The World's Richest Man: Start with the Daily Intelligence System

164: Chapter 164 The Game Between Great PowersIt was Zhang Wei’s first time seeing such a behemoth as a nuclear submarine.

At that moment, the submarine followed quietly behind the salvage vessel. It was entirely black, enveloped in a layer of shielding system netting, resembling a sleeping giant beast, appearing exceptionally mysterious.

”The black paint on the exterior of this thing should be sprayed with special stealth coating to reduce its radar cross-section,” a technician pointed at the submarine and explained to Zhang Wei.

Zhang Wei nodded, his gaze sharp as he locked onto the unmanned nuclear submarine. He deeply understood that the cutting-edge technology contained within this submarine could very likely lead to a quantum leap in our country’s nuclear submarine technology.

”Mr. Zhang, this salvage mission has been successfully completed. On behalf of the military, I sincerely thank you for your outstanding contributions,” Chen Dong said firmly, patting Zhang Wei on the shoulder.

”Staff Officer Chen, safeguarding national interests is our undeniable responsibility,” Zhang Wei replied humbly. A strong sense of pride surged within him; he was proud to be a descendant of the Dragon, proud to be a citizen of Hua Country, and felt incomparable glory for having a powerful motherland behind him.

One week later, in the early morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains of the Pretty Country President’s office onto the floor, bringing a trace of warmth. However, the President’s expression remained gloomy, as if that ray of sunlight could not dispel the haze in his heart.

”Mr. President, the official website has already released the statement.” Lieutenant General Jericho stood before the desk, his tone heavy.

The President nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the statement lying on the desk. The statement mentioned that a week ago, a Pretty Country unmanned nuclear submarine had lost control due to a technical malfunction and mistakenly entered Hua Country’s waters. The statement was cautiously worded, attempting to attribute the responsibility to technical issues rather than human error.

”What’s next?” the President’s voice was low.

”As per your instructions, we have presented a series of demands to Hua Country, including the return of the submarine and compensation for damages,” Jericho replied.

”What is Hua Country’s reaction?” the President asked with a frown.

”They have not given a direct response yet, only stating that they need to verify the situation,” Jericho shook his head.

The President let out a cold laugh: ”Verify the situation? I’m afraid they are just stalling for time.”

Just then, the phone on the desk suddenly rang. The President picked it up, and the urgent voice of the Foreign Minister came through: ”Mr. President, the Hua Country Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just released an official statement.”

”What did they say?” the President pressed.

”They stated that they did indeed find a nuclear submarine in their waters and require further investigation to determine ownership,” the Foreign Minister reported.

The President’s face grew even gloomier: ”These Hua Country people are playing Tai Chi with us.”

”Not only that, Mr. President, social media has exploded. The sentiment among Hua Country netizens is extremely agitated, with many expressing support for the government to respond strongly,” the Foreign Minister added.

The President took a deep breath. ”Notify all departments to closely monitor Hua Country’s movements, and simultaneously strengthen public opinion guidance on both sides to prevent public emotions from spiraling out of control,” the President ordered.

”Yes, Mr. President.” The Foreign Minister acknowledged and hung up the phone.

The President turned to look at Jericho: ”It seems we need to re-evaluate the situation.”

Jericho nodded: ”Yes, Mr. President. Hua Country’s attitude is much tougher than we anticipated.”

A few days later, the Pretty Country government issued another statement, demanding that Hua Country immediately return the unmanned nuclear submarine, and threatening further sanctions against Hua Country.

The Hua Country government responded dominantly: ”The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country are inviolable. Regarding the specific situation of the unmanned submarine, we require further verification. Until then, any groundless accusations and threats are inappropriate.”

This statement quickly drew widespread attention from the international community. Various countries’ media reported on it, and people on the streets and in alleys were hotly discussing the matter.

On Hua Country’s social networks, netizens were even more ecstatic.

”A Pretty Country unmanned nuclear submarine ran into our waters and they dare to turn the tables?”

”Firmly support the government, Pretty Country must give an explanation!”

”Unmanned nuclear submarine? Could it be spy equipment? Pretty Country truly has malicious intent!”

In this storm, the Hua Country government and people demonstrated a firm stance and united strength.

After the Pretty Country unmanned nuclear submarine was successfully returned to port, Zhang Wei looked at the time; it was already mealtime. After finishing the important business, he suddenly felt his stomach growling.

”Today’s work went very smoothly,” Zhang Wei said with a smile to the crew. ”I’m treating today, let’s go eat something good.”

”Thank you, Boss!” the crew responded in unison, their faces filled with gratitude and excitement.

The streets of Hainan were lined with coconut trees, and the sea breeze permeated the air.

Zhang Wei took out his phone and searched for local specialty foods on a certain website. Unlike inland cities, Hainan’s geographical location was close to the equator, the climate was hot year-round, and local cuisine mainly featured seafood, often incorporating fruit as a side dish.

”Look at this Wenchang Chicken—thin, crisp skin, fragrant and tender bones, smooth and tender meat, rich without being greasy.” Zhang Wei pointed at the picture on his phone screen, a hint of craving flashing in his eyes, almost drooling from hunger.

”There’s also mantis shrimp, sea urchin, and grouper—plenty of seafood here,” a crew member leaned over to look, unable to help but exclaim.

”And Qingbuliang, made with red beans, mung beans, Job’s tears, peanuts, etc. Sweet but not greasy, smooth and soothing to the throat,” another crew member added, clearly having a special fondness for this dessert.

”Then let’s go to Cuihua Restaurant!” Everyone decided unanimously.

Cuihua Restaurant was located in a small alley in the city center. Although its location was inconspicuous, it was a famous, long-established local eatery. Red lanterns hung at the entrance, and the door curtain was embroidered with exquisite patterns, giving it an ancient and elegant appearance.

As the group walked into the restaurant, they were enveloped by a rich aroma. The restaurant was bustling with people, and business was exceptionally good. A waiter enthusiastically greeted them and led them to a window table.

”Boss, bring us a table of your specialty dishes!” Zhang Wei said to the waiter with a smile.

”Got it, please wait a moment!” The waiter nodded in agreement and turned toward the kitchen.

Before long, dishes that were excellent in color, aroma, and taste were successively brought to the table: tender Wenchang Chicken, spicy and enticing mantis shrimp, fresh and juicy sea urchin, and the sweet and refreshing mango sticky rice—every dish made people’s mouths water.

”Come on, everyone, cheers!” Zhang Wei raised the drink in his hand and said loudly.

”Cheers!” The crew members raised their glasses one after another, and the restaurant was filled with laughter and joy.

Time moved forward one year.

The sunlight at Nanshan Water Port was exceptionally dazzling. Chen Dong stood on the dock, watching the Hua Country staff in uniform strictly guarding every checkpoint, while the invited Pretty Country technicians looked crestfallen, like eggplants hit by frost—appearing listless. Chen Dong looked at this once peaceful sea area, a sense of ineffable emotion rising in his heart. In just one year, time had slipped by, yet this place had transformed into a focal point for the entire world. Thinking of the motherland’s growing strength, his eyes couldn’t help but moisten slightly, and he silently recited: The wheels of history roll forward; those humiliating past events will never be repeated.

The Pretty Country technicians carefully disassembled the various components of the nuclear submarine. The once majestic behemoth was now shattered into pieces. Every part was numbered and neatly placed into containers. White Bear transport planes waited in the distance, prepared to fly these important components back to the Pretty Country.