Of course, the cargo bay area of a small twin-engine vehicle is just so-so. If conditions permit, we should upgrade to a large military four-engine vehicle.
"Let's wait for the rainy season in the second half of the year. I'll unload the cannons and machine guns from the Allen and transport them to the United States and the Museum of Flight Heritage and Combat Armor for a traveling exhibition."
Xia Yu offered his suggestion.
This Stuka was originally a gift from Paul, so it's a good idea to send the fighter jet to North America for a tour during their off-season.
"Thank you so much. You know, only 45.3% of Americans have passports, and more than half of them have never left the country. The return of the JU-87 touring exhibition will bring even more attention to FHC."
Paul said happily.
It's a bit of a shame to deweaponize it, but the good news is that this is a Stuka, which, in addition to firearms, also has the most classic sonic weapons.
"But flying for a long time still makes me a little dizzy!"
Paul, who was starting to feel the strain, didn't argue. They had been flying for almost an hour.
"Okay, let's go back now."
Before returning to port, Xia Yu contacted the São Paulo by radio, asking the Chinese restaurant to prepare a light dinner. The two then turned around in the night.
"Buzz"
Guided by the centerline landing lights, the Stuka's tailhook caught the second arresting cable, making it a perfect night landing.
After dinner, Xia Yu arranged for Paul, the captain of the ship on the island, to stay in the ship's cabin. It wasn't until the next day that Paul recovered.
"This is what happens when you get a terminal illness: fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. At most, I can maintain my concentration for four or five hours a day; the rest of the time I'm in a daze."
Paul said somewhat frankly.
This is already the result of financial power sustaining it; if an ordinary person were to get this kind of cancer, they probably wouldn't survive the first time.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Didn't you ask me about investments the other day?"
Sensing that the topic was getting a bit heavy, he took the initiative to bring up investment.
"The best investment I ever made was co-founding Microsoft with Bill Gates and not acting impulsively by reducing my Microsoft shares ahead of time."
Xia Yu understood what Paul meant. Back when Paul had just been diagnosed with cancer, he was dissatisfied with Gates' output at the company and planned to dilute Paul's shares and kick him out.
Paul resolutely resigned from all positions, but retained the majority of his shares.
Subsequently, Microsoft's stock price experienced a snowballing growth cycle, during which Paul gradually reduced his holdings and cashed out, thus accumulating his current net worth.
But if it weren't for several failed investments, his assets should have doubled again.
"Buddy, the illness might be affecting your judgment. I trust your judgment."
"You're right. Too many interests have also distracted me. The lesson I learned from Microsoft that perseverance leads to victory has not been applied to my other investments. By the time I realized it, time was no longer on my side."
For example, Charter Media, which cost him more than $7 billion, returned to the top 100 of the US 500 after bankruptcy reorganization. Another example is that he was targeted and sold off all his shares before the stock price of US Online skyrocketed.
Paul regrets it, but he's come to terms with it now.
Life is about making choices; you can't have it all.
However, for an ambitious and capable young man like Xia Yu, he is definitely capable of doing better than I have. So why not share his experience and shed the labels the media has given him—"became a billionaire without realizing it" and "a capricious and unsuccessful investor"?
“I’m not a full-time investor, and I’m not in a hurry to use the money. I’m looking for long-term holding to reap substantial returns. And as the world becomes increasingly turbulent, investing in precious metals and war-related commodities is a safe bet.”
Paul spoke eloquently, but unfortunately, while he could see the trend, he couldn't foresee that day.
"Then there's the future. Most modern technology is an extension of the Cold War era, and there hasn't been much progress. But I predict that AI will be the next big thing, and it can't do without GPU computing power."
"you mean…"
Xia Yu immediately understood.
"Yes, Jensen Huang's business is about to take off, thanks to the AI industry, not Bitcoin."
Just last month, Bitcoin surged to $18,000 per coin, reminding him of his earnings from the beginning of the year in North Noodles, when it was only a little over 1,000 yuan.
This price is terrifying. Xia Yu had nearly 10,000 coins in his wallets saved up to buy weapons on the black market, but who knew it would skyrocket like this.
He decisively sold off half of his recovered funds, planning to switch them back when the price dropped.
However, it is undeniable that the frenzy in the cryptocurrency market has resulted in a large number of mining cards on the market, which has also wasted a lot of electricity and computing power.
"Nvidia stock is very suitable for long-term holding, which is also my judgment after having an in-depth conversation with him."
Paul generously offered his guidance.
