Chapter 128: Everyone Thought They Had Profited
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Regarding Tang Rui’s request.
Andrei didn’t say it was impossible, or anything like “non-negotiable.” He simply stated that he needed to contact his country first. After all, a technology trade at this level is not something he, as a general, can decide on.
Tang Rui nodded with a smile, giving Andrei the freedom to do so.
“Can Russia really agree to this?”
After Andrei and his team left the meeting room, Lin Chao exclaimed in surprise. In fact, looking at Andrei’s attitude, it was clear that this deal was likely to happen, and the next step would be to negotiate the price.
But that’s precisely why Lin Chao was surprised. This was the Blizzard space shuttle, coveted even by the US. In the past, during the fierce space race between Russia and the United States, they had managed to develop this kind of technology that went against the laws of technological evolution.
What’s more, compared to American space shuttles, the Blizzard was the true global leader. Not to exaggerate, but back in the day, even the technology of unmanned driving was integrated into the Blizzard space shuttle.
Most importantly, this unmanned driving system could automatically adjust the landing point in the sky by making a 180-degree turn when receiving information about unfavorable weather conditions at the pre-set landing site. Even when it lost contact with the ground control center, it could autonomously land. It was incredible and seemingly against the laws of science.
Apart from this black technology, the other tech of the Blizzard shuttle also outperformed American space shuttles.
American space shuttles could only glide, and any problems during landing were absolutely unacceptable. The Blizzard, on the other hand, was controllable and could even be pulled up for a second landing in case of problems during the first attempt. Moreover, it could use auxiliary engines, control surfaces, and air brakes to navigate within the Earth’s atmosphere, just like a regular aircraft.
Overall, during the era of space shuttles, Russia, led by the Soviets, was truly remarkable.
Could Russia trade a full set of technologies for such an incredible space shuttle? Yes, it could. Of course, it could.
The Blizzard space shuttle had been discontinued since the 1990s after reaching its peak due to a major global event, which ended the project. The Russians built a total of eight space shuttles, but not all of them were operational; most were ground test vehicles. However, all of these space shuttles had been abandoned. Some were disassembled, one was rusting in a hangar, one was on display in a museum, and one was even sold. Hans Cat had bought one for 10 million euros, and Russia was quite happy with the deal.
So, Tang Rui had no doubt that Russia would sell the technology. Now, it was all about the price. He didn’t want the finished product; he wanted the entire technology package. Even though some of the technology developed specifically for the Blizzard space shuttle had become outdated, it was still a complete system with significant research value.
“Why hasn’t anyone returned yet?”
Tang Rui waited for half an hour and felt that something was not right. It was just a technology sale; there was no need for such a long discussion.
The technology behind space shuttles was not something many countries would buy. Without a space program to support it, buying such technology was like having an expensive decoration, and it wasn’t even practical. Building and using it was costly and wouldn’t bring a return on investment.
Besides Tang Rui, Russia had practically no other buyers. Two hours later, Andrei finally returned to the meeting room.
“Sorry for keeping you all waiting.”
“It’s okay.”
After Andrei returned to his seat, he shared some shocking news with Tang Rui that surprised everyone.
“Mr. Tang, according to our superiors’ instructions, we can not only provide the complete technology for the Blizzard space shuttle but also offer some other space-related technologies, such as the Energia module, Proton module, N-1 launch vehicle rocket technology, and the TOPAZ-2 space nuclear reactor power system.”
Andrei finished speaking and handed a technology catalog to Tang Rui.
Tang Rui was taken aback when he heard this. Did Russia just go all out and reveal their entire arsenal? Looking at the items listed in the technology catalog, Tang Rui couldn’t believe his eyes.
This was beyond belief. It seemed like Russia was giving away all their secrets. This was insane.
Tang Rui asked, “Do you know the total value of these technologies?”
“It’s worth $20 billion in arms or other supplies.”
“Please wait a moment; we need to discuss this.”
“Of course, take your time.”
Tang Rui left the meeting room with Lin Chao.
“Lin, contact our superiors immediately and inquire about these technologies. Something doesn’t feel right with Russia’s reaction; they wouldn’t normally sell their technology like this. They’re not known for being wasteful.”
“Alright, I’ll contact them.”
Tang Rui wasn’t overwhelmed by the list of technologies. He was confident in his technical capabilities and knew that he could upgrade his own systems if necessary. But having a comprehensive list of black-market technology right in front of him was too tempting. The items on this technology catalog were a reflection of Russia’s peak technological achievements.
However, that’s exactly why he felt that something was amiss. Usually, Russia would hold on to any technology with value to prevent it from being reverse-engineered. But now, they were laying out everything for a bargain.
Tang Rui couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong with the situation. It seemed too good to be true. In ordinary circumstances, Russia wouldn’t sell like this, and no one would buy these technologies except Tang Rui.
Twenty minutes later, Lin Chao returned and relayed the information he had received from their superiors to Tang Rui.
“Tang, the technology is legitimate, but its value isn’t as high as you might think. This set of technology is designed for their systems, making it challenging for us to adapt. Moreover, there are portions of this technology that America already acquired when Russia faced difficulties during Soviet’s time. Russia is selling it now without much concern.”
Lin Chao’s explanation helped Tang Rui understand the situation better. It turned out to be a more complicated deal than initially thought. Even though the technology was genuine, it wasn’t as valuable as it appeared. A significant part of it had become outdated, and some of it was already in the hands of America.
With this information in mind, Tang Rui went back to the meeting room. He looked at Andrei and, against the hopeful gaze of the other side, said, “200 Meeh Dogs, along with a specialized anti-material sniper rifle platform, grenade launcher platform, and mortar platform, in exchange for all the technology.”
“No, no, this price is too low.”
“General Andrei, this is my final offer. If you don’t agree, that’s fine. 1 have many other matters to attend to at my company, so I apologize.”
Tang Rui didn’t want to engage in extended negotiations; he was determined.
“I need to make a call.”
“Sure.”
Half an hour later, Andrei returned and agreed to Tang Rui’s offer. After all, based on the price at which the Middle East had purchased these arms, their total value was worth one billion U.S. dollars. Of course, the cost price was significantly lower, but they hadn’t invested much in these technologies. They were mostly leaked and, in some cases, outdated research materials.
The value of space technology itself was not very high. Countries with space programs wouldn’t buy it, and those without couldn’t make use of it. That’s why Tang Rui was able to secure such a favorable deal.
The contract was signed on the spot. All the materials were already being prepared by the Russians side and would be sent to China on a direct flight as soon as possible. Tang Rui’s goods, including the Meeh Dogs intended for the Middle East, were to be delivered to Russian territory, causing a surprise for America.
Within 24 hours, the deal was completed. Both sides opted for air transport. CDs containing technical data were already on their way. The transport plane carrying the Meeh Dogs was heading to the Russian’s location.
The transaction was smooth, and both parties felt like winners.
As for who got the better deal? Nobody knew.
Three days after the transaction was completed, Tang Rui received a notification from Celia that the Meeh Dogs had been deployed in the field.
Upon hearing this news, Tang Rui immediately contacted the ground crew at Ma’an Airport and requested that an unmanned drone be brought out for testing. He needed to verify the functionality of the entire system.
The airport staff assured him that everything would be ready for takeoff within 20 minutes..
