Chapter 312: Technology for Technology, Then We Want That!

Five chapters today. My hands hurt; my tenosynovitis is acting up. Big bosses, please offer some encouragement.

……

Over the next few days, the defensive posture of Long Country on the front lines shifted significantly.

The troops stopped actively attacking and instead built defensive fortifications; at the same time, a large number of Anti-aircraft weapons were urgently transferred to the rear supply lines.

However, the bombing by Di Guo did not stop; instead, it intensified.

In just one week, almost all major supply facilities behind the front lines of Long Country were damaged to varying degrees, and the supply of front-line troops had already encountered serious problems.

At the base of the Sun Country, General Hawkins was listening to the latest battle report, his face full of a smug smile.

"The plan is progressing smoothly. Long Country's supply system has been severely hit, and the offensive of the front-line troops has slowed down significantly. In another week, they will have to retreat due to a lack of supplies!"

The Chief of Staff added, "Moreover, our losses are minimal. So far, only three planes have failed to return due to mechanical failure; Long Country's anti-aircraft fire is almost negligible."

Hawkins nodded, "Very good. It seems the people of Long Country have finally tasted the bitter fruit of their own making. They thought they were invincible with Graphite Bombs, not knowing we still have a backup plan! Pass on my order: continue to increase the intensity of the bombing, especially on railway and highway hubs, to completely cut off their supply lines!"

……

Three days later, in the capital of Long Country, an emergency meeting was being held in secret.

The atmosphere in the conference room was heavy. Attendees included members of the Military, the Science Committee, and leaders of several key departments.

"The situation is dire," the Military Representative spoke first.

"Our rear supply system has been severely damaged. In the short term, front-line troops are facing a shortage of ammunition and fuel."

"What is the situation on the front lines?" one leader asked.

"Temporarily stable, but the enemy has realized our predicament and has begun tentative counterattacks in several key areas. If the supply problem is not solved, we may have to abandon some of the occupied areas."

Director Zhang of the Science Committee added:

"What is more troublesome is that the pressure from Beijixiong Guo is increasing. They have sent a Special Envoy to visit again, demanding that we share Integrated Circuit Technology, and their tone is even tougher than last time."

There was silence in the conference room.

The change in attitude of Beijixiong Guo made everyone feel worried.

As a nominal ally, Beijixiong Guo has always been an important backer for Long Country; if the relationship deteriorates, it will be adding frost to snow.

"Chief Engineer Li, what is your take on this problem?" The leader presiding over the meeting turned to Li Mingyuan.

Li Mingyuan stood up and looked around at everyone in the conference room: "I believe now is the time for a strategic adjustment."

"What kind of adjustment?"

"Negotiate with Beijixiong Guo to trade technology for technology," Li Mingyuan said, shocking everyone.

"We can provide Beijixiong Guo with part of the Second Generation Integrated Circuit Technology, and in exchange, demand that they provide primary mushroom theory data."

The conference room suddenly exploded!

"Mushroom?" The Military Representative was the first to jump up, "Chief Engineer Li, this is too risky! Beijixiong Guo will never agree!"

"Too radical!" another leader shook his head, "Such sensitive technology, even an ally would not share it easily."

The Deputy Director of the Science Committee held a different view:

"No, I think Chief Engineer Li's suggestion makes a lot of sense. In the long run, mastering the technology is crucial to the strategic security of Long Country. Especially under the current situation, possessing a deterrent will fundamentally change the rules of the game."

The debate became increasingly intense, and the conference room was divided into two distinct factions:

The Military and conservative leaders believed the proposal was too risky and could provoke Beijixiong Guo;

While the technology faction and some enlightened leaders supported Li Mingyuan's suggestion, believing it was the only way for Long Country to rise.

Li Mingyuan waited until the argument slowed down before speaking again: "Everyone, please allow me to explain my thoughts."

The conference room quieted down, and everyone looked at him.

"First, we must recognize a fact—Beijixiong Guo's demand to share technology is essentially because they are worried that Long Country's strength is growing too fast, affecting their dominant position. Their demands will become more and more numerous and more and more harsh."

Li Mingyuan paused and continued:

"Rather than responding passively, it is better to take the initiative. We propose a plan to trade technology for technology, showing that we are willing to cooperate, but the cooperation must be equal and mutually beneficial."

"Regarding the Second Generation Integrated Circuit Technology, we can selectively share a part, but retain the Hexin design principles. This satisfies Beijixiong Guo's need for face without losing our technological advantage. As for the Third Generation Integrated Circuit Technology, it will remain absolutely confidential."

"As for why we want this technology..." Li Mingyuan's eyes became exceptionally firm,

"Everyone knows that Di Guo possesses this weapon, and Beijixiong Guo has it too. If only Long Country does not, then in future games, we will always be at a disadvantage. We don't necessarily have to manufacture it immediately, but we must master this technology."

The Military Representative remained unconvinced: "But why would Beijixiong Guo agree to our request? Why would they risk giving us this kind of technology?"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "Because they will realize that a friendly Long Country is more beneficial to them than a hostile Long Country. If they refuse a reasonable technology exchange and force us to move to the side of Di Guo, it will be good for no one."

"Besides," he added, "I am only asking for primary theoretical data, which is not the most core secret for Beijixiong Guo, who already possesses it."

The conference room fell into silence again, and everyone was thinking about Li Mingyuan's words.

Finally, the leader presiding over the meeting broke the silence: "Chief Engineer Li's proposal is bold, but I think it is worth a try. The pressure from Beijixiong Guo will have to be faced sooner or later; rather than being beaten passively, it is better to take the initiative."

He looked around the conference room: "Now let's vote. Those who support Chief Engineer Li's plan, please raise your hands."

After intense discussion and weighing, the meeting finally adopted Li Mingyuan's suggestion, but added strict confidentiality clauses and security measures to ensure that the technological exchange would not leak Long Country's Hexin secrets.

After the meeting, the Wajiaobu immediately set about preparing a negotiation plan with Beijixiong Guo.

……

Three days later, the Wajiaobu of Long Country.

The Special Envoy of Beijixiong Guo, Arlov, visited again. This time, his attitude was significantly tougher than last time.

"Deputy Minister Chen, I must speak plainly. My country is disappointed with your country's attitude," Arlov said coldly,

"As allies, technology sharing should be a matter of course."

Chen Ming was neither humble nor arrogant: "Mr. Arlov, Long Country has always valued its friendship with Beijixiong Guo. After careful consideration, we have decided to accept your country's suggestion and carry out technological cooperation."

A smug smile appeared on Arlov's face: "This is a wise decision. Then, the specific method of cooperation..."

Chen Ming interrupted him: "However, we have one small condition."

"Condition?" Arlov frowned, "What condition?"