"Angie, quickly show me your research achievements!...," Liu Hui was somewhat impatient.

Angie picked up the clothes from the floor and slowly helped Liu Hui put them on, saying, "Even if you want to see our scientific achievements, you can't go around with nothing on, can you!" Liu Hui muttered, "But you were the one who helped me take them off just now..."

After getting dressed, Liu Hui and Angie proceeded to the research hall. Angie spoke a few words into the intercom, and a large door nearby slid open. Liu Hui and Angie stepped inside to find Chen Changsheng beaming with excitement.

Chen Changsheng now looked entirely restored to his early twenties. Perhaps due to the abundance of good news lately, he appeared vibrant and carried an unexpected air of mature masculine charm.

Seeing Liu Hui enter, Chen Changsheng smiled and walked over, calling out, "Boss, hello!"

Liu Hui laughed, "Dean Chen, you look younger and more dashing every time I see you—quite the charismatic man! What, are you thinking of settling down with a young lady again?" To everyone's surprise, Chen Changsheng blushed slightly at Liu Hui’s teasing and avoided answering the question. Angie chimed in from the side, "Boss, our Dean Chen has already started seeing a young woman from the institute. I hear they are already discussing marriage."

Liu Hui was startled, then overjoyed, laughing, "Dean Chen, that's wonderful news! Why didn't you mention it?"

Chen Changsheng looked somewhat awkward. "Boss, she's only in her twenties. For a man of ninety-plus like me to marry her... well, it’s already a bit unusual, so why would I broadcast it?" Liu Hui then understood Chen Changsheng's concern; he was worried about being seen as an old man pursuing someone too young. Liu Hui chuckled, "Dean Chen, you look barely twenty yourself now, and that young lady is also in her twenties. You're practically peers! What's there to worry about? Remember, your lifespans have been extended to over two hundred years; you have plenty of time together ahead of you!" Chen Changsheng responded with a hearty, slightly silly laugh. Liu Hui added, "Dean Chen, when the time comes, be sure to invite me to your wedding feast. You are a distinguished veteran of 'Starlight City,' having made tremendous contributions to us. We will certainly treat you well." Chen Changsheng, buoyed by Liu Hui’s praise, replied excitedly, "Boss, we will definitely invite you when we get married."

By this time, the preparations Angie had made were nearly complete. She stepped up to the main platform and announced, "Everyone, please pause your current work for a moment. The Boss is here to inspect our progress today, so let’s present our recent research achievements!"

The researchers in the room immediately burst into warm applause—applause that was entirely genuine, without any prompting from others. They were not only provided with the best possible conditions here but also gained access to technology previously unimaginable, allowing their talents to be fully realized and their life goals achieved. This inspired an immense respect for their Boss, Liu Hui.

Liu Hui found a seat nearby, with Chen Changsheng sitting next to him, and they listened together as Angie began her presentation on the stage.

Angie first held up a computer chip. "This is the latest computer chip produced by Intel in the United States. Its peak processing speed can exceed five hundred trillion operations per second. This single chip has the computing power equivalent to the strongest supercomputer of the 1990s." Then, Angie picked up another oddly shaped chip and continued, "This is our self-manufactured chip, and its peak processing speed has reached fifty quintillion operations per second." Liu Hui blinked, wondering if he had misheard, only to hear Angie clarify, "Boss, you heard correctly. The processing speed of the chip we manufactured ourselves is indeed fifty quintillion operations per second—one thousand times faster than the newest chip from Intel. And this is just our first generation; once our manufacturing techniques improve further, the speed of this chip will increase significantly." Liu Hui inquired, "Weren't our computer chip technologies comparable to Intel’s before? How did we suddenly leap so far ahead?"

Angie smiled. "This is all thanks to that humanoid mecha. After we obtained it, we found the optical computer that controls it. Although we didn't dismantle the optical computer, we scanned its internal structure thoroughly with our instruments. The chip technology within this optical computer gave us an enormous amount of inspiration. Combining this inspiration with our current chip technology, plus our use of the miraculous formations and high-grade energy stones, we immediately broke free from the limitations of Earth's computer chip manufacturing, creating something entirely different from what Earth produces. That’s how we managed to leave Intel’s chips several streets behind." Liu Hui finally understood; having the reference of alien optical computer chip technology explained the sudden leap in their chip production capabilities.

