161: An ominous feeling

At this moment, a preliminary action plan had already been sketched out in his mind.

"First, I need to obtain all information regarding that aircraft carrier, supply ship, and nuclear submarine," Xu Ning mused to himself.

"Even if negotiations fail, with this valuable data in hand, I can at least find another way, starting from scratch."

Considering that if the other party noticed his interest in the aircraft carrier, it would be even more difficult to approach them again later.

Therefore, before formal negotiations, Xu Ning decided to act first and strive to get the required intelligence into his hands.

The most ideal scenario would be to have a guide lead him for a tour, like last time, but even he himself felt uncertain whether he could have his wish fulfilled this time.

However, regardless of success or failure, it was always worth a try.

Nikolaev Shipyard, also known as the Black Sea Shipyard, was once one of the hearts of the former great power, especially as the only place capable of undertaking the heavy task of building aircraft carriers, its status was irreplaceable.

The entire town seemed to revolve around this factory.

Regrettably, because they arrived late at night yesterday and visibility was poor, Xu Ning was unable to witness the legendary majestic buildings and the huge warships moored at the docks.

It wasn't until the next morning that a thick fog quietly descended, shrouding everything around in a mysterious veil.

Looking out from inside the car, all that could be seen was a hazy scene, making one wonder: was this truly the destination?

It wasn't until they reached the entrance that the doubt gradually dissipated.

The guards' sharp eyes seemed to be able to penetrate people's hearts, especially after they carefully checked the identification Mr. Makarov presented and repeatedly scrutinized Xu Ning himself before finally letting them through.

After experiencing multiple similar strict inspections, the two finally managed to step onto this historical land.

Stepping into this complex of buildings, Mr. Makarov, like a bird returning to its nest, proceeded familiar with the way towards the office area.

The buildings here were not tall, mostly small structures of six or seven floors, but the distance between the buildings was extremely wide; walking across the entire area would likely take one or two hours.

As he walked, a hint of relief couldn't help but well up in Xu Ning's heart.

If not for Mr. Makarov leading the way, he would very likely get lost in this maze-like complex.

"Knock, knock, knock..." The sound of knocking broke the silence in the corridor.

Finally, they stopped in front of an unmarked door.

The voice from behind the door was hoarse and old, like the sound of an ancient zither that had not been tuned for a long time: "Come in."

At that moment, Xu Ning seemed to catch a subtle movement; Mr. Makarov's hand gripping the doorknob trembled slightly, as if touching some ineffable force.

"Skorlov, I need to report on the destroyer project, and there's an issue regarding naval guns.

I've brought a young partner to see you; I believe he will be of help to us."

As soon as the words fell, Mr. Makarov quickly pushed open the door and stated his purpose in one breath.

This hurried habit stemmed from his understanding of Skorlov's character: this old man detested being indecisive the most, and any hesitation would invite a harsh reprimand.

What came into view was an old man with messy hair but a neatly trimmed beard; years had carved deep lines on his face, roughly sixty years old.

At this moment, he was buried in a draft paper, his pen moving quickly, clearly immersed in some complex calculation.

Noticing the arrival of visitors, he merely looked up for a glance, then returned to his own world.

However, after a moment, Skorlov's gaze suddenly became extraordinarily sharp, like a startled male Eagle abruptly turning towards its prey, locking tightly onto Xu Ning.

Initially, a hint of confusion and surprise flashed in those eyes, but it was quickly replaced by an unconcealable anger.

"Makarov, are you crazy?!" Skorlov roared, then yelled towards the door, "Guards, guards!"

The sudden turn of events caught both of them off guard.

Just as they were trying to understand the situation, several guards had already burst into the room and, following orders, pressed Xu Ning and Mr. Makarov against the wall.

Facing such a situation, Xu Ning did not struggle; he decided to wait and see.

At the same time, Mr. Makarov also lost his usual composure and loudly questioned, "Skorlov, what the hell are you doing?"

Responding to him was only more intense scolding: "You're the one who's gone mad!

How dare you bring an Asian here?!

Do you want us all to be locked up in the Intelligence Station's dungeon?"

Hearing this, Xu Ning's heart sank.

Sure enough, all of this was directed at him.

Skorlov's eyes suddenly became sharp at that moment, like a cold light piercing through ice, and a layer of ominous premonition immediately covered Xu Ning's heart.

"Wait, Skorlov, listen to me.

He is the person in charge of Malyshev Military Industry; we are partners," Xu Ning quickly clarified.

However, Skorlov just snorted coldly and no longer paid attention to Mr. Makarov's defense: "Give him a good beating, then dunk him in a barrel of vodka to sober him up."

The guards took the order and acted quickly, dragging the still struggling and shouting Mr. Makarov out of the room.

Then, Skorlov's gaze turned to Xu Ning; those eyes were like an Eagle's, scanning back and forth over Xu Ning, as if trying to see through him: "As for you..."

Skorlov slowly stood up from behind the desk, approaching Xu Ning step by step.

Pressed tightly against the wall, Xu Ning could barely breathe, but he still managed to speak: "You can do anything to me, but I beg you to let Mr. Makarov go; everything he said is true."

Skorlov let out another scornful chuckle: "You think that will convince me?

But you're right, now is not the time to deal with you; I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble because of a small misunderstanding."

"Just like last time..." Skorlov's final words were almost inaudible, like talking to himself.

"Guard, throw this guy out and don't let me see him again," Skorlov ordered.

Just as the guards were preparing to carry out the order, Xu Ning suddenly burst out with astonishing strength, breaking free from the restraints.

This was a technique he had learned from Xie Biao, which finally came into use now.

"Damn guy," the guard cursed, his gun already loaded, ready to take more drastic measures, but Skorlov reached out and stopped him.

At this moment, Skorlov's face was terrifyingly grim: "Young man, don't test my patience; I'm warning you once is enough."

Facing this invisible pressure, Xu Ning still said firmly: "I didn't mean to offend you, but if Mr. Makarov is punished because of me, I cannot stand by and do nothing.

Although I don't have money now, I can exchange other things for his freedom."

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