Courtyard House: A Major Power's Heavy Industry, Hand-Crafted Nuclear Fusion

Winter 1989, Sheremetyevo International Airport, the capital of the Russian Federation.

When the cabin door of the Tu-154 passenger plane opened, a biting cold wind instantly rushed into the cabin.

Su Zheng wrapped his coat tighter, picked up the safe full of US dollars, and slowly walked down the gangway.

The snow on the airport tarmac was already half a foot deep.

Several black Volga cars were parked not far away, their bodies covered with a thin layer of frost.

"Minister Su."

A middle-aged man wearing a heavy coat and a fur hat walked over. He had a professional smile on his face, but his eyes were as cold as Siberian ice.

"I am Viktor Petrovich of the First Directorate of the State Security Committee. I have been ordered to receive you."

"Comrade Viktor."

Su Zheng extended his hand and shook hands with the other person. "Thank you for your hard work."

"It's not hard work."

Viktor's smile deepened, but his eyes remained cold. "You are our important guest. Please follow me; the car is ready."

Su Zheng nodded and got into the car with Old Chen and several accompanying personnel.

The convoy slowly drove out of the airport.

Through the car window, you can see the streets outside the airport.

The city has changed dramatically compared to ten years ago.

The snow on the streets was left untouched, many shop windows were empty, and people were even queuing up on the roadside—not to buy luxury goods, but to buy bread.

"Minister Su."

Viktor suddenly spoke up, "You've come here this time to...purchase equipment?"

"Yes."

Su Zheng did not hide anything, "We hope to purchase some advanced technology and equipment from Russia for the upgrading of our country's industry."

"oh?"

Viktor's eyes flickered. "I wonder what Minister Su is interested in?"

"Many things."

Su Zheng smiled. "Aero-engines, precision machine tools, materials technology... Of course, if possible, we would also like to hire some experts from Russia to help us tackle these technical challenges."

"this……"

Viktor paused for a moment. "Minister Su should know that the situation in our country is rather...complex. Many things aren't that we don't want to sell, but...they require layers of approval."

"I understand."

Su Zheng nodded. "That's why I brought ample sincerity this time."

He patted the safe beside him. "Fifty million US dollars in cash, payable immediately."

"and……"

He lowered his voice, "If Comrade Viktor can help us pull some strings, I've personally prepared a sum of money... for consulting fees."

Viktor's eyes visibly lit up.

"Minister Su is truly a straightforward person."

He smiled. "However, some things... are beyond my control. As you know, the current situation in our country... is very delicate."

"Local governments have their own ideas, and the central government has its own considerations. And then there are those... forces that aren't so obedient."

"I see."

Su Zheng nodded. "That's why I came here this time hoping to make more friends."

"That's good."

Victor smiled. "I'll be hosting a small dinner tonight to introduce you to some... influential people."

Thank you.

……

The convoy drove through half the city and finally stopped in front of a hotel that looked quite old.

This is one of the best hotels catering to foreigners in the area – the "Metropolitan Hotel".

Even here, signs of decay are visible.

The lobby carpet was worn white, and the paint on the walls was peeling. The receptionists were neatly dressed, but their faces showed fatigue and numbness.

"Minister Su, here is your room key."

Victor handed him a set of keys. "Call me anytime if you need anything."

"OK."

Su Zheng took the keys and watched Victor leave.

Only after the other convoy disappeared from sight did he turn to Old Chen and say:

"Check the room immediately. Thoroughly inspect all telephones, lights, sockets, and even the walls and ceiling."

"clear."

Old Chen nodded and entered the room with two entourage members.

In less than ten minutes, they found three bugging devices—one in the telephone, one in the bedside lamp, and one hidden in the air conditioner vent.

"Minister Su, they've all been demolished."

"No."

Su Zheng shook his head. "Put it back in."

"ah?"

Old Chen was stunned for a moment.

"Let them listen if they want to."

Su Zheng smiled. "Anyway, we're telling the truth. Besides... sometimes, it's more advantageous to let the other side think they have the information."

"Understood."

Old Chen suddenly realized.

……

It was evening.

Viktor arrived as promised and led Su Zheng to the banquet venue.

It was an old manor located in the city center, which was said to have once been the private residence of a nobleman.

The manor gate was topped with heavy iron bars, and two burly men in leather jackets with bulging waists stood at the entrance.

"Minister Su, please."

Viktor gestured for him to proceed.

Upon entering the manor, you can see that it is brightly lit.

A dozen or so people had already gathered in the banquet hall, including generals in military uniforms, businessmen in suits, and some who looked like government officials.

"Everyone, let me introduce myself."

Victor clapped his hands. "This is Minister Su Zheng from China. He's here to discuss some... mutually beneficial cooperation with us."

"Minister Su, hello."

A tall general with a small mustache walked over. "I am the commander of the 37th Air Army. Just call me Sergei."

"General Sergei."

Su Zheng extended his hand and shook hands with the other person.

"I heard you're interested in our aircraft?"

