Signing the Contract, Returning Home

Chapter 45: Signing the Contract, Returning Home

When Lin Chenran saw the two enormous warships before him, a surge of excitement rose in his heart.

These two behemoths were retired Type 61 Destroyers from Mao Xiong Country.

The Type 61, also known as the Kashin-class, was a versatile large destroyer that officially entered service with the Mao Xiong Navy in 1964. Not only was this class massive, but it was also well-equipped and capable of carrying out a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, and air defense.

The Type 61 destroyers of the 1960s used the most advanced gas turbines of the era as their main propulsion system, making them the world's first large warships to employ this new power technology.

As time passed and technology continued to advance, the Type 61 Destroyers were gradually replaced by the more advanced Sovremenny-class Destroyers.

In the end, these once-glorious warships had no choice but to retire, bringing their military careers to a close.

However, Lin Chenran had happened upon this opportunity at precisely that moment.

"Lin, what do you think?" Kovalevitch looked at the gleam in Lin Chenran's eyes and secretly felt pleased with himself.

He knew he had made the right choice. Selling these two retired Type 61 Destroyers to Lin Chenran would not only satisfy the other party's needs, but also bring in a considerable sum of money.

This deal killed two birds with one stone. It was an absolute bargain.

These two retired Type 61 Destroyers were not actually perfect.

Their power systems were limited, and their maximum output had fallen to less than half of their original capacity. As a result, the destroyers could only reach roughly half of their peak speed.

Moreover, this issue could not be repaired, which was why the Mao Xiong Navy had directly retired them.

That was hardly surprising, since the Mao Xiong Navy was famous for its rough handling.

They drove them like maniacs and blew the cylinders on the gas turbines!

There was another reason as well: the Mao Xiong Navy possessed more advanced Sovremenny-class Destroyers.

Therefore, the outdated Type 61 Destroyers were replaced.

After all, rather than spend a fortune replacing the gas turbines, it was better to replace them with newer and more powerful Sovremenny-class Destroyers.

That was why the Mao Xiong Navy retired these two Type 61 Destroyers.

With destroyers of superior performance available, who would still choose the outdated Type 61 Destroyers?

"Kovalevitch, this is perfect!"

The steel used on the Type 61 Destroyers was a special military-grade steel.

After Lin Chenran brought them back and dismantled them, he could melt down and recast the various types of steel aboard them. The steel produced would be several times better than ordinary civilian steel on the market.

Kovalevitch gave Lin Chenran a precautionary warning in advance. "Davaris, although I'm trading these two Type 61 Destroyers to you at scrap prices, the weapons systems and communications systems aboard them must be removed."

Lin Chenran did not react much upon hearing that.

Because that was standard international practice!

Weapons equipment sold as scrap metal generally had their weapons systems and communications systems removed.

"No problem, Kovalevitch. You only need to ensure they still have power and can be sailed back to Flame Nation."

"As for the rest, I don't have many demands. After all, once they return to Flame Nation, we'll dismantle them as well."

Lin Chenran spoke calmly.

Kovalevitch secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Kovalevitch then took Lin Chenran to inspect the area where the retired and scrapped warships were kept.

Not long afterward, once the contract had been signed, Lin Chenran left Mao Xiong Country with a satisfied smile.

He and Kovalevitch agreed to conduct another transaction one month later.

Lin Chenran needed to return to Flame Nation to prepare various light industrial goods for exchange with Kovalevitch.

Kovalevitch, meanwhile, needed to report the situation to his superiors.

He knew full well that he could not monopolize the path of an International Speculator alone. He needed to find more partners and resources to ensure his own safety.

He also planned to invite a group of like-minded Davarises into his camp to share the risks.

If they encountered difficulties or problems, they could face them together.

Once they earned enough money, they could leave Mao Xiong Country and head to other nations to enjoy entirely new lives.

After returning to Flame Nation, Lin Chenran immediately arranged for his men to send telegrams to the Second Textile Factory and his family's 077 Machinery Military Factory, ordering them to prepare the required goods as soon as possible and deliver them to Flame Nation's border.

These goods would eventually enter Mao Xiong Country to complete the transaction with Kovalevitch.

The previous batch of goods had been limited in quantity and could not meet Kovalevitch's needs.

Nor could it be exchanged for a large number of retired and scrapped tanks, along with two retired Type 61 Destroyers.

Lin Chenran took the opportunity to make a trip back to the capital.

The moment he returned home, his grandfather summoned him to the study for a talk.

Lin Chenran knew that this conversation was likely related to his trip to Mao Xiong Country.

When he reached the study door, Lin Chenran knocked softly before pushing it open and walking in.

"Grandpa!" Lin Chenran smiled as he greeted Old Master Lin, who was seated behind the desk.

Old Master Lin looked up at the sound, a kindly smile appearing on his face. "You're back. Sit."

Lin Chenran walked over to the sofa, sat down, and looked at Old Master Lin.

Old Master Lin set down the document in his hand, rose to his feet, and walked over to Lin Chenran. Looking at him fondly, he asked, "How was your trip to Mao Xiong Country? What did you gain?"

Lin Chenran smiled faintly. "Not bad!"

"I can say that I helped 077 Machinery Military Factory open up the path of an International Speculator."

"Oh?" Old Master Lin had not expected his grandson to establish trade with Mao Xiong Country.

"Tell me all about it. Let me hear."

Old Master Lin was instantly interested.

Lin Chenran briefly told his grandfather about everything that had happened after he entered Vladivostok.

"This..."

Old Master Lin was utterly astonished.

He had not expected Lin Chenran to break through the situation in such a manner.

And he had even established a connection with Kovalevitch, the deputy chief of staff of the Far East Fleet.

"Chenran, you did well."

After hearing this, Old Master Lin praised him repeatedly.

Although Lin Chenran had not obtained the relevant technical patent or production line for the 760-horsepower, four-stroke V12 V-46 diesel engine for 077 Machinery Military Factory this time, he had at least built ties with the middle and upper ranks of Mao Xiong Country's Far East Fleet.

As trade between both sides deepened, obtaining the technology and related production line for the 760-horsepower, four-stroke V12 V-46 diesel engine later on should be relatively simple.

Especially since Mao Xiong Country had already phased out that engine technology!

Moreover, 077 Machinery Military Factory's second-generation Main Battle Tank was still only at the design and development stage. It did not yet urgently require the 760-horsepower, four-stroke V12 V-46 diesel engine.

Lin Chenran's main task now was to build a solid relationship with Kovalevitch.

Lin Chenran scratched his head. "It was alright."

Old Master Lin smiled and scolded him jokingly. "Praise you a little, and you start getting carried away!"

"How are those two Type 61 Destroyers?"

In Old Master Lin's view, the key question was whether they could be used by the navy!