Chapter 58

Bringing Hu Wenhui to the negotiating table with the United States was undoubtedly a risky move. He was not a member of the delegation, and his security clearance was not high enough to participate in such high-level negotiations.

Given China’s approach to foreign affairs, where no detail is too small, it was certainly not going to let him join such an important diplomatic activity so easily. Although Hu Wenhui had almost convinced Lin Qianjun, he still faced the biggest obstacle—convincing the military attaché in the United States.

The Chinese military attaché in the United States was an extremely capable middle-aged officer. Given his age and experience in such a crucial position, his future was undoubtedly bright.

As the car drove past the central park in Washington D.C. and through International Road, a very traditional and elegant building appeared before Hu Wenhui.

In front of this embassy, which had a distinct Chinese architectural style, a flagpole was flying a bright red five-starred flag. There was no doubt that this was the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

At the entrance of this building, a middle-aged officer in Chinese military uniform was clearly waiting for a long time.

The Chinese Embassy in the United States was the highest-level and most important embassy. Therefore, when Hu Wenhui got out of the car, he was genuinely surprised to see Jiang Yucheng standing motionless in the sun. This was no small figure; in a few years, when China restored military ranks, he would certainly be a general.

In other words, this was a real "general."

"Ambassador Jiang, we are late, and we have kept you waiting..."

"Not at all, you are not late at all. I was just anxious!" Jiang Yucheng, showing no signs of being a general, grabbed Lin Qianjun’s hand as he got out of the car and shook it firmly.

The Chinese military attaché in the United States was the deputy ambassador, equivalent to a vice-ministerial level, and could be considered a vice-army-level senior PLA leader. If he were in China, he would have a personal guard, a car, and a house provided by the state, and medical care would be free. He could command at least a division at any time, a true pillar of the military.

For a leader of this level to stand alone at the entrance, waiting to welcome Lin Qianjun and Hu Wenhui, was truly a humbling experience.

"I heard your negotiations are facing difficulties, and I haven’t been able to sleep well recently. Since I have nothing else to do, I decided to wait for you here. I can only feel at ease when I see you arrive." Jiang Yucheng looked behind Lin Qianjun and smiled, "Is this Comrade Hu? Please come in. You must be tired from the journey. Have you eaten? I have prepared some food. Let’s eat and talk at the same time..."

Hu Wenhui was pulled by Jiang Yucheng, whose hand felt like an iron clamp. Although it wasn’t very tight, you could feel the immense strength in it.

He looked to be in his forties, perhaps a bit younger, but definitely not over sixty. However, there was no sign of age on Jiang Yucheng’s face or body. He appeared to be a middle-aged officer, steady, capable, and full of energy.

Most importantly, Jiang Yucheng was so approachable that it was hard to believe he was a general. He seemed more like a friendly uncle from the neighborhood.

Under Jiang Yucheng’s arrangement, Lin Qianjun and Hu Wenhui followed him into the Chinese Embassy in the United States and were then pushed to the embassy’s dining table.

"The F-14 fighter is crucial for our northern defense. It is a very important weapon," Jiang Yucheng sighed as soon as Hu Wenhui was seated. "However, the country’s economic situation is not good, and even though the Americans want to sell us good things, we can’t afford them. The economic achievements of our people are constantly exposed to the threat of Soviet missiles. This is a disgrace for the Republic’s military..."

"Ambassador Jiang..."

Jiang Yucheng’s position as the defense attaché in the United States was equivalent to a deputy ambassador. In China, the "deputy" title was often omitted. Hu Wenhui was happy to call him "Ambassador," which sounded better than "attaché."

Although Hu Wenhui knew that the Soviet Union would not invade China in the future, having been reborn for over a decade, he could empathize with the Chinese military’s vigilance against the Soviets.

