Chapter 15: Buying Fighter Jets? Are You Crazy!
Qingcheng Port.
A massive cargo ship slowly docked at the harbor. Towering cranes, each over a hundred meters high, hoisted container boxes from the ship’s deck and delivered them to the inspection area. Several customs officers, clad in official uniforms and equipped with specialized devices, stood by in waiting.
One officer stood before a scanning device, diligently inspecting the newly arrived containers for any prohibited items. As the first line of defense for customs, their scrutiny was stringent, supported by highly advanced equipment. Not only did they scan the containers, but they also conducted subsequent physical inspections by opening them to verify the exact contents, preventing anyone from smuggling contraband into Jiuzhou.
As one container after another passed inspection, a customs officer approached holding a document.
“Lockheed Martin Company? That well-known arms manufacturer? Why would their cargo be sent here, and labeled as scrap metal... The recipient’s name is Wang Yang?”
The inspector paused, instinctively glancing at the four consecutive containers. “Four containers, all addressed to this Wang Yang... What exactly did he buy?”
Without hesitation, he initiated another scan.
As images gradually appeared on the device’s screen, his expression changed abruptly.
The shapes revealed within the containers resembled some sort of wreckage or metal fragments cut into several pieces. These metallic items were of a special material undetectable by the device.
“Proceed to the next container,” the officer ordered, his face growing more serious.
After inspecting all four containers and confirming that they contained the same peculiar metal, his expression darkened as he immediately took out a communication device.
“Report, this is the inspection area. We have discovered unidentified metallic objects originating from the Lockheed Martin Company, that famous arms manufacturer.”
The person answering the call was clearly taken aback but replied, “Do not open the containers recklessly. Confirm safety from the perimeter before proceeding.”
Customs had the authority to open containers for inspection, especially since this cargo came all the way from the United States, from a military arms company. The contents, composed of special materials undetectable by scanning devices, warranted caution.
“Understood.”
...
Shortly thereafter, several customs officers, after ensuring the containers posed no immediate danger, opened them carefully.
As the containers were unsealed, everyone stepped back swiftly. The head of the Qingcheng customs inspection area furrowed his brows and slowly approached. He gazed at the mysterious metal pieces tightly wrapped in thick plastic sheeting inside the containers, their shapes barely discernible.
---
Stepping into the container, he peered through the plastic and noticed a patch of white paint on one of the metal pieces. On the paint were the markings “F22” and other characters.
In that instant, he froze, his face registering confusion.
Several inspection personnel entered the container alongside him, wielding various instruments to begin their tests.
After a short while, one of the officers approached the head with a report.
“Director Li, after testing, we found that these items... appear to indeed be scrap metal.”
“Scrap metal? Impossible. This doesn’t look like scrap metal at all, and have you ever seen scrap metal wrapped this carefully?” Director Li scratched his head, his brow tightly furrowed.
The officer took a deep breath. “More precisely, this isn’t ordinary scrap metal—it’s scrap from F22 fighter jets.”
Director Li’s eyes widened, his neck stiffening as he turned sharply. “Did you say... scrap from F22 fighter jets?”
The officer nodded emphatically, as if reaffirming his statement.
...
In the customs office hall,
Liang Yuzhu sat on the cold bench, listening to Wang Yang on the phone.
“Yes, we’ll need four 35-ton trucks, about two hours from now. Make sure the drivers are punctual. You can offer them a bit extra, but timing is crucial—and it must remain confidential.”
After hanging up, Wang Yang fixed his gaze on the service window, offering no invitation for conversation.
Liang Yuzhu didn’t press her burning question.
She longed to ask Wang Yang what exactly he had purchased to require four 35-ton trucks. Although she didn’t know the exact dimensions of a 35-ton truck, she understood it must be enormous, large enough to hold an entire shipping container.
Moreover, Wang Yang had rented a warehouse exceeding seven thousand square meters.
It was hard to imagine how much cargo Wang Yang had bought that demanded such vast storage.
Or perhaps... had Wang Yang truly purchased fighter jets?
No, absolutely impossible. Even if Wang Yang wanted to buy fighter jets, the U.S. military would never sell them to him.
Besides, the company’s funds were insufficient to buy even half an F22.
Previously, she had researched the price of an F22 fighter jet, discovering its production cost was as high as 150 million U.S. dollars—over a billion Jiuzhou currency.
Even if the U.S. military were willing to sell, the price would be in the billions.
Liang Yuzhu was convinced that no matter how many banks she visited nationwide, she could never secure such a loan.
---
More importantly, she was beginning to worry that when she finally saw the goods, she might be utterly astounded. Judging from Wang Yang’s demeanor, the purchase was likely beyond her wildest imagination.
“You’ll probably be questioned shortly. Don’t be nervous. Just answer whatever she asks. I’ve prepared all the necessary documents here in advance. I’ll be right beside you, and if there’s anything you can’t answer, I’ll help. Don’t worry.”
Wang Yang handed her a briefcase containing company materials and relevant qualifications that he had asked Jiang Liangliang to prepare beforehand.
Liang Yuzhu blinked and nodded, somewhat dazed. “Okay.”
She didn’t think much of it; whatever Wang Yang asked her to do, she would. She wasn’t very knowledgeable about these matters—her job was to sign where required and leave the rest to Wang Yang.
Looking around, Liang Yuzhu noticed various confiscated prohibited items on display, including antiques, collectibles, and contraband from both domestic and international sources.
She glanced once, then quickly looked away, gripping her jeans tightly.
Uncomfortable in such a setting and not fond of conversation, she felt nervous.
“Don’t worry. We’re just going through the formalities to collect our goods. It’s all aboveboard,” Wang Yang said with a reassuring smile, noticing her unease.
Liang Yuzhu nodded. “Yeah, don’t worry.”
To divert her attention, she looked elsewhere and happened to see a group of customs officers in uniform, their faces stern, emerging from inside and heading toward them.
Their eyes were locked onto her as if... they were coming to arrest her?
Liang Yuzhu’s mind went blank. She sat frozen in place, her body stiff as a statue, silently watching the group approach until they stopped in front of them—and halted right before Wang Yang.
“Hello, are you Mr. Wang Yang?” the lead customs officer asked gravely.
Wang Yang was momentarily startled but answered truthfully, “Yes, I am Wang Yang.”
“Very well. Please come with us. We have some questions to ask you.”
Wang Yang remained calm as he stood. “Okay.”
“And the lady beside you—what is her relation to you?” the officer directed his gaze at Liang Yuzhu.
Her body shuddered, and she instinctively lowered her head.
“She is my boss,” Wang Yang replied honestly.
The lead officer nodded. “Then please come with us as well. But don’t worry, it’s just routine inquiries.”