Although it was the first investigation, Han Xiangning had done some homework before the investigation and asked pointedly, "You noticed a cargo ship behind you. Do you know the ship's name? Do you know what type of cargo ship it was?"

"At the time I didn't know it was the 'Yangmi' ship. It was only from the light signals displayed when the 'Yangmi' was anchored that I perceived it was a cargo ship of not too large tonnage."

"Did you use the radio to contact the 'Yangmi' to remind them to keep a lookout?"

"No, not at that time."

"Did you ask the Traffic Control Center via radio what kind of cargo ship the 'Yangmi' was?"

"Not at that time."

"Then when did you notice that your ship was dragging anchor and shifting?"

"Around 1:15 AM."

The second officer thought for a moment, drooping his head and said, "I was chatting with the sailor on duty when we suddenly noticed the ship was getting closer to another anchored ship. I immediately used the radio to call the other party. After multiple calls with no response, I immediately reported to the Captain. The Captain rushed up to the bridge and saw a ship approaching at almost a right angle to our left side, with a clear stern wave. The Captain quickly ordered the engines on and called for the anchor to be raised."

Han Xiangning asked intently, "During the process of starting the engines and raising the anchor, did you take any other measures?"

"We sounded five short blasts and continued to call on the radio. We weren't just calling; you might say we were shouting on the radio, but the other party did not react at all and took no evasive actions."

The second officer couldn't help but glance at the South Korean representative and continued, "While we were busy raising the anchor and desperately calling the other party on the phone, we heard a loud boom, and the bow of the 'Mi Yang' ship crashed into the engine room area of our ship."

"And then?"

"To minimize the damage, the Captain organized us to stop the leaks, but the breach was 1 square meter wide, and no matter how we plugged it, it wouldn't hold. We had no choice but to close the oil tank valves to prevent pollution. The Captain called for the 'Yangmi' ship not to withdraw, but despite our repeated requests, they raised anchor and reversed out. The rapid current drove our ship downstream. Later, with the help of maritime authorities like yours, we were pushed onto the shoal."

"I need to confirm the timeline. When you discovered your ship was dragging anchor and shifting, what was the exact time on the morning of the 5th?"

"Around 1:15 AM."

"How far was your ship from the 'Yangmi' at that time?"

"The exact distance... I didn't have time to see then."

...

Every detail needs to be clarified, especially the timelines and every order given by the Captain and the third officer before the collision of the two ships.

Just questioning the entire crew of the 'Yuzhang' cargo ship took until 9:30 at night.

President Tang felt increasingly uneasy as he listened. As the questioning ended and the South Koreans left, he pulled Han Yu aside with a bitter expression and said, "Xiao Han, can you talk to your wife? We're all on the same side, can she let some of the minor issues go?"

Today's inquiry results were extremely unfavorable for them.

Han Yu could understand his feelings. He glanced back, shrugged, and said, "President Tang, the South Koreans are not fools. Especially the representative from the Korea Shipowners' Mutual Protection Association, during lunch he casually mentioned that he was an experienced old Captain. Even if my wife doesn't ask, they will bring up those details."

"Let's go, this isn't the place to talk. Let's go eat." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"No need for dinner; I still need to go to the Military District as the military leaders are waiting for me."

"Alright, I'll see you off."

"No need to see me off; I have a car."

"Let's go downstairs together."

"Okay."

Zhonghai, while a large state-owned marine enterprise, is still an enterprise at its core and must ask for help when in trouble.

President Tang didn't come empty-handed; he had already prepared a pile of "heartfelt gifts."

Just now, when Han Yu mentioned he had a car, President Tang assumed that the Smuggling Crime Investigation Bureau had provided Han Yu with a car and intended to stash the "gifts" in Han Yu's car trunk. However, as they got downstairs, to his surprise, Han Yu was driving a women's vintage "Magnolia" light motorcycle!

"Xiao Han, don't rush off. I have some local specialties here."

"President Tang, there's no need for that, really."

"Just a little something. The scooter's footboard can't hold it. Wait a moment, I'll have the driver find a larger bag."

"Don't bother. I definitely won't accept it." Han Yu glanced at the still brightly lit meeting room on the fourth floor and thoughtfully said, "President Tang, they're discussing this matter at the higher level, and the investigation on the 'Yangmi' side hasn't started yet. The accident has already occurred, so your anxiety won't help."

"The investigation is one thing; a gesture of goodwill is another."

"Don't do this. If you insist, I'll return to Jianfu first thing tomorrow morning."

Seeing Han Yu firmly refusing, President Tang had no choice but to close the car trunk and watch Han Yu disappear into the night on his light motorcycle.

Han Yu hurried to the Military District, where Commander Wang and Political Commissioner Chen were indeed waiting in the office.

The Binjiang Soldiers were participating in exercises along the Southeast Coast, so it was normal for them to want updates on the frontline situation.

Despite being quite hungry, Han Yu understood the leaders' concerns and briefly reported on the participation of the Civilian Soldiers Transport Brigade, the Rescue Boat Team, and the Linghai Reserve Camp in the exercises.

"The exercises only started on the second day after arrival?"

"Yes."

Han Yu smiled and said, "At first, only we took it seriously and made so many preparations. But being prepared is definitely better. The Commander gave high evaluations of our Binjiang Branch, especially regarding the series of anti-air measures we took during troop transport, even giving us special commendation during the meeting."

Commander Wang asked with a smile, "Which level of Commander commended you?"

"The Fleet Commander."