Siheyuan: I am a trader in both worlds!

A shortage of steel, coupled with the massive demand for fiber optic cables from Beijing, was enough to make Xia Yiyi's mouth water.

She actually wants to get involved in the operation as well?!

Isn't that utter nonsense?!
Seeing that Xia Yiyi really dared to think so boldly, she wasn't afraid of stuffing herself to death.

Ximen Lang was completely dumbfounded.

"Are you kidding me?! Giving you these huge orders for steel and fiber optics is already enough to make my heart ache! And you still want to get involved in the operations? Aren't you afraid of being stuffed to death? You're truly insatiable!"

Indeed, just as Ximen Lang predicted, if in later generations Xia Yiyi's estimation it is possible to completely eliminate the steel gaps in Beijing, then...
This single transaction will enable all companies involved in the upstream and downstream of the steel industry to reach new heights in the future!

Yes, it's not about returning to the top, but about building upon the remarkable achievements already made and reaching new heights!

This is a super deal that can benefit the entire industry and even all Chinese people, and it will generate huge profits.

And this is just one of them.

So, it's not an exaggeration to say that Xia Yiyi's mouth was greasy from eating so much.

"But when it comes to money, who would ever complain about having too much?"

"I think there's too much."

This isn't just Ximen Lang talking nonsense; it's truly how he feels right now.

"If you don't believe me, I'll pull out a few more sacks of black dollars right now and show them to you. If that's still not enough, I'll fill this whole room with them! Seriously, there's so much of this stuff I don't even know what to do with it!"

"I'm stuck, not knowing whether to throw it away or not! I don't know what to do with it! It's driving me crazy, I'm at my wit's end! It's no exaggeration to say that all this money has almost emptied my pockets! It's left me with just a handsome exterior!"

He looked like he was about to die, and Xia Yiyi wanted nothing more than to strangle this pretentious brat to death!
Unfortunately, what Ximen Lang said was indeed true. It was hard to say to others, but for him personally, this amount of money had indeed become a burden.

It turns out that Ximen Lang has inadvertently become someone who has transcended vulgar tastes.

At least when it comes to money, he now really does seem to regard money as dirt.

After moving her lips for a long time, Xia Yiyi still couldn't bring herself to utter the swear words she had been thinking about.

Instead, he sighed and analyzed the situation with Ximen Lang.

"That's because you have so much money that it's just a string of numbers to you. Also, you stay at home all day, either playing games or thinking about sex, so you don't really have any expenses. In that situation, of course you can be high-minded and say those things."

"But I can't, because I have a whole bunch of people waiting for me to start work and then they can all eat their fill. Every day when I open my eyes, I have to take care of so many people's food, drink, and daily needs. Even if I can earn a lot of money, how much of it will actually end up in my own mouth? Unlike you, you only have to eat your fill and your whole family isn't hungry, of course you're carefree."

"I don't like hearing that. What, are you starving because I'm with you? The vast majority of my money is with you! Apart from a few billion in pocket money, everything else is in your hands! Even Ling'er doesn't have as much money as you! You have no conscience to say that!"

“I’m not saying you’ve cut off my expenses. What I mean is, so many people are waiting to work for me, relying on me for their livelihood. But you’re different. Besides that shell company and the food and drink of that guard battalion, who else do you need to support? No one, right?”

When asked about the numerous people around Xia Yiyi who depended on her for food, Ximen Lang fell silent.

Isn't that exactly how it is?
Even if you include Ximen Lang's four henchmen and Li Huaide, the number of people around him who rely on him for food is at most only a few hundred.

But Xia Yiyi...
Ximen Lang didn't dare to think too much about how many people around Xia Yiyi, who possessed such great power, were counting on her to start work and waiting for her to serve them.

Furthermore, this matter not only brings great benefits to future generations, but also provides countless conveniences for Beijing.

"Alright, I'll talk to Ling'er and the others about this! Steel, fiber optics, and all the other things necessary for building base stations—anything they can't handle over there, I'll leave it to you."

"it is good!"

"Don't rush to agree. Let me make this clear: I definitely won't let you get involved in the operations over there! Ling'er and the others won't let you get deeply involved either! It's impossible and unrealistic! So don't even think about it, it's useless, understand?"

