Chapter 52: Captain? Old Xu, where is your courage!

Just moments ago, Xiao Chongjun and the others were still marveling at how the Navy had stumbled upon a treasure; Liu Huaming had even personally instructed Xu Dongguo to give Su Dingping sufficient authority and let him work freely.

However, the arrival of Xu Dongguo's orderly abruptly interrupted their conversation.

Seeing the change in Xu Dongguo's expression, especially when a document was handed over, the group felt a surge of suspicion.

"Old Xu, what's wrong?" Qian Wenbing called out.

Previously, he had addressed him as Xu Dongguo, but now he was already calling him "Old Xu."

After quickly skimming through the document, Xu Dongguo said to Qian Wenbing

"The 956E you promised will be sent over in a moment!"

What?

Qian Wenbing froze for a second, then hurriedly said, "Old Xu, I'm not trying to criticize you, but if a young comrade is leading a team to tackle the 956E, you should give him time to take it slow. There's no rush for that 956E!"

Just as Xu Dongguo was about to speak, Qian Wenbing added another sentence.

"Old Xu, if you truly feel bad about it, just send both the man and the warship over to me! I'll oversee the subsequent assembly myself; there's no need to trouble you!"

Beside them, Xiao Chongjun immediately chimed in.

"Old Qian, I can hear your gears turning from here! What, is there no room for talent in my Eastern Fleet?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Dongguo's eyebrows shot up; he sensed that the atmosphere was becoming awkward.

Having lost interest in talking further with the two, Xu Dongguo happened to be asked by Liu Huaming

"Comrade Dongguo, what is it?"

"Chief, I received news that the 956E assembly was successful, and the field tests have just been completed!" Xu Dongguo explained while handing over the data.

"According to the field test data, the optimized 956E's overall combat capability is about thirty percent stronger than the original 956E!"

Thirty percent?

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

After reading, his heart raced with emotion.

One had to realize that compared to all the warships currently in service in the Navy, the 956E was already a standout! For such a powerful 956E to increase its combat effectiveness by thirty percent after optimization was simply incredible.

Although this was a result of the Russians intentionally tampering with the original specs, it also proved that Su Dingping's level was indeed exceptionally high.

He gained a new understanding of Su Dingping's abilities.

After reading it, Qian Wenbing and Xiao Chongjun were equally shaken.

Under normal circumstances, it was extremely difficult to increase the combat capability of even an ordinary warship by thirty percent, let alone the 956E.

For a moment, both men were filled with ambition.

Qian Wenbing said quickly, "Old Xu, when you send the 956E over later, please bring the young comrade along as well. Just in case something happens, I'll need someone to help me understand the situation, right?"

Xiao Chongjun was not to be outdone.

"Speaking of the 956E, my 956E also needs optimization. Old Xu, see when it's convenient and have the young comrade and his team come to my place. Don't worry, I guarantee he'll be treated to the best food and drink!"

Xu Dongguo's face instantly darkened.

What was the meaning of this?

They were already starting to poach people?

If Su Dingping was sent to them, would he even be able to get him back?

Every single one of them was calculating so brazenly; they didn't treat him like an outsider at all.

"I am working for the benefit of the Navy, yet you two are aiming your schemes at me!"

Xiao Chongjun said earnestly, "Old Xu, don't be so formal. We're all on the same side."

"Old Xiao is right!"

Qian Wenbing nodded repeatedly, then shifted the topic.

"Besides, the young comrade has made such a massive contribution, single-handedly pushing our Navy into modernization. For such a great merit, you're only giving him the rank of Lieutenant? A First-Class Merit medal? That's too stingy!"

"Why do talents keep running away? At a critical juncture like this, you're only giving the young comrade these meager benefits? Who do you think you're looking down on?"

"Chief, wouldn't you agree?"

As he spoke, Qian Wenbing looked toward Liu Huaming.

Liu Huaming nodded; he also felt that the rewards for Su Dingping's massive contribution were indeed a bit lacking.

To retain such a talent, no amount of expenditure was worth too much.

"If Old Xu doesn't have the courage, I do! I'll draft an application as soon as I get back. One for the young comrade's promotion to Major, and one for a First-Class Merit medal!"

Seeing Liu Huaming's approval, Qian Wenbing put on an air of righteous indignation.

"We cannot mistreat those who have served with distinction!"

"Old Qian, don't be in such a rush. Go back and experience the optimized 956E first; the matters on my end are the top priority!" Xiao Chongjun was equally assertive. "Let the young comrade bring his team to my place. As for the applications, just leave them to me!"

Heh!

Xu Dongguo was almost laughing from anger.

The two had been somewhat restrained just now, but now they were outright trying to snatch him away.

"If we're talking about courage, which of you has the guts to unilaterally decide to dismantle a 956E?" Xu Dongguo snapped. "You two are typical 'peach pickers'! In the end, the 956E is gone, the man is gone, and my Northern Fleet is just doing the work for you!"

"If Su Dingping goes to your places, that's where talent will be wasted!"

Seeing the atmosphere turn sour and the three men looking ready to roll up their sleeves, Liu Huaming immediately spoke up.

"Enough! What are you arguing about? We're holding a meeting, and if the comrades in the Army hear us arguing twice, won't they laugh at us?"

"The three major fleets share glory and loss together. There is no 'you' or 'me'!"

Stung by Liu Huaming's reprimand, the three fell silent.

"Leave the young comrade to Comrade Dongguo!"

"No, Chief, Old Xu doesn't have that kind of courage," Qian Wenbing said, pressing his luck. "What if the young comrade doesn't say anything out loud, but feels wronged in his heart?"

Looking at Xu Dongguo, Liu Huaming's tone was somewhat dissatisfied.

"Comrade Dongguo, based on my understanding of you, you should have that much courage."

Xu Dongguo let out a soft sigh and explained.

"Chief, this matter is indeed quite tricky. With the complex international situation lately, I haven't dared to visit him for fear of causing unnecessary trouble."

"I have prepared for the worst in all matters. If Comrade Su Dingping's identity is truly exposed, using the rank of Lieutenant as cover is better than using Major. It would be hard for the enemy not to notice a twenty-year-old Major."

"Furthermore, I have also told Comrade Sun Yongguo to tell Comrade Su Dingping that once our Navy survives these next few years and becomes powerful, everything owed to him will be made up for."

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

Looking at it this way, Xu Dongguo had indeed considered things very thoroughly.

"I am relieved that you have this under control. In short, we cannot let the young comrade suffer any grievances."

"Yes, Chief!"

"Fine, it's settled! As for the optimization plan for the other 956E, there is no immediate rush. We'll see when the young comrade has time."

Liu Huaming made the final decision. Although Qian Wenbing and the other were unwilling, they could only drop the matter.

After a pause, Liu Huaming continued.

"All of you, get back to work. During last year's parade, our Navy had no warships worth showing off. For the Navy Day in April, we must make a grand appearance."

"To deter the small-minded, and also to give the people of the entire country peace of mind!"

The three said in unison, "Yes!"

"Go back, all of you."

Just as the three were about to rise, Liu Huaming gave a special instruction: "Comrade Dongguo, do not neglect any request from the young comrade. If it can be solved, you solve it yourself. If it cannot, I will find a way."

"Yes, Chief!"