Second Officer Liu Chuanjun, Second Chief Engineer Sun Yuming, together with Sailor Chen Yulin and Engine Room Worker Ding Wandong, were standing watch from midnight to 4 AM and from noon to 4 PM, known colloquially as zero to four shift.

Deputy Captain and Chief Officer Jiang Shengqi, Chief Engineer Xiao Gong, Sailor Chen Shilong, and Engine Room Worker Xu Qijun stood watch from 4 AM to 8 AM, and from 4 PM to 8 PM, commonly referred to as the four to eight shift.

Since it was currently the shift for Second Officer and Second Chief Engineer, Guo Weitao, Xiao Gong, Wang Zhixin, and others gathered on the aft deck, smoking, chatting, and enjoying the sea view.

"Why aren't you sleeping, it's so late?"

"Secretary Han, we can't sleep."

"Even if you can't sleep, you have to. Tomorrow we have not only trial sailing but also live ammunition target practice. Without sleep, you'll have no energy."

"Alright, we'll head to bed after finishing this cigarette."

One hour ago, the Provincial Military District and the Navy East Sea Base's orders were announced, giving us the opportunity to execute the perimeter watch duties for a large-scale live ammunition military exercise involving the army, navy, air force, Second Artillery, and Civilian Militia Reserve Force. Everyone was excited, so it's normal not to be able to sleep.

Han Yu understood their feelings, preparing to go to the engine room when Wang Zhixin couldn't help but ask, "Secretary Han, we're on an anti-smuggling boat, not a navy ship. Why must we maintain radio silence when leaving the port?"

"Yes, the 823 is right behind us; if there's anything, we can just radio them. Why act like it's a secret operation, using signal flags during the day and light signals at night?"

"Don't understand?"

"It's not about not understanding; it just seems a bit exaggerated."

As soon as Engine Room Worker Xu Qijun finished speaking, Deck Crew Member Jiang Bin perplexedly remarked, "Secretary Han, military exercises aren't real war. The Maritime Bureau definitely would notify nearby freighters and fishing boats; this secrecy can't be maintained!"

Although most of them were from the Navy, naval ships spent more time in port than at sea, and even when at sea, they wouldn't sail far; not knowing the situation at sea is quite normal.

Secrecy work is of paramount importance.

Han Yu felt it necessary to explain clearly to them, holding onto the frame of the motorboat, speaking seriously and solemnly, "I don't know how well the Navy handles secrecy, I only know the Fishery Administration's secrecy is crucial. Believe it or not, every time the Fishery Administration Ship from East Sea District Fishery Bureau goes to sea for a mission, the Japan Coast Guard is aware in advance and dispatches boats to wait for our Fishery Administration Ship in disputed waters."

Wang Zhixin asked in astonishment, "How does Japan find out?"

Xu Qijun asked with urgency, "Secretary Han, has there been a leak of secrets?"

"The Fishery Administration Bureau has conducted many self-checks, and it's said the security forces have also investigated, finding no leaks. Eventually, the problem was traced to communications; they can eavesdrop on our radio communications. Therefore, Fishery Administration Ships must maintain secrecy before heading out to sea, receiving orders via satellite phone fax only after departing."

Pausing briefly, Han Yu supplemented, "As for ensuring freighters and fishing boats steer clear of the exercise zones, the National Maritime Bureau will certainly issue notifications, but the timing of those notifications is critical."

Curiously, Guo Weitao queried, "What's critical about the timing?"

"For such a large-scale joint military exercise, preparation is necessary—mobilization, organization, personnel, and equipment transfer all require time. Those wishing to send warships or even spy ships to sneak a peek at our exercises also need time to prepare."

"Understood, we must prepare in secret and proceed in secret. By the time everything is ready, and then we issue the notification, Taiwan, the American, and the Little Japan might not have time to dispatch warships, and by the time their warships reach the exercise zone, our military exercise will be nearly over."

"That's roughly the idea, but achieving secrecy isn't easy."

Pointing overhead with his finger, Han Yu gravely said, "Do you know why we choose to set sail in the dead of night? It's to evade their satellite. For such a large-scale military exercise, mobilizing that many troops; naval vessels must leave port, air force fighters, bombers, and transports must transfer bases, and who knows if the American can observe via satellite."

Softly, Xiao Gong asked, "Then what do we do?"

"That's for the commanders to worry about; our mission is to reach the designated sea area quickly, patrol, and check for any foreign military vessels ensuring the safety of the submarine fleet conducting live-fire exercises."

"What about back home?"

"What home?"

"Secretary Han, didn't you say the Shipping Academy's training ship, Linghai Port's tugboat, and Linghai Reserve Battalion Third Company must also join the exercise?"

