What the hell is a private enterprise?

Chapter 606 Muddy Waters
"General Pierre, I wish our relationship will remain as harmonious as ever."

"why not?"

Band and Pierre's hands touched briefly before parting; had it not been for the so-called memorandum of understanding, anyone who didn't know better would have thought the two were still arguing.

And that is indeed the case in reality.

After a month and a half of back-and-forth negotiations, the issue of sharing the costs of the Christmas campaign has yet to be resolved. However, under the constant urging of the hen, the coalition forces have reached an agreement on the division of physical assets:
The four battleships HMS Malta, HMS Unbeatable, Super G3 (St. Vincent), and HMS Hood were confirmed as spoils of war shared by the Allied forces, completely disregarding the nonsense about a second Royal Navy ship being a gift.

The name of the G3 was also confirmed through the ship's logs, and the Allied forces referred to it as the Saint Vincent.

The leader of the group first suggested that the distribution of captured warships should be consistent with the sharing of future military expenditures, but the other parties disagreed. In the end, it was determined that the member who suffered the greatest losses would receive a larger share.

However, because the British were the first to obtain the right of first refusal and redemption, they were allowed to redeem the goods at a price jointly confirmed by the Allied Command.

After much arguing, it was finally confirmed that the Malta and Hood belonged to the UK, the Incomparable belonged to the Netherlands and Switzerland, and the St. Vincent was assigned to Spain and Spain, which had also made significant contributions.

However, because the Empire played a decisive role, each party still had to pay a sum of money to Prism Building, with the share divided according to the value of the warships they received.

It seems a bit harsh on the chicken, but in this battle, the chicken's contribution and damage were not significant, so the allocation plan was not really targeted.

The chickens could only swallow their pride and accept it, since they didn't expect to gain any spoils before the battle and therefore held back their troops. Now they were willing to accept defeat.

However, in the actual allocation, Blair exercised his right of first refusal, hoping to buy the unparalleled for $5000 million, but was refused. The jackpot immediately raised the price to $8000 million.

As a result, Britain, relying on its right of first refusal, followed closely behind, each time paying only $1 more than Britain, and deliberately leaked information to the outside world that the Royal Navy was short of funds and would not invest too much in battleships.

When the price was raised to $1.3 million, the Flying Chicken withdrew and instead invested $3000 million in Spain to acquire full ownership of the St. Vincent, and the Flying Chicken readily sold off its shares.

However, Blair wasn't too bothered by paying an extra $1.8 million; he went directly to the royal family at the time.

If they had opted to get the Hood instead of the Hood, they could have spent less money. After a whole night of deliberation, the Royal Family decided to keep the Hood and embarrassingly told the Cabinet that the Treasury would pay for it first, with the Royal Family repaying it in installments using assets.

Unfortunately, the HMS Hood not only holds immense historical significance, but the timing of this event is also very sensitive:
Just a few months ago, it was handed over to Hong Kong, and then it was beaten up by the Third Fleet. If the HMS Hood is handed over as well, we can expect protests!
The British were very satisfied with the warship they had acquired, while the Germans, though extremely envious of the Malta, found the St. Vincent not bad either.

However, when the results came out, it wasn't the coalition forces that were most unsettled, but Japan.

Europe wasn't particularly interested in trading battleships, and their offers were only slightly higher than for destroyers. However, they were bleeding money to buy the Yamato from the University of Tokyo.

The key point is that this battleship had just returned to its homeland and hadn't even had a chance to be shown off to the people before the Empire hastily dragged it to the west coast, ostensibly for modernization.

However, once the battleship entered the dock, it practically became an Imperial ship. The Imperial Navy experimented with various new weapons and tactics on it, while the Self-Defense Forces were treated like outsiders, needing to apply for permission to enter and board the ship.

……

Zhuawa, Bitong County
"Wait, why has your restaurant raised its prices again?"

“Mr. Wu, I’m really sorry, as you know, prices are high these days… Of course, if you pay in US dollars, the price will be the same as before, or you might even get a discount.”

"..."

After dismissing the hotel manager who kept apologizing, Wu Long picked up his glass and took a swig. The other key members sitting around also looked worried.

They had already celebrated the Spring Festival locally, but Tang Wen still showed no intention of calling them back.

Their salaries and subsidies continued to be paid, and even this year's year-end bonus was set at the highest level, equivalent to three months' salary. But being idle for more than half a year was driving them crazy.

"Manager, I'd like to ask for leave to go home..."

"Bullshit! I, Wu Lao Er, haven't even gone back yet!"

