In 1978, I was admitted to Harbin Institute of Technology

Chapter 329 Iraq and the Persian delegation sharing a guesthouse? Only out of necessity.
"They're back? The Iraqi side is demanding that we speed up the delivery process, delivering as much as possible... while the Persians are also making purchasing requests, but they want to pay with crude oil."

As soon as the plane landed and came to a complete stop, Liu Debao came to greet him.

He reached out and took the travel bag from Xie Wei, eagerly explaining the situation.

Previously, Xie Wei handed over the launch system used for testing to Yitzhak to take back. Little did he expect that not long after returning, Yitzhak would use these four long-range artillery systems in conjunction with his armored forces to achieve amazing results!

Is it really that easy for Iraqi troops to quickly become combat-ready?

This puzzled Xie Wei.

"It has nothing to do with our people, right?"

Feng Ke also went there. Xie Wei knew what the kid was thinking, and even asked Li Rui to help make a series of arrangements.

As he got into the car, he asked questions.

It wasn't that he thought highly of Feng Ke and the others; in the Middle East, there were practically no capable troops. Anyone who had listened to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms since childhood was far superior to those commanders.

In Xie Wei's world, a warlord from a certain tribe in West Africa rose rapidly, annexing 13 tribes in just three years and controlling three-fifths of the country's land.

Later, during battle, a general who had also studied in China discovered that the enemy's tactics were highly similar to those he had learned in China, thus exposing his identity: he clocked in on time during the day and transformed into a ghost strategist at night, directing operations through encrypted communications. This is also why tribal warlord forces never fought during the day.

The strategist has to work during the day and only has time in the evening.

He was also the only Chinese person to be accused of "war crimes" after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Xie Wei knew all too well how strong the martial spirit of his fellow men was.

Everyone dreams of becoming a general.

Ignoring Xie Rou, who was eager to get data on the battlefield after hearing about the great success of the long-range artillery she had helped develop, Xie Wei reminded her not to ask for the data immediately.

Silently followed behind and got into the Hafei Hongguang minivan.

"No. The technical and logistical training teams are in Baghdad, and the Yitzhak youth officer corps is on the battlefield in the south..."

After the driver started the car, Liu Debao explained what he knew.

Upon hearing that Feng Ke and the others had not participated, Xie Wei immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

At the same time, they were even more puzzled: "Sea transport would take at least half a month. Even if training begins on the ship, given the quality of Iraqi officers and soldiers, they shouldn't be able to form combat capability so quickly, right?"

"Upon returning, Yizak accepted the Tikrit Youth Officer Corps, whose members were all from Tikrit, with soldiers having at least a high school diploma and officers having graduated from university..."

Liu Debao possessed a considerable amount of intelligence.

Along the way, he told Xie Wei in detail what he knew so that Xie Wei could make a judgment.

"The Tikrit Youth Officers Corps?"

Xie Wei frowned.

Historically, there was no such organization as the Tikrit Youth Officers Corps.

"Yes. After Saddam Hussein came to power, he provided tremendous support to his hometown of Tikrit... After Yitzhak returned, he took over command of the troops and, with Saddam's support, established a special position to educate the soldiers on loyalty to the president—the scholar."

When Liu Debao said this, he looked at Xie Wei with a complicated expression.

I have a feeling that Xie Wei is involved in this matter.

Yitzhak had spent a lot of time with Shevchenko before.

When Yitzhak left, Shevchenko gave him "On Protracted War" and "Selected Works of Mao Zedong" as gifts.

"That's normal, isn't it? Apart from the Guards, Iraq's main military force is the Iraqi National Army. Saddam Hussein came to power through a coup, so naturally he's worried that his officers might also stage a coup."

Xie Wei understood the role of the Republican Guard in brainwashing the troops.

"However, a regiment is ultimately a bit too small."

"..."

Liu Debao looked at Xie Wei speechlessly, knowing he wasn't there to hear Xie Wei's opinion on the Yitzhak Youth Officers Corps.

"What did they say?"

"What do you mean? The long-range rocket artillery has already been sold, and most of the funds have been received."

Liu Debao looked at Xie Wei calmly.

"Oh?"

Xie Wei understood instantly.

Whether it could be sold or not, it has already been sold.

"Has Pakistan reacted? Since the 150mm long-range artillery has demonstrated its formidable strength, aren't they tempted?"

Xie Wei did not express his opinion on the Persians exchanging oil for 150 long-range artillery pieces and technology, but instead asked about Pakistan's attitude.

"No. There's been no news from them, and we don't know if they're willing to invest in Super-7."

Liu Debao paused for a moment before answering.

Xie Wei's thinking was too jumpy; he simply couldn't keep up.

Is there a connection between long-range rocket artillery and fighter jets?
Why are you asking that?

"It's nothing, just asking. If there's investment in Super-7, the financial pressure on Project 10 won't be so great, and we can ask for a higher price; if funds are tight, we must ensure we get the money first..."

That's the opposite, right?

Liu Debao was puzzled.

Should a lack of funds lead to lowering prices to secure a partnership?

