Return to 2000: Captain of the Great Powers

"Today's special news, the British Rolls-Royce spokesperson announced that a major breakthrough has been made in the development of a new engine, and it is expected to complete commercial operation within three to five years."

In the chairman's office of Hanjing Guoda Airlines, Yue Sheng watched the news broadcast on TV, and the muscles on his face couldn't help twitching. In the end, he sighed and pressed the call bell, and the secretary quickly pushed the door open But in: "Chairman, are you calling me?"

Yue Sheng supported his forehead: "Well... you can contact Jianchuan Airlines, and all the bureau representatives who have been linked to Spring Airlines before will deal with it."

The secretary was stunned: "Chairman, although we control Jianchuan Airlines, most of the time, we don't intervene in the affairs of Jianchuan Airlines. That's what was written in the agreement when we bought shares."

"That was in normal times. At special times, National Airline can directly control Jianchuan Airlines. Forget this supplementary clause?"

"Special moment?" The secretary didn't understand: "Does it mean now? Chairman, is there any problem?"

According to the feedback from all parties, there seems to be no special news about Jianchuan Airlines.

"That's right, it's now. Just tell Jianchuan that if you don't deal with those bureau representatives as soon as possible, someone will take care of him."

The secretary was not an ordinary person either, so he turned his head: "Chairman, is it related to Xu Cang? If it was him, he asked those bureaus to resign on his behalf."

"Then do as Xu Cang wants."

"But Jianchuan reported that they have reached a settlement with Xu Cang, and they will compensate for the loss caused by the death of the captain. Xu Cang should have accepted it."

This time Yue Sheng was stunned: "Is there such a thing? Is Xu Cang so talkative?"

The secretary lowered his voice a little: "It was Mr. Shen who stood at the gate of Chunxia Airlines for nearly six hours."

Yue Sheng suddenly realized, and nodded: "It seems that Jianchuan Airlines is not all stupid. However, this is not enough. In addition to compensating for the loss of Spring and Summer Airlines, the representatives of the bureau should also deal with it, and it must be done quickly, preferably within two days. Within. But how do you communicate with those bureau representatives in private, anyway, after two days, those bureau representatives of Jianchuan Airlines must resign, understand?"

After finishing speaking, Yue Sheng was afraid that the people of Jianchuan Airlines would not know the seriousness of the matter, so he added: "Tell them clearly, I am the one who explained it."

Seeing Yue Sheng's solemn appearance, the secretary naturally didn't dare to neglect: "Okay, I'll do it now."

"One more thing." Yue Sheng greeted the secretary: "Just go and hand over the chief financial officer and the strategy department."

Since Yi Feng left, the position of head of the strategy department has been vacant.Yue Sheng was obviously still not used to this kind of situation, sometimes he would say the wrong thing.

"The chief financial officer, I see." The secretary asked, "What if the chief financial officer asks?"

Yue Sheng finally showed a smile: "Hey, I'm going to spend a lot of money in Japan soon, so I naturally want to ask the opinion of the person in charge of the money bag. You go, as long as the chief financial officer has nothing important to do, let him Come here immediately."

The secretary nodded with a vague understanding, and then left Yue Sheng's office.

When the secretary left, Yue Sheng muttered to himself: "The fierce tiger descends the mountain, the blue dragon goes out to sea, he has finally become a climate."

In the chairman's office of Muhua Airlines headquarters in Yangcheng, Ma Cheng tapped the desktop with his right hand, and rhythmic voices echoed in the empty chairman's office.

Opposite him, the secretary was reporting on his recent work.

About 5 minutes later, Ma Cheng suddenly stopped his tapping and raised his eyelids: "You mean that National Airlines is willing to negotiate on the permanent stationing of A380 in Hanjing?"

"That's right, it's the notification I just received." Apparently, even the secretary didn't expect such a result: "There is another matter, not only the resident presence in Hanjing, but even the future operation of the A380 in Europe and America can be discussed. "

Ma Cheng's right hand immediately clenched into a fist: "I didn't want to talk about anything before, but now I can talk about anything."

The secretary whispered: "Yes, according to the feedback from Hanking, Air China is willing to make a lot of concessions. According to this situation, the A380 matter has a lot to do. Chairman, this matter is not normal."

