Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 2052, I Want Me to Think
The world is actually a huge makeshift operation.

Anything, no matter how absurd, can happen. So there's no need to take it too seriously.

For example, Devont told Zhang Yong very seriously that the British and American navies wanted to discuss something very, very important with him.

"Could it be that they're going to use the Mawei naval port?"

"That's a good thing..."

Zhang Yong seemed lost in thought. He couldn't get what he wanted.

It would be great if the US Navy dared to intervene like this.

If the United States Navy were to actually station itself at the Mawei naval port, the Japanese Navy would certainly not stand idly by.

The two sides will definitely clash. And then it will escalate.

The issue is--

Would the other party dare?

"Sir Commissioner, please!"

"please!"

Zhang Yong and De Went arrived at the mouth of the Minjiang River.

Liu Jianxu was in a good mood and came along to watch the excitement. His main goal was to make a good impression on the British and American navies.

He's fallen out with Chiang Kai-shek, and he probably won't have a good life from now on. Things are looking bad; he has to run away immediately.

In summer, the water level of the Minjiang River is very high.

But no matter how high it is, it's impossible to accommodate a heavy cruiser.

The USS Chester, a heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, has a displacement of over 10,000 tons. It certainly cannot sail upriver.

Only the two British destroyers might be able to manage. However, they seemed to have no intention of entering the mouth of the Min River. They slowly came to a stop outside.

Zhang Yong turned his head to look at Deventer, his eyes filled with doubt. But he didn't say anything.

“Commander of the naval task force, Commodore Callahan, please come aboard,” Devont said. “He wants to speak with you.”

"You mean, he invited me aboard the ship as a guest?" Zhang Yong tilted his head.

“Yes,” Devonte replied, “please.”

"It seems I'm not important enough," Zhang Yong shook his head. "No one has come to greet me, their guest."

Devont remained silent.

He felt that Zhang Yong was a bit arrogant.

You must understand, the other party is the naval fleet commander! A commodore!
The fact that they invited you aboard their ship is already a great honor. Do you really expect them to personally come and greet you?
Don't take yourself too seriously.

Although you do have some minor skills.

Perhaps you did a good job dealing with the Japanese.

However, compared to the navy's steel warships, airplanes, and cannons, you are nothing.

The USS Chester was equipped with nine 203mm guns, with a range exceeding 20 kilometers. A single salvo could destroy half a harbor.

“Mr. Commissioner…”

"I'm sorry. I get seasick. I can't go."

"open……"

"Ah. So tired. I stayed up too late last night with the beautiful girls..."

Zhang Yong yawned.

He wasn't lying.

I have indeed been indulging in too much womanizing lately.

But the body wasn't completely drained. Short duration. Frequent sessions.

Perhaps it's because my physical condition is developing in the direction of "eating smaller meals more frequently"?
Devonte: ...

Very speechless.

This guy is starting to put on an act.

The navy invited you to come aboard as a guest, but you refused.
That's a joke...

For other people, there would be no such opportunity at all.

"open……"

"What else do you want to say?"

"Brigadier General Callahan is also His Excellency the President's personal naval assistant."

"so what?"

Zhang Yong rolled his eyes. Then he realized he might be wrong.

Who was that person again? The president's personal naval assistant? That means someone close to Roosevelt? Is he that important?

Callahan...

I have a vague recollection, but it's incomplete.

Forget it. Who cares what kind of assistant he is? Anyway, I can't be arrogant at first and then obsequious later.

I'm not going unless they come to pick me up.

"you……"

Devonte was truly amazed.

This Zhang Yong is really arrogant! He doesn't even care about this.

You've already made it perfectly clear to them that Callahan is the president's naval assistant, and you're still unmoved?

Look how arrogant you are.

Don't regret it!

Fine, if you're not going, then forget it.

Just as they were about to report to the ship, they witnessed a surprising scene.

Three small boats sailed past the cruiser USS Chester. There was a commodore on board.

Zhang Yong didn't really understand naval rank insignia. They were all on the cuffs. Too complicated. Not nearly as eye-catching as the army's collar insignia.

Fortunately, there was a system notification. There was a commodore among them. He seemed to be someone of considerable importance.

"Who is that?" Zhang Yong asked.

“Callahan…” Devont replied dryly.

"The president's naval aide?"

"Yes……"

"He's here to greet me?"

"should be……"

Devont's expression gradually became strange.

He hadn't expected that Callahan would personally come to invite him.

When did Zhang Yong come to have such influence that a naval commodore would personally come to invite him?

wrong.

Commodores are not important.

The important thing is that the other party is the President's Navy Assistant!

