Big Data Cultivation
Chapter 1143: Do You Want a Warship?

Chapter 1143: Chapter 1143: Do You Want a Warship?

The Mai Nation Navy was very interested in the mystery behind the missing cargo ships, but for escort purposes, one frigate was truly more than sufficient.

Any more than that would make people laugh their heads off. And besides, if a country were really testing new weapons, no one would recklessly attack a Merrick Navy ship—the sole superpower was just that confident.

Under such circumstances, the frigate unexpectedly went missing, and the anger of the Merrick Navy was unsurprising.

Quickly, someone used satellite positioning to locate a fishing boat and forcibly connected to the captain’s satellite phone, demanding he report what happened and ordering him to halt the vessel and wait for a Mai Nation Navy inspection.

Because the incident involved the disappearance of a warship, Merrick did not immediately announce the event but initiated a search first.

However, while they wanted silence, Indonesia wasn’t willing to comply. Soon, a phone call came in: "Our cargo ship can’t be reached; your escort warship owes us an explanation, doesn’t it?"

The Mai Nation Navy agreed to the escort due to the lavish payment. Upon hearing such questioning, they responded bluntly and aggressively, "We’re investigating!"

By the next morning, news of three missing cargo ships was finally leaked—not by Indonesia. Although they were irritated by Mai Nation’s attitude, they wouldn’t dare stir up the market at this point. The leak purely came from an adventurous civilian organization that discovered the situation.

Mai Nation’s Navy didn’t make any public statement regarding the news until two hours later when the pressure became unbearable—losing a warship was humiliating enough, but there were still so many soldiers aboard, who were all Mai Nation citizens!

They announced that the frigate "Lexington," escorting the cargo ships, had gone missing along with them and that an emergency investigation was underway.

The announcement caused a worldwide uproar.

In fact, as soon as the news about an incident involving an Indonesian ship broke, the people in Luohua Manor already knew where Elder Feng had gone.

By noon, the disappearance of the Mai Nation’s "Lexington" made even Elder Yu restless. "This guy... sure has guts—he dares to mess with Mai Nation’s warships?"

He sought out Yang Yuxin to urgently request a meeting with Feng Jun.

Yang Yuxin picked up a walkie-talkie and called out. Feng Jun’s voice echoed on the device, "What’s up?"

Director Yang informed him that Elder Yu wanted to meet him, but Feng Jun directly replied, "No time, I’m busy."

Elder Yu was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, not angry but utterly puzzled. "He... he’s actually in the manor?"

He suspected that Feng Jun might be using some electronic deception to create the illusion that he was in the manor.

But when dinnertime came around, Feng Jun really did show up—he had indeed returned to the manor early that morning.

Thanks to the speed of the Flash Star Boat, he was able to act off the eastern side of Indonesia and still have enough time to return home.

Elder Yu could hardly contain his curiosity. After dinner, seeing Feng Jun about to leave, he hurriedly stopped him. "Boss Feng, let me ask you something—do you still need refrigerators and air conditioners in the short term?"

At this question, while others didn’t react much, Yu Qingzhu tilted her head in surprise to glance at her grandfather.

"Hmm?" Feng Jun also found the question odd, but he quickly caught on, then smiled and shook his head. "Shouldn’t need them in the short term, but thanks for your concern, Elder Yu."

"Ha, it’s nothing," Elder Yu waved his hand dismissively. "Anyway, whenever you need them, let me know in advance; I can gather them faster than Qingzhu. My old face is only good for so much."

Feng Jun gave him a peculiar look but said nothing, merely sweeping his gaze left and right.

The others weren’t fools either. Seeing Elder Yu unusually kowtowing to their boss, Yang Yuxin was the first to head out. "Xiao Hui, time for cultivation... Gazi, you too should get to it."

Gazi, somewhat confused, frowned slightly but got up and left.

Xu Leigang was the second to react, rising to leave while muttering, "I need to start cultivating too."

Zhang Caixin finally understood what was happening and also headed out while saying, "Let’s all disperse; the boss has something to say."

She spoke it so plainly—partly due to her youth, but also because she believed she had the right to say such things.

Upon hearing this, the group dispersed quickly, leaving only Yu Qingzhu resolutely staying behind—after all, she didn’t belong to Luohua.

Feng Jun sighed, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it up. "So, Elder, what’s on your mind today?"

Elder Yu replied with a smile, "Nothing really. I was just thinking that I haven’t paid Loohua enough attention in the past. That’s not good. I want to remedy that positively now."

Feng Jun couldn’t help but roll his eyes, "You haven’t paid Loohua enough attention? If anything, you’ve been paying attention where it’s not needed... Enough of the pretenses; if you have something to say, spit it out."

His tone made Yu Qingzhu furrow her brows slightly, but Elder Yu didn’t mind and continued smiling as he spoke, "Naturally, I have my motives, without a doubt. But what I’m thinking now is how I can be of assistance to you."

