156: Chapter 155 Stealing Secrets in the Night! Underhanded Tactics and Sneak Attacks for Personal Gain, Anger Unveils the Game and Breaks the Encirclement (2)

Half an hour later, the emergency meeting convened on time. The atmosphere in the conference room was heavy. Attendees included not only core members of the Technical Team, Construction Team, and Coordination Team, but also representatives from enterprises that had already reached cooperation intentions, such as Huaguo Huadian Group and the National Energy Grid. Every face bore a solemn expression. Mu Li informed everyone of the data theft and the pressure from traditional energy companies in full detail, without hiding a thing. The venue immediately erupted into an uproar, with discussions rising and falling, filled with anger and dissatisfaction.

“This is too much! For their own selfish interests, these traditional energy companies have actually resorted to unscrupulous means—stealing core data, spreading rumors, and applying joint pressure. It's simply insane!” A representative from Huaguo Huadian Group slammed the table, his tone furious and his face flushed red. “Our Huaguo Huadian Group resolutely supports the promotion of Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology. We will never waver because of pressure from these people. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will fight side-by-side with you!”

“Exactly! Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology is the future direction of clean energy and the hope for the national energy transition. We cannot give up halfway because of these despicable obstacles.” The representative of the National Energy Grid also took a firm stand. “We will fully cooperate with you and provide all support for power transmission. Whether it's line optimization or station interfacing, we will go all out and never hold you back.”

Seeing the firm attitude of his partners, Mu Li felt even more confident, and the fire in his eyes was gradually replaced by determination. He raised his hand to signal for silence, and the conference room instantly returned to quiet. Everyone's eyes focused on him, filled with trust and expectation. “Thank you for your support. I, Mu Li, will remember this trust in my heart.” Mu Li's voice was steady and firm. “Right now, we face a dual challenge: first, the theft of core data, and second, the joint pressure from traditional energy companies. But I can tell you clearly that neither of these will knock us down, nor can they stop the pace of promoting Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology.”

“First, regarding the theft of core data.” Mu Li's gaze slowly swept across the room, his tone calm but full of confidence. “Everyone, there is no need to worry too much. Although our core database was breached, the most critical reaction module control algorithms and energy output optimization models were double-encrypted by me long ago and backed up on an offline physical hard drive that was never connected to the network. The data stolen by the other party is only some basic operating parameters and some insignificant technical materials. Without these core algorithms, they simply cannot replicate our technology, nor can they use this data to pose a substantial threat to us. Moreover, Director Zhang's team is already doing their best to track the flow of the data. I believe we will soon find the mastermind behind this and make them pay the price they deserve.”

“Secondly, regarding the joint pressure from traditional energy companies.” Mu Li's voice rose a few notches, carrying an air of peerless pride. “They say our technology has safety hazards? Then we will speak with facts and refute them with data, letting their rumors collapse on their own. I have already asked the Technical Team to compile all the safety operation data from the first two batches of projects, including the emergency response records when Typhoon 'Haiyan' hit the Nanhai City project site last year. At that time, wind speeds reached level 14. Despite the raging wind and torrential rain, our equipment still operated stably without any safety issues or even a single malfunction. This data and these records are enough to prove that our technology is absolutely safe and reliable, standing up to any inspection.”

He paused and continued, his tone firm and powerful: “In addition, I have decided to hold a national press conference to publicly release the technical safety data of the Nuclear Fusion Power Station and the operating conditions of the first two batches of projects. At the same time, I will expose the despicable methods of the traditional energy companies and bring their conspiracy to light. I want the people of the whole country to know that their so-called 'safety hazards' are just excuses to protect their own interests and are stumbling blocks hindering the national energy transition!”

“Good! This is a great idea!” Everyone echoed in agreement, their tones full of approval and excitement. Instead of passively responding to assessments and being led by the nose by rumors, it was better to take the initiative, use facts to break the rumors, win public support, and leave those with ulterior motives with nowhere to hide.

After the meeting, each group immediately went into action, performing their duties in an orderly manner. The Technical Team worked overtime to organize the safety operation data, creating easy-to-understand charts and videos, and repeatedly checking every set of data to ensure there were no errors. The Coordination Team tirelessly contacted major domestic news media to determine the time and location of the press conference and invite reporters to attend. Director Zhang's team accelerated the progress of tracking the data flow, focusing on investigating the source of the rumors, determined to find the manipulators behind the scenes and catch them all in one net.

