Chapter 30: The Military Funding Issue! Establishment of the Jin-Sui Armory! Commencement of Copper-Clad Steel Bullet Production!

After a week of preparation, the Snow Leopard Special Operations Force was finally established.

Upon hearing the news, Li Yunlong felt a surge of joy and asked, "Have you brought the list?"

"I have," Zhou Weiguo nodded, immediately producing the roster for the Snow Leopard Special Operations Force and handing it to Li Yunlong.

As Li Yunlong scanned the list, his expression grew increasingly impressed. It had to be said that Zhou Weiguo, being a top graduate of the Special Operations Academy, possessed a truly unique eye for talent. The list included individuals with natural special forces aptitude, such as Shun Liu and Xu Hu. With only a little training, these men would undoubtedly become a formidable force that could not be ignored.

Li Yunlong was very satisfied with the list.

"Excellent," Li Yunlong nodded, praising him. "Your eye for talent is truly exceptional. Now that the Snow Leopard Special Operations Force is formed, I will leave the training to you. Make haste and get them battle-ready!"

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Weiguo accepted the order immediately. He then left the regimental headquarters and began training the unit according to the training manual.

...

The following day, Han Chunyun approached Li Yunlong with a file.

"Report, Commander. This is the latest military expenditure report I have compiled," Han Chunyun said, placing the document before Li Yunlong. "We have recruited many new soldiers recently, leading to a significant increase in payroll expenses and military supplies. The reserves of the New First Regiment are bottoming out... without funding, it will be difficult to sustain the troops."

After hearing the report, Li Yunlong raised an eyebrow. "For now, we have to solve the funding issue ourselves. Fortunately, that’s not a problem; I do have some savings."

With that, Li Yunlong stood up slowly and said to Han Chunyun, "Come with me to the inner courtyard."

The Liu residence had now become the headquarters of the New First Regiment, while the former puppet army barracks served solely as quarters for the soldiers. The inner courtyard Li Yunlong referred to was the same one where he had previously showcased special equipment to Zhou Weiguo.

Once inside the warehouse, Li Yunlong focused his mind, and the 100 catties of gold, which had been stored in his system space since being rewarded, appeared in the room. Only then did he open the warehouse door.

Han Chunyun looked inside, surprised to see a large pile of gold bricks stacked on the floor. There were 100 bricks in total, each weighing one catty.

"Well? Is this enough to cover our expenses for a while?" Li Yunlong asked with a smile.

"More than enough," Han Chunyun replied, grinning. "This will last us for several months."

Han Chunyun was currently in charge of the New First Regiment’s logistics and supplies, a role assigned after Li Yunlong recognized his capabilities. Thus, Han knew exactly how much the regiment consumed and understood how long these gold bars would sustain them.

"That’s good," Li Yunlong nodded. "Keep these bars here for now; come and take what you need whenever necessary."

"Understood, Commander," Han replied.

...

After Han Chunyun left, Wei Dayong reported to Li Yunlong, "Commander, there is a man at the gate claiming to be an employee of the Jinsui Town Steel Mill. He says they would like you to visit the facility when you have the time."

"Let’s go now," Li Yunlong decided decisively.

Li Yunlong and Wei Dayong arrived at the Jinsui Town Steel Mill, where the manager, Wang Chengwei, greeted them personally. Wang had originally managed the mill, but had resigned after Liu Dequan seized it, refusing to work for him. When the New First Regiment took over the facility, they learned of his expertise and invited him back to manage operations.

In the manager's office, Wang Chengwei said excitedly, "Commander, the bullet production line and the copper-clad steel bullet technology you provided have been successfully integrated and developed. We are now capable of mass-producing these bullets. With this technology, we can significantly reduce production costs and our consumption of rare copper ore, all while ensuring the quality of our ammunition!"

Li Yunlong was overjoyed. The production line and technology had been handed over to Wang Chengwei a month prior. After a month of effort, they had finally succeeded in creating a production line for copper-clad steel bullets, ready for mass production.

Li Yunlong patted Wang Chengwei on the shoulder. "Well done. Since the production line is ready, start manufacturing immediately; our demand for ammunition is high. From today on, the Jinsui Steel Mill shall be renamed the Jinsui Arsenal, dedicated solely to our New First Regiment."

"Understood!" Wang Chengwei saluted.

Before Li Yunlong could leave, Wang added, "Commander, although we have the production line ready, our remaining raw materials are scarce. We won't be able to last long. To sustain production, we must secure a stable source of raw materials. However, minerals are strategic resources; it is rare for any faction to sell iron, copper, or other ores."

Li Yunlong smiled slightly. "Just focus on the production; I will handle the raw materials. However, I need you to assemble a trustworthy team from the mill specifically for prospecting and mining. I have important plans for them."

"Understood," Wang Chengwei replied immediately. "I will arrange for the recruitment of experts to form that team."

"Good," Li Yunlong said with satisfaction. "Keep up the hard work. Manager Wang, what you are doing is a vital part of the resistance—perhaps even more important than being on the front lines. The soldiers at the front will kill many more invaders thanks to the bullets you produce."

"Yes, sir!" Wang Chengwei stood at attention, his voice firm. "I will not let you down. We will produce more bullets and kill more enemies!"

Thus, the Jinsui Arsenal was officially established, beginning the mass production of copper-clad steel bullets.

...

While Li Yunlong and the soldiers of the New First Regiment were busy developing their strength, the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army finally had results in their search for Li Yunlong and his regiment...