Chapter 1295 Old Chen, do you want the Navy or not?

The door opened, and Chen Haitao strode in.

He hadn't even had time to change out of his pristine white naval uniform. This general, who commanded with composure on the parade ground but was often teased by his colleagues in private for being a "lone commander," now had the weariness of working non-stop. But his eyes shone brightly, revealing a determination to get things done.

Gu Chengyuan had already walked to the main sofa, a warm smile naturally appearing on his face, and took the initiative to greet him, "Haitao is here, please sit down."

"Hello, Chief!"

Chen Haitao immediately saluted in a loud voice, then quickly walked to the single sofa opposite Gu Chengyuan. However, he did not sit down immediately, but waited for Gu Chengyuan to sit down first before straightening his back and sitting down next to the edge of the sofa, his posture respectful and showing his military bearing.

Gu Chengyuan didn't speak immediately, but leaned back, closed his eyes, and rubbed his throbbing temples with his knuckles.

Pu Guangqiang gently placed a freshly brewed cup of strong tea, at the perfect temperature, on the coffee table beside him. Gu Chengyuan picked it up, brought it to his nose, letting the rising steam and the slightly bitter aroma of the tea dispel some of his fatigue, before taking a small sip.

The scalding hot tea stung his throat, causing a slight burning sensation, but it also acted like a shot of adrenaline, clearing his muddled thoughts considerably.

He put down his teacup, let out a long sigh, and then looked at Chen Haitao across from him.

Chen Haitao had been paying close attention to the leader's condition, and seeing this, he couldn't help but speak up, his voice filled with genuine concern:

"Sir, you've had a long day, so... how about I give a brief report first, and we can discuss the details tomorrow..."

Gu Chengyuan waved his hand, interrupting him.

Instead of showing any displeasure at being disturbed, he revealed a rare smile that carried a hint of mockery and anticipation, and his eyes lit up.

"Comrade Haitao," Gu Chengyuan leaned forward slightly, his tone relaxed, even somewhat deliberately mysterious:

"I didn't call you out of bed so late just to hear your report."

Upon hearing this, Chen Haitao was taken aback, his eyes filled with confusion. Wasn't this supposed to be a report on the military parade summary? Then why all this in the middle of the night...?

Seeing Chen Haitao's completely bewildered and clueless expression, Gu Chengyuan's smile deepened. He stopped teasing the diligent and responsible general and dropped a bombshell that was enough to make any naval soldier's heart stop.

His smile faded, his gaze became calm and serious, and he asked clearly, word by word:

"Comrade Haitao, I have a naval base here, do you want it?"

The words fell.

Time seemed to freeze for a second in the office.

Chen Haitao's expression froze instantly. Before the look of confusion could fade, he was struck hard by an even stronger and more primal emotion!

He felt as if he had been pierced by a high-voltage current, and he was suddenly jolted upright from the edge of the sofa, his eyes widening abruptly, his pupils contracting sharply under the light.

One second he was still concerned about whether his superior needed to rest and confused about what to report.

The next second, he felt like he was hallucinating. Then, a surge of hot blood rushed to his head, making his vision even slightly black.

“Naval…naval base?” His throat tightened, his voice so dry it was almost incoherent, and he repeated the four words with an incredulous tremor.

It's not a dock, it's not a patrol boat fleet, it's... a base!

In the quiet space, a series of heavy, rapid, and completely uncontrollable gasps immediately filled the air.

That was the sound of Chen Haitao's lungs contracting and expanding uncontrollably in a state of extreme shock and ecstasy.

His chest heaved violently, his cheeks flushed red at a visible speed, and even his neck thickened. His eyes, which were fixed on Gu Chengyuan, were now bloodshot, yet they shone with a frightening brightness, as if two flames were burning deep within his pupils.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but because he was too emotional, he couldn't utter a single word, only making a "hoarse" sound in his throat.

His hands, resting on his knees, were clenched into fists, his knuckles turning bluish-white from the force, and trembling slightly.

Gu Chengyuan took in his reaction, understood what he meant, and was quite moved.

He knew what those four words meant to Chen Haitao and to the entire Central Plains Theater Navy, which was "nominal but not real."

He didn't urge him, but quietly picked up his teacup, took another sip, and gave the general, who was so excited he was about to faint, some time to calm down.

It took Chen Haitao more than ten seconds to barely suppress the overwhelming joy that was about to burst his chest, but his heavy breathing had not yet completely subsided.

He suddenly stood up, and the movement was so abrupt that it even caused the sofa to shift, making a screeching sound.

He took a large step forward, his voice hoarse yet filled with unprecedented excitement and urgency, almost shouting as he asked:

"Commander! You...you're telling the truth?! Where? What kind of base is it?! How big is it? What kind of ships can it accommodate?!"

A barrage of questions came out like a machine gun, each word revealing an almost greedy desire.

His bloodshot eyes were fixed on Gu Chengyuan's face, as if trying to confirm from every subtle expression that this was not a joke, nor a beautiful illusion caused by his own exhaustion.

Seeing his appearance, Gu Chengyuan's expression also turned serious.

He knew that what followed would officially mark the first step for the Central Plains Theater into the deep blue sea.

"Sit down and talk, Haitao." He gestured to the sofa.

Chen Haitao then realized his lapse in composure, took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed his heart which was about to leap out of his throat, and sat back down, but his body remained taut, like a fully drawn bowstring.

"I can give you this base now."

“It’s not a blueprint, not a plan, but a…almost complete ‘gift’.”

At this point, Gu Chengyuan paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, before clearly describing:

"A naval base designed according to modular and multi-functional standards. Its core includes: a deep-water pier and supporting dock facilities capable of simultaneously berthing and maintaining eight large and medium-sized warships; a complete shore-based command center, radar early warning system, air defense positions, and ammunition and fuel depots; and a preliminary naval fleet—"

With each item Gu Chengyuan mentioned, Chen Haitao's breathing became more rapid.

"Four Type 054B multi-purpose frigates will serve as the backbone of the future fleet; four Type 056A light frigates will be responsible for coastal patrol and defense; plus an auxiliary ship squadron, including necessary missile boats, minesweepers, etc."

"All ships and facilities are in brand new condition, with advanced technology. With slight adjustments and personnel, they can be put into combat capability."