217: Chapter 218 The Special Task Force Departs!

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital.

The shock caused by the connection on that red secure telephone was far more intense and profound than in the Eastern Theater Command.

After he finished his call with General Li Zhenguo, he immediately issued instructions without pause.

Moments later, several black sedans, seemingly ordinary but actually specially armored against bullets, silently drove into a heavily guarded compound.

Figures walked in, hurried yet steady, entering a spacious, simple, yet dignified office.

Everyone wore a look of confusion and gravity; such an urgent summons meant something major must have happened.

Inside the office, the atmosphere was solemn and grave.

He was already seated behind the desk, his face unreadable, but his deep eyes seemed to contain a storm.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, he skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point, his voice steady and powerful:

"Comrades, I have summoned you all because we have just learned of a major situation that could completely change our national strategic posture."

He scanned every high-ranking official present and said word by word: "Our Eastern Theater Command has received the complete production process for a special material, independently developed and donated by a civilian."

"According to preliminary experimental verification by the theater command, the performance of this material is, conservatively estimated, fifty years ahead of the world's current highest level."

"Buzz!"

Even though everyone present was a seasoned veteran of many storms, unflappable and experienced, when they heard the combination of "fifty years ahead" and "civilian," everyone's brain buzzed in unison, and their faces were instantly filled with shock and disbelief!

A brief silence fell over the conference room.

Fifty years ahead?

What kind of concept was that?

This almost meant achieving a generational suppression in the field of materials science, the cornerstone of modern industry!

"The source of the news is reliable, and the preliminary verification was completed personally by Director Qin Weiguo, the Academician," he added, breaking the silence. "Samples have already been produced, and the data is astonishing."

He paused, his tone becoming even more grave: "This matter is very important for the country, but at the same time, the risks are also great. Once the news leaks, the consequences will be severe!"

"Now, I order!" His voice rose sharply, carrying unquestionable decisiveness. "Immediately establish a Central Special Leading Group!"

"Led personally by Vice General Manager Wang, with ... and others participating!"

"Your tasks: First, immediately proceed to the Eastern Theater Command to conduct the most authoritative and detailed review and verification of the material samples and production process!"

"Second, comprehensively assess the strategic value, application prospects, and overall impact of this material on our national defense, economy, and technology!"

"Third, based on the assessment results, immediately begin formulating the highest-level confidentiality regulations, industrial development plans, and national security application strategies!"

"Fourth, conduct the highest-level background check and security assessment on the material donor, Comrade Jiang Jing, and research and propose corresponding contact and reward schemes."

"The special task force is to set off immediately! Use all necessary resources; I want to see the most detailed report in the shortest possible time!"

"Yes!" Everyone whose name was called stood up immediately, accepting the order with utmost seriousness.

They knew the weight of the burden on their shoulders.

Without unnecessary chatter, the meeting ended in extreme shock and high efficiency.

Just half an hour later, a special task force with an intimidatingly high level of authority set off in absolute secrecy, taking a special plane, speeding toward the Eastern Theater Command.

Ten thousand meters above, the special plane was flying steadily. The atmosphere inside the cabin was solemn, and every "passenger" looked grave and thoughtful.

The leader, Deputy Wang, sat by the window, looking at the churning sea of clouds outside. Recalling the words of the First Person, he pondered for a moment before signaling his confidential secretary beside him.

The secretary immediately handed over a specially encrypted satellite phone.

Deputy Wang dialed a number. After a few rings, it was connected, and a steady, slightly puzzled middle-aged male voice came from the other side: "Hello? Hello, who is this?"

"Haha, Old Zhao, it's me, Wang XX." Deputy Wang smiled as he spoke, his tone sounding very familiar.

The person on the other end of the phone was the father of District Mayor Zhao Wenhao, Old Zhao, who currently served as a powerful official in an important province.

Although his status was revered, compared to this Deputy Wang on the phone, he was still a notch lower.

Old Zhao was obviously a bit surprised to receive a private encrypted call from Vice General Manager Wang at this time: "Deputy Wang? Hello, hello! Calling so late, do you have any instructions?"

"Instructions wouldn't be the word," Deputy Wang said, his tone relaxed but carrying a hint of imperceptible gravity.

"It's just that I just finished a meeting and thought of something, so I specifically called to touch base with you. I also want to thank your son, Wenhao."

Old Zhao felt a sudden chill in his heart and instantly understood the intent of this call. His tone immediately became more cautious and respectful:

"Deputy Wang, you are too kind. Wenhao, that child... he just did his duty within his ability. It's good that he could help, but it's no credit, and certainly not worth your thanks."

"Eh, Old Zhao, don't be modest," Deputy Wang laughed, his tone profound.

"Wenhao has performed a great service this time. The Comrade Jiang Jing he introduced has delivered a tremendous gift!"

"The items have been preliminarily verified; they are real, and their value... far exceeds what you or I could imagine."

"To be honest, even the Elder has been alarmed and personally issued the order to establish a special task force. I am on the plane now, heading to the theater command."

Although he had been mentally prepared, hearing with his own ears that even the Elder had been alarmed, Old Zhao still felt his heart skip a beat, and his breathing stagnated slightly!

He knew too well what this meant!

This meant that the matter his son had inadvertently gotten involved in had reached the highest level of the state in terms of importance and confidentiality!

He suppressed the shock in his heart and tried to keep his voice steady: "This... this is truly... I didn't expect it to be so important. Wenhao is just doing his duty; the main thing is the huge contribution of Comrade Jiang Jing."

"The contribution is noted," Deputy Wang said, his tone gentle but carrying an unquestionable meaning. "The country will not forget any meritorious official."

"However, Old Zhao, because the matter is so big, the subsequent confidentiality work is of the utmost importance."

"For this period, let Wenhao stay safely in the Magic City. Try not to go out, and do not mention this matter to anyone else."

"I will arrange for someone to be responsible for his safety. You should also have a word with him so he understands and cooperates with the work."

Old Zhao immediately understood. This was to "protect" his son temporarily, both to ensure his safety and to ensure that the news would absolutely not leak.

He did not hesitate at all and immediately expressed his stance: "Please rest assured! I will contact Wenhao immediately and tell him to absolutely obey the arrangements and never cause any trouble! I will trouble you to take care of his safety!"

"Good, with your word, I am relieved." Deputy Wang nodded with satisfaction, exchanged a few more pleasantries about health and work, and then ended the call.

...

Hanging up the phone, Old Zhao held the mobile phone, pacing back and forth in the study, his mood unable to calm down for a long time.

There was shock, but more of it was an indescribable excitement!

He immediately dialed his son, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao's phone.