This secretary followed Ma Cheng when he was still a middle-level cadre, so he didn't have too much restraint in speaking.

It was precisely because he had access to many high-level things that the secretary could not figure out the sudden concession of National University Airlines.

If Muhua Airlines wants to make money, Guoda Airlines will not take care of it. They don't care about these things.However, if Muhua Airlines wants to expand its influence, especially with the help of the Universiade and the Olympic Games to increase its external influence, it will touch the bottom line of National University Airlines. This is the reason why National University Airlines has always refused to make concessions.

But without any warning, really without any sign, the attitude of National University Airlines took a 180-degree turn, which is too weird.

"Chairman, it's you."

Ma Cheng rubbed his temples: "If I have such a strong means, will I still be hindered everywhere now?"

When Ma Cheng was in charge of the strategy department, he felt that as long as he sat in a certain position, he would automatically gain the corresponding authority.As a result, when he really took over the chairmanship of Muhua Airlines, he found that things were not that simple at all.

Si Weimin left a little too hastily, and didn't plow the land again for Ma Cheng, so that Ma Cheng couldn't even be said to be in command in Muhua headquarters, and some departments obediently obeyed his orders, which caused him a lot of headaches.

In addition, the three major branches are also quite tricky.

At his inauguration ceremony, only the Tianning branch sent a representative to congratulate him. The Hanjing branch, not to mention the boss Cheng Qiming, was unwilling to even send someone over symbolically. As for the Xianchi branch, it is now in the Go to the split process.

However, the Xianchi branch is too big and closely connected with Muhua headquarters, so it will take almost half a year just to split it off.

Prior to this, the profit of the Xianchi branch was quite good.Although Ma Cheng felt a pity that such a blood pack was missing, but it was barely acceptable to be able to go directly to such a serious problem.

In short, now that Ma Cheng is in trouble at home and abroad, he feels that he is not as good as he used to be when he was in charge of the strategy department.

Only at this time can Ma Cheng deeply appreciate Si Weimin's ability.Before, no matter what he said, with the backing of Si Weimin, it was fine to make a fuss in Muhua Airlines.Once Si Weimin left, even if he was promoted, he would not be able to hold down the people below.

The secretary knew Ma Cheng's distress, so he couldn't accept this.

After a while, Ma Cheng adjusted his mood: "Go and find out about Luo Luo's news and see if there are any major changes, about the engine."

"As for the engine, it was reported on the news just now that Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000 engine has made a major breakthrough."

"That's it." Ma Cheng waved his hand: "Someone has paved the way for us, so let's talk about it. You inform the person who presided over the negotiation in Hanjing, and summarize the conditions of Guoda Airlines to me."

The secretary didn't quite understand who was helping Muhua, but he didn't ask too much, and it wasn't his turn to ask about it.So, the next words: "I know."

"By the way, Zheng Yuanming from Jianchuan base is here."

"Now?"

"That's right, right now, let him fly over on the nearest flight." Ma Cheng pondered for a moment: "Also, let the manager of the human resources department come over too."

Regarding the fact that Ma Cheng wanted the boss of the Jianchuan base to come over, the secretary had some guesses, especially since Ma Cheng also asked the boss to come over.

However, the secretary still asked cautiously: "Chairman, call for HR."

For this subordinate who has been with him for a long time, Ma Cheng did not hide anything, but said coldly: "Layoffs!"

Compared with Yue Sheng and Ma Cheng, the atmosphere in the Pratt & Whitney headquarters in the United States, which has already fallen into the night, is a bit depressing.Not long ago, after Rolls-Royce officially announced that the Trent 1000 had made a major breakthrough, angry roars came from the president's office from time to time.

In the office, Clark's face was ashen, and there was a document on his desk.Compared with the brief content in the news, the content of this document is more detailed. At least it mentions that the key to the Trent 1000's major breakthrough lies in the completion of a flight test.

"Xu Cang!" Clark took off his glasses, but the more he thought about it, the more angry he became, and he slapped the table hard, making a muffled sound.

"As for being so angry?" However, in this oppressive atmosphere, a frivolous voice suddenly sounded in the office.Clark looked up and found that General Dynamics CEO Yu Chen was leaning against the door of the office at some time, looking at himself with great interest.

