I really don't have money for the ship girls.

Can you tell me the price?

“I don’t know, and Ms. Shi didn’t tell me either. She said that returning the item to its rightful owner is the best outcome.”

“Okay, we understand.” Zhao Man continued, “Our production team understands that you, Ying, have been facing some criticism online recently. Do you have anything to say?”

"No, I just want to live a good life."

So you do speak Russian?

"Actually, I also know a little French." Ying Tian said modestly, speaking a passage of French he had learned from Richelieu, with a distinctly old Parisian accent. "I'm a student at Binjiang University, so it's normal for me to be able to speak some different kinds of foreign languages."

"Did you write the song 'See You in the Next Life, My Delight' that's circulating online?"

Ying Tian gave an ambiguous reply: "I think a good work shouldn't need to concern itself with who the author is."

"I understand. Is there anything else you'd like to say?"

"There's something I want to say to the incoming freshmen, along with my girlfriend."

The camera then focused on Ying Tian and Zhen Hai. Zhen Hai simply smiled slightly at the camera, while Ying Tian spoke: "I am just an ordinary student at Binjiang University. I am able to live today thanks to the care of the school and the help of kind-hearted people. I believe that everyone can feel the strong academic atmosphere and harmonious atmosphere at the school. Welcome to apply to Binjiang University. My girlfriend and I will be waiting for you at Binjiang University."

At the end of the interview, Zhao Man expressed some regret. There were some explosive moments, but not many or big enough. There was no intense conflict or confrontation, and the reaction it would cause would be far less than that of the report from a few months ago.

The last paragraph was added by Ying Tian on his own initiative, also to give the counselor and the school an explanation. He might not be very attractive himself, but Zhen Hai, such a beautiful senior, must be attractive, right? Isn't that more effective than any admission brochure? As for the younger students not seeing such a beautiful senior after entering the school, that's not Ying Tian's fault. He only said that Zhen Hai was his girlfriend, but he didn't say that she was also a student at Binjiang University.

Of course, this was just a side purpose of Zhenhai's appearance on camera. Through this video, many people should realize Ms. Shi's strength, which is the strength to buy three priceless national treasures and then donate them casually. As Ms. Shi's associates in China, Yingtian and Zhenhai's import and export trading companies easily lead people to make some connections, and things that need to be done later should go more smoothly.

After receiving the banner from the museum director, Ying Tian took a group photo in front of the three donated national treasures. She declined the director's invitation to stay for dinner, but Zhen Hai accepted the invitation and posed for several photos in front of the national treasures. Her temperament and these priceless treasures complemented each other perfectly.

Watching Ying Tian and Zhen Hai's departing figures, Zhao Man murmured, "Every time I see such outstanding women around him, is he really just an ordinary orphan?"

“I don’t know about orphans, but he’s definitely not an ordinary person.” The museum curator, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, looked refined. “Even if he didn’t know the value of these national treasures before, he at least knows now. But I didn’t see a trace of regret or greed in his eyes. Based on that alone, he is definitely not an ordinary college student. Such qualities are rare these days.”

"I understand, after all, it's a national treasure worth hundreds of millions."

"Hundreds of millions? Hehehe, hundreds of millions could probably buy the handle of that blue and white porcelain piece."

Even the worldly-wise Zhao Man couldn't help but gasp upon hearing this. Honestly, could she resist such temptation? It was truly difficult to say.

The museum director said, "I have already written a letter of thanks to the National Museum, and I am also applying for the title of honorary curator for Ms. Shi and Ying. We will also invite them to participate in the filming of the documentary, and we will need your assistance at that time."

"That's natural."

On the other side, Yingtian and Zhenhai were on their way back.

Ying Tian said, "I never expected these three national treasures to have such a history. It seems that the Maxwell family was one of the murderers who burned down the Old Summer Palace."

"Or perhaps, we?"

Zhenhai asked tentatively, without giving a clear answer.

Ying Tian said, "We will continue to buy the ore, but we also need to find ways to mine other mineral veins, both domestically and internationally."

Zhenhai smiled and said, "Then we'll expand into the international market."

Yingtian: "Sever cooperation with them."

Zhenhai: "Low-price monopoly of the market."

