Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Grand New Year's Fireworks Festival

After everyone had left, Zhu Lan asked Lan Tianxin to stay behind.

"The company's new product is about to launch. Advertisement slots are crucial."

"Boss, is the new product the same model robot as before?" Lan Tianxin had some inkling. At the previous press conference, Zhu Lan had unveiled it, but afterwards, there was no trace of the model robot. There were no related documents within Fantasy Technology, and Tianxin didn't know much about it.

Zhu Lan nodded, then shook his head.

Lan Tianxin looked at Zhu Lan, puzzled.

"The robot shown at the press conference has been banned by the authorities. Though it wasn't stated explicitly, it's clear it can't be sold."

"Banned?"

Zhu Lan sighed and nodded, "Yes, because it can be modified into a military robot. China lags behind Western countries in this field, and the nation won't let go of this opportunity."

Lan Tianxin hadn't paid much attention to such matters and didn't quite understand, but realized that a ban meant the product could only be sold to the military, provided the military entrusted Fantasy Technology with the research.

"So, what do you mean, boss?"

"I've already assigned people to develop the next generation robot—something like Baymax from 'Big Hero 6.'"

"Baymax?" Lan Tianxin's eyes lit up; the adorable character was universally recognized.

Zhu Lan nodded. "Secure the advertisement slots first, promote the gene optimization liquid, and switch to Baymax's publicity at the start of the new year."

"Alright!" Lan Tianxin agreed immediately.

"Send someone to the United States to acquire the licensing rights for Baymax!"

Lan Tianxin nodded again.

"And one more thing—you need to go yourself to the provincial government and meet Governor Liu. This is your task." Zhu Lan took the file from Kong Yan and handed it to Lan Tianxin.

Lan Tianxin opened it and was stunned. "Fireworks Festival?"

Zhu Lan said nothing, signaling Tianxin to read on.

Lan Tianxin frowned, confused, and continued reading. By the end, Tianxin was at a loss for words.

"Boss, isn't this a bit extravagant?"

The document was a plan for a fireworks festival, scheduled for New Year's Eve, just over two months away. But the real point was that Fantasy Technology would host the event, with an estimated budget of six hundred million. Over five hundred million would be spent solely on fireworks. For comparison, even first-tier cities spent only about ten million on their displays. Five hundred million worth of fireworks—enough to last two days and nights.

But Zhu Lan wasn't aiming for ordinary fireworks, but record-breaking ones.

Zhu Lan shook his head, "Fantasy Technology needs a breathtaking move. This is a golden opportunity."

"I've already talked with Nanhai TV—they'll co-host the New Year's Eve concert with us, held at the naval port outside S City."

"Boss, I'm not sure, but there aren't any domestic manufacturers capable of this, are there? If we custom order from abroad, the costs will be astronomical."

The world's largest firework weighed 930 pounds and could explode at 2,700 feet—the biggest known firework.

But Zhu Lan wanted a 1,200-pound firework, capable of reaching at least 3,500 feet.

Just these super fireworks would require a thousand shells, plus other large ones to construct the festival.

"China can manufacture them—it's only that no one is willing to pay the price." Zhu Lan spoke the truth. Each firework costs tens of thousands; no one would burn such a sum in seconds. A thousand shells means tens of millions, nearly a hundred million, gone in just a few hours.

"First, talk to the provincial government, and also to Nanhai TV. A three-party collaboration. Place orders with all fireworks factories across the country!"

Lan Tianxin sighed and nodded, "Boss, two months is too short. I'm afraid we won't make it in time!"

Her concern was valid. It was already November, and by year-end, companies and factories were tallying their annual revenues and planning for the next year. Most orders were scheduled for after the New Year, especially fireworks factories, which couldn't possibly spare the time.

"Don't worry—once the project is announced, many factories will scramble for the opportunity. This is a chance to make a mark worldwide!"

Lan Tianxin's eyes brightened, understanding Zhu Lan's intent.

Zhu Lan's specifications exceeded even Japan's four-shaku shell, the current world record. If broken, the factory that made the new record would instantly gain global fame.

"Boss, if this goes through, we might not need as much money."

"Oh? How so?"

"It's a festival. If other companies hear about it, they'll definitely want to join in."

Zhu Lan nodded. "Start by talking to the provincial government. Let them liaise with the naval port. You know the contact at Nanhai TV. Shengtang Group will be working with us; I've already had preliminary talks with them."

Nanhai TV was the largest in the province, founded by the provincial government but operated by Shengtang Media.

That very day, Lan Tianxin went to the provincial government.

With the Fantasy Technology name, even if Liu Binghe was busy, he had to meet her. Fantasy Technology was now one of the province's top taxpayers. Even an ordinary employee would receive high-level reception.