Clark and Yuchen had a mediocre personal relationship at first, but they got together only because of some business cooperation.This kind of cooperation is reciprocal, and no one is begging for the other.Seeing Yu Chen laughing at him, Clark's face became even colder: "Are all the people in GM so rude? Don't you need to knock to enter the office?"

Yu Chen was taken aback for a moment, and then laughed loudly: "It seems that you are really angry, and you have already started talking nonsense."

Yu Chen didn't care about Clark's warning at all, and walked into the office leisurely holding a document, his eyes were quickly locked on the report on the Trent 1000 on the table.

Clark didn't hide it. These are relatively obvious news. If GM wants to understand, it doesn't take much effort.

"Trent 1000? Tsk tsk tsk, when did Luo Luo's scientific research capabilities become so strong? Not long after the Trent 900 was commercially available, the Trent 1000 completed its flight test. This speed"

Seeing Yu Chen's strange appearance, Clark was even more furious, and sneered, "Is the Trent 1000 a threat to me alone? I don't think I'm talking nonsense, it's you, Rick!"

Hearing Clark calling his English name, Yu Chen showed a hint of displeasure on his face: "I said before, I hate people calling me by this name."

"I also hate when someone puts a smiling face in front of me when I'm angry." Clark confronted, not giving Yu Chen any face at all.

Yu Chen frowned, and then opened his arms as if changing his face: "Why can't I laugh, isn't this a very interesting thing?"

"Is the Trent 1000 coming out any good news?"

Yu Chen curled his lips, approached Clark, and whispered with a smile: "Do you know the biggest difference between General Dynamics and Pratt & Whitney?"

Clark looked at Yu Chen with some disgust, but didn't speak.

Seeing that Yu Chen was quite proud, he clapped his hands: "We have CFM56, but you don't."

Hearing this, Clark's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot, and he cursed a word starting with F.

CFM56 is the first-generation civil aviation artifact, the best-selling civil aviation engine in the world today.While it's not the most advanced, it's the toughest, most durable, and extremely receptive.Just relying on the CFM56 engine, General Dynamics is basically guarding Jinshan, and it is making money.

The strength of Pratt & Whitney Power is not inferior to that of General Dynamics, but it lacks a best-selling product such as CFM56.

Owning CFM56 means that General Dynamics can maintain a relatively stable profit income for a long period of time, which is Yuchen's confidence.

Yes, the emergence of the Trent 1000 is not good news for General Dynamics.However, General Dynamics has food at home, so it doesn't panic.Of course, Pratt & Whitney has developed well in recent years, and the capital chain is still relatively sufficient. However, those who do not seek the overall situation are not enough to seek one area. Pratt & Whitney Power does not have a cornucopia like CFM56, so it must always have a sense of crisis. Something that annoyed Clark.

In the past period of time, Pratt & Whitney maintained its suppression of Rollo.However, with the extraordinary development speed of the Trent 1000, how long this advantage can be maintained is really a question mark.

Yu Chen finished complacent, and got down to business: "So, the major breakthrough of the Trent 1000 lies in the completion of the flight test ahead of schedule. The prototype just came out, and they dared to go to the sky after a little adjustment. They really dare."

"Someone gave them confidence." Clark gritted his teeth: "Xu Cang, he is the one who broke the balance."

When Xu Cang was mentioned, Yu Chen's expression became a little more serious: "The test flight of the Trent 1000 prototype seems to be going well this time, so it should have nothing to do with Xu Cang."

"But it was still successful. Whether it was the Boeing 777 or the Trent 1000. Yes, the test flights of the Boeing 777 and the Trent 1000 were actually very smooth. There is no difference in the results with or without him. However, both Boeing and Rolls-Royce Trusting him, doesn't that mean anything?" Clark said in a deep voice, "I don't care if he is really capable or lucky, but this person is very important, very important."

Boeing and Luo Luona are not small workshops. Their evaluation departments have not evaluated Xu Cang, nor have they estimated the risks.They dared to let Xu Cang take a test flight, which in itself was a kind of recognition.

Two giant companies have made the same choice, and the results are satisfactory, which is already quite convincing.

"What do you mean, what you promised before?" Yu Chen immediately asked.

Before that, Clark promised Yu Chen not to hand over the planetary gear technology to Xu Cang easily.Just hearing Clark's tone now, how does Yu Chen feel that Clark's thoughts may change?

