his temples, reflecting on how Universal Enterprise Group had become the darling of the business world.
Shortly thereafter, the subordinate knocked on the door once more, entering Qiu Yang's office with an update. "Mr. Qiu, the other party is quite insistent and wishes to meet you."
Qiu Yang sighed inwardly. He had no choice but to entertain this request. He rose from his chair and gestured, "Very well, let's go then."
The delegation from Lanma Automobile Group appeared genuinely earnest and maintained a humble demeanor. Qiu Yang felt a flicker of satisfaction in his heart as they fawned over him.
The recent days had been tiring yet undeniably gratifying. Emissaries from renowned corporations graced his doorstep, each displaying exceptional cordiality. Such a scenario was unimaginable in the past!
Of course, their intentions revolved around securing the coveted battery technology. The President of Lanma Automobile Group personally showcased their commitment to new energy vehicles, expressing their intent to reduce the production of conventional cars and boost new energy vehicle manufacturing.
"Mr. Qiu, we'll need a substantial number of batteries for this endeavor. We hope you can provide us with robust support," he remarked, his eyes pleading.
Qiu Yang deliberated momentarily before responding, "Our current production capacity is limited, and our second new energy factory is still under construction. We estimate it will be at least six months before we can begin international market supply."
Lanma Automobile Group was aware of this limitation but persisted. "Mr. Qiu, for an early supply, we're willing to offer a 50% price increase."
A faint smile played on Qiu Yang's lips. Nearly everyone in Universal Enterprise Group chuckled. They had heard such promises from other overseas auto companies, either offering price hikes or investments in factories. The conditions promised were consistently generous.
However, the mere 50% price increase didn't sway Qiu Yang. He informed them that if they wanted Universal Enterprise Group's graphene-aluminum batteries, they'd have to wait patiently for half a year.
Lanma Automobile Group members concealed their disappointment, their smiles remaining intact as they continued negotiations.
Meanwhile, two warships bearing the flag of country M cruised the waters out in the vast Atlantic Ocean. These guided missile frigates, equipped for anti-submarine warfare, had been on a mission to locate and eliminate a colossal black sea creature.
Helicopters hovered above the ocean's expanse, with one releasing a sonar device into the depths. The frigates deployed towed sonars, vigilant in their surveillance of the ocean's secrets.
"Frustrating! Days of searching and nothing to show for it."
"Where could that massive beast have disappeared to? I wish we could locate it promptly."
They aimed to track down the giant black sea creature menacing the region.
The challenge lay in the sheer vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, akin to finding a needle in a haystack. They had received reports from local fishermen stating that the creature had recently been spotted in these waters. Consequently, the two warships had raced to the scene.
But despite an exhaustive search spanning hundreds of nautical miles, they remained empty-handed.
"Captain, we've received distressing news," reported a sailor from country M. "The giant black creature attacked one of our container bulk carriers, owned by Vogt Shipping Group."
The Vogt Shipping Group, the largest in country M and the world's foremost shipping conglomerate, boasted an impressive fleet. Their vessels included container bulk carriers, oil tankers, and various bulk carriers, amassing a total transport tonnage exceeding 25 million tons.
The captain's face tensed, and he ordered, "Plot a course to that location at full speed, maximum horsepower!"
The sailor indicated a spot roughly 200 nautical miles to the northwest.
Within hours, the two country M warships reached the incident scene. The container ship had succumbed to the depths, its cargo strewn across the surface, while crew members in life jackets clung to debris.
Having witnessed the attack, a fishing boat was already on the scene, rescuing the stranded crew.
The colossal creature remained elusive despite the combined efforts of the two warships and two anti-submarine helicopters.
Their efforts seemed futile, and frustration mounted among the country M crew members.
In another part of the world, Liu Yong and Li Changle had returned to Huahai City following a journey through Tibet that spanned more than ten days. Li Changle intended to visit her parents in Jinpen County, her hometown, for a while.
On the other hand, Liu Yong had yet to make any plans for Jinpen County. Having been absent from the company for over a week, he couldn't return for a brief visit so soon. He arranged transportation to take Li Changle home, resuming his rigorous work routine.
In his office, Liu Yong perused the news, which was dominated by reports of the enigmatic black sea creature. Accounts of merchant ships falling victim to its attacks, crew members missing, and harrowing tales abounded.
Liu Yong couldn't help but ponder the creature's relentless violence, which showed no signs of abating. It targeted fishing boats, merchant vessels, and even warships with equal ferocity.
Country M had dispatched numerous warships and formed multiple fleets, but the elusive black behemoth remained seemingly invincible.
Liu Yong took solace in that the creature primarily operated within the Atlantic Ocean, sparing the Pacific for now. Nevertheless, he couldn't ignore the looming threat to international shipping routes.
Suddenly, a knock resounded through his office door, and Qiu Yang entered urgently. He relayed the latest news, "Boss, a fishing boat was attacked in the South Pacific waters. Surviving fishermen reported a three-hundred-meter-long black behemoth."
Liu Yong's surprise was palpable. He had hoped the creature would steer clear of the Pacific Ocean, but fate had other plans.
"Where exactly is this incident?" he inquired.
Qiu Yang approached the large world map on the wall, pointing to a location near the southernmost tip of South America. "This is the location."
Liu Yong's gaze narrowed. It was situated within the South Pacific Ocean, near Antarctica and the southern tip of South America.
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