65: A game-changing bracelet

Mandalay International Airport, VIP aisle.

Ren Zong’s private jet had just landed, and a team of Titan security personnel in red and black uniforms were already lined up, waiting. At the head was a young woman with white hair and blue eyes. The uniquely shaped Topaz brooch on her lapel shimmered with orange-pink light in the sun.

“Mr. Ren, welcome to Mandalay.” Director Topaz’s Chinese carried a hint of languidness. “Director Emerald is currently attending a board meeting, so I am responsible for receiving you.”

Ren Zong nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the sleek black vehicle on the tarmac. It had no wheels; the body hovered ten centimeters above the ground.

“Anti-gravity technology?” The accompanying technical consultant couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

Director Topaz chuckled, “Just a little trick combining ducted fan technology and noise reduction technology.” She made an inviting gesture. “Please get in the car. We’ve prepared a little something you might be interested in.”

Mandalay International Hotel, penthouse suite.

The suite’s living room had been transformed into a miniature exhibition hall. As Ren Zong stepped into the room, a holographic projection automatically activated, outlining a three-dimensional model of Titan Industrial City in the air.

“Mr. Ren, you must be tired from your journey. Would you like a cup of tea first?” Director Topaz took a steaming cup of Longjing tea from a tray. “West Lake pre-Qingming, air-freighted this morning.”

Ren Zong took the teacup, but his gaze was drawn to the silver bracelet on the coffee table. The bracelet had a simple design, its surface shimmering with a mercury-like luster.

“Ah, you noticed ‘Bai Jue’.” Director Topaz’s eyes lit up. She picked up the bracelet and gave it a slight shake. The bracelet immediately unfolded into a transparent panel as thin as a cicada’s wing, then returned to its original state with a flick of her wrist.

“Titan’s next-generation personal terminal, which we are preparing to launch,” she handed the bracelet to Ren Zong. “It’s currently still in internal testing.”

The moment Ren Zong took the bracelet, a soft blue light scanned his wrist. The bracelet automatically adjusted its size, fitting perfectly on his wrist.

“Biometric binding complete.” A clear, cold electronic female voice sounded. “Hello, Mr. Ren. I am your personal AI assistant, Starlight.”

Director Topaz then took a pair of rimless glasses from the coffee table drawer. “It works even better with these.”

As Ren Zong put on the glasses, an incredibly clear virtual interface suddenly unfolded in his field of vision. Various data streams and applications floated in the air like real objects, yet they didn’t obstruct his real-world view at all.

“Neural projection technology,” Director Topaz explained. “It’s a signal simulation that directly acts on the optic nerve, reducing visual fatigue by 92% compared to ordinary screens.”

Ren Zong tried to tap a virtual icon in the air with his finger, and an email immediately opened. What surprised him even more was that when the thought ‘magnify’ flashed in his mind, the text actually enlarged.

“Mind control?”

“Just simple brainwave recognition.” Director Topaz smiled and pressed a hidden button on the bracelet. “Now for the main event.”

The bracelet suddenly projected dozens of holographic interfaces, each displaying different complex operations. 3D modeling, code writing, 4K video editing… all running smoothly at the same time.

“Neural parallel computing core,” Director Topaz’s voice was filled with pride. “Its performance is equivalent to the combined computing power of five high-end computers.”

Ren Zong’s hands trembled slightly. As a communications expert, he knew all too well what this meant. The computing power of this small bracelet was enough to send all computer and mobile phone manufacturers into oblivion.

“What about power consumption?”

“Built-in miniature nuclear battery, theoretical battery life of 70 years.” Director Topaz blinked. “Of course, we can downgrade it to a ‘graphene supercapacitor’.”

The technical consultant suddenly interjected, “This, this has already revolutionized the entire mobile terminal industry and the battery industry!”

“That’s why we need reliable partners,” Director Topaz looked at Ren Zong meaningfully, “especially in certain sensitive markets.”

An hour later, Ren Zong put down his glasses and rubbed his temples. “Director Topaz, with all due respect, Titan is fully capable of entering the Eastern Federation market alone.”

“Of course,” Director Topaz played with a strand of hair by her ear, “but we need EastWei’s political wisdom.”

She suddenly pulled up a news video: The Minister of Commerce of the Nova United States was roaring in the Roman Palace, with Titan’s logo marked with a red cross in the background.

