Chapter 443: Success, but it feels uncomfortable

Beijixiong Guo, Moshi, National Security Committee Headquarters

Intelligence Bureau Chairman Kolbov slammed the table and roared: "Absurd! Absolutely absurd! This country that has just stepped out of an agricultural society actually dares to challenge the majesty of Beijixiong Guo!"

Technical expert Doctor Ivanov had just finished a nearly identical technical briefing, and the conclusion was equally shocking: Long Country's "Dongfang No. 1" satellite had purposefully interfered with Beijixiong Guo's satellite launch plan.

"I do not believe this is a coincidence," Academy of Sciences President Lebedev interjected, "We analyzed the technical characteristics of the interference signals; they were clearly meticulously designed to target the Guidance System of our 'Pioneer' rocket. This kind of interference requires an in-depth understanding of our systems, and it must have precise calculation and control capabilities."

Kolbov grabbed the vodka bottle on the table and smashed it against the wall, sending glass shards and liquor splattering everywhere: "That Li Mingyuan! It must be him! His sudden rise is too unusual!"

Defense Minister Sokolov narrowed his eyes: "He might be a spy for Star-Spangled Country. This so-called 'genius' is likely a saboteur who has received specialized training."

"It could also be one of our own," peripheral intelligence director Potrov said thoughtfully, "We did indeed send quite a few technical experts to the East during the Second World War."

"Regardless of who he is," Kolbov gritted his teeth, "he must pay the price! I demand the immediate activation of the 'Winter' plan to destroy Long Country's satellites and all military facilities!"

Deputy Minister of the Wajiaobu Gromov sighed: "The problem is, we do not have any direct evidence that can be used publicly. All analysis is based on indirect inference, which will not hold up in an international court."

"What?" Kolbov's eyes widened like copper bells, "Are those technical data points not enough?"

"That can only prove there was interference, and that the interference came from the location of 'Dongfang No. 1'," Gromov explained, "but we cannot prove this was a deliberate act by the Long Country government. As long as they insist it is a 'technical malfunction' or a 'natural phenomenon,' we cannot refute it."

"The worst part is," intelligence analysis director Kalinin added, "Long Country now holds the advantage in international public opinion. They are the 'pioneers of the space age'; if we accuse them without conclusive evidence, it will only be seen as slander from someone who cannot accept defeat."

An indescribable sense of frustration permeated the conference room. Beijixiong Guo, this superpower that prides itself on being a world leader in science and technology, had actually been played in the palm of the hand by a developing country that had just emerged from the shadow of war.

"Then we just watch them humiliate us?" Kolbov asked, gritting his teeth.

"No," Defense Minister Sokolov said firmly, "We must successfully launch our own satellite, and we must do it as soon as possible. The technical department has already formulated a comprehensive anti-interference plan, including signal encryption, Frequency Hopping, and multiple backup systems."

"Sacrifice efficiency to ensure foolproof results," Lebedev added, "The cost is huge, but for the sake of national honor, it is worth it."

Kolbov nodded gloomily: "The First Seat has already approved this plan. At all costs, 'Pioneer 2' must successfully enter orbit!"

Two weeks later, Star-Spangled Country Cape Canaveral rocket launch base

The launch countdown had already begun, but the atmosphere inside the control center did not match the excitement and anticipation that a historic moment should have. The engineers were grim-faced, the commanders were frowning; no one was joking, no one was high-fiving each other in encouragement, only silent pressure and anxiety remained.

"All anti-interference systems are in position," the chief engineer reported, his voice tight, "Triple frequency encryption is activated, backup Guidance System is online."

"Satellite orbit has been re-planned to avoid the potential interference range of Dongfang No. 1," the orbital mechanics expert added.

Launch Director Colonel Wilson nodded, sweat seeping from his forehead. This launch was no longer just about scientific achievement; it was about national dignity. After five failures, they could not afford a sixth blow.

"Ten, nine, eight..."

As the countdown progressed, the atmosphere inside the control room became increasingly tense. No one dared to relax; everyone stared at their own monitoring screens, ready to deal with any abnormalities that might arise at any time.

"Seven, six, five..."

Colonel Wilson clenched his fists, his fingernails digging deep into his palms. God, please let this be a success!

"Four, three, two, one, ignition!"

The engines of the "Explorer 2" rocket spewed orange-red flames and slowly lifted off. The control room remained silent; everyone held their breath.

"First stage normal," the chief engineer reported, his voice still tight, "Propulsion system stable, orbital deviation within the allowable range."

The rocket continued to ascend, breaking the sound barrier and entering high altitude. With every key node passed, the tension in the control room eased slightly, but no one dared to fully relax.

"Prepare to separate the first-stage rocket," the chief engineer announced, "Three, two, one, separation!"

This was the part most prone to problems in previous launches. Everyone stared intently at the monitoring screens, waiting for that potentially catastrophic failure.

But this time, everything was as normal. The first-stage rocket separated successfully, the second-stage engine ignited, and the rocket continued to fly according to plan.

"Second stage working normally," the chief engineer reported, a hint of hope finally entering his voice, "Orbital parameters stable, no interference signals detected."

