101: The times are about to run wild

The morning sun pierced through the clouds, casting its rays on the new glass curtain wall of the National Convention Center. On the building's facade, a giant holographic banner displayed the words: "The First Global Future Industrial Development Conference."

Ada Wong stood in her office, her slender fingers gently caressing the hot-stamped invitation. On the last page of the invitation, a line of text was printed in tiny font: "After the conference, we earnestly request a private meeting with the actual controller of your company—Zijin Pavilion Office."

"Boss, did you see it?" Ada asked the air.

The holographic projection in the office lit up, and Chen Hao's image appeared. He was wearing a relatively formal casual jacket today, but he looked more relaxed than usual.

"I saw it." Chen Hao smiled, "It seems the patriarchs finally couldn't hold back."

"Should we refuse?"

"No, this is a good opportunity." A hint of cunning flashed in Chen Hao's eyes.

Ada frowned slightly: "Won't the risk be too great?"

"Don't worry. I won't be there 'personally'."

Inside the main hall of the National Convention Center, nearly a thousand attendees were already seated.

When Ada Wong led the Interstellar Peace Company delegation into the venue, a warm round of applause erupted. Trailing at the very back of the delegation was a young man who had never appeared publicly—he wore an ordinary dark jacket, with a clean but unremarkable face, just like any common employee one might see anywhere.

"Who is that?" a reporter from Champs Elysees Federation's Le Monde whispered.

"I don't know," her colleague shook her head, "Never seen him before. Maybe a newly promoted executive?"

This unfamiliar man sat quietly in the last row of the delegation, not participating in any conversations throughout the entire process, only focusing on the conference proceedings. But strangely, when the Eastern Federation's Minister of Science and Technology mentioned "special thanks to the founder of Interstellar Peace Company" in his opening speech, Ada Wong's gaze involuntarily flickered in that direction.

The morning session of the conference proceeded unusually smoothly. When Ada Wong, representing Interstellar Peace Company, announced that it would jointly build a global superconducting power grid with the Eastern Federation, a thunderous applause erupted in the venue.

"According to the agreement," Ada's voice was clear and strong, "Interstellar Peace Company will provide all core technologies, and the Eastern Federation will be responsible for project implementation. The first phase will achieve nationwide coverage within six months."

During the Q&A session, a reporter from the Fog City Archipelago's Financial Times suddenly asked: "Ms. Ada, the outside world has always been curious, who is the true decision-maker of Interstellar Peace Company? Is he present today?"

The venue instantly fell silent. A fleeting, almost imperceptible surprise crossed Ada's face, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Interstellar Peace Company is a team," she smiled, "Every member is a part of the decision-making process."

This clever answer sparked more speculation. Sharp-eyed reporters noticed that the mysterious stranger's lips curved slightly upward when he heard this question.

When the conference officially ended, Ada quietly left with the mysterious man. They walked through a hidden corridor and arrived at an encrypted meeting room on the top floor of the convention center.

Two plainclothes special agents stood at the meeting room door, their lapels adorned with the Zijin Pavilion emblem.

"Ms. Ai," one of them nodded in greeting, "The leaders have been waiting for a long time."

When the heavy blast door slid open, the scene inside slightly surprised even Ada—all three Standing Committee members of the Eastern Federation's Zijin Pavilion were present, along with the Minister of the General Armaments Department and the Director of the Science and Technology Commission.

"General Manager Ai, long time no see." The Premier smiled and rose, "And this is...?"

Ada Wong stepped forward and pulled out a chair for Chen Hao. Seeing Chen Hao sit down calmly, everyone was greatly surprised.

The founder of Interstellar Peace Company, so young?!

The heavy blast door slowly closed, isolating all the outside noise. Inside the meeting room, the three Standing Committee members of the Zijin Pavilion and the military high-ranking officials all stared intently at the seemingly ordinary young man.

"Greetings, leaders." Chen Hao smiled as he looked around at everyone, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable power, "Nice to meet you all for the first time. I am Chen Hao, and I am also the founder of Interstellar Peace Company."

The Premier narrowed his eyes, his fingers gently tapping the table: "Mr. Chen is... much younger than we imagined."

"Age is just a number, it has little value beyond misleading thought." Chen Hao shrugged, "Just like Titan Corporation, compared to what is revealed, what is hidden behind it far exceeds everyone's imagination."

This blunt hint instantly solidified the atmosphere in the meeting room. The Minister of the General Armaments Department abruptly sat up straight: "What does Mr. Chen mean by that?"

Chen Hao did not answer directly, but instead took out a miniature projector from his inner pocket and placed it on the table: "Before we continue our conversation, I would like to invite everyone to watch a live broadcast."

The projector activated, and the main screen of the meeting room immediately displayed the live broadcast of Titan Corporation's press conference. Jade, Topaz, and Aventurine stood under the spotlights, with Titan Corporation's iconic red and white letter logo in the background.

"Thank you all media friends for coming." Jade's cool voice came through the speakers, "Today, Titan Corporation will announce a major change."