Angie continued, "We still don't fully comprehend some aspects of this optical computer's entire operational system. However, I am confident that once we completely digest the technology contained within this optical computer, our advancements in computing will take another massive leap. But even if we can only produce this new type of computer chip, it is a massive benefit to our 'Starlight City.' We will upgrade the supercomputer, the 'Solar System Simulator,' by heavily incorporating these new chips to replace the older ones. Once all those chips are replaced, our supercomputer's processing speed will break one hundred million quintillion operations per second, making it a true supercomputer. At that point, simulating a truly realistic solar system environment might not be impossible. That will be the opportune moment for a significant surge in our technological strength."

Listening to Angie's passionate explanation, Liu Hui felt an inexplicable surge of fighting spirit. He realized that with these advancements, no organization or individual could stop the progress of 'Starlight City.' Anyone who dared to obstruct their path would be utterly eliminated.

Angie carefully put the computer chip away, then turned on the main computer. A strange device appeared on the large screen in the room. She introduced it, "This device is the Matter Converter we specially designed."

"Matter Converter? What is that?" Liu Hui asked, genuinely puzzled. He had never heard of such a thing existing before.

"I know you have always been worried about the threat posed by the massive nuclear arsenal on Earth, which is why we specifically developed this Matter Converter. Its sole purpose is to prevent nuclear detonations," Angie said with a smile.

"This thing can stop a nuclear explosion?" Liu Hui's heart rate quickened.

'Star Banquet City' was already safe from nuclear attacks thanks to the protection of the large defense formations, but the vast stockpile of nuclear weapons on Earth remained a hidden anxiety for Liu Hui. As long as these weapons existed, they posed a potential threat of catastrophic disaster to the planet. 'Starlight City' was already heading for the stars, so Earth's destruction wouldn't significantly impact it. However, Earth remained the ancestral home for all Starlight Citizens, and Liu Hui desperately wished to avoid seeing it devastated.

Angie explained, "Theoretically, this Matter Converter can prevent nuclear weapons from exploding. However, we have only just finalized the design and haven't conducted any actual tests yet. But I am confident that this device is flawless; any nuclear material subjected to its intense field will lose its radioactive characteristics and be converted into another safe substance."

Liu Hui asked, "Besides converting nuclear weapon materials, can our Matter Converter convert other materials?..."

Angie shook her head. "No. To find a way to convert nuclear weapon materials, we ran simulations on the supercomputer for several years, finally arriving at this singular result. We did not calculate for the conversion of other substances, so this current Matter Converter can only deal with nuclear weapon materials." Liu Hui finally grasped the truth. He often complained to Angie about nations possessing vast nuclear arsenals and his fear of a global nuclear war plunging Earth into ruin. Angie had remembered his worries and, in an effort to ease his burden, had initiated research on this Matter Converter. Such research had consumed several years of her time, yet she had never mentioned it to him, only revealing it upon success. From this, Liu Hui felt the depth of Angie's love for him.

Once this Matter Converter was validated by testing—proving it could indeed transform nuclear materials into safe alternatives—then nothing on Earth could truly threaten 'Starlight City.' He could finally dedicate all his focus to the grander schemes of generating wealth, terraforming Mars, and colonizing it.

Angie's presentation of scientific achievements was not over. She manipulated the computer controls again, and a different, oddly shaped object appeared on the large screen, resembling a massive cannon.