“Three days ago, the Senate unanimously passed the ‘Anti-Titan Act’,” Director Topaz sneered. “Any company using Titan technology will be placed on the entity list.”

Ren Zong’s expression remained unchanged. “So you’re interested in EastWei’s experience with pressure?”

“No,” Director Topaz suddenly leaned closer, her voice very low. “What we’re interested in is your company’s ability to maintain technological iteration and continuous development even under sanctions.”

She pulled up a set of data: EastWei’s R&D investment and revenue growth curve during the sanction period.

“Titan doesn’t lack technology,” Director Topaz’s finger swiped through the air, and the projection changed to a world map, with the Eastern Federation’s location glowing red. “What Titan lacks is an ecosystem that can still thrive under extreme pressure.”

Ren Zong suddenly laughed. “So that’s it, you’re looking for ‘body armor’?”

“More precisely, a partner,” Director Topaz nodded. “The production and sales of Bai Jue in the Eastern Federation will be handled by EastWei, with Titan only providing core components and technical support.”

“Profit sharing?”

“Fifty-fifty,” Director Topaz held up five fingers.

Silence filled the meeting room. This profit-sharing ratio far exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“What are the Attach conditions?” Ren Zong asked directly.

Director Topaz’s smile deepened. “One small request: this business needs to be handled by a new company. And this company needs to have a dedicated ‘channel’.”

Ren Zong pondered for a moment, then took a deep breath. “I need to make a call.”

Shen City, EastWei Headquarters.

The R&D center was still brightly lit late into the night. Guo Ping hurried into the encrypted conference room. The screen on the wall was already lit, displaying the emergency contact channel for the Zijin Pavilion.

“Hello, Premier!” Guo Ping stood at attention and saluted.

The Premier on the screen nodded slightly. “I know the situation. Tell Ren Zong, three principles.”

“First, the product must pass the Eastern Federation Academy of Sciences’ security review. In exchange, we will not interfere with the production process. Second, a portion of the production line must be located within our territory. As for the land, as long as it’s not a historical site, they can choose. Third…” The Premier paused. “Tell that boss that we welcome him anytime.”

Guo Ping’s eyes widened. “You know who Titan’s boss is…?”

“It cannot be said, it cannot be said,” the Premier showed a meaningful smile. “Tell Ren Zong that tomorrow’s ‘News Simulcast’ will have an urgent news flash about ‘Longteng Technology’ receiving funding from the National Strategic Emerging Industries Fund.”

Mandalay, International Hotel rooftop.

Chen Hao (Mu Yan) stood at the edge of the rooftop, his clothes fluttering in the night wind. Behind him, Director Emerald’s holographic image was reporting on the negotiation progress.

“Ren Zong has agreed to all conditions,” Director Emerald said, “but he requests that the team we send provide as much teaching service as possible.”

Chen Hao (Mu Yan) looked at the distant city lights. “Hmm, what was the Premier’s reaction?”

“Better than expected,” Director Emerald pulled up the encrypted telegram she had just received. “They not only prepared a company with special channels in advance, but also plan to arrange the titles of ‘Eastern Federation Outstanding Contribution Expert’ and ‘Foreign Academician’ for you.”

Chen Hao (Mu Yan) chuckled. “As expected of the patriarchs. Although it’s the history of another world, from the first one onwards, each has had a sharper vision than the last.” He turned to look at the sky, which was gradually brightening in the east. “Prepare the data for the ‘Golden Crow’ project. That will be my parting gift.”

“You’re going to make nuclear fusion technology public?” Director Emerald seemed slightly surprised.

“No, let’s go all the way in one step,” Chen Hao (Mu Yan) shook his head. “Perfect, the storm caused by nuclear fusion is the best opportunity for Interstellar Peace Corporation to emerge.”

“If I refuse the invitation, I should at least offer some apology. Besides, for something like large-scale lunar development, it’s better to let the country lead the way.” Chen Hao (Mu Yan) looked up at the round jade disk. “Give them some momentum, and we’ll have a chance to free-ride.”

“After all, we can’t provide tens of thousands of people who can permanently reside in a planetary base.”

Bronya’s alert suddenly popped up on the holographic screen: [Detected a large number of Nova United States reconnaissance satellites making dense orbital changes, far exceeding previous times, now targeting Mandalay].

“Should we deal with them?” Director Emerald asked.

Chen Hao (Mu Yan) looked at a flickering light in the sky. “No need, let them photograph.” A hint of playfulness flashed in his eyes. “We have to give them some hope, otherwise if they jump the gun now, I’ll suffer a big loss.”

