Who would still be a social slave when they are so rich?

"Why isn't Grandpa resting so late?" Su Chen asked with a smile as soon as the call connected.

The caller was none other than Old Master Xiao, who lived far away in the capital.

Immediately, Old Master Xiao's feigned displeasure came from the other end of the phone, "What? You're looking down on this old man?"

Upon hearing this, Su Chen's smiling face instantly vanished, and he immediately changed the subject, "Ahem~ Does the old man have any instructions for calling so late?"

"There were no instructions. I heard from Xiaochen that you returned to China, so I thought I'd call you to say thank you for your hard work this time. Also... just stay in China for a while and don't go out!"

Grandpa Xiao's voice softened, his words filled with deep concern.

Speaking of this, Su Chen immediately thought of what he had talked about with Xiao Chen on the phone before. He took a deep breath before asking, "Grandpa, has the situation in the southern sea really reached a point where it's about to break out?"

Silence fell... Upon hearing Su Chen's question, Old Master Xiao on the other end of the phone immediately fell silent.

After what seemed like tens of seconds or a minute or two, a long sigh was heard from Grandpa Xiao. "Ah~ I didn't want to tell you all this, but I know you, kid. If I didn't tell you, you'd probably be worried sick."

Seemingly thinking about how to tell Su Chen, after pausing for four or five seconds, Grandpa Xiao continued, "In recent years, China's development can be described as having been propelled by a rocket. Whether in terms of economy or military, we will catch up with the bald eagle."

"Especially with the official commissioning of the Liaoning aircraft carrier last year, it also officially announced to the world that our navy has the capability to strike from the ocean and has its own ocean-going force."

"In addition to our large and leading manufacturing industry and the speed of 'China's' construction, this makes the bald eagle even more uneasy. It is trying to curb the flow of various technologies or top equipment into the country by vigorously blocking them."

"As for the situation in the southern seas, the bald eagle has realized that it can no longer stop our development, so it wants to drag us into the quagmire of war, hoping to use this to delay or even cripple our economic development."

"A good start prevents a hundred more! If we don't teach the Bald Eagle a lesson and force it to back down, the southern seas will be at the mercy of Southeast Asian countries and the Bald Eagle, and those islands will be occupied. This is something we don't want to see."

"So this time we've made our stance clear: even if it means wiping out the navy and crippling the planes, we'll drive them out!"

By the end, Su Chen could feel the passion and determination in Old Master Xiao's words even through the phone, and his heart was stirred, causing him to tighten his grip on the phone.

"Hoo!" Su Chen took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Grandpa, if there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask!"

Upon hearing Su Chen's words, Grandpa Xiao's hearty laughter immediately came from the other end of the phone, "Hahaha, you lad, that's enough! These things are none of your business. You should eat and drink as usual, and live your life the same way you always have."

"No matter how turbulent the situation in the South China Sea may be, it won't affect domestic stability, so don't worry about it!"

His words carried an air of domineering arrogance, as if the Bald Eagles and their group were nothing more than clowns.

Upon hearing this, Su Chen remained silent for a moment. He understood what the old man meant. In this situation, there was nothing he could do to help. His desire to establish a military industrial enterprise grew even stronger.

Su Chen didn't want to continue discussing this heavy topic, since he was powerless to do anything about it, so he immediately changed the subject, saying, "By the way, Grandpa, how are Yao... Chen Yao and the others? Are they safe?"

"They're fine, and it's only a matter of time before they return to China! It's expected that they'll be safely back at the port in Dalian in another five or six days!" When talking about this, Old Master Xiao's voice was noticeably more relaxed.

"I received a report from Xiao Yao earlier, saying that the experimental machine's normal speed can reach Mach 45, and its top speed can even reach Mach 8?"

“That’s right!” Su Chen replied firmly, “I personally retrieved the data from the black box. As long as Brother Yao transports that experimental machine back to China, I believe it won’t be long before we can replicate it!”