Topaz on the screen took the microphone: "We have received orders from the boss, and Titan Corporation's structure will be adjusted. Effective immediately, Titan Corporation will be reclassified as an executive department of Interstellar Peace Company."

As the words fell, the projection of the Titan Corporation logo changed, eventually transforming into a black and white hexagonal pattern.

This announcement immediately caused a stir at the press conference. Reporters eagerly raised their hands to ask questions, and camera flashes went off one after another.

Aventurine adjusted his watch and showed his signature smile to the camera: "Don't be so surprised, Titan Corporation has always been a part of Interstellar Peace Company. We just... hadn't made it public yet."

The screen suddenly switched to the reporter Q&A session. A UNN reporter loudly asked: "Then, may I ask, who is the actual controller of Titan Corporation—which should now be called the Interstellar Peace Company Executive Department? Is it related to that Interstellar Peace Company in the Eastern Federation?"

"This question is very crucial. Actually, only Mr. Ains is the Executive Officer of the Military Executive Department. And I, Jade, and Aventurine, are just members of the company's Strategic Investment Department," Topaz smiled subtly, her expression quite playful, "As for the one in the Eastern Federation, it was founded by our boss. But to be precise, it's not an Eastern Federation enterprise."

"Then who is the boss of Interstellar Peace Company?" a BCC reporter immediately followed up.

Jade's lips curved into a mysterious arc: "Employees below P45 are not authorized to know the boss's identity and whereabouts, but what can be said is that the boss is watching this live broadcast right now."

Everyone in the meeting room suddenly turned to look at Chen Hao. The Director of the Science and Technology Commission's teacup fell to the ground with a "clatter," spilling tea everywhere.

"This... this is impossible..." The Minister of the General Armaments Department's voice trembled slightly, "You mean...?"

Chen Hao gently turned off the projector, and the meeting room returned to silence. His gaze swept over every shocked face, finally settling on the Premier.

"That's right, I am the mysterious creator of Titan Corporation, and also the sole founder of Interstellar Peace Company."

The three Standing Committee members of the Zijin Pavilion and the military high-ranking officials stared at the young man before them, the air seemingly solidified.

"Gentlemen." Chen Hao smiled and adjusted his clothes, "Before we continue our conversation, please allow me to make a small preparation."

He waved his hand, and amidst a flicker of silver light, Bronya's holographic image appeared. The young woman's hands were clasped in front of her skirt, her silver-gray hair moving as if by an unseen breeze.

"Master, shall we begin?"

The Premier frowned slightly: "This is...?"

"Link to the Eastern Federation Citizen Information Database." Chen Hao did not explain, softly saying, "Bronya."

"Received, Master."

Data streams flashed in the girl’s eyes, and the operation interface of the Eastern Federation’s Internal Security Department system was immediately projected in the center of the conference table.

Chen Hao entered his ID number on the virtual keyboard, and his complete file immediately appeared on the screen.

From his birth certificate to academic records, and even his medical insurance records from his last medical visit three years ago.

“Now, watch closely.”

Chen Hao’s fingertip lightly swiped in the air.

Bronya spread her hands, and the archive pages began to melt as if licked by an invisible flame.

Photos faded, text distorted, and finally, the entire file dissolved into countless blue light specks.

Then, the dissipated light specks re-converged, forming a brand new file.

The Director of the Science and Technology Commission suddenly stood up: “This is impossible! Our citizen database is physically isolated!”

“Director Li,” Chen Hao said calmly, “the encrypted terminal in your pocket should have received an emergency alert from the Internal Security Department system by now.”

Indeed, piercing alert tones simultaneously rang from the communicators of several high-ranking officials.

The Minister of the General Armaments Department’s face changed drastically after checking: “The Internal Security Department confirms... Chen Hao’s citizen information has been permanently deleted from all systems.

Also, all deleted data has been replaced...”

The conference room fell into dead silence.

The Premier’s gaze shifted back and forth between Chen Hao and the empty projection, suddenly understanding something: “You want to disappear completely.”

“Yes.” Chen Hao stood up, the sunlight outside the window casting a long shadow behind him, “From this moment on, an Eastern Federation citizen will no longer exist on paper.

And the founder of Interstellar Peace Corporation... can be anyone.”

He walked to the window, overlooking the Imperial Capital’s skyline: “Perhaps a descendant of a family that has been hidden for a thousand years, perhaps a genius unprecedented and unrivaled, perhaps a lucky person who obtained alien technology, perhaps even an alien... In short, he personally no longer has any official connection to this land.”

The military representative clenched his fist: “Why? With your contributions, you could completely...”

“Elder.” Chen Hao turned and interrupted him, a strange light flickering in his eyes, “Do you really think that a power capable of overturning the world’s pattern overnight can be controlled by the current Eastern Federation?”

“Are you, and this society, truly ready to welcome the stars?”

This sentence struck everyone’s heart like a heavy hammer.

