Business Trip?

After the Flame Nation military concluded its bidding conference for the second-generation Main Battle Tank, they urgently convened another round of discussions.

After careful deliberation and difficult choices, they finally made an important decision.

They chose the second-generation Main Battle Tank design and development proposal from 617 Machinery Military Factory as Flame Nation's first second-generation Main Battle Tank, assigning it the designation "Type 80" Tank.

This decision meant that 617 Machinery Military Factory would become an important force in Flame Nation's future Main Battle Tank development.

For 077 Machinery Military Factory, however, the situation was different.

Although the Flame Nation military showed some interest in 077 Machinery Military Factory's second-generation Main Battle Tank, for various reasons, they had no plans to equip their forces with it on a large scale.

As a result, this second-generation Main Battle Tank was not given the military's usual designation.

With the decision finalized, the Flame Nation military swiftly issued the relevant notices and orders to ensure that all parties were promptly informed of the latest developments.

The director's office at 077 Machinery Military Factory.

Lin Chenran had just begun his workday.

When he received the notice from the Flame Nation military, he had already expected it, yet he could not help revealing a wry smile.

Lin Chenran knew he needed to respect the Flame Nation military's decision.

From the perspective of national interests, if he had been in the same position, he might have made a similar choice.

After all, as one of the core pieces of equipment of a nation's military power, a Main Battle Tank absolutely could not be constrained or restricted by other countries like aerospace fighter jets.

It had to be fully controlled domestically in order to safeguard national security and sovereignty.

Lin Chenran understood that the Flame Nation military's decision was based on broader strategic considerations and national security needs.

Though he might personally feel disappointed, once the Flame Nation military's top brass had made their decision, it could not be changed.

If they wanted the Flame Nation military to purchase 077 Machinery Military Factory's second-generation Main Battle Tank—the modified Super Type 59 Tank—on a large scale,

then one condition had to be met: either 077 Machinery Military Factory or the Flame Nation military needed to successfully acquire the relevant technology and production line for the Bear Nation's 760-horsepower, four-stroke V-type 12-cylinder V-46 diesel engine.

It was like an uncrossable chasm lying in their path.

Only once that condition was met would the Flame Nation military possibly purchase it on a large scale. Otherwise, there truly would not be the slightest chance!!!

Knock, knock, knock! A burst of urgent knocking suddenly broke the silence in the office.

Lin Chenran, who had been lost in thought in his office, was "awakened" by the knocking. He lightly furrowed his brow and replied calmly, "Come in!"

The door opened, and Song Xiyun and Old Zhu entered together.

Seeing them, Lin Chenran broke into a bright smile.

He invited the two of them to sit on the sofa and chat over tea.

Lin Chenran had instructed his assistant to notify Song Xiyun to come alone to the director's office.

After receiving the notice, Song Xiyun gave it some thought and guessed that it might concern the Flame Nation military's order for second-generation Main Battle Tanks.

Without hesitation, he hurried to the director's office.

On his way there, Song Xiyun happened to run into Old Zhu.

Old Zhu noticed the anxious, uneasy expression on Song Xiyun's face and his noticeably quickened pace, as though he were rushing to something.

He immediately realized that something important might be happening.

Old Zhu guessed that it was likely related to the Flame Nation military's order for second-generation Main Battle Tanks.

He walked straight over to greet Song Xiyun and offered to accompany him to the director's office of 077 Machinery Military Factory to find Lin Chenran and learn what was going on.

And so, they came here together.

After Lin Chenran and the others exchanged pleasantries for a while, he got straight to the point.

With a smile, Lin Chenran extended his hand in congratulations. "Congratulations, Old Zhu. Your 617 Machinery Military Factory has secured the military's order for second-generation Main Battle Tanks."

"This..."

For a moment, Old Zhu was torn, unsure what emotion he should respond with.

Meanwhile, Song Xiyun's expression turned extremely ugly after hearing Lin Chenran's words, his brows tightly furrowed.

He had originally held onto a trace of hope, but at that moment, it was completely shattered.

Just as Lin Chenran and Song Xiyun had previously guessed, the Flame Nation military had indeed handed the second-generation Main Battle Tank project to 617 Machinery Military Factory for production.

Seeing Old Zhu's troubled and conflicted expression, Lin Chenran could not help laughing. He then comforted him, "Old Zhu, why are you making that face?"

"Since the military chose your 617 Machinery Military Factory's second-generation Main Battle Tank design and development proposal, you should be happy!"

Old Zhu let out a heavy sigh after hearing that. "Sigh!"

"Are you two youngsters really going to comfort this old man like that?"

"If I were happy now, wouldn't that be rubbing salt into your wounds?"

"How could I possibly do that?"

After taking a moment to recover, Song Xiyun stepped forward with a smile and offered his congratulations. "Old Zhu, congratulations!"

"Our 077 Machinery Military Factory's second-generation Main Battle Tank design and development proposal was never aimed at military orders in the first place. We told you that before."

"Old Song! This..."

Old Zhu was clearly at a loss.

Lin Chenran pulled Old Zhu aside and consoled him. "That's right! We had still been holding onto the tiniest bit of fantasy before, but now there's no need to think about it. We'll go straight for the international military export market for second-generation Main Battle Tanks."

Seeing that the two people directly involved were taking it so well, Old Zhu found it difficult to say anything more.

Soon afterward, Lin Chenran and the other two began inspecting 077 Machinery Military Factory.

They talked as they walked. Lin Chenran consulted Old Zhu on some technical issues, while Old Zhu answered earnestly and offered his own views.

Under Old Zhu's guidance, Lin Chenran benefited greatly.

Old Zhu's experience and professional knowledge gave him many new ideas and inspirations.

At the same time, Lin Chenran's wildly imaginative ideas also gave Old Zhu new trains of thought.

As expected, when three people walk together, one can always be another's teacher!

The entire inspection lasted a full day, and Old Zhu gained a deeper understanding of the factory's operations.

So the success of 077 Machinery Military Factory had not been accidental after all.

The next day, Lin Chenran and Song Xiyun saw Old Zhu to his car together and watched as it slowly drove away from 077 Machinery Military Factory.

"Let's head back," Lin Chenran said faintly as he looked into the distance.

"Mm," Song Xiyun replied, then followed Lin Chenran back to the office.

The moment they entered, Lin Chenran got straight to the point. "Old Song, for the next month and a half, you'll be in charge of all factory affairs."

"Ah? Why are you suddenly saying this? What about you?" Song Xiyun asked in surprise.

Lin Chenran smiled and explained, "I'm going on a business trip to handle some matters. I'll have to trouble you during this time."

"A business trip?"

Song Xiyun was somewhat puzzled.