Chapter 73: Weapon Equipment 2

The docks of Jinling Port were shrouded in mist, the massive hull of the cargo ship cast a heavy shadow in the morning light. The United States arms dealer representative leaned on the railing, a cigar between his fingertips, and when he saw Li Yuxuan hurrying over, he instantly dropped his nonchalance, mustered a professional, all‑encompassing smile and stepped forward: "Mr. Li, are the funds ready? The workers are already waiting in the cargo hold, just awaiting your order."

Li Yuxuan took the checkbook handed over by the Adjutant, and as he passed it, his fingertips trembled imperceptibly: "Ten million dollars is ready; the remaining amount, please allow us to pay in installments."

"Naturally no problem." The representative took the check, and his smile did not fade as his eyes scanned the amount, "Mr. Li's reputation, Young Master, we have long heard of, you can rest assured."

Li Yuxuan exhaled, about to raise his hand to signal the soldiers to unload the cargo, when a hidden worry suddenly crossed his mind and his brows knit: "One more thing—how will the fuel supply for these machines be handled? For the aircraft, Tank and aircraft carrier operators, does your side provide the supporting personnel?"

The representative, as if premeditated, pulled another contract stamped with a gold‑embossed crest from his briefcase and placed it before him: "Fuel will of course be supplied first; the quality of United States aviation gasoline and diesel is unrivaled worldwide. As for the operators, they are all retired elite of the United States military, seasoned veterans, but a monthly salary of 100,000 dollars must be paid."

"100,000 dollars a month?" Li Yuxuan's voice suddenly rose, startling several nearby soldiers to glance sideways, "How is this any different from robbery!"

The representative's smile faded slightly, and his tone acquired a hint of displeasure: "Mr. Li, the 'Saratoga' aircraft carrier has already been offered at cost. The ship's captain and technical staff are all Backbone Members from their time in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and 100,000 dollars is already the best price. Otherwise, this combination of equipment and personnel would be far beyond what 34 million dollars could acquire."

"What a tangled scheme." Li Yuxuan muttered inwardly, his molars grinding audibly. He finally understood that the earlier low price was merely bait, and the real hole lay here. The ten million dollars he had just drawn from the Chairman was not even enough for the initial hiring fee; the subsequent fuel and maintenance costs were a bottomless pit. Thinking of this, his scalp tingled.

But the matter had come to this; a boiled duck cannot simply be set free. Li Yuxuan inhaled deeply, suppressing the rising anger, and said in a low voice: "I need to discuss this further with the Chairman; please wait a moment."

"I await good news." The representative restored his smile, but his eyes conveyed an unyielding certainty.

Inside the President's Office, the air was so stagnant it seemed one could wring water from it. Principal Jiang stared at an empty tea cup, the financial report on the desk crumpled into a ball, its corners creased. Upon hearing the words "Young Master," he knew who had arrived without looking up; his temples throbbed, and fatigue spread along his brow.

"Why have you turned back again?" he said without raising his head, his voice hoarse as if coated with sand, "The ten million dollars has already been disbursed; is it still not enough?"

Li Yuxuan rubbed his hands, a flattering smile plastered on his face, but his tone was hesitant: "Young Master, it's… the… aircraft, Tank and aircraft carrier operators, we still have to hire from the United States side…"

Principal Jiang closed his eyes, his fingertips pressing his brow as if calming his thoughts, and after a while rasped, "What's the price?"

"100,000 dollars per month."

"How much?!" Principal Jiang slammed the table, the solid‑wood chair tipped backward with a harsh crash. He pointed at Li Yuxuan's nose, his whole body trembling with anger, "Say it again!"

"100,000 dollars… not even including fuel costs." Li Yuxuan drew his neck back, his voice as low as a mosquito's buzz.

"You… damn it! Jingxing, you've gone too far!" Principal Jiang's chest heaved violently, "Since the founding of the Fifth Army, it has cost nearly a hundred million! This sum is enough for me to expand three fully‑manned armies! I don't understand—am I raising 60,000 people or a bunch of gold‑swallowing beasts? A 200,000‑person force wouldn't necessarily have such outrageous expenses!"

"Young Master, please calm down." Li Yuxuan stepped forward half a pace, trying to soothe, "All the equipment of this force is top‑tier; once trained, unifying the whole country will be a piece of cake, matching the combat power of ten other armies."

"If I don't maintain this force, and just expand a few regular armies, can't I still unify the country?" Principal Jiang, furious yet mocking, pointed outside the door, "Those regional warlord troops may have crude equipment, but they win through cheapness! Unlike you, spending money like water; even mountains of gold and silver can't endure such waste!"

"That's not how it works." Li Yuxuan tried to argue, "We're already in the firearms era; equipment disparity is the chasm between victory and defeat…"

"Shut up! I don't want to hear it!" Principal Jiang rudely cut him off, clutching his chest and gasping, "Get out! Let me have some peace!"

"Yes, Young Master." Li Yuxuan, seeing his genuine fury, dared not linger, turned and fled swiftly, not even daring to close the door.

Only Principal Jiang and Qian Dajun remained in the office; he stared at the overturned chair, let out a long sigh, his voice full of helplessness. Qian Dajun, standing nearby, saw Li Yuxuan rush out, hurriedly stepped lightly to Principal Jiang's side and carefully lifted the chair: "Chairman, calm down."

"The Fifth Army, not maintain it?" Principal Jiang slumped in the chair, his gaze vacant, "So much has already been invested; abandoning it midway would be a pity. Keep it, but the subsequent expenses are a bottomless pit, and the national treasury will eventually be drained…"

He waved his hand, his tone exhausted to the extreme: "You go down as well; let me be alone in peace."

"Yes, Chairman." Qian Dajun quietly stepped out, gently closing the door.

The office fell into dead silence, only the ticking of the wall clock echoing against Principal Jiang's heart. Outside, the sunlight was warm, yet he felt a chill through his whole body. He knew Li Yuxuan was right: this force was the nation's future hope, but the price of that hope was unbearably heavy.

Li Yuxuan, having run out of the President's Office, stood on the stone steps at the doorway, gazing at the gray‑hazy sky, his heart clouded with sorrow. He took out his Pocket Watch, opened its cover, and his son's smiling face shone distinctly in the dimness. His fingertips brushed the cold metal case, and he suddenly clenched his fist—no matter how difficult, this force must be forged, for them and for this storm‑tossed nation.

From afar came the hawker's shout of a newspaper boy, his crisp voice cutting through the streets, announcing the latest war news. Li Yuxuan inhaled deeply, turned and looked toward the dock.