However, things did not go so smoothly. Just as Mu Li was intensively preparing for the press conference, a large number of rumors smearing Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology suddenly appeared on the internet, overwhelming and ubiquitous. The rumors claimed that "Nuclear Fusion Power Stations have a serious risk of nuclear leakage, which will severely pollute the surrounding soil and water sources," "residents around the first batch of project sites have already experienced health problems, with many showing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue," and "the technology of Nuclear Fusion Power Stations is not yet mature and could explode at any time." These rumors were accompanied by pictures and texts, and even forged so-called "test reports" and "resident testimonies." They seemed plausible and were highly deceptive, quickly spreading across the internet and triggering panic among many citizens, with the comment sections filled with doubt and worry.

“Engineer Mu, these rumors are clearly being spread intentionally. The speed of dissemination is very fast, and those traditional energy companies must be behind it, manipulating things. They have even hired internet water armies to deliberately guide public opinion.” Lin Wei walked quickly into Mu Li's office holding an internet public opinion report, her expression anxious and her tone hurried. “Now many netizens are questioning our technology, and even some environmental organizations have been misled and have come forward to demand a suspension of the project's promotion. Residents in some areas have also begun to launch protests. The situation is very critical.”

Mu Li opened the web pages and looked at those rumors that distorted black and white and maliciously smeared them. Every word was like a sharp knife piercing his heart. The coldness in his eyes intensified, and the air pressure around him dropped to its lowest point. To stop him and protect their vested interests, these traditional energy companies did not hesitate to create social panic and disregard the interests of the people. Their methods were despicable to the extreme. “It seems they are determined to fight us to the death. Since they want to play, I'll play with them to the end and see who wins and who loses!” Mu Li said coldly, his tone carrying a sense of resolve, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes.

He immediately made deployments, his tone firm and unquestionable: “First, have the Technical Team issue a detailed clarification statement targeting the 'nuclear leakage risk' and 'resident health problems' mentioned in the rumors. Attach test reports issued by multiple authoritative departments such as the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the National Nuclear Safety Administration, as well as health survey data of residents around the project sites. Use facts to smash the rumors. Second, contact resident representatives around the first and second batch of project sites and personally invite them to attend the press conference to share the real situation after the projects began operating. Use the most authentic voices to break the deception of the rumors. Third, have Director Zhang's team prioritize tracking the source of the rumors, lock onto the manipulators behind the scenes, and collect evidence of their rumor-mongering and malicious smearing to prepare for subsequent accountability.”

At the same time, Mu Li personally drove to the State Council to report the situation to the relevant leaders. He brought the safety operation data of the first two batches of projects, the rumor dissemination analysis report, the preliminary investigation results of the core data theft, and the clarification materials organized by the Technical Team. He explained in detail the despicable methods of the traditional energy companies and the current grim situation.

“Leader, Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology is the key to the national energy transition. it is our hope to break free from traditional energy dependence and achieve sustainable development. We have already achieved phased success, and the first two batches of projects are operating stably and have won wide recognition from the public.” Mu Li's tone was firm and his eyes were sincere. “The reason those traditional energy companies are applying joint pressure, spreading rumors, and stealing core data is that our technology has touched their vested interests. They don't want to be eliminated by the times, so they resort to despicable means to hinder technical promotion, even damaging the country's energy security and the fundamental interests of the people. I urge the State Council to see clearly and support our technical promotion work. We are willing to accept any form of safety assessment, but we must not let those with ulterior motives succeed, and we must not let the country's energy transition process be hindered because of their selfish interests.”

The leader listened carefully to Mu Li's report and scrutinized the relevant materials. His face gradually turned solemn, and his fingers lightly tapped the tabletop. After a moment of contemplation, he said solemnly: “Mu Li, rest assured, the country will never allow anyone to hinder the nation's development process for their own selfish interests, nor will we let your hard work go to waste. We will immediately organize a team of authoritative experts to conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of the Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology to ensure its safety and reliability. At the same time, we will arrange for relevant departments to conduct an in-depth investigation into the traditional energy companies' actions, such as joint pressure, spreading rumors, and stealing core data, and handle them strictly according to laws and regulations. No leniency will be shown. During the assessment period, the project promotion work can proceed normally. We cannot let those people's conspiracies succeed. The state will always be your strongest backer.”

