The scrapped, retired tanks before them had clearly been sorted into different categories.
Some tank hulls were already covered in rust, yet still retained a certain degree of integrity;
Others were reduced to incomplete fragments, looking rather desolate.
To give Lin Chenran a deeper understanding of these scrapped tanks,
Kovalevitch decided to have Alexander arrange for soldiers to start up several of the retired tanks.
Alexander said nothing more and simply waved for the soldiers beside him to climb into the tanks.
Before long, a T-54 tank let out a rumbling roar, shattering the silence of the abandoned warehouse.
The massive steel beast seemed to come back to life as it slowly drove through the scrap storage area.
Under the driver's skilled control, the tank moved steadily at twenty kilometers per hour.
Watching this, Lin Chenran wore a satisfied smile.
For him, as long as these tanks could move, that was enough.
After all, their goal was not to send these tanks back onto the battlefield, but to convert them into engineering vehicles.
Therefore, the stability of the powertrain and chassis was what mattered most.
"Kovalevitch, Alexander, what I need are scrapped tanks with relatively stable power systems."
"Since our 077 Machinery Military Factory will convert them into engineering vehicles and sell them on the engineering vehicle market, their power systems and chassis must remain in good condition."
Lin Chenran kept his eyes on the tank that was still moving.
"Don't try to fool me with tank engines that are practically scrapped, or our cooperation will end." Lin Chenran said gravely.
He had to make his attitude and position clear. After all, if tanks with blown engines were sent over, the 077 Machinery Military Factory would not be able to repair them either. If that really happened, he would basically be buying a pile of scrap metal.
Seeing Lin Chenran's serious expression, Kovalevitch immediately patted his chest and vowed, "Lin, don't worry. Our cooperation is mutually beneficial. As long as you're willing to trust me, I definitely won't disappoint you."
"Even if problems arise with the tank engines later on, I have ways to get you brand-new engines."
Hearing Kovalevitch's promise, Lin Chenran felt much more at ease, though he still could not help asking, "Really?"
Kovalevitch hurriedly nodded and said firmly, "Of course. I can guarantee it with my honor."
At that moment, Alexander also stated that he would certainly do everything he could to help Lin Chenran solve this problem.
Seeing how sincere they both were, Lin Chenran's doubts finally eased somewhat. A satisfied smile appeared on his face. "Good. Then I can rest assured!"
As he spoke, he gave He Yi a meaningful look.
He Yi instantly understood what Lin Chenran meant and immediately pulled out a thick stack of US Dollars from his briefcase, handing it to Lin Chenran.
Taking the stack of US Dollars, Lin Chenran immediately stepped forward to Alexander and handed it over. "Alexander, I'll have to trouble you and your soldiers with what comes next."
"Since I have several places to visit, I don't have time to drink vodka here with you and your soldiers." Lin Chenran spoke with a helpless expression.
"So I'll have to leave it to you to make arrangements and ensure every soldier gets to drink vodka!"
Lin Chenran understood the Russian temperament very well. They liked alcohol, and they liked money even more, so he directly used money to pave the way!
In Russia, this did not even count as a "bribe." After all, he was treating all the soldiers to vodka!
Did treating someone to drinks count as a violation?
At least in Russia, it did not.
"This..."
Alexander looked at the thick stack of US Dollars, his eyes gleaming with desire and a trace of greed showing on his face.
However, with Kovalevitch present, he suppressed the greed in his heart.
Seeing this, Kovalevitch immediately understood Lin Chenran's approach.
He secretly sighed to himself, The Chinese really are clever. They know exactly how to win people over quickly.
Kovalevitch's favorable impression of Lin Chenran instantly increased considerably.
"Alexander, since our distinguished guest Lin is treating all the soldiers to vodka, accept it." Kovalevitch said casually.
He had originally been thinking about how to win Alexander over and make him work wholeheartedly for him.
Now, with Lin Chenran's help, every problem had been easily resolved.
He could not help feeling a trace of gratitude toward Lin Chenran.
Alexander hesitated for a moment before finally accepting the stack of banknotes.
Looking at the money in his hands, the corners of his lips curled upward into a satisfied smile.
Kovalevitch nodded approvingly at Alexander's reaction.
He thought, This Lin Chenran is quite good at handling things. We can cooperate with him more in the future.
Then Kovalevitch turned to Lin Chenran and said with a smile, "Lin, let's continue touring the base."
Lin Chenran nodded and followed Kovalevitch into the base.
After two hours of a brief tour, Lin Chenran had gained a general understanding of the place.
"Kovalevitch, that's enough. Let's go!"
Lin Chenran was eager to head to the next location.
Seeing this, Kovalevitch asked Lin Chenran to wait a moment.
"Lin, I'll first arrange some work with Alexander and notify the officer at the next location."
"You can look around freely here for now. I'll have a soldier stay by your side to serve at your command."
After seeing Lin Chenran nod, Kovalevitch immediately made the arrangements.
Then he pulled Alexander away.
Meanwhile, Lin Chenran and He Yi began looking over the scrapped tanks around them.
After arriving somewhere Lin Chenran could not see, with no soldiers nearby,
"Alexander, you must have many questions in your heart, but please suppress them."
"You only need to know that Lin is our distinguished guest, an International Speculator who can lead us all to fortune."
"You will also profit from this long-term transaction. In the early stages, you will continuously receive a large sum of money. Later, I will transfer you elsewhere, so you won't have to guard this barren tank wasteland every day."
Kovalevitch directly laid out his terms.
Kovalevitch was highly skilled when it came to buying people over.
Not only would he give Alexander a share of the profits,
He also promised that Alexander would be promoted later on.
After this combination of promotion, pay raise, and extra income, Alexander's loyalty was completely secured.
"General, rest assured. I know what to do!"
"I will firmly support your decision and conscientiously handle every task you assign me."
Alexander immediately declared his loyalty.
Seeing this, Kovalevitch broke into a brilliant smile.
If Alexander had refused, Kovalevitch had other means as well.
As a mid-to-high-ranking officer in the army, replacing a lieutenant was extremely easy.
Once everything had been explained, Kovalevitch and Alexander returned to find Lin Chenran. They were heading to the next location.
Before you continue