CHAPTER 502: CHAPTER 351: WHOLE AND FRACTIONAL

"Big Shark" had to be unloaded from the semi-submersible ship in the same way it was loaded.

After being shipped back over vast distances and across oceans, the final unloading process could not afford any issues. It took thirteen hours of intense concentration, and Han Yu was so exhausted he didn’t want to get up once he sat down.

Just as the tugboat was pulling "Big Shark" into the naval port, another tugboat slowly approached from a distance, and from the walkie-talkie came a call from Director Feng.

"Salted Fish, Salted Fish, please respond if you receive this."

"Received, Director Feng, please go ahead."

"Look this way, I’m on the tugboat."

Han Yu quickly got up and ran out to the deck outside the third-floor superstructure, discovering to his delight that his senior, along with Director He, were standing at the bow of the tugboat with Director Feng, exclaiming, "Ningning, when did you get here, and Director He is here too!"

"We came yesterday. We didn’t tell you to avoid disturbing your work."

Director Feng smiled and continued, "Although the submarine has been unloaded safely, your task is not yet complete. Tell your Dutch friend that the pilot will board the ship shortly."

This area is the waterway where naval ships enter and exit the port; once the semi-submersible ship finishes unloading the submarine, it has to travel to the civilian dock to refuel and replenish water, and the crew members will go ashore to rest before returning.

Since they are not familiar with the local waterways and currents, it is impossible for them to navigate and dock on their own, so they need a pilot to guide them and a tugboat to assist with berthing.

Realizing this, Han Yu hurriedly said, "Yes!"

To escort the pilot on board, help with tying up the mooring ropes, and then set sail... After more than three hours of bustling, the semi-submersible ship finally berthed safely at the deep-water dock of Ningbo Port.

As soon as they landed, it meant entering the country, subject to inspections by Customs and Border Inspection. Only when the sun was about to set did Han Yu truly return to his homeland.

Rather than say Director Feng was here to pick up "Big Shark," it would be more accurate to say that he was here to welcome Mr. Hans and other managers and crew members of the Dutch shipping company.

After all, Cosco had signed the transportation agreement with them, and the state had signed a purchase agreement with Russia for two "Big Sharks." This one had been transported back, and another one wouldn’t be built until next year, at which point their help would be needed again.

Even though they made a lot of money from this trip, compared to the Russian quote, their pricing was much more reasonable, just a fraction of what the Russians had asked for.

That evening, they were arranged to stay at the best hotel in Ningbo Port, where Director Feng and the leaders of the Cosco East Sea Branch personally welcomed Mr. Hans and the others.

Han Yu instantly transformed into an interpreter, bustling about merrily.

Director He and Han Xiangning also participated. After the feast, they accompanied the Dutch guests to their hotel rooms. As they came out, Han Xiangning whispered, "Salted Fish, our foreign guests didn’t seem to eat much tonight."

"Their taste is different from ours, but it’s okay. I’ve talked to the hotel manager. Please have some Western food prepared and sent to their rooms later."

"They’re not used to the food?"

"Yes."

"When are they leaving?" Han Xiangning curiously asked.

Han Yu glanced back at Director Feng, who was talking with the leaders of the East Sea branch, and said with a smile, "Early tomorrow morning. They have to dismantle all the dock piles on the deck, which will be needed for transporting the second one next year, so they’ll probably not be able to sail back until the day after tomorrow at the earliest."

Director He curiously asked, "Will you be involved in next year’s transport?"

After some thought, with a hint of regret, Han Yu said, "I probably won’t need to participate again since we now have the experience of doing it once."

Today’s experience made Han Xiangning feel that the Navy was somewhat "demolishing the bridge after crossing the river."

Once "Big Shark" was unloaded, it had nothing to do with the Dutch shipping company; they were left to Cosco without even a meal arranged. She and Director He also moved out of the Navy’s guest house with Director Feng, switching to a hotel.

But she could understand it, after all, that was a naval port, and naval ports contained military secrets.

While she was thinking about when she could go home, Director Feng quickly approached, "Salted Fish, Director He, let’s hurry back to the hotel, the comrades from the General Staff Equipment Department and the Navy will soon arrive."

"Are the leaders going to our hotel?"

"They’re going to commend our friend Salted Fish."

As if worried she didn’t understand, Director Feng explained while holding the car door, "Salted Fish is not active-duty military and was not only carrying out escort duties this time. Even the navies involved in the transport didn’t know his real identity, so the commendations have to be separate, to prevent the other officers and soldiers who returned with us from feeling distrusted by their superiors."

Han Xiangning was startled, then it dawned on her.

Director He also realized that when transporting such expensive and advanced equipment, superiors certainly had to consider everything comprehensively; those involved in the transport had to monitor each other, otherwise, who would feel at ease.

Han Yu was so sleepy he could barely keep his eyes open; he didn’t care about being commended and just wanted to rush back to the hotel for a shower and a good night’s sleep.

But since the superiors wanted to hold the commendations in the evening, he had to muster up the energy and get into the sedan car.

The four of them rushed to the hotel, and as soon as they stepped out of the car, a Navy Captain greeted them.

Apparently, the leaders had already arrived, so the group straightened their attire and followed the Captain into the lobby, took the elevator to the third floor, and entered a large and stately banquet hall.

There weren’t many people and the hall was so large it seemed empty.

Minister Chen of the General Staff Equipment Department, whom Han Yu had met before in the Capital, came up and patted his arm as soon as he saw Han Yu, "Comrade Han Yu, you’ve worked hard."