“Thank you for your trust and support, Leader!” A heavy stone finally fell from Mu Li's heart, and his eyes moistened slightly. The exhaustion, anxiety, and anger of the past few days were transformed into a firm strength at this moment. With the support of the state, he had greater confidence to confront those traditional energy giants, smash all the rumors, and advance the promotion of Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology.

After leaving the State Council, Mu Li immediately held a press conference. The venue was packed, with reporters from major domestic and international media outlets in attendance. Cameras and microphones were pointed at the podium, and flashes flickered constantly, lighting up the entire hall. Mu Li was dressed in a dark gray custom suit, standing tall with a calm expression and a firm gaze as he walked onto the stage. He exuded an air of composure that instantly silenced the noise in the hall. “Friends from the media, hello. This press conference is being held primarily to clarify the recent rumors regarding Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology, and at the same time to introduce the safety situation and promotion progress of the technology, so that everyone can understand the truth and recognize the conspiracies of those with ulterior motives.”

He first played a meticulously produced video that showed in detail the working principles of the Nuclear Fusion Power Station, the safety guarantee systems, the operation of the first two batches of projects, and the emergency response process during extreme weather. The images were clear and the data was detailed, intuitively demonstrating the safety and reliability of the Nuclear Fusion Power Station. Subsequently, he took out authoritative test reports one by one, held them up to the cameras, and said firmly: “As you can see, these are test reports issued by multiple departments such as the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the National Nuclear Safety Administration, and the National Energy Administration. Every single one has legal force. The reports clearly show that the Nuclear Fusion Power Station uses Controllable Nuclear Fusion technology. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, it does not produce radioactive waste, nor is there a risk of nuclear leakage. It poses no harm to the surrounding environment or resident health.”

“As for the rumors circulating on the internet about 'health problems of residents around project sites,' they are even more nonsensical and pure malicious smearing.” Mu Li raised his hand, and staff members invited three resident representatives onto the stage. “These three are residents of Qingyu Town. They have lived near the first batch of nuclear fusion power station project sites for over a year and interact with the project site day and night. Let them tell you the real situation and the changes the Nuclear Fusion Power Station has brought to their lives.”

A gray-haired old man took the microphone, his voice trembling with excitement and his face full of sincerity: “I have lived in Qingyu Town all my life and am over seventy years old now. In the past, heating in winter relied on burning coal, which was dirty and choking. Every morning when I woke up, my throat was dry, and my respiratory tract was always uncomfortable; I took medicine all year round. Since the Nuclear Fusion Power Station was built, we've had clean and stable electricity. Heating and cooking are convenient, we no longer burn coal at home, and the air has improved. My respiratory problems have gotten much better, and now my body is robust—I can eat and sleep well. Those who say the project pollutes the environment and affects health are all liars; those are just rumors fabricated by people with ulterior motives!”

Another middle-aged resident representative also took the microphone and said firmly: “After the project was completed, not only did it not affect our lives, but it also drove the tourism development of our town. Many people come to visit the Nuclear Fusion Power Station and learn about clean energy technology. Our town's agritainment and guesthouses have become popular, and my income has increased significantly compared to before. Life is getting more and more promising. All the residents of our town very much support the promotion of the nuclear fusion power station project. We hope such a good project can be popularized in more places as soon as possible so more people can benefit.”

The speeches of the resident representatives were simple and sincere, causing the reporters on-site to buzz with discussion. Many reporters lowered their heads to take notes, and the flashes flickered again. Mu Li continued, his tone resonant and powerful, carrying a sense of heroic pride: “I know that recently some traditional energy companies have applied joint pressure and spread rumors in an attempt to hinder the promotion of Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology. Here, I want to tell them clearly: your conspiracy will not succeed. The promotion of Nuclear Fusion Power Station technology is the trend of the times, the inevitable choice for the national energy transition, and a great cause that benefits the country and the people for generations. Anyone who wants to block it, anyone who wants to hinder the country's development, will ultimately be eliminated by the times and will only face the sanctions of the law.”

“At the same time, I also want to tell everyone that our core data was indeed stolen not long ago. Currently, the National Information Security Center and law enforcement are doing their best to investigate, and the relevant investigation work has achieved phased progress.” Mu Li's gaze swept across the room, his tone firm. “I believe we will soon find the mastermind behind this and make them pay the price they deserve for their despicable behavior. Our technology is leading, reliable, and capable of standing up to any inspection. It will not be defeated by any despicable means, nor will it be hindered by any rumors!”