"A replica?" Old Master Xiao on the other end of the phone shook his head slightly, his tone changing from its previous gentleness. "No... a replica is not what we need! What we need is innovation and transcendence!"

"We must develop an engine that is more advanced and faster than the Bald Eagle's!"

The firmness in that tone made Su Chen feel as if he were seeing countless researchers who had dedicated their youth to scientific research.

"Yes, the old man is right. Following others will only get you to the same level as them. Only by forging your own path can you possibly overtake them!"

At this point, Su Chen paused slightly, considering whether now was a good time. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Grandpa, I want to discuss something with you."

"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao on the other end of the phone raised an eyebrow. This was the first time he had heard Su Chen speak in such a consultative tone. He immediately laughed and said, "You're so hesitant to talk about something. This isn't like your decisive and efficient style, Su Chen. Tell me, what important matter has made you look like this!"

"Ahem~" Su Chen coughed awkwardly before solemnly saying, "Grandpa, I want to set up a military industrial enterprise. I was thinking of asking you to pull some strings and get the four military industrial licenses as soon as possible."

The four military industry certifications are qualifications that must be obtained to establish a military enterprise. The first one is the weapon and equipment quality management system certification, also known as the National Military Standard, which is similar to the QS certification for selling goods.

As for the other three qualifications, they are the confidentiality qualification certification for weapons and equipment research and production units, the qualification review for equipment manufacturing units, and the weapons and equipment research and production license.

Only by possessing these four qualifications can one establish a military industrial enterprise in the country.

Seemingly worried that Old Master Xiao might be unwilling, he immediately added, "Old Master, this is what you said when you asked me to clean up the mess in Africa. You can't go back on your word."

Grandpa Xiao on the other end of the phone was completely dumbfounded, wondering when he had ever said such a thing.

Before he could think any further, Su Chen's voice came again, "You asked me to set up a company to sell some useless 'scrap metal' to IPS Security Company through professional channels. Isn't that just asking me to set up a military enterprise? After all, it's illegal to resell 'scrap metal' in China."

When Su Chen said the words "scrap metal," he emphasized each word, as if afraid that Old Master Xiao wouldn't understand what he was saying.

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao chuckled in disbelief. How could he not understand the meaning behind Su Chen's words? After all, he had indeed said those words himself. However, he had only instructed Su Chen to operate privately, but Su Chen had put it out in the open, even suggesting that Su Chen seize upon certain words to try and establish a military industry presence. He truly didn't know what to say to Su Chen.

"You little rascal, did you already have this idea? Don't think this old man doesn't know what you're doing on Zheng Island. You're even thinking about installing a controlled nuclear fusion device on a cargo ship. Why don't you just build a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier?" Old Master Xiao naturally hesitated with Su Chen for a while. If he agreed too quickly, his peaceful days would be over.

“It’s not impossible. Grandpa, you can transfer some shipbuilding experts from the Darian Shipyard. I’ll cover the expenses myself and guarantee that the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in China will be built within a year!” Su Chen replied without hesitation, following the old man’s lead.

"Uh..." Old Master Xiao hadn't expected Su Chen to have such a bold idea, and for a moment he was both amused and exasperated.

"You little rascal, you've got quite the ambition!" Old Master Xiao chuckled and scolded, but his tone gradually turned serious. "You need to understand that military industrial enterprises are not child's play, not something to be taken lightly. Are you really sure you want to get involved in this?"

Old Master Xiao was quite familiar with the businesses under Su Chen's name. While they might lack military technology, they had all sorts of advanced equipment and were involved in various materials companies.

With a group of professional military industrial personnel, Su Chen's military industrial enterprises will soon be able to establish their framework. The rest will be about researching suitable military industrial projects.

Hearing Grandpa Xiao's question, Su Chen replied firmly, "I've thought it through! If we fall behind, we'll be bullied. If we had advanced aircraft carriers or fighter jets, even if the bald eagle had ten times the courage, it wouldn't dare to get involved in the southern waters. At most, it would just impose an economic blockade and engage in empty talk!"