“Ya Ya, deal with their satellites and send them the prepared overlays.”

“Okay~ Leave it to Bronya~”

Federal Center, Starlight Command underground command center.

Minister of Defense Grayson Mitchell stared at the newly received satellite image on the large electronic screen, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table. In the image, Ren Zong’s figure was clearly visible, entering the VIP channel of Mandalay Starlight International Hotel.

“Confirm it’s Ren Zhenfei himself?” Mitchell’s voice was low.

Intelligence analysis supervisor Lisa Wu pulled up the facial recognition report. “Matching degree 99.7%.”

The conference room was silent. SIA Director Robert Hayes suddenly slammed his hand on the table. “Immediately dispatch all intelligence personnel in the Emerald Principality! Use ‘Starlink’ for full-time monitoring!”

“It’s too late,” National Security Advisor Mark Reynolds pulled up an encrypted communication record. “In the past 72 hours, all 6 of our intelligence stations in the Emerald Principality have lost contact, and the last message transmitted from each was this.”

A string of garbled code flashed across the screen, finally settling on a holographic projection of a pattern: Titan’s ‘A’ logo.

“Titan has cleared the area,” Mitchell’s face was ashen. “How did they do it? Our people are elites trained in counter-reconnaissance!”

“Because the opponents are not human at all,” Technical Director Thomson pulled up a blurry video: In the night, several “figures” moved at speeds beyond human limits, their eyes glowing with an eerie blue light under infrared cameras.

“Titan’s Warriors?” Hayes gasped. “The maturity of this technology? Far stronger than what they demonstrated back then!”

Mitchell suddenly turned to the Air Force Chief of Staff. “Has the ‘Keyhole-12’ orbital change been completed?”

“It’s completed, but,” the Chief of Staff pulled up the real-time footage. “The sky above Mandalay is often covered by clouds due to climate and terrain, obstructing visible light observation. Infrared and radar are normal, but the resolution will decrease by 30%.”

Reynolds sneered, “Titan really picked a good spot!”

Mandalay, Titan Industrial City Intelligence Center.

Bronya’s projection floated in the center of the circular control room, with hundreds of holographic interfaces circulating around her. Each interface displayed parameters for a reconnaissance satellite of a different nationality.

“The New Harmony Army’s KH-12 series satellites have completed orbital changes, with orbital altitude reduced to 160 kilometers,” her sweet voice formed an eerie contrast with the cold content. “Europa’s ‘Sentinel-3B’ is adjusting its attitude and is expected to enter the optimal observation position in 27 minutes.”

Director Emerald leaned languidly in the command chair, her fingertips lightly tapping the floating panel. “As per the boss’s instructions, prepare ‘special edition’ images for them.”

“Image replacement completed,” Bronya blinked. “Do you need to give special attention to a certain ‘viewer’?”

“The main screen of the Roman Palace War Room,” Director Emerald’s lips curved slightly. “Give our President a high-definition close-up.”

Following her command, the nano-cloud layer above the Industrial City quietly changed, acting like a giant lens, precisely refracting specific wavelengths of light towards certain “eyes” in space.

Federal Center, Roman Palace War Room.

“We have a breakthrough!” a technician suddenly shouted. “A gap in the clouds has appeared!”

The President hurried to the large screen. In the image, the floor-to-ceiling windows on the top floor of Starlight International Hotel were clearly visible. Ren Zong was shaking hands with a white-haired woman. As the camera zoomed in, the Topaz brooch on the woman’s chest sparkled.

“That’s Director Topaz, one of Titan’s directors?” Secretary of State Carter frowned. “What did they talk about?”

Before he finished speaking, the screen suddenly switched, displaying the cover of a document marked [TOP SECRET]. Although most of the content was obscured, the four Chinese characters “Longteng Technology” and the EastWei logo were clearly visible.

“Quick! Analyze his lip movements!” the President urgently ordered.

The technician immediately magnified Ren Zong’s face, but as his lips moved slightly, the audio system suddenly burst with harsh static. When it returned to normal, only the last sentence was captured: “…the new personal terminal prototype will be completed within three months.”

Several question marks appeared in the war room.

“Personal terminal?!” The Minister of Energy rubbed his bald head. “What is that? A mobile phone? Or a computer?”

“Don’t make wild guesses,” the President also looked puzzled. “Continue monitoring.”