Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 176 The First Atomic Bomb Test Was Successful (6K)

"Professor, please teach me how to win this presidential election, how to defeat Lyndon Johnson!"

Lin Ran looked at the middle-aged man in front of him. He showed none of the confidence and fervor of the campaign speeches on television, only unease and pleading.

Even though Lin Ran knew Fred was faking it, he still derived a great deal of emotional value from it.

Kennedy, Nixon, Johnson, and Fred—four presidents and presidential candidates in total, which one didn't he personally talk to and offer his opinions on?
However, Fred's ability to break through the ranks of the Elephant Party was both reasonable and unexpected.

Lin Ran had only mentioned it casually, but he didn't expect the other party to actually have this talent.

On second thought, if the later T hadn't had the genes and family background, he wouldn't have been able to grasp the essence of electoral politics so quickly.

As his father, Fred might not necessarily be better at the game than Old T, but it's normal for him to know a little bit about it.

After listening to Fred finish rambling on about his worries, Lin Ran said frankly, "Fred, there's just no way to help it."

Nationally, Lyndon Johnson still held the advantage. Conservatives were in the minority, and he had offended all the minority groups. The shadow of World War II and the NAZI had not yet faded, and McCarthyism was even closer.

Your extreme behavior makes it difficult to gain the support of most people.

Fred argued, "No, Professor, that's all media fabrication! It's all fake news."

When Lin Ran heard "Fake News," he felt a little disoriented, as if a door had been opened and he had returned to sixty years later.

“They portrayed me as a heinous, extreme white supremacist, but I have never discriminated against minorities.”

See how good I am to the Chinese community? All the Chinese residents in my apartment complex enjoy a price lower than comparable apartments on the market!

Lin Ran thought to himself, "This is an attempt to curry favor with me," but he remained outwardly calm.

Fred continued, "I made some mistakes when I was young. Does anyone never make mistakes?"

Fred was afraid that Lin Ran wouldn't give him advice because of his white supremacist views.

"I am a good person now."

Lin Ran is in a difficult position. You allow your supporters to sing "Nigger in the White House" at campaign rallies. Is that what you call a good person?
Fred's voice pulled Lin Ran back to reality.

After listening, Lin Ran said, "Fred, I don't think your argument can convince me or the minority groups to vote for you."

From what I know, apart from the Chinese community in New York City who have a relatively good impression of you, the Chinese community outside of New York doesn't like you, and it's even affected my image because of you.

Fred said, "It's all the media's fault!"

Lin Ran thought for a moment and said, "I think it's very difficult. If you want to defeat Johnson, there's only one way."

Fred immediately pressed, "What method?"

Lin Ran said, "That proves that Lyndon Johnson was involved in Kennedy's death. He killed Kennedy and was an unprecedented hypocrite."

Fred narrowed his eyes, his tone filled with excitement: "Professor, are you saying that Lyndon Johnson was involved in President Kennedy's death?"

I knew that kid wasn't a good person!

Lin Ran explained, "No, no, no, that's not what I meant. I meant that you only have a chance to win if someone can help you prove it."

After listening, Fred sighed and said, "That's too difficult. He's the vice president, and he spends most of his time in the White House."

Even if it really is related to him, who can find the evidence?

Unless V. But even V would have a hard time finding evidence linking Kennedy's death to Lyndon Johnson.

Lin Ran reminded him, "You've forgotten someone else."

Fred asked, "Who?"

Lin Ran said, "Robert Kennedy."

Fred immediately realized: "You mean, Robert Kennedy accused Lyndon Johnson of being involved in Kennedy's death? You want the media to sensationalize it, to shape it into a conspiracy theory from a public opinion perspective, but a conspiracy theory with corroborating evidence, and then influence voters?"

Lin Ran nodded: "That's right."

What you need to do is not get people who dislike you to vote for you; that's something you'll find very difficult to do no matter what you do.

After Lin Ran stopped speaking, Fred immediately added, "What I want to do is to prevent Johnson's supporters from voting for him!"

If I can portray Johnson as a villain in the media, as a morally corrupt person, and prevent progressive voters from casting their ballots, I will win!
Professor, I understand.

Fred felt the trip to Huntsville was worthwhile; the advice alone made the trip worthwhile.

At the White House, Lin Ran returned as usual to report on his work, and all of NASA's plans were progressing smoothly.

From the Rangers to the Marines to the Gemini and Apollo programs, all these projects have progressed smoothly.

As NASA administrator, he felt how lonely it is to be invincible.

