199: Chapter 199 Shuffling

Chu Ge was drinking water with Commander Wang when, in the distance, Dilireba Nazha and Academician Chen walked toward them. Chu Ge went to meet them.

"Old Chen, how did you two end up together?"

"Don't even get me started. The kunpeng's living quarters are so huge, and it's filled with either foreigners or top domestic scholars, experts, or my seniors. Luckily I ran into Old Chen; he's been taking me around and introducing me to everything, otherwise it would have been so awkward."

Dilireba Nazha said with a pout.

"Haha, I just happened to see Nazira standing there looking all constrained, so I figured I'd take her along and act as a tour guide."

Academician Chen finished speaking, greeted Chu Ge, and then left the two of them to go find Commander Wang.

“Tsk tsk, it seems you weren't very willing to be here?"

"Who said that? I know you have your business, so this young lady won't hold it against you. Old Chen still has half the tour left to finish; it's so fun there, just like a small community."

"And do you know? Walking on the paths in the living quarters and realizing we're thousands of meters up in the sky... that feeling is truly magical..."

Dilireba Nazha chattered away to Chu Ge, describing everything she had seen and heard on the aerospace carrier. Chu Ge smiled and stroked her hair, acting as a quiet listener.

While Nazira was talking excitedly, her phone rang.

"It's Sister Li, let me take this call first."

Chu Ge nodded and glanced to the side. The charm of the [Soul Blade] was not a bit lower than that of the "kunpeng." Just standing there, the area was already packed with people, and Chu Ge watched with interest.

However, the [Soul Blade] units were quite aloof. After Chu Ge and the others left, they stopped dancing and went directly into standby mode. To an uninformed observer, they might have looked like models designed by some advertising company.

"Chu Ge, I have to go find Sister Li. The performance starts this afternoon. This show is state-sponsored and will be broadcast globally, so there can't be a single mistake. Therefore..."

"Understood, go ahead. It's not like you're leaving today anyway."

After the two parted ways, Chu Ge went over to Academician Chen and the others.

"Little Chu, why aren't you accompanying your girlfriend? There's nothing much going on today, and you probably haven't seen each other in a while, right?"

"She has her own business. Isn't there an art performance this afternoon? It's led by the state, so she's quite nervous and needs to go rehearse."

Old Chen and Commander Wang both nodded upon hearing this. When the state is involved, one should indeed be cautious. Even though the entertainment industry is usually more relaxed, they couldn't afford to drop the ball at a time like this.

"Quite lively here. It's good you're all together so I don't have to go looking for you one by one."

While Chu Ge and the others were chatting, Old Dragon walked over, followed by Commander Meng and a group of other military bigwigs.

After everyone exchanged greetings, Commander Wang saw that Old Dragon had gathered everyone and realized he had something to say. He led Old Dragon, Chu Ge, and the others to a quiet cafeteria.

"There's nothing special for lunch, just a simple meal. There's a banquet tonight, Chu Ge, so save some room in your stomach," Old Dragon said with a smile after sitting down.

"That's fine. I'll just drink some water for lunch and prepare to stuff myself tonight, haha."

Chu Ge responded with a smile, and everyone laughed along.

"Today is a day that will go down in history for us, and it's also a milestone for all of humanity because from today onwards, we will have the ability to explore the universe. To celebrate, there will be a grand victory banquet tonight. Academician Chu, there's a little surprise in store for you."

Chu Ge's whole body jolted upon hearing this. A surprise? He felt a faint sense of anticipation.

"It's good that the heads of the Research Institute, the Dockyard Base, and the military are all here today. The kunpeng's maiden flight was a success. Have you discussed the next step of the plan yet? We can't let this big guy of ours just sit at home gathering dust, can we?"

Old Dragon got straight to the point. Chu Ge knew this was a nudge to keep moving forward.

"Elder Dragon, Old Chen, Commander Wang, and I have already touched base. We've tentatively set the date to head for the moon in two months. The data models are already out, and the first Engineering Transport Ship should be ready in two months."

"With one Engineering Ship handling the round-trip transport and the aerospace carrier acting as support, we should be able to meet the needs of the initial engineering construction."

Chu Ge gave Old Dragon and the others a general overview of his plan. Although it was broad, the direction was clear.

"Hmm, that's all we can do for now. Are the blueprints for the Engineering Ship out?"

"Not yet, but they're almost there. In about a week or so, I'll coordinate with Commander Wang's side."

The construction blueprints for the Engineering Ship had been given to Chu Ge as a lottery prize from System Big Brother a few months ago. Chu Ge had looked over the design blueprints; they were quite simple, all using existing technology.

It was just that the investment cost for the power system would be higher; the rest was modular. Different modules could be installed depending on the mission.

There were more hoisting devices for engineering materials, and the transport of oil, water, and food required more from the storage equipment. These all had specific requirements for the overall layout of the transport ship.

Therefore, Chu Ge planned to build 10 Engineering Ships. This was the most reasonable number he had streamlined based on construction and supply needs.

"Alright then. Chu Ge will be responsible for the Engineering Ship's blueprints and technical construction support. The Research Institute and the Dockyard Base will cooperate. Especially on Old Chen's side, the Lunar Base needs a massive engineering construction crew and research team. Start selecting talent as soon as you get back; this must be completed in two months."

"Here, I'll toast with tea instead of wine. Given today's atmosphere, I wish your lunar journey a triumphant start!"

As Old Dragon spoke, he picked up the tea in front of him. Everyone followed suit and raised their cups. The plan to march toward the moon was thus decided.

In the afternoon, there was an art performance. When the live broadcast signal cut to it, the netizens' enthusiasm remained unabated. For some, however, they could just turn off the TV—namely, those high-ranking officials in the Pentagon.

Anderson, the Chairman of the U.S. Senate, turned his head, his gaze sharp and his face ashen.

"Do you know what the entire world will look like after today?"

Rodriguez, who usually argued with Anderson, kept his mouth shut this time. Everyone knew that sticking one's neck out at a time like this was asking for death.

"The White House Chief of Staff's phone is ringing off the hook. Our allies are all asking if we have similar plans, or even bluntly asking if America is no longer able to compete with them."

"The President asked me to ask all of you: how should America interact with them from now on? Everyone, speak up."

"Mr. Chairman, I remember a think tank once proposed a concept, the G2. I wonder if it's appropriate to bring that old tune back now?"

A senior senator sitting near Anderson proposed. As soon as the topic was raised, the American bigwigs present began to discuss it fervently.

"I'm not afraid to dampen your enthusiasm here. We vaguely mentioned this concept to them before, but clearly, they didn't have much interest. Back then, they were nowhere near as prosperous as they are now. If you bring this up again now, we'll already be at a disadvantage in terms of momentum."

Anderson shook his head. It wasn't that he hadn't thought of this strategy, but it really takes two to tango.

The aimless meeting the Americans held because of the live broadcast eventually ended without result. The stern statement they had previously planned was also temporarily shelved. The only consensus reached was to temporarily avoid their sharp edge.

However, one thing was certain: the global landscape was about to be reshuffled.