79: I will return to China in two weeks and bring some local specialties to Daxia.

Chapter 79: Two weeks later, returning to Da Xia with ‘local specialties’! Are we starting to play PPT like the Eagle Nation?

"What's wrong?" Lucy asked, puzzled.

She felt that Lu Ze's gaze was a bit off.

Did she misunderstand? Was this 'Confucius' quote not meant that way?

"It's nothing, but you'd best avoid saying such 'allusions' in the future."

Lu Ze said, trying to suppress a laugh.

Given Lucy's imaginative associative abilities, Lu Ze felt that if he brought her back to Da Xia, it would be best if she didn't interact with literary people.

Otherwise, if they heard some outrageous interpretation like 'Confucius said: A gentleman loves wealth and acquires it in a proper way, meaning I like money, so it's perfectly reasonable for me to just take it,' their fists would harden on the spot.

"I think Da Xia's allusions are very interesting; just looking them up in a dictionary is too boring," Lucy flatly refused the suggestion.

Almost every proverb and idiom in Da Xia has a historical allusion that has been passed down for thousands of years, which leaves a deep impression on her memory.

Unlike the various myths in Europe, which were simply fabricated by borrowing from ancient Egyptian and Anatolian civilizations, she even seriously doubted the existence of figures like Pythagoras and Thales from over two thousand years ago.

As for the Eagle Nation's civilization... let's not even talk about that.

Suddenly, both their phones rang with a text message alert simultaneously, and they quickly picked them up to check.

"Good morning, all intern researchers at the laboratory."

"It has been decided that the summer vacation for intern researchers will be from June 15th to July 1st."

"Wishing you a pleasant holiday. —LLNL Laboratory."

Looking at these lines of text.

"Why only so few days? Damn the laboratory management!" Lucy pounded the table, her chest heaving with indignation.

She hadn't expected that there would truly be less than three weeks of summer vacation. When had she ever suffered such a grievance?

When she was in university, she basically had at least half of the year off for various holidays, right?

With such a short holiday, she'd probably be back from vacation before she even got into vacation mode.

However, Lu Ze was thinking about another problem at this moment.

'So, summer vacation starts in two weeks?' he muttered to himself.

Tomorrow was already June 1st, so June 15th was just a little over two weeks away.

He had already decided earlier to return to Da Xia during the summer vacation. First, and his main purpose, was to go home and see his parents, whom he hadn't seen for almost an entire year.

Secondly, he could deliver some of the weapon equipment he had copied to Da Xia.

He couldn't just keep them piled up in the system's item bar, could he? If these machines rusted, who would he find to fix them?

'So, what weapon equipment should I deliver to Da Xia?'

Lu Ze glanced at the system's item bar: 'There are quite a few good things right now, but not many that are suitable to hand over.'

He finally managed to come back to Da Xia; how could he face his fellow countrymen's expectations without bringing some 'local specialties' from the Eagle Nation?

If he went back empty-handed, wouldn't he have come for nothing?

He had the most of a few fighter jets and B-2 Bombers, as well as an industrial machine tool and a Boeing 777 passenger plane.

'Let's forget about the Boeing 777; I'll save it for the 'organization' to use as a private jet later.'

The passenger plane was the first thing Lu Ze ruled out. If Da Xia wanted to buy this, they could always get a hundred or eighty from Boeing; there was no way they'd be short.

If he brought this back, where would he put his face?

As for other technological items, he would decide based on the specific circumstances later.

Who knows what might pop up in the wilderness? Whether a B-2 Bomber or two F22s appear, who can say?

After all, more than ten years later, various armored vehicles and weapons often 'mysteriously' appeared in the 'Myanmar mountains,' and even 'far ahead' could emerge from the ground.

This was a gift from God, hard to explain clearly.

At this moment.

Seemingly noticing Lu Ze, who had been lost in thought.

"Why are you spacing out? Aren't you happy that you can go back to Da Xia?"

Then, Lucy leaned in and asked, "Or do you also think the vacation is too short?"

"The vacation is barely enough. I'm just thinking about whether I should take the time before the vacation to look at some rare technological items."

Lu Ze shook his head: "After all, we won't be able to see them during the two weeks we're back in Da Xia."

He had actually been considering whether he could copy more top-tier technological items within these two weeks.

If he could directly copy an EUV lithography machine, he couldn't even imagine how shocked Da Xia would be.

Even their reverence for the 'Mysterious Organization' would reach an extremely terrifying level. If they could secretly bring back even the world's most top-tier lithography machine to Da Xia, what couldn't this organization do?

However, accessing an EUV lithography machine was still too difficult, and there were no opportunities at all.

The maintenance center hadn't received any new goods recently either. He couldn't just copy high-end industrial equipment for his copy count, could he?

The achievement point rewards for that were pitifully small. If he could choose, Lu Ze would still prefer to copy high-scarcity, high-value technological items like the 'F35 fighter jet' or 'B-2 Bomber'.

Thinking of this, Lu Ze couldn't help but sigh: "Lucy, do you think we could have a chance to visit an Air Force base?"