Angie explained, "We call this the Super Laser Cannon. It is also our latest achievement, derived from studying the weapon system of that humanoid mecha. Our previous laser weapons had very low energy utilization efficiency, and their destructive power was somewhat lacking. After referencing the energy weapon systems on the mecha, we manufactured this Super Laser Cannon." "We call it a Super Laser Cannon because its destructive power is immense. It compresses high-energy laser beams into a single burst, unleashing it to inflict massive damage on the target in a short time. This differs from our older laser weapons, which fired a continuous beam, resulting in dispersed force. The advantage of the Super Laser Cannon lies in its ability to concentrate all laser energy for an instantaneous, devastating strike..." "According to our calculations, utilizing this Super Laser Cannon, our attack intensity will increase by more than ten thousand times compared to our existing laser weapons. While our old laser weapons were virtually unstoppable on Earth, their destructive power was somewhat insufficient in the vacuum of space. That is why we developed this Super Laser Cannon; it compensates for our deficiencies in cosmic combat." "As for the current power of this Super Laser Cannon, a single shot at maximum power can shatter an iron planet ten kilometers in diameter into dust. Of course, if necessary, we can construct even larger Super Laser Cannons with even greater destructive capabilities."

Regarding this Super Laser Cannon, Liu Hui was simply awestruck. While his own mindset was still focused on terrestrial warfare, Angie had already set her sights on future interstellar conflicts. If interstellar war ever broke out, fighting with Earth-bound weaponry would guarantee crushing defeat. With the Super Laser Cannon, 'Starlight City's' offense would become far more lethal; even if aliens attacked, they would at least have the means to fight back.

Before Liu Hui could fully process the shock of the Super Laser Cannon, Angie called up several images on the computer screen. "In studying the construction materials of the humanoid mecha, we found its material composition incredibly tough, in no way inferior to our special materials treated with solid formations. After analyzing the composition of these materials, we discovered several novel elements never before seen on Earth."

"The reason the mecha's material is so resilient is precisely because these new elements were incorporated. These novel elements do not exist on Earth, but fortunately, the lunar base discovered their presence on the Moon, and the reserves are significant enough to be mined."

"Once we acquired these new elements, we immediately began tests. We found that adding these few novel elements to the materials composing the mecha instantly made them immensely tough. If these materials are combined with our solid formations, our material science will immediately reach a new height. To give a comparison, the materials we manufacture will now be able to withstand a one-hundred-thousand-ton nuclear blast unscathed."

Liu Hui grew animated. "If we use these materials to build starships, won't our vessels become virtually indestructible, making deep-space voyages almost entirely safe?" Angie smiled. "Yes, that's correct. We have deciphered the material formula of the humanoid mecha, and combined with our mysterious solid formations, our material science has actually surpassed that of the aliens who built the mecha. Even those aliens currently cannot produce materials superior to ours." Liu Hui asked, "When do you plan to implement these new materials?" Angie replied, "Our tests are complete; we are currently configuring the factory, and official production of this high-strength material should begin in about three months. At that time, we will reinforce critical components of 'Starlight City' with this material, making its overall structure far more stable. In the future, even when 'Starlight City' is used for interstellar travel, there will be no risk of structural failure." Liu Hui nodded with satisfaction. Angie added, "We are currently studying the transmission system of that humanoid mecha and have already gained some new inspiration. We believe we will be able to build our own humanoid mecha in the near future." Liu Hui laughed, "If we possess our own humanoid mecha, our soldiers will have guaranteed safety in the event of war. Remember, our soldiers are incredibly precious; losing even one is heartbreaking!"

Angie concluded, "These are the research achievements from this period. Naturally, we have many other studies underway, but they are not yet yielding results."

Liu Hui stood up and applauded loudly. "Everyone, I must thank you. It is your diligence that has elevated the technological level of our 'Starlight City' far beyond the rest of the world. You have set numerous research records; your inventions will expand humanity's living space. You are the pioneers of human society, and I will not forget you—'Starlight City' will not forget you."

Receiving Liu Hui's affirmation, the researchers were equally thrilled and composed. They also rose and applauded warmly, their applause echoing endlessly.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

In Angie's office, Liu Hui and Chen Changsheng were discussing some matters.

Liu Hui asked, "Compared to the computer chips produced by Intel, what was the actual performance of the chips we manufactured previously?" Chen Changsheng replied, "The chips produced with our former technology were, at best, on par with Intel’s. However, after being inspired by the chip inside the mecha's optical computer, our current chip performance now vastly outstrips Intel’s."