Clark thought for a while, with a solemn face, very solemn: "Yu Chen, do you think it is impossible for him to become our exclusive test pilot? Have you made any conditions for him?"

"I mentioned it." Yu Chen snorted, thinking of the unpleasant experience before, he was a little dissatisfied: "This kid doesn't take hard things, and he has too much sense of family and country, he seems to be a little disgusted with us."

"Family and country consciousness, you mean he is obsessed with developing his own engines and large trunk liners?"

"That's right." Yu Chen spread his hands, "He's disgusted with us for having a preconceived position."

"Us? Europe and the United States?" Clark thought for a while: "The Boeing 777 flight is not counted. After all, the risk factor was not too high, and it can be understood as a purely commercial cooperation. However, the test flight of the Trent 1000 is actually very risky. Yes. If he inherently dislikes Europe and the United States, why is he willing to take the risk to cooperate with Luo Luo?"

"What kind of benefits did Luo Luo give him?"

Clark snorted, "What Luo Luo can give, but you can't give it?"

Yu Chen was startled, his eyes turned slightly, and he immediately sensed the problem.

If Xu Cang is too obsessed with domestically produced engines and aircraft, then in a sense, Rolls-Royce, GM and Pratt & Whitney should be the same.But Xu Cang accepted Luo Luo's cooperation and rejected GM's cooperation invitation several times. This difference in attitude is indeed problematic.

As Clark said, what Luo Luo can give, he will only give more.If Xu Cang was looking at the benefits and conditions, it shouldn't be what it is now.

Then the only explanation is that Xu Cang had other considerations.

"Is there a possibility." A thought flashed in Clark's mind: "He doesn't want Luo Luo to fall too quickly, and he wants to balance the field of aero engines?"

"Balance?" Yu Chen's face changed: "If it is, then his ambitions are not limited to the so-called domestic engines and large aircraft."

"In the field of aero engines, Luo Luo has been unable to continue. If there are no variables, he will fall behind after a while. He doesn't want this to happen. He wants to use Luo Luo to contain us?" Clark narrowed his eyes slightly: "Only in this way explanation of."

Yu Chen snorted disdainfully: "Then he is looking for his own death."

Clark looked at Yu Chen, and suddenly the scene where he met Xu Cang at the civil aviation conference in Hanjing suddenly appeared in his mind, and he suddenly smiled: "Xu Cang hates you very much, this is probably true. But, don't you hate us, this is probably true It’s going to be a question mark.”

Yu Chen was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

"Yu Chen, Xu Cang has demonstrated his value, so what about the value of my cooperation with you? I haven't seen it yet." Clark said indifferently: "I need a new basis to judge the relationship between GM and Pratt & Whitney."

Yu Chen took a deep breath: "Although everyone is a businessman and a businessman values ​​profits, it's really not a decent thing to be so naked."

"When you lose money and are held accountable by the board of directors, that would be the most disgraceful." Clark closed the report on the table, then leaned on the edge of the table: "Is there anything else?"

This is already a very clear order to evict customers. It seems that the president of Pratt & Whitney Power has lost interest in talking with Yu Chen.

"The value of cooperating with me?" Yu Chen had a gloomy face at first, but soon laughed, and then handed a document in his hand to Clark: "This is where the value lies."

Clark frowned and took the file: "What?"

"Tomorrow's Boeing official announcement." Yu Chen said: "A press conference about the renaming of the Boeing 7E7 project to Boeing 787."

Clark's eyelids jumped wildly, and he directly turned the document to the end. Above it was a brief summary of the manuscript, including the selection of the Boeing 787's preset power system.

"GENx and PW4000-112!" Clark breathed a sigh of relief. Since hearing the news of the Trent 1000 today, he has been depressed, and finally heard some good news: "Is this the final result?"

"Of course not!" Yu Chen said with a smile: "However, since it was clearly mentioned at the press conference, unless it is a major change, it should not change in the future. Of course, the PW4000 engine is still a little old , if possible, based on this, let’s optimize it.”

Clark nodded: "Of course I know that."

According to Yu Chen, the power selection of the Boeing 787 is almost like this.The so-called big change, Clark feels that it will not happen.Given the favorable assessment of Boeing's 787 prospects, PW4000 engine sales should see a new wave of growth.

Anyway, this is really good news.

