Chapter 184: We Can Definitely Win

"The mental state is fine, but the equipment cannot keep up." Li Yunlong's voice carried anxiety.

"Especially the anti-aircraft weapons; our existing anti-aircraft guns simply cannot reach those high-altitude flying B-29 Bombers. If the Star-Spangled Country really launches an air raid, we will have no power to fight back."

"Hold on for a few more days," Li Mingyuan comforted him. "We are stepping up production of new anti-aircraft weapons, and they will be sent to the front line soon."

"I hope it's soon," Li Yunlong sighed. "By the way, there is good news. The Polar Bear seems to finally be taking action. We just received news that a group of Polar Bear Military Advisors is already on the way, and they have also promised to provide some anti-aircraft equipment."

This news made Li Mingyuan heave a sigh of relief. "That's great. With the support of the Polar Bear, our pressure will be much less."

Hanging up the phone, Li Mingyuan hurried to the research institute's large conference room, where an emergency meeting was being held.

Pushing open the door, the room was already full of people.

Besides the Technical Backbone of the research institute, there were also Advanced representatives from the Military and the government. The atmosphere was unusually tense.

"Chief Engineer Li is here," someone whispered.

A general wearing a military uniform stood up. "Chief Engineer Li, please sit. We are discussing the latest situation."

Li Mingyuan found a seat, and the general continued:

"According to the latest intelligence, the Polar Bear has finally agreed to provide substantive support, including air force support and Anti-aircraft Systems. This is good news, but we cannot rely on them entirely. Therefore, the task of independently researching and producing Advanced weapons is even more urgent."

A wave of low discussion broke out in the conference room.

"Will the Polar Bear really send troops?" a technician asked in a low voice. "Aren't they always just talk?"

"This time is different," the general explained. "The Star-Spangled Country has already deployed Missiles within the territory of the Sun Country, directly threatening the Polar Bear's security in the Yuandong. They have to take this issue seriously."

"But even with the Polar Bear's support, can we defeat the Star-Spangled Country?" an elderly engineer asked with concern. "Their technical level and military strength are far beyond ours."

Before the general could answer, an official from the intelligence department interjected:

"According to our intelligence, the Star-Spangled Country has deployed at least 300 fighter jets in the Sun Country, including 30 B-29 Bombers and 200 F-86 Sabre fighters. As for the army, they have about 150,000 ground troops, well-equipped and with strong combat effectiveness. In addition, they have also deployed a certain number of Mushroom Bombs, which they may use at any time."

Hearing these numbers, the atmosphere in the conference room became even heavier, and some people even showed expressions of despair.

"Are we really going to go to war with such an opponent?" a young engineer couldn't help but ask. "This is simply throwing an egg against a rock!"

There was Silence in the conference room, and everyone was waiting for an answer.

The general looked around, and finally his gaze fell on Li Mingyuan. "Chief Engineer Li, what do you think?"

Everyone's eyes were focused on Li Mingyuan, and he could feel the gaze mixed with expectation and worry.

Li Mingyuan stood up, looked around, and had a confident smile on his face.

"Comrades, I understand everyone's worries. The Star-Spangled Country is indeed powerful, but they are not invincible."

He walked to the front of the conference room, picked up a piece of chalk, and drew a few simple diagrams on the blackboard.

"The Star-Spangled Country's advantage is mainly in the air; their B-29 Bombers and F-86 Fighters are indeed the most Advanced in the world right now. But they also have fatal weaknesses."

He marked the key parts of the aircraft on the blackboard.

"Although the B-29's cruising altitude is high, its fuel tank protection is weak, and the Engine cooling system is also a soft spot. As long as our 'Flying Dragon-1' anti-aircraft rockets can get close to them, there is a very high probability of shooting them down."

Next, he drew a schematic diagram of the ground battlefield.

"In terms of ground warfare, although the Star-Spangled Country is well-equipped, they are fighting far from their homeland, their supply lines are long, and their troop strength is limited. We, however, are fighting on our home turf, are familiar with the terrain, have sufficient troops, and have the support of the Polar Bear. As long as we can effectively restrain their air superiority, we have absolute certainty in the ground war."

Li Mingyuan's confidence seemed to infect everyone present, and the atmosphere in the conference room began to become positive.

"As for their Missiles," Li Mingyuan continued, "the threshold for use is very high. Although the Star-Spangled Country is arrogant, they dare not easily use Mushroom Bombs; otherwise, they will face condemnation from the whole world and may even trigger a larger-scale conflict. This is something they do not want to see."

The general nodded, a look of appreciation appearing on his face.

"Chief Engineer Li is quite right. War is never just about equipment and numbers; it is even more about morale and determination. Our Long Country's military and civilians are united as one and have a tradition of not fearing strong enemies. Coupled with the support of the Polar Bear and the new weapons we have independently developed, we have enough strength to fight the Star-Spangled Country!"

A round of applause erupted in the conference room, and hope shone on people's faces once again.

After the meeting, the general called Li Mingyuan aside. "Chief Engineer Li, your speech gave everyone great confidence. However, I still want to ask you privately, do you really think we can win?"

Li Mingyuan looked at the general's tired but firm eyes and said earnestly:

"General, wars in history have never been decided by weapons alone. Willpower, strategic vision, and adaptability are equally important. Although the Star-Spangled Country is powerful, they have their own weaknesses and limitations. As long as we can play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses, and fully utilize the advantages of fighting on our home turf, Victory is not impossible."

The general let out a long breath and patted Li Mingyuan on the shoulder. "I hope so. So, when are you leaving for the Dongbei?"

"Tomorrow morning," Li Mingyuan replied. "The equipment has been loaded, and the Hexin technical team is ready."

"Good, I will send a special guard team to protect your safety throughout the journey," the general said solemnly. "Chief Engineer Li, the country needs you now."

Li Mingyuan nodded. "I will not let everyone's expectations down."

5:00 AM, Beijing West Station.

A special military train was already waiting on the platform. The surroundings were heavily guarded, and besides the armed guards on the platform, there were fully armed special forces patrolling.

Li Mingyuan arrived on time with the Hexin team and recognized the familiar figure on the platform at a glance—Minister Zhao had come to see them off in person.

"Minister, you came so early." Li Mingyuan stepped forward quickly. Minister Zhao, who had not slept all night, looked exceptionally tired.

Minister Zhao patted his shoulder. "With this departure of yours, you've taken away half of my research institute." Although the tone was teasing, the gravity in his eyes could not be hidden.

"Is there any latest news?" Li Mingyuan asked in a low voice.