Chapter 160: The All-Star Game Begins

Height: 4.12 meters, Length: 12.3 meters, Wingspan: 20 meters...

Although Jiang Hai already knew the specific data of this behemoth, he still felt a wave of panic. This is an airplane. He had never imagined that one day he would be able to afford something like this. He licked his dry lips and glanced at the shopping guide beside him. I want to read 1ka.

"I want this airplane, but I also need a helicopter. Can you recommend anything?" he asked.

The empty weight of the airplane was over three tons. Just a single flight would cost more in fuel than what Jiang Hai earned from fishing. Therefore, this airplane would only fly once every three to five days, mainly for tasks like spreading medicine and bait.

For patrols, helicopters were cheaper, and their price was more reasonable.

"There are many brands of helicopters. If you plan to use them on your estate, a single one should suffice. Of course, if you want more, we're happy to offer a discount," the salesperson replied, their face brightening at the mention of another helicopter.

Speaking of helicopters, the Bell series is the best. They are spacious, versatile, and come in a variety of models. You won't lose face flying one. If you think the Bell series is too big and cumbersome, the Hummingbird series is also a good option. We also have helicopters from brands like Enstrom, Robinson, McDonnell Douglas, EC, Schwarzer, Sikorsky, and even domestic Chinese manufacturers like AVIC, Jiujiang Red Eagle, and Harbin Aircraft Industry Group. We have them all."

"Harbin?" Jiang Hai was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected to encounter Chinese aircraft here. He'd heard that domestic engines weren't up to par and that even car manufacturers were struggling. But to think that Chinese-made aircraft were now sold in the U.S.! Despite wanting to support domestic products, Jiang Hai couldn't help but feel a little uncertain.

"Yes, from Harbin Aircraft Industry Group. Honestly, Chinese-made products are quite reliable, especially in foreign exchange. I'm not saying this because you're Chinese, but the Harbin Aircraft Industry Group's helicopters are really good. This particular model is considered a light aircraft. It's 13.12 meters long, 3.14 meters high, with a rotor diameter of 10.69 meters. Its empty weight is 1,180 kilograms, takeoff weight 2 tons, and maximum takeoff weight 2.2 tons. Its cruising speed is between 220-240 km/h, and its maximum range is 560 kilometers. It can fly for up to 3.7 hours, which is quite impressive. Compared to the Bell 206, which is similarly priced, this helicopter outperforms it in several areas. The largest Bell 206, the C model, has a takeoff weight of only 1,814 kg and a top speed of 225 km/h. Its cruising range is slightly higher at 620 kilometers, but honestly, if you're patrolling the fishing grounds, does that extra 60 kilometers really matter?"

The salesperson continued, noticing Jiang Hai's growing interest as he glanced over the brochure.

The Bell 206, known as the "sales king" of the helicopter world, was offered in three models. The cheapest, the A model, cost $800,000, while the most expensive C model reached $1.2 million. This helicopter was even more expensive than a fixed-wing aircraft.

There were cheaper options, like the Bell 47, which could be bought for just over $60,000. However, Jiang Hai wasn't interested in it; it was too ugly, and with a maximum takeoff weight of only 1,340 kg and a top speed of 169 km/h, it didn't meet his needs.

After reviewing the Bell 206 and the Harbin Aircraft model, Jiang Hai lost interest in the Bell series.

He looked at the Harbin Aircraft model again. Sure enough, except for the 60-kilometer shorter range compared to the Bell 206C, the Harbin helicopter excelled in other features and was priced at only $650,000. Although more expensive than a fixed-wing aircraft, it was still within Jiang Hai's budget. Most importantly, he recognized the name: Zhi11.

"Damn, Zhi 11!" Jiang Hai muttered under his breath as he saw the name.

"Sir, do you know this aircraft?" the salesperson asked, surprised by his reaction.

"Of course I know... this is it!" Jiang Hai wasn't a military enthusiast, but as an internet user, he'd come across the Zhi-11, a product of China's ambitious aircraft industry. Some military websites even compared it to the Apache, claiming it could challenge the Apache's title as the strongest air-to-ground helicopter. It was a military product, and although some civilian Chinese manufacturers might not be reliable, Jiang Hai trusted military-grade equipment. He had no reservations about purchasing it.

Having made up his mind, Jiang Hai placed the order and paid the deposit.

Now, all he had to do was wait for the two planes to be delivered to his estate. After the final inspection by Bell and Malen Rupert, he could settle the remaining payment. With this major decision behind him, Jiang Hai felt a sense of relief.

After leaving the exhibition hall, Jiang Hai and Moses Adams didn't rush back but took the time to explore the world's largest city. They had no other plans for the day.

Although Jiang Hai had been in the U.S. for a while, he wasn't particularly impressed with the tourism here, but he still wanted to leave some memories of his visit. They visited the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero—the site where the World Trade Center once stood, reduced to ruins after the 9/11 attacks. Now, it was an empty lot with a sign that read "We will never forget," a testament to the deep emotional mark the event left on the American people.

They also visited Longacre Square (better known as Times Square in New York), which, despite its name, had little to do with time. During Chinese New Year, it's filled with people waiting for the bell to ring. After that, they returned to Fifth Avenue, where they had been the day before, not to shop but to enjoy the sights: the Empire State Building, the Public Library, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.

Though there were many art museums and galleries near Central Park, Jiang Hai had little interest in them. He just glanced at them from the outside, dismissing the idea of going in.

After visiting these attractions, it was already evening. Before escorting Moses Adams to the subway station in Flushing, they had an authentic barbecue, and later, Moses Adams took Jiang Hai to Broadway for an opera—well, Jiang Hai slept through the opera.

He had no interest in it, but he was happy. After all, they were out to have fun, and that was what mattered most.

Back at the hotel, Jiang Hai took a shower, then pulled out the business card the girl had given him when he bought the watch. As Moses Adams had advised, he couldn't miss out on such a good opportunity.

Respectful of superstitions, Jiang Hai feared divine punishment for neglecting this chance, so he didn't hesitate to call.

The girl, surprised by the call, eagerly visited Jiang Hai's room. They shared a midnight snack while she explained the functions of the watch in detail. Jiang Hai only grasped the basics—telling the date and time. He wasn't interested in the rest; instead, he was more intrigued by the girl's own personal struggles.

After a night that couldn't be described in words, February 13th arrived, American time. Back in China, it was already February 14th.

Waking up with a different girl in his arms was something Jiang Hai never thought possible. While he didn't expect this to become a regular occurrence, he viewed it as part of his vacation experience. Once back at the manor, he knew he'd return to his usual routine.

After breakfast, he spent some time with the girl before they parted ways at noon. That evening, Jiang Hai had plans to attend the All-Star Weekend, which started with the Celebrity Challenge at 7 PM, followed by the Rookie Challenge at 9 PM.

Tomorrow, the official All-Star festivities would kick off, featuring the Shooting Star Challenge, Skills Contest, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest. While the main event would take place at Madison Square Garden, today's and tomorrow's games would be held at the Brooklyn Barclays Center.

Though the NBA's popularity in the U.S. wasn't as strong as that of football or baseball, it still held a significant place among the four major leagues. With Valentine's Day tomorrow, the combination of the All-Star Game and the romantic holiday had New York buzzing at its peak.

For the first time, Jiang Hai felt that life was truly comfortable.

(To be continued.)