139: Chapter 139 Late-Night Video with Old Chen
When the special notification sound of the encrypted quantum communication channel rang inside the "fortress-1" carriage, it was already late at night. The flow of traffic on the city's peripheral roads had become sparse, with only the light strips of street lamps receding at a constant speed outside the car window.
The main screen in front of Lin Mo lit up automatically, and Elder Chen's holographic image appeared. The background was no longer the daytime office but a simple study with warm lighting and bookshelves reaching the ceiling. Elder Chen wore a comfortable wool cardigan, his face showing the fatigue of a long journey, but his eyes were exceptionally bright, even carrying a sense of relief and ease.
"Lin Mo, am I interrupting your rest?" Elder Chen's voice came through the quantum communication, as clear as if he were right there, carrying the concern of an elder.
"No, Elder Chen. I was just organizing some thoughts regarding the energy conduction nodes of the planetary defense system." Lin Mo sat up straight, his tone respectful.
"Good, good, never forgetting the important work." Elder Chen nodded with satisfaction, then his smile faded, and his expression became solemn. "The communication during the day was rushed. There are some things I wanted to talk to you about more in private. Regarding the 'Bright Dawn' Project, and... the path you are about to take."
Lin Mo listened intently. For North Heaven Gate, this was not just a mission briefing, but a heart-to-heart conversation.
"First, on behalf of the Supreme Command Headquarters, and also on my own behalf, I thank you once again and offer my apologies," Elder Chen said slowly, his tone sincere. "Thank you for everything you have done for the country, those great achievements that cannot be made public. Also... I must apologize to you. To protect you and these secrets, we previously let you endure immense pressure, loneliness, and danger. We even let innocent children... fall into peril because of you."
At the mention of the kindergarten, a flash of sorrow and anger crossed Elder Chen's eyes.
Lin Mo shook his head. "Elder Chen, you're overstating it. I chose this path myself, and I handed over the technology voluntarily. As for the danger... those maddened hyenas, their sins are not something you or the country should apologize for. They are the ones who must pay the price."
"You're right." Elder Chen took a deep breath. "Therefore, the 'Bright Dawn' Project is about fundamentally changing this passive situation. But Lin Mo, you must understand what it means to step into the spotlight."
His gaze sharpened. "It means you will transform from a 'shadow hero' into a 'flag,' a 'benchmark,' and even a 'target.' Honor, glory, and the attention and love of billions will surge toward you like a tide. But similarly, open attacks and hidden arrows, groundless slander, excessive expectations, and even more subtle malice will follow. You will no longer have absolute privacy in your life, and your every word and action may be amplified and scrutinized. Are you ready?"
Lin Mo was silent for a moment, his gaze shifting to a corner of the screen representing the "Fuxi" data stream, where update information regarding the "reaper" orbital prediction was silently scrolling past.
"Elder Chen," he began, his voice calm and firm, "if I said I was completely ready, that would be a lie. No one can be fully prepared for such a massive change. However, when I saw the 'Ghost' using children as bargaining chips, when I saw his powerless struggle under our technology through the eyes of the 'hummingbird,' and especially... when I think of the system prompts, where the 'reaper' is accelerating its approach..."
He turned back to look directly at Elder Chen. "I knew that personal peace and a low-profile life are luxuries in the face of these things—even... an irresponsible escape. I need a broader and more efficient platform to work, and the country needs a clearer and more powerful symbol to unify strength and deter enemies. 'Stepping from the shadows into the light' is a challenge, but even more so, an opportunity. I am willing to accept this challenge and bear this responsibility."
Listening to him, Elder Chen's eyes grew slightly warm again, and he nodded heavily. "Good! Such character! Such vision! We truly didn't misjudge you!"
He changed the subject, his tone becoming practical. "Now, let's talk specifics. Regarding the method and timing of your debut, the Supreme Command Headquarters has a few preliminary ideas and would like to hear your opinion."
Elder Chen pulled up a brief outline. "Option one is relatively low-profile. Arrange a special decoration ceremony and academic report within the Supreme Academy of Sciences. We would release news and some of your contributions through official channels, but it would be mainly directed at the domestic academic community and elite circles, with limited public disclosure."
"Option two is high-profile and grand. Hold a global press conference where the highest levels of the state and military personally 'stand' for you, officially announcing your identity as 'Patriot X' and your core contributions, and accepting questioning from the global media. This would have the greatest momentum and strongest deterrent effect, but the pressure and risks would also be the highest."
