Free Web NovelChapter 1397: Chapter 200: This Uncle Is Not Competent!
April 27, clear skies.
Han Yu unusually donned a Navy uniform, wearing the rank of Navy Reserve Major, carrying a briefcase, and accompanied leaders from the Nanjing Military Region Equipment Department, the East Sea Fleet Equipment Department, and the East Sea Defense Zone, visiting a large shipyard in the East Sea.
Plans always change—the original intention was to organize military training and political learning for the Reserve Soldiers of the Rescue Boat Team for a few days; however, the Military District sent an emergency order to attend the acceptance of the first cargo ship modified specifically for the Navy Reserve Transport Regiment at the East Sea.
The leaders of the acceptance delegation were all division-level cadres, each holding the rank of Major General.
Without a military-level commander present, Han Yu felt at ease, seeing Director Feng and the shipyard’s military representative waiting at the entrance hall. He suppressed his inner excitement and only approached to salute and greet after the leaders finished greeting Director Feng.
"Salted Fish, why are you here too?"
"The superiors let me come."
"Which superior?" Director Feng was genuinely pleased to see Salted Fish, from the bottom of his heart.
Han Yu was unsure how to explain when Director Yang from the Nanjing Military Region Equipment Department turned around and laughed, saying, "Minister Feng, Salted Fish is specifically requested by the Military Region Commander to participate in the acceptance. He now represents our Equipment Department. He understands the technical aspects that we don’t; if he points out any shortcomings later, please don’t be upset."
The Nanjing Military Region has an Air Force but does not have a Navy.
The Navy manages itself; it coordinates with the Military Region for communication and cooperation during combat, with the Fleet Commander doubling as the Military Region Deputy Commander.
In other words, the Military Region cannot manage the Navy.
The reason why the Military Region dispatched a director from the Equipment Department for the acceptance is mainly because the four Reserve Transport Regiments are jointly organized by the East Sea Defense Zone and the Navy, relying on two major maritime enterprises in the East Sea. Moreover, in future transport missions, they will primarily transport Army personnel and equipment.
Director Feng is a genuine veteran of the Navy, with numerous former subordinates now bearing the General Star, and he doesn’t care about the Army’s opinions. Besides, in his view, Director Yang is just a "rookie."
Director Feng laughed and pointed at Han Yu, saying, "Pointing out shortcomings in our work, what a joke! I’d like to see if he dares!"
"Salted Fish, keep your stance firm at critical moments."
"Director Yang, I... I promise to adhere strictly to the blueprint for acceptance."
"Minister Feng, did you hear that? I know Salted Fish is your old subordinate, but public and private matters should be separate."
"Director Yang, your intelligence work hasn’t been thorough. Salted Fish is not my old subordinate, but I’ve watched him grow up," Director Feng gestured for everyone to wear safety helmets with a smile, adding, "Almost forgot, I’m his matchmaker, too. This is the only matchmaking I’ve ever done in my life, and it was very successful."
Director Yang laughed, patting Han Yu’s shoulder to tease, "Salted Fish, by the rules from our hometown, you must send annual gifts to matchmakers every year. Did you pay New Year’s respects to Minister Feng and send him gifts during New Year?"
"I did the year before, but was too busy last year and didn’t manage."
"That’s wrong of you; you can’t forget the matchmaker after marrying your wife. Make sure to compensate for last year’s gift after the acceptance." fгeewebnovёl.com
"Yes!"
Though it was Director Shi’s first time interacting with Han Yu, the director from the East Sea Fleet Equipment Department had heard all about him and couldn’t resist joking as well: "The matchmaker is akin to an uncle; the standard for the annual gift shouldn’t be low. Simply bringing some fruit or a box of milk won’t cut it; it should at least be two bottles of good wine, two packs of cigarettes, and two pig legs."
As Han Yu struggled to respond to the teasing, Director Feng laughed, "Everyone, we’ll discuss the gifts later. Let’s get down to business now. Next, whether you want to listen to reports at the Military Representative Office or board the ship first?"
