13: pale in comparison

【Yesterday, the combined land, sea, and Air Forces of Iraq launched a joint operation, with 200,000 troops and thousands of tanks sweeping through everything. They occupied Kuwait in just 14 hours and openly declared Kuwait as their territory.】

【Eagle Country expressed strong dissatisfaction with this!】

Sitting on the chair in the Factory Director’s office, Xu Ning browsed the newspaper headlines, his thoughts returning to that period of history.

From this point on, Dog Bear began to decline, eventually splitting into several countries, including North Bear. And the Gulf War, five months later, would become the stage for Eagle Country to showcase its military strength, completely defeating Iraq and staging a dimensionality reduction strike.

But this war also made Rabbit Country realize the importance of electronic technology, thus initiating military reform, large-scale disarmament, and completely abandoning human wave tactics.

More funds were invested in the modernization of the army and the research and development of high-tech weapons. And all these changes stemmed from Iraq's invasion.

“Next, Eagle Country will form a coalition force and reinforce the Gulf War Theater. Five months later, when the large army is assembled, they will launch a general attack on Iraq's Capital,” Xu Ning thought to himself, beginning to plan subsequent actions and when his developed weapons would be put into battle.

Tang Ziwei was sipping tea on the sofa next to him. She also saw the headline news in the newspaper, but her reaction was completely different from Xu Ning’s, and she even couldn't help but laugh out loud. “It seems Iraq is going to drag Eagle Country into the quagmire of war this time, haha, this war will probably last for several years.”

Xu Ning understood why she thought that. After all, Iraq occupied Kuwait within 14 hours, demonstrating its strength. At that time, Iraq was hailed as the fourth strongest military power in the world.

At that time, no one had anticipated Eagle Country's true strength.

“This war, once it breaks out, will end quickly, and casualties will remain low,” Xu Ning said nonchalantly.

“Oh? You mean, this war won't happen? Eagle Country is just probing, and then they will shake hands and make peace with Iraq?” Tang Ziwei's curiosity was piqued, and she kept asking questions.

“No, I mean, Eagle Country will win quickly. At that time, you will witness the shock of a generational gap in weapons.”

Just as Tang Ziwei was about to continue probing, “Ding-a-ling…” The office phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

Xu Ning picked up the phone and was surprised to find that it was Chen Dongchao calling.

“Factory Factory Director Xu, what I'm about to say, although not officially notified, I hope you are mentally prepared.”

“The higher-ups have made a firm decision that soon, all small military factories will have their military industry licenses revoked.”

“In the future, only the Four Great Military Factories will retain their licenses. Other small factories will either close down or be merged into larger factories.”

“What?” Xu Ning stood up in astonishment upon hearing this.

Tang Ziwei had never seen Xu Ning lose his composure like this and was even more curious about the content of the phone call.

“Factory Factory Director Xu, please calm down. I promised to mediate for you, so your license is temporarily retained and will be discussed again at the end of the year.”

“But the higher-ups' attitude is firm, and I can't do much more.”

“Leader, is there really no turning point?” Xu Ning asked anxiously.

“I will do my best to ensure that even if you are merged into the Northern Military Industry, you can maintain a certain degree of independence.”

“Alas, this is all I can do. Military reform is imperative, and in the midst of change, some people will always be harmed.”

“I hope you can adjust your mindset as soon as possible. With your talent, you will surely shine brightly in the future.”

Xu Ning understood Chen Dongchao's painstaking efforts. Although he would try his best to help, the factory being merged seemed to be a foregone conclusion. However, for some things, how can you know the result without trying?

Lin Jiuchen took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.

“Thank you, Leader, for buying us a few months. But I still want to try my best. I don't want to give up easily.”

Chen Dongchao couldn't help but sigh upon hearing this.

After hanging up the phone, Tang Ziwei eagerly asked what had happened. Xu Ning told her frankly, and Tang Ziwei was struck by lightning upon hearing it.

“Are we really doomed?” She slumped into the sofa in despair.

“Things haven't reached a dead end yet. We still have a chance. I'll call Wang Shuo and Old Wei to discuss,” Xu Ning said, picking up the phone to notify the two.

When the two arrived and heard the situation, they both fell silent. Tang Ziwei said eagerly:

“Xu Ning, you just said there's still a chance. Don't keep us in suspense. Quickly tell us how we should respond?”

Xu Ning tapped the table and said in a deep voice, “The higher-ups' intention is to strengthen large enterprises and promote military reform. Since that's the case, we just need to become an existence that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Four Great Military Factories.”

“At that time, the higher-ups will certainly not merge us into a larger factory with just one order. After all, swallowing up a large factory like ours is also a big problem for them.”

Everyone was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, not knowing if Xu Ning was serious or joking. Only Tang Ziwei knew his character well. After a moment of contemplation, she said:

“Xu Ning, this is too difficult. The reason why the Four Great Military Factories are so famous is due to their strong technology, talent reserves, and Capital.”

“In terms of technology, we currently only have the QLU90 Sniper Grenade Launcher that we can showcase.”

“In terms of talent, we are even further behind. In the past month, we have only recruited over two hundred people, barely enough to maintain the factory's operation.”

“To be honest, any of the Four Great Military Factories can complete the orders we have in a short period, while we will probably be busy until the end of the year.”

“The gap between us and them is too big.” Although Tang Ziwei was reluctant, she still spoke frankly about the gap. As for Capital, everyone knew that although two hundred million was a lot, it was still dwarfed by the Four Great Military Factories.

Xu Ning stood up and said with a smile, “As long as I'm here, you don't need to worry about technology reserves. See, in just one month, I've made two new breakthroughs.”

“Once our team is complete, I am confident that I can bring these two achievements to the market within a month.”

“What? That fast!”

Everyone showed expressions of disbelief. In just one month, Xu Ning had already completed the design of two weapons? This speed was truly astounding.

“As long as I am given enough time, I am confident that we will have what they have, and what is unique to us, they may not necessarily have.”

“As for talent reserves, isn't now a good opportunity?”

The three looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion.

“Xu Ning, stop keeping us in suspense. Quickly tell us your specific plan.”

Xu Ning's mouth curved slightly, and he explained, “The notice issued by the higher-ups is actually our opportunity!”

“Leader Chen Dongchao just revealed on the phone that this notice has not been officially announced, meaning that other small factories are still in the dark.”

“This is where our advantage lies!”

Old Wei's eyes suddenly widened, as if he had realized something: “Xu Ning, you mean that we should take this opportunity to absorb the talents from other small military factories?”

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