171: Things have changed a lot

"Of course, it's an acquisition project." Xu Ning declared confidently, "This time, I'm no longer just a small person in charge of the Malyshev Military Factory. We will represent Great Xia's military industry and strive for ownership of the Nikolaev Shipyard and that unfinished nuclear-powered aircraft carrier."

The ulyanovsk!

Xu Ning waved his hand, urging Zhao Zhide and Big Brother to hurry and get ready.

And just as these companions stepped out, they found Kadeyafu already standing outside the door, looking as if he had been waiting for a long time.

Clearly, his appearance was not unexpected by Xu Ning, and looking at Kadeyafu's worried face, he had already vaguely guessed a few things.

"Are you planning to head back home?" Xu Ning asked directly.

Kadeyafu was slightly startled, then showed a wry smile: "I didn't expect I still couldn't hide it from you. I thought you'd think I came to report on the raid on Harvey last night."

"Zhide has already reported to me," Xu Ning said calmly.

"That's good. Now that various countries are declaring independence one after another, I also have to go back and start preparing." Kadeyafu's eyes flashed with determination, "This is a great opportunity for our Chechen Republic of Ichkeria to achieve true autonomy. I want to help my grandfather fulfill his lifelong wish."

Xu Ning's expression became somewhat solemn, and fragments of memories from his previous life appeared in his mind.

At that time, although the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria successfully used this historical opportunity to declare independence and expelled many Arctic Bear forces, it ultimately did not receive formal recognition.

Instead, the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria was forced to sign an agreement that seemed like a victory but was actually humiliating.

Two years later, when the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria attempted to strive for full autonomy again, the Arctic Bear had already recovered its strength, followed by brutal suppression and counterattacks, until the Capital fell and the leader perished in the flames of war.

Thinking of this, Xu Ning was a little worried, "After this separation, I don't know when we'll meet again. I'm also going back soon."

Hearing this, Kadeyafu's expression was slightly disappointed: "Then this military factory..."

"By then, I can only entrust it to Security Guard Lie. Remember, even if I'm not here, no one should even think about touching my shares." Xu Ning's tone was firm.

Kadeyafu smiled, trying to comfort the other party: "Don't worry, no one here dares to have ideas about you. No matter when, there will always be a place for your resources here."

After a moment of silence, Xu Ning sighed: "We've been together for so long, and I still don't know how old we are. Forget it, let me act like an old man just this once today."

As their eyes met, Xu Ning said earnestly: "Sometimes giving up is also a kind of wisdom. Taking a step back, perhaps you will see a broader world."

Kadeyafu looked up and responded: "Then why don't you choose to let go?"

"Because I bear a responsibility that cannot be laid down," Xu Ning answered frankly.

"So do I," Kadeyafu's words were equally firm.

At this moment, the Kadeyafu before him was no longer the slightly naive young man from their first meeting; his eyes revealed an unshakable determination and infinite yearning for the future. Unconsciously, he had already grown into someone capable of handling things independently.

Xu Ning smiled and shook his head: "You guy, when did you become so stubborn?"

Kadeyafu smiled and replied: "Probably from the moment I started treating you as a close friend from the bottom of my heart."

Xu Ning was startled, his brows furrowed, and he softly muttered a curse that only he could hear.

"Damn it... don't you actually die!"

As Kadeyafu's departing footsteps faded into the distance, Ivanyafu and his escort team also disappeared from sight.

After a moment of thought, Xu Ning decided to give them a Qiongqi II as a farewell gift. This was probably the last thing he could do for this old friend.

Zhao Zhide and Big Brother's preparations were faster than expected, and they didn't make Xu Ning wait long.

After everything was arranged, he set off again in his car, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion: World affairs are like a constantly changing chess game. In just two days, fate had brought him back to Nikolaev.

Night fell, and the familiar streets seemed particularly quiet under the moonlight.

After some thought, Xu Ning still chose the hotel he had stayed in before as a temporary resting place, planning to set off for his destination the next morning.

Coincidentally, at Dawn the next day, the view outside the window was once again enveloped by a thick layer of fog.

However, this time, without Makarov leading the way, Xu Ning still relied on his own judgment to find the direction to the shipyard in the fog.

In the summer morning light, the air was moist and fresh, and the dew drops on the grass leaves shimmered like pearls, adding a touch of vitality to this lush green world.

But when Xu Ning arrived at the shipyard gate, he felt an unprecedented change. The guards were new faces, their eyes revealing a mixture of alertness and melancholy.

After reporting his identity to the guard, he was not taken directly to Skorlov's office as usual, but was led to a spacious conference room to wait.

It wasn't until more than two hours later that Skorlov slowly walked into the room.

In just two days, this once imposing figure seemed to have aged considerably in an instant.

Skorlov's gaze swept over Xu Ning's companions behind him, and a sarcastic smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, making it difficult to tell whether he was mocking the other party or himself.

"Mr. Xu Ning," he said, his tone polite, "I presume your visit this time is not simply to discuss our cooperation? In just two days, I don't believe you have completed the design of the anti-ship missile launcher."

Facing such an opening, Xu Ning was not surprised and responded frankly: "That's right, Mr. Skorlov, I am indeed not visiting as a partner."

Then, he directly brought up the topic: "Since that's the case, let's get straight to the point. Now that Utopoonia has officially declared independence, I presume they will not continue building a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier for the 'Dog Bear'.

Therefore, today I am representing the Great Xia military to discuss the acquisition of the ulyanovsk with you."

Skorlov's face first turned pale, then flushed red, and he looked at Xu Ning angrily.

"Heh heh, Mr. Xu Ning, your naivety is truly surprising," Skorlov's voice was mixed with a hint of sneer:

"Do you really think I'll easily agree? Even if the higher-ups don't give a single penny, I will continue building until this colossal ship is completed."

"A nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is a strategic weapon of the state. Do you think I would just hand it over?" Skorlov's words were powerful and resonant, as if every word echoed in the air.

Xu Ning responded calmly: "Mr. Skorlov, give up. Even if you actually complete it, who can you give it to? The former great nation exists only in name, and the homeland you wanted to leave it to has long since changed beyond recognition."