Chapter 58: Sir, I Really Have a Small Problem
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Our factory can produce these parts. I can help you acquire them,” Zhang Zhipeng stated, holding the list of components. “Regarding the rest, there is little I can do. You will need to devise a solution on your own.”
Tang Rui examined the parts that were marked off above. They consisted of landing gear, tires, sensors, and motors, among other less significant components. Nevertheless, this was already quite favorable. Certain items were beyond their company’s production capacity, necessitating orders from other manufacturers. This was already substantial assistance.
“I’m sincerely grateful for your kindness. In the future, Senior, if you require anything, feel free to inform me anytime,” Tang Rui genuinely expressed.
“Alright, these parts are not crucial. If you need them, they can be manufactured within a week. However, I won’t assist you in obtaining these until you secure the other parts first,” Zhang Zhipeng said solemnly. These components were not small-scale items or ordinary police drones. The landing gear alone held a value of millions, with a total price that almost breached ten million. These parts couldn’t be classified as insignificant. Hence, unless Tang Rui dealt with the other components, Zhang Zhipeng would not provide assistance.
“Why begin halfway? If the remaining accessories were absent, it would be pointless.”
“Don’t worry, Senior. I have a solution.” After Tang Rui concluded, he checked the time. There was still half an hour until lunch. He intended to treat Zhang Zhipeng to a meal. However, he declined since he had a meeting in the afternoon. Nonetheless, it wasn’t a big issue. He would call his professor over the weekend and invite Senior Zhang to dine out.
Leaving Senior Zhang’s place, Tang Rui drove directly to the high-speed rail station. He was headed to the National Defense University of Science and Technology. He should have gone yesterday, but he wasn’t in the right mood due to staying up the night before and a busy day afterward. Now that he was well-rested and had sorted out his matters, he took a car to the university.
Traveling from Jinling to Changsha by high-speed rail would take a little over four hours. Starting now, he could reach Changsha in time for dinner. Prior to getting in the car, he made a call to Professor Yu, notifying him of his visit. He didn’t divulge the reason, merely stating that something had come up. Professor Yu didn’t press further and requested the train number to arrange a pick-up.
It was past four in the afternoon when Tang Rui emerged from Changsha Station and contacted Professor Yu. “Hello, I’m Tang Rui. I’ve exited the station.”
“Alright, I’ll be there shortly. Please wait.”
In under two minutes, a military vehicle pulled up in front of Tang Rui.
“Are you Tang Rui?”
“Yes.”
“Get in the car.”
Tang Rui boarded the vehicle, glanced at the soldier at the wheel, and asked curiously, “Are you Professor Yu’s driver?”
“Yes, I’m probably older than you. You can call me Brother Shen.”
“Okay, Brother Shen. Is your schedule usually hectic?”
“It’s manageable. Sometimes busy, sometimes unusually free.”
“I’ve heard that army drivers are highly skilled. Is that true?”
“Not necessarily. It depends on the specific branch. Generally, field troops have exceptional driving skills. Most drivers are level two or even level one.”
“Regarding people like us, driving skills aren’t a strict requirement, nor do we have to undergo assessments. As long as the driving is reasonably decent, it suffices.”
“Is that so? Brother Shen, how skilled are you?”
“Special Grade One.”
Tang Rui raised an eyebrow. He probably shouldn’t have asked. Given that he chauffeured such high-ranking figures and an academician, his driving skills couldn’t be lacking.
Soon, the Audi pulled into the National Defense University. They parked the car and proceeded to the office building.
“Report.”
“Enter.”
“Leader, Tang Rui has arrived.”
“Good, Shen, you can take a break.”
“Understood.”
In the end, only Professor Yu and Tang Rui remained in the office.
Professor Yu smiled and gestured for him to sit. “Take a seat. No need to be too formal. You look even better in person than in the photo.”
“I’m not photogenic, and I can’t Photoshop my ID photos.”
Tang Rui joked.
“Tell me, why the rush this time?”
Professor Yu smiled, not taking Tang Rui’s comment to heart.
“Sir, I’m here to give you a gift.”
Professor Yu’s expression froze momentarily.
What was going on?
Was he attempting to set him up?
“You can’t do that. Are you trying to trap me?”
“Sir, take a look first.”
Tang Rui retrieved his phone and played the drone footage recorded the previous day.
Initially perplexed, Professor Yu’s expression changed the moment he spotted Hei Yuyan.
His gaze remained fixed on the screen, and his demeanor grew unusually serious.
A few minutes later, the video concluded.
“Provide me with the details,” Professor Yu requested.
“Alright, here’s what happened. The night before last, I tested the drone…”
Tang Rui detailed the events of the previous night to Professor Yu, withholding nothing.
“Very well, you’ve done excellently! Did you retain the radar’s scan feedback data?”
“Absolutely. Before it accelerated, I deliberately guided the drone to perform a comprehensive scan and exploration of it.
This represents its radar cross-section data, while this pertains to the laser radar’s detected data. I’ve also constructed a three-dimensional model.
Here, we have the infrared data for the engine’s exhaust. And this shows the change in the enemy’s engine infrared data after acceleration.”
Tang Rui opened one folder after another, revealing an abundance of meticulously recorded data.
All this data was derived from his continuous tracking and scanning of the target.
“Good, good.”
Professor Yu was visibly excited as he reviewed the data.
These findings were of paramount importance.
They were also extremely valuable.
Of all the data, the 3D model data and radar cross-section data held the most significance.
“Does anyone else know about this information besides you?”
“Other than me, only you are aware.”
“Alright, wait a moment. I need to make a call.”
Professor Yu picked up the red secure phone on the desk and dialed a number.
Within ten minutes, personnel from the classified department entered the office.
“Tang Rui, copy the information onto this portable hard drive.”
Professor Yu handed a portable hard drive from the confidential department to Tang Rui.
“Of course.”
Tang Rui nodded and commenced the data transfer.
Once the transfer was complete, the portable hard drive was placed in a secure briefcase and taken away.
Where it went after that was beyond his concern.
“Let’s go. Time for a meal.”
Professor Yu patted Tang Rui’s shoulder with a smile.
As they headed to the cafeteria, Professor Yu urged Tang Rui not to disclose this to anyone.
Tang Rui wasn’t foolish enough to blab about such sensitive information.
In the meantime, Professor Yu reassured him that he had performed commendably.
Rewards were likely forthcoming, but he needed to await verification before getting too anxious.
Following dinner, Professor Yu initially wanted to arrange accommodation, but Tang Rui declined.
“Sir, I’ll be heading back shortly.”
“Is it that urgent?”
“I’m here simply to present you with a gift. Had I not stayed up the night before last, I’d have come yesterday.”
“Alright then, I won’t detain you. I’ll get in touch when there’s news. Any other concerns? If there are, I’m here to assist,” Professor Yu said casually.
In response, Tang Rui produced the parts list.
“Sir, there is actually a minor issue.”
Professor Yu nodded and listened attentively..