The Premier suddenly realized that what this young man was doing was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

“I understand.” The old Premier slowly nodded, “You are going to become... a third-party force.”

“More accurately, a catalyst for human civilization.” Chen Hao motioned for Bronya to bring up a new projection, and hundreds of light specks lit up on the global map, “These are Interstellar Peace Corporation’s construction projects for the next ten years.

From controllable nuclear fusion to space elevators, every project will be open to all humanity.”

The Director of the Science and Technology Commission suddenly became excited: “Including the Eastern Federation?”

“Especially the Eastern Federation.” Chen Hao smiled, “But it must be obtained through market competition.

From now on, there will be no VIP channels, and no free technology transfers.”

“At most, there will be some natural advantages in recruitment.

For example, language and culture.”

“And also, preparation in terms of mindset.”

After a long silence, the Premier broke it.

“We will not hinder Interstellar Peace Corporation’s commercial activities within the country, but there are three conditions.” The Premier held up three fingers, his knuckles glowing a healthy red in the sunlight, “First, no interference in domestic politics; second, no obstruction of the departure or retention of Eastern Federation talents joining your company; third...” He paused, “Before decisions that could change the global landscape, give us more time to prepare.”

Chen Hao nodded slightly, tapping a rhythmic sound on the table with his fingertips.

Bronya’s projection immediately displayed a data stream on the table: “Recorded, major decision early warning mechanism will be activated 96 hours in advance.”

The Director of the Science and Technology Commission, Li Weiguo, pushed up his glasses: “96 hours? What kind of preparation is that enough for?”

“Enough for you to raise your great nation’s swords.” Chen Hao’s lips curved into a slight smile, his gaze sweeping over the military representatives present, “Just kidding.”

The conference room was silent.

Birdsong came from outside the window, and a magpie landed on the windowsill, curiously observing the people inside.

“I have a question.” The Director of the Science and Technology Commission suddenly spoke, “Why help the Eastern Federation? With your company’s strength, you could completely...”

“Because I have a hometown, and relatives.” Chen Hao stood up, the sunlight through the glass plating him with a golden edge, “Although from today onwards, the name ‘Chen Hao’ will cease to exist, this is ultimately where I came from.”

The Premier noticed a subtle flicker in the young man’s eyes the moment he spoke these words.

“Let’s go.” Chen Hao gestured to Ada Wong, “Things here are finished.”

Everyone moved to the courtyard in front of the Zijin Pavilion.

The early summer sunlight filtered through the ancient tree branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

The Premier deliberately slowed his pace, walking side by side with Chen Hao on the bluestone path.

“My young friend...” The Premier lowered his voice, “To what extent have you... truly mastered?”

Chen Hao smiled without answering, merely looking up at the sky.

A gentle breeze swept by, ruffling the fringe on his forehead.

Just then, the air suddenly twisted and rippled.

A pitch-black aircraft silently appeared above the courtyard, its streamlined fuselage devoid of any visible propulsion devices, and a staircase of blue light descended from the hatch.

“The ‘Night Owl’ is here to pick you up.” Ada Wong whispered in Chen Hao’s ear.

The Premier looked in astonishment at this aircraft that defied all known aerodynamic principles: “Is this... an anti-gravity ship?”

“Merely a wasteful use of energy.

Once you master the miniaturization of fusion reactors, you can also make something similar.” Chen Hao said nonchalantly, stepping onto the gangway.

His figure appeared somewhat unreal in the sunlight, as if he could dissipate into the air at any moment.

As the boarding platform began to ascend, the Premier suddenly took a few steps forward: “Wait!”

Chen Hao turned, looking down at the people in the courtyard.

The wind billowed his clothes, revealing an ancient Amber pendant.

“From now on... what should we call you?” The Premier asked, looking up, his voice somewhat ethereal in the wind.

Chen Hao smiled.

He swiped his hand in the air, and a magnificent Amber King’s throne floated in the center of the courtyard, with countless star-like light specks sealed within it.

Before anyone could realize it wasn’t a holographic projection, Chen Hao had already entered the spaceship.

“The name is no longer important.” His voice began to sound ethereal, “The era is about to run wild; do everything you can with all your might.”

The Night Owl’s hatch slowly closed.

Before completely disappearing, Chen Hao’s final words reached everyone’s ears: “I am only responsible for bringing change; as for the rest... that is your responsibility.”

“If you must have a title, then call me ‘Amber King’.”

“That’s what the company executives call me.”

The aircraft accelerated instantly, leaving a faint golden contrail in the air.

“‘Amber King’? This kid isn’t some otaku, is he...” Zhou Zhenguo shook his head with a sigh, “Leaving as a riddler, truly... sigh.”

With the statement released by Titan Corporation, the world suddenly entered a strange quiet.

Even the major event a while ago, when Titan, as a single company, directly defeated the combined fleets of Western nations and destroyed their nuclear deterrence, seemed to have become an unimportant piece of news in everyone’s minds overnight.

Overnight, the world quietly changed.