Chapter Seventy: The Power of Equal Dialogue

Chapter Seventy: The Power of Equal Dialogue

Zhuo Nan knew that once he entered here, it would be difficult to leave. If he refused the demands of these people, he would likely spend the rest of his life confined within these walls. He certainly did not want to remain in such a dark and hopeless place all day. After all, the outside world was beautiful, filled with alluring women.

Zhuo Nan kept drawing various diagrams on the paper, accompanied by complex mathematical formulas. Unless one was a specialist, it would be impossible to comprehend what he had written. In Zhuo Nan’s view, the reason the National Security Bureau valued him and wanted him to join was simply because of his martial skills. But with just these skills, he was merely a pawn of the bureau. After joining, his life no longer belonged to himself but was handed over to the state.

Naturally, he was unwilling. What he was doing now was presenting bargaining chips to negotiate with the state, and the content on the paper was his leverage.

The door to the room opened again. Along with Chang Xiong, an elderly man with a kind face and gentle smile entered. Zhuo Nan was momentarily taken aback. The reality was quite different from the television portrayal. Although the elder maintained a constant smile, Zhuo Nan could still feel the pressure radiating from this high-ranking figure.

Composing himself, Zhuo Nan humbly greeted, “Greetings, Director.”

Director Number Three was clearly surprised. He had already witnessed the entire conversation between Zhuo Nan and Chang Xiong in another room and instinctively thought this young man would be like many other martial arts experts—arrogant and aloof. Yet, to his surprise, Zhuo Nan was the first to greet him politely.

But the experienced veteran quickly masked his thoughts, returning a warm smile. “Young man, very impressive.”

Others might not have noticed, but Zhuo Nan was aware that this man before him would become the most powerful figure in Z Country a decade from now. Smiling, Zhuo Nan handed over the paper. Chang Xiong, unaware of its contents, took it and glanced over it. Zhuo Nan said, “If you don’t understand it, find an expert in aerodynamics.”

Chang Xiong was slightly stunned. The expression on Director Number Three’s face grew complicated as he stared at Zhuo Nan, pondering his meaning. Nodding to Chang Xiong, the latter picked up the room’s phone and said, “Please ask Dr. Gu to come to Meeting Room 4.”

After hanging up, Chang Xiong respectfully stood by Director Number Three’s side, eyes fixed on Zhuo Nan, wary of any sudden moves. Seeing Chang Xiong’s alertness, Director Number Three smiled faintly. “Little Chang, don’t be so nervous. Zhuo Nan won’t harm me.”

Zhuo Nan gave an awkward smile. The director continued, “Zhuo Nan, last night Brother Shi Guo called me to help rescue you from Room 206. At first, I thought you were dead, but after hearing the reports that you were unharmed, I realized you must be a master of ancient martial arts. That’s why I had you brought here. You should understand that talents like you are desperately needed by the state. Of course, the state will not treat you unfairly. By the way, Brother Shi Guo and I have been friends for over forty years, so you are like a junior to me.”

Zhuo Nan carefully considered these words. Bringing up Shi Guo was simply a way to remind him that if it weren’t for Shi Guo’s favor, he wouldn’t be here talking to him.

He said nothing, quietly waiting for Dr. Gu to arrive. Only after the doctor reviewed his work would Zhuo Nan speak.

Soon, Dr. Gu entered. Wearing thick glasses perched on his nose and sporting a balding hairstyle, his face was deeply lined with wrinkles. Upon entering, he immediately voiced his displeasure: “General Chang, what’s going on? Don’t you know how busy I am? I still have three experiments pending.”

Chang Xiong was at a loss for words, feeling embarrassed. Director Number Three then spoke, “Little Gu, don’t be upset. Take a look at this.”

Dr. Gu hadn’t noticed anyone else in the room until he heard the director’s voice, which startled him. “Ah, Director, you’re here too? Sorry, sorry.”

Director Number Three waved his hand dismissively. “No matter, look at this first.”

Since the director had spoken, Dr. Gu had no choice but to focus. He took the paper from Chang Xiong and began examining it. Initially indifferent, his expression gradually shifted to astonishment. Though unfamiliar with the mathematical formulas, he reasoned through them and found them plausible. The conclusions were sound. A pleased smile slowly spread across his face. If this theoretical method was correct, the fourth-generation fighter jet could be launched at least five years ahead of schedule—no, ten years ahead. Advancing the timeline by ten years would save the nation an immense amount of funding.