Returning to the White House for a report is actually more troublesome.

Lyndon Johnson treated Lin Ran as a friend he could chat with, and every time he visited, he would talk to him for a long time.

Lin Ran guessed it was because everyone else needed his help, and he would tell them the truth.

“Professor, the reason I specifically called you to the White House this time is because I have some good news to tell you,” Lyndon Johnson said.

Lin Ran remained noncommittal: "What good news?"

Lyndon Johnson said, "China successfully tested its atomic bomb just two days ago."

Lin Ran clenched his fist, then slowly said, "This is indeed good news for the Chinese, isn't it?"

Lyndon Johnson gestured for him to relax: "Professor, relax. I'm not here to interrogate you. I'm not like those conservative legislators from the Southern states."

I know you have nothing to do with China's atomic bomb, and you have never tried to access any information related to nuclear weapons while working at NASA.

I have complete trust in you in this regard.

Despite Hoover's attempts to find various sources to prove that you were providing assistance to China.

The only concrete evidence is that you may have provided some academic journals to China through my competitor's brother. When those journals were sent out, the IA staff confirmed that they contained no sensitive information.

So, Professor, rest assured, I trust your loyalty to America.

Loyalty! Sincerity! These words automatically flashed through Lin Ran's mind.

"The Irish tried their best to help Ireland, the Germans tried their best to help Germany, and the Jews of America held various public rallies to raise funds for Israel, funded lobbying organizations in Washington, and passed bills that were friendly to Israel."

As a Chinese person, it's perfectly normal for you to try to help China; it would be abnormal if you didn't.

"Professor, it's clear that your actions haven't crossed any lines; they've remained purely academic." Lyndon Johnson appeared remarkably magnanimous.

Lin Ran thought to himself, no, no, no, the Chinese in America in later generations didn't think that way. They tried every means to be hostile to their motherland.

Lin Ran said helplessly, "I really don't understand why Hoover is targeting me."

Lyndon Johnson explained, “Because you are Chinese, he is hostile to anyone who might have socialist tendencies.”

Despite what I've said countless times, Professor, you are loyal, absolutely loyal to America.

But the nature of Hoover's work meant he was bound to be skeptical of everything.

Lin Ran sighed: "Well, it seems he has quite a misunderstanding about me."

If this was mere empty promise, then the discussion during Lyndon Johnson's administration about amending the Export Control Act to allow the export of medicines and food to China would have been a real benefit, but unfortunately, the prevailing circumstances at the time prevented the bill from being passed.

Among those who served in the Lyndon Johnson White House, James Thomson (a third-generation Chinese American) advocated for easing relations with China through cultural exchange and trade adjustments, believing that isolating China was unsustainable.

Lin Ran relaxed when he heard Lyndon Johnson say that: "Yes, that's why I said it's good news for the Chinese."

China has been under immense pressure from its northern neighbor, forcing it to invest too many resources in its military. Having nuclear weapons allows it to concentrate resources on the economy and people's livelihoods, which is undoubtedly a good thing for my fellow Chinese citizens.

Lyndon Johnson remained noncommittal: "Professor, I hope it's as you say."

"Professor, there's another very important reason why I trust you."

Lin Ran asked, "What?"

Lyndon Johnson said, "Do you remember the Radiation Lab series?"

Lin Ran nodded and said, "Of course."

Lyndon Johnson said, "I later learned that it was actually a test of your loyalty designed by President Kennedy and McNamara."

I'd like to see if you can find a way to provide this set of books to China, as it has strategic significance from a military perspective.

This included radar blueprints from the 40s, which were prepared and were of great significance to China, but were outdated technology for us.

If we can find out your true thoughts in this way, even if China acquires this set of books, it will still be worthwhile for us.

The result was that you successfully passed the test. From the moment you received the book until the very end, you never once took it out of Redstone Base, nor did you engage in any sensitive activities, until the entire set of books was returned intact to the Department of Defense.

Lyndon Johnson's motives weren't so simple; he wanted to win Lin Ran over to his side by belittling Kennedy and McNamara.

Lin Ran thought to himself, "Sure enough, there's a trap here waiting for me to fall into. Luckily, I have a way out. No matter how meticulous you are in your calculations or how well-connected your spies are, you won't have thought of this."

“I completely understand. After all, I held the key to America’s moon landing in my hands,” Lin Ran said. “What’s the point of arguing with a dead man?” He asked curiously, “President Johnson, I’d like to ask, is Hoover still investigating me?”

