Chapter 53: Victory Banquet

Walking out of the deliberation hall, Qian Wenbing hurried to catch up.

"Old Xu, let's discuss something."

Xu Dongguo didn't stop walking, acting as if he hadn't heard a thing.

He didn't need to think twice to know what the other man wanted to say.

"Old Xu, don't walk so fast!"

Catching up to Xu Dongguo, Qian Wenbing said, "I don't mean anything by it, but in the future, let's keep each other in the loop!"

Xu Dongguo looked at him with suspicion.

"Am I going to lie to you? The Chief already said that since the young comrade is stationed with you, I can't exactly snatch him away, can I? Besides, the 956E has been successfully optimized. Your Northern Fleet is currently the weakest among the three fleets; you really do need to pick up the pace."

Seeing Qian Wenbing's sincere expression, Xu Dongguo almost thought he had misheard.

Had he taken the wrong medicine?

Before the meeting, he was practically itching to roll up his sleeves and fight me!

Xiao Chongjun also chimed in.

"Old Xu, let's discuss something. The optimization of my 956E in the Eastern Fleet also needs to be put on the agenda sooner rather than later. When do you think you can have the young comrade bring people over for a visit?"

"I have to consult with Comrade Su Dingping. I really can't make the decision on this matter myself."

"Old Xu, that's not fair. The Chief has already spoken; would I really hold onto him and refuse to return him?"

Xiao Chongjun's face darkened, thinking Xu Dongguo was being stingy and reluctant to let the man go.

Xu Dongguo said helplessly, "I received word recently that the second phase of the course the young comrade is teaching Professor 18 at the 335 Research Institute is about to begin. I really can't say whether he'll have time then."

Xiao Chongjun pressed further, "What second phase course? Don't tell me that conquering the 956E was only the first phase?"

Xu Dongguo nodded.

Qian Wenbing and Xiao Chongjun looked at each other, completely stunned.

The Northern Fleet is moving way too fast; at least wait for us!

Although the 956E sent to the Southern Fleet had already been optimized, the researchers at the Southern Sea Military Base were still completely in the dark regarding the relevant core technologies.

Qian Wenbing couldn't possibly accept just the warship without the technology.

Immediately after, Xu Dongguo added, "The Chief himself said that we must give the young comrade sufficient authority and enough room to operate. I can't exactly be barking orders at him."

Seeing that Xu Dongguo had even brought up Liu Huaming, Xiao Chongjun knew that the possibility of Su Dingping coming in person was slim.

But thinking of his own 956E, he still said, "Old Xu, then I'll send people over to learn when the time comes."

"Old Xiao, the first phase of the course has already ended. I doubt they'll be rehashing old material."

The words Xiao Chongjun was about to say were swallowed back down. "Fine then, you handle the negotiations for this matter."

"Deal!"

"Old Xu, make sure to get a copy of the relevant core technologies when the time comes," Qian Wenbing called out.

"No problem."

With that, Xu Dongguo strode away.

He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, the two of them would come up with even more demands.

Seeing Xu Dongguo slip away so quickly, the two men could only smile bitterly.

"This Old Xu is getting craftier by the day. We didn't hear a single whisper of this beforehand."

"It's better that we didn't know. A genius like the young comrade must be kept under high secrecy, otherwise, trouble could arise easily," Xiao Chongjun lamented. "Our Navy cannot afford such a loss."

As soon as he boarded the private jet, Xu Dongguo immediately contacted Zhou Qinglei.

Upon learning that the 956E had just arrived at the port and had not yet departed, he hurriedly gave several instructions.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Dongguo's eyes gleamed with a strange light.

"A celebration banquet tonight? And Dingping is treating?"

As he thought about it, a smile crept onto the corners of his mouth.

He turned to his guard and said, "Go and help me prepare some things."

***

On the other side, after receiving Xu Dongguo's notice, Zhou Qinglei immediately found Sun Yongguo and explained the situation.

"The Chief said we need to coordinate this with Dingping?"

"Yes, Dean Sun."

After a moment of thought, Sun Yongguo realized that Xu Dongguo was placing increasing importance on Su Dingping.

"Indeed. These core technologies were all conquered by Dingping. It is indeed necessary to inform him before bringing a copy to the Southern Fleet."

