149: Tiangong Project

Inside the top-floor conference room of Tianshu Building, soft light from a crystal chandelier illuminated the oval negotiation table.

Donglian Chief of Foreign Affairs Zheng Guoming adjusted the lapel of his dark blue suit, his gaze sweeping over the three directors from Interstellar Peace Corporation seated opposite him.

It took him a great deal of effort to calm his nervous mood.

After all, knowing that two of the people sitting opposite him were very likely to possess path powers like Aventurine, it would be unreasonable not to be nervous.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us," Zheng Guoming said with a steady voice.

"As the first official national delegation to visit Gui Xu, we have brought a personal letter from the Donglian Premier."

Emerald took the gold-embossed envelope, her slender fingers gently tracing the dragon emblem on the wax seal: "Premier is too kind."

She handed the envelope to Aventurine beside her, her purple eyes glinting playfully, "I hear your country has a... bold plan?"

Following Lin Mo's suggestion, Zheng Guoming got straight to the point, leaning slightly forward: "Actually, we would like to inquire if your company has plans to build a space elevator?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Emerald's eyes: "Minister Zheng, why the sudden interest in this project?"

"To cope with the nuclear radiation disaster," Zheng Guoming said with a solemn expression.

"We plan to build a space city capable of accommodating hundreds of millions of people, to preserve the spark of human civilization."

He brought up a holographic projection, displaying the design of a massive space station.

"Although we have ways to secure a 15-year safe period, we must always prepare for the worst."

Topaz rested a finger on her chin and blinked: "Begging your pardon, Minister Zheng.

Given the Eastern Federation's current technological level, building a space city for a billion-level population is already quite theoretical."

"That's why we need your company's help," Zheng Guoming said, looking directly at the three directors.

"If a space elevator can be built at the equator of the Black Continent, the efficiency of material transport will increase tens of times."

"According to AI calculations, we are fully capable of building a space city for tens of millions of people; we can always build a few more if needed."

A brief silence fell over the conference room.

Topaz suddenly chuckled: "You underestimate Interstellar Peace Corporation, don't you?"

Emerald elegantly stood up, drawing an arc in the air with her finger.

The holographic projection immediately switched, displaying a 3D model of a lunar base: "We propose directly building a permanent city on the Moon."

Zheng Guoming and his accompanying advisors watched the projection in shock.

It was a complete lunar ecosystem design, far exceeding the scale of their space city plan.

"Technology is not an issue, and there are even some technology companies that are beyond your current understanding," Aventurine added.

"We only need the Eastern Federation to provide materials, labor, and legal support."

"Legal support?" Zheng Guoming keenly caught the key point.

Emerald smiled and nodded: "According to the Outer Space Treaty, only sovereign states can claim territorial rights over extraterrestrial bodies."

"A company is just a company; we are not a state."

Understanding the crucial implication, Zheng Guoming immediately stood up: "Please allow me to contact the Premier."

"Of course, please."

Ten minutes later, an emergency communication from Zijin Pavilion appeared in the conference room.

The Premier's face looked a bit tired, but his eyes were still sharp.

"A lunar city?" The Premier's brows furrowed after hearing the report.

"How large is it?"

Emerald pulled up detailed data: "The first phase of construction can accommodate 50 million people, and when fully completed, it can support one billion people for long-term residence."

The Premier pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked: "Why choose us?"

This time, Topaz answered: "Because your country is the only civilization-type nation that has both the strength and the willingness to consider all of humanity."

The Eastern Federation officials in the conference room unconsciously straightened their backs.

"Of course, that's the 'official statement,'" Aventurine said, leaning back in his chair, head tilted slightly.

"In the Chairman's words, the company cannot provide so many people to fill a giant city, or rather, to occupy a planet."

"So, why not find a friend to help out?"

The Premier naturally understood the meaning of these words, nodded to Emerald, and turned his gaze to Zheng Guoming: "Old Zheng, what do you think?"

Zheng Guoming took a deep breath: "The risks are great, but the rewards are even greater.

According to the company's proposal, I suspect they even possess—"

"I understand," the Premier interrupted him, turning to Emerald, "Can Interstellar Peace Corporation guarantee the reliability of the technology?

The environment on the Moon is quite different from Blue Star."

Emerald was about to say something when a voice from an unknown source stopped her: "In the name of Preservation, I guarantee this matter.

Emerald, I leave this to you."

"Yes, Amber, Chairman!" Emerald immediately stood up and bowed towards the sky.

The Premier's pupils contracted slightly, then he showed a relieved smile: "Good, it's settled then."

The next day, Donglian National Television set up its live broadcast equipment.

The Premier stood in the Zijin Pavilion press conference hall, a huge holographic projection behind him displaying the magnificent design of the space elevator.

