The first order of business is to discuss the plan with the Chairman. Acting cautiously does not mean I've lost my former fearlessness. One could say the Red Dragon has already shown its might in the localized conflicts in West Gold and Mosquito Land; this is no longer a time to build a reputation, but truly to expand territory, which allows for absolutely no carelessness.

It had been a while since I last saw Chairman Li Zhenyu. Upon hearing I was coming to visit, he immediately cleared his schedule of all meetings. The two of us settled into a small lounge to drink tea.

"It's been so long since I've had a moment this leisurely," the Chairman remarked after sipping his tea.

I replied, "Chairman, the pressure on you recently has been immense. I know it’s because of the South China Sea situation. Public sentiment is strongly in favor of war now, and students across the country are holding demonstrations. You must have a terrible headache over this."

"Indeed. The people don't understand the true situation. They fear the Red Dragon becoming the new world police, stationing troops on the Great Dragon Country's soil to maintain 'peace.' But how can I explain the reality of the current situation to the entire nation? I only hope this naval battle starts and ends quickly."

"But from the recent satellite analysis," I countered, "the Joint Fleet is only patrolling the periphery. If the Red Dragon initiates hostilities unilaterally, won't our excuse of protecting fishing vessels have been wasted? We should have just gone to war with Vietnam and the U.S. back then."

The Chairman sighed, "That is why, despite our urgency, we must wait. Little Zhao, having righteous cause is crucial for your future development. Do not let down my hopes; I have staked everything on you."

I was deeply moved. Chairman Li Zhenyu has always treated me with affection and trust. "Chairman, I understand. I will not disappoint you. In truth, you shouldn't dwell on the public's misunderstanding. When everything is eventually revealed, everyone will naturally comprehend your painstaking efforts."

"I don't fear misunderstanding; I'm just figuring out how to resolve this matter. Now, an opportunity has presented itself: the Japanese are stirring up trouble again in the East China Sea. I intend to divert public attention while simultaneously striking a blow against Japan's arrogance. What are your thoughts?"

This matter aligned perfectly with the purpose of my visit. "I wholeheartedly agree with punishing the Japanese, haha. Chairman, are you planning to deploy the East China Sea Fleet's submarine force? Japan's P-3C anti-submarine patrol aircraft are formidable. Operating from the Kanoya Air Base and Kadena Air Base, their combat radius covers more than half our maritime territory, and our fighters lack the necessary sea-based support. Given the current strength of the Republic's Navy, this battle won't be easy."

"Yes, the Military Commission discussed this very matter just now. We plan to send destroyers and frigates to conduct military exercises in the East China Sea oil drilling areas of the Imperial Japanese Oil Company, coordinating with a cluster of Kilo-class submarines. If necessary, we will use ship-borne surface-to-air missiles to strike Japanese anti-submarine patrol planes to give the Japanese a stern warning."

I remained silent as the Chairman continued, "At the same time, as a precaution, the state has decided to secretly replace all workers at the East China Sea ABC oil wells with PLA personnel to guard against a surprise attack from Japan. Launching sudden wars is their habitual tactic."

This approach was too cautious. I suggested, "Don't we have the Type 096 submarines? I propose using a submarine-launched missile to test-fire against a P-3C anti-submarine aircraft. I already helped you improve this technology when building the 096. Regardless of whether we hit the target or not, launching just one missile would scare the Japanese planes back to their homeland, as the capabilities of the 096 are well-known."

"The 096 has a heavy strategic deterrence role. It must guard against a sudden nuclear strike from the U.S. and preserve our second-strike nuclear capability, while also being deployed in the Taiwan Strait to block the entry of the U.S. fleet. Submarines one through five are currently carrying nuclear warheads, navigating the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Our remaining forces cannot counter Japanese anti-submarine efforts. Japan has been constantly improving its anti-submarine weaponry specifically targeting our submarines and pursuing them closely."

"If I had known this, I would have given you a few more. Living so constrained now, this war feels hesitant and constrained—simply unsatisfying."

The Chairman chuckled, "You'll get used to it. The nation is not currently in a state of full preparation for war; deploying so many weapons easily leads to problems. This matter is settled. You must be very busy with your South Sea affairs too. I have another meeting to attend. Help yourself to some tea; this is genuine Da Hong Pao, a treasure unobtainable even with unlimited money. Don't waste it; I don't serve this to ordinary people."

