Chapter 149: You

The "Cloud Dream Building" live stream, with its absolute authenticity and openness, completely shattered the defamation against "Chenxi Orphanage," exposing the mastermind behind the scenes, "Chuangsheng Technology," and its backer, the "Prometheus Foundation," to the spotlight of public opinion, subjecting them to immense pressure. Qin Feng's use of this "open strategy" was masterful—not only did it defuse the crisis, but it also greatly enhanced the public image and credibility of the "Qin Feng System."

Yet, the covert battles in the business and technology sectors never ceased because of a single victory in public opinion.

Jingyuan Technology's demonstration project—the "Future Eco-Community"—after months of intense construction, finally entered the phase of installing and calibrating its first batch of core equipment, including the large-scale deployment of the highly efficient Photo-Hydrogen Conversion Membrane, a technology originating from the system and far beyond its time.

This technology is one of the core secrets enabling Jingyuan Technology and the entire Qin Feng System to dominate the future energy sector; its principles and manufacturing processes vastly exceed the current publicly available technological standards.

The installation and calibration were handled by an elite team drawn from Su Jin's group, conducted under strict secrecy. Yet, just as the work reached its most critical moment, the "Shield" personnel responsible for on-site security noticed unusual signs.

"Director Qin, over the past few days, several unidentified 'inspection teams' and 'environmentalists' have appeared around the project perimeter," Lei Zhan reported via encrypted communication, his tone grave. "They carried highly professional observation and recording equipment. Though they kept their distance, their target was clearly our core installation zone. We intercepted some of the small drones they attempted to launch—each equipped with high-precision cameras and spectrometers."

Qin Feng, reviewing Ailin's latest health report, his gaze turned icy.

"Can you determine their origins?"

"The equipment is clean—no direct traceability. But their behavioral patterns and equipment standards resemble… Chuangsheng Technology or the Foundation's methods," Lei Zhan analyzed. "They seem intensely interested in our Photo-Hydrogen Conversion technology."

Stealing techniques?

Qin Feng's lips curled into a cold smile.

After Liu Shiyin and the Prometheus Foundation suffered consecutive setbacks in direct attacks and smear campaigns, they had indeed shifted their focus to technological theft! They must have realized the immense value of the technologies displayed by Jingyuan Technology.

Want to steal his technology? It wouldn't be that easy!

"Increase vigilance. Activate all counter-surveillance and electronic jamming equipment. Anyone approaching the core zone without authorization must be expelled. If they make any hostile moves, non-lethal force is authorized for control," Qin Feng issued the order.

"Understood!"

Yet, the opponent's persistence exceeded expectations. Even after Shield reinforced security and expelled several groups, those watching eyes remained like leeches clinging to bone, appearing around the project in ever-changing forms. They even attempted to bribe low-level internal staff to obtain information.

It seemed conventional defense measures could only respond passively.

Qin Feng needed a more proactive, more intimidating method to warn these watchers and utterly crush their ambitions.

He pondered briefly, then had an idea.

A few days later, Jingyuan Technology publicly announced it would host a small-scale "Technology Preview Exchange Meeting" at the "Future Eco-Community," open only to selected partners and top academic institutions. The guest list was strictly vetted—but curiously, it prominently included several senior technical executives from Chuangsheng Technology!

The announcement sent shockwaves through the industry.

"What is Qin Feng planning? Showing his core technology to competitors?" "Isn't this inviting wolves into the house?" "Could he be afraid? Trying to ease tensions by sharing technology?"

Even Chen Ming was puzzled: "Director Qin, inviting Chuangsheng Technology's people? Isn't that…?"

Qin Feng waved his hand, a mysterious smile on his face: "Don't worry. I have my reasons."

On the day of the meeting, the "Future Eco-Community" was heavily guarded. Guests entered the venue with varied intentions; the representatives from Chuangsheng Technology stood out, their eyes filled with curiosity—and a barely perceptible greed.

