Early morning.
Chen Mo and Xiao Yu were having breakfast in their room when a knock came at the door. Opening it, they saw Zhao Min walk in, dressed neatly in a professional outfit.
"Isn't today supposed to be your day off? Why the formal look?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow as he sat back down and resumed eating. "Want some breakfast?"
"I was born to work," Zhao Min said coolly. "The New Zealand embassy just reached out—they want to discuss purchasing seismographs."
"So soon?"
Chen Mo was a little surprised. Just yesterday, he'd casually mentioned during the press conference that the seismograph was open for export, and already New Zealand was reaching out. It showed just how eager they were.
Then again, it made sense. As an island nation in an active earthquake zone, New Zealand suffered significant losses from earthquakes every year. A massive one triggering a tsunami would be catastrophic.
"I've informed you, so—after breakfast, do you want to come along?" Zhao Min asked.
"What for? It's just business negotiations. You're more than enough to handle that. Take Xiao Yu with you—I'll stay out of the spotlight," Chen Mo replied without hesitation.
"Alright." Zhao Min sat on the sofa and quietly waited.
Soon, Xiao Yu finished her breakfast, changed clothes, and left with Zhao Min.
At the New Zealand Embassy, Ambassador Michael MacKang checked the time and glanced at the door.
Yesterday's announcement about the seismograph's exportability had been a bombshell. That same evening, his government instructed him to contact Marching Ant Company immediately.
After witnessing the destruction from earthquakes and tsunamis in neighboring island nations, the people of New Zealand were increasingly anxious. Geographically, the two countries shared many seismic similarities, and local experts had long warned of an impending large-scale earthquake.
Recent research showed that the Hikurangi Subduction Zone was divided into three sections, and if they ruptured simultaneously, it could trigger a magnitude 9.0 earthquake. Worse, such a quake would likely produce a devastating tsunami that could strike within minutes—leaving no time for evacuation.
The moment they learned that Marching Ant's seismograph could provide early warnings, New Zealand saw a glimmer of hope. Every extra second could mean thousands of lives saved.
Since Chen Mo and the company executives were still in the capital, MacKang moved fast to set up the meeting.
When Zhao Min arrived, MacKang greeted her with visible relief and a polite smile. "President Zhao, welcome."
"Hello, Ambassador MacKang," Zhao Min greeted him politely.
"Please, have a seat. I've had breakfast prepared—we can talk over the meal."
In the private reception room, Zhao Min and Xiao Yu took their seats, accompanied only by MacKang and a female translator. The setting was simple but direct.
"According to the news, your company is now exporting the seismograph?" MacKang asked, getting straight to the point.
"Yes," Zhao Min confirmed. "Our domestic orders have been fulfilled, and we are now ready to begin exports."
"That's great news." MacKang smiled warmly. "We're very eager to purchase some. However… is the price negotiable?"
After the translator relayed the message, Zhao Min gave a small shake of her head. "Sorry, Mr. MacKang. The price is fixed. At $50 million USD per unit, it's already quite reasonable."
Her words made MacKang's mouth twitch.
Fifty million? That was hardly cheap. From his perspective, the Marching Ant Company was clearly capitalizing on their exclusive tech.
"We're planning a fairly large purchase. Can't we get a discount for bulk orders?" he tried again.
"Ambassador," Zhao Min replied calmly, "the seismograph isn't a mass-produced, assembly-line product. Bulk orders don't reduce the production cost. If anything, they increase our logistical burden. And I should mention—if other countries place orders before you do, you'll need to wait in line. The price will remain the same."
"This price is a bit steep," MacKang insisted. "If you could lower it to $20 million per unit, we can place the order today."
"Sorry, Ambassador," Zhao Min said without flinching. "Our seismographs are priced equally for all countries—$50 million each, whether it's the United States, Japan, or New Zealand. If you're determined to haggle, I'm afraid this meeting is wasting both our time."
She leaned forward slightly.
"Think about it: If your early-warning system gives just one hour of notice before an earthquake, how many lives could be saved? How much economic loss could be prevented? What's the value of human life compared to a seismograph?"
The room went silent.
MacKang's expression flickered with hesitation. Zhao Min's tone was steady and unwavering. It was clear that Marching Ant Company had no intention of compromising on price—and realistically, they didn't have to.
Even if other countries began researching seismograph tech, it would take years before they could catch up. By then, it might be too late. Earthquakes don't wait.
"If Ambassador MacKang still needs time to consider, then we'll take our leave," Zhao Min stood up. "We have another meeting and will be flying back to Binhai this afternoon. If you wish to continue discussions, you'll have to come to Binhai."
MacKang stood as well. "Understood. I hope we'll meet again soon."
As Zhao Min and Xiao Yu left, MacKang frowned thoughtfully. After a moment, he pulled out his phone.
"Prime Minister, the Marching Ant Company won't budge on the price. They're firm at $50 million per unit."
"Is that so? Understood. Wait for further instructions—I'll contact you when there's a decision."
Back at the hotel, Chen Mo saw the two women return and asked, "How'd it go?"
"Still uncertain," Zhao Min said. "They think the price is too high and want to consider it further. But their intent to buy is strong. After all, we're the only ones with seismographs. That's the benefit of a monopoly—whatever price we set is the price they have to pay."
"How big is the potential order?" Chen Mo asked.
"If New Zealand wants full national coverage, what do you estimate?" she asked.
Chen Mo thought for a moment. "Around fifteen units."
"Add a few more for offshore placements, and they'll probably need around twenty. That's a billion dollars." Zhao Min smiled. "Our customers are entire nations. If we can't make money off this, we're doing something wrong."
Chen Mo laughed and nodded. "There's no such thing as too much money. Besides, they're paying for peace of mind."
"Should we stay in the capital a couple more days and wait for New Zealand's reply?" Zhao Min asked.
"No need," she answered herself. "Who knows how long they'll take to make up their minds? There's no reason to wait around. Our flight is this afternoon. If they're serious, they'll reach out to us."
After Zhao Min left, Chen Mo took Xiao Yu out for a stroll through the capital, picking up a few things along the way.
By afternoon, with still no response from New Zealand, Chen Mo, Zhao Min, and the rest of the team boarded their scheduled flight back to Binhai.