With every successful operation of the rocket, the atmosphere in the control room gradually eased. When "Explorer 2" finally successfully entered its intended orbit, applause and cheers erupted in the control room, but the sound was far less enthusiastic than people had imagined; it was more of a relief and exhaustion from finally letting out a long breath.

"We succeeded," Colonel Wilson said softly, his face devoid of the joy of Victory, only a sense of relief from finally setting down a heavy burden, "Please notify Washington City, 'Explorer 2' has successfully entered orbit."

On the same day, Beijixiong Guo Baikonur launch site

A similar scene was playing out at Beijixiong Guo's Baikonur launch site. After a series of rigorous anti-interference measures, the fully upgraded "Pioneer 2" rocket finally successfully entered orbit.

Academy of Sciences President Lebedev stood in the control center, looking at the success information displayed on the big screen, but there was not much joy on his face.

"Notify Moshi, mission accomplished," he said briefly, his voice carrying a strange sense of emptiness, "'Pioneer 2' has successfully entered the intended orbit."

Applause rang out in the control room, but the sound was sparse and lacked enthusiasm. This should have been a historic moment; Beijixiong Guo had finally sent its own satellite into space, but everyone knew—they were not the first. That honor had already belonged to Long Country forever.

The next day, media reports from Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo

"Star-Spangled Country successfully launches its first artificial satellite!" the front-page headline of the *Washington Post* announced, but the sub-headline immediately added: "Becomes the second country after Long Country to master satellite technology."

The report was full of praise for "overcoming numerous technical difficulties" and the "tenacious spirit of the scientists," but no one mentioned the previous five failures, nor did anyone explain why a superpower with far superior technical strength would lose the space race to a developing country that had just emerged from the shadow of war.

Similar reports also appeared in Beijixiong Guo's *Truth Daily*: "Beijixiong Guo successfully sends 'Pioneer' satellite into space!" Likewise, the sub-headline had to admit: "Becomes the second country after Long Country to enter the space age."

The reactions of the public in both countries were surprisingly similar—the scale of the celebrations was far smaller than expected, public participation was low, and discussions in social settings were filled with the regret of "finally succeeded, but unfortunately not the first."

Washington City, Tuoyuanying Bangongshi

The Leader finished reading the latest media summary report and silently set it aside, the expression on his face as if he had swallowed a fly.

"How is the public reaction?" he asked, his voice low.

"Not as expected, sir," the press secretary replied, "The public is of course proud of our achievement, but the fact of being 'second' is hard to ignore. There have even been some mocking remarks on social media, saying things like 'superpower defeated by farmers'."

The Leader rubbed his temples: "That Li Mingyuan... any new discoveries?"

The intelligence advisor shook his head: "We have stepped up our investigation into him, but so far we have found nothing. His past seems to be a blank slate until he suddenly appeared and rose rapidly a few years ago. Some speculate that he might be the illegitimate son of some genius scientist, or the product of some forgotten research project, but there is no conclusive evidence."

The Leader was silent for a while, then said in a low voice: "Regardless, we cannot let this happen again. Strengthen the monitoring of Long Country's scientific and technological activities, especially all of Li Mingyuan's projects. If any suspicious signs are found, report them immediately."

"Yes, sir."

The Leader turned to the window, looking at the White House garden, his eyes filled with undisguised unwillingness and frustration. Star-Spangled Country, this superpower that prides itself on being the world leader, had actually been surpassed by a developing country in the space race; this was simply a great humiliation to national dignity.

And what was even more pathetic was that they could not even publicly accuse the other side of "unfair competition," and could only silently endure this humiliation, then pretend everything was normal and continue moving forward.

Moshi, Kremlin

The First Seat looked at the *Truth Daily* on the table, his face terribly gloomy. The newspaper reported extensively on the successful launch of "Pioneer 2," but every paragraph inevitably mentioned the glaring fact of "after Long Country."

"How is the public reaction?" he asked coldly.

"Not as expected, comrade," the Minister of Propaganda replied, his voice filled with worry, "People are of course proud of the country's achievements, but the fact of being 'second' is hard to ignore. There are even whispers on the streets, saying things like 'a technological power can't even beat a farmer'."

The First Chair's expression grew even gloomier: "That Li Mingyuan... are there any new findings?"

The Intelligence Bureau Chairman shook his head: "We have intensified our investigation into him, but the gains are limited. He seems to have appeared out of thin air, with no clear background or origin. Some speculate he might be a student of the experts we sent to the East during World War II, or the product of some secret scientific research project, but all of it lacks evidence."

The First Chair was silent for a long time, finally saying in a low voice: "Strengthen intelligence gathering on Long Country's technological activities, especially regarding this Li Mingyuan. If he is truly as genius as the report says, then he must have other astonishing plans. We must know in advance, and if necessary... take action."

"Understood, comrade."

The First Chair stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the snowy scenery of Moshi outside the Kremlin, his eyes full of unwillingness and humiliation. Beijixiong Guo, this technologically powerful nation they took pride in, had actually lost the space race to a country that had only just begun industrialization; this was a severe blow to national honor.

And the most ironic part was that they could not even publicly accuse the other side of "despicable tactics," but could only silently endure this shame, pretending everything was normal as they continued forward, much like having a fly stuffed in one's mouth yet being forced to put on a brave face.