"He Da? How are they involved again?"
Wang Yu was taken aback. The relationship between this country and his own Yi Yuan Federation... well, anyone with a brain would understand without further explanation.
There were still many retired old workers who had fought with them back then. Talking too much about it would actually get them beaten...
"This goes back ten years. Truth be told, not many people know about it."
Old Director Li Weiwei sighed. "Back then, our country was just starting out and urgently needed to import advanced technology. We could only rely on opening up our markets and attracting overseas investment for development. This is what's known as 'trading market for technology'."
Hearing this, Wang Yu nodded slightly. He had heard of this before. Although the ultimate outcome of trading market for technology was still being controlled by others, it was very passive.
But it did buy them a glimmer of hope and a breathing space in the initial stages. In the context of that specific era, it was hard to say who was right or wrong for such a desperate measure.
Li Ming continued, "He Da provided our country with a large amount of loans and technical assistance.
However, it wasn't free. The interest rates on the loans were even higher than usury, and the technology... was all outdated and obsolete. Not only that, they demanded an astronomical fee for technology transfer.
Some factories couldn't afford the exorbitant technology transfer fees but desperately needed the technology for development – even though this technology was considered obsolete garbage by He Da.
In the end, these factories could only choose to sign a wager agreement with the other party."
"A wager agreement? Did the steel plant do the same?"
Wang Yu mused thoughtfully.
"That's right. The steel plant imported the production line from He Da's largest steel company, Tian Yi Steel Company, and signed a wager agreement," Li Ming said, nodding.
"According to the wager agreement, both sides have a ten-year limit. Ten years later, there will be a technical competition. If the steel plant wins, they won't have to repay all the fees, including the astronomical technology transfer fees.
But if Tian Yi Steel Company wins, the steel plant will not only have to compensate them tenfold the amount but also pay corresponding interest. This interest would be calculated at their exorbitant rates that are scarier than usury!"
"No way! They agreed to such harsh terms? Were the leaders of the steel plant in the past complete idiots?"
Wang Yu was speechless. They willingly jumped into such an obvious trap. Were the people who agreed to this agreement kicked in the head by Zhao Tao?
He Da's technological level was decades ahead of theirs. Without people, money, or resources, did they really think they could defeat them just by importing an outdated production line?
Confidence is a good thing, but they shouldn't be so clueless about their own capabilities!
Seeing Wang Yu's indignant expression, Li Ming sighed slightly. "Actually, I also thought he was an idiot. You know that person, he's the former director of our automobile factory.
The steel plant developed rapidly after importing the He Da production line, and he was promoted and assigned to be in charge of our automobile factory due to his contributions. And then... you know what happened."
"Fine... as if I never asked!" Hearing the old director's words, Wang Yu sighed helplessly.
So it was the work of his predecessor, the former factory director. No wonder such a bizarre operation looked familiar.
It seemed there was a reason why this guy almost ran the automobile factory into the ground. At least this astonishing self-confidence was truly terrifying!
"Due to the ups and downs the steel plant has experienced over the years, most of the old employees have left, so not many people know about this wager agreement now. But the people from He Da definitely haven't forgotten."
Li Ming earnestly advised Wang Yu, hoping to dissuade him.
"The ten-year period is almost up. If we jump in and take over now, we'll truly be the ones picking up the tab, and there will be nowhere to cry then!
If you, the young factory director, want to expand the factory's production, there are plenty of failing enterprises in Jiangyang County. We don't need to wade into this kind of murky water."
"I see."
Wang Yu nodded. Indeed, it was true that an old person at home is like a treasure. The old director knew about this matter that very few people were aware of. With his presence, it could indeed help Wang Yu avoid many detours.
"However... I still think it's necessary to acquire the steel plant."
Wang Yu, however, changed the subject and insisted.
"After all, the steel plant is very important to us!"
"But, young factory director, that wager agreement is about to expire!" Li Ming sighed earnestly again.
"The people from He Da are not easy to deal with. If they come knocking, no matter at what level or scale, we are far inferior to them!
By then, this enormous debt will fall upon us!"
That's right, it was truly an enormous debt!
Not to mention the tenfold compensation, there was also the super high interest rate.
With the interest compounding for ten years, who knew how outrageous the interest the people from He Da would calculate?
It was probably worse than Huang Shiren!
"Don't worry, Uncle Ming, I have it under control."
Wang Yu fell silent for a moment, then said, "If the people from He Da come, it will only be for a technical comparison. If we win, it will be fine."
"Win? Young factory director, I admit that you are an absolute genius. This old man has never seen anyone as capable as you in his life. And I personally detest the people from He Da. I almost died under their bayonets when I was a child. But undeniably, without inflating others' egos and belittling our own, their technology is indeed extremely advanced."
The old director looked at Wang Yu as if he were crazy. "Especially in steel technology, they are almost at the forefront of the world. Of the ten steel metallurgy experts worldwide, six are from their country, and at least three of the remaining ones have studied there. Even the Hans country, which is known for its rigorous and serious industrial technology, bows to He Da in this field, publicly admitting that they are at least ten years behind them.
And Tian Yi Steel Group is their country's largest and strongest steel company! It's no exaggeration to say that even the Eagle Country imports a large number of orders from them annually, including many for military use! For example, the materials used in their super warships and bomber aircraft are all imported from them!
The so-called technical competition is merely an excuse for them to harvest us, it's simply asking for humiliation!"
As he spoke, Li Ming sighed.
Although he disliked the other party, he had to admit that those guys were truly skilled. Decades of accumulation were not so easily defeated.
After his explanation, Li Ming looked at Wang Yu, clearly expecting that after his explanation, the young factory director would now understand the formidable enemy he was about to face.
He should also understand how powerful the other party was and the gap between their small factory and them.
This act of a mantis trying to stop a chariot was simply...
However, to Li Ming's surprise, Wang Yu did not show the slightest bit of dejection. Instead, he was full of fighting spirit.
"At the forefront of the world? That's great, I'll take on the forefront of the world!"
Wang Yu said directly and without politeness. "As for the steel plant, I am determined to get involved! Uncle Ming, help me contact their person in charge and tell them that I want to discuss an order with them."
"An order?" Li Ming was slightly stunned. Wasn't he talking about taking over the factory?