Qin Feng personally attended the meeting. He offered no small talk, immediately leading everyone to the vast area where the Photo-Hydrogen Conversion Membrane had already been laid, shimmering with strange, flowing light under the sun.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is our preliminary achievement in clean energy—the highly efficient Photo-Hydrogen Conversion Membrane," Qin Feng said calmly, standing before the blue, almost living film, explaining its basic principles and astonishing conversion efficiency data.

A low murmur of awe rose from the audience. The Chuangsheng Technology representatives' eyes gleamed; their recording devices trembled in their hands.

After introducing the basic performance, Qin Feng suddenly shifted tone. His gaze, half-smiling, swept over the Chuangsheng Technology representatives, his voice laced with unhidden mockery:

"Recently, our project has attracted many enthusiastic 'peers' and 'environmentalists' who've shown extraordinary interest in our technology. Various long-range lenses, drone surveillance—even attempts to 'befriend' our internal staff…"

His words, amplified through the microphone, echoed clearly throughout the hall—everyone caught the sarcasm.

The Chuangsheng Technology representatives' faces instantly grew uneasy; their eyes darted away.

Qin Feng pretended not to notice their discomfort, continuing with a smile:

"Why go through all this trouble? If you want to know the principles and effects of this technology, just come openly and exchange ideas." "Like today—we invited you, didn't we?"

He walked to the edge of the Photo-Hydrogen Conversion Membrane, picked up a glass of water prepared nearby, and slowly poured it onto the film's surface.

To everyone's astonishment, the moment the water touched the film, it did not slide off—it was as if pulled by some invisible force, spreading evenly across the surface. Under sunlight, tiny bubbles began forming within the film, collected through gas conduits—the very hydrogen being split!

This direct, miraculous demonstration triggered another wave of exclamations.

After the demonstration, Qin Feng set down the glass, clapped his hands, and turned his gaze once more to the Chuangsheng Technology representatives, their faces flushed with shame. His smile remained—but his eyes turned sharp as blades, his voice chilling:

"So I'm curious…" "All the secret scheming, the painstaking efforts you made outside…" "You weren't, by any chance…" He deliberately stretched the pause, then spoke slowly, clearly:

"Stealing techniques?"

"…"

In an instant, the entire hall fell utterly silent!

Every eye locked onto the Chuangsheng Technology representatives! Their faces turned purple with humiliation; they wished they could vanish into the ground! The crushing shame and the surrounding stares—like those aimed at thieves—left them gasping for air.

Qin Feng's words were like dragging their faces through the mud in front of the entire industry—stripping away every last shred of their pretense.

"Qin… Director Qin! What do you mean by that? We were merely engaging in normal technical exchange…"

"Normal exchange?" Qin Feng cut him off with a scoff. "Normal exchange with high-precision surveillance equipment and attempts to bribe my staff?"

He no longer looked at the utterly humiliated representatives. His gaze swept the hall, his tone returning to calm—but now carrying undeniable authority:

"Technological exploration requires an open mindset and solid R&D. Jingyuan Technology welcomes sincere exchange and cooperation."

"But," his voice turned suddenly cold, like a Siberian wind, "for any attempt to steal technological achievements through improper means…"

"I, Qin Feng, and the entire Qin Feng System, reserve the right to pursue all legal liabilities!"

"And I guarantee—the consequences… will be severe!"

With that, he ignored the ashen-faced Chuangsheng Technology representatives, turned, and gestured to the other guests: "Please, let's continue."

The Chuangsheng Technology representatives, under the mocking and strange stares of the crowd, could no longer bear to stay. They slipped away from the venue in disgrace.

After this incident, Chuangsheng Technology's attempt to steal Jingyuan Technology's core technology became an open joke in the industry. Liu Shiyin and the Foundation's plan to reverse their fortunes through technological theft was crushed by Qin Feng in a manner bordering on humiliation.

Want to steal techniques?

Then don't blame me for making you… utterly ruined.