186: Chapter 187 Have you forgotten what I started out doing?

"The country has invested huge human and material resources into tackling this, and one of the key R&D teams and experimental bases is right here in Magic City."

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao continued, looking at Jiang Jing with burning eyes. "I am fortunate enough to understand some of the situation, and I deeply feel the weight of this responsibility. This kind of R&D is like a money pit; it requires continuous, astronomical financial investment, but the country has too many places where funds need to be allocated."

"Moreover... the cycle is long, and the risks are extremely high. It's possible to invest billions or even tens of billions, only for the final results to be unsatisfactory. Therefore, many capitalists shy away from it, and those willing to support it often have limited reach."

He sighed softly, then his tone became firm again. "But I have always believed that some things must be done by someone. Some investments shouldn't just be viewed for short-term economic benefits, but rather for long-term national interests and strategic value."

At this point, he looked at Jiang Jing again, his gaze sincere and direct. "I know that bringing this up so abruptly is a bit of a hard ask, and it might even make you, Mr. Jiang, think I have ulterior motives."

"But I have analyzed it carefully. Looking across the country, you are undoubtedly one of the best candidates—an entrepreneur who has both such abundant cash flow and the vision and courage for cutting-edge technology."

"Your Xingchen Technology has risen at an astonishing speed, with strong cash reserves, a relatively simple background, and efficient decision-making. If we could get your support and assistance, it would be a huge boost for this project, and even for our country's breakthrough in this field."

He finished in one breath, without too much embellishment or exaggeration, simply stating the facts calmly, his tone sincere, yet retaining the demeanor of a high-ranking official.

He placed a choice fraught with immense risk before Jiang Jing.

The sea breeze blew, the fishing line swayed lightly, and only the sound of waves gently lapping against the hull remained.

After listening to District Mayor Zhao Wenhao, Jiang Jing remained half-reclined in his chair. His expression under his sunglasses was unreadable, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest.

The sea breeze was gentle; only the faint sound of the fishing line occasionally being moved by the current remained.

After a while, Jiang Jing tilted his head slightly and looked at District Mayor Zhao Wenhao through his sunglasses, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity and playfulness. "District Mayor Zhao, your analysis is very thorough, and your reasons are very sufficient, but I'm a bit curious. Why are you so certain... that I will agree?"

"After all, as you said, the risk is enormous, and it could very well be a bottomless pit. I am a businessman; logically speaking, I should be more inclined to invest in projects with visible returns."

Hearing this, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao showed a gentle and firm smile. He adjusted his fishing rod, his tone calm. "Intuition, and some simple judgment."

"First of all, I feel that you, Mr. Jiang, are a simple person." He paused, seeing Jiang Jing's eyebrows raise slightly, and continued to explain.

"By 'simple,' I mean your goals are pure. You started out with cutting-edge technology products, so your understanding and appreciation of the phrase 'Technology is the primary productive force' is likely deeper than many people's."

"We might be in different lanes, but to some extent, the ambition to pursue technological breakthroughs and change the status quo should be shared. I believe you can understand my desire to do something practical for the country."

His words were sincere and not overly sentimental, attempting to find resonance on the level of values and ideals.

Jiang Jing couldn't help but laugh after hearing this.

Simple? Pure goals?

Indeed, if it weren't for the System, he might just be an ordinary corporate slave struggling for his three daily meals, whose biggest dream might be winning the lottery.

But now, with the System, his dreams have indeed become "simple"—to live every day carefree, with beauties by his side, enjoying the ultimate material and spiritual life.

He was very satisfied with this kind of life.

And such a life could not exist without a stable, powerful, and prosperous motherland as a backing.

He was extremely clear about this point.

He might not have lofty ideals, but he did possess basic patriotism and gratitude.

Before, he lacked the ability and could only be a keyboard warrior; now that he had the ability, and the country truly needed help in certain fields, why shouldn't he lend a hand?

Both publicly and privately, this seemed like a worthwhile thing to do.

"District Mayor Zhao," Jiang Jing said with a smile, his tone much lighter. "Your eye for things is indeed very good. You picked a great fishing spot, there must be plenty of fish. You definitely won't return empty-handed today."

He changed the subject, implying something. "And, the harvest might... exceed your imagination."

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao was stunned for a moment, carefully savoring Jiang Jing's words. Then, a huge burst of surprise erupted on his face. He straightened up slightly, his voice carrying an imperceptible tremor. "Mr. Jiang! You mean... you agree?!"

Jiang Jing nodded with a smile, then shook his head. "I agreed, yes. Your starting point is for the country, and I have the ability, so of course I am willing to contribute my humble efforts. However..."

He deliberately left a cliffhanger. "However, what I mean by 'doing my best' might be... a bit different from what you imagine, District Mayor Zhao."

"A bit different?" The joy on District Mayor Zhao Wenhao's face froze for a moment, turning into confusion. "What does Mr. Jiang mean...?"

Jiang Jing smiled mysteriously and reminded him, "Did you forget, District Mayor Zhao? I started out doing scientific research. So, guess what I am best at?"

Hearing this, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao was blank at first, then his pupils suddenly contracted as if a bolt of lightning had flashed through his mind!

Started out doing scientific research... what he is best at...

Could it be...?!

A thought, so crazy he almost dared not imagine it, suddenly sprang up!

He looked at Jiang Jing in shock, his lips slightly parted, and the fishing rod in his hand almost slipped. However, his mind was extraordinary, so he steadied his voice. "Mr. Jiang, are you saying... you have a way... to solve the materials problem?!"

How could this be possible?!

That was a technical barrier that had been tackled for a long time without a complete breakthrough!

He had originally only wanted to seek financial support, hoping to win more time and resources for the R&D team.

Jiang Jing chuckled, looking inscrutable. "Heaven's secrets cannot be leaked. You can rest easy, District Mayor Zhao, just wait for the news. Within three days, it will be clear."

"Three... three days?!" District Mayor Zhao Wenhao felt his heart beating wildly!

He couldn't help but stare at Jiang Jing, trying to see even a trace of a joke on that face, which was mostly covered by sunglasses.

But although Jiang Jing's tone was relaxed, it carried an unquestionable certainty.

"Mr. Jiang! Are you... are you serious?! This is not a joking matter!" District Mayor Zhao Wenhao's voice was a bit unnatural; he was afraid that Jiang Jing would suddenly say—I was just joking.

Such a rollercoaster of emotions would probably make him want to curse.

"Don't worry," Jiang Jing said calmly. "Although I like to play around, I never joke about serious matters. If it really doesn't work out, the worst-case scenario is just providing the financial support I promised, right? The things I promised you won't change."

Even so, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao's heart rate couldn't slow down at all.

He didn't doubt Jiang Jing's financial power at all, but "providing funds" and "directly solving technical problems" were concepts in two completely different dimensions.

The shock and significance brought by the latter were subversive.

"Mr. Jiang, now that you've said that, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep for the next three days!" District Mayor Zhao Wenhao shook his head with a wry smile, filled with complex emotions.

Hearing this, Jiang Jing just chuckled, completely unconcerned. "That's nothing."

He said it lightly because, to him, it really was nothing.

If he wasn't afraid that taking out the finished product directly would be too shocking and cause unnecessary trouble, he could redeem the complete formula and process flow for that material from the System Mall right now.

The so-called three days were just to give the outside world a seemingly reasonable buffer and acceptance time.