As he read further, his smile blossomed fully. Director Number Three and Chang Xiong watched Dr. Gu’s reaction closely. At this moment, he looked as if he had seen a beautiful woman, greed and excitement gleaming in his eyes.

He disregarded formalities and immediately asked, “Director, who wrote this? Where is he?”

Director Number Three, a man among men, understood the value of Zhuo Nan’s work from Dr. Gu’s expression. He pointed at Zhuo Nan. “This young man wrote it.”

Dr. Gu turned to Zhuo Nan, recognizing his armor and guessing he was recruiting talent again. However, this one seemed exceptionally young. Eager, he asked, “Did you write this? Where did you get this theory?”

Zhuo Nan remained silent, smiling as he tapped his temple with a finger. Dr. Gu immediately understood—it was Zhuo Nan’s own creation. Shocked, he hurriedly asked, “Why didn’t you write down the core parameters?”

His voice was full of excitement.

Upon hearing this, a gleam flashed briefly in Director Number Three’s eyes, then his expression softened once more. Chang Xiong anxiously inquired, “Dr. Gu, why are you so excited?”

Dr. Gu was blunt: “You don’t know! If this theory is verified, the fourth-generation fighter jet could be airborne at least ten years earlier.”

“What?” Chang Xiong exclaimed in disbelief. It was incredible that Zhuo Nan’s work could advance the project by a decade.

Zhuo Nan smiled and said, “No, fifteen years.”

“What?” Dr. Gu rushed up to Zhuo Nan, urgently asking, “Are you serious?”

Zhuo Nan replied lazily, “Of course. But I still need the core parameters.”

“Then write them down quickly!” Dr. Gu was desperate, wishing Zhuo Nan would reveal everything at once.

At this moment, Director Number Three spoke slowly, “Little Gu, please leave now.”

Dr. Gu was stunned briefly. He glanced at the director and then at Zhuo Nan, sighed, and turned to leave.

Once Dr. Gu had gone, Director Number Three stood from the sofa for the first time and asked solemnly, “Zhuo Nan, what do you want?”

Zhuo Nan smiled faintly. “Director, it is an honor to serve the nation. But I do not wish to be a mere pawn or tool. I want the right to engage in equal dialogue with the state.”

As soon as these words left his mouth, Zhuo Nan sensed a murderous intent flashing in the director’s eyes. His request was sheer fantasy. In the director’s mind, Zhuo Nan was just a young martial arts expert who had been recruited for the state’s use. Now, after presenting such a groundbreaking theory, he had become a potential threat to national security. No matter how capable, such a person could not be tolerated.

Thus, the director felt a surge of killing intent. Yet it passed quickly, and he restored his calm demeanor, smiling. “Your demands are quite excessive…”

Zhuo Nan shook his head with a smile. “Director, I am a lazy man who desires a life free from worry. I detest fighting and killing the most. If you want me to join the Dragon Unit, I will refuse. But I am willing to share everything I know in exchange for the right to speak as an equal.”

The director tapped his fingers rhythmically, contemplating deeply. This young man was dangerous but undeniably valuable. If the fourth-generation fighter jet could be airborne fifteen years early, the savings would extend beyond money. More importantly, the nation’s military strength would grow, increasing its voice and influence globally.

If they could control such a person, that would be ideal. But now, obviously, he was uncontrollable. The only option was to sit down with him for equal dialogue, with each party gaining what it needed.

The director sighed, as if making a difficult decision. “Agreed…”

Zhuo Nan knew his life was spared. More than that, he was now irrevocably bound to this nation.

Jokingly, he said, “Director, you’ve made the right choice.” Then he turned to Chang Xiong. “General Chang, may I remove this armor now? Also, please find me a doctor—my left shoulder bone is shattered.”

Chang Xiong immediately agreed and began calling for a doctor. Director Number Three added, “Zhuo Nan, stay here a few days to recover. Meanwhile, extract the core data and give it to Dr. Gu.”

Zhuo Nan nodded in agreement. He knew that if he didn’t obediently hand over the core parameters, the director would not be so courteous. He said, “Director, rest assured. Since I’ve agreed, I won’t go back on my word. Besides, I still want to go out and enjoy the vibrant world.”

Director Number Three chuckled nervously. “As for your matters, we’ll put them aside for now. After all, Lu Guoliang is a man of high rank and power. Too much conflict with him won’t be good for you. Take it slow.”

Zhuo Nan understood his meaning. If history remained unchanged, Lu Guoliang would retire within two years. At that time, how much influence could a retired old man wield? The director’s implication was clear: a gentleman’s revenge is not forgotten even after ten years.