"Make them bankrupt."

"Go bankrupt."

After saying that, the two looked at each other and smiled. It's that simple to empathize with someone from the same culture.

Chapter Fifty-One: Zhenhai Persuades to Grant Titles

To go all out, Yingtian and Zhenhai didn't call a taxi, but instead chose public transportation and took the subway back.

It's summer vacation now, and it's not rush hour, but because it's a busy subway line, there are still quite a few people in the subway station. Even after getting on the subway, there are no seats available, so you can only find a corner to stand in.

Zhenhai leaned against a space next to the car door, with Yingtian standing in front of her, separating Zhenhai from the others.

Seeing Ying Tian's expression, Zhen Hai couldn't help but chuckle, "Do you know how domineering your pose is? A lot of people are secretly watching you."

"These people aren't looking at me, they're clearly looking at you." Inside the enclosed carriage, Ying Tian and Zhen Hai were practically pressed together. Putting aside the intimate touch between their skin, the fragrance emanating from the beautiful woman alone was enough to distract one's attention. "I'm doing this to protect you. If there's a pervert on the subway, I'll block him out."

"You look more like a pervert to me."

"You're playing the role of my girlfriend now, this kind of position is normal between boyfriends and girlfriends, right?"

"That's not normal. I think that's the normal one."

Ying Tian looked in the direction Zhen Hai was pointing and saw two young people who looked like a couple embracing at the connecting area of ​​the carriages. After whispering to each other, they started kissing, then whispered to each other again, and then kissed again.

"The world is going to the dogs, and people's hearts have lost their former virtues..."

Ying Tian casually complained, but Zhen Hai retorted, "Aren't you the same? You don't care about the secretary ship's affairs and spend your days at home cuddling with different sisters."

"I did that for the sake of harmony and stability in the garrison," Ying Tian said, then suddenly remembered that Zhen Hai was his newly appointed advisor. This woman, who always spoke with purpose, definitely didn't say something that sounded like she was jealous unintentionally. After all, the two of them were only pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend, not actually dating. "Do you have some brilliant idea?"

"What brilliant ideas could I possibly have?"

"You're my advisor, so you need to have some good ideas, or I'll have to replace you."

"You're heartless, Commander, to discard someone after they've served their purpose."

Zhenhai gently lifted her delicate, smooth chin, her pouting lips conveying a melancholic charm that sent shivers down the spines of passersby sitting across the subway.

"Keep your voice down, don't let others hear you addressing me like that."

Yingtian decisively adjusted his position and angle, completely blocking out the beautiful scenery of Zhenhai. Passersby who were unable to see such a beautiful view cursed inwardly, "Damn young people, showing off your love will only lead to a quick death!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Zhenhai spoke softly: "I don't have any profound insights, but the wisdom of dealing with people has long been passed down from generation to generation in the thick history books. What museums store is not only history, but also the wisdom of the present and the future."

"What wisdom?"

"Governance and enfeoffment." Zhenhai tiptoed and leaned intimately into Yingtian's ear, which to passersby looked like a couple whispering secrets. "You should know why, before the feudal era, the rule of dynasties was basically carried out through enfeoffment."

The warm, damp breath tickled the fine downy hairs on Ying Tian's ears. He casually remarked, "My knowledge of ancient history is quite good. In ancient times, transportation was backward and communication was inconvenient. Moreover, the languages ​​and customs of different regions had not been integrated and adapted, making it unsuitable to govern with a single set of rules. Therefore, the only way to govern different regions was through the enfeoffment system."

“That’s right, your knowledge of ancient times is very solid,” Zhenhai said. “Look at the situation you’ve described, isn’t it very similar to the current relationship between us and the garrison headquarters?”

Ying Tian remained silent for a moment. He thought about it and it seemed that Zhen Hai's words made a lot of sense. The connection between this world and the naval base could not be said to be inconvenient. Not only could they communicate in real time, but there were also means to allow ship girls from both worlds to arrive instantly. However, they were still separated by two worlds. Except for the occasional need to carry out a plan, the two worlds basically managed their own affairs. With the current technology, it was not realistic to unify the governance of the two worlds.

