Fang Chenyi glanced at the thick stack of documents in Gou Dan’s hands and listened to his explanation, a bit confused.

"Are you saying I got this helicopter before the auction even started? Did I end up overpaying?"

’It’s not that I really care how much I spent,’ Fang Chenyi thought. ’After all, thanks to the system’s special rewards, there’s no difference to me between spending a hundred million and spending a single dollar.’

"Oh, my dear Mr. Fang, of course you paid extra! The starting bid for this latest-generation American Apache helicopter was one hundred and thirty million US Dollars, but you offered a flat three hundred and fifty million. That’s precisely why we brought it straight to you without a moment’s hesitation."

After a brief pause, Gou Dan made a flurry of gestures expressing his admiration for Fang Chenyi, then said:

"I have to say, your sheer wealth has once again left me speechless. You should know, Demo Did, the youngest son of the third-largest oil tycoon in the United Arab Emirates, had set aside three hundred million US Dollars for this helicopter. He was absolutely determined to get it. But in the end, he never even laid eyes on the thing. Haha, it’s quite a coincidence, actually. He was also dead set on getting that one-of-a-kind Bugatti of yours. It seems you really are Demo Did’s kryptonite."

’After Gou Dan’s long speech, Fang Chenyi felt a wave of emotion. Forget the fact that the helicopter cost a staggering three hundred and fifty million US Dollars; that rich kid, Demo Did, was just plain unlucky. But then again, it wasn’t like I deliberately went after his stuff either time.’

Shaking his head to clear those thoughts, he took the documents from Gou Dan and asked, a little puzzled, "Hey, Gou Dan, you said this is an Apache helicopter? How on earth did you get this thing into Huaxia? In our country, you can’t even personally own regulated knives, let alone something like this!"

"Oh, nonono, we would never break your country’s laws. This is indeed an Apache helicopter, but all of its weapon systems have been completely removed. The remaining components, like the anti-missile radar and such, are all legally permissible for you to own! And, well, I was about to mention this next anyway. Among these documents, there’s a manila folder. Inside, you’ll find the details of the sale of the helicopter’s weapon systems. The total came to eighty-seven million US Dollars, all of which has been deposited into your Swiss Bank account."

Sure enough, following Gou Dan’s gesture, he easily found a small manila folder in the stack of documents. He opened it to find a black card inside, along with a few pages of information.

’Looking at the black card in his hand, Fang Chenyi felt even happier than he had about getting the attack helicopter. If he could, he’d rather sell the helicopter for a pile of cold, hard cash.’

While Fang Chenyi was busy signing documents with Gou Dan, no one noticed Su Tantan watching from the side, her eyes filled with unconcealed possessiveness.

After the documents were signed, Gou Dan led Fang Chenyi on a thorough inspection of the helicopter, inside and out. After confirming there were no issues, Fang Chenyi signed one final acceptance document, and only then did Gou Dan leave with his people.

After Gou Dan left, Char and several other chefs came over. Looking at the brand-new Apache helicopter before them, Old Char’s eyes filled with adoration. "Oh, Boss, is this the Apache you bought? It’s absolutely awesome!"

As he spoke, Old Char stepped forward and gently caressed the fuselage of the camouflaged Apache, sighing repeatedly. "Oh, what a shame. It’s such a pity that a fine helicopter like this has no weapons. A real tragedy!"

Fang Chenyi found this hilarious and couldn’t resist teasing him. "Say, Char, aren’t you a chef? How come you know about helicopters?"

Hearing this, Char nodded with great certainty. "My boss, I may be a chef now, but in my youth, I was an ace helicopter pilot! I remember, I even participated in the test flights for the first-generation Apache..."

It wasn’t just Char. After he finished speaking, the other chefs behind him also nodded. "I didn’t participate in the first generation, but I was definitely there for the second-generation test flights."

"Whoa, I never would’ve guessed. I can’t believe you guys have this kind of skill. So, do you have pilot’s licenses?"

’I can’t believe my own chefs can fly a helicopter,’ Fang Chenyi thought, astonished. ’Who would even believe it?’

"Oh, my boss, I believe you are insulting my intelligence. As exceptional attack helicopter pilots, how could we possibly not have licenses? Here, look! I am a certified attack helicopter instructor *and* pilot!"

Fang Chenyi’s words seemed to have struck a nerve with Old Char. The chef reached into his white uniform, rummaged around for a moment, and pulled out a small green booklet.

He took it, a little skeptical, and looked. Holy cow, it was real—an instructor and pilot license. Seeing this, the other chefs behind him also pulled out their own pilot’s licenses for Fang Chenyi to inspect.

’After looking them over, Fang Chenyi was beyond satisfied. ’Talk about a godsend! Just like that, I’ve got five pilots.’

With this in mind, Fang Chenyi handed back their licenses and asked, "I had no idea you were all helicopter pilots. In that case, would any of you be interested in moonlighting as my pilot?"

"I am!"

"I am!"

... 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

The moment he finished speaking, five eager voices shouted in unison, leaving Fang Chenyi a bit confused. ’Are these guys that hard up for cash?’

However, in the next moment, Old Char’s words made him abandon that thought. "Oh, my dearest Boss, as long as you let me be your helicopter pilot, I’m willing to take a pay cut of one hundred thousand US Dollars per year!"

"Oh no! Chef Char’s culinary skills are exquisite, but when it comes to flying, I believe we younger-generation pilots have quicker reflexes. My dear Boss, my piloting skills are undeniably the best. Let me put it this way: even if a missile locked onto you, I could bring you down to the ground safely. And what’s more, if you let me fly this helicopter, I’ll willingly take a pay cut of three hundred thousand US Dollars per year!"

’Watching the chefs argue until they were red in the face over who would get to fly the helicopter, Fang Chenyi shook his head. ’Looks like this helicopter really is a huge draw for them.’

[To be continued...]

PS: A small climax is just around the corner! Everyone is welcome to guess the plot!