He's someone close to the President!
Does Zhang Yong have that much influence?

Callahan actually came ashore to greet him personally.

Rubbing eyes...

I thought I had misread it.

result……

You read that right, it really is Callahan. It really is His Excellency the President's Navy Assistant.

He really did come by small boat.

Zhang Yong blinked.

"This Brigadier General Callahan seems to be quite old."

"Yes……"

"Didn't he graduate from Annapolis Naval Academy?"

"of course."

"The promotion speed is indeed quite slow."

"..."

Devont did not answer.

The navy has its own rules, and outsiders dare not make unwarranted comments.

Especially the President's Navy Assistant.

That’s a big shot!
It should be noted that Devont was a Marine Corps officer, the kind without official rank.

Congress doesn't allocate any special funds. They can only scrape together a little from here, a little from there, and squeeze a little out of the Navy's coffers.

The weapons and equipment used by the Marine Corps are almost all obsolete from the Navy and Army.

If you offend the navy and army, you might not even have any outdated equipment. You'd be left with nothing but sticks to use on the battlefield.

Besides, at fifty years old, is it too slow to be promoted to brigadier general?

How many people are still lieutenant colonels, or even majors, at fifty years old?

"Let's go!"

Zhang Yong waved his hand and walked forward.

Since the other party was very polite, he decided not to pretend anymore.

A naval commodore, arriving in a rickety little boat, came to personally extend the invitation.

Regardless of the circumstances, the other party is sincere.

The other party has a special identity and may have something important to discuss.

perhaps……

Is it also related to President Roosevelt?

Quiet.

There weren't any of those scenes in short dramas where everyone immediately starts making sarcastic remarks upon meeting.

Wait silently.

Three small boats docked at the pier one after another.

The American naval commodore, Callahan, stepped forward steadily.

Zhang Yong silently observed the other party.

He's very tall. Very thin. He looks very refined.

Like the academic type in novels. Fair-skinned and clean-cut.

"Zhang Yong? Commissioner?"

"I'm."

"Commissioner, it is an honor to invite you to the USS Chester cruiser."

"Thank you!"

"please."

"please."

Zhang Yong boarded the small boat.

Callahan was standing right next to him.

The small boat wobbled and swayed as it set off again.

Zhang Yong stood firmly and steadily, unaffected.

It was a strange feeling, as if the system had given him the ability to automatically balance himself without his conscious awareness.

Take it easy.

With ease.

“Commissioner, have you ever lived on a ship for an extended period of time?” Callahan asked.

"No. I rarely go on ships," Zhang Yong answered honestly.

"They said you were very composed on the warship, like a seasoned veteran. Seeing you today, I can confirm it."

"Excellent."

Zhang Yong politely maintained a low profile.

If the other party is arrogant, he'll slap them in the face. Slap them hard.

If the other person is polite, he is also very well-mannered. After all, China is a land of etiquette!
They gradually approached the USS Chester cruiser.

This cruiser is quite large. Very majestic.

Many battleships look very long and slender. Especially the American battleships. They look rather disproportionate.

The main limitation is the width of the Panama Canal. If the ship is too wide, it cannot pass through and cannot maneuver quickly.

Cruisers don't have this concern because their width will certainly not reach the upper limit.

It has a standard displacement of 9000 tons and a full-load displacement of 12000 tons, similar to the later Type 055 destroyer.

Board the ship.

Zhang Yong acted swiftly.

He was strong and quick, and he climbed up in no time.

"please."

"please."

Zhang Yong suddenly stopped.

I spotted a group of American sailors doing physical training ahead.

In front of them were many huge 203mm naval gun shells, as well as 127mm secondary gun shells.

Lift.

lay down.

It was raised again.

Then I put it down.

This cycle repeated itself endlessly. Everyone was drenched in sweat.

The weight of this shell is astonishing, exceeding 90 kilograms. However, the amount of explosives inside is less than 20 kilograms.

Normally, it takes two people, or even three, to lift it.

Why is the shell here?

Is it really just simple physical training?
Zhang Yong gave a slight, cold smile.

They were all unintentional tests.

No one came to stop him or say anything provocative.

However, it's clear that he needs to prove his abilities before his words will carry weight.

That being the case...

Then take the initiative!
Zhang Yong strode over.

He bent down and picked up a shell.

203mm caliber. No fuse installed. Feel free to mess with it.

Hmm, it feels alright. 90 kilograms isn't too heavy.

It's a pity my arms aren't long enough. Otherwise, I could easily pick one up with each hand.

Quiet.

Dead silence.

All eyes were on Zhang Yong.

No one gasped. But some people covered their mouths. They were clearly very surprised.