Feng Jun frowned and pondered for a moment before speaking, "Well, you could be helpful. But first, tell me what you want."

"Alright, direct and to the point," Elder Yu nodded in approval. "That Merrick Zeus Shield... was that your doing?"

Feng Jun didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he took out a jamming device, turned it on, and then replied in a measured tone, "Yes."

Elder Yu glanced at the device, looking a bit sheepish. "You’re certainly cautious... Taking food is one thing, but messing with a warship? Do you realize the worldwide uproar this has caused?"

Feng Jun nonchalantly stared at him and didn’t respond. Yet his gaze clearly conveyed his thoughts—so what?

Elder Yu froze for a moment, then chuckled, "Understood. You’re doing this to show me—if you can mess with Merrick’s warships, you can mess with... Hmm, you want me to understand your potential danger."

Feng Jun smiled faintly, saying nothing. The old man wasn’t wrong. His actions with the warship stemmed from multiple considerations—among them, burning energy points and demonstrating strength, specifically targeting a select audience that’d understand. Outsiders wouldn’t grasp the significance.

Elder Yu understood, hence the show of goodwill. Still, he couldn’t help but sigh, "Messing with that warship could bring immense trouble. Can’t you consider the bigger picture?"

Feng Jun took a drag from his cigarette and gave him a look that said: At this stage, you’re still talking to me about the bigger picture?

Elder Yu immediately realized he’d misspoken again, so he didn’t hold the look against him. "Fine. Is the ship in your possession? And what’s its condition?"

At last, Feng Jun answered, "Yes, it’s in my possession—and its condition is pretty good."

He knew the ship would be the focal point of the conversation; otherwise, the old man wouldn’t have shifted his demeanor so drastically.

Elder Yu momentarily lost himself in thought. Although he had already suspected the truth, confirmation was still stirring. He muttered softly, "I knew it... So, what about the Merrick sailors onboard?"

"They’re all dead," Feng Jun answered casually. A moment later, sensing his tone seemed rather dismissive, he added, "Two were Chinese, but since they joined the Merrick military, I didn’t feel the need to show mercy."

Yu Qingzhu furrowed her brows, "Zeus Shield-class frigates have over a hundred soldiers onboard, right?"

Feng Jun stared back at her, expressionless: Holy Mother, go away!

Elder Yu, however, didn’t care about the casualties. He nodded, "Dead is good... That Zeus Shield frigate has some tech our country needs. Master Feng, I know you’re a patriot..."

"Stop," Feng Jun interrupted, raising a hand. "I’m patriotic, but I also dislike trouble. If you can’t guarantee..."

"I can guarantee," Elder Yu, also impatient, cut him off. "I guarantee nobody will know the equipment came from you—domestically or internationally, it’ll remain a secret."

Feng Jun smiled nonchalantly, thinking to himself, *I’m only worried about domestic issues; as for international concerns... why should I care?*

"Looks like you’re satisfied," Elder Yu’s words flowed with eagerness today. "If that’s the case, here’s the deal: the nation needs some equipment from the frigate. I hope you can provide it. As for your demands... feel free to name them."

"If you want it, I’ll give it to you," Feng Jun responded decisively. "My only demand is confidentiality—I don’t want whoever’s working with you to know I’m involved, and I don’t want anyone disturbing Luohua’s peace."

He wasn’t the kind to use patriotism as mere lip service; his actions spoke louder. He’d already explained that his move against the warship was motivated by multiple considerations.

As for other demands, he wasn’t interested. If one had the capability, they’d simply do more. Why should patriotism come with conditions?

"Come now," Elder Yu quickly interjected, waving his hand. "The nation won’t take your gear for free. Whether it’s power, money, or social status, just say the word... If you don’t ask now, how will I broach the topic next time?"

Feng Jun’s mouth twitched slightly, "There’ll be a next time?"

"Always good to be prepared," Elder Yu grinned. "Patriotism shouldn’t be counted in instances, right?"

Feng Jun hesitated briefly before responding, "Then I need to add a condition—I won’t accept any assigned missions. Not even negotiations. You can offer suggestions, though—up to three times."

He added the restriction to curb recklessness but allowed for some leeway. Elder Yu agreed without hesitation, beaming as he said, "That’s no problem. We’ll never bother you unless it’s absolutely necessary. That’s settled then; now, let’s talk more demands."

Feng Jun gave him a suspicious glance: The old man seemed awfully accommodating today... so easygoing?

But then he quickly realized: *Ah, Elder Yu intends to mend fences!*

In repairing relationships, sincerity came first. Only later, once closer ties were forged, would additional conditions be introduced. Scaring people away from the start would kill the conversation before it began.

Believing he understood the rationale, Feng Jun didn’t reject the show of goodwill. For all his defiant posturing, he genuinely preferred maintaining a good relationship with the Official Government—saving time from disputes would allow him more time for cultivation.

After brief contemplation, he asked, "I’ve got some gold here—would you take it?"

(To be continued, awaiting monthly votes.)