A Maybach on a rainy night? Talk to my Levadin!

"Immediately dispatch military aircraft to ensure the safe arrival of these children, along with their equipment, in Beijing."

Zhao Zizhan hung up the phone. Chu Zihang was stuffing his laptop into a shockproof bag. Xia Mi was adjusting the bow tie on her school uniform collar in front of the mirror. Only Lu Mingfei was sprawled on the sofa, munching on an apple, and asked indistinctly, "Didn't we just say we had free time tonight? Why are we suddenly gathering? Are we going to a celebration party?"

"The plans have changed. Stop eating, get ready to gather, we're going on a long trip."

Lu Mingfei even stopped eating his apple: "Huh? Another long trip?! I don't want to ride in the car anymore!! My butt is sore from sitting so long!!"

"Wouldn't it stop hurting if you let Ling rub it for you?"

Xia Mi teased with a playful smile.

Why don't you ask Senior Brother Zhao to rub it for you?

"Hey, my butt doesn't hurt, why do I want someone to rub it?"

As soon as a group of knowledgeable people led the clueless Lu Mingfei out of the lobby, they saw three military green SUVs parked in a triangular formation on the driveway outside the revolving door. Five soldiers stood in a horizontal line with their backs to the hotel, their trouser legs tightly tucked into their tactical boots, fully armed.

The leading sergeant turned around upon hearing the commotion, his gaze, like a calibrated laser beam, precisely landing on Zhao Zizhan's face.

"Hello, Comrade Zhao Zizhan, General Staff Direct Guard Battalion, number 0739."

The military boots made a crisp clinking sound on the marble floor, and the sergeant's salute was as perfect as a textbook.

"Our unit is ordered to escort you to Beijing. Please get in the vehicle."

匌○弌弍②ノ╲⒊澪⒐ba

Feeling the unwavering resolve and care in the soldier's eyes, Zhao Zizhan's heart warmed slightly.

Being the child of a martyr is quite useful, isn't it?

Chapter 142 The night has only just begun.

Lu Mingfei's palms were sweaty as he gripped the hem of his shirt. His gaze swept over the heavily armed soldiers around them before settling back on Zhao Zizhan's face. The soldiers stood like clay statues in a temple, their shoulders ramrod straight, their hats pulled low, not even their eyes moving. The only sound in the carriage was the hum of the engine.

"Senior brother... what's going on? How did we suddenly get picked up by the soldiers? Is it...?"

Lu Mingfei wanted to ask if the country had discovered their superpowered identities, but Zero grabbed his hand and pulled the handbrake, leaving him speechless.

Lu Mingfei shut his mouth in frustration, his heart pounding. The soldiers around him clearly wouldn't answer his question; their faces were all extremely tense. He could only purse his lips and look expectantly at Zhao Zizhan.

"It's nothing, I'm just going to another defense," Zhao Zizhan said calmly, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed expression.

"Is such a big fuss really necessary for a defense?"

Xiao Lu was on the verge of tears.

Zhao Zizhan suddenly leaned forward and put his arm around Lu Mingfei's shoulder, the force neither too light nor too heavy. "Hey, Tie Niu," he said slowly, "what kind of business do you think we're in?"

Lu Mingfei's heart skipped a beat. He quickly glanced at the soldiers around him, and seeing that they didn't react, he lowered his voice even further, almost whispering in Zhao Zizhan's ear, "Senior brother, can we talk about this here... can we talk about this here?"

"Look up, stop looking so shifty," Zhao Zizhan said, forcibly putting his arm around Lu Mingfei's shoulder and making him sit up straight.

"Why can't we say it? We're building drones, drones that aren't available on the market. Who do you think we're building these for?"

Lu Mingfei paused for a moment, then subconsciously replied, "Wasn't it said to be... said to be for disaster relief?"

"So who is doing the disaster relief here?"

"Of course it is..."

Lu Mingfei was about to speak when a sudden thought struck him. His eyes widened, and something seemed to explode in his mind.

1012283098

Lu Mingfei suddenly remembered where the strong sense of incongruity in the presentations he had seen earlier today came from.

Who else in China is responsible for disaster relief in the most dangerous places? Isn't it always the military rushing to the front lines? And aren't these products specifically designed for military environments?

And then there's terrain surveying, which sounds like it's for disaster relief, but think about it from another angle: isn't it also used on the battlefield? As for munitions delivery, it goes without saying, it's clearly for military use. And vehicle following—besides following the target to be bombed, what else can it follow?

Lu Mingfei's head was buzzing. He slowly turned his head and looked at Zhao Zizhan with a complicated expression. After a long while, he managed to squeeze out a sentence: "Senior brother, you're... coming here aiming for a government job right from the start..."

After saying that, he suddenly remembered something, and his expression fell even more, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible disappointment: "Then...can I still go back to our school?"

Zhao Zizhan knew exactly what was going on in his mind as soon as he saw him. He knew exactly what kind of shit the kid was going to poop as soon as he bent over.

