167: Listen to your boss

Skorlov almost thought he misheard.

He had originally planned to give Xu Ning a whole month and only requested a preliminary draft.

This way, they could also review the shortcomings in the work together and discuss improvement plans.

However, Xu Ning unexpectedly compressed the deadline to just one week and promised to deliver the final version.

How confident was this young man to think his results were flawless?

"Alright," Skorlov responded with a smile, "Since you're so confident, one week it is.

I'm very curious what kind of answer you'll turn in."

"Don't disappoint me."

Just as the two were talking, a supervisor with a hurried expression burst into the room, glanced at Xu Ning not far away, and then hesitated.

Noticing this, Skorlov said, "Just speak your mind, it's okay."

The supervisor then breathed a sigh of relief and reported, "Mr., news just came from the dock.

Two Victor II class nuclear submarines that completed their silent missions are requesting to enter port for routine inspection and maintenance."

After a brief consideration, Skorlov nodded in agreement, "Understood.

Please arrange for them to enter port smoothly."

After the supervisor left, Skorlov got up to leave, "It's getting late, we should head back too."

At this moment, Xu Ning's eyes suddenly lit up, and he asked, "I remember your nuclear submarines can launch cruise missiles through their torpedo tubes, right?"

Skorlov's steps paused, "That's true, but it's not a secret."

Xu Ning continued, "I want to see it in person."

Instantly, Skorlov's expression turned stern.

Although the Victor II class was not the top-tier model, it was the cornerstone for the future development of submarine technology, and its importance was self-evident.

Allowing outsiders onto such a vessel was clearly unimaginable.

"Young man, aren't you being a bit excessive?"

Skorlov's voice carried a hint of warning.

But Xu Ning did not back down; instead, he said even more firmly, "If anti-ship missiles can be successfully launched underwater, it will be a qualitative leap in enhancing maritime deterrence."

Skorlov was momentarily speechless, but his heart was anything but calm.

On one hand, as the head of the Nikolaev Shipyard, he should refuse any request that might leak confidential information.

On the other hand, as someone dedicated to innovation in weapon design, he was deeply attracted by the idea Xu Ning proposed.

Since witnessing Xu Ning's shocking naval gun data analysis report, Skorlov had realized that this young man possessed extraordinary creativity.

That kind of design thinking that could break conventions and challenge limits was exactly what they had long dreamed of but found difficult to achieve.

Perhaps it was precisely because of this that Skorlov especially cherished the opportunity to cooperate with Xu Ning.

Because in this world, what truly drives weapon technology forward is often those souls who dare to attempt the 'impossible'.

Just as Skorlov was still hesitating, Xu Ning's voice once again broke the silence.

"I once read an academic article on this topic.

Although the arguments within it were more like theoretical discussions, the article explicitly mentioned that the design inspiration came from torpedo tubes.

It is for this reason that I am eager to see it with my own eyes."

He continued, "If I can complete this part of the knowledge, I believe our design progress can be finished at least two days ahead of schedule."

Skorlov frowned, his heart filled with doubts about the authenticity of this mysterious paper, yet he could not resist the temptation within.

After a long while, he finally let out a sigh.

His hand gripping the back of the chair seemed to speak of his decision.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow," Skorlov said firmly, "When the nuclear submarines begin routine maintenance tomorrow, I can take you to visit.

However, it is limited to the launch area and the control room.

As for the area where the reactor is located, that is absolutely impossible."

Xu Ning nodded solemnly and replied, "That will be enough."

Time flew by in a flash.

When the two set foot on the land of Hulifuka again, two days had already passed.

Facing Makarov's warm invitation, Xu Ning politely declined, citing the need to quickly start the design work for the new anti-ship missile launch device.

Afterward, he set off on the journey back with his old friends Big Brother, Teacher, and Baldy, who had stayed at the hotel.

During the journey, Xu Ning sat in the passenger seat, his gaze passing through the car window, watching the sun-drenched, oily green grassland.

He softly instructed Teacher, who was driving, "Drive slower."

He wanted to fully appreciate the scenery along the way, and also reviewed everything he had gained from this trip in his mind.

Except for the supply ship, the key data for the aircraft carrier battle group had been fully grasped.

Even if the aircraft carrier deal ultimately failed, relying on this information would be enough to support the entire fleet's reconstruction project.

As for the supply ship, being the least technically complex part, mentioning it incidentally in subsequent negotiations should not be too difficult.

Even if it could not be directly purchased, reverse engineering based on existing data was not hard.

Opening the car window and letting the fresh air blow in, Xu Ning seemed to already feel the scent of home.

He turned to look southeast, the direction of home.

This journey was about to come to an end...

After arriving at Malyshev, Xu Ning did not immediately return to the factory but first went to the hospital to visit Xie Xie, who was recovering.

When he walked into the ward, he saw an unexpected scene: Xie Xie was lying on the floor, struggling to do push-ups.

A slight sound broke the silence in the ward.

He immediately tensed up and turned his head alertly.

When he saw that it was Xu Ning and the others, a surprised smile instantly bloomed on his face.

"Oh, why are you here?" he asked, his voice filled with unexpected joy.

Xu Ning smiled back, "To see how you're recovering.

Look at you, you can even do push-ups.

It seems you're doing well."

Xie Xie gave a bitter smile and said, "If I don't move around, I'm afraid I'll rust."

He sighed softly and continued, "Luckily, what happened last time didn't leave me with any after-effects, otherwise I wouldn't be able to move even if I wanted to now."

Big Brother Zi's eyes turned red, and he said excitedly, "Boss, I will definitely avenge Brother Pao's matter and your feud for you."

Xie Xie's stern gaze swept towards Big Brother Zi, "Stop with that nonsense.

Which is more important, the mission or the reward?"

"Both are important," Big Brother Zi replied firmly.

Xie Xie glared at him, "Don't argue with me.

Listening to Boss is the most important thing."

"Yes, I know I was wrong," Big Brother Zi lowered his head and admitted his mistake.

Then, Xie Xie looked at Teacher Shi and Baldy, his tone becoming serious, "You two must keep a close eye on him.

If you find him disobedient and acting recklessly, deal with him directly.

Don't make me worry."