Soldiers Assault: Starting from the 7th Steel Company

Chapter 253 I just love doing business with you guys!

Chen Jiang opened his briefcase and took out a stack of slightly yellowed photocopies of blueprints, a few photos, and a small sample of an interceptor cable.

"These are photocopies of some of the design drawings for the T-10K-3 (SU-33 prototype). There are also a few photos of the prototype. Of course, we have blurred them to some extent, but they are enough for your experts to determine their authenticity."

Yuri added, "This is a sample of the NDM-76 (the Soviet code name for an interceptor cable). You can test the materials and workmanship."

The experts brought by Chen Jiang immediately stepped forward, put on white gloves, and took out a high-powered magnifying glass and a portable testing instrument (prepared in advance) to carefully examine the items.

He examined the details on the blueprints, the way the steel cables were twisted, and the luster of the material. Then he nodded almost imperceptibly to Chen Jiang and whispered, "Sir, at first glance, it doesn't look fake. The craftsmanship and material characteristics match the description. But the specific performance needs in-depth analysis in the laboratory."

Chen Jiang felt reassured, but his expression remained calm: "Mr. Yuri, we have received the samples. We will verify them as quickly as possible. Regarding the next steps..."

“Next, once you’ve confirmed the taste of the ‘appetizer,’ we’ll discuss the price and serving method of the main course.” Yuri interrupted him, smiling slyly. “I know you’re all about procedures. I wish us a pleasant collaboration in advance. Remember, my patience, like these things, is limited.”

He made a finger-rubbing gesture, "Moreover, I only accept payments in hard currency; I can't possibly deposit your agricultural products into my Swiss bank account."

"We will give you an answer as soon as possible," Chen Jiang said in a deep voice.

These samples were sent back to China overnight. In order to finalize these deals, Chen Jiang would definitely have to wait a little longer in the UAE.

Chen Jiang told the others to go back to China first, while he and a few others stayed behind because the cost of living here was simply too high.

The room rate was already outrageously expensive, and all other expenses were astronomical, plus you had to tip.

Once, Chen Jiang went out to eat and didn't leave a tip. The waiter immediately gave him a hard time and threw out a sentence in dialect that even the translator couldn't understand.

Chen Jiang probably thinks, "If you can't afford it, don't eat it," which is truly speechless.

Finally, news came from China that the results of the samples and data were in.

The demonstrator aircraft is fine; it uses the same aerodynamic structure as the Su-33. However, the interceptor cable is useless because its strength is too low and it cannot reach the interception level of the Su-33 carrier-based aircraft. It is also not strong enough. It should be an early demonstrator product.

In other words, the blueprints for the verification machine can be purchased, and if possible, the verification machine itself should also be brought back as a package.

After hearing this, Chen Jiang felt more confident.

Chen Jiang immediately contacted Yuri.
This meeting was arranged in a more discreet manner, taking place on a small yacht moored at the Dubai Marina.

Chen Jiang immediately expressed his team's interest in the blueprints and physical prototype of the verification machine, while also pointing out the problems with the interceptor cable sample.

Yuri replied quickly, his tone carrying a hint of knowing aloud amusement: "General Chen, you are a true expert. That interceptor sample was indeed just a 'starter'; the technology that truly meets current operational standards lies deeper. However, since you are interested in it and acknowledge its value, we can certainly discuss it in more detail."

"I can get the blueprints!" Yuri seemed confident. "As for the actual product, the T-10K prototype is currently stored in a warehouse, but getting it out and transporting it will cost extra and is also the biggest risk."

"You know, the United States certainly won't just stand by and watch you take this plane; the risks involved are just too great."

"I'm a businessman, and I'll stick to business principles, wouldn't you agree?"

Chen Jiang quickly weighed the options in his mind.

Aerodynamic and structural design are the most urgently needed foundations, and obtaining a prototype is invaluable, as it can greatly shorten the research and development cycle.

"Price?" Chen Jiang asked succinctly.

Yuri quoted an astronomical figure and demanded a one-third deposit, accepting only transfers in US dollars or euros to a Swiss bank account, or the equivalent value of diamonds.

Gold is not included in this transaction because it is too heavy.

This price far exceeds the scope of Chen Jiang's authorization, and the risk is extremely high.

But he understood that the other party had accurately gauged the extent of their desire.

"Mr. Yuri, does this price include the cost of safely transporting the goods to our country?" Chen Jiang asked calmly.

