HLM -Chapter 741 A New Member Arrives at the Castle

After hearing Bartier’s explanation, Wang Bo decisively refused, “Then why buy it? Let’s just look at the EC120.”

Bartier had no choice but to explain from a more professional perspective: “Civilian helicopters are not military ones. Flying fast or far doesn’t automatically make them better. Why would you need to fly that high? Who would want to shoot you down?”

“The 135 can be seen as an upgraded version of the 120, though that description isn’t entirely accurate. But the 135 is indeed far superior to the 120. Take the engine, for instance—it uses a Turbomeca-ARRIUS-2B2 engine, which offers high load capacity and low noise. The cockpit is comfortable and spacious, and the cabin can accommodate eight seats.”

“It also uses a low-noise shrouded tail rotor, asymmetrically arranged, with optional night vision systems and a color electronic terrain system. It’s safe, reliable, and cost-effective.”

The Private Helicopter Association’s website was very well-designed. By selecting two helicopters, one could compare them comprehensively at a glance.

Wang Bo shook his head: “I’ll still choose the 120. I don’t need eight seats.”

“Alright, then let me introduce the 120. It’s also a very good choice. It has top-notch design and one particularly great feature: a spherical flexible main rotor with three high-performance composite blades and a new low-noise shrouded tail rotor. It’s equipped with a reliable high-power engine and advanced electronic systems. It’s widely used for law enforcement patrols, official transport, general aviation, medical evacuation, and training. It’s currently one of the most advanced ********** in the world…”

The EC120’s biggest advantage, of course, was its price. Wang Bo currently only had a little over ten million New Zealand dollars. After buying a helicopter, he wouldn’t even have ten million left, so he had to spend carefully.

Of course, he still had a stash of gold and silver in his treasure room. But as the saying goes, gold in times of chaos, antiques in times of peace. Gold is hard currency, so it’s wise to keep some for emergencies; he had no plans to sell anytime soon.

Even after modifications, the EC120 cost only 2.24 million NZD—an acceptable price for Wang Bo. After learning about it, he decided to buy this helicopter.

Another particularly good thing about this helicopter is its “Chinese lineage.” It was jointly developed by China, France, and Singapore. Specifically, it was handled by the European Helicopter Company headquartered in France, the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation, Harbin Aircraft Industry Co., and Singapore Aerospace Company.

In other words, the helicopter could be equipped with a Chinese-language cockpit system, making it convenient for Wang Bo to learn to fly.

Bartier, being a board member of the Private Helicopter Association, could offer Wang Bo some perks when buying this helicopter. The price remained the same, but he could get a leather interior and aviation insurance for free.

The most important perk for Wang Bo, however, was the expedited delivery. The helicopter would be shipped from the French headquarters to New Zealand for modification and could be delivered in as fast as half a month.

After paying a deposit of 880,000 NZD, a white helicopter was packed into a transport crate. All that was left for him now was to wait.

Bartier finished his promise and looked at Wang Bo expectantly: “I’ve never had a grand feast—what kind of feast is it?”

Wang Bo snapped his fingers: “You’re going to love it—a lake-fresh seafood feast!”

Bartier looked disappointed: “Oh, fish from a lake? Honestly, I’m not much of a fan. Seafood from the ocean is fine, though.”

Wang Bo laughed: “I hope you keep that attitude tomorrow at noon.”

The next day was Saturday. He had mentioned earlier that they would go fishing for fish, shrimp, and crabs in the morning to prepare a grand feast to welcome Bartier. So early in the morning, a big group of people arrived.

Anderson and writer Hill also came. Wang Bo was surprised: “How did you know I was hosting a meal?”

“Hosting a meal isn’t a big deal. We heard you have particularly good seafood. Damn it, I’ve had plenty of beef and lamb in Sunset Town, but never seafood,” Hill said, his chubby face quivering with excitement.

Atulu enthusiastically grabbed a bucket. As he walked through the yard, a bird dropped its mess right in front of him. He angrily looked up, then exclaimed in surprise: “Boss, Kūkū!”

Wang Bo scowled: “Kūkū? Speak properly—who are you trying to charm?”

“No, I mean Kūkūpa.”

“Stop trying to act cute. What exactly are you saying?”

Atulu was about to lose his mind: “No, Boss! Look! I mean Kūkū has arrived here! When did it appear?”

Wang Bo looked up and saw several pigeons perched in the trees. Of course, this was normal—the castle’s trees were long home to snow pigeons. But these weren’t snow pigeons.

Compared to snow pigeons, these pigeons were larger—each about three to four times the size and weight of a snow pigeon. And unlike snow pigeons, which are purely white, these pigeons were beautiful.

The flock’s feathers shimmered in metallic green, gold, and brown hues, with white feathers on their chests, looking down at the people like handsome elites observing commoners.

Wang Bo thought, compared to snow pigeons, these were definitely the “high-class elites” of the pigeon world.

“This is Kūkū? I never noticed them before. When did they arrive?”

“Yes, Kūkū,” Atulu spelled it out for him, and Wang Bo finally understood that the Māori wasn’t trying to act cute.

“That’s their Māori name, right? What’s the scientific name?”

Atulu said, “Māori name Kūkū, scientific name Kūkūpa—kūkupa.”

“Step aside. These are wood pigeons, New Zealand wood pigeons.” The knowledgeable Hani walked over, glanced at them, and said dismissively.

Pigeons are a large family with many species worldwide. Wood pigeons are a significant branch of the pigeon family, with many subspecies. The main characteristic of wood pigeons is their large size.

New Zealand wood pigeons belong to this group. They are found on both the South and North Islands of New Zealand. The Māori first discovered them, calling them Kūkū or Kūkūpa.

Wang Bo found them beautiful and asked in surprise: “Why didn’t I see them before? When did they come?”

“Not sure. Probably related to the clouds that have recently appeared around the castle. Wood pigeons are strong and noble, and they like soaring in the high sky. They usually live in misty mountain forests. Perhaps the clouds outside the castle attracted them,” Atulu explained.

Hani laughed loudly: “Atulu, have you been reading too much inspirational fluff? ‘Noble and high-soaring’? They go live on mountaintops because people constantly hunt them. For survival, they have no choice but to live in remote areas!”

“But indeed, over the past hundred years, they have developed the habit of living in cloud-covered forests. That part Atulu didn’t get wrong—they were likely attracted by the clouds,” Hani added.