"What about the planetary gear?"

Before Clark could answer, another person entered the office, but it was Clark's secretary.

"The representative of Airbus needs to find you urgently." The secretary said, "I'll be here soon."

Clark waved his hand: "Let him come over."

After finishing speaking, he looked at Yu Chen and said with a smile, "Thank you for the mediation of General Dynamics, but there are indeed some things right now, if it is convenient."

Yu Chen also knew that it would be inconvenient to stay any longer, so he nodded, "Come visit again later."

Having said all that, Yu Chen didn't hesitate and left the office directly.

As soon as Yu Chen left, Clark directly ordered to the secretary: "In the name of Pratt & Whitney Power, send an invitation to Spring and Summer Airlines for business negotiations."

The secretary was taken aback: "Then General Dynamics."

She knew about the deal between Clark and Yu Chen.Now that Yuchen helped Clark obtain the Boeing 787 project, Clark should keep his promise and keep a distance from Xu Cang.However, Clark's behavior seems to be inconsistent with his agreement with Yu Chen.

"Hmph! Just don't let him know."

The secretary bowed his head and replied: "I know, I will handle it carefully."

"Well, let the Airbus representative come in." Clark waved.

The secretary nodded and quickly left the office.

In the corridor outside, Yu Chen's previous smile had disappeared without a trace. He kept recalling the Trent 1000 report he saw on Clark's desk just now, and the more he thought about it, the more angry he became.So he called his secretary.

Soon, the call was connected: "Go and check the news of the Lolo Trent 1000 now, the more detailed the better."

"Also, did Xu Cang contact Kraft Medical Center?"

There was a pause on the other end of the phone: "Kraft Medical Center has not received any relevant applications."

"Damn it!" Yu Chen cursed and hung up the phone.

However, the moment he hung up the phone, a man with a hurried expression walked towards him. Yu Chen knew this man, and he was the representative of Airbus in the Americas region.

The representative of Airbus Americas looked dignified, without squinting, and passed by Yu Chen without realizing that he missed the CEO of General Dynamics.

"Is he in a hurry?" Yu Chen stopped and looked back at the representative of Airbus Americas.Just from that back view, Yu Chen could feel his impatience: "What happened?"

Under Yu Chen's puzzled eyes, the Airbus representative turned into Clark's office.At this time, Clark had already sat back in his seat. When he heard the movement, he looked up and immediately met the Airbus representative with a serious expression.

"Varrick, what happened?" Clark obviously knew the person in charge of Airbus Americas, and seemed to have a good personal relationship: "You don't look very good."

"Clark, I might need your help with something."

Clark just sat down and stood up, made a cup of coffee for Warrick, added milk, and handed it to Warrick: "Then you need to consider whether I can control that matter. You know, many things It's not for me to decide on my own."

"I know, this is what Toulouse means. There will be formal negotiations in the future. I came here this time to let you know in advance."

"What do you mean by Airbus headquarters?" Clarke's face also became serious: "What is it?"

Varrick took a sip of coffee, put it aside, and immediately asked, "Clark, did Bombardier cooperate with you in the power system of the C-series aircraft?"

Clark nodded: "Yeah, what's wrong?"

"Clark, immediately terminate the cooperation with Bombardier on the C-series aircraft." Varick solemnly said.

"What did you say?" Clark was shocked: "But, we have already signed an agreement, and we will have to pay liquidated damages for terminating the cooperation."

"Regarding this, Airbus will be responsible for liquidated damages. In addition, if you agree, we will take care of Pratt & Whitney to a certain extent in the power selection of subsequent Airbus models."

Clark licked his dry lips. He could tell that Varrick cared a lot about Bombardier, or that Airbus headquarters cared a lot about Bombardier C-series aircraft.However, this made him a little confused.

"If I remember correctly, the sales of Bombardier's C100 aircraft were very poor before. Is it necessary to pay attention to it?"

Previously, Bombardier's C100 basic launch conference created a "myth" of zero sales that day, which can be regarded as a loss of Bombardier's face in the field of regional airliners.Why is Airbus so nervous about such an unusable aircraft?

Or is Airbus overreacting?

However, Warrick gritted his teeth and said: "Bombardier has launched the C130 series with 300 passengers. Doesn't this overlap with the market positioning of our upcoming A319 and A318? They must be severely sanctioned and let them know the main line The market is not something they can come in."

