163: Facts that cannot be ignored

His words revealed an undeniable certainty.

Not only that, this armored vehicle was also equipped with flamethrowers and small grenade launchers, and its front armor could transform.

Just as Skorlov was still in shock, Xu Ning gently flipped a switch on the central console.

With the sound of machinery operating, a triangular steel shield slowly rose from the front of the vehicle, wrapping the entire front end tightly, as if a beast ready to pounce had revealed its sharp fangs.

"This...how is this possible?" Skorlov's eyes widened, almost unable to believe what he was seeing.

He eagerly turned to Xu Ning, grabbed the other man's collar, his voice filled with poorly concealed shock and curiosity:

"How did you do it? What power system are you using that can drive so many heavy weapons? Did you put a tank engine in here? But where is there room for such a behemoth?"

Facing the questioning, Xu Ning calmly explained: "I improved upon the T-55 tank engine, not only reducing its size to fit the vehicle's space but also increasing its thermal efficiency by two percentage points."

Skorlov heard this and almost doubted if his ears were functioning correctly.

One must know, in the field of engines, even the smallest progress is extremely difficult, let alone a full two percentage points.

This achievement was enough for him to re-examine the seemingly young Engineer before him.

Releasing his grip, Skorlov's gaze became more serious and respectful: "Are you willing to pay so much to save Mr. Makarov? This vehicle clearly contains your countless efforts."

"Of course I am willing," Xu Ning said firmly, "Mr. Makarov is my partner; we jointly provided naval guns for the Tailayev Shipyard. When he is in trouble, how can I stand by and do nothing?"

Skorlov nodded thoughtfully, then realized a detail: "Wait, you said you provided naval guns for Tailayev? Then, are you from the Menskyuk Military Industry's civilian department?"

Xu Ning smiled and shook his head: "No, I am a member of Malyshev Military Industry."

This news instantly changed Skorlov's expression: "Such a big change, Makarov didn't even tell me. Guard."

His shout echoed in the air, foreshadowing the potential turn of events that would follow.

The Guard quickly straightened his body and gave a standard military salute: "Yes, Officer."

A trace of cunning flashed in Skorlov's eyes, and the corner of his mouth slightly lifted as he commanded: "Change of plans, go and electrify Makarov's vodka barrel. Remember, don't let him die easily, but make sure he gets a good taste of the current."

"Understood."

After saluting again, the Guard ran off like an arrow loosed from a bow.

At this moment, Xu Ning seized the opportunity to interject: "Mr. Skorlov, actually, the purpose of Mr. Makarov and my visit was precisely to clarify the misunderstanding with you..."

Skorlov's face instantly froze, as if struck by lightning, standing rooted to the spot, his eyes filled with disbelief.

...

After a period of chaos, under Skorlov's almost hysterical shouts, the Guard hurried back.

However, at this time, Skorlov appeared restless, pacing back and forth in the room, his brows tightly furrowed, seemingly facing an extremely difficult decision.

After a moment, he finally made a decision, cleared his throat, and said to the Guard: "Pass on my order, bring Makarov to my office. I will wait for him there."

Then, Skorlov's gaze turned to Xu Ning, lingered for a moment, and then he turned and walked towards the stairs, "Follow me."

A subtle smile appeared on Xu Ning's face; he knew that he had gained initial trust.

The thoughts from the banquet last night were now validated: for a technical master like Skorlov, the best way to communicate was to share knowledge and technical insights.

Just as the two entered the office, Xu Ning softly asked: "Mr. Skorlov, is this vehicle still useful?"

Skorlov's footsteps paused, and he slowly turned around and said: "No need, I don't like to forcibly take others' research results. However, if you are willing to share your research notes with me, I am very interested."

Finally, he also muttered to himself, his voice so low it was almost inaudible: "Although this may not be of much help in solving the current problem..."

Before long, Makarov was helped into the room.

Xu Ning immediately stepped forward, carefully settled his bruised friend into a chair, and offered him a cup of hot tea as comfort.

Makarov was covered in shocking whip marks, bloodstained; his clothes were also soaked with sweat and alcohol, emitting a strong smell of vodka.

Even so weak, Makarov still managed to raise a trembling finger and point at Skorlov, his voice weak but angrily questioning: "You bastard, do you really want to kill me? How could you lay such a vicious hand on me?"

Skorlov sighed, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness: "My dear brother, how could you be so careless and bring an outsider into our military restricted area?"

"You know very well that the Nikolaev Shipyard is as important to us as a Bear's paw is to a Bear."

Makarov's voice trembled slightly, as if stating an undeniable fact.

Skorlov frowned: "But Mr. Xu is different; he is our partner. The artillery on our destroyers now is provided by them."

"Then why didn't you make it clear earlier?" Skorlov questioned.

"You...did you give me a chance to speak?" Makarov almost roared.

Skorlov, however, acted as if he hadn't heard, turned his head to look out the window, then turned back nonchalantly and said: "Alright, seriously, how is the data for the newly installed artillery? Let me see."

Makarov's body trembled slightly with anger: "Damn it, that report is on your desk. I already sent it to you by telegram yesterday, can't you see it?"

"Oh, so it's here," Skorlov's gaze fell on the desk, and he said casually, "Unfortunately, I was lecturing at the academy yesterday and haven't had time to deal with official business."

Xu Ning listened to the conversation between the two from the side, finding it almost like a comedy, and struggled to suppress his laughter.

At this moment, he understood why Makarov was so resistant to meeting his brother.

Unlike his brother's gentle and polite demeanor, Skorlov was a technical fanatic; his world seemed to hold nothing but cold technical data.

What was worse, this brother had an impatient personality and never gave Makarov a chance to speak properly.