Sergei smiled. "Want to come to my base? We have lots of good stuff there."

"certainly."

Su Zheng nodded. "If it's convenient, I'd be happy to take a tour."

"Then it's settled."

Sergei patted Su Zheng on the shoulder. "I'll send a car to pick you up tomorrow."

Just then, the banquet hall door was suddenly pushed open.

A middle-aged man wearing an expensive suit and gold-rimmed glasses walked in.

Behind him followed four bodyguards, each with bulging pockets.

"Yo, Victor."

The middle-aged man smiled. "Why didn't you let me know? I almost missed such an important banquet."

"Alexei."

Viktor's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his smile. "I thought you were busy today."

"You have to come even if you're busy."

Alexei walked up to Su Zheng and looked him up and down. "Is this the distinguished guest from China?"

"Yes."

Viktor introduced, "Minister Su, this is Alexei Mikhailovich, one of the owners of the largest trading company in the Russian Empire."

"Minister Su."

Alexei extended his hand. "I've heard so much about you."

"You're too kind."

Su Zheng shook hands with the other party.

But he could feel that Alexei's grip was very tight, almost as if he were... demonstrating.

"I heard you're interested in buying our technology?"

Alexei smiled. "I wonder how much Minister Su is prepared to contribute?"

"It depends on the technology."

Su Zheng remained composed and assertive, saying, "If it's something truly valuable, I can offer a price that will satisfy everyone."

"Haha, that's great!"

Alexei laughed. "I like doing business with straightforward people."

"but……"

He suddenly lowered his voice, "Minister Su should know our rules here. If you want to do business, you have to... make friends first."

"I see."

Su Zheng nodded. "That's why I came tonight to make friends."

"That's good."

Alexei patted Su Zheng on the shoulder. "Let's find a place and have a good talk."

……

The banquet lasted until late at night.

Su Zheng exchanged business cards with everyone present and listened to a lot of "advice".

Someone suggested that he go to a certain factory, where there were many idle equipment that could be sold at low prices.

Someone suggested he go to a certain research institute, where the scientists were so poor they were practically starving, and they were willing to share any technology as long as he was paid.

Some even suggested that if he wanted the deal to go smoothly, he should... give some "benefits" to certain key figures.

Su Zhengquan smiled and agreed, but he knew very well what was going on in his heart.

Each of these people is pursuing their own agenda.

Some people genuinely want to do business, some want to take advantage of the situation to make a quick buck, and others... probably want to set a trap to completely squeeze this "fat sheep" dry.

"Minister Su."

Back at the hotel, Old Chen leaned close to him and whispered, "Do you think those people from tonight...are they trustworthy?"

"None of them can be trusted."

Su Zheng replied without hesitation, "But they can all be used."

"What do you mean?"

"These people, each with their own agenda. But as long as we offer them enough benefits, they will work for us."

"and……"

Su Zheng smiled. "They're not a monolithic entity. We can use their contradictions to create a system of checks and balances between them."

"clever."

Old Chen gave a thumbs up.

"but……"

Su Zheng's expression turned serious again. "We need to speed things up. The situation in this country is more chaotic than I imagined. If we drag this out too long, things might get unpredictable."

"We'll head to Sergei's base first thing tomorrow morning."

"good."

……

Just as Su was preparing to rest.

Alexei was on the phone in a black sedan outside the hotel.

"Yes, boss."

His voice was respectful and cautious. "That Chinese man is indeed very wealthy. And he seems... very ambitious."

"Ambition?"

A hoarse voice came from the other end of the phone, "That's perfect. Ambitious people are easier to control."

"What are your plans...?"

"Let him buy some insignificant things first to keep him calm."

The voice said coldly, "Wait until he lowers his guard before bringing out the truly valuable items. Then... we'll decide the price."

"clear."

Alexei hung up the phone, a cold smile playing on his lips.

……

On the other side of the city.

The high-ranking KGB officer codenamed "Wolf" was also receiving a report from his subordinates.

"Sir, that Chinese man met with quite a few people tonight."

Who are they?

"Sergei, Alexei, and several other powerful local figures."

"snort."

"Wolf" sneered, "These people are all incredibly greedy."

"But...that's fine too. Greedy people are easily taken advantage of."

"Continue to monitor him. I need to know his every move."

"yes."

……

Meanwhile, in that dilapidated warehouse.

Scarface Ivan was also listening to his subordinates' report.

"Boss, that Chinese guy is staying at the City Hotel."

"very good."

Scarface Ivan rubbed his hands together. "Tomorrow, let the brothers 'bump into' their convoy."

"I'd like to see just how much these Easterners are capable of."

……

The night is deep.

There are still a few lights on the streets of the capital of the Russian bear country.

But in many other places, darkness has already descended.

This once glorious city is now like a wounded beast, dying but still fraught with danger.

Su Zheng, like a brave hunter, is about to venture deep into the lair of this beast.

Will he make it out alive?

Can he take everything he wants with him?

Nobody knows.

But one thing is certain—

A thrilling game is about to begin.