Yang Shiqi said, "Why doesn't he say where it's produced? Could it be that he plans to expand to the south? But the problem is that he doesn't know anything about his past. If he helps southerners expand, wouldn't that be doing us a disservice?"
Hu Qian said, "You're overthinking it. Even if Zhao Qiang doesn't help us, he wouldn't necessarily help Chen Kezong. Given his temperament, he would need to curry favor with Chen Kezong. If he's helping the Chen family, it'll be Chen Xinxin, which is exactly what we're planning. What are we afraid of? We should be happy because Zhao Qiang seems to have understood our ideas and is working towards our vision."
Liu Yiyi works in the clothing industry and couldn't offer any reasonable opinions on industrial production, so she simply remained silent. Chen Xinyu joined the group later and, apart from Yang Shiqi, was unfamiliar with the others, so she certainly wouldn't offer any random opinions. After a long discussion, Hu Qian finally spoke up in the group chat first, "Zhao Qiang, what kind of product is this synthetic rubber you're talking about?"
Zhao Qiang didn't answer, but instead shared the technical theory he had been working on all afternoon and half the night in the group chat. Wei downloaded it immediately, and before anyone else could even see the beginning, she was the first to comment: "As expected of my brother, this technology is very practical. The first benefit is that it improves the quality of current car tires, and it will quickly take over the market at a low cost."
Xu Xiaoya simply stopped looking and said, "Since Wei said there's no problem, then it must be a good thing. I'll immediately sell all my rubber-related stocks, and then take advantage of the stock market decline caused by the launch of this technology to make large-scale acquisitions, in preparation for unifying the entire rubber industry in the future."
Hu Qian praised, "Xu Xiaoya is indeed Xu Xiaoya. Okay, you have a talent for this, you are the most suitable to do it. I will be in charge of online publicity. When Zhao Qiang launches this technology, I will immediately organize online forces to help promote it."
Chen Xinyu finally had a chance to use her talents, and said, "I will be in charge of television and newspapers. I don't know much about this group, and I will need everyone's help in many areas, all for Zhao Qiang's sake."
Yang Shiqi said, "Whether this technology can be made public is still a question. It might be kept secret by the state for exclusive use."
Everyone was taken aback. This technology does indeed have advantages in the military field. If the country takes a liking to it, then it cannot be made public. It can be produced in secrecy like the 168 military factory. In this way, the rubber industry will be minimally affected, and Zhao Qiang will not be able to obtain much profit from this technology.
Thinking of this, Hu Qian asked in the group: "Can you guarantee that this technology will not be used exclusively by the state?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I can publish some of the information in foreign academic journals first. This will make it very difficult for the country to keep it secret. In addition, with the Chen family mediating behind the scenes, I think it should be no problem to invest in production openly. At most, it will be given priority supply to the country."
Yang Shiqi asked, "Are you planning to cooperate with the Chen family?"
Zhao Qiang said, "No, it's a collaboration with Chen Guangwei, for Chen Xinxin's sake."
There was a moment of silence in the group. As expected, Hu Qian had guessed correctly. Hu Qian was the one who knew Zhao Qiang's love life best.
Zhao Qiang added, "For the sake of my cooperation with Chen Guangwei, we should reduce our opportunities to meet directly in the future, otherwise I'm afraid people in the South won't believe me."
Xu Xiaoya finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Zhao Qiang, I think you should first understand what kind of things you did in the past, otherwise I'm afraid you won't be able to control yourself and will hurt a lot of people."
Zhao Qiang said, "If you think it's necessary to stop this, please let me know on QQ, and I will handle it accordingly."
Xu Xiaoya said helplessly, "Fine, you can decide everything."
Since Zhao Qiang couldn't recall his past interactions with everyone, there was no room for further discussion, so the chat ended there. However, the fact that Zhao Qiang took the initiative to inform everyone of his new developments was a good start. The biggest concern was that Zhao Qiang's actions might be unexpected, which could have a significant impact on the Northern forces.
