Chapter 15: Old Friends

Putting on the uniform of the German Navy once again, Zhang Hainuo felt no trace of inferiority, despite being seven ranks lower than his friend Rader. He didn't feel the slightest imbalance either because he knew his naval journey was long and promising.

"Madam, pardon the intrusion!"

Zhang Hainuo politely greeted Mrs. Rader. Perhaps he was the lowest-ranking visitor since Rader took office, but the elegant and beautiful Mrs. Rader didn't mind in the least. Her graceful smile was far more enchanting than the photos Zhang Hainuo had seen on Rader's desk.

After personally brewing coffee for the two and serving it on the table, Mrs. Rader left the study to Zhang Hainuo and Rader.

The balcony outside the study was bathed in autumn sunlight, facing the moat of Berlin. The river shimmered, lined with rows of trees, making the view exceptionally pleasant. This luxurious apartment provided by the Navy was located on Tiergartenstrasse, on the north bank of the moat, not far from the headquarters of the German Armed Forces, and had been the location of successive defense ministries since the reign of Wilhelm II. This street not only housed agencies like the intelligence bureau but also many military figures. Of course, not all of them lived in Berlin like Rader did; wealthy individuals often preferred elegant villas amidst lakes and mountains or resided in castles nestled in rugged mountains. Perhaps only workaholics would find satisfaction in such formulaic suites, spending most of their time on official duties.

Erich Rader was exactly the kind of person filled with enthusiasm for his work. Though newly appointed, he harbored grand ambitions to rebuild the German Navy. Through active work exchanges, he quickly familiarized himself with his new subordinates and established good relationships, energizing the entire naval command team through his diligence. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, he also served as the liaison between the Navy, Army, Ministry of Defense, and the government, maintaining good relations with his army colleagues and government officials as part of his daily work.

Under Rader's leadership, the efficiency of the Navy seemed surprisingly high. On the third day after returning to service, Zhang Hainuo received his first appointment order; his new position was "Head of Special Projects Department of the German Navy General Staff."

The so-called Special Projects Department was nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal true intentions. Rader tasked Zhang Hainuo with training submarine crew and naval aviators based on Schneider Shipyard, although the German Navy had not formally rebuilt its submarine force and naval aviation. Suddenly being in charge of future submarine and aviation forces, Zhang Hainuo felt the immense power of his Navy captaincy!

Upon receiving the appointment order, Zhang Hainuo's first reaction was to engage in in-depth discussions with his old acquaintance and current superior, Rader, about the future direction of their work. This would help him steer clear of pitfalls like the giant shipyard. At Schneider Shipyard, people had grown overly trusting, often failing to consider alternative perspectives on certain issues. But Zhang Hainuo wasn't a deity, and perhaps not even a mature strategist. He still needed a compass to correct his course.

In Zhang Hainuo's eyes, Rader remained the approachable man he had known before, showing no airs despite his admiral rank and Navy Commander-in-Chief position. After dealing with their tasks, he invited Zhang Hainuo to his new home. Although not far from the Ministry of Defense and the apartment, Zhang Hainuo got to experience the treatment of a Navy Commander-in-Chief: a Mercedes specially ordered by the Navy, impressive naval emblems, and armed guards.

The situation now was much more stable compared to just after the Great War, though civil conflicts still occurred. However, the German Navy rarely got involved in political struggles, and Rader's style of action ensured the Navy's political purity. If Zhang Hainuo had appeared before him today as a Nazi, the treatment he received would probably have been different!

"Unfortunately, the Navy Department can only allocate 160,000 Imperial Marks for the special project group's activities next year. You'll have to figure out the rest yourself, my old friend!" Sitting comfortably in the spacious wicker chair on the balcony, still wearing his formal uniform, Rader relaxed slightly in posture, holding a coffee tray in his left hand and the coffee cup's handle in his right, speaking in a friendly tone.

Zhang Hainuo also held a coffee cup, but being accustomed to the premium Brazilian coffee, he found the bitter German black coffee a bit uncomfortable.

"I'm aware of the current situation in the Navy, so you don't need to worry about funds! Schneider Shipyard and All-America Coffee are currently operating well, with profits steadily increasing. Setting up a secret aviation unit is no problem. As for the submarine force, my plan is to add one or two new submarines each year, focusing on expanding Schneider Shipyard's production capacity!"