I didn't mean anything by it; I was simply curious whether Hoover's recent report to the White House contained anything about me.

Lyndon Johnson thought for a moment, “No, because you passed the security review, including your current position as NASA Administrator, Hoover is not qualified to review you.”

After his wiretapping was exposed last time, he didn't dare to do it again.

Lin Ran thought to himself, they might not dare to. He asked this question just to confirm whether the Soviet Union, which had obtained the photos, had any control over Hoover.

Judging from Lyndon Johnson's response, Hoover probably didn't have time to pick a fight with him.

"So, Professor, I'm telling you this to let you know that I fully trust you. China's test of the atomic bomb was unexpected, but that's all."

They can't reach America's homeland; they can only intimidate the surrounding areas, posing no threat to us.

Lyndon Johnson continued, "Well, this also has an impact on us."

The entire Baiyue strategy needs to be rearranged.

"The military-industrial complex is forcing me to get involved, insisting that I arrange for people to land in Baiyue after the election and personally intervene in the Civil War," Lyndon Johnson complained.

Lin Ran said, "China would never use an atomic bomb for the sake of Baiyue."

Lyndon Johnson explained, "Of course I know."

The problem is that China drew a line for the Baiyue Wars. This line determined that if the north lost, it could escape behind the line, regroup, and then come back to fight the south.

If this endless battle continues, neither we nor they can win.

If China didn't have atomic bombs, we might have been able to cross that line, but now that China has atomic bombs, we have no choice but to abide by it.

In the end, there were no winners in this war, except for the military-industrial complexes who made a fortune in US dollars.

Lin Ran was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Lyndon Johnson to have such insight. His insight was so clear that he almost perfectly predicted the final outcome of the Baiyue War.

America is trapped in a swamp in the jungles of Baiyue.

China expressed a clear position and drew a so-called "red line" through diplomatic and military signals to warn America not to cross certain boundaries.

Specifically, this "red line" is the 17th parallel north.

In fact, America's land forces did not break through this line, maintaining great strategic restraint.

“So America can choose not to participate in this war,” Lin Ran said softly.

Lyndon Johnson pointed to his seat: "The last president who sat here, Kennedy, thought the same thing. He's gone to meet God now."

The military-industrial complex wants to make money, Washington lawmakers want to make money, and military generals want to make money. Where will the money come from?
Of course, it should come from the government's budget. When everyone wants to take money from the budget, is it possible to refuse?

Lin Ran sensed a deep fear in Lyndon Johnson's explanation and thought to himself, "Sure enough, Kennedy's death has opened Pandora's box."

Subsequent presidents have not dared to refuse the demands of the military-industrial complex.

"So Fred's accusations in the newspapers are completely unfounded. He actually said that I killed President Kennedy and that I had nothing to do with it," Lyndon Johnson rambled on.

Fred's aggressive approach put him under immense pressure.

After listening, Lin Ran was once again certain of one thing: Hoover was indeed no longer watching him.

Otherwise, Hoover certainly wouldn't have missed this opportunity to sow discord: to tell Lyndon Johnson that Fred had gone to Huntsville to see him.

Lin Ran said, "The main problem is that V has never been found, and the real culprit behind President Kennedy's death has also never been found."

The death of President Kennedy is shrouded in mystery, and until the true culprit is found, it is indeed very disadvantageous for the president.

Lyndon Johnson asked, "Professor, do you have any good ideas?"

Lin Ran thought for a moment: "I've actually been following the news, and I think the key person is Robert Kennedy. His statement led to your passive situation."

But there is another person who can turn your passive situation around: Jacqueline Kennedy.

All you need to do is plead with Jacqueline Kennedy to come out and say that you have a good relationship with the Kennedy family and that she doesn't believe you would do such a thing.

Nothing else is needed; just show that she doesn't believe it.

Lyndon Johnson said thoughtfully, "Professor, I understand now. I've always subconsciously thought that Jacqueline and Robert were one, but in reality they are not."

If I become president, I can't guarantee I'll find the real culprit, but I'll certainly be able to preserve President Kennedy's political legacy and continue to promote racial equality and integration.

Based solely on political beliefs, Jacqueline is far more likely to support me than Robert, who is blinded by hatred.

After thinking it through, Lyndon Johnson realized that he really needed to talk to the professor. No wonder Nixon treated the professor as an honored guest; his trust in him was absolutely right.

Lin Ran felt he was playing both sides and was already looking forward to the 1968 election:

What benefits would Lyndon Johnson's re-election bring him? What benefits would Nixon's rise to power bring him? What kind of entertainment would we have if Fred came to power?