"Alright, I'll go talk to Dingping about this." After a pause, Sun Yongguo added, "Also, since they are departing tomorrow, they should stay tonight for a celebratory drink."

"If Chief Qian asks about it, just say there is too much data and it will take time to organize and photocopy."

"Yes, Dean Sun!" Zhou Qinglei grinned.

When Sun Yongguo found Su Dingping and explained his purpose, Su Dingping agreed immediately.

The more people who could master the core technology of the 956E, the greater the chain reaction it would inevitably trigger.

If they could all be like Lyu Guangjun and the others from the 408 Research Institute—using the core technology of the 956E to forge a path belonging to the Navy itself—then everything would be worth it.

If time weren't so tight, Su Dingping really wanted to hold a massive lecture and pull in every suitable professor to attend.

Others could study, ponder, and comprehend slowly, but he couldn't; he had to be the one leading the way at the front.

Subsequently, he handed a card to Sun Yongguo. "Dean Sun, deduct all expenses from this. It's 200,000; that should be enough."

"Dingping, this won't do. How can we use your money?"

"Dean Sun, when I accepted that reward the other day, I promised to treat everyone once the task was accomplished. You can't let me break my word, can you?"

Sun Yongguo shook his head repeatedly. "But there's no logic in a person in charge paying for it themselves. If the Chief finds out, he'll be furious with me. This meal should be our treat to you!"

"Dean Sun, let's settle it this way. Otherwise, the second phase of the course won't happen."

"This..."

"Don't be stingy. Spend it generously and let everyone eat well. There are even more difficult hurdles waiting for us ahead."

As he spoke, Su Dingping pressed the card into Sun Yongguo's hand and pushed him out.

Clutching the card, Sun Yongguo sighed helplessly, "What a situation!"

***

That evening, a large marquee was set up on the grounds next to the 956E, containing thirty-two large round tables.

Outside the marquee, the winter wind was biting, but inside, it was steaming and warm.

The 296 officers and soldiers from the 956E stood outside the marquee waiting.

Finally, Su Dingping, Sun Yongguo, and the others arrived.

Zhou Qinglei shouted, "All personnel, salute—!"

After returning the salute, Su Dingping said, "Everyone, please head inside."

Zhou Qinglei remained standing there. "Comrade Su Dingping, please lead the way!"

Sun Yongguo and the others also said, "Dingping, please."

Seeing that no one would move unless he did, Su Dingping had no choice but to enter the marquee first.

Following him, Sun Yongguo led seventeen professors from the 335 Research Institute, and Zhou Qinglei led the 295 naval officers and soldiers inside.

Glancing at the dishes on the tables, Su Dingping was momentarily surprised.

In addition to many Qingdao specialties, there were also many dishes from Beijing. In the center of each large round table sat a hot pot, with beef and mutton piled high. Beside the tables were crates of Erguotou liquor.

Pointing at the Beijing roast duck, the hot pot, and other Beijing specialties, Su Dingping asked, "Dean, this..."

"It's the dead of winter; eat something warm."

Su Dingping clearly didn't believe him; a hot pot and a traditional hot pot were two different things.

"The Chief told me before that you grew up in Beijing. The food at our base is mediocre, so we specially prepared some Beijing cuisine this time."

Just as Su Dingping was about to speak, Sun Yongguo interjected, "Don't worry, it's all being deducted from the card."

"Does everyone have food?"

"Yes!"

"That's good," Su Dingping smiled.

Once everyone was seated, Su Dingping said, "Everyone, eat your fill! The alcohol is unlimited, and the food is plenty!"

Suddenly, Zhou Qinglei, who was sitting at the same table as Su Dingping, opened a bottle of Erguotou, poured a full cup with a series of gulps, and then stood up with his bowl, shouting

"All personnel!"

Immediately, the 295 naval officers and soldiers poured themselves a cup and stood up with their drinks.

"Comrade Su Dingping, for this first drink, I and the 295 brothers toast to you!"

Huh?

So soon?

Su Dingping was stunned.

He was just about to suggest using tea instead of alcohol, but he saw Professor Zhang Gongnong opening a bottle of Erguotou himself and pouring it for Su Dingping.

"Professor Zhang, you shouldn't..."

"How can a man not drink a little? It's the middle of winter; drink some to warm your body."

The sound of the liquor being poured made Su Dingping's heart tremble.

*At least let me eat a bite of food to settle my stomach first!*