After dawn, Zhao Qiang had breakfast and then took Zhao Ling and Chen Xinxin to the hotel to find Chen Guangwei. Chen Xinxin was initially reluctant to go, but Zhao Qiang said that this was her first step in taking revenge on the Chen family. If she didn't even have the courage to face Chen Guangwei, then she would be even less likely to harm the Chen family. Chen Xinxin was naturally short-tempered, and she followed Zhao Qiang angrily.
In the hotel living room, Chen Guangwei personally brewed tea for Zhao Qiang and the other two. Chen Shuxian sat beside him. Seeing her daughter's cold and disdainful look, Chen Shuxian felt very sad. For a moment, she even had the idea of giving up Chen Guangwei for her daughter's sake. However, she thought that her daughter was, after all, Chen Guangwei's flesh and blood. Giving up him would be like leaving her daughter without a father. Although her daughter would feel better for a moment, it would not be good for her future.
Zhao Qiang handed the USB drive containing the technical theories to Chen Guangwei and said, "Uncle Chen, the technical theories are all done. All the detailed information is in here. You can have someone verify it, and then we can talk again."
Chen Guangwei took it and said, "Okay, I will immediately gather the relevant experts and give you accurate information within a week at the latest."
Zhao Qiang stood up: "In that case, let's head back first, and we can keep in touch by phone later."
Chen Guangwei said, "Let's have lunch together. Xin Xin has been taking care of you every day."
Chen Xinxin said, "Don't mention me, no need to pretend."
Chen Shuxian was a little angry: "Xinxin, how can you talk like that?"
Chen Xinxin wanted to argue with her mother, but Zhao Qiang glared at her. Chen Xinxin was afraid of Zhao Qiang, so she lowered her head and said, "Mom, come with us. What are you doing staying here?"
Chen Shuxian said, "Zhao Ling's house is too small, where will Mom sleep?"
Chen Xinxin thought about it and agreed, so she had nothing more to say. Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle Chen, I think we should wait until the theoretical proof is complete before we talk about it. We can celebrate then. It's a bit early now."
Chen Guangwei did not insist, and said, "Alright, I'll see you downstairs."
Because of the snow, the streets were deserted. Chen Guangwei escorted Zhao Qiang and the other two to the road. Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling got into the car first, while Zhao Qiang stayed behind. Chen Guangwei whispered to him, "Qiang, Xinxin is my daughter. I hope you can respect her."
Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle Chen, I don't understand what you mean. I have always respected Xin Xin."
Chen Guangwei pointed to Zhao Ling, who was sitting in the driver's seat, and said, "But what's wrong with her? If you really love Xin Xin, then you should be devoted to her."
Zhao Qiang was somewhat displeased and said, "Uncle Chen, I think we young people can handle matters of the heart. If you interfere too much, how is that any different from your father interfering with you and Aunt Chen back then? What do you think?"
Chen Guangwei did not answer. Zhao Qiang turned to get into the car. At this moment, a light truck that was not very tall rushed towards the hotel entrance, knocking down two pedestrians along the way. Instead of slowing down, the truck sped up, its first target being Zhao Qiang, and then Chen Guangwei.
Zhao Qiang reacted quickly, leaping lightly to the side to dodge, but Chen Guangwei was just an ordinary person, and his vision wasn't as good as Zhao Qiang's. By the time he saw the truck heading straight for him, there wasn't enough time to react. The truck crashed into the hotel window along its predetermined trajectory, and the spot where Chen Guangwei was standing was now empty.
(Thanks to Eternal Forbidden Zone and Death's Love for the donations, and thanks to Thousand Rivers Moon Shadow, Demon Dance 44 [2 images] and Wind Race for the monthly tickets)
Volume 2 [492] Finished product
【492】Finished Product
Chen Guangwei's mind went blank for a moment. There were many sentries scattered around, but their strength was not enough to withstand the impact of the truck. Even if someone managed to throw themselves on Chen Guangwei, they could not stop the tragedy from happening.
With a crash, the hotel window shattered, and half of the truck crashed into the hotel lobby. Chen Guangwei thought he was going to be smashed to pieces, but he felt no pain and was still alive and well. He opened his eyes and saw Zhao Qiang in front of him.