"What Imperial Commissioner! Minister Feng, you really went overboard with that joke. We’ll follow your arrangements."
"Then let’s go to the Military Representative Office first."
"Fine."
Modifying the cargo ship is a huge project; a single ship refurbishment has cost over two million.
The deputy general manager of the China Ocean East Sea Company, the Armed Forces Minister, the person in charge of the shipyard, the shipyard’s chief engineer, and engineers from the modification design unit are all present.
To Han Yu’s surprise, his brother-in-law was present, also dressed in a Navy uniform with the Navy Reserve rank, just like him.
The Deputy Chief of Staff of the East Sea Defense Zone, who once led a visit to the Linghai Reserve Camp, presided over the meeting, first introducing the attendees, then asking the modification design unit engineers to report first.
Next, the deputy general manager of China Ocean East Sea Company was asked to report.
...
Listening to reports and reviewing blueprints, even those unfamiliar with the trade can form a direct impression of the cargo ship modification project.
The shipyard’s chief engineer reported the problems encountered during the modification and how those issues were resolved.
Until the Deputy Chief of Staff Liu of the East Sea Defense Zone requested Jiang Kun to report, Han Yu realized his brother-in-law had been entrusted with significant responsibility, acting as the representative of the equipment usage unit, overseeing the entire modification process of the cargo ship, akin to the military representative placed at the shipyard by the four Reserve Transport Regiments.
This type of work had been done by Xiao Yu at Hanwu before, albeit not supervising ship modifications, but rather overseeing the construction of law enforcement vessels for a few river law enforcement units in Binjiang.
Once Jiang Kun finished reporting the supervision situation of the modification, the group, accompanied by the shipyard engineer, once again drove to the dock, boarded the modified cargo ship, and conducted detailed inspections according to the blueprints and design requirements, item by item.
Not everyone understands ship modifications; the leaders were just observing, while Han Yu and the three staff from the East Sea Fleet got down to work.
This ship is meant to execute personnel and equipment transport missions in the future and assist the Navy in sea combat.
Han Yu dared not treat it lightly, inspecting it thoroughly from morning 9:30 until evening before wrapping up.
Returning to the hotel, he showered, changed into clean clothes, and arrived at the restaurant on time for dinner.
Director Yang watched him with a smile and asked, "Salted Fish, how did the modification of that cargo ship turn out?"
"If it’s just following the design drawings, the modification work shouldn’t be a problem. But once the cargo ship is modified, it’s tasked with transporting personnel and equipment. Whether it meets operational requirements, I think it should undergo a trial run according to the maritime department’s routine."
"Mention it to Minister Feng tomorrow."
"Director Yang, Director Shi, if conditions permit, I suggest conducting a small-scale landing exercise. It would be best to arrange for two tanks and two infantry fighting vehicles to board the ship."
If it’s only about transporting equipment, an ordinary bulk carrier can handle the transfer.
But currently, the troops need a transport ship capable of conducting amphibious landing operations. Director Yang found Han Yu’s suggestion reasonable and pondered, "I’ll report to the superior first thing tomorrow morning. Two tanks and two infantry fighting vehicles shouldn’t be a problem."
The trial run must be equipped with a complete crew and coordinate with the maritime department, especially the ship inspection department.
After all, this newly modified cargo ship, like the Reserve Soldiers, has a dual identity. In wartime, it’s similar to a warship, but in peacetime, it’s just a merchant ship. After modification, it requires inspection; otherwise, the maritime department will penalize it.
Mobilizing tanks and infantry fighting vehicles from active-duty units for the trial run also takes time.
The next day, Han Yu thought there was nothing significant happening. He was thinking of taking a leave to check out the house his mother-in-law bought, when Director Feng called saying he was already downstairs at the hotel and asked him to come down quickly.
Without bothering to change into casual clothes, Han Yu took the elevator to the hotel lobby. A young Navy Lieutenant approached him: "Secretary Han, the car is outside, Minister Feng is waiting for you in the car."