"No need for concern on the home front; the Military District and Linghai Armed Forces Department will arrange things. Besides, there's Ge Diao and Commissar Fang at home, and Director Feng is flying back to Binjiang first thing tomorrow morning."

...

Just as they were speaking, the roar of the main engine suddenly ceased.

The swells at sea were significant, and for the anti-smuggling boat to suddenly lose power, suddenly stall and come to a halt, was an extremely dangerous situation.

The hull rocked vigorously with the swells, and alarm sounds blasted through the speakers.

Han Yu's heart skipped a beat, racing to the engine room entrance, asking, "What's the matter? Why did the main engine stall?"

Also terrified, Wang Yongning shouted anxiously, "I don't know. I'm inspecting it now."

"Xiao Gong, come down and inspect with me! Wei Tao, quickly notify Deputy Captain Jiang to take the helm and keep us steady."

"Got it!"

...

The ship was newly launched, not yet having completed all trial projects, so encountering some issues was normal. But a sudden main engine stall was definitely abnormal.

Han Yu couldn't afford any delay, bursting into the engine room to feel around the piping and inspecting the lines with Xiao Gong, Wang Yongning, and others.

Jiang Shengqi understood clearly what a loss of power at sea meant for an anti-smuggling boat; once back on the helm, he took the wheel, continuously adjusting the course, striving to keep the vessel steady.

"Secretary Han, what's going on?"

"Still checking." While continuing to feel around, Han Yu shouted towards the nearby intercom, "Notify all crew to get on deck, wear life jackets, and stay safe."

"Understood!"

"Send a signal to the 823, informing them that the main engine on our boat has malfunctioned, and we're working hard to rectify it. Please have 823 prepare for potential rescue."

...

Mid-issuing commands, Xiao Gong suddenly shouted back, "Secretary Han, the coolant pipeline is extremely hot!" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Step aside, let me have a look." Quick to investigate, Han Yu reached out and felt it; indeed, it was scorching. He immediately asked, "Old Wang, check the instruments, report the coolant pipe's water temperature?"

"On it!"

Wang Yongning hurried to the instrument-laden cabinet, scrutinized, then anxiously reported, "Reporting to Secretary Han, coolant pipe water temperature is abnormal, reaching as high as 82 degrees!"

Taking a deep breath, Han Yu said with near certainty, "Must be sea debris blocking the coolant pipeline, must clear it immediately!"

Having studied the engine's schematics and operating conditions long before receiving the anti-smuggling boat in Qingdao, Xiao Gong quickly realized after hearing Han Yu's evaluation. He immediately pushed Han Yu aside, forcefully opening the valve, while shouting, "Secretary Han, Brother Wang, step back, I'll handle it!"

"Xiao Gong, I'm on duty now, let me do it."

"I'm Old Ghost, and in the engine room, I call the shots. Brother Wang, please cooperate!"

The coolant pipe's water temperature was over 80 degrees; how can it be cleared by hand?

About to suggest waiting, perhaps finding suitable tools, Han Yu saw Xiao Gong already open the valve causing scalding hot water to spurt forth.

The loss of power for the anti-smuggling boat was extremely dangerous, an urgent crisis.

Without hesitation, Xiao Gong plunged his hand into the coolant pipe, removing debris even as his hand and arm were burned painfully—but he ignored the pain...

Just as they suspected, the coolant pipe indeed was blocked by a fishing net.

Gritting a towel, Xiao Gong painstakingly removed the rotten fishing net bit by bit. After ten minutes of struggle, with the water temperature dropping, the main engine restarted, allowing the anti-smuggling boat and all crew to escape danger, though his hands and right arm were swollen and blistered from burns.

Watching, Han Yu felt distressed, gripping the intercom tightly, his voice choked as he said, "Deputy Captain Jiang, cancel the alarm, signal the 823 that our main engine fault is resolved."

"Roger that." Jiang Shengqi finally relaxed, immediately signaling the duty communication crew to notify the 823.

Han Yu put down the intercom, continued, "Old Wang, organize personnel to clean the engine room! Xiao Gong, hang in there, I'll take you up to treat your burns."

"Secretary Han, I'm alright."

"With burns like that, you can't possibly be alright. It must be painful, right?"

"It didn't hurt much before, but it's excruciating now." Xiao Gong, engulfed in agony, was drenched in sweat.

Taking several deep breaths, Han Yu supported him as they climbed to the deck, pretending to stay upbeat, "Fortunately it was only over 80 degrees—had it been boiling, it would've been problematic. Don't worry, it shouldn't leave scars."