40: Bypassing controlled nuclear fusion?

After Jiang Zhonghua and Su Jin sat down opposite the Secretary, there was no unnecessary small talk. Jiang Zhonghua immediately cut to the chase, his tone extremely solemn.

"Hello, Leader. We are here representing Xinghai because we have a matter of great significance that requires reporting."

"Regarding this matter, we hope to communicate directly with the highest-level leadership."

Upon hearing this, the Shanghai Secretary's hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly, and a flicker of unconcealed surprise flashed in his eyes.

Although Xinghai was a state-supported key enterprise, demanding an audience with the highest level of leadership right away was inherently unusual.

He put down his teacup, and his expression turned serious.

"President Jiang, President Su, you should both be aware of what the highest level means."

"I require a reason substantial enough to convey this request to my superiors."

Su Jin adjusted her breathing, trying hard to appear calm, but sweat was still uncontrollably beading on her forehead.

"Leader, it's not that we are intentionally trying to conceal information; it's just that the nature and classification level of this matter are extremely special."

"Knowing the specific content itself might bring about unnecessary attention and risks."

Su Jin spoke very reservedly, but to someone within the system, her words already carried immense weight.

The Shanghai Secretary glanced at Su Jin's and Jiang Zhonghua's faces; he had seen this kind of emotion too many times.

Extreme fear.

This was a normal physiological phenomenon only exhibited when one's own fate was at stake.

Yet, amidst this fear, the Shanghai Secretary also sensed a hint of excitement.

He had already guessed one possibility, or rather, he was ninety percent certain.

Su Jin said, "We are very grateful for the continuous support you and Shanghai have given Xinghai."

"However, the instructions we received and the information we possess are highly sensitive. Once the highest-level leaders understand the preliminary situation, they will realize why they must handle it personally."

The Shanghai Secretary was an extraordinary figure; if he was merely guessing moments ago, he could now confirm that Xinghai must have mastered some technology that required immediate reporting to the top.

"I understand."

"I will report this to my superiors immediately. Please wait here."

The secretary stood up and escorted Jiang Zhonghua and Su Jin back to the reception room.

The Shanghai Secretary picked up a red secure telephone. After dialing, his tone was respectful yet revealed a hint of seriousness.

"...The two Presidents from Xinghai just came to meet with me. They hope to report some crucial information directly to the highest level of leadership."

A steady voice came from the other end of the line.

"Xinghai?"

"Hmm, this company has been performing exceptionally well lately."

"The longevity water benefits the populace, and the Memory Tracing Clear is a great joyous event that brings glory to the nation."

"I heard Xinghai invested all its profits into that T-4 material. There aren't many good companies left that take from the people and use for the nation."

The Shanghai Secretary immediately responded.

"Yes, Leader. According to the information we possess, the T-4 project recently achieved a critical breakthrough and has entered the verification stage."

"Given that they made this request at such a time, I believe it must be given the highest level of importance."

The other end of the phone fell silent for a moment.

For Xinghai, which had achieved such success, to be so solemn, even refusing to disclose a single detail in Shanghai, it clearly wasn't about T-4; it had to be a project of a higher caliber than T-4.

"Understood."

"Arrange the highest security clearance channel and send them to the Capital."

"You must ensure absolute safety."

"Understood."

All procedures were carried out in the most efficient and confidential manner possible.

From leaving the municipal government building to arriving at the military airport, and then boarding the unmarked special plane, Jiang Zhonghua and Su Jin were escorted throughout by an invisible force.

The plane climbed steadily, piercing through the clouds.

The cabin was unusually quiet, with only the low roar of the engines.

Su Jin leaned by the window, trying to calm her still-rapid heartbeat.

Just then, a roar different from the airliner's engines approached from afar.

Subconsciously, she turned her head to look out the window.

She saw two streamlined fighters, coated in gray camouflage, maintaining a precise escort formation in the clouds not far from the special plane's rear side.

With their sharp, arrowhead shape and unique canard configuration, Su Jin recognized them immediately, even though she wasn't a military enthusiast; they were the Dragon Nation's fifth-generation fighters.

Su Jin withdrew her gaze and exchanged a look with Jiang Zhonghua, who sat directly opposite her.

