16: Chapter 016: Threat or Opportunity?
Inside the temporary command room of Long Zhantian at the "Hidden Dragon" Base, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt as if it could drip water.
The latest reports regarding Lin Mo were spread across the table: from the miraculous success in the laboratory to the deep analysis of his purchase records, and finally to the detailed account of the alley conflict and its subsequent handling report. All the clues, like scattered pearls, were strung together one by one by Long Zhantian using his sharp insight and rigorous logic.
Su Xiaowan stood to the side, watching Long Zhantian's furrowed brows and his fingers constantly tapping on the reports, her heart filled with complex emotions. The image of that junior named Lin Mo became increasingly mysterious and... towering in her heart.
"Motive," Long Zhantian suddenly spoke, his voice low. "A twenty-two-year-old young man, while in a state of personal distress, anonymously handed over technology sufficient to change the nation's destiny for free. What is he after?"
Old Chen was also present. Leaning against the back of a chair, he said solemnly, "This is the most critical point of doubt, and also the place that best proves his purity. If he wanted something—whether it be money, status, or anything else—il he could have completely used the technology as a bargaining chip to exchange for more. But he chose the most direct and also the most dangerous way: anonymous submission. This can only mean his purpose is very simple: to help the country break the blockade."
"Simplicity often means being harder to predict and easier to be influenced by external factors." Long Zhantian's gaze was sharp. "The abilities he is showing now have already far surpassed ordinary people. The acquisition of knowledge seems to be accompanied by a rapid improvement in personal ability. We cannot determine where the limit of this 'growth' is, nor can we be sure if his mindset will change as the power he wields grows stronger."
He pointed to the report of the alley conflict: "Look here. When he subdued his opponents, he was calm, efficient, and his strikes were precise yet measured. This isn't just fighting technique; it's a kind of control that's deep in his bones. It's absolutely impossible for an ordinary fresh graduate to possess such mental fortitude and skill in such a short time. This only shows that the 'gift' he received is all-encompassing."
"You mean... he himself might be becoming an... uncontrollable factor?" Old Chen's expression also became serious.
"This risk exists," Long Zhantian did not deny it. "An individual possessing knowledge beyond the era and whose personal abilities are constantly strengthening—if his will deviates from the national interest, even if only slightly, the potential destruction caused would be catastrophic. This is far more complex and dangerous than a static technical blueprint."
The command room fell into a brief silence. What Long Zhantian raised was a realistic problem they had to face. Lin Mo's value was unparalleled, but his potential 'uncontrollability' was equally worrying.
"But, General Long," Su Xiaowan couldn't help but speak, her voice clear and firm. "All our analyses indicate that everything he has done so far has been to help the Dragon Kingdom. His anonymous submission of technology was help; his purchase of materials for research is very likely to obtain more knowledge that can help the country; he even chose restraint when being harassed, causing no unnecessary harm. How can we negate a national scholar who is creating 'miracles' for us just because of a 'possible' future risk? This is unfair to him and irresponsible to the country!"
Long Zhantian looked at Su Xiaowan, his gaze deep. He didn't get angry because of her rebuttal but instead nodded. "You're right. The risk is potential, while the contribution he brings is real and has already happened. We cannot stop eating for fear of choking."
He stood up and walked to the huge electronic map, his gaze falling on the light spot representing Lin Mo's rented room, and made the final decision:
"Therefore, the conclusion is: Lin Mo is currently the most important 'strategic asset' of the Dragon Kingdom, and one that needs to be treated with the utmost caution."
"Our strategy needs adjustment. The previous 'no contact unless necessary' needs to be given a more proactive connotation." Long Zhantian turned around, his tone decisive. "First, the protection level is raised to the highest. We must not only guard against external threats but also establish an internal assessment mechanism to continuously and covertly observe his mental state and values, ensuring he always aligns with the national interest. Second, before he actively reveals himself, we will no longer wait passively. We can try to create some 'safe' opportunities for limited, non-intrusive observation and guidance. For example, when he needs certain materials that are hard to obtain, we can let him get them more easily through 'coincidences,' reducing his risk of exposure and letting him feel the 'goodwill' of the country rather than 'surveillance'."
"Third, and most importantly," Long Zhantian's gaze swept across Old Chen and Su Xiaowan, "we must be fully prepared so that once he actively contacts us or his identity faces the risk of exposure, we can make the most appropriate response immediately, giving him the highest level of trust and support, and fully incorporating him into the national system so he can exert his full potential without any worries."
"He is not a threat; he is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. And we must ensure this opportunity is firmly held in the hands of the Dragon Kingdom and guide it toward the brightest future."
Long Zhantian's judgment set the tone for how to handle this special existence that was Lin Mo—limited guidance and observation under extreme protection, waiting for the moment when the fruit was ripe. A more sophisticated protection and observation operation surrounding Lin Mo quietly upgraded.