Nick stared at Aaron Owen for a moment after hearing this, then said indifferently, "What you're referring to should be the 'Catalogue of Prohibited and Restricted Export Technologies' issued by our government. But as far as I know, there is no technical control regarding drone control within it."
"Even if there were, we still have the internationalized patents applied for based on this technology. Just selling the authorization or ownership of these patents could bring us a significant income."
"It seems you know about these things."
Aaron was a bit surprised, but he still picked up a document and said, "The one in my hand is an evaluation report on your technology. I believe not only us, but many other companies and departments have it as well."
"Didn't you already say at the press conference that this technology isn't just for the drone field, but can also be used in other areas? For example, the logistics industry, military weapons, and so on."
"Furthermore, your technology involves not only drone control technology but also communication technology, computer application technology, and so on. These are all clearly within the scope of control in the 'Catalogue'."
After listening to what Aaron said, Nick's expression changed slightly. He then leaned back against his chair and looked at Aaron, saying, "Then, Manager Owen, since you know all this, why are you still willing to spend such a high price to acquire this technology?"
"Hehe, this catalogue is only used to control the export of restricted technologies. We are a domestic company, so naturally, we aren't restricted by it," Aaron said with a smile.
Nick sat up straight and looked at him with an unfriendly expression. "In that case, why must we cooperate with you? There are so many domestic companies; we have plenty of options."
"Drone Journey International is the best company in the field of drones. Cooperating with us is your wisest choice," Aaron said to Nick, emphasizing his tone.
"So what? The choice is ours, and it's our freedom to decide who to cooperate with," Nick retorted. He then looked at him and said, "It seems we have a major disagreement. Let's end today's meeting here. We'll take our leave now."
With that, Nick stood up and began packing his things to leave. Seeing this, Tyler and the other two also stood up.
At this moment, Ryan, who had been sitting next to Aaron without saying a word, quickly stood up and spoke, "Hey, hey, Mr. Nicholas, don't be impulsive. We can talk about anything."
"Manager Owen was also just kindly reminding you not to make a mistake. After all, it's easy for our enemies to steal an important technology; we can't let it be snatched away by foreign countries."
"We are all american, so naturally, we should help each other, shouldn't we? Rest assured, if there are any issues with the terms, we can still discuss them. We've come this time with great sincerity."
Hearing Ryan speak, Nick chuckled inwardly. This was truly a classic 'good cop, bad cop' routine. Although there was nothing technically wrong with what Aaron had said, Nick found his arrogant and condescending attitude truly hard to stomach.
Did they really take them for ordinary college students who hadn't seen the world? Thinking they could make him submit with a carrot-and-stick approach—they really looked down on them too much.
Nick looked at the two of them and said solemnly, "First of all, don't try to use moral kidnapping. Compared to patriotism, we college students who have just come out are much cleaner and purer in terms of faith and emotion than you."
"Second, even if we don't cooperate with foreign countries, there are many domestic companies interested in our technology. Whether it's Amazon, Tesla, or even Google and Lockheed, they have all expressed strong intentions to cooperate with us."
"As for you, to be honest, I'm very disappointed. Originally, I had a lot of goodwill and respect for DJI. But now, I'm truly disappointed. Although you have a huge advantage in the drone field, you aren't the only ones. Furthermore, as you mentioned before, our technology isn't limited to the drone field."
"Third, although we are still students who haven't officially entered society, please don't treat us like naive kids who are easily fooled. If you want to talk to us, I hope you can show some sincerity and put yourselves on an equal footing with us, rather than using arrogant preaching and threats."
"I don't think today's meeting can continue. We'll meet again, and I hope by then you can show enough sincerity."
After saying that, Nick turned and walked out, and Tyler and the other three looked at each other and quickly followed.
Watching Nick and the others leave, Ryan, who had been maintaining a smile, immediately turned and snapped at Aaron, "I told you a long time ago that they wouldn't fall for that. You really treated them like wet-behind-the-ears kids who know nothing, or like those tech geeks stuck in labs who don't understand the ways of the world."
"Young people nowadays are much shrewder than you think. Do you really think they're still like we were when we just graduated?"
Aaron didn't say anything to Ryan's complaints. Instead, he sat there staring blankly at the open door, lost in thought.
Walking out of the conference room, Nick actually felt a bit of regret. He wondered if he had gone a bit too far earlier, and if he shouldn't have lost his temper so suddenly and left in a huff.
It seemed he was still too young, losing his composure over just a few words. But then again, for young people like them, anyone would have found it hard to hold back after seeing that man named Owen's arrogant look.
Seeing him stop, Tyler stepped forward and asked, "Barney, are you okay?"
Nick looked at the three of them, who were full of concern, and shook his head. "I'm fine. I was too emotional just now. I'm sorry I messed up the negotiation."
"Hey, why are you saying that? I also found that guy named Owen very annoying. Damn it, does he really think we can't do without him?" Tyler waved his hand.
Zack handed him a cigarette and said, "It was a bit impulsive, but it's no big deal. I'm actually a bit confused about that 'Catalogue' you mentioned. Can we really not sell our technology abroad anymore?"
Nick lit the cigarette and took a puff. "Not necessarily; it depends on the field. Some are absolutely prohibited from export, while others are restricted. For instance, we could use another form, like licensing or selling products."
"The specifics depend on the materials we submit and how the authorities review them. If it's just those 16 technical patents we applied for based on this technology, exporting them shouldn't be much of a problem."
"Even if it's prohibited, it's fine. If foreign markets are out, there's still the domestic one. Plenty of people want to cooperate with us," Tyler comforted him with a smile.
Nick nodded. After thinking for a while, he looked at the three of them and said, "Whatever. Let's pack our things tomorrow and head back to Atlanta first to prepare for our thesis defense. We'll consider this matter after the defense is over; there's no rush for these few days."
"Okay." The three of them nodded.