Tianyue Motors had developed an engine, and this news couldn't be kept under wraps.
Even during the engine testing phase, its outstanding performance was already evident.
As soon as the tests were completed, production could begin immediately.
When this news spread, the ones most anxious were not the Southern China company.
It was actually the CEO, Mr. Chen, of the engine manufacturer that had previously cut off Tianyue Motors.
Back then, Xu Zhengyang offered him 6,000 yuan, but he refused to sell!
Now, upon hearing that Xu Zhengyang's team was testing a new engine, Mr. Chen was filled with regret.
Naturally, he suspected that the engine technology his company lost was stolen by Xu Zhengyang, but he had no proof.
Despite all his investigations, he couldn't find any evidence, and the new engine Xu Zhengyang's team developed was different from theirs!
So, he was really getting anxious.
Xu Zhengyang was sitting in the headquarters of Tianyue, sipping tea.
An assistant walked in.
"Mr. Xu, someone from Mengyang Engine Factory wants to see you."
"Oh? Haha, let him in."
Xu Zhengyang replied with interest, curious about what Mr. Chen wanted to say.
Unexpectedly, it wasn't Mr. Chen who entered but a young man.
He bore some resemblance to Mr. Chen, so he was probably his son.
The young man was dressed in a stylish light green suit and was accompanied by a bodyguard. As soon as he entered, he gave Xu Zhengyang a confident smile, the kind that suggests he was in control.
"Are you Mr. Xu?"
He asked while casually seating himself on the sofa opposite Xu Zhengyang without waiting for permission.
"And you are?"
"This is the young master of Mengyang Mechanical Factory, Chen Zhouyang."
The bodyguard beside him introduced in a deep voice.
Chen Zhouyang smiled at Xu Zhengyang.
"Oh, my apologies, I didn't realize it was the young master of Mengyang Mechanical Factory. May I ask what brings you here?"
Xu Zhengyang spoke politely but made no move to show any respect, leisurely sipping his tea as he asked.
"A while ago, you wanted to buy our engine technology for a fixed price of 6,000 yuan, but my father didn't sell, correct?"
Chen Zhouyang said directly.
"Yes, it's quite a pity. We could've cooperated, but your father refused outright and firmly sided with Southern China. Such resolve truly earns my respect."
Xu Zhengyang nodded seriously, playing along.
Chen Zhouyang's expression twitched slightly, but he maintained his composure as he said,
"Whether we stand with Southern China or not, I don't know, but my father made that decision without consulting me. Maybe you don't know, but the real engine technology of Mengyang is in my hands.
I was away on a business trip recently, and when I returned, my father told me about this. I thought the price was reasonable, so I've decided to accept your offer."
He spoke casually, his eyes fixed on Xu Zhengyang, seemingly trying to gauge his reaction.
Xu Zhengyang smiled faintly. He initially thought this guy was here to demand answers or accuse him of stealing their technology.
Thankfully, the guy wasn't stupid; this was obviously his father's way of saving face by sending his son to see if he could reclaim the 6,000 yuan.
Moreover, this young man seemed to be trying to intimidate him with an air of superiority, as if their technology was something Xu Zhengyang desperately needed.
It was quite amusing.
"Terms? What terms?"
Xu Zhengyang played dumb.
Chen Zhouyang frowned.
"The condition to buy our technology for 6,000 yuan, what else? I just think the price is reasonable. You should know that our engine technology is top-notch in the country!
Especially since you're making pickup trucks and SUVs; we're the only ones doing this type of engine, and it's not easy to find other manufacturers.
If it weren't for our long-standing cooperation, insisting on selling to you, do you think you could easily buy engine technology?
With Southern China surrounding Tianyue and the situation so dire, we're still willing to help. You owe us a huge favor!"
Chen Zhouyang spoke with some dissatisfaction but with a hint of confidence.
He believed Xu Zhengyang was just a rich second-generation heir. Someone who could offer 6,000 yuan for technology had probably never seen much of the world.
He was sure Xu Zhengyang didn't fully understand the true value of the technology, definitely not as much as he did. Just mentioning Southern China would scare Xu Zhengyang into submission.
"Wow, Young Master Chen is truly generous, but I'm someone who doesn't like owing people favors.
Such a big favor, I can't possibly accept it! I couldn't repay it!
I must decline; please take your technology back. I can't bear to drag you down with us.
Alas, we'll just have to fend for ourselves!"
Xu Zhengyang took another sip of tea, waving his hand dismissively.
"You..."
Chen Zhouyang was at a loss for words.
He seemed to have overplayed his hand and felt like Xu Zhengyang was toying with him.
"If you don't appreciate the offer, I'll walk away, and I won't sell the technology!"
"Safe travels."
Xu Zhengyang raised his hand, making a gesture to see him off.
"You!!"
Chen Zhouyang suddenly stood up, glaring at Xu Zhengyang.
"Hmm? What's the matter, Young Master Chen? Why so angry? Does my refusal to buy your technology hurt you so much?"
Xu Zhengyang asked with a puzzled expression.
"You said you wanted to buy it before, and now I'm offering it, but you refuse. What's the meaning of this? Are you playing with me?"
Chen Zhouyang sneered.
"When I made the offer before, your father flatly refused; who's to blame for that?"
Xu Zhengyang shrugged.
"I've already told you, that was his decision! The technology is in my hands!"
"Well, sorry, but that offer was made to him. I never said I'd buy it from you."
Xu Zhengyang spoke calmly, not getting flustered, which only infuriated Chen Zhouyang more.
"You! Fine, then tell me how much you'll pay for the technology now!"
Chen Zhouyang pointed at Xu Zhengyang.
"Oh, now? I don't see the need to buy your technology anymore. We've already made our own engine, so buying yours would be foolish, wouldn't it?"
Xu Zhengyang replied innocently.
"Haha, do you really think your engine will work?
Do you really believe you've developed a new engine in just ten days?
Dream on! I've seen too many failures like this. Arrogant fools who think they've made an engine just because they have a model? What a joke!"
Chen Zhouyang scoffed, his face full of disdain. This was his trump card.
He wasn't stupid; he knew Tianyue had made an engine, and Xu Zhengyang probably felt confident, but he didn't believe for a second they could develop a working engine in such a short time!
"Oh no, that's terrible! If the engine doesn't work, what will we do?"
Xu Zhengyang pretended to be nervous.
"Hmph! Hahaha, now you're scared? Too late!
When your engine fails and Southern China strikes a fatal blow, you'll be finished.
Now, I won't sell this technology for 6,000 anymore!"
Seeing Xu Zhengyang's frightened expression, Chen Zhouyang immediately raised the price. He had some skill, having been in many negotiations. The more critical the moment, the bolder you had to be.
He was betting that Xu Zhengyang wouldn't dare to take the risk because if Tianyue's engine test failed, they wouldn't have time to improve it. If they tried to make another engine, Southern China would definitely crush them.
So, his technology was their last hope.