Moreover, even now, Yingtian still doesn't understand what the naval base is all about. It's neither an army nor a company. There are clear class distinctions, but in reality, every ship girl is quite equal. They possess powerful military force, yet they also have a great deal of autonomy, and even their own scientific research capabilities. They are not lacking in economic strength, but their war supplies are not abundant.

After Zhenhai's reminder, if we understand the Zhenshoufu as a feudal lord who was enfeoffed to guard the border, everything seems to make sense.

"They do look somewhat similar, so what do you mean?"

“What I mean is that you should also implement a system of enfeoffment, just like the emperors of ancient times.” Zhenhai said gently but firmly in the noisy carriage. “In fact, different forces in the naval base now have their own managers, but their power does not come from you, but from the spontaneous recommendations of everyone. This makes many people responsible not only to you, the commander, but also to the ship girls of their respective forces. This is conducive to managing daily affairs, but it is not conducive to the unity of the naval base.”

Ying Tian couldn't help but nod, thinking to himself that he had really struck gold by making Zhenhai his advisor.

So what suggestions do you have?

Zhenhai said, "I suggest that this time, the selection of secretary ships should not only select one secretary ship, but select a secretariat group based on the ship girls from different factions who have signed up. The head of the secretariat group will be the actual secretary ship, and they will rotate according to a certain term. Each member of the secretariat group will be directly responsible to the secretary ship and the commander, and will be in charge of the affairs of their respective factions. This will not only balance the relationship between the various factions, but also promote the unity of the naval base and integrate more forces."

Ying Tian thought about it for a moment and felt that it was indeed entirely beneficial, so he nodded and said, "That makes a lot of sense, I will consider it."

Seeing that the groundwork had been laid, Zhenhai continued, "In addition, there is another very important component of the enfeoffment system, which I hope you will pay attention to."

"What conditions?"

“Confidants, in ancient times, those who were enfeoffed were either meritorious officials, but in the final analysis, they were brothers and children, because only blood relatives are more trustworthy. However, you have no blood relatives in the garrison.” Zhenhai paused, then said, “You have a marriage ship, so I suggest that all the selected secretariat commanders get married. This will ensure the stability of the garrison.”

Ying Tian was speechless. I was selecting a secretary, not a concubine. I was giving each person a ring. If people knew that, who would dare to choose a secretary ship?

"Your thinking is a bit feudal."

“The army is inherently the most feudal place,” Zhenhai retorted. “Besides, I remember you already have four wives, so how can you call me feudal?”

Zhenhai's words made perfect sense, and Yingtian was powerless to refute them.

Therefore, Ying Tian could only refute from a different angle: "If that's the case, then I should marry you first. After all, the position of advisor is also very important, and trust is especially needed."

“That’s right, you’re very good at applying what you’ve learned to other situations,” Zhenhai whispered in Yingtian’s ear. “So, you can do it.”

"Ok?"

"You can marry me."

Chapter 52 You won, but I didn't lose either.

Zhenhai is stunningly beautiful, with a refined and elegant demeanor, and a curvaceous figure. She can be described as an almost perfect woman.

Ying Tian also really enjoyed being with her; it was a cultural connection, a natural trust. He genuinely liked this ship girl, and he would be overjoyed to marry her as his ship.

However, Ying Tian said, "I refuse."

"I'm not getting married."

"Oh?" Zhenhai had expected Yingtian to make some excuses to decline, but he didn't expect him to refuse so directly. "I'm quite confident in my appearance and abilities. I don't think the Commander is dissatisfied with that aspect of me, is he?"

Ying Tian shook his head and said, "No, you are very beautiful, and your appearance and figure are very much in line with my aesthetic. In fact, I quite like you."

"Then why did you refuse?"

"Why refuse? It's simple," Ying Tian said with a smile. "Even if I don't marry you, you still have to work wholeheartedly for me and the garrison. Doesn't that prove your theory is flawed?"

Zhenhai said, "What if I don't work hard?"

“That works too.” Ying Tian stroked his chin and said, “I’ve heard that Amagi and Jintsu of Sakura Empire are also exceptionally talented strategists. As for the company’s operations, if St. Louis can’t take over, I think Yi Xian should be able to do so.”