He was a dying man; at this moment, there was nothing to hide.
"I understand. What about new energy sources?"
After silently noting it down in his mind, Xia Yu continued to ask questions.
The aircraft carrier museum will provide him with ample cash flow. If he can't spend this money right away, it would be a waste to leave it in a bank account. It should be used as investment capital.
“You’ve asked a question that’s outside my area of expertise. I’m not familiar with the situation in your country, but judging from Tesla’s performance, it has entered a period of slowing growth in the last two years, and its price has remained stable at around 20 yuan.”
Paul prefers gasoline-powered cars, and his interest in trolleys is just something he happens to know a little about.
"However, if Musk can open up new markets, the capital surrounding him will all turn to good people, and it won't be a problem for the stock to increase fivefold or even break 100."
He understands the market too well. However, in the last ten years of his life, he no longer pursues increasing his wealth. His net worth of over 20 billion is enough for him to live on until he dies.
"Okay, I'll keep an eye on it."
"Remember these three investment directions," Xia Yu nodded to Paul.
Even a PMC boss can't escape stock trading and asset allocation. In the past, he didn't have this need because he didn't have much money. At most, he would use Afica's unique advantages to exchange for some gold.
Things are different now; we really need to find a good place to invest the two or three billion yuan we have every year.
It's fine to allocate tens of millions of yuan to private equity funds and entrust them to professionals for management, but with such a large amount, it's better to take the helm yourself.
For the next period of time, after finishing her work at the museum, Xia Yu would take Xiao Youzi to visit Paul every one or two days, until a 5,000-ton cargo ship arrived at Pointe-Noire.
"Captain, we've arrived."
"I already told you, call me Captain on the ship."
Inside the cockpit, the captain corrected the third mate's slip of the tongue.
The boatswain personally moored the cargo ship in its berth, then threw the mooring ropes ashore, where Xia Yu had been waiting for a long time.
After boarding and verifying the documents, the crane lifted the cover plates one by one, revealing two brand-new red Warhawks parked at the front and back of the first deck.
"At first glance, I thought it was an F-16V!"
Looking at the conformal fuel tanks bulging at the wing roots of the fighter jet, Xia Yu couldn't help but say something.
"Yes, its current design is more like a viper than a war falcon."
The two F-16s were hoisted ashore and towed all the way to Pointe-Noire Airport. Upon seeing the red fighter-flying aircraft that would accompany him in the hangar, Paul echoed the same sentiment.
Similar to the Warthog, Fighting Falcon was just the official designation for the F-16 until the current generation of F-16V was officially called Viper.
"If I remember correctly, there was also a delta-wing version of the Fighting Falcon back then."
Xia Yu asked his friend uncertainly.
"Yes, F-16XL, only two prototypes were modified, the same as your two, one single-seat and one double-seat."
For Paul, who loves fighter jets but whose body can't handle the physical demands, these figures are second nature to him. However, the United States was too slow in opening up F-16s to civilians; otherwise, he would definitely have equipped his Fulcrum with a Fighting Falcon.
"How's their combat strength?"
"It was definitely better than the original F-16, but it still lost to the F-15E in many aspects. In the end, the project was shelved and never entered mass production."
Paul said with some regret.
He didn't like attacking eagles; he thought the Soviet twin-engine aircraft were more beautiful, and he thought the Tomcat and Raptor were just average.
As for single-engine fighter jets, it's even less likely to be the F-16; the Mirage 2000 and F-16 are more in line with his aesthetic preferences.
The delta-wing F-16XL combined the advantages of both fighter jets, but unfortunately it was never mass-produced.
"Paul, I plan to modify the F-4 into that variable-sweep wing ultimate Phantom. Thanks to you, I made money on the investment later, and I will definitely help you fulfill this wish."
Xia Yu found an excuse to assure his friend.
Once enough Mirage family members are collected, the system might be able to unlock delta wing technology, making it easy to modify two more advanced F-16XLs.
“That’s wonderful. Whether it’s 20 or 30 years, you must come to my grave and tell me once it’s been fixed.”
Paul, who was very confident in himself, said with a smile.
Developing a fighter jet with private sponsorship is a very long process, regardless of whether it will succeed. However, he clearly underestimated Xia Yu and the system.
"Definitely!"
(I can even burn the modified firmware directly to your device.)
“I’ve flown F-16s for dozens of hours in simulators, but these two are a bit special. I need to get familiar with them first, and I can send you away from Afika in three days.”
