Chapter 363: The Decision of the Enemy Country

"No," Kuznetsov shook his head, "I mean, Li Mingyuan's ability for technical innovation exceeds common sense. I have studied some of his design proposals; those lines of thought... do not seem like products of this era."

Gregory looked at Kuznetsov vigilantly: "What do you mean by that?"

"Just what it says literally." Kuznetsov shrugged, "Li Mingyuan's way of thinking and technical path are at least twenty years ahead, if not more."

The conference room fell into silence again, this time for even longer. Everyone was digesting this incredible viewpoint.

Finally, it was the high-level committee member Ivanov, who had been sitting in the corner, who broke the silence:

"Regardless, we need to prepare for two possibilities. On one hand, closely monitor Long Country's test explosion and collect all possible intelligence; on the other hand, prepare to deal with Long Country becoming a Mushroom power."

The Polar Bear leader pondered for a moment and nodded:

"Agreed. Issue the orders: First, all intelligence systems are to be fully activated to closely monitor the entire test explosion process; second, the Military is to prepare a series of contingency plans, including strategic countermeasure options for the worst-case scenario; third, keep diplomatic channels open to communicate with Long Country and Di Guo at any time."

He looked around the room: "Gentlemen, regardless of the outcome, the world landscape is about to undergo a massive change. We must remain calm and avoid being drawn into a potential Mushroom confrontation between Di Guo and Long Country."

After the meeting ended, Kuznetsov was kept behind by the leader alone.

"Do you really think Li Mingyuan... is not a person of this era?" the leader asked in a low voice.

Kuznetsov hesitated for a moment: "It sounds crazy, but from a scientific perspective, I cannot find a more reasonable explanation. Some of his technical innovations completely skipped conventional research and development paths to directly achieve final results. This does not conform to the progressive laws of scientific development."

The leader was thoughtful: "If that is truly the case... this Li Mingyuan might be a more dangerous existence than a Mushroom bomb."

……

At the same time, in the Di Guo wartime command center, the atmosphere was even more tense.

"I don't believe it! This is absolutely a trick by Long Country!" Defense Minister Harrison roared, slapping the table.

"How could they possibly master Modan Jishu in just a few short months? This requires years of theoretical research and experimentation!"

Intelligence Director Weiersen had a grave expression: "Mr. Minister, we also hope this is just Long Country bluffing. But given their recent series of technical breakthroughs, we cannot afford to take this lightly."

"Are you referring to those rocket launchers and Missile systems?" Harrison scoffed, "Those are merely improvements on conventional weapons; they are in a completely different field from Modan Jishu!"

Weiersen shook his head: "It is not just the weapon systems. Our analysis shows that Long Country has recently made breakthrough progress in multiple fields, including materials science, electronic technology, and physics. And all of this seems to be related to one person—Li Mingyuan."

The leader listened to this argument with a gloomy face, his fingers tapping continuously on the tabletop.

Finally, he interrupted the two: "Enough! The key issue now is not arguing about whether Long Country truly possesses a Mushroom bomb, but how we should respond!"

Military Representative and Air Force General Taile cleared his throat:

"Mr. Leader, I suggest we immediately execute our Mushroom bomb delivery plan. If Long Country has truly mastered Modan Jishu, we must strike their key facilities before they can deploy them, especially the military industrial base where Li Mingyuan is located."

Scientific Advisor Robert immediately opposed: "That is too risky! If Long Country truly possesses a Mushroom bomb, they will certainly carry out a Mushroom retaliation. This will lead to a disastrous conflict where both sides lose!"

"But if we do nothing," Taile insisted,

"Once Long Country successfully conducts a test explosion and begins deploying Mushroom bombs, our strategic advantage will be completely lost!"

Vice Commander Thompson proposed a third opinion:

"I believe we should delay action and wait to see how things develop. First, we need to confirm whether Long Country's test explosion is successful; second, even if it is successful, they will need time to convert the technology into practical weapons. During this time, we can step up diplomatic efforts to strive for a peaceful solution."

The arguments in the conference room became increasingly intense, with various viewpoints clashing and the atmosphere becoming extremely strained.

The leader raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet: "Listen, I understand everyone's concerns. But until there is conclusive evidence proving that Long Country has truly mastered Modan Jishu, we cannot act rashly."

He paused and looked around at everyone:

"I have decided: First, fully monitor Long Country's test explosion and collect all possible intelligence; second, accelerate our own Mushroom bomb preparations, but do not execute the delivery plan yet; third, contact Long Country through diplomatic channels to probe their true intentions."

The Vice Commander nodded in agreement: "A wise move, Mr. Leader. This way, we will neither act rashly nor lose any of our options."

General Taile, however, appeared less satisfied: "Time is not on our side, Mr. Leader. Every day we delay, Long Country can produce more Mushroom bombs."

The leader stared at Taile: "General, do you believe Li Mingyuan has truly mastered Modan Jishu?"

Taile hesitated for a moment: "From a military perspective, I am unwilling to believe in this possibility. But from intelligence analysis... this Li Mingyuan is indeed unusual. He has changed the entire battlefield situation in just a few short months, which makes one have to wonder if he can truly create a Mushroom bomb miracle."

The leader fell into deep thought.

"Regardless," the leader finally made up his mind, "we must prepare for the worst. If Long Country truly succeeds in testing a Mushroom bomb, we will immediately re-evaluate our strategic options, including considering a peaceful solution."

……

On the front lines of Di Guo, soldiers were also heatedly discussing the news that Long Country was about to test a Mushroom bomb.

"Have you heard? Long Country is going to test a Mushroom bomb!" a soldier whispered to his companion.

"Bullshit! How could those yellow-skinned monkeys possibly have a Mushroom bomb?" another soldier scoffed.

"But I heard from a Communication Soldier that Long Country has already announced the test plan to the whole world, and even the Polar Bear didn't dare to object!"

"Is... is this true?" a third soldier looked worried, "If Long Country really has a Mushroom bomb, wouldn't we be finished?"

Rumors quickly spread among the front-line troops, and morale began to waver.

Many soldiers began to doubt whether they had been sent to a war that was destined to be lost.

"It's all because of that Li Mingyuan!" an officer cursed,

"That guy is like a wizard, constantly conjuring up all kinds of weapons! First it was Remote Rocket Launchers, then guided Missiles, and now it's a Mushroom bomb!"