"You...you saved me?" Chen Guangwei realized that Zhao Qiang had pushed him away at the most crucial moment, a feat that Chen Guangwei's bodyguards could never match.
The bodyguards had already rushed towards the truck, but inside the truck was only the driver, whose head was covered in blood from the impact. It was uncertain whether he was even breathing.
Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle Chen, I think you need to be more careful about your safety. Who knows if you'll be able to dodge it next time?"
Chen Guangwei was pale. At this moment, Chen Shuxian, who had heard the noise, also ran downstairs. She was relieved to see that Chen Guangwei was alright. Her face was also pale, which showed how much she cared for Chen Guangwei.
"Thank you for your help. I will have someone find out the origin of this car as soon as possible. If someone really wants to harm me, the Chen family is not so easy to bully."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's not safe for people to come and go in the hotel. Let's find another place. We'll probably be staying here for a while, so let's not skimp on this unnecessary expense."
Chen Guangwei said, "Yes, I will move out of the hotel with Shuxian right away. It's really not easy to work safely here."
Zhao Qiang waved goodbye. Without the help of his running shoes, he wasn't confident he could safely push Chen Guangwei away. He might have been hit by the truck himself. Although the roads were slippery due to the snow, the truck's final impact was clearly deliberate, and it not only didn't slow down but kept accelerating, showing a clear intentional intent. It seems he needs to be more careful in the future, especially with Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling, who have almost no ability to resist. If the truck had hit them, it would have been extremely dangerous.
Once in the car, Chen Xinxin said, "Why did you save him? It would be best if he died. That way, my mother wouldn't be fooled by him anymore."
Zhao Qiang stroked Chen Xinxin's hair and said, "You're such a child. Don't worry, one day Chen Kezong will personally apologize to you and your mother. No matter how wrong Chen Guangwei is, he is still your biological father, and the blood ties cannot be erased."
For the next few days, Zhao Qiang accompanied Zhao Ling and Chen Xinxin to study, as well as visit various scenic spots and go shopping. Chen Guangwei's investigation into the origin of the truck was terminated because the driver was dead and the truck was a stolen vehicle with no connection to the original owner. This further proves that the truck collision was not an accident but definitely deliberate.
Chen Guangwei and Chen Shuxian found a secluded building and moved in with their bodyguards. The theoretical data that Zhao Qiang sent had been approved by experts, and the production data involved was extremely accurate. However, there was one thing that dissatisfied the experts: the catalyst required for the final chemical reaction of ordinary synthetic rubber, a crucial part of the production process, was not detailed in the data.
Through a dedicated line, Chen Guangwei held another video conference with his father and the experts. Chen Kezong said, "Synthetic rubber is not a new technology, but the data that Guangwei sent back is very interesting to me. Theoretically speaking, it has five times the performance of natural rubber. Comrades, this is a remarkable achievement."
One expert said, “Sir, I think we can’t ignore an important issue. Based on the current theoretical data, the synthetic rubber we can produce only has slightly better performance than natural rubber. We don’t know how the most important chemical reaction takes place. This data omits this step and doesn’t specify the details of the required catalyst.”
Chen Kezong sneered, "Don't you understand? If someone tells us everything, what value does he have for us?" People who are good at political maneuvering understand this; everyone keeps a trump card for themselves.
Chen Guangwei said, "Dad, is this information, based on your opinion, worth our investment?"
Chen Kezong said, "Of course, the northerners have already exploited Zhao Qiang too much in terms of technology. Now that he has suddenly come to our south, if we don't take this opportunity to win him over, we would be letting down the blessings that Heaven has bestowed upon us."
Chen Guangwei said, "Dad, don't you think there's something wrong with his appearance?"
Chen Kezong said, "Of course there are problems, but as long as the information is true, that's fine." With that, Chen Kezong disconnected the video call with the expert group and spoke to Chen Guangwei alone, "Guangwei, I have high hopes for you, but you haven't made any significant achievements. This makes it impossible for you to establish authority in the Chen family. After I'm gone, how will the Chen family be inherited? Rely on your second brother and his children? I'm not at ease with that. If they can manage to keep the Chen family's assets from being squandered in their lifetime, I might consider it. But I'm afraid they'll squander the Chen family's assets in less than ten years. This is something I absolutely cannot allow to see in the afterlife."