"Where are we going?"
"You’ll know once you’re in the car."
"Is it appropriate for me to go out dressed like this?"
"It’s fine. I’m in uniform too."
"We’re different, you’re regular army, I’m Reserve."
"Don’t worry, it’s really fine, no need to change into casual clothes."
"Alright then."
Not wanting to keep Director Feng waiting, Han Yu followed the Lieutenant out of the lobby and jumped into the military vehicle from the East Sea Base.
Director Feng put down his phone and asked with a smile: "How did you rest last night?"
"Alright, I don’t fuss over beds; I can sleep anywhere." Han Yu grinned and curiously asked, "Director Feng, where are we going?"
"Don’t you know what day it is today?"
"No idea."
"Your brother-in-law didn’t tell you?" freёweɓnovel.com
"He didn’t mention a thing."
"Perhaps there were too many people yesterday, not convenient to talk." Director Feng gestured for the driver to start the car and explained with a smile, "Today’s the day Dongdong is participating in the flight cadet selection test. If he passes today’s tests, finishes his college entrance exams, and his results meet the first-tier threshold, he’ll be able to go to the Aviation Institute for flight training."
Han Yu paused in surprise, then asked puzzledly: "Wasn’t the test completed last year?"
"Last October was the preliminary selection, today is equivalent to the re-examination."
"The flight selection is so troublesome."
"Becoming a pilot isn’t that easy. You as an uncle are quite irresponsible, not caring enough about your nephew."
Director Feng chided jokingly, then, thinking again, patiently explained: "The selection of flight cadets is conditional and procedural. It must be based on the principle of student volition and parental support. The class teacher first recommends, then a medical examination is conducted at the hospital. After passing the physical exam, the school reviews and decides whether to recommend. Only students recommended by the school can fill out the flight college applicant registration form."
Han Yu curiously asked, "What happens next?"
"If you pass the preliminary selection, you go on to the re-selection. After the re-selection, there are final decisions and several other stages. The selection is extremely rigorous, with strict standards and conditions. One could say you need to overcome numerous hurdles to become a flight cadet!"
"Director Feng, do you think Dongdong has a chance to be selected?"
"Politically, Dongdong is fine. He loves the motherland, loves the people, loves the Chinese Communist Party, loves the People’s Army, and both he and his parents are supportive and meets the nation and military’s political requirements for flight selection."
Director Feng chuckled, then continued: "Dongdong’s physical condition isn’t an issue either; height and vision meet the standards. He is neither nearsighted nor colorblind. Culturally, there shouldn’t be a major problem either. As long as he maintains his current academic performance, he should be able to reach the first-tier score."
Having aspirations is better than being aimless in life.
Han Yu wholeheartedly supported his nephew’s aspirations, smilingly asked: "Are there any other requirements?"
"Yes." Director Feng unscrewed his tea cup, took a sip of water, and said with a chuckle: "Although we’ve entered the twenty-first century, it’s said one shouldn’t judge by appearance, but as far as I know, flight selection does have image requirements; image and temperament must be good."
Han Yu laughed, "Fortunately, Dongdong has regular features. Though not extremely handsome, he’s not unattractive; otherwise, he’d really stand no chance."
Director Feng nodded slightly, put down his tea cup, and said: "Besides having good image and temperament, one must have a strong interest and desire for flying, quick thinking, agile responses, coordinated movements, strong learning ability, an outgoing personality, stable emotions, and the courage to undertake challenges."
"Dongdong has all these; his personality isn’t just slightly outgoing."
"He grew up by the docks, has seen the big world, has even participated in the 1998 flood relief. His character and mental resilience are truly unmatched by average children."
Director Feng smiled with satisfaction.
Han Yu noticed that Director Feng cared about Dongdong a lot, especially his expression when talking about Dongdong; it seemed familiar, as if he was treated the same way back in his own days with the senior students.
