Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 428 American friends, you also need to issue a statement!

The Fifth Department Building, small conference room.

Ben Richie held his water glass and leisurely sipped his tea, seemingly in no hurry at all. However, the fact that he had looked towards the door countless times was enough to show the sense of urgency he felt at that moment.

Crunch!

As the door was gently pushed open, Ben Richie jumped to his feet. "Qin, you're here! It's so good to see you!"

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Ben Richie, my friend, we meet again! And you, Dennis, you're here too!"

Dennis Overholzer, a mathematician and radar expert, and a key member of Skunk Works' stealth aircraft project, came along, ostensibly for the stealth aircraft project.

“Yes, Qin, it’s so nice to see you,” Dennis said with a smile.

After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Liang continued, "Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any help! We've been partners for many years, and we'll do our best to assist you in any way we can."

“Qin, it’s like this,” Ben-Ritchie began, “Not long ago, in the South China Sea, your side used a brand-new missile with a stealth design. Neither shipborne radar nor early warning aircraft radar could see it. We hope to come to Northwestern Polytechnical University to learn from your experience.”

"What? A stealth missile? That sounds incredibly advanced!" Qin Liang exclaimed. "Stealth technology, used in missiles? That truly opens up a new avenue for understanding stealth technology!"

Qin Liang's face was full of excitement. The Americans, on the other hand, all looked dejected.

"Qin, you don't know?"

Wasn't this product developed by your Northwestern Polytechnical University? What are you pretending to be confused about now?

"Yeah, I didn't know," Qin Liang said. "This is definitely a new idea! Why are you all making that face?"

Professor Liu, the department head, watched Qin Liang's performance with a smile. As the nominal head, he usually didn't care about the affairs of the five departments, but since his old friend was visiting, he had to keep him company. If his old friend had brought up this matter beforehand, he wouldn't know how to respond.

Now, Qin Liang vividly demonstrates what it means to pretend to be ignorant when you know the truth; in short, we know nothing!
"Ahem, Qin, do you think it would be difficult to modify a missile to have a stealth shape?"

"Well...theoretically speaking, missiles are smaller and easier to modify. However, precisely because they are small, many parts are difficult to modify. For example, the design of the air intake is not easy...So, does Lockheed Martin want to jointly develop this with Northwestern Polytechnical University?"

"Well, if you have this idea, we can work together."

"Wait, you just said that we've already used this kind of missile? That means we already have the relevant technology for this kind of missile. Our Northwestern Polytechnical University... I'm afraid there's no need for us to develop it. This needs to be changed. You commissioned us to design it. We're old friends, so we won't ask you for more. Give us 100 million US dollars in research and development funding, and we'll help you develop it."

One hundred million US dollars! Do you think it fell from the sky? You're talking about hundreds of millions all the time!

Countless alpacas floated over Ben Richie's head.

“Qin, we… just need a sketch, like the stealth aircraft design we had back then,” Ben Richie said.

What they really needed was just inspiration; they knew how to do the actual work! This is all the Philippines' fault; they panicked and didn't even take a single photo. Otherwise, they wouldn't have come looking for the East so desperately.

Developing from scratch takes a long time and a lot of effort. Cooperating with the East allows them to quickly eliminate incorrect designs and find the right solution, which has already been proven on fourth-generation fighters. Now, they hope to continue this approach with stealth missiles.

But... Qin Liang didn't want to!

Back then, Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) was short of money, so they sought cooperation with them, which was how they made their first fortune. Now that NPU is not short of money, they cannot easily leak many of their technologies unless the other party shows sufficient sincerity!

and many more!

If I remember correctly... Americans have similar projects themselves!

When it comes to American cruise missiles, the most famous is of course the Tomahawk. However, the Americans are also developing stealth cruise missiles. As far as I can remember, it was around 82 that General Dynamics was developing a cruise missile codenamed AGM-129.

With its stealth design, including a diamond-shaped warhead and embedded air intake, coupled with its nuclear warhead, it possesses formidable penetration capabilities and devastating destructive power, making it the most powerful weapon in the hands of the Americans.

It first flew in 85 and entered service in 90. Originally planned for production of 2500, production was reduced to 460 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. General Dynamics was reportedly devastated.

Thinking about it this way, helping the other side with research and development isn't exactly aiding the enemy; if we don't help, the Americans will develop it anyway.

"Well, if all you need is a rough sketch, we can certainly help," Qin Liang said. "We're old friends, a symbolic ten million US dollars will do. But, you just said, where were we demonstrating that weapon again?"

"Sigh, that side is still a big problem!" Qin Liang sighed, "So..."

A sense of foreboding welled up in Ben Richie's heart; he feared he would find it difficult to agree to the next request Qin Liang was about to make.