Wu Long lit a cigarette and said in a muffled voice:

"You've been paid every penny, and we even go to seafood restaurants every few days to let you enjoy life. Aren't you happy?"

However, even the key figure who was speaking couldn't hold back any longer and defended himself, feeling wronged:
"Following General Tang's orders, we released most of those Hong Kong trainees. They're all doing very well now and have even brought their families over to reunite. As for us..."

"Alright, alright, I'll call the boss tonight!"

Wu Long had no choice but to compromise. Since the Spring Festival, the employees' emotions had become uncontrollable. Besides, he himself felt that he had been sidelined and that if he couldn't go back, he might be forgotten one day.

On the other hand, he also could not understand Tang Wen's decision to exile that group of Hong Kong students to Southeast Asia.

It should be noted that those 500-plus people were mostly leaders with some influence. Although they dared not return after being released, they quickly banded together in the local area and immediately formed a large organization called the New Harmony Alliance.

Although they couldn't get revenge on Tang Wen, they were already itching to take action against these overseas staff.

So why should they stay here even though they're eating and drinking for free? Wu Long couldn't understand.

After a lavish but unpleasant meal, feeling dejected, he returned to his hotel, debating whether to make a call, when Tang Wen's phone rang first:
"boss!"

……

"What?! We have to stay for at least another 6 months?!"

Wu Long had originally intended for himself and the others to return to China as soon as possible, but Tang Wen ruthlessly extended the deadline again, prompting him to hurriedly advise:

"President Tang, if we do this, the employees will definitely have a lot of complaints..."

“I didn’t say they couldn’t leave. Now anyone who wants to go home can submit an application, and we’ll arrange their tickets. I just said you can’t leave; Southeast Asia still needs you.”

After being sentenced to six months of exile again, Tang Wencai explained to the other party that he had decided to develop oil in Zhuawa and needed Wu Long, who was familiar with the situation, to oversee the project.

"So the head office is going to rotate staff?"

"Yes, also five hundred people."

Hearing this, Wu Long felt much more at ease. At least it meant he had something to do, which was better than being bored out of his mind.

Then Tang Wen suddenly asked about the current standards for overseas subsidies, and after receiving the answer, he thought for a moment and said:

"With local prices rising too fast, allowances also need to increase. Meal allowances will increase from $75/month to $150, and travel allowances will increase from $300 to $600. We need to significantly improve the living standards of our employees!"

And I have another task for you: once the new rotating staff arrive, take them out to spend money, try everything, no matter the expense. The entire monthly activity budget of one million US dollars must be spent; whatever is left over will be deducted from your salary!

Wu Long on the other end of the phone could hardly believe his ears. This wasn't hiring employees, it was hiring a lord!

With a million dollars in funding, these 500 people could spend their days on a luxury cruise ship, indulging in a life of debauchery. Would they even have time to work?
“Think it over, Mr. Tang. Unless I gamble it all away here, how could I possibly spend so much? Besides, things aren’t peaceful here right now, what if…” “No need to say more, this is your task!”

Tang Wen interrupted him:

"Whether it's extra funding or increased subsidies, it all has to be spent. The point is to let the locals know that we are very rich, that we have countless amounts of money, understand?"

"Yes!"

Wu Long agreed with a long face, but he didn't have the courage to ask why.

He remained anxious until the next day, when he announced to the stranded employees that they were free to go home to visit their families. Immediately, more than 300 people chose to go home, and half of the key personnel also decided to give up their allowances.

……

Meanwhile, the replacement workers prepared by Tang Wen were also gathering at the port, waiting to board the ship.

However, contrary to Wu Long's expectations, only half of them were real oil workers, while the other half were carefully selected trainees from the first cohort.

No one raised any objections. For them, who had never been abroad before, this was not only a novel experience, but the huge subsidy also made those who were not selected extremely envious, and they were all eager to leave.

Tang Wen also specifically gathered the more than one hundred students together and announced in front of them:

"You have all worked hard and made great contributions throughout the year. The upcoming trip to Zhuawa will be considered a paid vacation. The company will provide you with one million US dollars every month for your entertainment and relaxation!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a deafening cheer erupted from the crowd. The first batch of trainees were mostly delinquent youths who had been caught and persuaded in Goose City. Although the salary on the ship was not low after the training, there was really not much time to rest.

At this time, Tang Wen gave them money to take a few months' vacation, which immediately made everyone relax and their loyalty to the principal soared.

Tang Wen simply smiled and waved at the scene, leaving behind the dozen or so captains who were following him to give them instructions separately.

