Chapter 52: Captain? Where is your nerve, Old Xu!

Just moments ago, Xiao Chongjun and the others were remarking on how the navy had struck gold, with Liu Huaming personally instructing Xu Dongguo to grant Su Dingping full authority so he could operate with a free hand.

The arrival of Xu Dongguo’s guard, however, instantly interrupted their conversation.

Noticing the shift in Xu Dongguo's expression, especially as a document was handed over, the group exchanged suspicious glances.

"Old Xu, what is it?"

Qian Wenbing called out. Previously, he had addressed him by his full name, but now he was using the more familiar "Old Xu."

After swiftly scanning the document, Xu Dongguo looked at Qian Wenbing and said, "The 956E you’ve been asking for will be delivered shortly!"

What?

Qian Wenbing was momentarily stunned, then hurriedly replied, "Old Xu, it’s not that I’m nagging you, but since the young comrade is leading the task force to tackle the 956E, you should give him all the time he needs. There’s no rush for that 956E!"

Before Xu Dongguo could speak, Qian Wenbing quickly added, "Old Xu, if you really feel bad about it, just send both the man and the warship over to me! I’ll oversee the subsequent assembly myself, no need to trouble you!"

Xiao Chongjun immediately chimed in from the side. "Old钱, I could hear your abacus clicking from all the way over here! What's this? Are you saying my Eastern Fleet has no room for talent?"

Hearing this, Xu Dongguo’s brows suddenly twitched. He sensed that the atmosphere was turning somewhat strange.

Having lost his desire to exchange any more pleasantries with the two, Xu Dongguo was saved by Liu Huaming’s timely question.

"Comrade Dongguo, what is it?"

"Chief, I’ve received word that the 956E has been successfully assembled, and field tests have just been completed!" Xu Dongguo explained as he handed over the documents.

"Based on the live testing data, the overall combat capability of the optimized 956E is about thirty percent stronger than the original!"

Thirty percent?

Liu Huaming quickly took the documents and began flipping through them.

After reading, his emotions surged.

One had to realize that compared to all the warships currently in naval service, the 956E was already in a league of its own. For such a formidable warship to gain an additional thirty percent in combat effectiveness after optimization was simply incredible.

Although the original limitations were intentionally engineered flaws left by the Bear Country, this only served to highlight Su Dingping's extraordinary caliber.

He now had a completely new appreciation for Su Dingping's capabilities.

Qian Wenbing and Xiao Chongjun were equally shaken after reviewing the data.

Normally, boosting the combat capability of even a standard warship by thirty percent was an immensely difficult task, let alone a behemoth like the 956E.

In an instant, both men began plotting in their minds.

Qian Wenbing hurriedly said, "Old Xu, when you send the 956E over later, please bring the young comrade along as well. Just in case anything comes up, at least I'll have someone on hand to find out what's going on, right?"

Xiao Chongjun was not about to fall behind.

"Speaking of the 956E, my 956E needs optimization too. Old Xu, see when it's convenient and let the young comrade and his team pay a visit to my side. Don't worry, I guarantee we'll wine and dine him right!"

Xu Dongguo’s face darkened instantly.

What is the meaning of this?

Are they starting to poach people right in front of me?

If I send Su Dingping to your place, will I ever get him back?

Their abacuses are clicking a little too loudly; they aren't treating me like an outsider at all anymore.

"I'm securing benefits for the entire navy, so why are you two scheming against me?"

Xiao Chongjun said earnestly, "Old Xu, saying things like that makes you sound like a stranger. We're all on the same team, after all."

"Old Xiao is right on the mark," Qian Wenbing nodded repeatedly before shifting his tone. "Besides, the young comrade has made such a monumental contribution, instantly catapulting our navy into the modern era. With a merit this immense, you're only giving him a captain's rank? A single First-Class Merit medal? That's far too stingy!"

"Why do talents end up leaving? At a critical juncture like this, you're only giving the young comrade such meager rewards—who do you take us for?"

