Eunuch, do you really know these martial arts?

This thought suddenly popped into Jiang Nian's mind.

He can fly fighter jets, carrier-based aircraft, and submarines. Jiang Nian has never handled a tank before, but he believes that if he really wanted to, operating one shouldn't be a problem.

Yang Hongkang was preoccupied with figuring out who would operate the tank when he never expected Jiang Nian to say something like that.

For a moment, Yang Hongkang thought that he must be hallucinating because he was too anxious.

"Jiang Nian, what did you just say? I think I misheard you, otherwise why would you say you wanted to operate the tank yourself?"

As Yang Hongkang picked at his ears, he wondered: Is it really because I'm getting old?
"Brother Yang, you heard me right, I did say I wanted to operate a tank."

Jiang Nian repeated his words again with a solemn expression.

Yang Hongkang choked on a mouthful of water and coughed violently.

"Cough cough cough, cough cough cough. Cough cough cough, Jiang Nian, this is no joke. The new tank test requires the person with the best tank operation skills to operate it, and also requires a teammate with excellent teamwork. I know you are very proficient in tanks, but practice and theory are different. So I can't agree to your request."

Seeing Jiang Nian's serious expression, Yang Hongkang knew he was genuine. However, even if Jiang Nian was serious, he would never agree to Jiang Nian's request.

"Jiang Nian, you can't joke like that now. It's absolutely not allowed to personally operate the tank for testing."

Zeng Maozhe also realized what was happening. After Yang Hongkang refused Jiang Nian's request, he immediately spoke up as well.

Jiang Nian is now a vital national asset, the kind of person who is protected so tightly that he cannot be allowed to do anything dangerous.

With Jiang Nian around, China's weapons research and development will definitely be more than fifty years ahead. Therefore, Zeng Maozhe said that if he dared to let Jiang Nian personally handle such potentially dangerous experiments, those other old guys would definitely kill him.

"Director Zeng, Brother Yang, I'm very serious. You know me, I don't exaggerate. My tank handling skills are definitely better than Company Commander Zhang's."

Jiang Nian wasn't someone who could be easily defeated. He had a premonition that the damned system would definitely pop up during the test and issue a mission, and it was very likely that the mission would be to make him personally drive and operate the tank. So now, he had to convince Yang Hongkang to agree to his condition.

Jiang Nian's attitude was firm, and Yang Hongkang shook his head helplessly. He didn't want to speak anymore, but instead cast an expectant look at Zeng Maozhe.

If he can't handle Jiang Nian, surely Zeng Maozhe can?

"Director Zeng, I believe Comrade Jiang Nian is truly capable of operating the tank! Back then, Comrade Jiang Nian had no experience whatsoever before test-flying the J-20 and successfully completed the mission. I believe Comrade Jiang Nian is not one to joke around; once he makes a promise, he will definitely keep it!"

Shen Ge sat beside them, looking at the expressions on Zeng Maozhe, Yang Hongkang, and Jiang Nian's faces, and finally couldn't help but speak up.

All of Jiang Nian's information has been sealed and archived, and few people know clearly what he has done.

Shen Ge doesn't know the exact level of secrecy surrounding Jiang Nian, but she does know one thing: Jiang Nian was the first person to officially test-fly the J-20.

Prior to this, Jiang Nian had never flown a fighter jet, let alone the J-20.

Even though he participated in the J-20 development project, there is still a big difference between practical experience and theoretical knowledge. But Jiang Nian is clearly different, because he is undoubtedly the best in both theory and practice.

Upon hearing Shen Ge mention the J-20 fighter jet, Zeng Maozhe also recalled the matter.

When Jiang Nian was test-flying, these old guys were on tenterhooks the whole time, fearing something might happen to him. Fortunately, everything went smoothly.

But now, this restless guy Jiang Nian is actually going to drive a tank himself?
Why are young people so arrogant these days? The point is, they actually have the right to be arrogant.

"No matter what, Jiang Nian cannot personally drive the tank for practical testing!"

No matter who tries to mediate, Zeng Maozhe will not agree to let Jiang Nian drive the tank himself.

His unwavering attitude caused Yang Hongkang to furrow his brow.

As the chief person in charge of the fourth-generation tank development project, Yang Hongkang naturally hoped that after the prototype was built, it could be operated and driven by the most suitable person.

