Chapter 432: Star-Spangled Country Supports the White Elephant

The embassy of the Star-Spangled Country in the White Elephant Country, a secret conference room.

Special Envoy Johnson and the high-level military officials of the White Elephant Country were holding a secret meeting; the atmosphere was tense and serious.

"Our technical experts have already analyzed the design blueprints of the Long Country's hydropower station," Johnson said, displaying a detailed technical report, "This is an extremely advanced project, especially their so-called 'Supercritical Hydropower Generation Technology', which far exceeds the current world level."

Kusa, the Intelligence Chief of the White Elephant Country's military, nodded, "Our intelligence has also confirmed this. The construction speed of the Long Country's hydropower station is astonishing, and the technical level is unsettling."

Johnson leaned back in his chair, "This is why we must strengthen our cooperation. The Long Country's technological progress not only threatens the water security of the White Elephant Country but also challenges the technological leadership of the entire free world."

He took a classified document out of his briefcase, "I have obtained authorization from Washington City to provide a more comprehensive support plan. In addition to the previously mentioned military bases, we are also willing to provide the White Elephant Country with the most advanced military equipment, including fighter jets, Anti-aircraft Systems, and communication equipment."

Kusa's eyes lit up, "This is substantial progress."

Johnson continued, "At the same time, we will dispatch a team of water conservancy experts to help your country design and build a series of water conservancy projects to reduce reliance on the Yajiang water resources."

He lowered his voice, "And there is one more important point... our special forces can provide training to help your country build an elite team of agents, specifically for... intelligence gathering and special operations."

Kusa immediately understood the implication, "Targeting the Long Country's hydropower station?"

Johnson did not answer directly, only saying meaningfully, "Protecting national security sometimes requires taking unconventional measures. The Star-Spangled Country fully understands this."

The two exchanged a tacit look. This contest surrounding the hydropower station had clearly surpassed a simple diplomatic dispute and was beginning to develop in a more dangerous direction.

The embassy of the Beijixiong Guo in the White Elephant Country, likewise a secret conference room.

Special Envoy Ivanov was having an in-depth conversation with Picha, the Minister of Water Resources of the White Elephant Country.

"Our water conservancy experts have completed a preliminary assessment," Ivanov said, displaying a detailed engineering blueprint, "This is the 'Yajiang Downstream Comprehensive Water Conservancy System' we have designed for your country, including multiple reservoirs, irrigation canals, and small-scale hydropower stations."

Picha carefully examined the blueprints, an expression of admiration appearing on his face, "This is a very comprehensive plan."

"The Beijixiong Guo possesses world-class water conservancy engineering technology," Ivanov said proudly, "We are willing to fully help the White Elephant Country build its own water conservancy system and reduce reliance on the Long Country's upstream hydropower station."

He paused for a moment, his voice becoming more cautious, "At the same time, we have also noted your country's concerns regarding the Long Country's hydropower station construction. Our intelligence department can provide some... special technical support."

Picha looked up, a flash of alertness in his eyes, "What exactly does that refer to?"

Ivanov looked around to ensure there were no listening devices, then leaned toward Picha and lowered his voice, "We can provide advanced surveillance equipment and technical personnel to help your country closely monitor the construction progress of the Long Country's hydropower station. At the same time, if necessary, we also have the capability to... interfere with or delay its construction process."

Picha's expression became complex, "This sounds very dangerous and could trigger a direct conflict."

Ivanov shook his head, "There will be no direct evidence pointing to your country or mine. Our professionals are very skilled at these kinds of... covert operations."

He looked straight into Picha's eyes, "Of course, this requires us to establish a closer cooperative relationship, including in the military and intelligence fields."

Picha fell into deep thought. The Beijixiong Guo's proposal was full of temptation but also carried obvious risks. The White Elephant Country was at a dangerous crossroads, wanting to protect its own water resource security while not wanting to become a complete pawn in the power struggle between major nations.

The southwest border of the Long Country, the designated site for the Yajiang Hydropower Station.

The preliminary preparation work for the project had been fully launched, with thousands of workers and technical personnel busy on-site, conducting geological surveys, equipment installation, and the construction of temporary facilities.

Li Mingyuan, wearing work clothes and a hard hat, came to the site in person to inspect. This was his first time conducting an on-site inspection of the Yajiang Hydropower Station construction site, and he felt both excited and nervous.

"Chief Engineer Li, this is the latest geological survey report," the on-site Chief Engineer Liuhong walked up and handed Li Mingyuan a thick folder, "The preliminary results are very ideal; the rock strata are stable and fully meet the construction requirements for a super-large hydropower station."

Li Mingyuan flipped through the report and nodded, "The geological conditions are indeed very good, even more ideal than I expected. This is crucial for the underground powerhouse we are planning."

He looked up toward the Yajiang Gorge; the river water was turbulent, and the mountains on both banks were continuous—it was the perfect terrain for building a large-scale hydropower station.

"What about the security measures?" Li Mingyuan asked, his gaze sweeping over the guard posts and patrol personnel around the construction site.