This guy……

That's going too far...

He actually lifted a 203mm caliber shell all by himself.

Omega...

God……

He is Chinese!

Could this be the legendary Chinese Kung Fu?

Can someone scale walls and leap across rooftops, pluck leaves and flowers to injure people? I never imagined it was true.

Callahan: ... De Winter: ...

Liu Jianxu: ...

They were all deeply shocked, but remained silent.

Zhang Yong put the cannonball down. Then he picked it up again. Then he put it down again.

He picked her up again...

Putting it down again...

Back and forth.

It was repeated twelve times in total.

He likes this number. He feels it has a lot of depth.

Done.

Stand up straight.

Without panting.

There wasn't even a drop of sweat.

Child's play. Easy peasy. Completely at ease. With complete confidence. Of course, no sweating.

In fact, with his current strength, he might even be able to move a 406mm artillery shell.

Of course, I'm just moving it. I'm not picking it up.

That's too big. My arms aren't long enough. I can't wrap my arms around it. I can only move it.

Get it done.

Clap your hands. Return to Callahan's side.

His expression was nonchalant.

It's like a drop in the ocean.

"Sorry. I just couldn't resist the urge to touch it."

"you're good."

Callahan spoke slowly, then gestured for them to proceed.

The group finally entered the conference room. This was a feature unique to cruisers; destroyers simply didn't have the space.

"please."

"please."

Zhang Yong sat down leisurely.

He had just shown off his skills. No one looked down on him anymore.

On the contrary, many American naval officers looked at him with strange eyes when they came in.

It felt like watching a monster. Or a demon.

Zhang Yong ignored it. He felt good.

He would never deliberately play dumb to fool others and then get humiliated.

I can be low-key. But I can't be stupid. I can't bring trouble upon myself.

It's fine as it is now. You all know I'm capable, so you wouldn't dare to talk nonsense.

"Commissioner, you're at war with the Japanese..."

"I have arranged for bombers to arrive. Prepare for air defense."

"what?"

"Six B-10 bombers are now taking off from Changsha Airport. Please prepare for battle."

"Zhang, what are you going to do?"

"I also need to check your combat response."

"you……"

The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became somewhat heavy.

Callahan remained silent, his brow furrowed. He was clearly deep in thought.

He was an academic general with extensive theoretical knowledge. However, he never understood how Zhang Yong had connected with the outside world.

It doesn’t make sense!

Not scientific!

"Zhang, are you serious?" a naval lieutenant colonel asked skeptically.

“Currently, the bomber formation is about 570 kilometers away from you. It will arrive in about eighty minutes,” Zhang Yong replied calmly.

"Zhang, can your bomber formation really find us?"

"can."

Zhang Yong remained calm.

Of course, it would be very difficult without my remote command.

However, with my remote guidance, there are no problems at all.

No matter where you hide, I will find you.

"Zhang, this is provocation..."

"No. My bomber formation is not carrying any bombs. Don't you have the confidence to intercept them?"

"Of course."

"Let's get started! Let's take concrete action!"

Zhang Yong was relaxed and at ease.

I don't care what you think. I care what I think.

Since you can test me, I can certainly test you as well.

The president's naval assistant?
Perfect, let me see what you're capable of.

Perhaps, in the next moment, the lame president will notice him.

Do not……

You may have noticed this by now.

Otherwise, Callahan would not have personally gone ashore and then welcomed himself aboard the cruiser.

Perhaps, the other party's purpose is also to test their own abilities.

Perhaps someone exaggerated it too much. That's an overstatement.

"it is good!"

Callahan suddenly stood up.

Then the order was issued. The warships immediately accelerated and headed northeast at full speed.

He wanted to see if the bomber formation arranged by Zhang Yong could accurately locate him.

Whether the other party is really that amazing will soon be revealed.

"Heading 060!"

"Full speed ahead!"

With the order given, the warships began to accelerate.

All boilers were running at full capacity. Turbine power was pushed to its limit.

The two British destroyers were also notified.

Subsequently, the two British destroyers also accelerated rapidly.

Six B-10 bombers, if all of them were armed, would be absolutely lethal.

Even though it was a sudden drill, they couldn't afford to be too careless. If they actually got "hit," they'd be finished.

After all, Zhang Yong was a Chinese.

Being ridiculed by a Chinese person is something they cannot accept.

"Ring ring ring!"

"Ring ring ring!"

Various alarms blared incessantly.

All personnel are now fully prepared for combat.

Especially all the anti-aircraft rapid-fire guns, they were all staring intently at the western sky.

At this moment, the USS Chester cruiser was not yet equipped with radar. Therefore, it still had to rely on telescopes to detect targets.