The Chairman left, leaving me stunned in the lounge. Was it because my current strength was too great, or was the military strength of the Great Dragon Country too weak? Did dealing with Japan truly require the Chairman to be so careful and cautious?

In fact, I had already been very prudent and careful, but the Chairman was even more prudent and cautious than I. If things continued at this snail's pace, I suspected that even by the time I was old and dying, world unification would not be achieved, let alone breaking out of the Earth-Moon system. There was no time left to study the moon overhead—who knew if a more advanced civilization existed inside it? We should be in a race against time, yet the athlete never seemed to unleash a full sprint.

Whatever. I'll do my part. Let them think whatever they want—call it rebellion or a power grab. As long as I believe what I'm doing is righteous and correct, that's all that matters. Time to go. I'll head back and arrange matters for the East China Sea. Since the Chairman is reluctant to go all-in, I'll deploy ten Earth-class underwater fortresses. Heh heh, let little Japan taste my true capabilities.

The Chairman said this tea was Da Hong Pao, supposedly the ultimate, naturally wild tea tree, with only one specimen in the entire nation. I must savor it carefully, and perhaps sneak a bit home for my father to try.

The East China Sea Fleet of the Great Dragon Country soon moved into the designated exercise area, and Japan's reaction was equally intense. A newly formed Eighth-Eighth Fleet, mixed with Aegis Kongo-class destroyers, entered the East China Sea, supported by six P-3C anti-submarine patrol aircraft and dozens of frigates and missile boats. For a time, the surface of the East China Sea became incredibly lively, rivaling the scene in the South China Sea.

The Great Dragon Country lacked large AWACS aircraft and aircraft carriers, limiting its combat radius to within 500 kilometers of the shore. Furthermore, there was a gap in the quantity and quality of its warships compared to the Japanese Navy. However, the Great Dragon Country's shore-based intermediate and long-range missiles from the Second Artillery Force were remarkably powerful. Although Japan possessed early warning and operational support extending over 800 kilometers, and its warships' weaponry and performance surpassed those of the Great Dragon Country's Navy, they dared not act recklessly due to the threat of the Great Dragon Country's terrifying saturation missile attacks. Thus, a series of probing exercises unfolded in the East China Sea.

Based on some recent developments among students, on this particular evening, the school issued a notice requiring all faculty and students to assemble in the main auditorium that night to hear heroes recount their battle stories. This kind of event hadn't happened in years. I heard that Li San, the hero who emerged during the previous Japanese sneak attack on the East China Sea oil wells, would also be speaking, so I decided to go.

I usually don't dine with Ouyang Qian, but since I was going to the report meeting tonight, I didn't go home. Zhou Ni stayed as well. After dinner, I lay on Su Xue’s bed reading, while the four girls cleaned up the dishes. Fang Yanmeng, being a senior eligible for internship, and coupled with the fact that Chaoyang Energy had just joined Dadi Energy, had countless things demanding her attention. She and her father had been frantically busy these past two days, not coming home at night, let alone returning to school for the report meeting.

Regarding the merger of the two energy companies, the officially announced reason was that Dadi had acquired Chaoyang and subsequently appointed Fang Chaoyang, the former head of Chaoyang Energy, as the CEO of Dadi Energy. His daughter, Fang Yanmeng, was appointed General Manager of the company. This finally gave Fang Yanmeng a suitable role on the corporate stage; previously, she had kept it hidden, fearing others would discover her connection to Dadi Energy. Now, everything was settled, and she even gained a capable helper—her father.

"Let's go, or we won't get good seats," Xu Chen said to me.

I put down my book and stood up. "Alright."

Ouyang Qian and Su Xue both held me back. "You sleep a while longer. Wait until we leave."

"Why?" I asked, confused. "Wouldn't it be better if we went together?"

Su Xue replied, "Forget it. Do you want pictures of you groping my backside circulating on the forum again? Things have finally calmed down for Qianqian and Nini; don't embarrass them again."

I retorted to Su Xue, "When did I ever grope your backside? If that's the case, are you guys not planning to come to the report meeting with me tonight?"

Su Xue linked arms with the other three girls, saying, "Of course not. The four of us are going together. You can find your own seat. We'll give you a chance—there’s another 'Golden Flower' at Longteng University you don't know, plus more department and college beauties waiting for you to explore. Go on."