"If not, I think a Naval base would also be good..."

The truly good stuff would definitely be most abundant in those two places.

However, his remark was actually just a helpless jest.

For military restricted areas, let alone visiting, you'd be strictly vetted just for approaching the vicinity.

However.

"You want to go to an Air Force or Naval base?"

Lucy unconsciously tilted her head, beginning to brainstorm: "That opportunity isn't easy to find. Let me think if they have any events in these two weeks."

"Huh? You can actually visit inside?" Lu Ze was a bit slow to react.

No, you're really planning to take me to an Air Force base or Naval base to play? Is that kind of place somewhere you can just casually go?

"You forgot, the Air Force has airshow open days, and the Navy also has open days." Lucy gave him a strange look: "Why can't military bases have open days? You just need to buy a ticket."

"Hiss... so that's how it is." Lu Ze took a sharp breath.

It has to be you, the Eagle Nation, with your capitalism; you've even brought business into military bases.

But if he had the opportunity to visit, wouldn't that mean he had a chance to copy some good things?

There were quite a few treasures there.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

In Livermore, on a secluded street, two people were currently hiding.

"Damn it, why are they still relentlessly pursuing us?"

The chubby Parker gasped for breath, beads of sweat constantly dripping onto the ground: "Do they really want to completely drive us out? This is too much!"

Ever since a new low-level gang emerged in Livermore recently, the two brothers hadn't had a single good day.

All the usual territories they frequented were now under one faction's control. The services Parker and Buller originally provided—finding items, locating parking spaces, running errands, and so on—were all taken over by this 'gang.'

Because the vast majority of gang activities are not just the dangerous industries like drug trafficking and arms smuggling that people imagine; many low-level young people still engage in helping people find parking spots, helping people watch or move houses, assisting others in finding items, or running errands for shopping.

They can even work as bodyguards, bouncers at underground casinos, or protect businesses that pay fees from interference by other 'gangs.' Occasionally, during times of chaos, they can also participate in a zero-dollar shopping spree. This is the survival model for most low-level individuals.

After all, how much money do you make? Are you going to risk your life for others?

Those violent acts are definitely handled by the core members of the 'gang.'

And this time, that gang gave Parker and Buller only two choices: either join them or be beaten until they dared not approach these territories.

"This is simply too much." Even the usually good-tempered Buller couldn't take it anymore, his fists clenching with a cracking sound.

"Don't be rash, they have automatic firearms. Are you trying to die?" Parker quickly advised him, seeing his angry expression:

"My grandpa told me a piece of advice that I've always kept as my motto."

"Your motto?" Buller frowned.

He had known this fatty for so long, how come he had never heard of this before?

Parker said seriously, "My grandpa told me: With great power comes great responsibility, and with greater responsibility comes greater hardship."

"Is your grandpa Ben Parker?" Buller glared at him, as if they thought black people didn't watch Spider-Man, right?

He knew this was just something Parker made up to persuade him, and that he still had to continue to tolerate and compromise.

Buller shook his head helplessly: "Parker, we can't go on like this anymore. If we flee to the next city, will there be no gangs there? How many cities have we drifted through in Da Xia?"

Before Livermore, they had changed more than a dozen cities in a few years, almost every few months they would be driven away by local gangs, and then moved to the next city, repeating the cycle.

For example, last year they were actually in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, until this year they were driven to Livermore.

Especially after the subprime mortgage crisis, even their gangs became 'involutional,' let alone ordinary young people at the bottom of society like them?

And for people like them, finding a legitimate job is harder than climbing to heaven.

Are they going to continue like this forever?

"Otherwise, what can we do?" Parker looked at him in confusion: "Do you want to fight them? Not to mention whether it's necessary..."

"The key is, are you good at fighting? They are an entire gang force."

If they don't move to another city, can the two of them, alone, defeat hundreds of people on the other side?

Are the 'Chicago typewriters' in their hands just for show?

"Parker, you know it's meaningless for us to fight," Buller shook his head.

Even if they could win, what then? This gang would be driven away, and a new gang would immediately rise.

Big fish eat small fish, small fish eat shrimp. This is the unchanging law of survival in Da Xia.

"We need to bring about a real change in the lower echelons of this town," Buller murmured to himself.

"Change? How to change?" Parker's face was full of question marks.

Tens of thousands of people live in Livermore. Is changing the town something the two of them can do?

Even Batman, who only needs one bowl for his meals at home, couldn't do it, let alone two ordinary people like himself and Buller?

"A single spark can start a prairie fire."

Buller seemed to have thought of something, but he couldn't grasp it.

"Let's continue reading."

He felt that perhaps in these books, he could find a solution and discover where Da Xia's real problems lay.

Isn't the best way to deal with capitalism through these books?

Parker didn't object, picking up a book from his arms and reading it carefully: "Now we can only rely on those two thousand usd."

He hated the feeling of being hungry.

If he couldn't earn those two thousand usd in reward, his plump body wouldn't be safe.

At the same time.

Da Xia, Northern Province, 601 Research Institute.