To be honest, he still can't forget that girl named Chen Wenwen. He probably thinks that if he really gets a job in the system and has a government job, he might never see her again.

For boys at this age, it's very difficult to change their "white moonlight" image unless you present the stark reality to them. Otherwise, no matter how much you explain, they'll just say, "You don't understand, she's different!"

Its main selling point is that its shell is harder than its head.

"Don't worry, I'll be back," Zhao Zizhan patted his shoulder and promised.

"Senior brother, I'm not very well-educated, so don't try to fool me. I've heard that research talents like us are supposed to live in anonymity, never touching the outside world again, and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to contributing to the country..."

"I've told you to read fewer e-novels, but you've picked up some rumors and nonsense, and learned some sophisticated mischief. Ling, you should keep an eye on him."

"Senior brother, don't talk nonsense..."

Xia Mi joins the fray: "You say don't talk nonsense, but you're secretly thrilled, aren't you, Koji-kun?"

1012283098

The soldiers inside the vehicle suppressed smiles as they watched the group of young men and women interact.

Amidst the banter, the originally somber atmosphere lightened considerably. The three military vehicles drove steadily through the night, leaving the neon lights outside the windows like flowing ribbons far behind as they headed straight for Taiping Temple Airport.

Taiping Temple Airport, located in Taiping Temple, Cuqiao, Chengdu, was built in 1938. It is a dedicated military airport with a main runway of 2580 meters by 45 meters. At this moment, a transport aircraft is parked there...12, quietly waiting for the arrival of the group.

This aircraft was specially changed because Zhao Zizhan and his group were all children, for the sake of comfort and carrying capacity. Ordinary military transport aircraft do not have the comfort of a Y-12. Compared to the Y-5 that was in service at the same time, the seats were just two rows of foldable iron benches. The takeoff noise was loud, the pipelines and equipment were exposed, and the riding experience was extremely poor.

This Y-12 has a dedicated passenger cabin. Although the space is still somewhat cramped compared to commercial airliners, and the seats are not particularly spacious, it can be considered "luxurious" compared to other hardcore military transport aircraft.

After a long journey, the plane landed safely at its destination, the Air Force ****.

After disembarking, everyone was taken directly to the airport dispatch center, where Zhao Zizhan finally met the person he wanted to see.

"I'm sorry, children, due to some unforeseen circumstances, you've had to travel so far to get here." The white-haired old man was completely unpretentious, smiling as he swept his gaze over Zhao Zizhan and the others, pausing briefly on Ling before fixing his eyes on Zhao Zizhan.

"You flatter us. None of us have ever flown on a military aircraft before. This is quite an eye-opener for us," Zhao Zizhan replied calmly.

"Hahahaha... Young comrade, you're quite the talker. Well then, I won't beat around the bush. I've come here today for the drone you're demonstrating. I'm getting old and can't see electronic products clearly. I wonder if you could show this old man something to make him see it?"

"Of course, I'd be delighted," Zhao Zizhan readily agreed. Making money is business, nothing shameful.

Don't let the old man's kind and gentle appearance fool you; the gold leaves and three gold stars on the pine-green epaulettes are not something an old man with failing eyesight could wear.

This is BOSS Zhipin!

If this demonstration satisfies the old man, Zhao Zizhan's funding for the next phase of his plan will be completely secured.

With Rhodes Island's technical expertise combined with Xiao Lu's ace pilot skills, there was no chance of survival.

But tonight is just the beginning.

P.S.: The power went out at home, and the property management company was nowhere to be found. It took them ages to top up the electricity bill. It feels like my roommate is mining for gold at home. The 500 yuan electricity bill only lasted for half a month. Sorry for the late update today.

Chapter 143 A Patch of Tape!

Zhao Zizhan came from a later era, where the drone industry had already reached a considerable scale and the unmanned combat system was extremely mature.

Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned attack aircraft, unmanned bombers, swarms of drones, unmanned stealth destroyers combined with unmanned combat vehicles, and unmanned mechanical wolf packs—on the battlefield, you might not even see a single living person.

The enemy wipes out an armored brigade, while our production line can simultaneously produce three unmanned mechanical units. No matter how the enemy resists, they can only face a group of cold, mechanical forces, like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. This feeling of powerlessness, where one's own troops are constantly being depleted and the enemy's industrial lines are endlessly disrupted, is a true reflection of the outside world's experience when facing that industrial Cthulhu.

Zhao Zizhan only showed the old man a glimpse of the future, yet it was enough to stir his heart.

"Good, good, good, heroes emerge from among the young... The old man is right, the world belongs to us, but in the end it belongs to you. With young people like you, how can we worry about the future of our country?"

The old man was visibly agitated, and the guard quickly offered him a warm enamel cup, which he waved away.

