Chapter 376: The Star-Spangled Country's Doomsday Judgment Project

The pleasantries concluded, the meeting officially began.

The director of the Military Department first introduced the latest international situation: the Di Guo had fallen into a panic because of the success of the Long Country's Mushroom Strike test, yet they were still unwilling to acknowledge the Long Country's strategic advantage; the Beijixiong Guo remained neutral on the surface, but had already begun to curry favor with the Long Country in secret; the Yinghua Guo and the Taiji Tiger were in a state of panic, urgently hoping to establish friendlier relations with the Long Country.

"We are now standing at a strategic crossroads," Minister Zhang said sternly. "How to utilize this historic opportunity to thoroughly change the world landscape and ensure the long-term security of the Long Country—this is a question we must ponder."

Li Mingyuan had long since prepared his thoughts. Through what he had seen and heard in 2024 just moments ago, he already knew that the Long Country would rise to become a global superpower over the next seventy years. But he also realized that the Star-Spangled Country was secretly developing some kind of superweapon that could change history. If the potential threat of the Di Guo was not thoroughly crushed, the future might change once again.

"I believe," Li Mingyuan stood up and scanned everyone in the conference room, "that now is the best time to thoroughly defeat the Di Guo."

The conference room fell into a Silence, and everyone held their breath, waiting for what he would say next.

"The Di Guo currently possesses two Mushroom eggs, but they dare not use them for fear of our retaliation. We, however, have already mastered the Modan Jishu and can manufacture more in a short period of time. I suggest we immediately launch the 'Thunder Project' to manufacture ten more Mushroom eggs within six months, while simultaneously accelerating the research and development of missiles, so that the Di Guo knows we can deliver a devastating blow to them at any time."

The director of the Military Department frowned and said, "Chief Engineer Li, manufacture ten Mushroom eggs? Are our reserves of fission materials sufficient?"

Li Mingyuan was confident. "They are. I have already designed a more efficient purification technique that can significantly increase the yield of fission materials. At the same time, we can also begin research on hydrogen bombs, the power of which will be dozens or even hundreds of times greater than that of Mushroom eggs."

Dean He gasped. "Hydrogen bombs? This... the technical difficulty of this..."

"It is not much harder than Mushroom eggs," Li Mingyuan said calmly. "The key is the control of the thermonuclear reaction and the detonation sequence; I already have a preliminary design plan."

The conference room once again fell into a shocked silence. Everyone realized that Li Mingyuan always seemed to be able to see the future of technological development a step ahead.

Minister Zhang took a deep breath. "Chief Engineer Li, your suggestion is very bold. However, if we directly defeat the Di Guo, how will the international community view it? Will it trigger an even greater conflict?"

Li Mingyuan shook his head. "I am not saying we should directly launch a Mushroom Strike. I mean that through absolute military superiority, we force the Di Guo to accept our conditions. First, they must withdraw their troops completely; second, they must acknowledge the Long Country's regional dominance; finally, they must abandon their military bases in the region."

The director of the Military Department's eyes lit up. "In this way, the Di Guo's influence in the Yuandong will be significantly weakened, and we will be able to grasp true strategic initiative!"

"Exactly," Li Mingyuan nodded. "More importantly, we must rapidly establish our own technological advantage before the Di Guo can react. I have already designed a series of advanced scientific research plans, including Electronic Computer, semiconductors, aerospace technology, and so on; these will be the key areas of future competition."

Minister Zhang and the director of the Military Department exchanged a glance, both seeing shock and determination in the other's eyes.

……

After the meeting ended, Li Mingyuan stood alone on the base's balcony, looking at the rolling mountains in the distance, his mood complex.

Through the system, he knew that every one of his decisions was changing the future. If things went according to his plan, the Long Country would become a superpower decades ahead of schedule, and the world landscape would be completely different.

But at the same time, he was also worried about the Star-Spangled Country's "Modi Shenpan" project. If they truly mastered technology that could interfere with space-time, then all his efforts might come to nothing.

"System, I need to return to 2024 to collect more intelligence regarding the Star-Spangled Country's 'Modi Shenpan' project."

"Master, the space-time travel function is cooling down; you still need to wait 18 hours and 12 minutes. It is suggested that Master first advance the plans for the current space-time."

Li Mingyuan nodded and turned to walk toward the laboratory. Before he thoroughly understood the conspiracy of the Star-Spangled Country, he had to ensure the absolute superiority of the Long Country.

Over the next 24 hours, he would lead his team to begin designing more advanced technologies, including an improved version of the Mushroom egg, a preliminary plan for a hydrogen bomb, a long-range missile system, and the prototype of an Electronic Computer.

The next morning, just as Li Mingyuan finished the theoretical design plan for the hydrogen bomb, the system prompted that the space-time travel function was ready.

"Master, shall we return to 2024 immediately?"

Li Mingyuan took a deep breath. "Yes, execute the jump."

With another bout of dizziness, Li Mingyuan returned to his 2024 apartment. Through the window, he saw the sunny weather outside, the forest of high-rise buildings, and maglev trains shuttling between them—a scene of prosperity.

He quickly opened his Computer and searched for the latest news about the Star-Spangled Country.

"May 2024, the Star-Spangled Country's economy continues to decline, with the GDP growth rate falling to 0.2%..."

"The Star-Spangled Country's Department of Defense announces cuts to conventional military spending, but the budget for mysterious 'special projects' increases by 150%..."

"The former leader of the Star-Spangled Country hints in a speech: 'We will put history back on the right track'..."

Li Mingyuan keenly captured the information behind these news reports. The Star-Spangled Country was declining on the surface, but in reality, it was concentrating its power to work on a mysterious project, and this project was very likely the "Modi Shenpan".

"System, I need more intelligence on the Star-Spangled Country's 'Modi Shenpan' project. Is there any way to hack into their system?"

"Master, the Star-Spangled Country's Hexin military network has extremely tight protection; even with existing technology, it is difficult to intrude. But the system can assist you in contacting some individuals who may possess relevant intelligence."

"Who?"

"Zhang Lixin, a senior Intelligence Officer of the Long Country's Military Intelligence Division 6, responsible for monitoring the military movements of the Star-Spangled Country. According to your social network analysis in this space-time, he is your college classmate and is currently working in Long City."

Li Mingyuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately dialed Zhang Lixin's number.

An hour later, the two met at a secluded teahouse.

Zhang Lixin was a well-proportioned middle-aged man with an ordinary face but sharp eyes. Seeing Li Mingyuan, he revealed a smile of long-awaited reunion.

"Lao Li! Long time no see! I heard your consulting firm is doing quite well?"

Li Mingyuan smiled and shook his hand. "It's alright, just taking some orders from military industrial enterprises and giving them some advice."

After a few pleasantries, Li Mingyuan got straight to the point. "Lixin, I've been researching a project recently and need to understand some of the Star-Spangled Country's military movements, especially their cutting-edge scientific research projects."