Chapter 32

"Hey, 'Rookie' little brother, come here, come here, let's sit down and talk."

Without further ado, Big Dog Bear pulled Chen Fei to the arm-wrestling table, pressed him into the seat opposite, and laid the pitiful AK-47 on the table, saying, "We may be familiar, but today you have to give me an explanation!"

If it were just an ordinary modern firearm, it would be fine, but such an original AK-47 is already rare, and one in almost new condition is even rarer. Losing one means one less, and not beating up the kid on the spot already shows that Chekhov is in a good mood.

"I, I, I don't know!"

Chen Fei trembled.

With the gun in such a state, what could he do?

For such an antique famous gun, he had no idea where to get one, and it would cost a fortune.

"Listen, this AK-47 is a hundred-year-old original from the Izhevsk Arsenal. The market price is 2.8 million, but I only paid 2.3 million. I'll give you a 20% discount, and rounding it off, 1.8 million will do."

Chekhov counted on his fingers, seriously quoting a fair price.

Antique famous guns are non-renewable hot collectibles, and their value will only rise. In a few years, breaking 3 million is not impossible.

Even now, 2.3 million star coins for a familiar price is already hard to come by.

"But I don't have any money!"

Chen Fei's face turned pale, and he shook his head like a rattle. He was in a panic when he said this.

He was in the late stages of poverty, a millionaire in debt, and had no money to pay, let alone 1.8 million star coins, which he couldn't afford even if he sold himself.

"You don't have any money?"

Chekhov looked doubtful. To him, 1.8 million star coins was not a huge sum.

Others fell silent, looking at Chen Fei with sympathy. This kid was about to get a beating.

If anyone thought the commander of the "Zhenxiang" combat flight squadron was an easy-going person, they were making a big mistake.

A punch from Big Dog Bear could put someone in bed for half a month.

Chen Fei said bitterly, "Commander Chekhov, I'm not unwilling to pay, but I owe 7 million star coins. I don't have 1.8 million, not even 10,000. My salary goes to paying off debts. How could I have any money?"

Running into such a misfortune out of nowhere, it was like the roof leaking and the rain pouring in, even a fart could hurt the back of his heel.

Moreover, 7 million star coins in debt accrues interest. Even if it's not a high-interest loan, an 8% interest rate is still required. His current salary isn't enough to cover the interest, but the credit company sees Chen Fei's future. After all, he's a top university undergraduate preparing for postgraduate studies, and college students still have value.

If it were a diploma from a lesser college, the credit company wouldn't even bother.

"No money..."

Chekhov furrowed his brow, tapping his fingers on the arm-wrestling table.

He had lent the gun out of kindness for protection on the way, but never expected that a perfectly good AK-47 would return in such a pitiful state. He was naturally very upset.

Who knows what this antique gun had gone through in the hands of this rookie.

Others sensed the tension and feared that the bear-like Big Dog Bear might lose control and cause a tragedy, so they started to persuade him. Several "Zhenxiang" squadron pilots joined in.

"Chekhov, don't do anything rash. He's still a rookie. Calm down. If Manager Morris finds out, you'll be in trouble."

"Don't worry, don't worry. The rookie is young and will pay eventually. Hey, rookie, call your family and try to gather the money! You were really careless."

"There's always a way. Don't lose hope, both of you!"

"Let's all think of a solution to help the rookie."

"I've got it. The cafeteria is short-staffed. The rookie has racial talents and can try."

"Manager Morris has always said he wants to give the Neanderthal old man an apprentice who can also look after the energy tower at night. It's a technical job, and part-time, he can earn extra money."

...

Some were trying to reason with Chekhov, some were comforting Chen Fei, and others were giving random suggestions, creating a chaotic scene.

"Everyone, quiet, quiet."

Chekhov waved his arms, making everyone quiet again. He glared at Chen Fei and said, "Rookie, does your family have any money?"

"My older brother just bought a house for his wedding. After the down payment and the wedding expenses, everyone's salary goes to the mortgage, leaving no surplus."

Chen Fei spread his hands helplessly.

He had taken on the credit company's debt, so he didn't have to share the mortgage payments for his brother's house. But after the automatic deduction of his debt, the remaining salary barely covered his daily expenses.

At this point, even though the bride's family was angry about the Chen family's situation, especially the trouble caused by the foolish younger sister, Chen Meng, they still married their daughter to the Chen family, helping to pay off the mortgage. It must be said that his brother, Chen Shi, had good taste. His girlfriend was from a good family and didn't insist on "cutting losses" or even breaking the engagement. The Chen family couldn't say much, let alone blame others.

"Rookie, you only have one way out now."

Big Dog Bear glared at Chen Fei across the arm-wrestling table.

"Sir, sir, please speak!"

Chen Fei was in a panic. He was not a tool to be used, and he had his dignity. He would rather be straight and honest than bend.

"Join the 'Zhenxiang' flight squadron, work with me, and use all your flight allowances to pay off the debt."

Chekhov pointed at himself, acting domineering and arrogant.

This was probably the only solution under the circumstances.

However, the待遇 of the combat flight squadron was always generous, with salaries ranking among the top in the air base. If he could fly for ten to eight years, he could definitely pay off the debt for the AK-47.

"This is impossible, impossible, I can't fly a plane."

Chen Fei shook his head vigorously. Big Dog Bear's suggestion was forcing him to do something he couldn't.

Even though Chekhov had previously suggested he join the combat flight squadron, he had never intended to agree.

Chen Fei had been in the maintenance group for less than a month and hadn't even fully understood the structure of the A-39B "Big Mouth" light turboprop attack aircraft, let alone fly it. His knowledge in this area was almost non-existent.

Moreover, the last time Chekhov forced him into the cockpit and immediately confronted a golden dragon without a word, it was like challenging the final boss right after starting the game. He now had psychological trauma. The first time he flew, he almost lost his life and incurred an additional 2 million star coins in debt. If it happened again, he wouldn't be able to live.

Flying was impossible, and he would never fly. At most, he could ride in a civilian airliner.

Big Dog Bear slapped the table between them, his face menacing, and threatened, "Impossible? Then pay the money, either a brand new original AK or 1.8 million star coins, not a single coin less."

I want the person and the money, and neither can escape.

"Rookie, just give in!"

"Yes, yes, Major Chekhov is doing this for your own good."

"Commander, speak nicely, look how scared the rookie is."

The people around them started to persuade again, this time with a unified opinion, urging Chen Fei to join Major Chekhov's "Zhenxiang" combat flight squadron.

"..."

Chen Fei entered a weak, helpless, and pitiful mode.

Who could blame him for being poor? Being poor meant having no reason, lacking the element of metal, and blaming fate.

"I'll say it again, after dinner tomorrow, come to the 'Zhenxiang' squadron's dormitory meeting room for an interview. If you don't come, hmm!"

Chekhov clenched his fists, making a cracking sound, looking like a gangster.

Most of the 911 air base employees were tools, even the executive manager, Morris Morgan, but the combat flight squadron members were not.

As a high-tech job measured by hours of service, they could find work anywhere with good pay and easy work. Even after the age limit, they could become flight instructors or write flight manuals to earn royalties, ensuring a comfortable retirement.