Xia Yiyi knew, of course, that it was highly unlikely that she would get deeply involved or interfere in operational matters.

In fact, Xia Yiyi was already very satisfied with successfully securing the steel and fiber optic businesses.

More
It really is a bit like what Ximen Lang said: "Human greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant."

Therefore, seeing the certainty in Ximen Lang's words, Xia Yiyi answered very readily.

"Alright, we were just taking a chance anyway, and we never really thought it would work out. Since it's confirmed that it won't work out, let's just forget about it. But you need to get on the good side with the steel and fiber optic cables. The sooner you settle things with them, the sooner I can start making arrangements."

Seeing that Xia Yiyi was actually planning this, it's clear that she's incredibly shameless and ruthless.

Ximen Lang pointed and pointed, not embarrassed at all, at Xia Yiyi for a long time, and said irritably.

"You, you, trying to play these petty tricks on me? What am I supposed to say to you?!"

As they spent more and more time together, Xia Yiyi, like Bai Ling, grew increasingly annoyed by Ximen Lang's endless criticisms, which resembled those of an old man with bangs.

Therefore, he saw that Ximen Lang was about to criticize himself again.

Xia Yiyi pouted and said helplessly.

"I don't know what to say, so I'd better not say anything. You're criticizing me without getting to the point, so why do you keep criticizing me? You're not tired of it, but I'm tired of hearing it."

"What kind of attitude is that! I haven't even started, and you dare to talk to me like that! If I don't give you a good scolding, you'll really turn on me!"

It was clear that Ximen Lang's desire was becoming increasingly uncontrollable.

After much deliberation, Xia Yiyi finally decided to choose the lesser of two evils.

Under Ximen Lang's incredulous gaze, Xia Yiyi pushed the completely unresisting Ximen Lang onto the sofa.

He retorted in the same unfriendly tone.

"You want my attitude, huh? Here you go!"

After saying that, he knelt down and lowered his head.

"I have some good news for you."

Ximen Lang, who was so moved by Xia Yiyi's sincere attitude that he almost floated on air, did the first thing upon returning to the Four Nine City World: he summoned Lao Luo, Bai Ling, and the others together.

He said with great pride.

"Not only did I bring back the complete set of technical data and equipment for building habitats for wild Chinese sturgeon, I also helped us secure a major deal. You'll be surprised to learn that the Americans and the Soviets have spent so much money and time researching, and they still haven't produced a satellite, have they?" "I know, I know."

"I've settled this matter!"

"Oh."

After he finished speaking, he saw that everyone's reaction was so indifferent. There was no joy or excitement as he had imagined, and they didn't even want to reply with a single word.

Seeing everyone's reaction, Ximen Lang was puzzled.

"No, isn't this huge thing surprising to you?"

"Oh~!"

Finally, it received a fairly enthusiastic response.
At least it sounded like a much more enthusiastic response than before.

Then, without the slightest hesitation.

Ximen Lang promptly embellished the story, telling Bai Ling and Lao Luo a vivid tale of the satellite incident, using every possible embellishment to highlight his own glorious image.

Gao Cheng, who was watching from the side, was completely astonished. He never expected that Ximen Lang could make up such a high level of lies!
How high is it?
If I hadn't known these things beforehand, I might have actually believed Ximen Lang's nonsense!

Seeing that Ximen Lang was truly outrageous, lying through his teeth without even blushing.

Gao Cheng glanced discreetly at Bai Ling and Lao Luo, who were listening intently.

They were also quite extraordinary.

Except at the very beginning.
Maybe it's because I was suddenly put on the scene and didn't get used to it?
That's why the chain dropped for a moment.

But once they got into the swing of things and adapted...
Those stinky feet were being fawned over by everyone!

Even Hao Pingchuan, due to the sheer number of times he performed the role, developed an excellent ability to play the straight man!

Seriously, just that one perfectly timed look of admiration made me feel like I was a million miles away!

How can this be done? !