Fighter escort!

Chen Tao, who was responsible for the escort mission, noticed their gaze and chuckled softly.

"Presidents, there is no need to be nervous."

The plane landed smoothly at a highly restricted military airport in the Capital.

The sky was gradually darkening.

As soon as Jiang Zhonghua and Su Jin disembarked, Chen Tao and another staff member tacitly guided them toward a discreet black minivan.

The soundproofing inside the vehicle was excellent; they could barely hear any external noise.

The route was unimpeded, without any stops.

The traffic route had been controlled in advance.

The minivan finally drove into an ancient, tree-shaded courtyard with strict security access.

After passing through several security checks.

"Gentlemen, please follow me."

Jiang Zhonghua and Su Jin were guided into a spacious reception room.

The interior decor was simple yet grand.

At this moment, two people were already waiting inside.

One of them, whom Jiang Zhonghua and Su Jin had seen countless times in the news, was the Number Two Elder, who frequently appeared beside the highest-level leader.

He wore a slight smile, possessing a gentle and refined demeanor, with a profound clarity in his eyes that seemed to see through everything.

The other person, however, caused both of their hearts to pound uncontrollably.

He sat on the sofa, back straight, naturally exuding a steady dominance akin to a towering mountain.

His face was equally familiar to both of them.

It was the Leader known for his strong diplomatic style and imposing presence.

"President Jiang, President Su, you must be tired from your journey."

The Number Two Elder stood up and greeted them in a mild tone.

The Great Leader's sharp, eagle-like gaze swept over the two of them.

Jiang Zhonghua and Su Jin felt an invisible pressure wash over them, making them even more restless.

Jiang Zhonghua quickly stepped forward and bowed low.

"Hello, Leader!"

"Have a seat."

"The commotion your Xinghai has caused this time is considerable."

His tone carried a touch of well-placed humor, easing the heavy atmosphere somewhat.

Jiang Zhonghua forced himself to stay alert, but his entire body was trembling uncontrollably.

He pulled a pure black flash drive from the inner lining of his suit jacket, placed it on the table, and respectfully stepped back.

An assistant wearing a suit put on a pair of gloves, took the flash drive, and inserted it into a special terminal.

When the assistant saw the contents of the three file folders on the flash drive, he felt a sting in his eyes.

[flint Nuclear Energy Battery Research Log]

[carbon nanotube t-4 Research Log]

[Space-based Orbital High-Energy Laser System]

He quickly pushed the terminal screen toward the two leaders.

When the two leaders saw the contents of the folders, they were profoundly shocked, even though they had prepared themselves beforehand.

Nuclear energy?

Space-based?

"Open the first file."

The assistant quickly operated the terminal and opened the [flint Nuclear Energy Battery Research Log] folder.

The bolded summary at the beginning appeared before the eyes of all three men.

[Technical Positioning: Based on an entirely new physical architecture, bypassing the path of controllable nuclear fusion technology to achieve stable, safe, miniaturized, and extremely high energy output.]

Bypassing controllable nuclear fusion?

The two leaders exchanged glances, both seeing the seriousness in the other's eyes.

Naturally, they did not believe this was just an ordinary high-energy battery; otherwise, Xinghai would not have so solemnly requested a meeting with them.

Therefore, the truth was self-evident: this was the literal meaning.

Nuclear energy technology that truly achieved a corner overtake by bypassing controllable nuclear fusion.

The two leaders, who had weathered storms and witnessed the gradual rise of the Dragon Nation from nothing, stared motionless at the terminal screen, speechless for a long time.

Although they were not technical experts, they understood that once controllable nuclear fusion was achieved, Blue Star's civilization would undergo a leap.

This was a major breakthrough that could not be summarized simply as an industrial revolution.

The shackles of civilization had shattered at this moment.

Longke University.

Academician Chen, with a full head of silver hair, was lecturing on "Advanced Material Mechanics."

The auditorium was packed, and students were diligently taking notes.

"Therefore, provided the materials meet the standard, you could even install an elevator into space..."

Academician Chen's words were interrupted by the sound of the door opening.

Six men in dark suits quickly entered the classroom. Before Professor Chen could speak, two of the men flanked him, one on each side, and escorted him out of the classroom.