……

"This trip to Zhuawa will be very dangerous."

The cheerful atmosphere that had just been created vanished instantly after Tang Wen sat down and said something. The squad leaders, who were originally instructors and teaching assistants, immediately became serious.

Especially Wang Wu, who had been lurking in Gaijin for so long, was very certain that he had sensed a major operation in the air.

When Tang Wen asked everyone if they knew the reason, he volunteered to answer:
“Principal, as the saying goes, one should not flaunt one’s wealth. What we’re doing is a little… ostentatious.”

The others nodded vigorously. This is not the era of mobile payment. Giving out too many subsidies means that everyone is carrying a lot of cash. And they are unfamiliar with the country. Who knows what dangers they might encounter?
However, Tang Wen calmly replied:
"That is precisely my purpose, and my requirement for you is to complete the mission excellently while also ensuring the safety of everyone as much as possible!"

fishing!

This thought suddenly flashed through Wang Wu's mind.

……

The squad leaders' abilities and obedience were beyond question. After making the arrangements, Tang Wen waited patiently for the fish to take the bait.

The Natuna Project was proposed by Zhenhai, with the aim of finding a base for the fleet that was conveniently located yet not far from civilization, and ultimately Natuna Island was chosen.

The plan is not complicated:

If all goes well, we can lure Serginho into seeking help by providing much-needed funds, then imply that Natuna also has oil, and then learn from the domestic model to lease it long-term, making both sides happy.

After all, Natuna itself has little natural resources and a small area, so there is no development value for it if it is kept to itself.

If things don't go smoothly... what we just arranged is a backup plan, and it can also be a precaution to protect the Chinese community when necessary.

Zhenhai was simply putting himself in the role of a commander to find a fleet base, while Natuna, located in the central sea area, was extremely valuable as a crossroads of the South Seas.

Tang Wen wasn't very interested in this reason, but he did notice that Natuna was at a low latitude, close to the equator, making it suitable as a space launch site.

If a launch base were built here, it could be rented out to provide launch services during normal times, or in the future, it could be used to learn from Master Ma and develop some small rockets—or even launch spaceships.

After careful recollection and summarization, Tang Wen realized that there were space-linked warships in the world of warships, which were similar to spaceships in terms of design. If they were to come to life in reality, they might actually be able to go into space!

While he was patiently waiting for the fish to bite, a major international event was unfolding:

On February 12, Britain announced that the Royal Navy would send the battleship HMS Hood and its flotilla to visit India.

The message was brief, and no other information was released beyond that.

But everyone who heard this news was completely baffled, even Tang Wen didn't understand what Dai Ying was up to.

After all, a naval visit can have two meanings:
Deterrence, or it could represent close support.

Which one it is depends on the actions taken after the visit and the current situation. It is possible that the British are both the former overlords of India and members of the Atlantic Treaty.

Given their former status, they might protect and support the Indian brother, since the mushroom egg won't blow up their own heads. The more muddy the waters, the better for them to divide, win over, and seize benefits.

However, if we consider the latter possibility, sending warships could be seen as a form of pressure.

But why did they send a battleship without stating their purpose? What exactly is going on?
Everyone could only guess, and at the same time, they couldn't help but wonder why HMS Hood, an outdated warship that had captured British prisoners, would enter service with the Royal Navy.

……

"Those damn troublemakers!"

When Rams heard the news of the HMS Hood's visit, he angrily smashed his coffee cup. He knew perfectly well what Dai Ying was thinking!
Pressure? Why would Dai Ying put pressure on Third Brother? This is clearly blatant cover-up!

HMS Hood has only been in service for two months, and the Royal Navy has only managed to get it operational. At this point, it probably doesn't even have a gunnery crew and is practically non-existent in terms of combat capability.

If there was truly an intention to exert pressure, they should have sent out a large force, especially since this matter was not communicated to allies beforehand.

Even if we try to stop them now, it's useless. Even if Prism Building tries to prevent the Hood from leaving, with the encouragement of the British, the Third Brother will definitely grit his teeth and do it to the end. With the support of the former sect leader, no one is afraid.

Sure enough, that very afternoon, his third brother couldn't wait to publish a proclamation in the internal newspaper about the necessity of growing mushrooms, which infuriated him.

Rams quickly convened an emergency meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where everyone was furious about Britain's betrayal and decided to let India feel the true wrath of the Empire.

Boeing was inexplicably notified that they should inform Geiger that if the company was willing to pay more, a portion of the CH-47Ds originally intended for the Imperial Army could be delivered ahead of schedule!

(End of this chapter)