"Today, on behalf of the Eastern Federation government, I officially announce the launch of the 'Tiangong Plan,'" the Premier's voice was steady and powerful.

"We will build humanity's first space elevator in the equatorial region, and based on this, construct a space city in low Earth orbit capable of accommodating hundreds of millions of people."

"This will provide us with the greatest possible support to solve the nuclear dust pollution problem, buying us the most time and opportunities."

The screen switched to an engineering simulation animation: a "sky ladder" made of carbon nanotubes rose from the equator, reaching a construction base in geosynchronous orbit, with countless transport capsules shuttling back and forth along the cables.

"This is not an undertaking that any single country can accomplish alone," the Premier said, looking at the camera.

"I hereby formally invite all nations, all peoples, and all those willing to strive for the future of humanity to participate in this great plan."

Three hours after the live broadcast ended, the President of the Gari Republic in the Black Continent was the first to hold a press conference.

"The Gari Republic will unconditionally provide the best construction location at the equator!" the young Black President announced under the national flag.

"We have already designated a 200-square-kilometer exclusive economic zone, ready for construction at any time!"

Immediately following, the Black Continent Alliance issued a joint statement, with three equatorial countries pledging to provide labor and basic material support.

On social media, the #Tiangong Plan hashtag instantly exploded:

New Union Refugee Aid Center: "How do I apply to participate in the plan?

We have over a thousand Engineers and doctors willing to serve!"

New Union University Professor: "From an engineering perspective, this plan is highly feasible, but the political risks..."

Europa Immigration Forum: "Latest news: the Eastern Federation will prioritize technical personnel!"

The New Union government, which had just regained half of its control from Militech, had barely opened the champagne to celebrate when they saw the Tiangong Plan announced by the Eastern Federation on live television.

James Wilson, the President's Chief of Staff, slammed his tablet onto the mahogany desk.

The live broadcast on the screen was frozen at the moment the Donglian Premier announced the "Tiangong Plan."

"Gentlemen, we are witnessing the most shameful moment in the history of Western civilization!" He looked around at the ashen faces of the National Security Council members.

"The Eastern Federation people not only want to crush us technologically, but now they also want to play the savior?"

"When did those yellow-skins get to step on our heads!"

Minister of Defense Jenkins shook his head helplessly: "The three Black Continent countries have openly expressed their intention for comprehensive cooperation with the Eastern Federation.

We simply don't have enough power to stop them now."

National Security Advisor Sally was also worried: "Our research institutions have already disintegrated in the wave of resignations that began a few years ago.

Half of the national laboratories are empty, and several engineering universities' research institutions are now practically defunct."

The conference room door suddenly burst open, and President's Chief Science Advisor Davis rushed in, panting: "Just received news!

The entire deep space exploration team of the NSA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, including three Nobel laureates, has collectively applied for Eastern Federation technical visas!"

President Howard slammed his fist on the table, knocking over a coffee cup: "Damn it!

Are we just going to watch New Union become a vassal?"

The Chief of Staff thought of a solution, but it was not a good one.

After much hesitation, he decided to speak it out.

"If we want a say, then the only way is to 'invest' with technology.

Currently, only those three super companies have the qualifications to talk with the Eastern Federation."

Militech! This word, which left everyone present with lingering fears, appeared in everyone's minds.

They also knew it was the only way, but having just regained power with great difficulty, they were unwilling to hand it over again like this.

On the top floor of a luxurious apartment building on Fifth Avenue, twelve business magnates sat around a fireplace.

The whiskey in their highball glasses reflected their unpredictable expressions.

"My daughter's mentor at Carnegie Mellon received an offer from Interstellar Peace Corporation this morning," Old Morgan said, swirling his drink, the ice cubes clinking crisply.

"Seven-figure annual salary, plus permanent residency in Skyreach City."

"Can we also find a way to secure a fallback in the Eastern Federation?"

The young tech investor Mark Zuckerberg sneered: "That's probably difficult, unless you're willing to just be a simple rich man from now on."

The room suddenly fell silent.

Everyone turned to the usually taciturn young man.

"How do you know?" The CEO of Yunman Investment Bank narrowed his eyes.

Mark put a finger in his ear and said nonchalantly: "Unlike you, I don't always apply the past 慣性的思維 (habitual thinking) from New Union to the Eastern Federation.

In the Eastern Federation, if capital tries to touch power, it can end very badly."

Old Morgan's hand trembled slightly: "So... we can only be consumers in Skyreach City?"

"Smart people always make two sets of preparations," Mark said, his smile gone, his expression solemn.

"I suggest you immediately launch 'Project Ark'—secretly acquire land and resources through our offshore companies in the Southern Cross Federation."

"It's not impossible to occupy the magpie's nest."