If they didn't want to go with me, fine. Being alone might even allow me to keep a lower profile. Xu Hu and Chen Chao had mentioned my popularity was rising, but I thought it had actually declined. Recently, the way students looked at me wasn't as intense; the 'Golden Flowers' seemed to be gradually distancing themselves from me on the surface. It wouldn't make sense for those guys to keep focusing on me anymore.

I certainly wasn't going to wander aimlessly around campus looking for another Golden Flower or any other beauty. However, I genuinely enjoyed the unrestrained, romantic, and tranquil atmosphere of the university campus, perhaps because I never had the chance to attend university before.

Since it was still early, I strolled aimlessly along the campus paths until I heard He Yuqing call out, "Zhao Qian, wait up for me! Why are you alone?"

I turned back and smiled at He Yuqing. "Yeah, a lone wolf now. They went to the auditorium by themselves. I was afraid my presence might cause an unfavorable impression."

"Hehe," He Yuqing laughed. "I don't fear an unfavorable impression. Let's go together."

Since our discussion about the future affecting the past, He Yuqing's attitude toward me had clearly shifted. I couldn't articulate exactly how it changed, but there was definitely more smiling merriment in her eyes.

As we walked, I asked He Yuqing, "Are you not busy recently? Maybe you shouldn't bother with setting up that theoretical system. If things change again, you’ll have to start from scratch. It won’t be too late to summarize once your research has reached a conclusion."

"You're right. So, I haven't been working on anything purely theoretical lately. However, I met a foreign friend online. Her name is ANLENE, which translates to 'Aileen' in Chinese. She’s American, and her family is very wealthy. From what she says, I estimate she’s from some major financial dynasty. What surprised me is that she is also a researcher of Prehistoric Civilization, and her current research results surpass what my grandfather and I had found before."

While walking, I prompted, "Tell me, what are foreigners' views on Prehistoric Civilization? What have they discovered?"

"We met on some academic forum, and when the topic of Prehistoric Civilization came up, we became good friends. She showed me many Prehistoric Super-Civilization artifacts she collected to prove their existence. Moreover, she vaguely mentioned that the U.S. is researching a spatial machine. According to her, under the particle acceleration of this machine, speeds can exceed the speed of light, theoretically allowing humans to travel back in time."

"I've heard of photon rockets, but they can't reach even 100% light speed, let alone exceed it. This spatial machine the U.S. is working on uses particle acceleration to surpass light speed?"

He Yuqing smiled, "I'm not entirely clear on the specifics, but just because we can't achieve something or don't know about it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, right?"

"Heh, you're right."

"That’s what you taught me. Based on Aileen’s materials, she has extremely detailed knowledge of the Prehistoric Humans, including their distribution areas, population numbers, and level of civilization. Her hypothesis on the destruction of the Prehistoric Civilization largely aligns with our deductions—destroyed by war. Only one point: her research has not touched upon the Moon Spaceship."

"That's a relief. If she had figured out everything, we Chinese would have no face left. Work hard to surpass her and bring honor to our country."

He Yuqing gave me a slightly reproachful look. "Academic research shouldn't be divided by faction. We should learn and exchange ideas, not compete. Aileen does this very well; she tells me everything. Of course, don't worry. I won't mention the Moon Spaceship hypothesis to anyone without your permission."

I smiled and said nothing. It was just a hypothesis. Even if the Moon People truly existed, what could the Americans do to them? Traveling to the Moon now is incredibly arduous. Even if someone wanted to pursue this line of research, did they have the means?

Night hadn't fully fallen, but my walk with He Yuqing soon drew the attention of numerous male students. Two of them, whom I recognized from classes in our department, approached me with teasing smiles.

"Zhao Qian, taking your girlfriend for a walk?"

I explained, "A walk? Do I look like I have that kind of leisure? Don't talk nonsense. How could He Yuqing be my girlfriend?"

"Hehe, you're the pride of the male students in our department, nicknamed the 'Golden Flower Killer' at Longteng University. I wonder if He's 'Golden Flower' has fallen yet?"

He Yuqing blushed and said to me, "If there's nothing else, I'll head off first. I'll contact you if anything comes up."

Before He Yuqing could disappear, the two guys grabbed my arms and asked, "Hey, Zhao Qian, did you touch this Golden Flower’s butt or not? According to incomplete statistics, you’ve felt up the backsides of at least three Golden Flowers. Tell us how it felt, especially Ouyang Qian—was it very impulsive, making you want to pin her down and have a go...?"

I kicked one of the guys. "Cut that out. Don't talk about my girlfriends like that, or I'll kick your ass into pulp."

