163: Chapter 163 Changxing Shipyard!

Once a person resolves the 'knot' in their heart, or perhaps their inner demon, their entire mindset will undergo an earth-shattering change.

Naval Commander Ding Lei was exactly like this.

After confirming that Xu Hao could truly lead the researchers to build an lg-20 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier belonging to the Dragon Kingdom, his typically stern face gained many more smiles. He appeared much more relaxed as well.

Seeing this, Elder Long didn't say anything, but a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Although Naval Commander Ding Lei had always been critical of the Dragon Kingdom's Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier technology, his intentions were good.

He desired to build the Dragon Kingdom's Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier more than anyone else. Elder Long was very clear about this.

But precisely because of this, the pressure Naval Commander Ding Lei placed on himself was too great. It was like a giant mountain pressing down on his heart, making it impossible to breathe.

It was obvious that his state over the past few years had not been right. He couldn't eat or sleep well.

Now, seeing the change in his state, Elder Long felt very gratified inside.

"Alright, stop pestering Xiao Hao all the time. Even if you aren't thirsty, Xiao Hao is. Can't you let him have a drink of water first?"

Seeing that Naval Commander Ding Lei was about to pull Xu Hao to talk again, Elder Long hurriedly interrupted.

This military Commander was truly cunning; the little scheme in his eyes was almost written all over his face.

How could he not know that Naval Commander Ding Lei must have set his sights on Xu Hao, thinking about recruiting him into the navy.

Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Xu Hao was the Dragon Kingdom's precious treasure now; how could he belong to the navy?

Seeing that his little scheme had been seen through by Elder Long, Naval Commander Ding Lei chuckled a few times and sat down at the tea table with Xu Hao.

There weren't many chairs. After Elder Long, Xu Hao, and Professor Shen Hongcai and the other professors sat down, only one chair remained.

The remaining five Commanders from the Five Major Military Regions saw this and immediately wore bitter expressions.

Elder Long ignored their expressions and asked Xu Hao with a smile: "Xiao Hao, the design plan for the Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier is out, and we need to start preparing for construction. Which shipyard do you think is best for the construction?"

Elder Long poured him tea personally. Seeing Xu Hao about to stand up to receive it, he waved his hand and pressed him back down. Seeing this, Xu Hao smiled helplessly.

Regarding the question Elder Long raised, he pondered for a moment before answering. "Hmm... I think Changxing Shipyard is better."

It certainly couldn't be built at the Xu's Heavy Industry factory area, not even at the Underground Research Institute. Obviously!

This was a Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier, an overlord of the seas, a massive piece of equipment. If it were built on land, how would it be launched after it was finished? Should he install a Turbofan engine and attach wings to it, letting it fly to the sea?

Therefore, it had to be built at a shipyard.

"Changxing Shipyard? Why choose Changxing Shipyard? Is there any special arrangement?" Elder Long asked.

The Dragon Kingdom currently had five major shipyards: Dalian Shipyard, Bohai Shipyard, Jiangnan Shipyard, Donghu Shipyard, and Changxing Shipyard. Actually, he was more inclined to build it at Dalian Shipyard.

Dalian Shipyard had a large enough dock, enough workers, and its strength was more outstanding compared to the other shipyards. But since Xu Hao said he wanted to build it at Changxing Shipyard, there must be deep meaning behind it.

Naval Commander Ding Lei also asked curiously: "That's right, Engineer Xu, why build the Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier at Changxing Shipyard? Do you have other considerations?"

Professor Shen Hongcai and the others all looked at Xu Hao, wanting to hear his opinion. Xu Hao's expression was strange; he coughed lightly, feeling a bit awkward.

He didn't have any special considerations or arrangements. He chose Changxing Shipyard mainly because he felt it was closer to Jiangcheng, or rather, closer to Xu's Heavy Industry.

While Dalian Shipyard, Bohai Shipyard, and others were strong, they were simply too far from Xu's Heavy Industry. Even though transportation in the Dragon Kingdom was very convenient now, a round trip would take nearly half a day.

Changxing Shipyard was different; it was close to Xu's Heavy Industry, and it only took three or four hours by high-speed rail. Moreover, Changxing Shipyard was on Changxing Island, surrounded by the sea on all sides, which was simply too convenient. It could be launched into the sea whenever they wanted.

Therefore... Xu Hao rubbed his nose and explained with a sheepish smile: "There isn't any special arrangement, it's just... Changxing Shipyard is quite close to home, it's convenient, hehe..."

He smiled, then picked up his teacup and took a sip, choosing not to look at everyone's expressions. He was afraid that if he saw their expressions, he would feel even more awkward.

As expected. Elder Long, Naval Commander Ding Lei, and the others were stunned on the spot upon hearing Xu Hao's words, looking completely bewildered. Everyone: ???

Just because Changxing Island was close to Xu's Heavy Industry, he chose to build it there? This reason was too... reasonable!

After the bewilderment, Naval Commander Ding Lei immediately nodded solemnly. "Hmm, that's right, Engineer Xu's consideration makes a lot of sense."

"After all, Engineer Xu is busy with many things. Not only does he have to be busy with the construction of the Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier, but he also has other research projects to follow up on, and furthermore, he has such a large enterprise to manage." "Choosing Changxing Shipyard is a wise choice!"

Naval Commander Ding Lei's expression was very serious, looking as if he had really thought it through carefully. Xu Hao stared at him blankly.

Could it really be like this? How did he not know that Commander Ding Lei was this kind of person? This was too... considerate of him...

The others were also bewildered, especially the Commanders from the Five Major Military Regions, who looked at Naval Commander Ding Lei with astonishment, as if they were looking at a monster.

No way... Could Commander Ding Lei be any more full of it? This flattery was so loud it could be heard in the M78 Nebula.

However, Huang Shouguo and the others paused, then hurriedly echoed. "I also think Changxing Shipyard is good. The scenery is nice, it's warm in winter and cool in summer, facing the sea..."

Huang Shouguo stopped caring. It was just flattery, as if he didn't know how to do it!

Elder Long wasn't speaking anymore, looking at these Commanders with a cold sneer. Sycophants... just pure sycophants.

These Commanders usually had long faces. Now, however, those smiles were stretching all the way to their ears.

"Alright!" Elder Long really couldn't listen anymore. These guys were just too ridiculous.

Talking about being an island owner, the Pirate King, or going to the sea to work and partying with models—they were bringing up all sorts of things. If they kept talking, who knew what other nonsense they would come up with!

He hurriedly stopped them. "Since Xiao Hao has decided to build the Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier at Changxing Shipyard, then we will build it there." Elder Long nodded in agreement.

"Effective immediately, all construction tasks at Changxing Shipyard that can be stopped should be stopped, and those that cannot be stopped should be moved to other shipyards. Clear out Changxing Shipyard and devote all efforts to serving the construction mission of the lg-20 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier!" Elder Long ordered.

Upon hearing this, Commander Fan Jinglong of the Eastern Theater Command immediately stood up. "Yes! Guarantee completion of the mission!"

Changxing Shipyard was under the Eastern Theater Command and belonged to his jurisdiction. Therefore, all subsequent matters would be arranged by him.

The other Commanders, including Naval Commander Ding Lei, all looked at Commander Fan Jinglong with envy. What a great opportunity to build a good relationship with Engineer Xu, and it had been snatched away by this guy. They could only be envious...