37: Zhao Zhenghua takes action

A secret Weapon Research Institute.

In a massive tank research and manufacturing plant.

Zhao Zhenghua looked at the prototype of the new tank in front of him, feeling a slight thrill.

"Director, when did our materials get upgraded? The hardness of this steel plate is too exaggerated now."

Next to the tank frame.

A Middle-aged man in a military green work uniform exclaimed.

This Middle-aged man.

He was an expert in the Research Institute specializing in tank weapon systems.

His name was Luhai Peak.

He graduated from a military academy with the highest professional scores.

Later, Zhao Zhenghua spent a great deal to bring him into the current Research Institute.

Although he didn't look old, only around forty.

His understanding of tanks, however, was unmatched in the Research Institute.

"Yes. The strength of this steel is truly unprecedented."

"I believe that even without upgrading the tank's performance, just by replacing all the materials with this type of steel, the tank's power could increase by at least fifty percent!"

Another young man, looking at the unfinished tank frame, was full of anticipation.

This young man was Luhai Peak's assistant, or rather, his apprentice.

The reason he could become Luhai Peak's apprentice.

It was because he was exceptionally intelligent and had unique insights into tank armor technology.

Seeing that both of them were so optimistic about the new steel.

Zhao Zhenghua's mood improved considerably.

Fortunately, he had discovered the extraordinary nature of this steel early on and then signed a contract with Li Mubai.

Otherwise.

If such steel were to flow into society.

It would likely not be long before someone would spend an even greater price to acquire ownership of this steel.

By then.

If the Research Institute wanted to purchase such steel, it would undoubtedly be an astronomical figure.

After all, other people were not like Li Mubai; those people were genuine capitalists.

Many people, besides money, only saw money in their eyes.

There were too few, too few enterprises that considered the country's interests.

Perhaps.

These steel materials might even be bought out directly by foreign companies before domestic ones could get their hands on them.

At that time.

Such good things would truly be out of reach for the country.

So far.

Zhao Zhenghua had not yet reported the materials produced by Guo Li Steel Factory to his superiors.

He wanted to wait until the new tank was successfully developed.

Then, he would use the excellent defensive performance of the new tank as strong evidence.

That would be convincing.

Only then could he strive for greater benefits for Li Mubai.

He really didn't want to let go of such a capable young man.

What he wanted was to secure a powerful identity for Li Mubai.

This way.

He wouldn't be afraid of Li Mubai being tricked away by others.

However.

He couldn't make the decision for this powerful identity.

It depended on how the superiors decided.

But he believed that when the new tank made its debut.

Its excellent defensive power would surely shock those important figures, and by then, they would definitely pay attention to Li Mubai.

"This material was indeed just developed and has not yet been popularized."

"By the way, Old Lu, how long do you estimate it will take to complete this new tank?"

Zhao Zhenghua suddenly asked.

"If we were to upgrade all the various systems, it might not be completed in a year."

Luhai Peak pondered for a moment and said seriously.

Upon hearing this.

Zhao Zhenghua frowned slightly:

"I have already reported our Research Institute's achievements to the superiors. There's less than a month until the new weapon inspection for the entire army. The tank must be completed before then."

Luhai Peak smiled faintly:

"That's not difficult. As long as we don't upgrade the various weapon systems and just use previous technology to build a new tank, it won't take much time."

His apprentice, standing nearby, also nodded:

"Many of the existing technical parts are readily available."

"We don't even need to build a completely new tank. We just need to replace all the defensive armor of an old tank with this new type of steel."

"This way, the completion time would probably only be half a month."

Hearing this.

Zhao Zhenghua immediately clapped his hands:

"Good, let's do it!"

"At the weapons competition, other Research Institutes will surely be stunned!"

Zhao Zhenghua chatted and laughed with the two for a few more moments before returning to his office.

He then started dealing with some documents on his desk.

However, he hadn't been sitting for long.

The old-fashioned mobile phone in his desk drawer rang.

Picking up the phone.

He looked at the caller ID and happily answered.

"Hello, Mu Bai, how come you finally decided to call me? Have you completed another batch of steel?"

"Uncle Zhao, don't joke around. You know my small Steel Factory; I definitely can't gather much steel in such a short time."

"I know you; you never call unless you need something. Just tell me what it is."

After a joke, Zhao Zhenghua got straight to the point.

He understood that Li Mubai was not someone who liked to waste words.

Calling him voluntarily now naturally meant he had a favor to ask.

If he couldn't even guess that much.

Then he wouldn't need to be the Director anymore.

Li Mubai quickly explained the whole story.

Of course.

There was also 'a little bit' of embellishment.

Hearing that Li Mubai was being threatened.

And.

For safety reasons, Li Mubai might move his entire family away.

Zhao Zhenghua couldn't help but be furious:

"This is outrageous!"

He slammed his palm heavily on the desk, making a loud noise.

However.

Before he could speak.

Li Mubai's voice rang out again:

"By the way, Uncle Zhao. About a week ago, I applied for land leasing with the local Land Management Bureau, but I haven't received a response. I wonder if you could help; I want to expand the factory area and broaden the production line."

"What? You're finally willing to expand the production line?"

Zhao Zhenghua's anger instantly dissipated.

Instead, a look of joy appeared on his face.

He had discussed the production capacity issue with Li Mubai before.

However, Li Mubai was unable to expand the production line due to insufficient assets.

This had made him extremely anxious.

He wanted to transfer money directly, but these funds were allocated by the superiors, and he couldn't use them arbitrarily.

And now.

Li Mubai was finally going to expand the Steel Factory!

"Don't worry, Mu Bai. Leave this matter to me; I will help you resolve these concerns!"

Zhao Zhenghua's tone was firm and powerful, giving his assurance.

"Then I'll trouble Uncle Zhao."

Li Mubai finished speaking and hung up the phone.

With Zhao Zhenghua's assurance, he wasn't worried at all.

Since Dingsheng Group had grown so large.

He didn't believe that their hands were clean; as long as someone genuinely wanted to investigate, they would surely find clues.

However.

For the sake of public welfare, no one had specifically investigated this company.

After all, if this company collapsed.

An unknown number of people would face unemployment.

However.

This was not absolute.

As long as the leaders could resolve the issues well, such a thing might not necessarily happen.

These were not things he should be considering.

Dingsheng threatening him was one thing, but they also threatened his family.

Was he supposed to ask them to be gentler?

That was naturally impossible.

The fault for this matter was not his; it was all instigated by Dingsheng Group.

If Dingsheng was unjust, he would be unrighteous.