Chapter 155: The Star-Spangled Country Will Definitely Intervene

He pointed to the route on the sea: "The Star-Spangled Country has a powerful navy and air force and can quickly project troops to the battlefield. I estimate that within one month of the war breaking out, the Star-Spangled Country will dispatch at least 150,000 troops, including Marine Corps and air force units."

Minister Zhao frowned: "150,000? This number is too shocking. The Star-Spangled Country's mainland is so far from Taiji Tiger, and the transportation and logistics pressure is enormous; it is impossible for them to commit so many troops."

"Don't forget, they just won a global war," Li Mingyuan reminded, "Their military-industrial system is still running at full speed, and they have sufficient personnel and supplies. Furthermore, they have deployed a complete chain of military bases across the Taipingyang, and their logistics and transportation capabilities far exceed our imagination."

Li Mingyuan's analysis was clear and logically rigorous, not like random guessing, but based on a profound understanding of the international situation.

Minister Zhao could not help but look at this young man with new eyes.

"Your analysis makes a lot of sense," Minister Zhao pondered for a moment, "but there is one more point I don't understand. Even if the Star-Spangled Country decides to intervene, their target should be the Sun Country, and there is no direct conflict with our Long Country. Why did the superiors order us to enter a state of combat readiness?"

Li Mingyuan took a deep breath, knowing that what he was about to say might cause a shock, but he had to say it:

"Minister, in my view, once the Star-Spangled Country intervenes on a large scale, the nature of this war will fundamentally change. It will no longer be a regional conflict between the Sun Country and Taiji Tiger, but a confrontation between two major camps."

He paused and looked straight into Minister Zhao's eyes: "And in this situation, it will be difficult for our Long Country to stay out of it."

Minister Zhao's expression became unusually serious: "You mean..."

"I mean," Li Mingyuan said calmly, "we need to be prepared for everything, including the worst-case scenario."

Silence fell in the office.

Minister Zhao walked back to the window and looked at the busy research base outside, seemingly thinking about the profound implications of Li Mingyuan's words.

"Mingyuan, your analysis is very profound and surprises me." Minister Zhao finally spoke, his voice low, "A young engineer focused on technical research is actually able to have such a clear understanding of the international situation."

Li Mingyuan did not respond, only smiled slightly.

"I will report your analysis to my superiors," Minister Zhao made up his mind, "At the same time, I believe we should accelerate the research, development, and production of all weapon systems, especially Radar, Fire Control System, and Anti-aircraft weapon. If your prediction comes true, these pieces of equipment will play a key role."

Li Mingyuan nodded: "I agree. At the same time, the research and development of the Jet Engine cannot be relaxed. If the war continues or escalates, air superiority will become extremely critical."

"Starting tomorrow, we will form a specialized team to fully support your Jet Engine project." Minister Zhao set the tone, "You just focus on the research and development; leave the other matters to me to handle."

This night's conversation far exceeded Li Mingyuan's expectations.

He had thought Minister Zhao only wanted to ask about technical details, but he did not expect it to involve such a strategic-level discussion.

However, this also gave him an opportunity to prepare in advance for the war that might come.

"It's getting late, you should go back and rest first." Minister Zhao looked at his watch; it was already past three in the morning, "There is a lot of work waiting for us tomorrow."

Li Mingyuan nodded and stood up to take his leave. When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and looked back at Minister Zhao:

"Minister, no matter what happens in the future, we will do our utmost to provide the country with the most advanced technical support. Please rest assured on this point."

Minister Zhao watched Li Mingyuan's firm gaze and nodded solemnly: "I believe in you, Mingyuan. Go back and rest now."

After Li Mingyuan left, Minister Zhao stood alone in front of the window, his thoughts in turmoil.

The appearance of this young man seemed to have changed too many things. Every one of his inventions was ahead of its time, and tonight's analysis of the international situation was even more astonishing.

"What exactly is his background..." Minister Zhao muttered to himself, then shook his head, not wanting to think about it anymore.

No matter what secrets Li Mingyuan had, as long as his talent was used to serve the country, that was enough.

Minister Zhao walked back to the desk and picked up the phone.

Although it was late at night, he decided to report Li Mingyuan's analysis and predictions to his superiors immediately.

If these predictions came true, every minute of preparation time would be precious.

On the other end of the line, an alert voice came: "Hello, who is this?"

"It's me, Zhao. There is an emergency that needs to be reported..."

……

At daybreak, the door to the Special Materials Laboratory was pushed open, and Li Mingyuan led five carefully selected Technical Workers inside. This laboratory had been urgently renovated last night; it was originally an idle warehouse, but now it had been installed with various metallurgical equipment and testing instruments.

"The equipment is complete, and the raw materials are also in place," Li Mingyuan looked around and nodded with satisfaction, "We can begin."

At six in the morning, Professor Zhang and several materials experts also arrived.

They had come to supervise and evaluate Li Mingyuan's "feat," with unconcealable skepticism on their faces.

After all, manufacturing a High-temperature Alloy Turbine Blade within a week was, in their view, simply a fantasy.

"Good morning, experts," Li Mingyuan greeted with a smile, not minding their skeptical gazes at all, "Please sit in the observation area over there; we will start the first melting test immediately."

Professor Zhang nodded, sat down with the other experts, and took out a notebook to prepare to record. In his heart, he was already prepared to witness a failure.

Li Mingyuan did not say much and immediately threw himself into work.

He handed a detailed formula to his assistant, then began to precisely weigh various metal raw materials: nickel, chromium, cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum, aluminum, titanium... these elements were mixed according to a specific ratio to form a special High-temperature Alloy.

"The first batch of raw materials is ready," the assistant reported.

Li Mingyuan nodded and placed the mixed metal raw materials into the Vacuum Melting Furnace.

This was an advanced piece of equipment imported from the Polar Bear, capable of high-temperature melting in a vacuum environment to prevent metal oxidation.

"Start the melting program, control the temperature at 1500 degrees Celsius," Li Mingyuan ordered, his eyes fixed on the data on the control panel.

The melting furnace began to operate, the temperature rose rapidly, and the metal gradually melted inside the furnace.

Li Mingyuan adjusted the parameters from time to time, controlling every subtle change during the melting process.

The entire process lasted for four hours, during which he did not leave the console for even a moment.

"The temperature is starting to drop, prepare for casting," Li Mingyuan announced, while signaling the assistant to prepare the molds.