Invasion of the United States

"My old friend," Jeff patted the old investor on the shoulder, "You can question my taste in restaurants, you can question my golf skills. But..."

He put away his smile and his gaze became sharp, "'Electric Flight' production capacity? That might be the last thing you need to worry about."

The old investor shook his head, "No, I am very worried. I know 'Dongda' has a strong production capacity, but what if one day the US government bans its imports?

Just like how 'Dongda' automotive industry finds it difficult to enter the US market now. If 'Electric Flight' really becomes strong, it will definitely be sanctioned, making our investment pointless."

The other investors nodded, showing none of the anticipated enthusiasm and excitement. They knew that investing in 'Electric Flight' would definitely be profitable, yet they were so full of doubts...

Jeff frowned and asked, "Are you hiding something from me?"

The old investor said solemnly, "Not hiding. There are more than a few companies in Florida engaged in low-altitude aircraft, competitors will not sit by and watch 'Electric Flight' expand.

Unless... 'Electric Flight' becomes a US company, builds factories in the US, and is completely US-made. But in that case, its costs can't be low."

This was indeed a problem Jeff had overlooked, and his face instantly turned ugly.

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Two hours later, five aircraft safely returned at noon under the scorching sun, steadily landing on the runway.

The roar of the propellers gradually quieted down, and the aircraft bodies still carried the dust from long-distance flights, perfectly proving their safety and reliability.

Zhou Qingfeng stood by the runway, patted the shoulder of the test team leader, and laughed, "Well done! Thanks for your hard work. Take three days of paid leave, enjoy yourselves in Miami."

The testers cheered, some had already begun discussing whether to sunbathe at South Beach or experience the Cuban flair in Little Havana.

Watching their excited looks, Zhou Qingfeng calculated in his heart: Let these people get familiar with Miami's environment, maybe it would come in handy someday.

At this moment, Jeff Connally walked over with a face full of frustration. He was pondering how to tactfully tell Zhou Qingfeng that investors were not very optimistic about the 'Warthog' project.

However, before he could speak, Zhou Qingfeng excitedly shouted to him, "Hey, Jeff! I've got good news for you, I just received an order for a hundred 'Warthogs'!"

"What?" Jeff was stunned, it took him a full three seconds to react, "Orders? You don't even have an airworthiness certificate, who would place an order?"

Zhou Qingfeng smiled mysteriously and pointed to not far away.

Two dark-skinned South Americans were talking to the testers, holding 'Warthog' brochures in their hands.

"Those two just came to me, asking how to trade. I also said the 'Warthog' didn't get an airworthiness certificate, but they said they didn't care.

As long as they are allowed to join the test and confirm that the aircraft can fly, that's enough. They asked about the price and whether I would accept barter trade."

"Barter?!" Jeff's face instantly turned green, "Victor, are you crazy? Any business that doesn't earn US dollars is a no-go!"

Zhou Qingfeng nonchalantly shrugged, "I already agreed."

Jeff was almost jumping in anger, "You agreed? What will they exchange with you? Bananas? Cocoa? Or some weird stuff?"

"Lobsters, cane sugar, cigars, nickel ore, coffee, quite a variety." Zhou Qingfeng smiled like a kid who found treasure, "I think lobsters and nickel ore are good, the domestic market can surely absorb them." This is part of a series from My Virtual Library Empire (M|V|L1EMPYR).

Hearing those products, Jeff carefully scrutinized the appearance of the two traders and immediately understood their origin.

"They are Cubans! Cuba has always been short of cash, they love barter trade most." He said with an angrily amused tone,

"Victor, do you know that Cuba has always been sanctioned by the US? Doing business with Cuba would get you sanctioned by the US government as well!"

"Ah..." Zhou Qingfeng showed a look of sudden realization, but soon returned to his usual care-free demeanor,

"It's okay, I'll ask around, there's always a way. We can't be tied down just because the US government sanctions this and that.

Besides, don't I have a lawyer hired for five million US dollars a year for this? Dare to fight, dare to break through!"

Jeff was completely speechless, thinking to himself, "Who are you saying 'we'? If you want to die, I don't want to be buried with you."

He had originally intended to tactfully remind that 'Electric Flight' might be targeted by US counterparts, even facing the risk of sanctions.

Now it's good, this kid not only isn't afraid but actively jumps into the fire pit.

Jeff could only shake his head helplessly, thinking, "This guy is really thick-headed. Living in the United States, he doesn't even put US sanctions in his eyes."

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Since the news of 'Electric Flight' accepting barter trade spread, Zhou Qingfeng's office turned into a South American specialties expo.

Florida has always had a large South American population, and these people would do anything to make money.

For example, the Cuban businessmen who swore to purchase a hundred 'Warthogs' the other day... were actually two scammers, aiming to sneak into the test team and attempt to fly away with two aircraft.

But Zhou Qingfeng didn't reject the deal because of this, nor did he resist barter trade.

Every day, people came knocking on his door, trying to sell specialties from various South American countries.

Argentine beef, Brazilian cane sugar, Ecuadorian bananas, Peruvian squid, and even Chilean wine and Colombian coffee beans.