That's why, even when he was busy, he specifically asked Zeng Maozhe to make a trip to the tank company to invite Zhang Ze over. Even now, Yang Hongkang stubbornly believes that Zhang Ze is the ideal candidate. At this moment, Jiang Nian suddenly appeared and said he wanted to give it a try; in his opinion, this was utter nonsense.

However, when Shen Ge mentioned that Jiang Nian had test-driven the J-20 fighter jet, Yang Hongkang couldn't help but feel a ripple in his heart.

The information inadvertently revealed by Zeng Maozhe all pointed to one thing—Jiang Nian must have participated in the development of the J-20. This means Jiang Nian's understanding of the J-20 is likely even more thorough than that of the pilots. Given this background, the fact that he was the first person to successfully test-fly the J-20 demonstrates in itself that Jiang Nian possesses extraordinary talent in operating such high-end equipment.

Yang Hongkang's mind started to race. After all, it would be a while before the fourth-generation main battle tank could actually undergo operational testing. If Jiang Nian could familiarize himself with the actual operation of the tank during this period, then letting him try it out when the time came wouldn't be a bad idea.

"Old Zeng, why are you so agitated? I think Xiao Shen is right. I believe Jiang Nian's familiarity with tanks is no less than Zhang Ze's. As long as he has the ability, I think it's perfectly fine to have him operate the fourth-generation tank once it's built!"

Yang Hongkang spoke up. He sincerely hoped that the person operating the tank would be able to maximize its performance. Zhang Ze was clearly slightly inferior in this regard. But with Jiang Nian's profound understanding of tanks, it would definitely not be a difficult task.

Zeng Maozhe had thought that after he had said all that, Jiang Nian would finally give up on the idea of ​​driving a tank. Who knew that Yang Hongkang would suddenly blurt out such a sentence, making him so angry that he almost choked on his own blood and nearly fainted.

"Comrade Yang Hongkang, if you don't understand the stakes involved, don't interrupt. Otherwise, you'll just look like an amateur. Comrade Jiang Nian will stay with you for a while to see if he can help you with anything. But as for his idea of ​​driving a tank, just give up on that idea! I will absolutely not approve it, and no one will agree to your proposal!"

For the first time, Zeng Maozhe used such a stern tone when facing his old friend, and his words even carried a hint of warning.

His attitude was extremely tough, and he directly invoked his position as the director of the research institute.

Yang Hongkang opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately gave Zeng Maozhe a deep look, and didn't say anything. After all, they had been friends for many years, and Zeng Maozhe's reaction made Yang Hongkang understand one thing: Jiang Nian's identity was probably far more than just a level-one researcher; there must be something else behind it. It was just that, given his own rank, he couldn't access Jiang Nian's real files.

"That's settled then, and no one should mention it again! Comrade Jiang Nian, I have some things to take care of at the institute, so I won't bother you any longer."

Fearing that Jiang Nian might have other ideas, Zeng Maozhe gave Yang Hongkang a wink and then said he was leaving, getting up and walking outside.

Yang Hongkang followed Zeng Maozhe out to see him off.

Shen Ge sat to the side, hesitating for a long time. She had come with Zeng Maozhe, and now that the leader was leaving, she should logically follow. But looking at Jiang Nian's slightly disappointed expression, she just couldn't bring herself to leave.

"Jiang Nian, you're already incredibly talented. Even though you can't drive the fourth-generation main battle tank yourself, just being involved in the research and development project is a remarkable achievement in itself!"

Shen Ge sat down next to Jiang Nian and remained silent for a moment before speaking softly.

The Jiang Nian she had seen before was always confident and radiant, unlike now, with a faint look of disappointment on her face.

Seeing Jiang Nian like this, Shen Ge felt a lump in her throat.

If it weren't for Zeng Maozhe's status and position, Shen Ge would have really wanted to argue with him face to face.

But she still retained a clear head, and it was precisely because of this that she clearly realized that Zeng Maozhe's decision was correct. Jiang Nian's identity was now top secret, and there were many people protecting him both openly and secretly; no matter what, they couldn't allow him to make the slightest mistake.

Under these circumstances, Jiang Nian absolutely cannot drive the tank himself.

It's better to be safe than sorry. If something happens to Jiang Nian, no one can bear the responsibility.

“I understand. I just feel that I should be able to drive a tank well.”

