Reasons for Requesting Leave

As soon as Geng Yuanjing finished speaking, the other leaders nodded in agreement, expressing their support for the proposal to halt production of the Type 80 tank and focus all efforts on promoting the production of the Type 99A main battle tank.

Seeing that everything went smoothly, Wu Zu breathed a slight sigh of relief.

However, he knew in his heart that there were still some key issues to be resolved.

So he cleared his throat and said, "Comrades, although the Type 99A main battle tank has taken initial shape, there are still many technical details that need to be improved."

Such as the stability of the fire control system, further optimization of composite armor, and reliability of the automatic loader, etc.

It will take at least a month to completely resolve all these issues.

No sooner had he finished speaking than Army official Geng Yuanjing waved his hand dismissively.

"Ah Zu, your considerations are certainly thorough, but there's no need to be overly cautious. The current Type 99A is far superior to the Type 80 tank. Its composite armor and 125mm smoothbore gun alone are enough to give it an advantage."

"As for the internal technology, we can study it later. Let's set up the production line for the external armor first."

Other leaders echoed this sentiment.

"That's right. Adjusting the production line and training workers is not something that can be done overnight. Don't rush it, just take it one step at a time."

"Yes, let's build the overall framework first, and then gradually optimize the technology."

Wu Zu blinked, feeling somewhat helpless.

These leaders are very enthusiastic about the Type 99A main battle tank, but this tank is indeed not yet perfect.

But seeing the expectation in the eyes of his superiors, he couldn't insist on his own opinion any longer and could only nod in agreement:

"Alright, then we'll do as the leaders say."

After a brief silence, the chief of staff of the Northeast Military Region broke the silence first:

"Now that production is about to begin, there has to be an order of priority. In the past, new equipment was tested by other military regions first, but this time it should be our Northeast Military Region's turn."

"Nonsense!"

The commander of the Northwest Military Region immediately widened his eyes and retorted.

"We can give you the Type 80 tanks, but the Type 99A is absolutely out of the question. Our Northwest Military Region has a vast territory and a challenging defense mission, so we should be given priority in its deployment."

The commander of the Jinling Military Region gave a light, cold laugh. "Wu Zu is within the jurisdiction of our Jinling Military Region. Being close to the source, we naturally have the advantage. This first batch of 99A frigates should belong to us."

"Why should I?!"

A high-ranking official from the Southeast Military Region stood up, his face flushed.

"Our Southeast Military Region is under more pressure than any of you because the US's aircraft carriers are watching us like hawks every day. We must be the first to be equipped with the Type 99A frigate."

"Our Southwest Military Region urgently needs this as well!"

"And our North China Military Region..."

The laboratory was instantly filled with a tremendous commotion.

Several military leaders, who are usually solemn and dignified, were now arguing like old men in a market over discounted goods, their faces red and neither willing to give in.

Wu Zu stood aside, dumbfounded.

Why are these military leaders arguing like children fighting over toys over the allocation of tanks?

However, this also shows the important position of the Type 99A main battle tank in their minds.

Wu Shuanzhu, on the other hand, seemed to be used to this kind of scene.

Wu Zu couldn't help but lean closer and whispered, "Grandpa, do they usually make this much noise?"

"Ha ha!"

Wu Shuanzhu chuckled and whispered in Wu Zu's ear, "They were quite restrained today; they didn't make a move, which is already a big favor."

"Huh? They can even use their fists?"

Wu Zu's eyes widened, and the image of the leaders fighting each other flashed through his mind, making him feel a sense of absurdity and incongruity.

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Army official Geng Yuanjing finally lost his temper and roared angrily:

"Stop arguing! What kind of behavior is this, all this noise and shouting?!"

Instantly, the entire laboratory fell silent, and everyone turned their attention to him.

Geng Yuanjing snorted coldly, took out a piece of paper from his pocket, tore it into several small pieces, wrote a few numbers on it, then crumpled it into a ball and threw it into his hat.

"Since everyone is dissatisfied, let's decide by drawing lots! That way it's fair and just, and no one can complain anymore."

The crowd looked at each other, but no one dared to object, so they had no choice but to obediently line up and draw lots.

After the results were announced, the faces of the leaders of the Jinling Military Region instantly darkened. He had actually drawn the last place.

