Xianhua City, as a coastal city, possessed geographical advantages that other cities lacked, even before Tianqing Port welcomed its Commander.
Even though many shipping lanes had been closed one after another over the years, two nearshore lanes remained open until now.
And now, people speculated that those abolished shipping lanes would likely reopen, and crowds flocked, already viewing this as one of the future centers for maritime trade.
Charlie had the same intention; after all, for two shipping lanes to remain open without a port district garrison, besides the silent support from Headquarters, his efforts over the years were indispensable.
And now, his persistence finally had meaning.
......
Wang Yu finally met the man named Charlie.
He looked to be in his early 30s, with a square face that appeared extremely imposing.
His body was muscular, full of explosive power.
Unlike the image of a frail scholar Wang Yu had envisioned, would this man, who looked every bit like a tough guy, choose a logistics role in the second line to avoid combat?
However, he had no intention of underestimating him; even as a Commander, his ability to become the de facto decision-maker of a city at this age undoubtedly showed his outstanding capabilities.
Perhaps he genuinely just disliked fighting.
While Wang Yu silently observed Charlie, Charlie was also carefully scrutinizing the familiar-faced young man before him.
Unlike the photos in the material, Wang Yu himself appeared younger and more refined in person.
His overall demeanor was very gentle, completely lacking the authoritative presence and charisma of those battle-hardened, powerful port district Commanders.
But it was hard to imagine that a Commander like this young man could possess such a powerful fleet; although he didn't know the detailed process of that battle, the annihilation of the Siren Fleet was an undeniable fact, and the public intelligence from Headquarters stated that Tianqing Port's fleet had annihilated the Siren Fleet.
He looked at the fox-eared Ship Girls next to Wang Yu with some doubt, secretly wondering if this Ship Girls had participated in that battle...
“Alright, you two, stop staring at each other. If there's anything to discuss, resolve it quickly. Everyone has important responsibilities, so stop being coy!” Pennsylvania said boisterously, her tone quite familiar, indicating that her claim of a good relationship was indeed genuine.
This was the truth; the three of them, in a sense, already represented the highest authority in this sea area.
A special meeting was naturally not as simple as gathering for tea.
Wang Yu had already received an invitation from Xianhua City's municipal department while at the port district, which was why he decided to come to Xianhua City to attend the appointment, and also to see the city for himself.
Charlie nodded: “I just wanted to get to know him better. After all, there will be many opportunities for cooperation in the future, and it's important to know who you're dealing with.”
He made a lighthearted joke; for such a rugged man to say something like that didn't seem out of place, but rather added a touch of relaxed ease.
After a long while, everyone was seated.
A beautiful young woman appeared, filled tea for everyone, and then quietly sat down next to Charlie.
Seeing this, Wang Yu guessed she must be Charlie's Ship Girls.
Noticing Wang Yu's gaze, Charlie smiled slightly: “This is my Ship Girls, and also my wife and secretary.”
The Ship Girls nodded politely to Wang Yu, appearing quite graceful and dignified.
Wang Yu nodded gently and also pointed to Amagi beside him: “This is my Ship Girls, Amagi.”
Charlie looked at her with a hint of curiosity for a couple of extra glances.
Amagi was a super rare Ship Girls; although uncommon, she wasn't so rare as to overly surprise him.
He was just curious: “Is this one of the Ship Girls who defeated the Siren Fleet?”
Wang Yu shook his head: “No.”
Charlie shook his head with some regret: “I was hoping to have a chance to see her; such a powerful Ship Girls is rare.”
“There are too many affairs at the port district, so I couldn't bring her. There will likely be other opportunities to meet in the future,” Wang Yu paused: “Moreover, Amagi's strength is equally formidable.”
Upon hearing this, Amagi smiled, and the unintentional charm she displayed caused everyone's breath to catch.
Charlie quickly averted his gaze to Pennsylvania.
Although he had invited Commander Wang Yu for a meeting, he had originally planned to visit Tianqing Port District himself, but he hadn't expected Wang Yu to come directly to him this time.
Moreover, a Ship Girls from Headquarters would be there to help with the introduction.
He was very familiar with Pennsylvania; over the years, Pennsylvania had been responsible for patrolling this sea area.
Because there was no port district, and due to the reduction in surrounding shipping lanes, it had never suffered a strong attack from the Siren Fleet; occasional stragglers were easily dealt with, so things had been stable over the years.
Therefore, he and Pennsylvania were old partners, and seeing Pennsylvania and Wang Yu now, he understood that their relationship was quite close.
He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief; after all, they would be working together in the future, and being more familiar was definitely better. He was happy to see them getting along so well now.
And Ship Girls are very perceptive, even Pennsylvania, who is usually boisterous. For their relationship to become so close in such a short time, it was clear that Commander Wang Yu also had his outstanding qualities...
He cleared his throat and said: “Brother Wang Yu may have already heard from Pennsylvania that I was once a Commander too, an academy graduate, thanks to Azure Lane's cultivation.”
“When I graduated from the Commander Academy, I was considered a top student, though of course, I can't compare to a talented young man like Brother Wang Yu...”
Charlie was very talkative; after a couple of sentences, the status of 'older brother' and 'younger brother' was established, and Wang Yu felt their relationship had grown closer.
In gaming terms, it was a significant increase in intimacy.
After all, as fellow Commanders, they naturally had a mutual appreciation, and he was also being so respectful...
“Not at all,” Wang Yu said modestly: “It was just good luck, all thanks to the Ship Girls.”
Charlie was somewhat dismissive: “Aren't we Commanders supposed to rely on Ship Girls? What kind of Commander doesn't rely on Ship Girls?”
After some pleasantries, the atmosphere became harmonious.
But it went on for quite a while.
It was only when Pennsylvania was about to curse that they gradually got to the main topic.
“Actually, the main reason for inviting Commander Wang Yu to this meeting is to discuss Xianhua City's development strategy. After all, no matter what policy changes Xianhua City wants to implement, it will always involve our three parties.”
Wang Yu nodded, representing Charlie of Xianhua City's municipal department, Pennsylvania of Headquarters, and himself of Tianqing Port District. These three forces, in a sense, indeed represented this city and the surrounding sea area.
“I'm sure Brother Wang Yu is already very clear that, in many cases, whether a coastal city can develop largely depends on its surrounding port districts.”
“In fact, it is precisely because of the existence of port districts that coastal cities can exist, and shipping lanes can exist.”
Wang Yu nodded; that was indeed the case.
Without the protection of the port district's Ship Girls and Headquarters' fleet, these cities would constantly face the danger of being wiped off the map by the Siren.