"Manager Lan, what brings you here?" The secretary set down the tea, and Liu Binghe asked, puzzled.

"Governor Liu, here's the situation: Fantasy Technology needs the provincial government's approval for a festival." Lan Tianxin didn't beat around the bush, presenting the plan for the fireworks festival.

Liu Binghe took it and read through.

After finishing, he set down the plan, saying nothing.

"This is a good thing—a rare festival for the province!" The honest Liu Binghe was moved.

The province had organized fireworks festivals before, but only large-scale releases of ordinary fireworks. Fantasy Technology's plan would feature the world's largest fireworks, bringing enormous benefits to the province. The prestige alone was enough to tempt Liu Binghe.

"Governor Liu, as you know, Fantasy Technology is newly established. The gene optimization liquid has brought us fame, but it's not enough. We're planning to invest two billion nationwide to build our brand, but we also have a second plan—this fireworks festival."

Liu Binghe nodded.

"We've already contacted Nanhai TV. We'll co-host the 2016 New Year's concert, with Fantasy Technology as the main sponsor, inviting big stars from home and abroad. But that's not enough. To draw attention, we need this fireworks festival."

"My personal opinion is supportive, but this is a big matter—I need to hold a meeting and consult with others."

Lan Tianxin nodded, "Thank you in advance, Governor Liu."

Liu Binghe shook his head, "It's not about me. I've witnessed Fantasy Technology's bold moves!"

He sighed, amazed at the company spending hundreds of millions on a New Year's fireworks festival—a rarity even globally.

After Lan Tianxin left, Liu Binghe immediately had his secretary summon the provincial committee for a meeting.

Aside from a few out on inspections, everyone was present.

"Liu, what requires such urgent notice?"

"Take a look at this." Liu Binghe had the secretary distribute copies of the festival plan.

Seeing Liu Binghe's demeanor, no one asked questions—they simply read through.

After finishing, many eyes gleamed. None were foolish; they all saw that if the festival succeeded, it would have tremendous impact on the province.

"Fantasy Technology—what an audacious move!"

Others nodded. Spending hundreds of millions on a fireworks festival was indeed impressive.

"The company's proposal is to take the lead, with Nanhai TV assisting and the provincial government clearing the way. It's a big deal, so I’m asking for your opinions."

"There's nothing to discuss. If it can be done, it's only beneficial—why not? I'm the first to agree!"

"I agree as well!"

Unanimous approval. Liu Binghe nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent. This is now everyone's priority. Secretary Nong, follow up on this. Though Fantasy Technology has spoken with Nanhai TV, it’s better for us to endorse it."

"I will. But there’s one issue—the fireworks..."

Secretary Nong’s words brought silence.

"We needn't worry. Once we endorse it, Fantasy Technology will place orders nationwide. If foreign companies can manufacture them, so can we!"

"No, Governor, my concern is about the timeline—it’s a bit rushed."

"That's a problem," Liu Binghe nodded. Two months was indeed tight, and such massive fireworks couldn’t be made easily.

"Let’s see what domestic factories say. Old Li, please lend a hand. Fantasy Technology’s influence is still limited—your personal involvement is needed to ensure the festival succeeds!"

Liu Binghe looked around, "This is our opportunity. If the festival is held smoothly, it will greatly benefit our New Year’s work. The tourism bureau shows a decline in indicators—not obvious yet, but it's a worrisome sign. I’ll personally negotiate with the naval port to secure the site!"

A fireworks festival wasn’t something you could hold just anywhere. The blast radius of a 1,200-pound firework was immense; cities were out of the question, and suitable open spaces were rare. Within the province, only a few places were appropriate.

Two were wastelands with no roads—unfit. Two were tourist areas, large enough but with too many buildings; for example, the roadside near Sanya was lined with hotels, making safety impossible.

But the naval port was different. As a military-controlled area, it had vast open spaces, usually for storing military supplies, and the sea nearby. On one side was the port, with the South Sea Fleet’s warships docked. Most importantly, the port’s significance meant ample hotels and commercial facilities for preparations.

"Alright, everyone get to work. Old Li, Secretary Nong, arrange your tasks quickly. I’ll head to the military district for negotiations."

Everyone nodded, taking the plan and heading out.

Liu Binghe nodded in satisfaction. This festival was vital for the province; he’d worried that someone might oppose it, but even those usually at odds with Fantasy Technology had no objections. Clearly, they understood the big picture—this reassured him greatly.

"Xiao Dong, get the car ready. I’m heading to the naval port!" Liu Binghe said to his secretary, then returned to his office. He was prepared to go all out for the naval port.

(To be continued.)