Facing an enemy with a long border and a powerful weapon that was almost impossible to defend against, how could the military not feel anxious and lack a sense of security? The F-14 was not just a straw; it was more like a lifeboat. Losing it due to poverty would make many Republic soldiers regret it deeply.

As the current defense attaché in the United States, Jiang Yucheng not only carried the hopes of the country but also the weight of history on his shoulders.

"Ah, don’t call me Ambassador, call me Uncle Jiang. I’m old enough to be your uncle, right?"

"Of course!" Hu Wenhui shook his head vigorously.

"Good, I heard from Lin Qianjun that you have a way to get Grumman to accept RMB payment? Our country’s foreign exchange is very limited, and many military projects are struggling due to the lack of foreign exchange. If you can really get the Americans to accept RMB, that would be a great contribution to the country!"

Hu Wenhui wiped the sweat from his forehead, which wasn’t even there, and smiled awkwardly. "Actually, it’s not about getting Grumman to accept RMB, but I have a way to convert RMB into USD."

"Oh? Tell me, what’s your idea?" Jiang Yucheng was not disappointed. In his view, no matter how capable Hu Wenhui was, he was just one person. Getting the Americans to accept RMB was almost impossible. However, if there was a chance, it would be great. Even if it was a one-time deal, it would be better than nothing.

"Please look at this first, Uncle Jiang." Hu Wenhui took out a letter, which was clearly the lawyer’s letter from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

"What is this?"

Jiang Yucheng asked as he opened the envelope and quickly read the letter.

"This is a lawyer’s letter from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. They want to acquire 51% of the patent rights for a drug I hold. They are preparing to sue me if I refuse."

"Is this really your invention?" Jiang Yucheng finished reading the letter and looked at Hu Wenhui.

"I hold the patent for sildenafil, not just in the United States but in all Paris Convention member countries. Although some countries have not yet approved it, they are all in the patent protection period."

Hu Wenhui did not explain where the drug came from, as he couldn’t explain it clearly. He simply avoided the topic. After all, developing a drug is a complex process, and he had no background in biochemistry. Claiming he developed it himself wouldn’t be credible. However, the patent was real, and no one could dispute that.

"The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory was commissioned by me to conduct reliability tests, clinical trials, and industrial production design. We have a comprehensive agreement on this."

Jiang Yucheng tapped his fingers on the table and nodded after a moment. "Do you have the patent certificate and the agreement?"

"I do." Hu Wenhui nodded and took out a thick stack of documents and certificates.

After a quick look, Jiang Yucheng turned to Hu Wenhui and asked seriously, "Do you mean to say that you want the country to help you with this lawsuit in exchange for your method to convert RMB to USD?"

"No, no!" Hu Wenhui shook his head and waved his hands. If that were true, it would be like threatening and extorting his own country. Even if the country helped him, he would face serious consequences upon returning home.

"The method to convert USD I mentioned refers to this patent." Hu Wenhui continued, "Do you know the status of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in the American scientific community? It is one of the best in the world. Would they resort to such underhanded tactics for an ordinary patent?"

"I have heard of it. The president of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is Watson, who is leading the Human Genome Project, which is of great interest in China."

"Exactly!" Hu Wenhui nodded vigorously, his eyes gleaming. "The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is prestigious and well-funded. If they are willing to go to such lengths, it must be for a significant reason."

"So, how much is the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory offering for your patent, and how much are you asking for?" Jiang Yucheng felt that Hu Wenhui’s reasoning made sense. An institution like the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory would not risk its reputation for nothing. If they were willing to do so, it must be for a significant prize.

Hu Wenhui held up one finger and said calmly, "The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory offered ten million, but I did not agree. My asking price is one billion dollars."

"Once the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is dealt with, I am willing to exchange part of the USD to help the military purchase F-14 fighters."

"What patent is worth one billion dollars?" Jiang Yucheng looked at Hu Wenhui as if he were crazy. "Ten million is already a lot. No technology introduced to China has been sold for that much."

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