"Grandpa, I also want to contribute to the national defense cause!" These words came from Su Chen's heart.

Grandpa Xiao fell silent again on the other end of the phone, with occasional knocking sounds indicating that he was thinking about military industrial enterprises.

The knocking stopped quickly, followed by Old Master Xiao's voice, "Alright, I'll have someone handle the qualification matter, but... if you're researching any amazing projects, please let this old man know in advance!"

He was really afraid that he would be shocked by a "bomb" soon after he agreed, just like the controlled nuclear fusion back then.

"Hehe~ Grandpa, don't worry, I definitely won't cause any trouble!" Seeing that Grandpa Xiao agreed, Su Chen's tone became much more relaxed.

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xiao shook his head helplessly, a strange feeling creeping into his heart that Su Chen was about to give him a big surprise.

After chatting for a while, Su Chen could clearly sense that the old man was a little tired, so he took the initiative to end the conversation.

When he hung up the phone, Grandpa Xiao specifically asked him to come back to the capital in a few days and visit his home.

Su Chen agreed without hesitation, as he remembered that it was Grandpa Xiao's birthday in a few days.

Since neither Xiao Chen nor his father were in the capital, the house felt rather quiet, so he naturally had to go and keep the old man company.

After hanging up the phone, I realized that they had been talking for more than an hour without realizing it. It was already midnight, and the Bund outside the window was still brightly lit.

Su Chen glanced at Chen Fei and his lips twitched slightly. This guy... had fallen asleep on the sofa while waiting.

Seeing Chen Fei sleeping soundly with a pillow in his arms, Su Chen felt a pang of reluctance to disturb him. It was already August, and it wouldn't hurt for him to sleep on the sofa for a night.

But after thinking about it, Su Chen decided to wake the guy up, so that he wouldn't wake up with a sore back tomorrow.

He gently nudged Chen Fei's shoulder and said, "Wake up~ The moon's shining on your butt!"

Chen Fei woke up groggily and, upon seeing Su Chen in front of him, instinctively stood up. Still not fully awake, it took him about three to five seconds for his brain to register, and he said, "Sir, have you finished your call?"

"We finished a long time ago, you were sleeping so soundly!" Su Chen teased with a smile. "Go back to your room and get some sleep. Also... arrange the itinerary for Feizheng Island tomorrow noon, and have the crew coordinate with the airport in advance!"

"Got it!" Chen Fei nodded in response, but then let out a big yawn and laughed awkwardly at himself.

Su Chen smiled and shook his head. Chen Fei was just too honest sometimes. He gently patted Chen Fei's shoulder and then walked upstairs to the bedroom.

Back in his room, Su Chen filled the bathtub with water, lay down in it, looked at the night view outside the window, and pondered how to implement his next plan.

"You have to take things one step at a time, and eat one bite at a time. Some things can't be rushed!"

Su Chen originally planned to quickly launch several projects after the military industry enterprises were established, including electromagnetic weapons in addition to the Baidi UAV.

But after thinking about it seriously, he still felt it was somewhat unrealistic. Given the extreme shortage of researchers, taking too big a step might backfire.

The most important thing now is to readjust the industries in the Zhengdao Industrial Park, separating some industries from the park, and preparing the remaining industries, such as machine tools, to serve the military industry.

At the same time, we should encourage the experts in the park to show their friendly spirit and recruit top experts from research institutes or universities to officially launch the military industry plan.

After finalizing the arrangements, Su Chen realized that the water temperature had become a bit cold. He then got out of the bathtub, dried himself off, and instead of going to sleep, he went to his study to begin drafting the preliminary plan for the military industrial enterprise.

The blue light from the screen reflected on Su Chen's face, making him appear exceptionally focused.

Su Chen was busy until around 2 a.m. before he finally finished the planning document. After stretching and saving the document, he returned to his room and lay down on the bed.

In a short while... Su Chen fell into a deep sleep, and even started snoring—something he had never done before.

It's obvious... this is due to overwork. (End of Chapter)