"Option three is gradual. First, release in-depth interviews or documentaries through authoritative media to gradually reveal the truth and build public sentiment, then choose an opportune moment for an official debut. This method is relatively mild and gives the public a process to adapt."
Lin Mo finished listening carefully and hardly hesitated. "I choose option two, the global press conference."
Elder Chen didn't seem surprised, but he still wanted to confirm. "And the reason? This is undoubtedly the most aggressive choice."
"There are three reasons," Lin Mo said clearly. "First, to maximize the deterrent effect. If we're going to strike, we should hit the opponent where it hurts most. Let them see clearly that the target they racked their brains to find and used despicable means to destroy is not only safe and sound but is standing openly under the spotlight of the country and the people, receiving the highest level of treatment and protection. This will most effectively crush their arrogance and make them hesitate to act recklessly in the short term."
"Second, to seize absolute discourse power. Instead of letting the opponent continue to spread rumors and confuse the public, we should present the truth, the achievements, and our confidence completely and grandly before the whole world. From then on, all rights to interpret anything regarding 'Patriot X' will belong to us."
"Third," Lin Mo paused, "time waits for no one. The shadow of the 'reaper' is drawing closer, and we need to quickly integrate global forces. A clear, powerful, and publicly recognized image of a scientific leader can more efficiently promote the establishment of the 'Blue Star Defense Council' and related cooperation than if I continue to be a 'mystery man.' We need to let the world see that the Dragon Nation not only has the technology but also the determination and responsibility to lead humanity in dealing with a common crisis. And I am willing to be that symbol."
After hearing this, Elder Chen clapped his hands in admiration. "Good! Clear thinking and long-term vision! It's completely consistent with the judgment of the Supreme Command Headquarters' core team! Then option two it is! We will prepare at the fastest speed. This will be an unprecedented press conference in the history of the Dragon Nation, and even in human history!"
Next, Elder Chen detailed the preliminary security concept: the venue for the press conference would be the National Convention Center, which has the most rigorous air defense and ground protection systems, using multi-layered identity verification and physical isolation. Lin Mo's public itinerary would be extremely streamlined, with the newly formed "Torch Dragon" Special Guard Unit led by Long Zhantian providing close protection throughout. His daily residence and research sites would also be upgraded to security fortresses comparable to the national strategic command center. Meanwhile, the "Mozi" quantum network and "Fuxi"'s real-time monitoring would be used to build a 24/7, all-encompassing security early warning system.
"Of course, these are all external," Elder Chen finally said solemnly. "The most fundamental security lies in our country's comprehensive strength and determination. From the moment you debut, any hostile action against you will be regarded as a direct attack on the Dragon Nation, and we reserve the right to take all measures to counterattack. This is our solemn commitment to you and to the future of the country."
Lin Mo felt the weight of that commitment and determination, and a warm current surged in his heart as he responded solemnly, "I understand, and I believe."
With the official business concluded, Elder Chen's expression relaxed, carrying a hint of an elder's teasing. "By the way, there's one more thing. That girl Su Xiaowan really made a great contribution this time. The 'Weaving Net' system, under her leadership, performed excellently in this anti-hunting operation. After the press conference, her position and authority will be adjusted accordingly. It's very likely... she will become your permanent liaison between the National Academy of Sciences and the 'Torch Dragon' Guard Unit. You young people will have more opportunities to interact in the future."
Lin Mo was slightly startled. Su Xiaowan's intelligent and persistent eyes appeared before him, along with her brief and powerful "Received" in the encrypted communication. A faint smile, which he didn't even notice himself, appeared on his face. "Engineer Su is very capable; working with her is very efficient."
Elder Chen saw that fleeting change in Lin Mo's expression and smiled without saying a word, but he felt somewhat relieved in his heart. This child carried too much; it was good to have a trustworthy, capable partner of a similar age by his side.
"Alright, it's late, and you should get some rest. Long Zhantian will coordinate the details of the press conference plan with you as soon as possible." Elder Chen ended the call. "Remember, child, from now on, you are not fighting alone. Behind you are the motherland and the people."
"I'll remember, Elder Chen. Good night."
The communication ended, and silence returned to the carriage.
Lin Mo leaned back in his seat, digesting everything from tonight's conversation. From behind the scenes to the front stage, from hiding to appearing, a brand-new path full of glory and thorns had clearly spread out before him.
He no longer felt hesitant, only a sense of calm as he faced the storm, and an urgency to arm the civilization he loved faster and stronger to deal with the unknown threat from the depths of the starry sky.
He pulled up the design drawings of the planetary defense system again, his gaze even more focused.
Time was really running out. And he was about to race against time with a brand-new identity.