The Grandmother in the Siheyuan

Chapter 546 Idlers, etc.
Taiyi New Materials is building a carbon nanotube factory with an annual output of 1,500 tons, including 800 tons of single-walled carbon nanotubes and 700 tons of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

Domestic companies have all been quick to act, as carbon nanotubes have many applications, including electronic devices, energy storage, composite materials, biomedicine, and even the rumored space elevator cable and seawater desalination.

Construction has only just begun here, and companies are already approaching us. Leaving aside domestic companies for now, even the renowned Boeing has come knocking.

It's worth noting that there are about twenty companies worldwide capable of producing carbon nanotubes these days, but most of them are synthesized in laboratories. The only one that has announced it can build a factory for mass production is Taiyi New Materials.

As the world's leading aircraft manufacturer, Boeing naturally needs to explore new materials. Moreover, they not only produce civilian passenger planes, but also missiles and military aircraft.

The person we are currently negotiating with is a representative of Boeing in our China, whose title is President of the Greater China Region.

"I hope to speak with your boss."

Because he was received by the president of Taiyi New Materials, the president of the Greater China region felt slighted and spoke in a somewhat rude manner.

“Our boss is extremely busy with daily affairs,” said the president of Taiyi New Materials with a smile. “Moreover, he generally doesn’t manage your company’s daily affairs. He has more important work to do. Even I don’t see him often, let alone other people.”

The president of this large flower-growing region didn't have a deep understanding of Chinese culture and had no idea that the so-called "unrelated people" were referring to him.

“I am the president of Boeing’s Greater China region,” he said confidently. “Based on our strength and status, I feel that you and I are not a good match, so I need to meet with your boss. I can bring him a lot of revenue.”

"Didn't you want to talk about carbon nanotubes?" The president of Taiyi New Materials said bluntly, "We have business dealings with you. We also supply your carbon fiber. Although your company is larger and richer than ours now, I don't think I, as the president of a new materials company, am inferior to you."

Before the other person could speak, our CEO continued, "It's too early for you to talk about carbon nanotubes. First, we haven't produced any yet; the workshop is still under construction. Second, even if we do produce them, it will mainly meet domestic demand. As for whether we can supply them to other countries, I think we need to ask our superiors. Without the approval of our country's customs and commerce departments, our carbon nanotubes cannot be exported."

"You should know that you have already joined the World Trade Organization. Why should I need approval from higher authorities to buy goods from you? This is not a free trade approach."

Upon hearing this, our CEO laughed and asked with great delight, "Free trade, is that right? Then we would like to purchase two Apache helicopters from your company. When can you deliver them to me?"

"Impossible. Apache helicopters are prohibited from export, and the Pentagon would never approve this order."

Our CEO smiled, shrugged, and said casually, "Oh, so this is free trade. We only need approval from the Ministry of Commerce. You've even involved the Pentagon. How domineering!"

The American could only laugh awkwardly, but didn't forget to try and salvage the situation: "It's different. You're buying weapons, which could potentially threaten our national security."

“Same here.” Taiyi’s president smiled. “What you want to buy can be made into weapons, or it may, no, it definitely will, pose a threat to our national security.”

This guy blushed bright red with embarrassment again.

Unexpectedly, this American has a bit of perseverance. After staying in our country for a while, he's also learned to take shortcuts.

Knowing he needed Taiyi Group's help, he couldn't make any harsh statements or break off relations. So he took a roundabout approach, seeking introductions from other influential figures. The people he was most familiar with were, of course, airlines, and he wanted the CEO of what was then the largest airline in China to act as his confidant.

"Who? Who do you want to talk to?"

"It's Liu Hua, the boss of Taiyi Group in your country."

"Do you know who he is?"

"Of course I know, a scientist is also a capitalist." The American shamelessly said, "Right now, because his subordinates are blocking me, I can't meet with him. I believe we will have a very pleasant conversation because I can bring him benefits."

"Your understanding is very one-sided. His position is like that of the chief engineer at NASA in your country. Do you think just anyone can meet him?"

“I can also arrange to meet with NASA engineers. You know, I’m the president of Boeing’s China region.”

The airline executive shook his head: "I forgot that you live in a world where capital reigns supreme, but it's different here. Academician Liu holds a supreme position, and it's not like just anyone can see him, including me."

"You're the president of your country's largest airline, don't you even have this much connection and ability?"

The airline executive shook his head: "I keep to myself and don't interfere with him, but if I bother him, he can make me lose my current position with just one word."

The American was completely bewildered, as if he had seen a ghost. He couldn't comprehend how this man, though not a capitalist, possessed immeasurable wealth, yet was so utterly helpless in front of Liu Hua.

The airline executive waved his hand: "If you really want to see Academician Liu, just make an appointment according to the rules. When is he available? Maybe he'll see you if he's in a good mood."

"Damn it," the American complained. "I'm the president of Boeing's China region, you guys are so restrictive."

The airline executive hit the nail on the head: "Don't emphasize your position in front of me again. To put it bluntly, you're just an employee. Maybe you own a little bit of shares, but even if your Boeing major shareholders wanted to see Academician Liu, they would have to follow the rules."

Later, the higher-ups also learned about this interesting incident. Upon learning that the airline's president had rejected the Boeing president's request without hesitation, they praised the airline president, saying that he was sensible and knew when to advance and retreat.

Liu Hua, the Boeing Greater China president who was eager to become president but couldn't get the position, wasn't actually that busy. He even managed to squeeze in a forum program in his spare time.

There have been many forum programs like this lately, and Liu Hua participated in one that discussed the employment situation of Chinese elites in Western society.

To be honest, Liu Hua didn't even realize why he was being asked to participate in this program. But since he heard that the people he was being compared to were from India, he didn't hesitate any longer.

(End of this chapter)