Another high-level secret meeting was being held under the cover of night.

The people present were also the heads of various research and development groups from the previous J-15 project team.

"Do we have good news about our J-35?" The middle-aged man, with a slightly rough appearance, couldn't suppress his excited feelings.

"Old Wu, didn't I tell you to pay attention to order during meetings?" Someone next to him glared at him: "Why are you in such a hurry?"

Although they were very familiar with Jiang Dingqian, they still had to abide by the rules of the meeting.

"Alright, everyone, please quiet down first."

Jiang Dingqian didn't mind these small interruptions and motioned for everyone to stop talking.

Meeting everyone's gaze, he pulled out an urgent document sent from Yanjing.

"After detailed discussions, the higher-ups have agreed to our request." A smile he couldn't hide played on his lips as he spoke.

"The Da Xia Fifth-Generation Carrier-Based Aircraft Project, J-35, is officially approved for establishment and preparation, with our 601 Research Institute undertaking the research and development work."

Instantly.

In this small conference room, the most violent applause in history erupted.

"Great, I knew this was what was going to be announced."

"Finally, we can also develop a fifth-generation fighter jet!"

"Before, the people from their 611 Institute always brought up that we could only develop a modified fourth-generation aircraft."

"Especially that Song Qinyi, recently the J-20 project has directly monopolized the ultra-high-speed wind tunnel, isn't it just because they are developing a fifth-generation aircraft?"

The research and development group leaders below felt as if a weight had been lifted from their chests.

Although they had a good relationship with the 611 Institute, and even Song Qinyi, whom they cursed the most, actually met with them several times privately every year, who among them didn't have over ten years of friendship with him?

It's just that they had felt a sense of grievance before.

The 611 Institute, which they had cultivated, developed the J-10 without a word a few years ago, and now even the J-20, one of the world's top fifth-generation fighter jets, is almost ready for its maiden flight.

And their 601 Research Institute? The J-15 carrier-based aircraft they developed was an improvement based on the J-11, and the J-11 was a copy of the Su-27.

The J-7 and J-8 they developed earlier bore more or less the shadow of the MiG series fighter jets, earning them the nickname 'Shenghuoyi.'

This frustration had been suppressed in their hearts, and now it could finally be released.

"Everyone, whether our entire 601 Research Institute can hold its head high depends on this one time."

Jiang Dingqian stared at everyone: "It must be developed as quickly as possible. If anyone drops the ball, don't blame me for being ruthless."

This J-35 project was of utmost importance and could not be delayed for a moment.

"Don't worry, if anyone in my research and development team dares to slack off, I'll be the first to disagree," Old Wu said solemnly.

On this point, everyone in the conference room had no objections.

Now that they possessed all the research and development ideas and implementation steps for the technology, if they still couldn't develop it quickly, how could they face the people of the entire Da Xia?

As for where the technology came from?

Don't ask where the technology came from, I just ask you, is this a fifth-generation fighter jet?

"As for the second matter, it's about the J-15 project."

Jiang Dingqian took a sip of tea and continued: "We still need to continue developing the J-15 carrier-based aircraft. It will serve as Da Xia's secondary main carrier-based aircraft model and primary export model in the future."

"So, this time we will be simultaneously undertaking two major projects. Everyone, you will be working hard."

The J-15 carrier-based aircraft had already had so much research and development cost invested. To cancel its development right before its maiden flight?

How could that be possible? The J-15 project cost tens of billions of usd. This does not align with Da Xia's characteristic of diligence and frugality.

So, even if it can earn some foreign exchange as an export model, it's good. Moreover, the Varyag aircraft carrier will be refitted in two years, and the J-35 may not necessarily be ready by then. They can't possibly have an aircraft carrier sailing without carrier-based aircraft, can they?

More than half an hour of meeting time passed.

Jiang Dingqian moistened his already hoarse throat: "Alright, that's all the news to announce this time. You all go back and prepare."

At this moment, a research and development group leader next to him suddenly remembered something: "Oh, by the way, will the J-35 project still be classified as 'top secret' in terms of information?"

This level was similar to the previous J-20 project. Not only were the research and development process and data kept top secret, but even the news that it was being developed was not allowed to be revealed to the outside world.

To strictly adhere to these regulations, all research and development personnel were absolutely forbidden to reveal a single word to their families.

If it weren't for the proactive unveiling some time ago, many people would probably still think that the 611 Institute was developing an improved version of the J-10 fighter jet.

However.

Jiang Dingqian shook his head: "According to the instructions of the highest level and Da Xia Aviation Industry Group."

"This project can have its initial information leaked tomorrow."

???

Everyone had a bewildered expression.

Good heavens, they're leaking it before development even begins?

Have we also gone bad? Are we starting to play with PPT like Da Xia?

(Second update, still a two-in-one big chapter, daily ten thousand words update today.)

(If you have monthly votes, please cast them. They will expire at the end of the month if you don't. It gives me more motivation to write, and I'll update ten thousand words every day from now on! We're almost at a thousand monthly votes.)