"This...this doesn't count!"

He was so angry his mustache stood on end. "There must be something wrong with the note. Start over!"

Geng Yuanjing glared at him fiercely: "A bet's a bet! If you keep making trouble, your Jinling Military Region won't get a single tank."

The leaders of the Jinling Military Region were so choked that they couldn't speak.

But soon, his eyes lit up and he changed his mind.

"In that case, the production of the Type 99A main battle tank cannot rely on just one arsenal. Each military region should have its own arsenal, and each region should be responsible for a part of the technology. This will not only improve efficiency, but also allow all military regions to participate."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the military region leaders who had drawn lower rankings lit up.

Even if we can't get the complete Type 99A tank, it would be good to get a share of the technology and experience some of the advanced gadgets.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"That's right! Our Northeast Military Region's arsenal has extensive experience in armor casting, so the armor section will be handled by us."

"Our Northwest Military Region has the most mature engine technology; we are the only ones who can compete in this field."

"Our Southeast Military Region has the strongest electronic equipment research and development capabilities, so we will take charge of this aspect."

Geng Yuanjing stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then nodded.

"This is a good suggestion. Each arsenal can leverage its own strengths and perform its own duties, and then assemble the arsenal together. This will definitely improve efficiency significantly."

At this moment, Wu Shuanzhu, who had been silent until now, coughed lightly.

"Since we're going to focus on training technical personnel, why not send Wu Zu to the Jiangnan Arsenal? It's well-equipped there, and... Zu can also go home to live. After all, there are still many things to do at home, and I can take care of him while I'm at it."

Geng Yuanjing felt that Wu Shuanzhu's words made sense. After all, Wu Zu was still a child, and it was indeed inappropriate to make him run around and stay away from home for long periods of time.

"Okay! It's settled then!"

Geng Yuanjing decisively approved the plan: "Each military region will select technical experts to go to the Jiangnan Arsenal to learn the various technologies of the Type 99A frigate, under the personal guidance of Comrade Wu Zu. The supply of materials will also be uniformly allocated by the Jiangnan Arsenal."

Wu Zu had no objection to the arrangement; being able to go home was naturally the best thing ever.

More importantly, once he arrived at the arsenal, he would be able to fully utilize his talents and put his ideas into practice.

After the meeting, the leaders of each military region returned home with the good news.

On the way back, however, they continued arguing, the topic ranging from whose technology was superior to who should receive more tanks...

As Wu Zu watched their retreating figures, he felt that these leaders were actually quite interesting in private, not as aloof and stern as they usually were.

After handling these matters, Wu Zu followed Wu Shuanzhu back home on a private plane.

He glanced at the date and was surprised that the week-long leave he had taken last time had expired so quickly.

"Grandpa, I'm afraid you'll have to come with me to school tomorrow."

The old man was tidying up when he heard this, and his heart skipped a beat.

"Why would I go to your school?"

"Of course I'm taking leave."

"Do you need me to handle something as trivial as asking for leave? Go by yourself tomorrow."

"Grandpa, that's not very kind of you. I've already used up all my excuses for taking leave. You can't just stand by and watch me die. I'm doing this to contribute to the country."

Wu Shuanzhu rubbed his forehead, feeling a sudden headache.

This kid skips class every few days or gets into some minor trouble. I've had to go to school and get criticized by the teachers a lot because of him.

Back in the day, I was a military commander, but now I'm terrified of a teacher.

"Grandpa, if you're not going, I'll tell the teacher I'm going to develop tanks."

"You dare!" Wu Shuanzhu's eyes widened. "The Type 99A main battle tank is a top secret of our Dragon Country. If it were to be discovered by spies, the consequences would be unimaginable."

"Then please help me ask for leave..."

"Okay, fine, what reason should I give for taking the day off tomorrow?"

"Um……"

Wu Zu stroked his chin, when suddenly an idea struck him.

"I've got it. I'll just say you're sick and I need to stay home to take care of you."

Upon hearing this, Wu Shuanzhu was so angry that he grabbed a feather duster and chased after her.

"You brat, can't you use your brain at all when you're making up lies? You always say unlucky things, one minute you say I'm injured, the next you say I broke my leg. I want to live a few more years!"