After hearing Old Master Lin's praise, the corners of Lin Chenran's mouth could not help but lift slightly.
Still, he modestly said, "Grandpa, you're overpraising me. This really isn't anything worth praising!"
"Hahahaha..." Seeing this, Old Master Lin burst into hearty laughter, his eyes full of appreciation for Lin Chenran. "Chenran, you are the pride of our Lin Family!"
Lin Chenran waved his hand and calmly said, "Grandpa, you should tell my brother that instead!"
"You brat!!!"
Lin Chenran's older brother, Lin Xuan, had been sent by Old Master Lin to train in the military.
After entering the military, he had relied on his outstanding performance and the "appreciation of his superiors" to become the commander of a certain special operations regiment. His future prospects were limitless.
With his elder brother having entered the military, Lin Chenran was not sent into the military after graduating from university.
As one of the Lin Family's few highly educated talents,
Old Master Lin had allowed Lin Chenran to choose his own path.
Although Lin Chenran had not entered the military, he had joined a military-related industry—military manufacturing!!!
When Old Master Lin first learned that Lin Chenran had been assigned as the director of 077 Machinery Military Factory, he had not approved of the decision.
In his view, placing Lin Chenran in such a high position from the start might affect his future career development.
Old Master Lin had hoped that Lin Chenran could begin as an ordinary technician and gradually build up his experience and abilities.
However, fate was always full of twists and turns.
Lin Chenran had "unexpectedly" caught the attention of Flame Nation's top officials and become one of the first people in charge of third-tier military factories.
Perhaps only the upper echelons of Flame Nation's government knew the reason behind it.
However, Lin Chenran had also proven everything through his own strength. He had not become the director of 077 Machinery Military Factory by "relying" on connections.
Under his leadership, 077 Machinery Military Factory was now flourishing.
In particular, the launch of the Type 59 Civilian Engineering Vehicle and its follow-up products had allowed 077 Machinery Military Factory to thrive in the engineering vehicle market, sweeping aside all competition.
What Old Master Lin cared about most was still 077 Machinery Military Factory's design and development plan for a Second Generation Main Battle Tank.
Back then, three third-tier military factories had made it into the finals of Flame Nation military's tender for its Second Generation Main Battle Tank.
When Old Master Lin saw 077 Machinery Military Factory there, he was quite surprised.
That was because the other two factories entering the "finals" alongside 077 Machinery Military Factory were 617 Machinery Military Factory, overseen by Old Zhu, and the major tank manufacturer—625 Machinery Military Factory.
If not for the engine issue, 077 Machinery Military Factory's Second Generation Main Battle Tank design and development plan would likely have been adopted by Flame Nation's military and become Flame Nation's Second Generation Main Battle Tank.
In terms of armor protection, 077 Machinery Military Factory's Second Generation Main Battle Tank—the modified Super Type 59 Tank—could go toe-to-toe with Eagle Country's and Bear Country's third-generation main battle tanks.
Therefore, Old Master Lin could not help sighing. "It's truly such a pity about your 077 Machinery Military Factory's Second Generation Main Battle Tank!"
"Grandpa, there's nothing to regret."
"Before the tank's 'heart' is resolved, Flame Nation military adopting 617 Machinery Military Factory's Second Generation Main Battle Tank plan is the safest choice."
Lin Chenran answered calmly.
Seeing this, the smile on Old Master Lin's face grew even brighter.
Then, Lin Chenran continued, "Besides, our 077 Machinery Military Factory doesn't think much of military orders."
Upon hearing that, Old Master Lin looked astonished before scolding him with a laugh. "You brat, what outrageous nonsense. You don't even think much of the military's order for a Second Generation Main Battle Tank?"
Lin Chenran did not back down because of his grandfather's rebuke. Instead, he retorted with complete confidence, "Grandpa, you should know the military's current situation."
"The military is short of funds, poor as dirt. Every penny has to be carefully budgeted, as if they want to split one dollar into two."
"If our 077 Machinery Military Factory's modified Type 59 civilian engineering vehicle had not been such a huge success, and if the military had not caught a ride on our coattails,"
"the military probably would not even have had the confidence to hold this tender for a Second Generation Main Battle Tank."
Lin Chenran was not exaggerating. Flame Nation's military was indeed facing enormous pressure from military spending.
Giving priority to economic development had resulted in substantial cuts to military expenditures.
Although a large-scale troop reduction policy had been implemented and various unnecessary military expenses had been drastically cut, it was still difficult to ease the financial strain.
Flame Nation's military had now reached the point of barely making ends meet.
Lin Chenran's words had undoubtedly struck at the military's sore spot, making Old Master Lin blow his beard and glare. He secretly sighed that this brat truly showed no mercy when he spoke.
"Have you gotten too full of yourself, brat?!"
Old Master Lin did not mind giving Lin Chenran a good beating and letting him know who was the grandfather and who was the grandson.
"No, no, no! Grandpa, I was only stating the facts."
Seeing this, Lin Chenran hurriedly admitted defeat!
As long as the green hills remained, there would be no shortage of firewood!
After fooling around, the two resumed their discussion.
"Military spending will not increase much over the next few years."
"The country's money doesn't fall from the sky. For the next few years, the military will have to tighten its belt."
Old Master Lin said calmly.
He knew that such sacrifices were necessary to achieve rapid economic development.
At present, there was only one road before Flame Nation's military: endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens!
"Grandpa, you're right. Although the military's budget cannot increase significantly, we have another path—let the many military manufacturers enter the international arms market!"
Lin Chenran voiced his opinion, his gaze firm and full of confidence.
"Although our country's weapons and equipment lag behind those of other major powers to some extent, they are highly practical, easy to operate, and quick to learn. More importantly, they are affordable. That makes them an extremely attractive choice for countries with limited funds."
Old Master Lin nodded approvingly, expressing his agreement with his grandson's idea.
The idea was good, but putting it into practice would face enormous challenges.
Flame Nation's military manufacturers lacked effective sales channels.
"Finding suitable buyers won't be easy."
Old Master Lin sighed helplessly, his tone revealing a trace of powerlessness.
"Our 077 Machinery Military Factory has relevant channels."
"But..."
Lin Chenran answered confidently.
"You want 077 Machinery Military Factory to act as an intermediary?"
Old Master Lin sat on the sofa, utterly astonished.
"That's right. I plan to have 077 Machinery Military Factory serve as an intermediary, using that role to open up the international arms market."
Old Master Lin's eyes widened. Clearly, Lin Chenran's idea had stunned him.
Old Master Lin: Damn, was this brat's approach really that wild?
Although Lin Chenran had previously said that he would bring 077 Machinery Military Factory's Second Generation Main Battle Tank to the international arms market for sale,
Old Master Lin had never expected Lin Chenran's ambitions to be so great. He wanted 077 Machinery Military Factory to directly serve as an intermediary and help Flame Nation's military manufacturers break into the international arms market.
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