"Chief, don't you agree?"

With that, Qian Wenbing looked over at Liu Huaming.

Liu Huaming nodded, also feeling that given Su Dingping's massive contribution, the reward was indeed a bit light.

To retain a talent of this caliber, no price was too high.

"Since Old Xu lacks the boldness, I have it! I'll go back and draft a recommendation myself—one nominating the young comrade for the rank of major, and another for a First-Class Merit medal!"

Seeing Liu Huaming's approval, Qian Wenbing put on a deeply aggrieved expression. "We simply cannot mistreat our heroes!"

"Don't be in such a hurry, Old钱. Go back and experience the optimized 956E first; matters on my end are the top priority!" Xiao Chongjun refused to yield. "Just send the young comrade over to my place. Forget about the paperwork, just leave it to me!"

Well!

Xu Dongguo was almost angry enough to laugh.

A moment ago, the two had still exercised some restraint, but now they were openly attempting to poach his man.

"If we're talking about boldness, who among you had the guts to independently order the dismantling of a 956E?" Xu Dongguo retorted. "You two are classic peach-pickers! You want to take the 956E and take the man too, leaving my Northern Fleet to do all the wedding preparations for someone else!"

"If Su Dingping goes to your fleets, it would be nothing short of burying a genius!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was turning sour and the three men looked ready to roll up their sleeves, Liu Huaming immediately intervened.

"Enough! What are you all squabbling about? This is a meeting, and you've already argued twice. If the comrades in the army find out, won't they be laughing at us?"

"The three major fleets share a common destiny of glory and loss—stop drawing lines between yours and mine!"

Chastised by Liu Huaming's reprimand, the three men instantly fell silent.

"The young comrade will remain under Comrade Dongguo's charge!"

"Wait, Chief, Old Xu simply doesn't have the stomach for this," Qian Wenbing said, gritting his teeth. "What if the young comrade doesn't say anything out loud, but feels resentful inside?"

Turning to Xu Dongguo, Liu Huaming’s tone carried a hint of displeasure.

"Comrade Dongguo, based on what I know of you, you should have that much courage."

Xu Dongguo sighed softly and explained, "Chief, this situation is indeed quite tricky. With the external geopolitical situation being so complex lately, I didn't even dare to visit him in person, fearing it might attract unnecessary trouble."

"I've prepared for the worst-case scenario in all of this. If Comrade Su Dingping's identity were to be exposed, using the rank of captain as a cover is much safer than a major. A twenty-year-old major would draw enemy attention far too easily."

"Moreover, I've already instructed Comrade Sun Yongguo to assure Comrade Su Dingping that once our navy rides out these next few years and grows stronger, everything we owe him will be returned tenfold."

After listening to Xu Dongguo's explanation, Liu Huaming nodded thoughtfully.

Looked at from this perspective, Xu Dongguo had indeed considered things quite thoroughly.

"Knowing that you've thought this through puts my mind at ease. In short, one principle stands: we must not wrong the young comrade."

"Yes, Chief!"

"Alright, that settles it then! As for the optimization plan for the other 956E, there's no rush. We'll discuss it whenever the young comrade has time."

Liu Huaming made the final decision. Though Qian Wenbing and Xiao Chongjun were reluctant, they had no choice but to drop the matter.

Pausing for a moment, Liu Huaming continued, "All of you need to step up the pace when you get back. Last year's military parade didn't feature any warships worthy of our strength; we must put on a stunning display during the Navy Anniversary in April."

"It will serve to deter the petty-minded and give the people of the entire country absolute peace of mind!"

The three men chorused, "Yes!"

"Dismissed."

Just as the three were about to stand up, Liu Huaming gave a specific instruction: "Comrade Dongguo, do not neglect any request from the young comrade. Whatever can be resolved, you will handle with full authority; whatever cannot, come to me, and I will find a way."

"Understood, Chief!"