109: Chapter 109 The US is getting a little anxious.

The internet users in China were having too much fun at home to bother messing around on YouTube.

The video was edited and uploaded by a foreign netizen, who roughly compiled some morning news footage, translated some text into English, and posted it on YouTube.

Once the video was posted, the clicks and comments skyrocketed, quickly reaching a million views.

Following the lead of this template video, similar versions in various languages soon sprouted like mushrooms across YouTube. By 12:00 PM China time, for the first time ever, the top three videos on YouTube were all about China.

To be precise, they were about the aerospace carrier 'kunpeng'.

“Is this their promotional education video? Or maybe a version like those future concept cars at an auto show?” -- Comment from an American netizen.

“According to the translation in the video, this is an official national release, a formal project initiation, and it explicitly mentions a clear construction schedule. This isn't a joke; if they have nothing to show when the time comes, wouldn't they be a laughingstock?” -- Comment from a German netizen.

“Exactly, I agree with the German netizen's analysis. Think about it: once something is confirmed by Chinese officials, how many times have they gone back on their word? Their ability to execute is actually a bit terrifying.” -- Comment from a Canadian netizen.

“But isn't this too fast? Based on current technological development, I think humanity will need at least several decades, or even longer, to travel freely through interstellar space. Also, hasn't military aerospace technology always been the Americans' strongest suit? How did the Chinese surpass them just like that?” @American netizen

“Same old story. China releasing this news means they might have already overcome all technical difficulties. I even suspect they've already started construction. To be more exaggerated, they might have already built some systems and are just delaying the announcement according to their tradition. There's a precedent for this, and it's different from many countries—like India, which often brags loudly but can delay the actual finished product for 10 or 20 years, haha.” -- From a Russian netizen.

“You have the nerve to talk about our country? Aren't you the same? Do you have no idea how long you've delayed a single warship order? We are the future overlords. Sooner or later, you'll have to beg us. China, America, Germany, and the rest are all weak!” @Russian netizen. This netizen from India successfully drew all the fire.

Netizens from various countries began to attack frantically, and only after a long time did they return to the original topic.

“Fake news confirmed. The Republic of Korea is a developed country, while China is still a developing country. How can a country that relies on stealing others' technology have such cutting-edge military tech? Heh, I wouldn't believe it even if you killed me.” -- From a Republic of Korea netizen.

“Always labeling yourselves as a developed country—I'm truly impressed. Have you ever seen netizens from any other developed country constantly patting themselves on the back like this? It's only you, a country with an excessive inferiority complex. Oh, and speaking of the word 'stealing,' I think you guys are the real nation of thieves.” @Republic of Korea netizen, from a Japanese netizen.

“However, one thing isn't wrong: what's said in this video is absolutely impossible. They don't have that technical strength yet. Then again, now that the Suzerain has spoken, shouldn't the Korean netizens honestly kneel and accept it? You actually dare to question it? Is this a rebellion? Haha.” -- From a Japanese netizen.

“Born with a Chinese soul, dying with a Chinese spirit. I have no regrets in this life being born in China, and in the next life, I still want to be Chinese.” -- From a Chinese expat in Washington, USA.

...

YouTube was always so 'harmonious'; no matter what the news hotspot was, everyone could always find their own fun and then start pairing up for free-for-all brawls.

A few Chinese netizens who had hopped over the firewall were all secretly watching the battle. Especially with major national military matters like this, smart netizens wouldn't bother explaining to them.

You can never wake someone who is pretending to be asleep.

The netizens used sharp language and made grand claims because they were poorly informed. A single video indeed couldn't prove much; nowadays, experts can fake a video in minutes, and average netizens can't tell the difference between real and fake.

The US government was not nearly as calm. When the news was released, it was about 6:00 PM in America. At this time, officials of all ranks at the Pentagon had already finished work and gone home to enjoy their private time.

Miraculously, many cars soon began driving back into the parking lot one after another, just like the morning rush. They gathered in increasing numbers, and a closer look revealed they were all in a hurry, clearly having been recalled on short notice.

John Wilson and William Miller were among them.

The failure of the previous 'Paveway' operation had infuriated John Wilson. At the C&O Bar where he and Joey frequently met, the two had spent two hours discussing the failure of the mission.

John Wilson couldn't understand it; his plan had been very discreet, so why did it end in a total wipeout? This was a massive blow to him. In the following days, this gray-haired veteran of the American political scene seemed to have lost the courage to continue the fight.

Now, drinking, bar-hopping, and chasing women were the main themes of his life.

However, John Wilson hadn't come away with nothing. Before leaving, Joey had handed him a USB drive containing the full audio recording and some video footage of the 'Paveway' team's destruction. This had been an unintentional move by John.

Originally, he wanted to use it to understand the team's dynamics and some of the deployment details of the perimeter security forces at the 'Prism Tower' base. As it turned out, he ended up witnessing the entire process of the team being hunted down.

When Joey handed it to John Wilson, his expression was somewhat solemn.

“John, China was already hard to penetrate before, known as a forbidden zone for mercenaries, especially in military matters. Now, I'm afraid it's a fortress of iron. I don't plan on taking any more jobs regarding China in the future. You should find someone else. My losses this time were too heavy. *Sigh*!”

John Wilson didn't say much. He knew Joey's capabilities, so he didn't blame him. John estimated that no matter who he had put in charge of the operation, the outcome wouldn't have been much different. He had thought too simply before.

He had wanted to take advantage of China's lack of reaction to conduct a back-to-back reconnaissance. He hadn't expected those buildings to be so highly valued by China, with unprecedented military security, and for them to eliminate those mercenaries so decisively on the spot.

He turned and handed the USB drive to Miller, instructing him to take it to the technical department for analysis, while he decided to ignore it for now.

He needed to shift his focus; otherwise, the constant state of mental tension was making him feel like he couldn't take it anymore.

However, man proposes, God disposes. John Wilson hadn't been enjoying himself for more than a few days when he was knocked sideways by a call from William Miller today. All key military and political officials in the US were required to return to their posts.

Immediately. Like, right now.

John had a gut feeling that something major had happened. The last time there was a summons like this was during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.