Xia Yu then spoke to Paul.
What you need to be familiar with is the avionics. The modifications enhanced the ground attack capabilities of the two F-16s and made them compatible with two standard ground attack weapons.
This is especially important because the French are very stingy; they provide their own ammunition and only let you earn money from launching a platform.
"I'll head back now. See you in Bogo Village tomorrow!"
After Paul finished speaking, he boarded the helicopter to return. As for why they were going to the tank museum tomorrow, it was because there was a red T-80U on the second deck of the cargo ship.
The fighter jets and tanks have all arrived on the ship; only the Longbow Crossbow needed for one deployment has not yet been delivered.
But it will be soon, at most next month.
Paul also wanted to experience the charm of the T-80U main battle tank one last time before leaving.
Not to mention that Xia Yu's vehicle is a gold coin vehicle that even Da Mao doesn't have. It will be deployed directly to the front line in a month. If you miss this opportunity, it may be your next life.
"See you tomorrow!"
After waving goodbye to Paul, Xia Yu sat in the front cockpit of the two-seat red Fighting Falcon and began to familiarize himself with the operation of the F-16.
The two full-time pilots he recruited from Baba Yang are for tomorrow's flight. They will be mainly responsible for these two fighter jets. Xia Yu's main position is still the attack helicopter, which seems dangerous but is actually very safe for him.
He doesn't get many opportunities to personally pilot an F-16V in combat, but he'll definitely keep his promise to Paul.
Xia Yu deliberately added an extra night shift, pretending to deepen his understanding with the red war falcon.
With the support of the system, it's true that anyone can drive it, but others don't know that he has already saved too many steps compared to the proper modification process, making it extremely efficient.
The next day arrived quickly. Tanks were easier to handle than fighter jets, and Xia Yu became familiar with the operation of the T-80U in less than half an hour.
"One layer, two layers, three layers, you've applied three layers of anti-reflective coating to it."
Paul climbed the ladder onto the tank and counted.
"In other words, it's an asymmetric war. In wars between major powers, even the best-defended tanks are just expensive consumables if they're not upgraded."
As Xia Yu helped Paul into the commander's cabin, he answered directly.
Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns can intercept consumer drones, loitering munitions, and anti-tank missiles, but they cannot intercept multiple rocket launchers, howitzers, or mortars.
Tank-based anti-tank fire is also ineffective against non-direct fire artillery; it's impossible to avoid eliminating enemy artillery positions beforehand. However, how easy is it for attack helicopters, fighter jets, and reconnaissance-strike drones to sweep across a battlefield spanning tens or even hundreds of kilometers?
Sure enough, beating up noobs is still the most satisfying.
"Listen to me, Sherlock, even if you're going to get involved in a war like this, never sit in a tank."
Paul immediately instructed his friend.
“I understand. With Liv’s brother keeping an eye on the company’s armored forces, I rarely go to the front lines on the ground anymore.”
Xia Yu said she knew what she was doing.
"That's good. Your museum, my deep-sea exploration, and Liv and Shad can't do without you!"
Paul confirmed again.
"I'll be fine, don't worry. Now let's test the defensive capabilities of this T-80U. This will give you a more intuitive understanding."
Xia Yu then activated the tank's active protection system.
"fire!"
"Thump"
It wasn't their T-80U that fired, but a T-72M2.
The tank that Xia Yu had prepared in advance for the Cold War section fired a mango shell.
"Pfft pfft"
Paul's crew fired two interceptor missiles from the left front.
"boom"
The shrapnel from the explosion split the two sections of the 3BM42 missile in half, sending them tumbling and flying in different directions.
Paul was thrilled by the surge of adrenaline. He had been so focused on firing the Leopard 2 last week that he hadn't realized how strong the defenses of modern main battle tanks were.
"Mango can provide 100% defense, while the new steel needle is a bit weak and cannot guarantee 100% interception. It depends on the performance of passive defense, but there are fewer and fewer scenarios for armor-piercing bullets."
Xia Yu said with emotion.
"Afica doesn't have many tanks, but they should have a lot of RPGs."
Paul asked Xia Yu.
"You're right, let's go for an RPG!"
Xia Yu picked up the walkie-talkie as he spoke.
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh"
The village protection team's seven or eight RPG shooters pulled the triggers, firing one armor-piercing rocket after another at the boss.
The right side of the T-80U was still able to hold, but the left side didn't have enough interceptor rounds. A total of two hollow-charge rounds hit the slat armor on the turret and side skirts.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com