The old man waved his hand, refusing the guard's offer to help, and took a breath: "During the Gulf War, I stayed up all night in ZC reading the war reports. It was terrifying. Satellites, stealth fighters, carrier-based aircraft... We were still producing tanks, while they could wipe out an entire heavy brigade with just one stealth fighter... In the past fourteen years, our researchers have been spending New Year's Eve in the lab, but the gap is like a celestial river."

He suddenly turned to Zhao Zizhan, his eyes shining with an astonishing light: "Things are different now! What you have in your hands is something that will allow us to stand tall! From now on, it won't be the Americans teaching others how to fight wars, it will be us teaching the whole world—how to fight future wars!"

The old man's words stirred everyone's emotions. After all, we all grew up in this country, so who wouldn't have feelings for this land?

“I know that your identities are somewhat different, and we must respect your thoughts on this matter.”

"Young comrades, what are your own plans?"

Zhao Zizhan said without any hesitation, "My grandfather shed blood for this country, my family lives on this land, and before I became a mixed-race person, I was first and foremost a citizen of China. Regardless of whether I am mixed-race or not, my roots are here."

Whether in his past life or this one, Zhao Zizhan's growth was inseparable from the care of this land. If it weren't for the country in his past life, he would have been unable to survive after his father's death.

I've enjoyed all the conveniences in this life, so what's there to say?

"Me too," Chu Zihang followed without hesitation.

“Me too,” Xia Mi replied. If there’s a powerful figure to rely on, when will she get another chance?

"Me too"

"But as you know, given our age and our current status, it's probably very difficult for us to join the country. So I have an idea."

"Oh? Tell me," the old man asked with interest.

“I have a company that can accept full state investment to oversee the research and development and production of drones and other related equipment. This way, it would be a simple collaboration between a private company and the government, rather than us actively interfering in the country's development. This would also make it easier for you to explain to those mixed-race families.”

"Hahahahahaha..."

The old man chuckled at the youthful spirit, coughing twice to recover: "You've really thought things through for us, knowing you're worried about mixed-race people interfering in the country's development and giving us cause for criticism. Just looking at your ages, this old man almost forgot that you're extraordinary geniuses."

"You don't need to worry about us. It's our responsibility to communicate with those old folks. You kids just need to make the most of your talents. Besides, aren't you using your brains to contribute to your fields?"

"But what you said makes sense. You're all still children and want some freedom, which we understand. When I was your age, I was running around in the mountains and rivers every day... Your suggestion is also very constructive, and we will consider it carefully."

As they were talking, a guard came over with a phone and whispered something in the old man's ear.

"Look," the old man said, pointing to the phone with a smile, "I've only been talking to you for a few minutes, and a very resourceful lady has already called my forward command post."

The old man casually hung up the phone and placed it on the table.

"Alright, children,"

He stood up straight and said, "I appreciate your kindness. We will provide a plan for future cooperation as soon as possible—rest assured, the country will not allow talented young people to suffer."

"You must be tired from your journey. The weather outside is terrible, so I've arranged for someone to take you to get a good rest. It may not be as comfortable as a big hotel, but I apologize for the inconvenience and will personally recommend you for a night tomorrow!"

"Little Zhang!" the old man called out, and a guard ran in from outside.

huh○⋯⒉弍/③○玖ノ╲

A young guard rushed in from outside the tent, his heels snapping to attention, and saluted: "Commander!"

"Take some people and send these children to rest."

The old man's gaze darkened and fell on the guard's face. "Remember, these kids are the gold nuggets of our country. They hold in their hands technology and confidence."

He paused, then his tone suddenly became more serious, "If they make even the slightest mistake—I'll shoot you!"

"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"

"Please, everyone."

Zhao Zizhan laughed and said, "I knew it! What does Jiangnan know about the country?"

He stretched and said, "Let's go, I can finally get a good night's sleep."

"really?"

Xia Mi quickly caught up from behind, her head, tied in a high ponytail, tilted slightly, her eyes full of doubt. "Why do I feel like there's something more to your words, Senior Brother... Is there something you haven't said yet?"

"How could this be fake? Is there anywhere safer than our military camp?"

"You know what, it's true."

Xia Mi hopped over to Zhao Zizhan's side, grabbed his sleeve and shook it: "Hey, Senior Brother Zhao, what's the meaning of you having a company? When did you start it? I didn't know. How come someone in our team has a little secret?"

Zhao Zizhan chuckled helplessly as she shook him, and pulled his sleeve out of her hand: "I haven't even started building that company yet, but I'm just planning to build one."

He paused deliberately, watching Xia Mi's eyes light up instantly, before slowly adding, "I'll hire you as the general manager then."

"Really?! How much does the general manager get paid per month?"

"Look at you, your vision is too narrow, isn't it? You're still thinking about your salary, we'll just give you a bonus!"

"Holy crap, Dad!!!"

Lu Ming couldn't hold back any longer: "Godfather, what about me? Look at your child!! Look at your child!!"

Zhao Zizhan waved his hand and said, "You'll get a share too! My son will also get to cosplay Diao Chan with Ling'er!"