172: Chapter 172 After the H2O was deployed, the world became much quieter.

Professor Zhou Xuemin did not stay at Xu Hao's residence for long.

After chatting for a bit about nuclear-powered construction, Professor Zhou Xuemin stood up to take his leave.

Xu Hao stood up and saw him to the gate of the courtyard.

"Elder Zhou, in a few days, I might have to head back!"

Xu Hao said before their parting.

Professor Zhou Xuemin was slightly stunned, not expecting Xu Hao to leave in such a hurry.

"You're not staying for a few more days? It'll probably take some more time before the work on Changxing Island is finished!"

Professor Zhou Xuemin said.

Xu Hao shook his head.

"I'll spend these few days wandering around Longdu to enjoy the local customs, and then I'll rush back to Xu's Heavy Industry."

"The construction of the Aircraft Carrier is about to begin, and there's still a lot of work to prepare."

Having stayed in Longdu for a while, it was indeed time to head back.

Although the design plan for the Aircraft Carrier had been perfected.

Some minor details still needed to be handled properly.

After all, building an Aircraft Carrier was a massive project, and one could not afford to be careless.

Although Professor Zhou Xuemin wanted Xu Hao to stay in Longdu for a bit longer, he considered the gravity of the Aircraft Carrier project.

After thinking it over, he no longer tried to persuade him to stay.

"Remember to visit Longdu more often."

"Transportation is so convenient now, and since you have a residence in Longdu, it's much easier than before."

"Mhm," Xu Hao nodded.

Waving goodbye to Professor Zhou Xuemin, Xu Hao returned to the inner courtyard.

The next day, Xu Hao took Wang Qian to visit various scenic spots in Longdu, including the Great Wall, the Ancient Palace, Long'anmen, and so on.

He stopped thinking about scientific research, completely relaxed, and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful time.

Wang Qian was very happy.

She arrived at Long'anmen and looked at the grand ancient architecture, her bright eyes wide with wonder.

"Wow, is this Long'anmen?"

Wang Qian stood on her tiptoes, leaning forward, her fair palm over her eyes to shield them from the direct sunlight.

She looked surprised. "This is my first time at Longdu's Long'anmen; it's so magnificent."

Xu Hao stood behind her, glanced at Long'anmen, and then his gaze returned to Wang Qian.

Today, she was wearing a small white dress with a white belt tied around her waist.

The dress narrowed at the waist, and with the belt tightening it further, her waist looked exceptionally slender.

She wore a pair of small white shoes, and her fair, delicate legs were partially visible as the wind blew her skirt.

He was slightly dazed.

By the time he snapped out of it, Wang Qian happened to be looking at him.

The tips of her ears were flushed, and her eyes held a strange look.

"Chairman Xu, can you... can you take a photo for me?"

Wang Qian said weakly, her voice as quiet as a mosquito's buzz.

"Ah? Sure... okay!"

Xu Hao gave a light cough to hide his embarrassment.

He took Wang Qian's phone, had her pose, adjusted the angle, and with a click, took a beautiful photo of her.

To get the best result, Xu Hao turned the camera's beauty filter to the maximum.

Indeed.

After the beauty filter, Wang Qian looked even more beautiful.

Wang Qian was very satisfied with the photo.

"Let's go, let's wander around elsewhere."

After saying that, Xu Hao took the lead and walked toward other scenic areas.

While he wasn't paying attention, Wang Qian pressed the shutter and secretly took a photo of Xu Hao.

In the photo, Xu Hao's eyes were slightly lazy, and his face was handsome.

Wang Qian smiled softly and saved the photo in a private folder.

Besides Long'anmen, Xu Hao and Wang Qian also visited the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall.

Standing atop the Great Wall and looking at the layers of mountains, Xu Hao felt full of lofty aspirations.

The frustration in his chest vanished instantly as he let out a soft breath, and his whole body felt much lighter.

After coming down from the Great Wall.

In the evening, Xu Hao took Wang Qian to Longdu's snack street to taste various local delicacies.

Wang Qian was extremely happy.

Since childhood, she had never been as happy as she was today.

And all of this was brought to her by Xu Hao.

Walking behind Xu Hao, she looked at him deeply, a different kind of emotion surging in her heart.

Due to her family environment, she had always kept her heart closed off.

But now, that closed heart seemed to be slowly melting.

Wang Qian felt this change.

If it were before, she would definitely have been afraid of such a change or even tried to escape it.

But now... she didn't seem to resist it.

She even wanted to accept this change.

Xu Hao didn't know what Wang Qian was thinking; he was fully immersed in eating, drinking, and having fun.

The two of them played until late at night before dragging their tired bodies back to the Courtyard House.

After showering, they were exhausted and fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows.

For the next few days, Xu Hao spent his time playing.

Because in a while, he would once again immerse himself in intense and busy scientific research work.

He might as well take this opportunity to relax properly...

While Xu Hao was out playing these few days, netizens were surprised to find something.

After Dragon Country announced that the H-20 Strategic Stealth Bomber had entered service, the world became much quieter.

Only the USA's White House symbolically condemned the Dragon Country military at a defense press conference.

Then, they issued some inconsequential sanctions against Xu Hao and Xu's Heavy Industry.

Besides that, they made no other moves.

At the same time.

Countries surrounding Dragon Country, such as South Korea, Japan, and India, which had been very active recently.

Uncannily, they all became much quieter in unison.

They said nothing and made no moves.

Japan even warned its own fishermen not to enter sensitive waters to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

Such a scene was truly rare!

Since when did they become so obedient?!

For a while.

Netizens enthusiastically started discussions online about this change.

"Quiet, it's really too quiet!"

"As expected, these cowards just needed a lesson. Since the H-20 entered service, they haven't dared to let out a single fart."

"In this world, it's all about whose fist is harder. They're just a bunch of bullies who fear the strong and pick on the weak; they know who they can mess with and who they can't."

"I heard Japan was planning military drills on the reefs, but after hearing the news about the H-20 Strategic Stealth Bomber, they canceled them the very next day, hahaha..."

"..."

Netizens suddenly felt a sense of pride and vindication!

These "filial sons and grandsons" of the USA, like Japan and South Korea, loved to seek attention in front of Dragon Country whenever they could.

As long as their USA "daddy" was unhappy, they would come out to "show filial piety" by picking a fight with Dragon Country.

Although they never gained anything from Dragon Country, it was at least a gesture to show the USA.

But now, they didn't even dare to put on a show.

The official induction of the H-20 into service gave them a sudden wake-up call.

Dragon Country was no longer the Dragon Country of old!

If they were truly too flamboyant, one misstep could lead Dragon Country to strike hard.

When that time came, although the USA might help them.

But the economic losses would be irreparable.

They were unwilling to engage in such a losing bargain.

So, they simply pulled their heads back; no matter what the USA instructed, they didn't dare to act out during this time.

The bird that sticks its head out gets shot!

It's better to keep a low profile..."