346: Chapter 346 Evidence of America

This performance, billed as a live broadcast where the President would answer questions in real-time, didn't look like a live broadcast at all.

What puzzled many viewers was that Obama stood behind the podium wearing a tailored blue suit, yet the two flags beside him hung perfectly still, their folds unchanged, not even swaying in the slightest breeze.

His expression was solemn, stiff as if it had been deliberately posed, and his speech rate was monotonous, lacking the natural pauses, breaths, and fluctuations of a live human speaker...

But many more viewers didn't notice these details; they heard Obama say:

"I know this decision will spark debate, and I know many will question it. After all, in the eyes of many, I am pro-China and have always called for cooperation with China.

But the prerequisite for cooperation with China is that the United States must not suffer any losses, so...

I can say with full responsibility that the conclusion is correct: Transsion Technology has indeed participated in the research and development of high-performance fighter jet engines.

This is not speculation, not suspicion; it is concrete evidence. Please, capital markets, do not panic; your assets will not suffer any losses."

A nationwide broadcast in the United States, a global broadcast.

It felt more like a warning—a warning to China... a warning to Transsion.

"He says there's concrete evidence, why don't you just show us the intelligence?"

"If Transsion could really build fighter jet engines, I'd eat my phone right here on the spot."

"Transsion's technology is actually quite strong, and now they've become a free promotion!"

"Obama, blink if you've been kidnapped by the hawks..."

"From an electric vehicle company to fighter jet engines, why not just say they're all-powerful? Can rice cookers launch intercontinental missiles too?"

But Obama continued:

"I know this decision will have an impact on United States companies, and I know there will be economic costs, but national security is paramount.

We cannot ignore long-term national security risks for the sake of short-term economic interests."

After the speech ended, public opinion within the United States exploded.

Under the recorded video on CNA, American netizens weren't buying it either.

"So, a company that makes phones suddenly becomes a military-industrial giant? This is more absurd than a Hollywood script!"

"If Transsion could really build fighter jet engines, then France's aerospace industry would have surpassed us long ago. In fact, they are still using Russian engines."

"Using this excuse again, always targeting Transsion. Will Huawei be next?"

"I am an American, but I support Transsion. This is banditry."

In China, the backlash was even fiercer; the top 10 trending topics on Weibo were all related to this.

The China Daily also published a commentary: "How much longer can the United States play the security card?"

Transsion's official account also issued a statement in the afternoon, mocking the United States' impotent rage, but offered no explanation regarding the engine matter.

After all, some things, while absurd, are...

Shen Fei didn't retweet it; he posted his own Weibo, appearing very casual, as if he were just posting a social media update.

"Just finished putting the kids to bed and saw the news. Saying I'm working on fighter jet engines? Please, I'm just a phone maker. I value my life; I haven't even flown on a plane that many times, so how could I build an engine?

Is the United States doing this because they see my Smart Home products are about to be released, so they're giving us a big gift in advance? Regardless, thanks to the United States for giving us some free publicity in advance and giving everyone a good laugh. Transsion Smart Home will be released as scheduled on July 15th.

With over 100 products, there's bound to be one that suits you. It's up to you whether you come or not! These are products certified by the 'US'!"

The attached image was the promotional poster for the Transsion Smart Home launch event.

"It seems they really invested a lot in smart home technology. Even with so much of his money frozen, President Shen is still selling home appliances."

"To the person above, with so much money frozen, he has to try to recoup his losses."

"Fighter jet engines? If Transsion really had that technology, I'd be the first to buy a Transsion plane to commute to work."

Digital Chat Station, the unofficial account, showed off again: "President Shen is truly the richest man in the world. With a trillion dollars in assets frozen, he's still so patient. He must be quite confident about future developments..."

After Digital Chat Station finished showing off, traffic to the Transsion Smart Home official website surged three-fold.

After all, a trillion in assets were frozen, and Transsion didn't react at all. Are they really not bothered by this amount, or...

Consequently, the Transsion official website received even more traffic, but once people took a look, they couldn't bring themselves to leave.

In contrast, the number of users in the smart home lobby began to grow towards 100,000+, 200,000+...

Meanwhile, the United States Defense News official website also published a new article.

"Transsion's Military Project Is Not Just Engines; Intelligence Indicates It Is a Powerplant for Carrier-Based Aircraft"

"According to an intelligence official who requested anonymity, the military project Transsion is involved in is not an ordinary fighter jet engine, but a high-performance turbofan engine specifically designed for carrier-based aircraft.

The performance of this engine is allegedly superior to the F414-GE-400 engine used by the United States Navy's active-duty F/A-18 E/F.

If the intelligence is true, this would mean China has achieved a leapfrog breakthrough in the field of aero-engines, and Transsion is a core participant in this breakthrough. Any sanctions are justified."

This news seemed more credible than the earlier report, yet it made even more American citizens feel that they were simply lying.

After all, the phrases "requested anonymity," "allegedly," and "if the intelligence is true" all served as proof that this was false information; one lie requires more lies to cover it up.

But the tone back home changed instantly.

"Wait, something feels a bit off. It doesn't seem like the United States is just making this up."

"Do you believe the United States, or do you believe that I am the First Emperor of Qin? The F414-GE-400 is one of the United States' most advanced carrier-based aircraft engines. Is it possible for Transsion, a layman, to build something better than top-tier military-industrial enterprises? It's clear they have no shame."

"The person above can't say that. The name Shen Fei, Shen Fei... Shenyang Aircraft Corporation is also called Shen Fei, right?"

"Holy crap, no way, right?"

When Shen Fei saw this revelation, he was in a preparatory meeting for the smart home launch event with Li Qing, Wang Hua, Liu Fang, and others.

The United States news was naturally displayed on the big screen.

"They got it wrong! Our engine is better than the F414. This isn't 'alleged,' it's a fact."

Zhang Mingzhu smiled from the side.

"You should just keep that to yourself; don't say it out loud."

Shen Fei smiled and looked at Li Qing again: "How is the preparation for the launch event going?"

"Everything is ready. We have already conducted three rehearsals. We will mainly introduce large items like refrigerators and air conditioners, while letting users experience some of the smaller items offline themselves."

"Hmm. Then leave it be; let them guess."

Shen Fei watched the launch preparations with a smile, but his mind was on the engines.

Whether it's fighter jets or carrier-based aircraft, let them say whatever they want.

Right now, his priority is the Transsion Smart Home launch event.

...Brothers, the extra update is written, but there's a small issue today, so it will take another hour or so before you can see it.