Chapter 205: Press Conference

The post-disaster reconstruction and expansion of the "New Era" are progressing steadily; top talent and resources from around the globe are converging upon it like rivers flowing into the sea. This Sea City-State is transforming at an unprecedented rate from a controversial private project into a true global hub of science and thought, possessing unique appeal and influence.

Qin Feng knew well that merely enduring the shock of the tsunami and achieving a temporary balance through political maneuvering was insufficient to secure the "New Era"'s lasting dominance on the world stage. He needed to clearly demonstrate the city's value and potential to the world, and to lay broader foundations for its future development.

After repeated consultations with Sun Zhe, core members of the Science Council, and the "Zhu Long" think tank, Qin Feng decided to hold a high-profile, global press conference.

The announcement drew worldwide attention.

This was the first time Qin Feng, the mysterious billionaire and tech magnate who governed the "New Era," had publicly and on a large scale faced global media after surviving the tsunami and navigating conflicts with multiple powers. Everyone wondered: What would he say? Would he boast of his achievements? Announce a new astonishing plan? Or... respond to past controversies?

The conference venue was set in the newly completed "Eye of the Future" Global Convention Center at the heart of the "New Era." The building itself was a work of art—its fluid curves and transparent dome resembled a giant eye gazing at sky and ocean.

On the day of the conference, hundreds of reporters from major global media, financial outlets, and tech publications, along with distinguished guests and observers invited through Special Channels, packed the convention center to capacity. Cameras and microphones were trained on the podium; the atmosphere was tense yet electric.

When the time came, Qin Feng entered the hall calmly, accompanied by Sun Zhe, Gao Yuan, and several elder luminaries of the Science Council.

He did not wear a formal suit, but a well-tailored dark blue casual outfit—his demeanor steady and restrained, yet radiating an undeniable, powerful aura. The moment he appeared, the previously noisy hall fell silent; all eyes locked onto him.

Without lengthy preliminaries, Qin Feng walked straight to the podium, his gaze calm as it swept over the audience, and spoke bluntly:

"Thank you all for coming to the 'New Era.'"

"I know there are many speculations, many questions, even... many misunderstandings about this place, and about me."

His voice, amplified clearly, reached every corner of the hall.

"Today, I do not intend to explain the past, nor respond to meaningless noise."

"I only wish to show you what the 'New Era' is—and... where it is headed."

As he finished speaking, the massive circular screen behind him blazed to life!

First appeared a meticulously edited, breathtaking footage of the "New Era"'s entire resistance against the tsunami—from the frantic construction of the breakwaters, to the cosmic fury of the wave's arrival, to the city's defiant glow amid the monstrous surges, and its rapid rebirth afterward... Each frame brimmed with power and wonder!

Muffled gasps erupted from the audience.

Though many had already learned the general story through news reports, witnessing this visceral, immersive replay of that life-or-death trial still shook them to their souls!

When the footage ended, Qin Feng's voice returned—still calm, yet carrying an undeniable force:

"Many ask: How could the 'New Era' withstand such a natural disaster?"

"I tell you—it was not luck, nor mere piles of steel and concrete."

"It was here—" he tapped his temple, "—technology and wisdom far beyond its time! And here—" he opened his arms as if embracing the entire city, "—the unwavering belief and sweat of countless souls who dared the impossible and never gave up!"

Thunderous applause erupted in the hall.

"But," Qin Feng shifted tone, his voice deepening, "resisting disaster and surviving is merely the starting point of the 'New Era'—not its end."

The screen's imagery shifted accordingly.

"Today, I formally announce the 'New Era''s three core future initiatives!"

"First, the 'Deep Space Eye' Project!"

The screen displayed a more radical, science-fictional spacecraft design—the upgraded version of the "Ling Xiao" platform!

"We will build, based on the 'Ling Xiao' platform, humanity's first true deep-space vessel capable of prolonged interstellar travel and scientific research! Its goal extends beyond low Earth orbit—to Mars, Jupiter, and even beyond the Solar System! The 'New Era' will become humanity's forward outpost to the deep void!"

The hall erupted in shock! Deep Space Mothership?! Such ambition was staggering!

"Second, the 'Rule Probe' Project!"

The screen now showed complex mathematical formulas, quantum models, and enigmatic cosmic background radiation maps.

"We will establish a multidisciplinary super-research institute, gathering the world's sharpest minds to study the universe's most fundamental rules—including, but not limited to, gravity, spacetime, and the essential relationships between consciousness and matter! What we aim for is not applied science—but... to create the cornerstone of science itself!"

Many scientists in the audience leapt to their feet in excitement—this was the ultimate dream of every theoretical researcher!

"Third, the 'Civilization Spark' Project!"

The screen revealed a massive, futuristic concept image of an ecological preservation vault hidden beneath the sea or underground.

"Using the 'New Era''s most advanced technology, we will construct a 'Civilization Ark' containing all known Earth biological genomes, all human civilization's knowledge, and its most critical technological data. This is not born of pessimism—but of responsibility to preserve civilization! No matter what cataclysm the future holds, the 'New Era' will ensure the spark of human civilization never dies!"

The three initiatives, each grander and more shocking than the last!

Deep space exploration! Rule Analysis! Civilization preservation!

This transcended the scope of any city—or even any nation—it was a strategy and ambition rooted at the level of civilization itself!

The hall fell into a long, stunned silence, then erupted into even louder, enduring applause!

Everyone understood: Qin Feng had not merely announced projects—he had issued a declaration! Announcing that the "New Era" and he himself were now formally ascending history's stage as leaders of humanity's future!

As applause subsided slightly, Qin Feng raised his hands in a calming gesture for his final summary; his gaze grew deeper, as if piercing through time and space:

"I know many see these initiatives as insane, as impractical."

"But I say this: Humanity's greatness lies in daring to dream of what seems impossible, and giving everything to achieve it!"

"The 'New Era' was born for these dreams!"

"Here, there are no national borders, no school divisions—only the thirst for the unknown, the pursuit of truth, the responsibility for civilization's future!"

"I extend, here and now, my most sincere invitation to every scientist, engineer, and thinker across the globe who shares these dreams and possesses the ability to act—"

Qin Feng's voice rose sharply, carrying a commanding, world-conquering spirit:

"Join us! Come to the 'New Era'!"

"Let us together open... the New Era... for all of humanity!"

The press conference ended amid thunderous applause and countless flashing lights.

But the bombshells Qin Feng had dropped had only just begun to detonate across the globe!

Deep Space Mothership! Rule Analysis! Civilization Ark!

Each term alone was enough to trigger seismic reactions in academia, the tech world, and among global elites!

The "New Era" and Qin Feng's name were thrust once again into the spotlight—but this time, not with skepticism or mockery, but with boundless awe, longing, and... contemplation.

Many were beginning to realize: that floating city-state in the South Pacific might not merely be a billionaire's toy—but... the lighthouse of the next civilization era!

And the one who ignited this lighthouse was the young man standing at the center of the conference, calmly declaring his earth-shattering ambition—

Qin Feng.