"Thank you, Commander, for your concern. It hasn’t been too tough."

"But you’ve lost so much weight, how can it not have been tough."

"One of the Major Generals asked out of curiosity, ’Friend Salted Fish, how many pounds have you lost?’"

"Han Yu hesitated for a moment, then said with an embarrassed look, ’Over ten pounds.’"

"Thank you for your contribution to the national defense cause. This must be Comrade Han Xiangning, right? Thank you as well for supporting Comrade Han Yu’s work."

"Reporting to the Commander, I am a party member, supporting his work is my duty."

"Good, I know you all are tired, let’s officially begin."

Minister Chen took a commendation document from a Major’s hand and began, "Comrades, entrusted by the higher-ups, I now announce the order from the General Political Department of the People’s Liberation Army of China to award Comrade Han Yu with First-level Merit."

First-level Merit!

And it’s an award given by the General Politics, this is a true military honor!

Han Yu was stunned, unable to believe his ears.

Han Xiangning was overjoyed and couldn’t help but laugh.

Director Feng smiled without saying a word, for he had known all along.

Director He thought he had heard wrong, intently staring at Minister Chen, who wore the rank of Lieutenant General, his eyes filled with astonishment.

"Ministry of Transport Police – Changhang Public Security Bureau Binjiang Branch Fire Brigade Deputy Division Commander Han Yu, with a heart set on national defense, has actively participated in Civilian Soldiers training since 1988, and has been recognized by the Armed Forces Department of Linghai County (City) as an advanced individual in civilian militia training and a role model for several times."

"During the special operation against illegal eel fishing in the waters of the Yangtze River waterfront in 1989, he led the Basic Civilian Soldiers to persist and battle on the front line of the operation, ensuring the smooth transportation of Changhang and protecting national fishery resources."

"In 1994 and 1995, when the Linghai Region encountered typhoons, he took the initiative to request participation in battles, serving both as a public security police officer and a leader of the Basic Civilian Soldiers, actively engaging in flood and typhoon defense, emergency rescue, and disaster relief.

"With decisive command and leading by example, after relentless efforts, he rescued over 700 people in danger, relocated and evacuated more than 1200 people, making an outstanding contribution to the safety of the people’s lives and property, and earning high praise from the general public!"

"In August 1995, he actively took part in the General Staff Equipment Department’s important equipment transportation operation, tirelessly working for eighty-two days, excellently completing the task assigned by his superiors."

"To commend Comrade Han Yu’s advanced deeds, the General Political Department of the People’s Liberation Army of China has decided to award Comrade Han Yu with First-level Merit. We hope Comrade Han Yu will continue to carry forward the fine traditions of our Party and Army, staying modest and prudent, not becoming arrogant or restless, striving to learn, diligently working, and making new contributions to the cause of socialist modernization and national defense construction..."

The leader read so much, yet the only thing truly relevant to the commendation was his participation in the important equipment transportation, which was merely mentioned in three brief sentences, obviously considering the need for confidentiality.

Perhaps due to being too tired and sleepy, Han Yu was listening in a daze.

Minister Chen, holding the medal and certificate just passed to him by the Major, smiled and reminded, "Comrade Han Yu, President Feng mentioned that every time you are commended, you’re unable to attend due to other assignments, so your spouse has to attend on your behalf. Is today going to be an exception, or will you continue that tradition?"

Han Xiangning didn’t expect the Commander to joke like this and chuckled.

Han Yu came to his senses, uncertain of how to proceed.

Director Feng laughed heartily and said, "Accept the commendation together, there’s half of Salted Fish in the Military Merit Medal, and half of it belongs to Xiang Ning too!"

"Together is fine, Comrade Han Yu, take this. Comrade Xiang Ning, I’ll give the medal to you."

"Thank you, Commander!"

"Don’t thank me, I should be thanking you. Come on, let’s take a photo together."

Having met many leaders before, but taking a photo with a general was a first.

Han Xiangning quickly tugged at Han Yu, standing next to Minister Chen.

Minister Chen pulled Director Feng over and glanced around, noticing Director He standing off to the side in a daze, smiled and said, "Comrade He Bin, come over for the photo. I envy you for having such a capable subordinate as Han Yu."

"Commander..."

"Hurry over, this is also the glory of your branch."

Director Feng pulled Old He over to his side, agreeing deeply, "Even the commendation orders were first sent to your bureau, not just the glory of your branch, but also the honor of your bureau."

As the public affairs officer clicked the shutter repeatedly, the short yet solemn commendation ceremony came to an end.

Just after sending off the leaders from the General Staff Equipment Department and the Navy with Director Feng, the leaders of the Cosco East Sea Branch, who were about to host a welcoming party for Mr. Hans and other Dutch friends that evening, hurried over and called Han Yu and others back into the banquet hall.

"Comrade Han Yu, you’ve worked hard. President Feng said you’re eager to go home, so we can’t delay you. Let’s get all the business done tonight. Here, sign here."

"President Xu, what am I signing?"

"Travel subsidy and navigation allowance, a total of 6,260 yuan. Count it."

With a 2,000 yuan bonus for the First-level Merit, and over 6,000 in travel subsidies and allowances, this is genuinely gaining both fame and fortune...

Han Yu felt his gains far outweighed his input, and thus hesitated to accept the money.

Seeing his reluctance, Director Feng simply took the stack of cash President Xu had just pulled from his bag and stuffed it into his old subordinate’s hands, "Ningning, count it. 6,260 yuan, how come there are both exact amounts and loose change?"