Liuhong's expression became serious, "According to your instructions, we have significantly strengthened security measures. All personnel have undergone strict background checks, and three security inspection lines have been set up around the construction site, with 24-hour patrols and monitoring."

"What about communication control?"

"Very strict," Liuhong confirmed, "All communication equipment has been encrypted, key technical data is kept by designated personnel, and only a few Hexin personnel can access the highest-level blueprints and data."

Li Mingyuan nodded with satisfaction, "Very good, continue to maintain high vigilance. We have received intelligence that certain countries may send agents to infiltrate the construction site to collect intelligence or carry out sabotage operations."

Liuhong frowned, "That serious?"

"More serious than you imagine," Li Mingyuan said in a low voice, "This is not just a hydropower station project, but a major project concerning national energy security and strategic interests. Certain countries do not want to see the Long Country possess such powerful hydropower capabilities, especially the ability to control the Yajiang water resources."

He looked around to ensure there were no outsiders nearby, then continued, "I have already had the intelligence department strengthen monitoring of the White Elephant Country, especially their contacts with the Star-Spangled Country and the Beijixiong Guo. There are signs indicating they may be planning some kind of action targeting our hydropower station construction."

Liuhong's expression became grave, "I will immediately strengthen security measures, especially for the protection of key facilities and personnel."

Li Mingyuan nodded, then turned to a more technical topic, "How is the progress of the first phase of the project?"

"Proceeding according to plan," Liuhong replied, his spirits lifting, "The preliminary preparation work is expected to be completed within three months, and then the construction of the dam foundation will begin. If everything goes smoothly, the first batch of units can be put into use within four years."

Li Mingyuan thought for a while, "Speed up the progress; I hope the first batch of units can be put into production within three years. The international situation is complex and ever-changing; we must seize the initiative and complete the key parts of the project as soon as possible."

Liuhong hesitated, "This... this will require a massive increase in manpower and material investment."

"Resources are not a problem," Li Mingyuan said firmly, "I have already obtained special authorization from the central government and can mobilize national resources to support the hydropower station construction. You just need to tell me what you need, and I will ensure you get it."

Liuhong showed an expression of admiration, "Understood, Chief Engineer Li. We will formulate a new acceleration plan to ensure the installation and commissioning of the first batch of units is completed within three years."

Li Mingyuan nodded with satisfaction, then continued to inspect along the construction site, carefully checking every detail. As a transmigrator, he knew well the importance of details in large-scale engineering projects, and he also understood that in this era, without Advanced Computer-aided design and precision instruments, project quality relied more on human experience and judgment.

That evening, Li Mingyuan stayed at the temporary headquarters near the construction site, reviewing various technical reports and design plans. Outside the window, the sound of the Yajiang could be faintly heard, as if it were telling the story of this ancient river.

He knew that as the hydropower station plan progressed, international pressure would only grow, and the collusion between the White Elephant Country, the Star-Spangled Country, and the Beijixiong Guo would become even closer. But none of this could shake his determination. As a transmigrator, he knew better than anyone the key role of energy in a country's development, and he also understood the strategic value of controlling water resources in international games.

The Ya River Super Hydropower Station would be another trump card he forged for the Long Country, not only solving the energy shortage but also becoming an important bargaining chip in international games.

And at this moment, in the secret conference rooms of the White Elephant Country, the Star-Spangled Country, and the Beijixiong Guo, various plans targeting the Long Country's hydropower station were being formulated in full swing; an international game surrounding water resources and energy had already quietly unfolded.

With the advancement of the Yajiang Hydropower Station project, the international situation became increasingly tense. Li Mingyuan stood in front of the window of the temporary headquarters, looking at the lights of the construction site in the distance, his thoughts in turmoil. The intelligence he had just received made him frown—the White Elephant Country's military seemed to be planning some border actions.

"Chief Engineer Li," Intelligence Chief Major Lin walked in hurriedly, holding an encrypted telegram, "Latest intelligence: the White Elephant Country's military is making abnormal movements in the border area. Our outpost reported seeing a large number of military vehicles and troops gathering toward the border."

Li Mingyuan took the telegram and quickly browsed the content, "White Elephant Country border military base reinforcements of 5,000 troops... artillery units moving forward... border outposts doubled... this does not look like a conventional defensive deployment."

Major Lin nodded, his expression grave, "Intelligence analysis believes that the White Elephant Country may be preparing to create some 'friction' at the border to provide an excuse for the international community to intervene in our hydropower station construction."

Li Mingyuan gave a cold laugh, "Just as expected. Since diplomatic pressure has not worked, they are preparing to get tough."

He walked to the map and carefully studied the border line between the Long Country and the White Elephant Country, especially the area near the Yajiang basin.

"Where are they most likely to strike?" Li Mingyuan asked.

Major Lin pointed to several points on the map, "According to our analysis, these areas are the most likely to see conflict. They have complex terrain, the boundary line is disputed, and they are close to the construction area of the Yajiang Hydropower Station. The White Elephant Country's military has already increased patrol frequency and troop strength in these areas."