Liu Hui paused, then asked, "Can we make slight improvements to our original chip technology, boosting performance just 50% to 100% over Intel’s, and then release these chips onto the market?"

Angie considered this. "That should be feasible. We only need minor adjustments to our existing technology to surpass Intel's performance."

Liu Hui was delighted. "That’s perfect. The Americans have always held a grudge against our 'Starlight City' and have been using subtle tactics against us. Their reliance is on their absolute advantage in high-tech fields. If 'Starlight City' is to counter the US and break their high-tech monopoly, our first breakthrough must be in computer chips. We will use technology that is only slightly more advanced than theirs to shatter America's technological supremacy in this sector. Once they weaken here, they will never recover."

Chen Changsheng smiled. "Boss means that every time Intel releases a new chip, we immediately upgrade our existing products, keeping our performance consistently 50% to 100% higher. After a few cycles of this, Intel's R&D investments will yield no returns, causing them to lose their ability to innovate. Then, we will dominate the computer chip market alone."

Liu Hui laughed. "Precisely. That is my plan. I just wonder about the cost structure?"

Angie stated, "Our production costs will absolutely be lower than Intel's."

Liu Hui continued, "Then we will price our products 10% lower than Intel’s."

Chen Changsheng sighed. "Ten percent lower in price, yet 50% to 100% higher in performance. Intel is in danger!"

Liu Hui chuckled. "This time, we won't just aggressively enter the computer chip market; we will also enter the smartphone market. Our Spirit Energy Fluctuation smartphone technology has long been perfected. Previously, to protect the secret of the spirit energy fluctuations, we withheld these high-tech phones from sale. But now that our overall advantage is established, we no longer need to fear others pointing fingers. It is time to launch these Spirit Energy Fluctuation phones; we cannot surrender this enormous market to other companies."

Angie raised a point, "But this involves the issue of telecommunications carriers. We need to see if they will accept our Spirit Energy Communication technology."

Liu Hui smiled. "Then we negotiate with them. But remember to warn them: if they refuse to allow Spirit Energy Communication into their domestic markets, we will proceed independently and completely open the Spirit Energy Communication system across their entire country. Anyone with a Spirit Energy phone will be able to communicate freely. After all, we have already established Spirit Energy Communication base stations in space; we don't need to set anything up on their land."

Chen Changsheng mused, "But if that's the case, and our Spirit Energy phones cannot enter those countries, consumers there won't get our phones, and we won't establish a complete communication market!"

Liu Hui chuckled, "Dean Chen, what we were just discussing was the most extreme scenario. Generally speaking, our device is easily marketable. But if the situation you described truly materializes, we would flood their domestic market with our Aura Phones, essentially giving them away. We would allow them to use our Aura communication network for calls, and then drastically lower their call rates. That would completely suffocate their domestic telecom providers. Sacrificing a portion of our profits is something 'Starry Sky City' can currently absorb, whereas those domestic carriers simply won't be able to hold on."

Chen Changsheng replied, "But wouldn't doing that be a bit unethical?"

Liu Hui laughed again, "Dean Chen, you must understand, our Aura Phone is meant to benefit all of humanity. Using our Aura Phones ensures there are no communication dead zones anywhere in the world, the call quality is crystal clear, and unlike electromagnetic phones, they pose no harm to the human body. Furthermore, the cost of communication will drop significantly. Why wouldn't we promote such a wonderful thing? Besides, 'Starry Sky City' is incredibly powerful right now. While we still adhere to fairness and impartiality in our business dealings, when facing clear reactionary forces that impede social progress, we won't shy away from employing alternative measures."

An Qi smiled, "Your standing is getting higher and higher. You constantly place yourself in the position of guiding human progress. In the end, are you aiming to become a god to humanity?"

Liu Hui chuckled, "Becoming a god to humanity—I haven't actually thought about that. I simply want to make more money and, incidentally, weaken the strength of our adversaries. As for all that talk about advancing human society, it's merely a slogan we shout out. It just helps make my public image shine a little brighter!"

, ~