"Hearing about someone is nothing compared to meeting them in person. It's true what they say—heroes rise young!"
The man across the table, General Zhang Zhaozhong, showed clear emotion as he studied Ethan Chen. It was evident that he hadn't expected someone so young to be behind such groundbreaking developments.
Although he'd seen Ethan's photo before, meeting him in person still left him surprised. The real thing always had more weight.
"Hello, Commander—no, I mean, hello General!"
Ethan was a little stunned himself. An Admiral? That was one of the highest military ranks in China. He hadn't anticipated that someone of such stature would come to meet him.
"Seat?"
General Zhang offered a small smile at Ethan's flustered greeting. Without commenting further, he gestured to the chair. "Go ahead and sit down. You must be starving after such a long flight. We'll talk over dinner."
The table in the private room was already full of food, but clearly, General Zhang hadn't touched any of it.
"Thank you."
Ethan didn't hesitate. He was hungry, after all. He sat down and immediately began digging into the food.
"Can I call you Xiao Ethan?"("Xiao" is a traditional Chinese prefix for someone younger, often a sign of affection or familiarity.)
Watching Ethan eat heartily, General Zhang didn't seem bothered by the casual attitude. Instead, he looked genuinely curious. "Let me be direct. Did you personally develop the firearm schematics you submitted to Zhang Yong?"
Of course, being a soldier, he cut right to the point.
"Yes, I developed them myself."
Ethan nodded. Everything created through the Huaqiangbei System was technically his. On the way over, he had even asked Xiao Ai (his system assistant) if it would be possible to disclose the system's existence publicly.
That would make everything so much easier. He wouldn't have to pretend or play dumb.
But no—having a system didn't mean he'd suddenly be turned into a lab rat or coerced by the government. That was paranoia talking. China, with its 5,000 years of history, wasn't likely to kill the golden goose. If the country ever discovered the potential of the Huaqiangbei System, they'd do everything to nurture and maximize its value—even if it meant treating Ethan like a national treasure.
And Ethan knew his own limits. He couldn't fully exploit the system alone. If the Chinese government could offer support, the benefits would be immense.
As for being captured and dissected?
That was a ridiculous fear. Who knew if the system would vanish the moment he died? Who would take that gamble?
If the Huaqiangbei System ever went public, it could trigger explosive advancements and help China achieve a technological renaissance. But unfortunately, Xiao Ai had made one thing painfully clear: if anyone else discovered the system, it would vanish.
That warning had chilled Ethan to the core. No shortcuts. No risks. He would carry this burden alone.
"You're remarkably talented for your age," General Zhang said with a nod, offering a rare smile. "So tell me, Ethan—would you be interested in joining the military?"
At that, Ethan's father's eyes lit up with hope.
To have someone from the family enter the military was a great honor in their eyes. Naturally, his father hoped Ethan would say yes. It would mean a stable future and strong national recognition.
"No, I'll have to decline," Ethan replied without hesitation.
For the sake of his plans and long-term ambitions, joining the military just wouldn't work. It would bring limitations, constant supervision, and red tape. Even knowing the future wouldn't be much help inside such a rigid system.
"Why not?"
General Zhang wasn't angry. He asked the question with genuine curiosity.
"Ethan, this kind of opportunity doesn't come around often," Uncle Zhang added, visibly disappointed. Being personally invited into the military by an admiral was an honor few ever received. Ethan would likely be placed in a research role, which meant enormous resources and a secure future.
"It's just too exhausting," Ethan replied, scratching his head. "And honestly, I don't want to have to report to someone. I value my independence."
"Everyone has their own path," General Zhang responded kindly. "I won't force you. But tell me—what do you plan to do next? What are your dreams?"
He spoke like a mentor addressing a promising student, full of genuine interest.
"Sir, I love research and technology," Ethan replied without hesitation. "My goal is to build a major tech company—something like Stark Industries in the U.S. And eventually… I want to surpass them."
"Ambitious!" the general said with an approving nod, though his expression remained skeptical. "But isn't that a bit too idealistic? Stark Industries has been developing since World War II and holds a massive technological advantage."
"Nothing is too hard if you're determined," Ethan replied confidently. "I believe I'll succeed."
And he wasn't exaggerating. With the technology already available to him—some from Hammer Industries, some from Stark himself—and with the Huaqiangbei System enhancing and evolving those technologies, he genuinely believed he could pull it off.
"It's good to dream big, but don't overreach," the general advised. "If I may offer some advice—start by working in a national research institute. Build up your achievements, gain connections, and then branch out to start your own company. That way, you'll have both credibility and funding. Your dreams will be much easier to realize."
He spoke with a frown, but his tone remained kind.
"I appreciate the advice, but I have more up my sleeve than just that firearm blueprint," Ethan said, his voice calm yet full of conviction. He smiled slightly, then locked eyes with the general. "What if I told you I have other things, too?"