Understanding someone's good intentions is one thing, but the feeling of being rejected is quite another.

“I know Jiang Nian is the best, and you can definitely drive a tank well. But in Director Zeng's eyes, your safety is the top priority. They are all getting old, and you can't bear to let them worry about you all the time, can you?”

Shen Ge gently patted Jiang Nian's shoulder, speaking earnestly to persuade him. She knew that Jiang Nian was always smart, and he definitely understood Zeng Maozhe's thoughts, though he might feel a little uncomfortable.

Feeling Shen Ge's gentle movements and listening to her soft-spoken persuasion, Jiang Nian's gloom vanished instantly.

He never expected that Shen Ge, who was usually so carefree and seemed so energetic, would have such a gentle side, which really touched his heart.

Perhaps because their initial meeting was too awkward, Jiang Nian had a bad impression of Shen Ge for a long time afterward.

But at this moment, for the first time, they were sitting together so quietly, listening to Shen Ge's rambling words of advice, and feeling this gentleness that belonged only to women. Jiang Nian's lips unconsciously curled into a faint smile.

He understood that he couldn't be too stubborn. After all, Zeng Maozhe and the others had a simple goal: to ensure his absolute safety.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. So what if I can't drive a tank? I'll find a chance to drive a J-20 around in the air a few times. The feeling of flying in the sky is much more exciting than driving a tank!"

Jiang Nian patted his chest, looking completely unconcerned, and said with a smile.

Shen Ge was taken aback for a moment, then realized that Jiang Nian had completely let go of what had just happened. A gentle smile appeared on her face, and her gaze towards Jiang Nian was full of tenderness. She enjoyed this quiet time together; it seemed that Jiang Nian had truly let go of her previous impetuous ways of addressing him.

Leisurely times always seem to pass by especially quickly.

After having dinner with Jiang Nian, Shen Ge had to leave Yang Hongkang's research lab. As the chief of staff, it was indeed not suitable for her to stay there for an extended period.

After a good night's sleep, Jiang Nian noticed that the number of people in the research institute was gradually increasing.

Yang Hongkang himself had returned, and the other researchers naturally followed suit, returning to their posts one by one. However, everyone was so busy that even when they saw Jiang Nian's unfamiliar face, they would at most nod and then go about their own business.

"Dong Dadong and the others won't be back from the tank company for another two days. They have to handle some minor issues themselves, so everyone will be extremely busy as soon as they get back."

Seeing the confusion on Jiang Nian's face, Yang Hongkang smiled and explained a few words.

When he saw Zeng Maozhe off yesterday, the old man didn't reveal much, only instructing him on one thing: during Jiang Nian's stay with him, whatever Jiang Nian wanted to do, he had to fully support him and not make any excuses.

These words of advice left Yang Hongkang speechless. He even wanted to remind Zeng Maozhe that he was the chief person in charge of the fourth-generation main battle tank. Did he really think he could just listen to Jiang Nian in everything, and then Jiang Nian wanted to dismantle the prototype he had already built?
Although Yang Hongkang knew that Jiang Nian would never make such a request.

However, the words Zeng Maozhe said to him on the shoulder before leaving, with that earnest look on his face, were about how as long as Jiang Nian was there, the fourth-generation main battle tank could definitely be developed faster.
Zeng Maozhe wouldn't joke about something like this, so it must be true. But what exactly is Jiang Nian planning to do?

Yang Hongkang was truly filled with curiosity.

"Brother Yang, your fourth-generation main battle tank prototype should be finished by now, right? I'd like to go and take a look."

Jiang Nian had been keeping the system-assigned task in mind. But Yang Hongkang never brought it up, so Jiang Nian had to speak up himself. Otherwise, he was afraid that Yang Hongkang wouldn't even remember it by the time the system task's deadline had passed.

“Sure. Perfect timing. Dong Dadong and his team checked it out before and didn’t find anything wrong. But I’m confident that with your skills, you can definitely find some things they missed after a careful inspection.”

Yang Hongkang felt that Jiang Nian's idea actually coincided with his own.

Yang Hongkang knew of Jiang Nian's expertise in tanks primarily for his exceptional maintenance skills. While he didn't know what help Jiang Nian could offer in tank research and design, Yang Hongkang couldn't very well show him the design blueprints. Therefore, taking him to see the prototype was the best option. (End of Chapter)