Zhenhai blinked, looked at the man in front of him with a slightly mischievous smile, and smiled brightly. He really gave me a surprise. As expected, only a commander who is unwilling to be controlled by others is worthy of his assistance.

"Oh dear, I was careless. I'm usually so good at strategizing, but you managed to catch me out on this logical flaw." As she spoke, Zhenhai, disregarding that they were in a subway car, stood on tiptoe and hugged Yingtian's neck, saying, "It's just a pity... I'm not after any position as a staff officer. I'm sincere."

"what?"

Ying Tian was stunned for a moment. When he came to his senses, Zhen Hai had already withdrawn his arm, and stood gracefully in front of him with his usual mysterious smile on his face.

"It's nothing, you can guess what I mean for yourself."

Ying Tian hated riddle tellers, even if the riddle was told by a beautiful woman like Zhen Hai. Looking at the smile on Zhen Hai's lips, he was suddenly filled with anger and took a drastic step. He directly imitated the couple on the other side of the carriage and hugged Zhen Hai's perfect body into his arms.

"Hmm, what are you going to do?"

"Nothing happened," Ying Tian said casually. "We're boyfriend and girlfriend now, so it's normal to hug each other."

“That’s not normal.” Zhenhai was not one to back down. She said with a touch of coquettishness, “Just hugging is too abnormal. At the very least, they should kiss in public. That’s what true affection looks like.”

Ying Tian was equally unwilling to admit defeat. He stroked his chin and said, "That makes sense."

"That makes sense, so what are you waiting for?"

As Zhenhai spoke, she slowly closed her eyes, pouting her pink lips as if inviting the man in front of her to kiss her passionately.

"Are you serious...?"

Zhenhai didn't speak; her closed eyes were both an invitation and a form of torture.

Ying Tian glanced around unconsciously. It was true that most people in the subway were looking at their phones, but he could still sense that quite a few people were watching him. Ying Tian steeled his heart and thought to himself, what was there for him to hesitate about? No matter what, he wouldn't suffer any loss.

So he slowly lowered his head, gradually feeling Zhenhai's fragrant breath, then brushing down to her straight, delicate nose, almost touching her alluring, moist lips...

"Cuipingshan Station has arrived. The train is heading in the direction of travel, please go to the left door..."

The announcement from the subway jolted Ying Tian awake, and he quickly grabbed Zhenhai's hand and stepped out of the subway.

"Arrived."

"Ah."

Zhenhai smiled without saying a word, but the words "I won" were clearly expressed in her eyes. Yingtian didn't say anything more either. If you won, you won. You're a grown man, there's no need to care about winning or losing in this kind of thing.

Although Zhenhai's scenery... is truly a bit of a disappointment.

Was the sincerity she spoke of the same as the sincerity in the literal sense? Ying Tian wasn't sure, but he felt it probably was.

However, compared to matters of the heart, there are more important things to do recently. The application for the secretary ship has closed, with a total of 132 people applying, which is more than one-fifth of the entire naval base. Although Ying Tian felt it didn't matter who became the secretary ship, it was time to decide on the selection method, since some people were really not good enough to be secretary ships.

"Kalyong, are you serious about signing up for the secretary ship?"

"Commander, what do you mean?" Kalyon slammed her hand on the coffee table. "Are you looking down on our Essex-class aircraft carriers? Essex signed up, Shangri-La signed up, even Dreadnought signed up, so why are you singled out me?"

Ying Tianzhi said, "Because I think you're not capable enough."

"You!" Kalion took a deep breath, wanting to lash out, but with Dreadnought watching her, and especially since her previous words seemed to have displeased Dreadnought, she had no choice but to tell the truth, "Fine, I'm just here to join in the fun. Commander, you didn't say that people aren't allowed to join in the fun, did you? Besides, how am I not capable? All of us Essex-class sisters are experts. A mere secretary ship is nothing to us."

"It doesn't feel as good as fearlessness...ability."

"Fearless Sister, the Commander is mocking you!"

Fearless shook his head at his sister, Kalion, and said bluntly, "Kalion, with your penchant for stirring up trouble, you'll never become a secretary ship."

Kaliyon muttered, "If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. I was just there for the fun of it anyway..."