"Hehe, if you're willing to tell us the real story between you and the three Golden Flowers, I'll accept having my butt kicked."

Since those girls were trying to restore their 'pure' identities, I said, "I'm pursuing them; they haven't agreed yet. That’s all."

"Holy crap!" Both guys swore simultaneously. "You're trying to chase three at once! If they agreed, it would defy natural law! You might be handsomer than us brothers, but not handsome enough to have three women on your arms! Besides, the three Golden Flowers suddenly started driving cars recently; maybe they’ve already been kept by some big boss. Stop dreaming!"

The three of us walked into the auditorium while chatting. I countered, "You can't say things like that. What’s wrong with dreaming? At least I have dreams to chase. What about you guys? You can only watch me touch the Golden Flowers' butts and fret... Haha."

The two guys looked menacing. "You brat, you’re so lewd! We're going to feel up the Golden Flowers' butts too later."

"Fine, go ahead if you’re not afraid of being beaten into a pulp."

"But you touched three and weren't afraid. What are we afraid of?"

"Because they let me touch them, and because I’m slightly handsomer than you."

"Damn it!"

Listening to reports isn't like watching a movie; you can just sit in a corner. Those two guys went into the auditorium, scanning the crowd for girls, and soon headed toward the areas with more women, leaving me to sit down wherever I pleased.

I wasn't particularly interested in the reports before, but I listened intently when Li San, the oil worker from Chaoyang Energy, took the stage. His words were different—without the usual clichés, instead filled with simple, rustic honesty.

"Students, my name is Li San. My name is crude; it can’t be helped, country folk don't know how to name children. I actually said I would never participate in reporting speeches or similar meetings again, but the television station leaders told me this was happening at the Great Dragon Country’s highest academy—Longteng University. So I thought, I might skip other places, but I absolutely must visit the place where the future of our Great Dragon Country lies.

"Don't mind those slogans about heroes and role models you see around; they're all hollow, meaning nothing. I, Li San, speak bluntly. I don’t care what others think of themselves as heroes; I certainly am not one, and I’ll argue with anyone who tries to pin such a label on me. If I, Li San, am a hero, then what about my brother Zhang Er? I, Li San, am just a damn coward who failed his brother!

"Don't blame me for cursing right here; I’m cursing myself, Li San. Even if I'm a coward, I'm better than those mandarins and their wives who take high state salaries, ride in luxury cars, and live in villas, yet do nothing for the country!

"Don't say I'm biting randomly like a mad dog today. When I worked daily at the oil rig, I understood the real side of our Great Dragon Country’s society even less. But after being labeled a 'hero' for a few days and traveling around, my eyes have been opened and I’ve seen the world. It turns out that the salary our brothers earn after a month of back-breaking work isn't even enough for a mandarin to take a bath, or for a mandarin’s wife to get a beauty treatment!

"It's not that I, Li San, am jealous of the rich. Doesn't the state encourage some people to get rich first? As long as the money is clean, I won't say a word. But if you go to our most luxurious sauna dance hall tonight and pull out any patron, ask them if they paid for their enjoyment. Where does their tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands in extravagant nightly spending come from?

"Others won't let me talk about this, but since I’ve been asked onto this stage, I must speak, and I must do so in front of you university students. I warn you: don't cheer too loudly for those people now; be careful when the tally is called later! Don't imitate them. In the future, no matter where you work or what you do, you must first ask your conscience. You can get rich overnight; you can be rich and cruel, but let’s not do things that harm nature or benefit ourselves at the expense of others—things that lead to the ruin of your lineage!…

"I, Li San, have rambled off track again. Today, we were supposed to talk about the Japanese. My grandfather, though a humble man, fought the Japanese devils with a Type 38 rifle back in the day. I grew up hearing many stories about the War of Resistance Against Japan. We won't bring up the past today, but my grandfather once told me that the Japanese are the type of people who don't even know the meaning of surrender until they die. Like in the movies, when defeated, they’d rather commit seppuku than surrender. So, I want to tell the students here: don't let past talk of Sino-Japanese friendship or good neighborly relations blind you. If the Great Dragon Country could be friends with Japan, I, Li San, would twist my head off right here and let you use it as a ball!