Sure enough, Qin Liang continued, "Could you persuade the US government to issue a public announcement?"

"No, that won't do."

"why?"

Ben Richie suddenly fell silent.

Yes, why?

Because the chaos over there is beneficial to them! If they announce it now, they'll have to contradict themselves later, which would be embarrassing.

However, this reason cannot be stated, otherwise, how can we still be good friends with Dongfang?
They were very embarrassed.

"As long as you issue this announcement, Northwestern Polytechnical University will gladly provide you with a design proposal free of charge," Qin Liang said. "This matter has really frustrated us recently... Mr. Ben Richie, since you are our friend, you should be willing to help us with this, right?"

“Qin, we’re only focused on technology, not politics. After all, politics is dirty,” Ben Richie said. “Actually, even if we were to collaborate with Northwestern Polytechnical University, there would be many people back home who would try to sabotage us…”

In the United States, people constantly talk about freedom of speech, but in reality, it's just partisan infighting and mutual attacks. What freedom of speech? Who would dare to say "nigger get out"? They would immediately be labeled a racist.

In order to contain the Soviet Union, the Americans normalized relations with the East. However, there was always a group of politicians in the US who were hostile to the East. These people were eager to cause trouble for the East. In their eyes, no national affairs mattered. Only their own struggles mattered. National interests were nothing. Their own interests were the most important thing!
Lockheed was one of the early American companies to collaborate with Northwestern Polytechnical University, and they were attacked by many politicians who were hostile to the East.

"Then fight back! They've come to attack you, and you're going to put up with it?" Qin Liang rolled his eyes at the other man. "Mr. Ben Rich, I don't believe you don't have politicians you're on good terms with. This time, push the government to recognize our legitimate rights in the East and give them a good slap in the face!"

"This……"

Ben Richie isn't a three-year-old; he could tell that Qin Liang was stirring things up.

"Let's talk about technology cooperation instead."

"Oh, I just remembered I have some things to take care of. Let Director Liu continue to receive you. Thank you for your hard work, Director Liu!"

Director Liu nodded. He could see that Qin Liang was forcing these Americans to agree to his demands!

If it weren't for the fact that they had displayed such a powerful weapon as stealth cruise missiles, the Americans might have had the possibility of military intervention...

It's difficult to get them to back down now, which means the cooperation between the two sides can be delayed indefinitely.

"Qin, wait!"

Seeing Qin Liang about to leave, Ben Rich quickly called out to him, "Your request is really putting us in a difficult position, we..."

"Mr. Ben Richie, have you ever heard of a saying from the East?"

"what?"

"Kindness is often taken advantage of, and good horses are often ridden. You are all too weak!"

After saying this, Qin Liang turned around and strode out.

Ben Richter was somewhat exasperated. "Qin, we're an arms company, not a political company. We really don't get involved in political matters. Wait, wait, don't go!" Qin Liang knew that this one cooperation alone wouldn't be enough to make the Americans back down. The key was to exert pressure from other sides. The biggest recent event was the downing of a South Korean civilian airliner. From this incident, they needed to find a way to provoke the West!

How exactly should this be done? It needs to be designed properly! Qin Liang thought quickly in his mind, and then his eyes lit up.

The White House, America.

"Are you sure the Russians can't find any evidence that we're conducting military reconnaissance?" Ronald asked seriously.

This was a bolt from the blue for them. Everyone had criticized William Casey countless times, but William Casey had his own grievances to express.

When this plan was first devised, none of you objected. You all thought it was a great idea, that it could complete the reconnaissance mission over the Russian Far East. Moreover, even if the Russians intercepted it, they wouldn't dare to open fire, since there were still a large number of passengers on board.

And now that something has really happened, they're blaming themselves?
He suppressed his displeasure and said, "Based on the current situation, the most likely scenario is that the passenger plane crashed into the sea. The situation there is terrible; there are probably no survivors, and the wreckage is unlikely to be salvaged."

"In that case, we will expose the Soviets' disgraceful act to the world. They brazenly shot down a civilian airliner, resulting in the wrongful deaths of more than two hundred innocent people. We will mobilize public opinion throughout the West..."

Since there are no survivors, what is there to be afraid of!
They're putting all the blame on the Russians!

Alexander Haig, forcing a smile, said, "Okay, then let's go hold a press conference..."

Thump thump thump... Just then, someone ran in: "Report! We just received news that the Soviets are salvaging in the relevant waters, and there are even claims that they've recovered the passenger plane's black box..."

Everyone was stunned when they heard this.

If the black box is recovered, the Russians will definitely find a lot of evidence. If it can be proven that the Americans used a civilian airliner as a spy plane, then... the US government will be criticized by the whole world, and it may even lead to their resignation!

"No, we absolutely cannot let those Russians get their hands on the black box. We must use every means to stop them!" Ronald was now in a panic.

