America: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Colonel Wood said, "Mr. Madison invited me to this gathering, and other arms dealers and arms companies are here too. It's all to promote this business deal. They also approached me to quote a price, willing to purchase a Black Hawk Helicopter for 2.4 million US Dollars. I heard that Mr. Jin is also involved in this type of investment business, so I wanted to ask if you're interested in purchasing."

Allen Zhang feigned deep thought, then happily said, "I'm certainly interested in armed helicopters. I've previously bought a second-hand Gazelle, and I've even owned a Bird Helicopter, but their quality and price definitely can't compare to the Black Hawk. I can buy each Black Hawk Helicopter for 2.6 million US Dollars. What do you think about this price?"

Colonel Wood was somewhat surprised but soon pretended to be troubled, "This price is indeed very good, but we need to go back and think it over. However, I can assure you that by that time, at least two Black Hawk Helicopters will be reserved for you."

"That would be great; two Black Hawks are enough for me, considering I'm not using so many helicopters for anything other than my collection, and it's troublesome to find buyers. Perhaps the military should also consider quotes from other arms companies and Armed Nation." Allen Zhang smiled lightly, showing he didn't care too much.

Colonel Wood was also a bit puzzled, communicated with his assistant nearby, and based on their expectation, the other party should be very interested in the Black Hawk, so why now is there a vague, indifferent attitude?

Actually, the quotes from those arms companies and Armed Nation are generally only around 1.8 million to 2.2 million US Dollars because the water is deep with decommissioned machines, and subsequent maintenance is costly.

There are problems, aren't there? You have to fix them, right? If parts break, you have to replace them, right? Doesn't military ammunition cost money?

Labor costs are also very expensive, and they basically need to turn to their military's ground crew for renovation, procurement of bullets, and shells. They can also make another profit from it.

American equipment is notoriously delicate and fragile. Unless it's a retrained product tested under harsh conditions, it's reliable and durable, apart from Third World Countries lacking Air Force capability and militants, there isn't much eagerness to purchase.

Military Helicopter 10 and 20, and Mi-8 and Mi-24 have their markets too. Mi-24s are priced at around 12 million US Dollars in the market, a 70% new Mi-24 is priced at approximately 4.5 million US Dollars only in the second-hand arms market, even lower for decommissioned and accidentally damaged machines, almost at a discounted price, all being sold cheaply.

Although Black Hawk has a big reputation, a 70% new Deer offers better value for money.

Even if a second-hand Black Hawk is sold for 5 million US Dollars, the cost price already takes up half of it, leaving not much profit for middlemen. They actually prefer to purchase cheaper Gazelles and Birds, which at least don't have so much technical content.

During the conversation, a few supermodels and ladies arrived, along with the hostess of the underground casino, Melissa, who greeted the General Sect Leader.

Allen Zhang also smiled in response, then stood up ready to leave, "Mr. Wood, I must excuse myself."

"Please do."

As Colonel Wood watched the General Sect Leader leave, talking and laughing with a few blonde girls, he pondered how to retain this big client.

"Mr. Jin, are you still involved in arms trading business?" Melissa said with a smile.

"Just messing around, the biggest part of my business is still resource recycling." Allen Zhang smiled faintly, "I guess Mr. Wood also doesn't lack arms companies and Armed Nation for deals, I reckon it's a no-go for me."

"That may not be true, I heard that Mr. Wood's term is up, needing to transfer to another military area or choose to retire with honors. It seems they also want to quickly sell off that batch of arms, only keeping the newly purchased equipment to make a good impression on the incoming officers. Previously, a client wanted to buy their Black Hawk Helicopter, it had to be at least 5 million US Dollars." The blonde lady laughed.

High emotional intelligence, making a good impression on the incoming officer.

Low emotional intelligence, making money! Balancing the books!

"My dear, where did you get this information?" Allen Zhang was a bit surprised.

The blonde lady smiled, leaned in, and teased, "I have channels and know people who have dealt with Mr. Wood. Mr. Jin, I also have investments in gold and jewelry stores and lingerie design in Los Angeles. I think we also get along very well."

"I think so too. Cheers." Allen Zhang raised his glass for a toast and did not reject her proactive approach, directly embracing her for comfort.

They continued talking and laughing. Melissa proposed visiting the zoo and the museum, to which Allen Zhang did not refuse, heading out by car to the destination.

Here, he saw the caged little lions, leopards, bears, elephants, etc.

The General Sect Leader also fed them several fresh meat chickens and North American gray rabbits, but the little animals were mostly lazy, not bothering to move at all, chubby and healthy, indicating they were well cared for daily with plenty of food and water.

He also visited Madison's museum collection, discovered a few new collections, and Allen Zhang took out his phone to take a few photos, sent them to Old Jack.