Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 58: Free? How about giving us free passage through the canal?

The pointed nose, the cockpit canopy that flips back, the uniquely shaped air intakes on both sides below the cockpit, the spine extending behind the cockpit, and the familiar delta wing and tall vertical tail... no, that's not a conventional delta wing; it looks like it has a larger wingspan...

Wasn't this supposed to be a motorcycle production line? How come there's suddenly an airplane here, an airplane that's never been seen before in the world? What's going on with this airplane?

Everyone was stunned.

Egyptians stared wide-eyed at the plane, while Easterners gaped in disbelief…

Factory Director Hou was the first to react: "A bunch of idiots, hurry up and close the door..."

The people inside were clearly also panicked, and only after Director Hou yelled at them did they close the door!

"Mr. Hou, what is that thing?"

"Flying motorcycle." Just then, a voice came from behind: "Ladies and gentlemen, our superiors have arrived and have sent me to invite you to a meeting..."

Inside the meeting room, everyone introduced themselves, exchanged pleasantries, and after sitting down, they finally got down to business.

"Friends from Egypt, from now on, the export of our Eastern Airlines products will be handled by CATIC," Manager Liu said. "I heard that you are very satisfied with our J-7 fighter jets. So, let's talk about the J-7 export project."

"Yes, the J-7 is very good. Although it is an improvement on the MiG-21, it has fixed all the problems of the MiG-21. We are very satisfied and hope that your side can provide us with 100 aircraft!" Shafik said.

"General Shafik, we are pleased that you have approved our aircraft. On the international market, the MiG-21 sells for about eight million US dollars. Considering our good relationship with Egypt, we are offering this upgraded J-7 fighter jet for five million US dollars. After all, it will be equipped with some Western components. For the original J-7 fighter jet, we can lower our price to three million US dollars, which is definitely excellent value for money..."

"Wait!" Shafik exclaimed in shock. "What did you say? Your fighter jets actually cost money?"

All the Egyptians were dumbfounded. Wasn't this supposed to be military aid? After all this time, they actually wanted money?
“That’s right, haven’t you been providing military aid to other countries all these years? How come it’s become arms sales when it’s Egypt’s turn? That’s not fair!” The others also realized.

Shafik took a deep breath: "Manager Liu, this military aid can't just be stuck here. How about this: give us the military aid this time, and we'll talk about it again next time..."

"I'm sorry, General, but the cancellation of military aid cannot be delayed. This is a major measure taken by our country." Manager Liu said, "Our country needs to develop its economy, and many of our previous policies will be adjusted. However, please rest assured that our products from the East are of high quality and low price. Once they are in your hands, the ground crew and pilots will not need to be retrained and can start working immediately."

"Hmph, I never expected that all those slogans you shouted before were just empty words!" Shafik stood up angrily. "In that case, forget it! Let's go!"

Manager Liu was getting anxious. Was this first deal going to fall through?
What to do? Chase after them? If we do, they'll definitely keep asking for military aid!

"General Shafik, if you need military aid, that's fine too."

"Who said that? Who said that?" Manager Liu looked over and saw Qin Liang. "What did you say? Do you think you can make that decision?"

Shafik, who had already reached the door, suddenly turned around with delight. His earlier anger had been feigned, and now he was grinning from ear to ear! "Your previous policies were quite good. We Asian, African, and Latin American countries are brothers..."

“That’s right, we are indeed brothers, so how about giving us free passage through the Suez Canal when cargo ships flying our Eastern flag pass through?”

“How can that be!” Shafik immediately shook his head: “The Suez Canal is something Egypt has worked incredibly hard to reclaim. It’s a pillar of our national economy. Every year, we earn a billion dollars through the canal…”

and many more!

At this point, Shafik suddenly realized something was wrong.

They shamelessly asked for military aid, but when their Eastern friends asked for their help, they refused? This attitude... even he himself couldn't stand it!

"General Shafik, your country earns over a billion US dollars annually from the canal alone, while what about us in the East? Over the years, we have only accumulated eight hundred million US dollars in foreign exchange reserves!" Qin Liang said, "Looking at our per capita GDP, we in the East earn less than three hundred US dollars, while Egypt has already exceeded one thousand US dollars!"

Manager Liu's eyes were full of approval. Qin Liang is a good young man. We must recruit him to be our AVIC sales manager!
“There’s a saying in the East: ‘The rich can help the poor, even if it’s a long journey; but the poor can’t help the rich, even if it’s a long journey.’ General Shafik, in the past few years, we tightened our belts to provide military aid to help our friends in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Now that our friends in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are richer than us, shouldn’t it be our turn to help us?”

How am I supposed to respond to that?!
Shafik fell silent.

"The Egyptian people, through heroic struggle, regained control of the Suez Canal. If developing countries were to offer free passage, you wouldn't be willing either. Put yourself in their shoes, and I think you can understand why we're changing our approach from free aid to paid trade, right?" Qin Liang said. "Our Eastern trade policy is based on equality, mutual benefit, and adherence to contracts and good faith..."

After Qin Liang finished speaking, the conference room fell silent again. After a long while, Shafik sighed.

"That's right, you're right. We can understand your decision to convert military aid into arms sales."

Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Liang's heartfelt words had dispelled the other party's illusions of providing free assistance. It seemed that the deal was about to be struck!

"However, we believe that the J-7 fighter jet is too outdated. It has a nose-mounted air intake, no large radar, and no medium-range air combat capability. It is already out of touch with the world. Therefore, we are willing to buy it, but we must buy your most advanced fighter jet!"

Standing to the side, Old Lin remained calm. It seemed that the Super 7 modification plan was correct. The Egyptian Air Force had been exposed to Western equipment and had foresight. Since they had taken a liking to it, it meant that this project had great potential.

Manager Liu took a deep breath; everything was going according to plan!
Use the Super-7 to attract the attention of the Egyptian Air Force, whet their appetite, and then sell the J-7 to them!
He felt relieved, but feigned a troubled expression: "Old Lin..."

"Egypt is our friend. Since they are interested, let's introduce this aircraft to them first!"

"That's the Air Force's number one project!"

"It's alright, I'll take responsibility if anything goes wrong! Old Tu, please introduce the guests!"

(End of this chapter)