"It's one thing to be inferior to the Chief and Sister Ling, after all, they are professionals, it's normal for a roughneck like me to be outmatched. But who do you think you are? What makes you think you're better than me?!"

This is something Gao Cheng absolutely cannot allow!

Therefore, it was surprising to see that even Hao Pingchuan, who was usually so simple-minded, was showing off.

Gao Cheng also resolutely and without hesitation joined in.

Then he was astonished to discover that he really needed a talent for flattery!
He clearly doesn't have the talent that simpleton Hao Pingchuan has!

No matter how hard he racked his brains to come up with words, when it came to the crucial moment, he was as tongue-tied as a rag doll and just couldn't utter a single word.

Isn't this just playing around?

Especially when he discovered that Hao Pingchuan, while fawning over him, had also given him a rather provocative look.

Gao Cheng really couldn't stand it anymore!
But he really doesn't have that kind of talent, nor does he have the acting skills of Bai Ling and Lao Luo.

So, after a few simple adjustments, Gao Cheng decisively changed the track and iterated his strategy.

During a brief lull in Ximen Lang's spittle, he seized the opportunity to interject with his professional skills.

"Brother Lang, having another satellite is definitely a good idea. Although forming a matrix will probably cost a lot of money later."

At this point, Gao Cheng glanced decisively at Bai Ling and Lao Luo, whose brows immediately furrowed.

Although they frowned, they didn't seem to be very averse to it.

Moreover, as their expressions quickly regained their resolve, they must have made up their minds and made a choice.

Following Lao Luo and Bai Ling's lead, Gao Cheng continued.

"But we still have to spend the money, otherwise a bare satellite won't do, right, Uncle Luo, Sister Ling?"

Having received confirmation from Lao Luo and Bai Ling, and having already gauged their attitudes, Gao Cheng, now feeling reassured, finally voiced his opinion.

"Of course, these are not things I can worry about. I'll just mention one point: the location of the launch pad must be carefully considered."

As he spoke, Gao Cheng immediately showed off some aerospace knowledge he had hastily learned.

They started by discussing geographical and geological conditions with Simon and his group, then moved on to meteorological conditions, and finally to safety factors, transportation, and logistical support.

Goodness, there's nothing he doesn't understand, nothing he can't do.

Seeing that Gao Cheng is really capable, his education was definitely worthwhile!
Just as they were about to discuss this matter, Ximen Lang immediately focused all his attention on Gao Cheng.

He patted Gao Cheng on the shoulder and began to praise him.

"Excellent, truly excellent! The points you just mentioned, and the precautions you mentioned, are exactly the same as what I found using AI! I didn't know you had this skill! No wonder you graduated from a prestigious university, you know so much!"

Gao Cheng became a little embarrassed by the praise.

His face was burning hot, and he didn't dare to look at Bai Ling and Lao Luo's meaningful gazes when he arrived.

Fortunately, Ximen Lang did not elaborate on this topic, and Gao Cheng, who had shown off quite a bit, was able to get away unscathed.

Then, following up on Gao Cheng's explanation, Ximen Lang spoke solemnly with Bai Ling and the others.

"Just like Gao Cheng just mentioned, things like open terrain, stable climate, and convenient transportation—I won't go into detail about those. I'll just mention one point: although all indications suggest that the lower the latitude of the launch pad, the better." (Key point: The lower the latitude, the greater the Earth's rotational linear velocity, allowing the rocket to achieve a greater initial velocity during launch, thus saving fuel and increasing payload capacity.)
"But I still advise you not to do that! If the launch site for this first rocket can be located in the north, then we must choose the north; if it can be located in the hinterland, then we must choose the hinterland!"

"There are two reasons. First, this rocket doesn't require you to spend any money at all, at least not this one. So you don't need to worry about fuel, technology, climate, or anything like that. So it's the same whether it's in the north or the south."

"Secondly, compared to the humid and rainy south, the north not only has extremely superior geographical conditions and a dry climate, but it is also far superior in terms of secrecy and security. After all, there's that bald guy next door. That bastard, we still need to be on guard against him!"

"Of course, the final choice is up to you. However, if you're going to choose in the north, Jiuquan is definitely a place you can't ignore!" (End of Chapter)