"It’s not that we don't want friendship with them; it’s that those little Japanese devils fundamentally don't intend to be friends with us. People who haven't been to the East don't understand the situation. Japanese planes fly over our heads daily, sometimes so low that you could spit and hit the doggone pilot. When you see that gleaming Rising Sun flag spinning above, your heart feels stabbed by needles. Students, that’s our territory! That’s the sea of our motherland! That’s our airspace! By what right do the Japanese send planes to survey our daily work? Even visiting someone requires their permission, right? But they don't just fail to announce themselves; today they steal a melon, tomorrow they pinch a date. If you dare curse them, they immediately hide behind their master, the U.S., and bark madly at us. To use our rural curses, they are the spitting image of a son of a bitch!

"Li San didn't study the Japanese before, but since the last incident, I’ve meticulously reread every piece of Japanese documentation I could find. Only then did I realize that the Japanese ambitions toward our Great Dragon Country are not just recent—not just today, tomorrow, or the day after. As long as this nation, worse than pigs and dogs, continues to exist, it will never abandon its desire to invade our motherland! So, I warn the students again: don't let the so-called Sino-Japanese friendship blind you. If we don't wake up soon, the moment the Japanese tear off that hypocritical facade will be the moment our country faces great disaster!"

Flipping through the newspapers and magazines of recent years, where is the Japanese ambition not apparent? They build a wretched Yasukuni Shrine and burn incense there daily. What are they worshipping? Classmates, they are worshipping the war criminals of World War II! In the eyes of those dogs, they are their heroes; aggression is meritorious, invasion is glorious. Tell me, if you don't remain vigilant against such a nation, can you truly afford not to? I know some of you students are organizing boycotts of Japanese goods—this is a good thing. It's not that Chinese products are unusable; why is it that only the Koreans can boycott Japanese goods and we cannot? The Chinese people have never lost to anyone—not in the past, not now, and certainly not in the future! I hope that among those present today, many will become great military strategists, scientists, and entrepreneurs, building our China into a strong nation that no one dares bully, allowing Chinese technology and products to dominate the world!

"A few days ago, I heard that Japanese aircraft were scouting over the East China Sea oil rigs again. I have already submitted an application to the company to return to work on the rigs. Compared to my brother Zhang Er, I, Li San, might seem like a coward, but I won't be a coward my entire life. We must prove to the Japanese through our actions that the East China Sea has always been ours, our territory. You Japanese have no right to bicker with us, much less the right to fight us over oil!"

At that moment, someone shouted from the audience, "To the East China Sea! Drive the Japanese out of the East China Sea! Give us back our vast sea!"

The students were well-practiced from demonstrations in recent days, and a large contingent immediately responded: "We swear to defend the dignity of our homeland! Japanese, get out of Chinese territory!"

The auditorium instantly became animated. Various slogans and impassioned songs erupted from every viewing stand. The school organizers couldn't control the scene for a time, and it was only after more than ten minutes that the clamor slowly subsided into quietude.

Li San felt no need to speak further. He waved his hand to the assembly. "Classmates, I actually hope that if you have the chance, you can all visit the East China Sea in person. Go see the crude oil our rigs provide to the mainland day in and day out; go witness the arrogant aggression of the Japanese with your own eyes! Today is the last report I will ever give in my life. Thank you all for giving me this opportunity to... to convey my final, deepest aspirations!"

A staff member helped a frail, trembling old woman onto the stage. Li San escorted the elder woman before the crowd. "My mother is 63 this year. In the countryside, that's not considered very old, but her legs are bad. Besides meeting with all of you students while in Jingdu, I also came with a profound hope: to find treatment for her legs. If any of you know of good hospitals or doctors, I beg you to introduce me. No matter how much it costs, I, Li San, will sell everything I own, even my bones and blood, to cure my mother's illness!"

At this point, a staff member explained to the audience, "Students may not be fully aware, but this mother is actually the mother of Zhang Er, the worker who rammed his vessel into a warship during the last Japanese sneak attack on the East China Sea oil rigs!"

Li San interjected, "No, she is our mother, the mother of both Zhang Er and me. I, Li San, failed my brother Zhang Er, but I swore that from now on, I would be her own son! Mom, please say a word to the students."

The old woman, new to such a large gathering after coming from the countryside, momentarily lost her words. After a long pause, she managed to speak one sentence: "Children, study hard, study very hard..."

Li San, having been an oil rig worker and having delivered recent impassioned speeches, had shed much of his rural demeanor. Yet, the old woman standing there was unmistakably a simple, honest mother from the countryside. Longteng University had many students from rural backgrounds, and coupled with the mother's unique status, the hall fell silent.