Chapter 532: I Don

The conference room fell back into discussion, and everyone argued fiercely around issues such as the amount of the military budget increase, funding sources, and research directions.

Some worried about congressional resistance, some suggested prioritizing upgrades to existing equipment, while others insisted on concentrating resources to develop the next‑generation fighter.

The sounds of argument and the clatter of fists on the table intertwined, making the already solemn atmosphere even more oppressive.

Wo Ke listened quietly to the discussion, his fingers lightly tracing the tabletop as his mind rapidly weighed the pros and cons.

He knew that America could not lose its advantage in aviation, and the successful test flight of the Jian-20 had already created cracks in America's global strategic layout.

No matter how strong congressional resistance might be, increasing military spending and vowing to overtake Daxia are the only options right now.

Half an hour later, Wo Ke raised his hand to signal silence: "Everyone, I have made a decision. First, immediately establish the 'Advanced Aviation Equipment Development Special Task Force,' led by General Bu Lang, uniting major defense contractors to draft a development plan for the next‑generation stealth fighter, while also launching upgrade projects for the existing F‑22 and F‑35 aircraft; second, I will personally lead communication with Congress to push the passage of a $50 billion additional defense budget, and before that reallocate $10 billion from emergency defense funds as seed money; third, strengthen intelligence gathering and military deployment in the Asia‑Pacific region, closely monitoring Daxia's Jian‑20 mass production and fielding schedule."

His tone was decisive, bearing unquestionable authority: "America will never allow any nation to challenge our technological hegemony and military standing. Daxia's Jian‑20 success is merely a wake‑up call. From now on, what we must do is use our overwhelming financial and technological advantage to leave them far behind!"

"Understood!" the group replied in unison, and the previously anxious faces gained a hint of resolve.

After the meeting ended, the participants gradually left the conference room, their steps still hurried. They needed to implement the resolutions and launch all tasks as quickly as possible. Bo En Si walked last, glanced at Wo Ke's back, and couldn't help but speak:

"Minister, can we really guarantee an overtake? That Lin Shengli and his team are not to be underestimated."

Wo Ke stopped, turned back, and gave him a cold stare:

"We have no way out. Either we overtake or we lose hegemony. Bo En Si, I need you to mobilize all intelligence resources, at any cost, to obtain the core technical data of the Jian‑20, especially the Fire Control System and Stealth Coating data."

"I understand." Bo En Si nodded, turned, and hurried away.

In the late‑night Hexagon Building, the lights remained bright.

Orders radiated from here, quickly spreading to every corner of America's defense and defense‑industry system.

A contest for aerial hegemony had silently begun the moment the Jian‑20's test flight succeeded.

Meanwhile, far to the east in Daxia, Lin Shengli and his son Lin Zhengpeng were still busy at the Xibei Shifeichang, unaware that their achievement had already caused a huge stir across the ocean.

Weekend sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the hall of the Lin Family Courtyard in a warm glow that gilded the rose‑wood furniture.

Qin Jingru had early in the morning asked Zhang Ma to pull out Lin Qinhua's wardrobe, hanging each piece on a hanger, while she kept murmuring:

"This light‑pink dress looks good, it makes your skin look fair; and this off‑white coat is dignified and elegant— you need to dress appropriately for the blind date."

Lin Qinhua sat at the dressing table, looked at herself in the mirror, and gave a helpless smile:

"Mom, it's just a meeting, no need to be so formal, right?"

She usually wore loose lab coats at the research institute, with her hair simply tied in a ponytail, and rarely had a chance to dress so meticulously.

"Why not?" Qin Jingru walked over, picked up a comb to smooth her long hair, "Professor Li is a university professor, very refined; we can't be lax. Besides, my daughter Qin Hua is so outstanding, she must look beautiful so he knows that Qin Hua is not only scholarly but also exceptional."

He Yushui entered carrying a plate of freshly cut fruit, smiling as he continued:

"Your mother is right, Qin Hua; when you dress up, you have to do it properly. I tell you, a girl's image matters no matter what career she pursues."

She placed the fruit plate on the dressing table, "Try these freshly washed strawberries; they're very sweet."

Lin Qinhua picked up a strawberry, popped it into her mouth, and the sweet, silky flavor spread across her tongue.

She let Qin Jingru style her hair, but felt a bit conflicted inside.

She had originally been resistant to the blind date, but couldn't withstand her mother's repeated urging, and thinking of her mother's constant worry over her lifelong affairs, she eventually nodded.

After more than an hour of fussing, Qin Jingru finally stopped, satisfied.

In the mirror, Lin Qinhua's jet‑black long hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, her face lightly made up, making her features appear even more delicate.

She wore a light‑pink dress, an off‑white coat over it, low‑heeled leather shoes on her feet, and looked gentle and graceful, completely shedding the efficient lab‑coat image.

"So beautiful!" Qin Jingru clapped satisfiedly, "This is how my daughter should look. Remember, when you meet, don't keep talking about research; chat more about everyday life and be gentle."

"Got it, Mom." Lin Qinhua sighed, nodded, grabbed her handbag, "It's getting late; I should leave now."

"Go ahead, go ahead, be careful on the way." Qin Jingru escorted her to the courtyard gate and reminded, "If you feel it's right, talk a bit longer; if not, that's fine, Mom will find someone else for you."

Lin Qinhua replied, turned, and walked toward the alley entrance.

Just as she stepped out of the alley, she saw a familiar figure standing under a nearby phoenix tree, holding a paper bag—her colleague from the institute, Chen Mo.

Chen Mo, like her, was a researcher in the field of aviation material development, two years older, and usually took good care of her at work.

The two often discussed experimental data together, and when working overtime they would bring meals for each other, maintaining a harmonious relationship.

Lin Qinhua hadn't expected to meet him here, froze for a moment, then walked forward to greet him:

"Chen Mo? Why are you here?"

Chen Mo's cheeks flushed instantly, his gaze flickered, and he clutched the paper bag tightly, looking nervous.

He took a deep breath before speaking: "Qin Hua, I… I've been waiting for you here."

"Waiting for me?" Lin Qinhua asked, a bit puzzled, "Do you need something from me?"

"There's… there's something very important." Chen Mo's voice stammered; the man who usually talked freely in the lab now seemed unusually clumsy.

He lifted his head, his gaze steady on Lin Qinhua, "Qin Hua, I know you're going to a blind date today. I… I don't want you to go."

Lin Qinhua was stunned, not understanding his meaning: "Why?"