On the high bridge, the observation post opened its eyes wide, hoping to spot the target as soon as possible.

Although Zhang Yong said it was over 500 kilometers away and would take another 80 minutes to arrive, what if it was false?

Soldiers never tire of deceit.

It would be very embarrassing to be ambushed.

Although it wasn't a real battle, it clearly made them feel incompetent.

"Zhang, are you going out?"

"No. I'm here commanding my bomber formation."

How will you give commands?

"It's a secret. No comment."

Zhang Yong deliberately acted as if he were unfathomable.

These proud imperial powers were all those who responded to force but not to gentleness.

If you want them to listen to you, you have to show real ability. Especially overwhelming ability.

Close your eyes and rest your mind.

Time passed by minute by minute.

The atmosphere on the cruiser gradually became tense.

If Zhang Yong wasn't lying, then the bomber formation would be getting closer and closer.

thirty minutes……

Sixty minutes...

Indeed, the bomber formation was getting closer and closer.

At this point, the cruiser formation had moved more than 30 kilometers from its original position.

If you're lucky, you might be able to avoid their search area.

On the vast ocean, a cruiser and two destroyers are actually very, very small targets.

The B-10 bomber also lacks dedicated anti-ship attack capabilities. Flying high above, it might not even notice three small targets on the sea surface.

However, that's what I thought. In reality, I dared not be negligent in the slightest.

"Drip!"

"Drip!"

Suddenly, a sharp whistle blared. An aerial target had been spotted.

Sure enough, the lookout quickly sent a signal. An aircraft appeared in the western sky. However, it was not yet possible to determine what kind of aircraft it was.

"Woooooooo..."

"Woooooooo..."

The piercing air raid siren sounded.

All the weaponry on the cruiser was on high alert.

Callahan: ...

Damn!

The other party really caught up.

They couldn't dodge it at all. The other party didn't even need to search.

Judging from the timing, the bomber formation was coming straight for us. It didn't waste any time at all.

In other words, this cruiser was like a firefly in the dark, constantly being watched by the enemy. The enemy found it without lifting a finger.

very scary……

How exactly did Zhang Yong manage to do that?
No wonder the President's office sent a special telegram ordering him to personally contact Zhang Yong.

"bomber!"

"bomber!"

Finally, we were able to identify the type of aircraft.

That's right, it's a bomber. A rather old B-10 bomber.

The US Navy is quite familiar with this type of aircraft, even though it is a bomber belonging to the Army Air Forces.

However, the bomber formation only made a brief appearance before taking off.

Higher and higher...

Gradually disappearing...

It was as if they had never existed.

However, everyone on board the cruiser knew that a bomber squadron was indeed approaching.

Now, the enemy has cleverly taken cover at high altitude. They're definitely looking for weaknesses in the cruiser before launching an attack.

"Target disappeared!"

"Target disappeared!"

Sure enough, the lookout sentry called out soon after.

The atmosphere on the cruiser did not ease; on the contrary, it became even more tense.

The enemy planes have temporarily disappeared, but they are merely looking for an opportunity. They will surely return.

ten minutes……

twenty minutes……

Sure enough, the bomber formation reappeared.

"Oops……"

Callahan's face immediately turned ugly.

The other naval officers were also highly tense. Their cheeks were taut.

Damn!

The other party came from the stern of the ship.

It was positioned precisely on the cruiser's centerline, where its firepower was weakest.

Because the cruiser's guns are distributed along both sides of the deck. This also applies to anti-aircraft guns.

If the enemy aircraft comes from directly above the cruiser, it is indeed very difficult to attack.

Therefore, this is why multiple warships must operate together.

Single-ship ships have blind spots when firing. The Yamato is a typical example.

If the Yamato had other cruisers or destroyers providing cover, the American planes wouldn't have had such an easy time hitting it.

"Zhang, you win."

"You can steer hard to left and evade quickly."

"There's no point anymore."

Callahan slowly shook his head. He was willing to admit defeat.

He could certainly steer hard left to avoid it. But it wouldn't make any sense.

Because in actual combat, there would obviously be other bombers or torpedo bombers waiting on the flanks.

Once the cruiser begins to turn, the enemy will pounce decisively.

In the end, he still died.

"Alright, I've ordered the bomber formation to return to base."

"Ugh……"

Callahan sighed softly.

The loss was bizarre. But it was a loss nonetheless. There's nothing to complain about.

As it turned out, the British were not lying. This Zhang Yong did indeed possess some very strange abilities that could not be explained scientifically.

Perhaps this is what His Excellency the President is most concerned about.

and so……

"Zhang, we can get down to business now."

[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)