In a community square in Derbyshire, England, Xu Cang, Yang Tian and Deng Peng sat around a stone table, and Xu Cang looked at the pigeons in the square with some boredom.These pigeons are all fat and strong, and they are not afraid of people. It is estimated that they have been fed and shut up by people, and they are used to it.

Yang Tian and Deng Peng met for the first time, and they were both engaged in engines. They shared similar interests, and they chatted speculatively.

The celebration of the Trent 1000 test flight was canceled due to the distress of Rolls-Royce CEO Alan Di.Xu Cang originally wanted to have a good meal with whoring for nothing, but now his dream has been ruined, and he feels very boring.

"Xu Cang, what do you want to eat later?" Deng Peng asked.

"Whatever, as long as it's not a hamburger." Xu Cang scratched his head: "Yang Tian, ​​is this where you usually live?"

Yang Tian nodded: "I have been living here since I entered Luoluo. It is not expensive to rent a house here, and it is not far from the headquarters, so it is convenient to go to work. By the way, I still have a vacant room, and Deng Peng can also live in it." came in."

Xu Cang yawned: "These things are all arranged by you. Luo Luo will give you the subsidy for board and lodging according to the agreement. Whether you want to live together or separate is up to your own decision. I don't care about these. But , since you accepted my conditions, you will come to help me like Deng Peng after you finish your studies."

"That's no problem. Anyway, I originally planned to return to China in a few years. If I followed the way before, I wouldn't be able to learn any core technology here, and they all hide it. You give me this opportunity, and when I return to China I don't have to worry about finding a job anymore." Yang Tian said with a smile.

"Yes, this is indeed just right." Xu Cang thought for a while: "According to the agreement between Luo Luo and me, each of you has a one and a half year study period. During this period, Luo Luo will give all the technology about the three rotors. Professor. However, the study period can be extended to two years at most, after two years, if you haven't learned it yourself, then Luo Luo will not care about it."

"Up to two years is enough!" Yang Tian nodded heavily: "As long as they are willing to teach us the technology."

"If you feel that they have reservations, contact me directly and I will negotiate." Xu Cang added: "By the way, Deng Peng, do you need a translator?"

Deng Peng's English is actually not bad, but after all, unlike Yang Tian who has been abroad all year round, Deng Peng doesn't use English so frequently, and Xu Cang is worried about some language problems.

"No! I just need to get acquainted with it a little bit. My English is not bad." Deng Peng said with a smile: "Also, if there are any language problems, Yang Tian can also help."

At this time, Yang Tian patted his chest: "You can leave it to me."

Xu Cang clapped his hands: "That's fine! Everything has been arranged."

"Xu Cang, what do you say, do you want to play in England? I can be a tour guide." Yang Tian smiled.

"Forget it, no one invited me for dinner, I'd better go back." Xu Cang is still a little interested in eating Badawan, especially since he hasn't seen the Badawan in England, but Luo Luo won't give him this chance .

Xu Cang looked at his watch: "The plane is in six hours. Yang Tian, ​​if there is something delicious nearby, let me make it up for a while, otherwise I will have to eat the plane meal. I don't know if Luo Luo has ordered it for me." First class, it’s better to be on the safe side.”

"Are you in such a hurry?" Yang Tian was a little surprised: "There are still some places in Britain that you can go for a walk."

"There are some domestic matters to be dealt with." Xu Cang said with a smile, "Britain won't slip away here, so come back later."

Deng Peng patted Yang Tian on the shoulder: "Forget it, he is a busy man, so we won't keep him."

"Really?" Yang Tian was a little disappointed, he was only a few years older than Xu Cang, and he still wanted to get close to Xu Cang.

After a moment of silence, Yang Tian suddenly asked: "Xu Cang, I remember that there are three places. There is one more, I haven't seen it before."

"There is one more... I haven't been notified yet, I need to talk about it a little bit." Xu Cang said: "If there is no accident, it should be a college student."

"College students, so young?" Yang Tian was very surprised. Can college students understand this high-end technology? Don't waste the quota.

"Is he very smart?" Deng Peng asked, "For college students, isn't the three-rotor technology too high-end?"

A hint of memory flashed across Xu Cang's face: "Well, she is very smart, very smart!"