“No, my dear General,” Yuri shook his head. “This is just the cost of the blueprints and ‘telling’ you where the actual items are. Disassembly, packaging, transportation, getting everything in order… that’s another story, another price. And I need to remind you, time waits for no one. You’re not the only ones eyeing these things. It’s just that some people can’t afford them, and some we don’t want to sell to.”

Chen Jiang remained silent for a moment.

He knew this was no ordinary business negotiation; the other party was a ruthless arms dealer who might be involved in a complex network of military and political relations in Ukraine.

But he was determined to get these things!
“Mr. Yuri, you are a businessman, and I am a soldier!” Chen Jiang finally said. “Soldiers only know how to obey orders and serve their country. If I agree to the price you are offering me, then I would be a traitor.”

Yuri narrowed his eyes upon hearing this; clearly, he hadn't expected Chen Jiang to say such a thing.

“Our country is vast and rich in resources, and we know quite a few people internationally. I believe that if you are unwilling to budge here, there are other foreign friends who are willing to help us and eventually get what we need.”

Chen Jiang made a move to stand up and leave.

This was undoubtedly a very risky move, but he couldn't let Yuri lead him by the nose, otherwise he would become a lamb to the slaughter, and when would that end?

However, just as Chen Jiang had predicted, Yuri was clearly a little panicked.

In reality, he was just a down-on-his-luck arms dealer. He did have some connections in Ukraine, but there were tens of thousands of people like him in Ukraine.
People all over the country are desperate for money right now. There are plenty of people who have connections to sell their belongings. As long as they know that the great Eastern power is looking to buy these things, someone will naturally find a way to get them out.

During his last visit to the UAE, he had already tasted the sweetness of arms dealing, which was much better than going back to sell potatoes and corn.

Moreover, that's just South Africa, a drop in the ocean compared to the great Eastern power. If we can reach an agreement with Chen Jiang on this deal, the Asian market might open up completely in the future, and we might even become prosperous.
Therefore, he values ​​the market far more than the income from a single arms deal.

"No, General Chen, the price can be discussed further." Yuri hurriedly stood up. "Business is business. It's impossible for you to accept whatever price I say, and similarly, I may not agree to the price you suggest right away. So, a deal needs to be negotiated beforehand."

"Why didn't you say that earlier?" Chen Jiang gave a meaningful smile.

He knew that this was not just a one-off deal; the other party valued establishing a long-term, clandestine military trade relationship.

After a heated exchange, a consensus was finally reached:

To cooperate at a price acceptable to both parties.

However, there are a few strict conditions:
First, we must ensure the completeness and authenticity of the drawings. Before the deposit is paid, our experts will conduct a spot check on some of the core drawings.
Second, regarding the prototype, our personnel must first secretly inspect its physical condition and confirm its value before we can discuss the transportation transaction.
Third, Yuri needs to deliver the prototype and blueprints to the designated location in our country; Fourth, regarding the payment method, a 15% deposit is required, 35% is due upon shipment, and the remaining balance is due upon arrival in China!

After these agreements were reached, Chen Jiang and other high-ranking officials in China confirmed the details and then led the experts to Ukraine.

Upon setting foot on Ukrainian territory, a desolate landscape came into view.

Many factories have shut down, unemployed workers are causing trouble everywhere, and the security situation is quite bad.

Yuri took care of Chen Jiang and his group's food and drink needs, since in this situation, money might not buy them anything and could even lead to their deaths.

For safety, Yuri provided Chen Jiang and his group with some weapons. Chen Jiang received an AKM assault rifle and several magazines. As for the others, they just took the guns to bolster their courage.

Yuri arranged for several old-fashioned Volga trucks that looked weathered, with mud splattered on the windows and plastic sheeting covering the broken parts.

This battle-damaged style blended perfectly into the desolate local environment.

The convoy bumped along the uneven road, flanked by rusty factory walls and lifeless abandoned buildings.

Occasionally, you can see a few scattered people gathered on the street corner, their eyes either numb or wary, and a tense and uneasy atmosphere permeates the air.

Chen Jiang gripped the automatic rifle tightly, his sharp gaze sweeping across the window.

The experts he brought were clearly not used to this environment; their faces were tense, but they all tried to remain calm.

Chen Jiang told them that bringing a handgun would be enough; for people who don't know how to handle guns, carrying an assault rifle would only be a burden.

Yuri sat in the passenger seat, seemingly quite at ease, even humming an off-key old song.

“Relax, comrades,” Yuri said without turning his head. “We’re a fighting nation, what haven’t we seen? Besides, we’re just ordinary, well, foreign tourists, here to inspect scrap metal recycling.” He grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.