"Is the matter in Rongcheng almost resolved?"

"No problem."

Xie Wei replied, then reported on the adjustments made at Hongfeng Factory: "The school's current projects are temporarily on hold, but we can no longer poach staff from other organizations. We'll stick to the previous discussion and change it to a collaborative project. What did the higher-ups say?"

"I don't object in principle."

That means they're against it.

"The higher authorities hope that the school will return the personnel of each project team to their original units."

Liu Debao's face was full of dissatisfaction. Before Xie Wei could speak, he continued, "How could this be possible! We transferred these people based on their abilities. If we're really going to send them back, we might as well hand over the funds and disband the project."

He was transferred based on his merit!

So... shameless!
Look at Liu Debao, how honest he used to be?

Sure enough, the environment can easily change a person. Spending too much time with shameless people like Li Rui has influenced Secretary Liu.

He didn't mention himself at all, pushing all the blame onto Li Rui.

"We don't object in principle, so let's just understand that as not objecting. Our project is based on principle!"

Xie Wei said indifferently.

He has a strong reading comprehension ability and good writing skills.

"We can't keep poaching people on such a large scale. If we need a technical leader, we have to apply to the ministry."

"???"

Project autonomy and operational autonomy.

But they lack autonomy in recruiting talent?
"It was suggested by the leaders of the ministry; they're supporting us."

Fearing Xie Wei might misunderstand, Liu Debao quickly said...

How could Xie Wei not know?

The two chatted all the way to the school, gaining a detailed and intuitive understanding of the news that had been circulating recently.

Will Xie Rou stay with the rocket artillery team for the new semester?

After dropping Xie Rou off at the wind tunnel laboratory, Liu Debao casually asked Xie Wei about her after she got out of the car, but he felt nervous inside.

"She'll study mathematics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences first, and depending on the specific circumstances, she might switch to mechanics after studying there for a while. It's up to her."

Xie Wei pretended not to understand Liu Debao's thoughts.

As mentioned earlier, Xie Rou's move to the Institute of Mathematics was a signal that the higher-ups wanted to see—that the school was no longer just recruiting talent but also letting it leave.

"Whoo~"

Liu Debao visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

“Secretary Liu, this matter requires your or Principal Zhang's assistance. Xie Rou's organizational affiliation remains with the school, and she must return after completing her studies. Furthermore, Xie Rou's departure abroad requires my consent.” Xie Wei's face turned serious.

"you……"

Liu Debao gave a wry smile. "Why bother? The tighter you control her, the more she'll rebel. She's reached the age of rebellion. Especially a smart child like her."

"Can top talents who go abroad ever come back?"

Xie Wei's words stunned Liu Debao, who immediately blurted out, "Then why did you insist on adding Zhang Enhe to the list of those going abroad last year?"

"It's different. Relations between the two sides have only recently returned to normal, and cooperation has just begun. He'll have to maintain the facade for a while. President Zhang can't stay abroad for too long, and he won't be able to truly access the core information there. Xie Rou needs many years to learn, and the longer she stays, the more she learns, and the less likely she is to return. How difficult it was for Qian Lao and his group to return to China back then?"

Xie Wei's serious expression at that moment made Liu Debao a little scared.

He always felt that Xie Wei was overthinking things.

Are imperialists still determined to destroy us?
"Alright, it's getting late. You should go back and rest. We'll talk again tomorrow. If you have time, talk to Xie Rou more. She should be reasonable."

Can it?

hope so.

Xie Wei could only smile bitterly. His biggest regret was that when he first arrived in this world, he hadn't brainwashed Xie Rou, telling her that nowhere was safe except for their homeland...

The next day, Xie Wei did not go directly to meet Abdullah and the Persian delegation.

Instead, they first contacted Zhang Mingqiu to learn about the members and detailed intentions of both delegations. Last night, Liu Debao wanted to talk to him about the school project, so Zhang Mingqiu didn't go with him to pick up Xie Wei.

"They're all staying in the same guesthouse? The two sides are at war! What if they start fighting when they meet?"

Xie Wei asked in surprise when Zhang Mingqiu mentioned that the Iraqi and Persian delegations were staying at the Northern Building.

I'd only ever seen this kind of thing online before.

The two sides had been fighting for several years, and both sides wanted to end the war, while neither side was willing to back down.

Even in a state of war, there isn't fighting every day; it's just a battle every now and then.

It's different now.

The Iran-Iraq War had only been going on for a few months. In any war, the initial stage is when the casualties are the greatest, and the fighting is so fierce that it's almost like dogs being brainwashed.

If we're all staying in the same hotel, we'll run into each other all the time; it wouldn't be good if we got into a fight.

"There's nothing we can do about it. Harbin only has this one guesthouse for foreign guests. If they all come together, what can we do if we don't arrange for them to stay in the same guesthouse?"

Zhang Mingqiu looked helpless.

I am also worried about this.

In the early days of reform and opening up, there were very few guesthouses in the country with the capacity to receive foreign guests. Apart from the front lines of reform and opening up, it was considered very good if a province had one guesthouse.

The school is also helpless.