Chen Guangwei said, "Dad, you've always been healthy, let's talk about these things later."
Chen Kezong said, "No, I know my own situation well. If I don't plan ahead, it might be too late. I know you are with Chen Shuxian. This time, I won't say anything more, but until you have made a name for yourself in the Chen family, I will not allow you to step into the Chen family again. Otherwise, you will have to give up on that mother and daughter."
Chen Guangwei said, "Dad, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will cherish it. So, according to you, I want to cooperate with Zhao Qiang?"
Chen Kezong said, "Whether or not to cooperate is up to you. I'm only providing you with 1 billion in funding. I don't want this to be a long wait. You only have two years. Guangwei, you'd better be careful. If you're still the same after two years and you can't give up that mother and daughter, then you'll stay outside forever. I'll pretend I never had a son like you."
After saying this, Chen Kezong turned off the video. Chen Guangwei looked bewildered. His father was forcing him to either suppress his younger brother or abandon Chen Shuxian and Chen Xinxin. If the information Zhao Qiang gave him was true, then Chen Guangwei had a chance and a chance to try. But if Zhao Qiang was lying to him, Chen Guangwei would be in big trouble this time, and might even end up homeless.
The next day, Zhao Qiang brought Zhao Ling and Chen Xinxin to Chen Guangwei's new residence. Although the exterior decoration was a bit old, the interior was very luxurious. Staying here was indeed in line with Chen Guangwei's status. Moreover, it was secluded and easy to protect, unlike hotels where people come and go, making security work difficult.
Chen Shuxian brewed tea for everyone, and said to Chen Xinxin, "Xinxin, there are many empty rooms here. Zhao Ling's house is indeed not spacious. Why don't you move in and live with us?"
Chen Xinxin glanced at Zhao Qiang, indicating that she would listen to him. Zhao Qiang did not answer, which was tantamount to denying it. So Chen Xinxin ignored her mother's invitation. She was still full of resentment towards her mother.
Chen Guangwei already knew that this daughter was a handful, so he didn't bother with her anymore. He said, "Qiang, the information you gave me has confirmed it, but there's a big problem. The process of synthesizing rubber in the beginning is in line with the theory, but it seems that you didn't explain the last chemical reaction clearly. There's also the most important catalyst. Without it, we can't achieve the performance of natural rubber. At most, we can only achieve the same performance as natural rubber. Although this value is already worth our investment in production, if we can achieve the leap, why should we only achieve the same performance?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle, as long as you provide the raw materials, I can produce samples for you. I will take care of the final process and the catalytic converter, so you don't need to worry about that."
Chen Guangwei thought to himself, "They still don't trust me and want to control the production of the new synthetic rubber."
Chen Shuxian said, "Since you're so confident, why are you still hesitating? You won't be stingy with the raw materials for making the samples, will you?"
Chen Guangwei said, "Of course, I've already prepared everything. Qiang, come with me."
Sure enough, a large amount of raw materials had been stored in the basement of the building. As soon as they entered, they smelled a pungent odor. Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling did not follow them down. Chen Guangwei said, "Qiang, just let me know if you need any more equipment. I hope to get the samples as soon as possible before we can officially start the project." Since it was about producing samples, equipment was necessary.
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, Uncle Chen, please give me a private space. I can give you a sample in an hour."
Chen Guangwei asked in surprise, "No equipment is needed?"
Zhao Qiang said, "It's not needed for now, but it will be needed for future production."
Zhao Qiang remained alone in the basement, using the energy within his body to control the various raw materials to carry out chemical reactions. He obtained the initial product in the first step. At this stage, the synthetic rubber was not stable and needed to undergo a chemical reaction with the 'c' substance under special conditions. After the reaction was completed, the synthetic rubber was considered a finished product, and its performance reached its maximum. The so-called 'c' substance was named by Zhao Qiang based on the initials of Chen Xinxin's surname. Its properties were similar to those of the 'g' substance, but its production was not as complicated. The performance of the initially synthesized synthetic rubber would be greatly improved after undergoing its reaction.