How did Carter step down? It was because of his poor handling of the hostage crisis, which caused him to lose public support. If this incident were to be exposed, public opinion would definitely explode!
"What means?"

"Now, we need to locate the black box, and then... take it down!"

Now it was Kasper Weinberger's turn to be dumbfounded.

Kill them? What does that mean?
The Cold War could turn into a hot war at any time! If the US military and the Russian military were to clash directly, the consequences... would be a disaster for all of humanity!
"Casey, the CIA needs to operate at full speed and find out where the black box is as soon as possible!"

William Casey took a deep breath: "If we don't consider timeliness, we can do it. But if we want to complete the mission quickly, our technology is lacking, unless..."

"Unless what?"

"You guys should remember that a while ago, the Russian aircraft carrier group passed through the South China Sea and then suffered a setback, right?"

"Speak quickly!"

"I believe that in order to find the location of the black box as soon as possible, we need top-notch electronic technology support. We need to fully decipher and monitor the Russians' calls, not just simply interfere... Therefore, we need support from the East, especially from Northwestern Polytechnical University!"

"Then what are we waiting for!" Ronald gritted his teeth. "Send someone to contact Northwestern Polytechnical University immediately!"

"Wait, let me check. It seems like we have someone there..."

A few minutes later.

“Ben Ritchie from Lockheed is there. We can tell him our requirements and ask him to persuade Northwestern Polytechnical University to help us.”

"Okay, then contact Ben Richie right away, immediately!"

As night fell, Qin Liang and his wife strolled along the campus of Northwestern Polytechnical University. After several years of construction, the campus was almost entirely new, but it was already quite full. The next step was to consider the issue of a new campus.

Among all the universities in China, Northwestern Polytechnical University should be the first to build a new campus.

"The news has spread, but I don't know how long it will take for the White House to find out," Yang Duo'er said. "Brother Liangzi, I feel like we're walking a tightrope..."

"For the sake of our country and the future, it's nothing to take some risks, Duoduo. Don't worry, the relevant departments at MIT have been keeping an eye on things. If things get out of hand, they will bring Dad back to China immediately. By then, the new campus of Northwestern Polytechnical University will be built, and he can come to the new campus of Northwestern Polytechnical University as the president and continue doing what he used to do."

Yang Duo'er exclaimed excitedly, "Really? That's wonderful!"

This is exactly what she's worried about.

"However, the news shouldn't leak out for at least eight or ten years. After that..."

Since our relationship with the United States was going to become strained in the future, we don't care what trouble our past actions might cause.

"Ten years from now, our technology will completely surpass that of the West. At that time, we will have nothing to fear..."

"Liangzi, Liangzi!" Just then, a voice came from behind: "The Americans have returned, saying they have something important to discuss with us."

Qin Liang and Yang Duo'er exchanged a glance. So fast?
We can stroll leisurely here, but for the Americans, that would probably feel like an eternity.

"Okay, I'll be right there." Qin Liang nodded.

Conference room in the Fifth Department Building.

"Qin, the United States needs your help!"

“Ben Richie, my friend, take your time and tell me slowly.”

"That's right, it happened just yesterday..."

Although Qin Liang already knew the whole story, he still acted as if he were hearing it for the first time, his face full of surprise.

"What?! This is outrageous! Those Russians are despicable! They actually dared to fire on a civilian airliner? This is utterly inhuman!"

"Yes, it's outrageous. Right now, they're retrieving the black box from the area where the incident occurred. Once they get it, they'll definitely alter the data on it and then frame the US government..."

"That's right, it's possible. Don't worry, we support you in spirit!"

"Thank you for your support, but moral support alone is not enough. We need to monitor all the Russians' movements to find out the location of the black box as soon as possible..."

"These shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

"No, it's very difficult. Our technology isn't capable of that yet. Your Northwestern Polytechnical University... should have that kind of technology, right? After all, last time in the South China Sea, you used your advanced electronic technology to completely outmaneuver the Soviets. I heard you can even control Soviet missiles..."

"Ahem, speaking of the South China Sea, when exactly will you Americans issue a statement?"

"This... Qin, you mean that as long as we in the United States issue this statement, you will fully support us?"

"Yes, friends should be honest with each other."

The White House, America.

"What? Damn it, how could Northwestern Polytechnical University bring up such a political issue?"

“That’s right, if we issue a statement, the Filipino monkeys will definitely see it as a betrayal!”

Everyone was furious, but after several changes in expression, Ronald finally spoke up: "Agree to their terms!"

The most important thing now is to find the location of the black box and destroy the evidence; otherwise, all those present may be forced to step down!
What's so bad about betraying the Philippines? America's allies are just there to be betrayed when it matters most!
(End of this chapter)