Although Rader was initially unaware of the escape of U-21 and U-148, Zhang Hainuo had included him in his plans from the start. In fact, Zhang Hainuo's arrival was crucial to the final implementation of this plan—from providing expert lists in 1919 to later providing technical and intelligence support, he played an increasingly important role.

Rader did not comment on the recent success of these two booming American companies. Perhaps he was only concerned with what benefits the German Navy could derive from this plan. The economic profits of these two companies were considerable for individuals but did not have much impact on changing a country's strength. He said:

"The Navy Department is currently secretly expanding. We have already issued winter training notices to some reservists, and you can select personnel from these reservists. Among them are elites, and their backgrounds are relatively simple, so the risk of leakage is relatively low! If you need, I can also recommend some officers from active-duty units!"

This was exactly what Zhang Hainuo had planned. Of course, he had not forgotten another person: the future "Wolf of the Sea," Karl Dönitz.

When Dönitz was mentioned, Rader's response was very positive: "Oh, you mean Lieutenant Commander Dönitz! I know him. Five years ago, when I served as the Naval Education Inspector and conducted training courses for staff officers of the Naval Staff, he was one of the trainees! In my impression, he was enthusiastic about learning, polite, had outstanding leadership skills, and was very astute at work! Why, are you familiar with him?"

Zhang Hainuo explained, "Oh no, I've only heard about him from others! If given the chance, I'd like to talk to him about matters regarding the construction of the submarine force. It's said that he's quite knowledgeable in this area!"

"I see!" Rader pondered for a moment. "He has just been appointed as the commander of the 4th Torpedo Boat Squadron, which consists of four new torpedo boats and is currently training in the Baltic Sea! If you're not in a hurry, you'll be able to meet him in six weeks during the winter exercises!"

"That's great!"

Although unable to meet this expert in submarine tactics immediately, Zhang Hainuo was still delighted. This proved one thing—Dönitz had not strayed far from his original path in life because of Zhang Hainuo's arrival, for example, perishing in a battle that never existed. Hessen excelled in single-boat combat, but his understanding of wolf pack tactics was not on the same level as Dönitz's. In other words, Hessen would be an excellent submarine commander but could not replace Dönitz in commanding the entire submarine force.

Before long, the tantalizing aroma of food wafted in from the living room, prompting both Zhang Hainuo and Rader to speak in unison, their stomachs rumbling. The two exchanged a smile before joining Mrs. Rader to savor the delicacies she had personally prepared.

During this satisfying dinner, Zhang Hainuo and the Raders engaged in pleasant conversation, sharing anecdotes and stories. When Zhang Hainuo recounted his reunion with Anna, Mrs. Rader showed her sensitive side, expressing gratitude to God for bringing the young lovers together. As Zhang Hainuo spoke of the customs and culture of Brazil, she displayed keen interest in distant affairs. Rader, on the other hand, remained relatively quiet at the dinner table, enjoying each dish prepared by his wife with relish.

After dinner, the three of them took a leisurely stroll in the small garden behind the apartment, discussing the weather and the changing seasons. Before saying goodbye, Zhang Hainuo expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Rader for the delicious dinner and inquired whether he could directly submit future reports regarding naval submarines and aviation to Rader himself.

"Of course, that's one of the privileges of being the head of the Overseas Projects Department of the German Navy General Staff!" Rader readily agreed.

After leaving Rader's apartment, Zhang Hainuo walked along Tiergartenstrasse, the silver moonlight bathing the moat, accompanied by the slightly chilly October breeze. Lost in thought about the relationship between battleships, aircraft carriers, and submarines, he suddenly found himself near a streetlamp at a junction, where a worker handed him a leaflet. In the dim light, Zhang Hainuo recognized the announcement of a public rally organized by the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) Berlin district, featuring prominent speakers and scheduled time and location.

"Member of Parliament Joseph Goebbels?" Despite the dim light, Zhang Hainuo managed to read the name.