The raw materials listed by Zhao Qiang in the theoretical data already included the production materials of the 'c' substance. Zhao Qiang had also formed a refining program in his mind long ago. Because the required output was low, it did not require much energy. After an hour, the new artificial synthetic rubber completed the final catalysis, and some 'c' substance remained. This was the sample handed over to Chen Guangwei.
Stepping out of the basement, Chen Guangwei was waiting. He had received two samples from Zhao Qiang. Weighing the items in his hands, Chen Guangwei asked, "These are them?" They were dark and didn't reveal anything special about them.
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Uncle Chen, it's a bit early to talk about other things now. I know you need to test the samples, but there's one thing I need to remind you: I don't want this product to be used by the military, otherwise our profits will be directly affected."
Chen Guangwei said, “You may not understand how important this technology is to me. If it is militarized, my losses will be greater than yours. In addition, I see that you have already published brief papers in some foreign academic journals. If the country acquires the patent at this time, it will definitely be questioned by countries around the world. Besides, the Chen family is not a pushover, and in some cases the country will have to give them some face.”
Zhao Qiang said, "That's for the best, Uncle Chen. You should take the samples to be analyzed quickly. We'll be leaving now and wait for your news."
Volume 2 [493] Excessive Demands
【493】Excessive demands
Excited, Chen Guangwei ordered someone to take the new synthetic rubber and the catalyst, which Zhao Qiang had named 'C', back to the Chen family headquarters in Shanghai. A group of chemical elites were already waiting there. Everyone was filled with anticipation for the new synthetic rubber, which had already passed theoretical approval. If synthetic rubber could truly completely replace natural rubber, the impact on China's heavy industry would be profound. Moreover, this wasn't just a replacement, but a leap forward.
China's natural rubber production is mainly concentrated in Hainan and Yunnan, but the output is not very high. However, China is the world's largest consumer of natural rubber, and importing natural rubber has always been a major expense, costing a large amount of foreign exchange every year. Currently, the world's top natural rubber producing countries are Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, accounting for more than 60% of the world's output. Among them, Thailand and Indonesia's exports account for more than 90% of their output.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, Chen Guangwei received the analysis and research results from the Chen family. Chen Guangwei excitedly read them to Chen Shuxian: "The synthetic rubber sample has five times the elasticity of natural rubber at room temperature and has extremely high mechanical strength. Its value can also reach five times the hysteresis loss of natural rubber. It generates less heat during multiple deformations, can withstand greater loads, and has higher insulation properties."
Chen Shuxian said, "Does this mean that Zhao Qiang's skills have been recognized?"
Chen Guangwei said, "Yes, let me explain further. Because natural rubber has unsaturated double bonds, it is a chemically reactive substance. Light, heat, ozone, radiation, flexural deformation, and metals such as copper and manganese can all accelerate the aging of rubber. Its inability to withstand aging is a fatal weakness. In conventional processing methods, antioxidants are added to natural rubber so that natural rubber products can be used without being affected after sun exposure and long-term storage. However, new synthetic rubbers do not need to add antioxidants at all, and their exposure to sunlight and storage time are much longer."
Chen Shuxian couldn't fully understand what he was saying, but that didn't stop her from being Chen Guangwei's audience. Chen Guangwei just wanted to vent his excitement; whether Chen Shuxian understood or not was secondary. All she needed to do was look at him with affectionate eyes.
"New synthetic rubbers also exhibit excellent performance in terms of resilience, insulation, water resistance, and plasticity. Without special treatment, they possess valuable properties such as oil resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance, pressure resistance, and abrasion resistance. More importantly, their cost can be controlled to one-fifth of that of natural rubber. If large-scale raw material production is carried out, it may even be reduced to one-tenth."
Chen Shuxian said, "Guangwei, what are you still hesitating about? Zhao Qiang is truly a talented person. With his help, it won't be difficult for you to return to the Chen family."
Chen Guangwei said, "Yes, I'll call Zhao Qiang right away and invite him over for dinner. It'll be good to have my daughter come too; I miss her these past few days."
Chen Shuxian said, "You miss your daughter? I thought there was no affection between you two at all."