"Let's go take a look first and then talk."

After Xie Wei finished speaking, he immediately thought that he would definitely host a banquet for them at the Northern Building at noon. "We'll be hosting them there at noon, right?"

"Hmm? I'll host them separately from Secretary Liu."

Xie Wei found this arrangement quite reasonable; at least it prevented the two sides from sitting at the same table, which would have seemed deliberate.

"Xie Rou hasn't tried any of the banquets at the Northern Mansion yet. I mentioned before that I would bring her here for dinner, but I'm going to the Chinese Academy of Sciences soon, and these banquets might not be available when I come back."

"..."

Zhang Mingqiu was utterly speechless.

What does it mean that there might not be any left?
Is this guy afraid that other institutions won't let Xie Rou return to Harbin Institute of Technology?

Principal Zhang believed he understood Xie Wei's thoughts; Xie Rou was about to go to the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Little did he know that after the Wildlife Protection Law was enacted, Northeastern cuisine was reduced to dishes like braised goose in an iron pot and chicken stew with mushrooms.

Although it's not exactly in accordance with the rules, and there's no regulation on the number of Chinese accompanying personnel, "How about I have someone pick her up at noon?"

"No, let her also serve as a clerk, so she can listen in."

Xie Wei thought for a moment and then spoke.

"The Flying Dragon Feast?"

Xie Rou, who had just woken up, looked puzzled. "Isn't it inappropriate for me to go when you're discussing business in a diplomatic setting?"

"You have a good memory. When the two parties are discussing something, the clerk needs to take notes. Could you help with that as well?"

Xie Wei casually assigned Xie Rou a job. Although the clerk was very young and looked very inexperienced, there was no problem with her ability.

So, with the newly appointed clerk, Xie Wei and Zhang Mingqiu went to the Northern Building and met with General Abdullah first.

Upon seeing Xie Wei, Abdullah was very enthusiastic and immediately opened his arms to give Xie Wei a warm hug. Before Xie Wei could hug him, Xie Wei reached out and grasped Abdullah's left hand.

"..."

Both sides were completely bewildered.

Abdullah was equally stunned, then shook hands with Xie Wei and said, "Xie, thank you for your valuable suggestions on the development of our troops. We are just a small experimental unit, yet we have already achieved remarkable results..."

"General, I didn't offer any advice... Could I know some specific details?"

After exchanging pleasantries, the two sat down, and Xie Wei hurriedly denied that he had given any advice.

That was all just nonsense and bragging from Yitzhak.

“Of course. Before I came, Yitzhak specifically asked me to give you a detailed briefing, and His Excellency the President has also given the order. He hopes you can go to Baghdad when you have time.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Rou's eyes lit up instantly.

Senior Brother Feng Ke went to Baghdad.

"Thank you for the invitation, President. I will definitely go when I have time."

Xie Wei answered with a smile.

Damn it, if you're going to go there, why don't you just let yourself come back?

Going abroad?

I will never go abroad in my life. China is so big, with so many places, I could never see them all in this lifetime.

Who wants to go abroad?

"Let me tell you the specifics."

With Abdullah's detailed explanation, Shewe gradually learned the specifics of the situation.

Let's go back two months.

An Italian passenger-cargo ship chartered by the Iraqi Ministry of Commerce has just arrived at the port of Baghdad.

At this moment, Iraqi Chief of Staff Nizar al-Hazraj was already waiting for Yitzhak in Basra.

On the day of Yitzhak's arrival, the Chief of the General Staff presided over a ceremony to promote him to the rank of military officer.

"Congratulations, Colonel! His Excellency the President originally intended to personally confer your rank, but the situation at the front is tense, and the elite of the Republican Guard has arrived here. A new unit has been assembled and is awaiting your command. His Excellency the President wishes to personally promote you to the rank of general."

After Nizar Khazraj put colonel's shoulder boards and collar insignia on Yitzhak, he told Yitzhak very seriously.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Excellency President! Please convey to His Majesty the message that Yitzhak will be the sharpest sword in His Majesty's hand. Wherever His Majesty points, Yitzhak will go through fire and water to crush all enemies."

Yitzhak stood tall and straight.

He knew very well that the president's promotion of him was not based on his ability, but rather on his loyalty.

At this moment, having independently commanded a force, even one regiment in size, he was qualified to address the President.

"Your troops are already waiting for you at the camp south of Basra. They are all elites from the Republican Guard. As per your request, they are equipped with a T-72 tank battalion, a BMP-2 armored battalion, a French-made AUF-1 155mm self-propelled howitzer battalion, an air defense battalion, and a battalion with 12 Mi-24 attack helicopters..."

Nizar Khazraj's words sent a chill down the spines of those around him.

All of them are the most advanced weapons and equipment in the Republic.

The French-made 155mm self-propelled howitzer and the Mi-24 attack helicopter were all advanced weapons that had just arrived in Iraq.

No one expected that the equipment would end up in one regiment.

The person in charge of this unit was just an unknown young man who had just been promoted to colonel!

This person has a bright future ahead of him!

(End of this chapter)