It had been nearly two years since Zhang Hainuo last saw Adolf Hitler. During this time, he had only sent overseas donations and letters to him through intermediaries, while also gathering information about the domestic situation and the NSDAP through personnel stationed at German shipyards. It was clear that although Göring was dead, the overall direction of the NSDAP's development had not deviated.

After making up his mind, Zhang Hainuo boarded the train to Munich early the next morning. By now, the NSDAP had regained legal status in Munich, and Hitler had ostensibly "reconciled" with the Bavarian authorities, albeit in a different manner to achieve his grand goals.

Arriving at the NSDAP headquarters, Zhang Hainuo encountered a young guard dressed in brown uniform, who stopped him despite his naval officer attire.

"Sir, may I ask whom you're looking for?"

"I'm a friend of our Leader!" Zhang Hainuo glanced at the guard and the gatehouse behind him. There were not many people inside, and he didn't recognize any familiar faces.

"Sir, do you have an appointment? Our Leader is not here today!" The guard was firm on security matters and showed no hesitation when speaking to a naval officer.

"No appointment! I never need an appointment when I come here!" Zhang Hainuo carefully observed the young guard, who appeared to be in his twenties, tall and well-built, with a touch of refinement. He wore a brown uniform with a black tie, and on his arm was a circular armband with a red background and a white circle containing a swastika.

The guard was about to say something when Zhang Hainuo, not wanting to waste any more time, politely said, "I think Ernst Röhm, Rudolf Hess, and Hans Lammers shouldn't be too busy. I'll just see one of them!"

Seeing that the guard seemed familiar with his superiors, he didn't dare to be negligent. "Please wait here for a moment!"

He hurried to the gatehouse and made a phone call, presumably reporting to his superior. After a few minutes, he returned. "Please wait a little longer!"

Zhang Hainuo patiently stood at the door, and a few minutes later, a familiar voice came from inside.

"Ah, look who it is!"

Zhang Hainuo looked over and saw someone dressed almost identically to the guard, except for the shiny black knee-high boots.

"Salute!" The guard immediately stood at attention, while the other two guards at the sides of the gate also followed suit, expressing their respect for their superior.

"Long time no see, my old friend!" Zhang Hainuo's face lit up with a genuine smile, for the newcomer was none other than his best friend, Edwin.

"I was wondering why a naval officer would come looking for me. Turns out it's you!" Edwin looked at Zhang Hainuo with envy, taking in his handsome naval uniform. "When did you return to the Navy?"

"Just last week!" Zhang Hainuo replied with a smile. "I'm still in name only, though, still responsible for affairs in the Americas!"

"Excellent!" Edwin's eyes almost didn't want to leave his friend's striking naval uniform. However, this wasn't the place for conversation. He led Zhang Hainuo inside, instructing the guard before they left, "No one is to disturb us without my permission!"

"A very beautiful secretary you have!" After the secretary in the suit left the room, Zhang Hainuo commented with a hidden meaning. Edwin, now thirty-three, surely wouldn't "marry Germany" like the Führer did!

"So my young cubs always like to run to me for things!" Edwin took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one after asking Zhang Hainuo, and then lit one for himself. Zhang Hainuo picked up the cigarette box on the table and examined it briefly. It was an ordinary cigarette priced at less than 1 mark on the German market. With the wealth he had received from the sunken treasure plus his shares in Schneider Shipyard and All-America Coffee, Edwin's true fortune was worth at least a million US dollars, but he couldn't flaunt it due to his "fake identity."

Hiding one's wealth wasn't enough security, Zhang Hainuo knew. The safest way was for trusted individuals to control the NSDAP and even Germany's intelligence departments, a topic he had discussed with Edwin in a more subtle manner before.

"I've sent Anna back to Brazil. Her brother got married in Denmark, so her brother and sister-in-law are taking care of her mother for now!" Zhang Hainuo had only intended to chat with his friend about everyday matters but suddenly realized that it might touch upon Edwin's painful past. He was about to apologize when Edwin said:

"I'm planning to marry Edith after Christmas!"

Edwin turned his gaze towards the door, confirming Zhang Hainuo's earlier speculation.

"The Führer has agreed to be our witness! Hainuo, if you can find the time, I hope you can come to the wedding too!"

After a brief calculation of his schedule, Zhang Hainuo promised, "Sure, I'll definitely come then!"