Chapter 539: Silent Suffocation, Setting the Tone

Li Mingyuan's gaze swept over everyone present: "Imagine if the 'Pangu Net' not only covered Long Country, but also extended to friendly nations, and even infiltrated the information systems of hostile nations. We would be able to monitor the global situation in real-time, predict enemy movements, and occupy an absolute advantage in information warfare."

He paused, letting this astonishing concept settle in everyone's hearts: "Furthermore, the country that controls the flow of information also controls the channels for cultural output and ideological dissemination. We can use the 'Pangu Net' to spread Long Country culture globally, enhance our soft power, and reshape the world's perception."

The entire conference room fell into a silence that was almost religious. Everyone was so stunned by this grand vision that they were speechless, the expressions in their eyes shifting from initial confusion and skepticism to pure shock and awe.

Deputy Minister Liu's hands trembled uncontrollably, and his teacup slipped from his grasp, hitting the floor with a "Clatter!" and shattering into pieces, yet no one paid it any mind. The old general gripped the table tightly, as if he would be unable to stand otherwise; his lips moved, but he could not make a sound.

Minister Zhang looked as if he had been struck by a freezing spell, staring motionlessly at the holographic projection, his eyes dazed, as if he had traveled through time to see a brand-new era led by Long Country. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, soaking his collar, yet he remained completely unaware.

"This is not a dream," Li Mingyuan said calmly and firmly, turning off the holographic projection, "This is an inevitable future. The only question is whether we will lead this future, or be led by others."

After the projection vanished, the conference room fell into an even deeper silence, as if time itself had stopped flowing. Only the heavy, suppressed breathing of the few old men broke this near-vacuum stillness, as everyone desperately tried to digest this "prophecy of the future" that far exceeded "Kunpeng" and was capable of overturning the entire operational mode of civilization.

Li Mingyuan stood there quietly, waiting. He knew that this kind of shock needed time to be digested. As a soul from 2023, he had personal experience with the influence of the internet, but for these people living in the late fifties, this was simply like an oracle descended from the heavens.

Finally, the old general was the first to break the silence. He stood up, his voice hoarse and trembling: "Chief Engineer Li... this... this 'Net', can it really, as you say, allow orders to reach ten thousand miles in an instant? Can it make 'clairvoyance' and 'clairaudience' a reality?"

His question contained both disbelief and a kind of near-pious anticipation, as if he were confirming whether he was truly fortunate enough to witness the birth of a miracle.

Li Mingyuan looked directly into the old general's eyes, his voice resolute: "It will be more than that! It will be the 'nerves' and 'brain' for us to confront strong enemies and achieve rejuvenation in the future! It is a 'pillar of the nation' more fundamental and powerful than 'Kunpeng'!"

These words exploded in the conference room like a thunderclap. Tears shimmered in the old general's eyes; he patted Li Mingyuan's shoulder hard, unable to speak for a moment.

Minister Zhang took a deep breath, as if to replace all the air in his lungs, and then looked around at everyone. He saw eyes that were equally shocked beyond measure yet burning with fanatical patriotism; a sense of mission and historical responsibility welled up in his heart.

"Gentlemen," Minister Zhang's voice was low and solemn, "We have had the honor today to listen to Chief Engineer Li's grand concept. To be honest, I am still a bit dizzy, feeling as if I have just listened to a heavenly scripture. But..."

He paused, his gaze becoming exceptionally firm: "But, I believe in Chief Engineer Li. Just like the 'Kunpeng' project back then—how many people sneered at it, thinking it was wishful thinking? But now, 'Kunpeng' has already made the Star-Spangled Country's aircraft carrier fleet look like a fool, leaving the whole world guessing the truth about that 'Ocean Ghost'."

The atmosphere in the conference room began to turn heavy and fervent, with everyone's gaze focused on Minister Zhang.

"History has already proven that Chief Engineer Li's 'crazy ideas' are strategic visions with foresight. And today, he has shown us an even grander blueprint. I don't understand the technology, but I understand the importance of seizing historical opportunities."

Minister Zhang slammed the table and roared with all his might: "Do it! Use the strength of the entire nation! Launch the 'Pangu Net' project immediately! All departments must cooperate with Chief Engineer Li unconditionally! This is our 'ladder to heaven' leading to the future! Whoever dares to drag their feet will be dealt with by military law!"

His voice was so loud that the duty officers outside the conference room were startled and poked their heads in to see what was happening.

"I agree!" the old general was the first to respond, his voice firm as iron, "This is more important than 'Kunpeng'! 'Kunpeng' is the fist, but this 'Net' is the nervous system! Without a nervous system, no matter how hard the fist is, it cannot hit the vital point!"

"I also agree," Deputy Minister Liu stood up, his face flushed with excitement, "If everything Chief Engineer Li says can be realized, this will completely change our economic model and allow the planned economy to exert unprecedented efficiency! I suggest immediately forming a special ministry to report directly to the central authorities, ensuring that resource allocation is not obstructed!"

Other high-ranking officials also expressed their support one after another, and the conference room instantly turned into a battle fortress filled with passion and determination. Everyone seemed to see a new world order led by Long Country taking shape; that excitement and sense of pride were beyond words.

Li Mingyuan watched all this quietly, feeling both moved and heavy-hearted. As a soul from the future, he deeply understood the revolutionary impact of the internet on human society and clearly recognized the opportunities and challenges this technology brought. But at this moment, looking at the light flickering in the eyes of these older-generation revolutionaries, he knew he had made the right choice.

"Thank you all for your trust," Li Mingyuan said sincerely, "I promise you that the 'Pangu Net' will live up to expectations and become the key cornerstone for Long Country's takeoff."

"No need to thank us," Minister Zhang patted Li Mingyuan's shoulder, tears in his eyes, "It is we who should thank you, thank you for bringing these world-changing concepts to Long Country. Xiao Li, to be honest, I sometimes really wonder if you are an immortal who fell from the sky; how could you have so many advanced ideas?"

Li Mingyuan just smiled slightly and did not respond to this joking speculation.

When the meeting ended, the resolution was clear: immediately launch the "Pangu Net" national strategic project, establish a special leading group under the direct jurisdiction of the highest level, and all departments must cooperate unconditionally to ensure the project advances smoothly.

Walking out of the conference room, everyone's face was filled with unspeakable shock and determination. They knew they had just participated in a major decision that might change the course of world history; this feeling was both exciting and awe-inspiring.

The sun set, and the afterglow spilled over the building complex of Penglai Base, gilding everything with a golden light. Li Mingyuan stood alone by the window, looking at the distant "Kunpeng" docking area, his heart filled with a thousand emotions.