"Professor, I'm considering whether to change our policy towards China," Lyndon Johnson tentatively asked. "Right now, relations between China and Soviet Russia are strained. Is there any hope of winning them over to our side?"

Lin Ran shook his head: "That's not very realistic."

Moreover, even if you wanted to do that, Congress and the public wouldn't agree; they would think you were too weak.

Lyndon Johnson thought for a moment: "But I think that if we can win over China, that would be the fastest way to defeat the Soviet Union."

Lin Ran thought for a moment and said, "I think we can start by conducting some small-scale cooperation in science and culture to test the waters. If the results are good, we can then find ways to open the door to economic and trade cooperation."

From my personal perspective, I naturally hope that China can have economic and trade exchanges with the pro-independence camp; this would be a good thing for the Chinese people.

Lin Ran was well aware that he needed to firmly uphold his bottom line: "I only sympathize with the Chinese people and hope that their lives can be improved."

After a moment of silence, Lyndon Johnson said, "I understand, Professor. Once I am elected President America, I will arrange for James Thomson to make a low-key, discreet visit."

James Thomson, Special Assistant for Far Eastern Affairs, is a third-generation Chinese American who grew up in Nanjing.

Lin Ran was both optimistic and cautious. He was not optimistic about the effectiveness of the contact between the two sides at this point in time.

You're all about to personally intervene in Baiyue; it's no wonder things aren't going to improve.

Inside the Jinlong Store in Hamburg, Germany. The store is filled with the scent of sandalwood, and the shelves are stocked with Chinese tea and porcelain.

Soft classical music was playing from the Panda Radio.

Manager Feng said warmly, "Brother Sun, it's so good to see you! Did you just get back to Hamburg? Are you busy on the ship lately?"

Manager Feng exuded the enthusiasm of a businessman, but the sharpness in his eyes was concealed by sunglasses.

Sun Youyu smiled and walked to the counter: "Manager Feng, things have been alright lately. It's just that the sea is rough, and there are more and more containers being shipped by sea now. But our work has actually become easier, as machines are handling the unloading and handling."

Manager Feng said casually, but with a hint of pride, "Business is fairly stable. But have you heard the big news? The mainland has successfully tested an atomic bomb!"

Sun Youyu's face stiffened briefly, then he relaxed and said, "Oh? I was at sea and didn't hear it. When did this happen?"

Manager Feng nodded, raising his voice slightly: "August 16th, in Lop Nur. China now possesses its own nuclear weapons; this is a truly remarkable event!"

We Chinese people overseas also feel proud, and can hold our heads high!

Sun Youyu smiled and said, "Yes, it does sound very important, but to be honest, it won't have a significant impact on us."

Clearly, Sun Youyu wasn't that excited; on the contrary, he was a little nervous because he already knew about this news.

After salvaging several hundred West German marks from Taipei, he quickly bought a radio that could receive broadcasts even at sea.

When he heard the news at sea, he was initially proud, thinking, "If white people can make this, so can we Chinese." Then he felt disappointed, wondering when he could launch a counterattack.

I had previously held onto a sliver of hope that I could fight my way back.

Upon hearing the news of the successful nuclear test, he was filled with despair, feeling that his heart and soul would remain on the mainland while he would grow old in Taipei.

Manager Feng said smugly, "Of course it's related."

Previously, my Golden Dragon Store had virtually no foreigners. But ever since China successfully tested its atomic bomb, foreigners have been coming in every now and then to ask me about China, which has made my business much better.

My fellow Chinese compatriots are also proud of the tremendous achievements our motherland has made.

First came the Panda brand radio, showcasing the tremendous achievements of our motherland in the electronics industry; then came the atomic bomb, demonstrating the tremendous achievements of our motherland in the military industry.

The China of today is indeed incomparable to the China of the past.

Taking advantage of his knowledge of Sun Youyu's identity, Manager Feng deliberately and continuously promoted China in order to arouse the other party's sense of identity with his motherland as a Chinese.

Maybe we can give him to Cefan.

Beneath Sun Youyu's stiff smile lay a hint of pride. As a Chinese sailor, he knew all too well what kind of people foreigners were—they feared power but didn't appreciate virtue. He also understood the change in the attitudes of white people after the motherland's nuclear test.

“Yes,” he chuckled, “it is certainly something to be proud of.”

At that moment, a thought flashed through his mind: "If only I were from the mainland."

(End of this chapter)