Chen Jiang suddenly realized that Yuri was actually quite handsome, and if his business grew big in the future, he might very well become a "King of War".

The convoy eventually stopped at the gate of a huge, seemingly abandoned industrial area.

The rusty iron gate was pushed open with difficulty by Yuri's men, making a harsh scraping sound.

A few dim light bulbs provided limited illumination, and the occasional barking of hunting dogs could be heard in the distance.

Everyone followed the guide Yuri brought.

It has to be said that this factory area is really huge; we walked around for a long time.

Although many machines have been dismantled and taken away, one can still vaguely see the glory of this factory in its heyday.

But now it's all gone and can never be retrieved.

Finally, they stopped in front of a warehouse.

Upon entering the warehouse, in the very center stands a massive, vaguely visible behemoth covered by a thick dustproof cloth, its outline still discernible features such as twin vertical tails and folding wing mechanisms.

Yuri stepped forward, grabbed a corner of the dust cover, and yanked it hard.

Dust settled down in a soft rustling sound.

A huge fighter jet, covered in dust and with some paint peeling off, but whose overall structure still seemed intact, sat quietly there.

It possesses a rugged beauty reminiscent of Soviet heavy industry, and even when still, it seems to exude immense power.

That's right, it is the T-10K-3, the prototype of the Su-33 carrier-based aircraft!
The experts brought by Chen Jiang instantly forgot about their surroundings and practically ran forward, eagerly turning on their portable testing equipment and high-powered flashlights.

They climbed the work ladder, carefully inspecting the seams of the fuselage skin, the craftsmanship of the rivets, the structure of the landing gear, and the interior of the engine compartment. They exchanged hurried whispers from time to time and took photos frantically to record the process.

Chen Jiang's heart also tightened. He walked to the bottom of the nose of the plane and looked up at this steel behemoth that could change many things.

A senior structural expert emerged from under the wing, his voice trembling with excitement, and whispered to Chen Jiang, "Sir! It's true! Although it's just a demonstrator aircraft, lacking many avionics and weapon systems, its aerodynamic layout and structural design are invaluable! Especially the carrier landing reinforcement structure and folding mechanism, which almost perfectly match the problems we're currently facing! We must bring this back!"

Chen Jiang nodded, finally relieved.

If there's nothing wrong with the product, then you'll know what to do next.

He turned to Yuri, his tone steady: "Mr. Yuri, we've confirmed it. Now, let's talk about how to get it 'back home'."

Yuri rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with the joy of a deal about to be made, but a sly glint still shone in his eyes: "General, you're so generous! Transportation is an art, and even more so, a technical skill. Such a large fighter jet can't be transported directly; it must be dismantled! And dismantling requires the most professional engineers. I have people in charge, but they'll need to pay extra. The transportation route is by land to a port on the Black Sea, and then it will be loaded onto a ship. Every checkpoint along the way will need to be 'lubricated' to ensure smooth passage."

He made a gesture of twisting banknotes, "We didn't discuss this part of the cost in detail before."

Chen Jiang had anticipated this turn of events and calmly responded: "We can cover part of the budget for 'lubricating oil,' but it must be within a reasonable range. At the same time, the disassembly process must be supervised and guided by our experts throughout to ensure that critical components are not damaged. This is our bottom line."

This disassembly process is actually a key technology for future assembly, so of course he had to send people to learn it.

“Of course, it’s a win-win situation!” Yuri readily agreed, seemingly unconcerned about Chinese oversight. “Then, the deposit…”

“No problem, the first deposit should have already been transferred to your Swiss account. You can check it.” Chen Jiang glanced at the accompanying finance staff, who nodded.

"Great! I love doing business with an efficient and trustworthy partner like you!" Yuri's smile widened. "To celebrate, I got some decent vodka and caviar for tonight, although these things are harder to get than missiles in this godforsaken place these days."

Just then, a series of urgent car horn blasts came from outside the warehouse—three short blasts and two long blasts.

Yuri's expression changed instantly, his previous ease vanishing without a trace. He abruptly drew his pistol and shouted sharply in Russian to his men beside him, "Lights out! Take cover! There's trouble!"

The lights in the warehouse went out instantly, plunging the warehouse into darkness.

Only the faint glow from the experts' equipment screens and the dim moonlight filtering through the window outlined the objects.

Chen Jiang immediately drew his gun, quickly moved behind a sturdy cargo box, and whispered to his experts, "Take cover! Be quiet!"

(End of this chapter)