Chapter 548: Just a Little Toy

"It seems now that that assessment was completely wrong!" the Secretary of Defense said sternly. "I demand a thorough investigation into the cause of this intelligence failure, and at the same time, a comprehensive reassessment of Long Country's technological level and military capabilities. From today on, Long Country is listed as the highest intelligence priority, on the same level as Beijixiong Guo."

"Not only that," the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff added, "we need to immediately initiate defensive research targeting 'Kunpeng'-type weapons. If Long Country truly possesses this technology, our carrier strike groups have become sitting ducks."

The atmosphere in the war room grew increasingly heavy. For the past few decades, Star-Spangled Country had been the absolute leader in world technology and military, especially unrivaled in naval power. But now, a "backward country" in their eyes had suddenly displayed technology that completely exceeded their understanding; this shock was almost catastrophic.

"The President requests a preliminary assessment report within two hours," the Chief of Staff said. "He is considering whether to speak directly with Long Country."

"A call? To talk about what?" General Patterson said mockingly. "To ask them to share the technology?"

"No," the Secretary of Defense said seriously, "it is to assess their true intentions and bottom line. If Long Country truly possesses this revolutionary technology, what will they do next? Will it pose a challenge to the existing world order? These questions are more important than the technology itself."

At the same time, at the Kremlin in Beijixiong Guo.

The Head of State's face was livid, staring at the Long Country Wajiaobu press conference playing on the television screen. When he heard the words "Why make such a big fuss" captured by the microphone, he slammed the teacup in his hand onto the floor, and shards flew everywhere.

"They actually dare to look down on us like this!" the Head of State roared. "As if this revolutionary technology is just a little toy of theirs!"

The Advanced officials inside the Kremlin looked at each other; no one dared to interject while the Head of State was in a rage. For many years, Beijixiong Guo had been the "big brother" to Long Country, providing technological and financial support. Now, this "little brother" had suddenly displayed technological strength that completely surpassed them; this reversal was simply a supreme humiliation.

"Investigate!" the Head of State slammed his fist on the table. "I want to know how Long Country obtained this technology! Who gave it to them? Was it a traitor from Star-Spangled Country? Or a defector from within our own ranks? Or... or did they really develop it themselves?"

"According to our preliminary analysis," the President of the Academy of Sciences said cautiously, "'Kunpeng' adopts a brand-new ground-effect principle, combined with Advanced material science and aerodynamic design. This technological path... is completely different from the mainstream research directions of us or Star-Spangled Country."

"Are you saying that they really developed this themselves?" the Head of State asked in disbelief.

The President of the Academy of Sciences nodded, "Although it is hard to believe, current evidence does point to this conclusion. Moreover, based on the performance displayed by 'Kunpeng', their technological level may already be at least ten years ahead of us in some fields, if not more."

The Head of State's face turned ashen; this news was more shocking than any military threat. Beijixiong Guo's sense of ideological superiority was largely built on the foundation of technological leadership, and now this foundation had been severely shaken.

"Immediately launch the 'Red Star' project," the Head of State made his decision. "I want a comprehensive understanding of Long Country's true technological level, especially their Computer technology, material science, and energy technology. At the same time, accelerate our own related research; we must catch up at all costs!"

"Also," he turned to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, "arrange for me to speak directly with Long; I want to understand their intentions personally."

……

Late at night, the phone in the leader's office rang. The secretary knocked on the door and entered cautiously, "Leader, the President of Star-Spangled Country requests a call."

The leader put down the document in his hand and raised an eyebrow slightly, "Now?"

"Yes, he said it is an urgent matter regarding 'Kunpeng'."

The leader chuckled, "Put it through."

The call connected, and the voice of the Star-Spangled Country President came through, slightly stiff after translation, but the tension and anxiety were evident.

"Respected Mr. Long, I am very sorry to disturb you at this hour. But considering the events that have occurred recently, I believe it is necessary for us to communicate directly."

"Of course," Long said in a calm tone, "you are referring to our 'Kunpeng' test activity, right?"

"Yes," the Star-Spangled Country President said in a serious tone, "your country's... aircraft, displayed astonishing performance, far exceeding any currently known technology in the world. I must frankly express our concern: the emergence of this weapon platform may have a significant impact on the existing global strategic balance."

Long responded lightly, "Mr. President, I understand your concerns. But please allow me to clarify, 'Kunpeng' is primarily a scientific research platform used to explore new propulsion technologies and material science. Its development is entirely for peaceful purposes."

There was silence on the other end of the line for a few seconds; the Star-Spangled Country President clearly did not believe this explanation.

"Mr. Long, as far as we know, 'Kunpeng' conducted high-speed flight and complex maneuvers near our carrier strike group, which is difficult to interpret as purely scientific research activity."

Long chuckled, "That was just passing by, Mr. President. Our pilot reported that your carrier formation's exercise was very spectacular, and he couldn't help but take a few extra looks. I hope it didn't frighten your country's sailors."

There was another silence on the other end; the Star-Spangled Country President was clearly angered by this dismissive attitude.

"Mr. Long, we hope to receive your country's assurance that this weapon will not be used to threaten the interests and security of Star-Spangled Country."

"Of course it won't," Long said in a relaxed tone, "'Kunpeng' is just a little toy among our many technological projects; it is not worth your country being so nervous. To be honest, Mr. President, your aircraft carrier wasn't scared, was it? I heard that that night, your fleet was in a complete mess."

This sentence was like a heavy punch, striking directly at the dignity of the Star-Spangled Country President. Suppressed breathing came from the other end of the line; clearly, the other party was trying hard to control his emotions.

"Mr. Long, I hope we can maintain open communication channels and work together to maintain world peace and stability."

"I completely agree," Long responded, "peace and development are our common goals. Please convey my sincere greetings to the people of your country. Good night, Mr. President."

After the call was hung up, the leader shook his head, a faint, imperceptible smile on his lips. He picked up the red phone on the table, "Bring Comrade Li Mingyuan here; I want to hear his thoughts on the next step of the 'Kunpeng' plan personally."

Penglai Base, Li Mingyuan's office.

Li Mingyuan was concentrating on drawing the detailed architectural diagram of the "Pangu Net" when the ringing of the phone interrupted his train of thought.