165: A huge wall stretches across

Facing such a firm attitude, Skorlov not only didn't feel displeased but instead showed a look of appreciation. "Good, young man, you have great courage. I will personally take you up to have a look."

Makarov, who was beside him, heard this, his face changed drastically, and he almost jumped out of his chair: "Skorlov, are you crazy?"

On the ulyanovsk aircraft carrier, which carried the nation's glory and strategic dreams, every step required strict scrutiny.

Taking someone aboard without authorization, if discovered, would have unimaginable consequences. This not only meant a serious disciplinary record but was also a challenge to the national security system.

"Of course, I understand these rules," Skorlov said impatiently. "But you know those bureaucratic ways. By the time all the approval procedures are done, my aircraft carrier could have circled the Earth once."

Facing such a straightforward answer, Makarov was speechless for a moment.

He knew his brother's personality well: impatient and stubborn. Trying to persuade him was like playing a lute to a cow.

Moreover, deep down, he also agreed with Skorlov's point of view.

He just worried that over time, this risky behavior would eventually lead to an irreversible situation.

Without giving his brother more chance to retort, Skorlov quickly picked up a thick stack of documents from the table and handed them to Xu Ning:

"These are the detailed design drawings for the latest version of the anti-ship missile launch system. You can familiarize yourself with them on the way, and we'll discuss the rest when we get there."

Then, turning to Makarov, "As for you, stay here and get some good rest. Guard, please escort Mr. Makarov to my private lounge."

A response immediately sounded from outside the door.

As Skorlov strode away, Xu Ning could only offer a few hurried words of comfort before following closely behind.

Passing through the busy yet orderly shipyard, they arrived at a work area specifically responsible for assembling certain components.

Along the way, Skorlov enthusiastically greeted every worker, even accurately calling out their names.

Finally, they stopped in front of a huge object covered with heavy waterproof canvas.

"This is the baby," Skorlov said excitedly. "Come lend a hand and uncover this."

Several quick-reacting workers immediately put down their work and came to assist.

When the last piece of canvas was lifted, what appeared before everyone was a spectacular anti-ship missile launch system: long launch tubes mounted on a sturdy base, its scale far exceeding that of ordinary air defense systems, leaving people deeply shocked.

Xu Ning slowly walked closer, gently touching the cold metal surface, silently reciting the data extraction program that was about to start in his mind.

At this moment, it was as if the whole world was holding its breath and focusing for the upcoming technological leap.

Skorlov observed Xu Ning from the side, watching him slowly place his hand on the anti-ship missile launch device, his brows furrowed, as if he was immersed in deep thought.

At first, Skorlov was startled, but then he wisely closed his mouth.

He knew that when Xu Ning was in this state, it meant his brain was running at high speed, trying to extract sparks of inspiration for improvement from the complex design drawings in his mind.

At this moment, any disturbance could interrupt this rare moment of inspiration.

In Skorlov's view, weapon design was like artistic creation; it required capturing those fleeting sparks of creativity.

Sometimes, a problem that had troubled one for a long time would find its answer in the most unexpected moments, such as a brief trip to the restroom or ashake under the influence of alcohol.

This time, however, Xu Ning didn't seem to take too long.

In the time it took Skorlov to smoke a cigarette, he already had inspiration.

"How is it? Do you have any ideas?" Skorlov asked.

"Yes, I have some thoughts," Xu Ning replied briefly.

Skorlov couldn't help but laugh: "I was planning to tell you about its performance parameters, but it seems there's no need now."

"However, this alone isn't enough. I need to personally board the 'ulyanovsk' Aircraft Carrier for further inspection," Xu Ning added.

Hearing this, Skorlov's originally relaxed expression instantly turned serious, and his tone carried a hint of warning:

"Young man, I must warn you, once you step onto the aircraft carrier, if you can't produce results in the end, the consequences will be more than just the termination of our cooperation."

"I have the right to question your purpose, and even if it leads to increased tension between the two countries, I will not let you leave easily."

"At that time, it might not be so easy to leave Russia freely like you can now. You'd better think it through carefully."

Facing such a challenge, Xu Ning remained calm: "Weapon development is inherently a path of continuous pursuit of excellence. If I feared difficulties, I wouldn't be standing here."

Skorlov nodded in satisfaction: "Good, your attitude is better than expected. If you were one of us, I would really hope you could join the Dzerzhinsky Military Academy so I could pass on everything I've learned to you."

"You are simply born for weapon design, far more outstanding than many students I've taught."

"You are too kind," Xu Ning said modestly.

Skorlov waved his hand, signaling him to follow: "Let's go, let's head to the aircraft carrier. Believe me, when you step onto that deck for the first time, you will feel an unprecedented shock, like Columbus discovering a new continent."

"Don't worry, it's not embarrassing even if you're scared by the magnificent sight. I myself was quite scared back then."

After saying that, he deliberately lowered his voice and added, "Only you know about this, don't tell Makarov."

Listening to the words of this senior, Xu Ning couldn't help but smile slightly, his heart filled with anticipation for the new journey that was about to begin.

Although Skorlov's previous attitude seemed strict and even threatening, a special trust and understanding had now been established between the two.

As the vehicle drove towards the sea, although Skorlov emphasized they were heading towards the ocean, in Xu Ning's eyes, what lay ahead was more like a new world of the unknown and opportunity.

In front of Skorlov, there always stood a giant wall, completely blocking out the vastness of the ocean.

This wall seemed like an insurmountable barrier between heaven and earth, tall and indestructible.

"Rumble... cough..." As the old volga jeep let out its last weak gasp, it finally stopped struggling at the intersection and collapsed by the roadside.

Skorlov was furious and slammed the steering wheel repeatedly, "Bang."

He roared, "Damn piece of junk."

Leaping out of the driver's seat, Skorlov kicked the car body hard, but the stubborn old fellow just grunted and had no other reaction.

"If I ever meet the head of volga Automobile Company, I'll make sure he knows what 'spitting out lotus flowers' truly means," he said indignantly. "Only they could use top-grade materials to build this kind of scrap metal that breaks down anytime."