"What if I have other powerful technology?"
Ethan Chen smiled mysteriously, picked up a piece of meat, and began eating happily.
"Oh?"
General Zhang raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of technology are we talking about?"
"It's valuable, trust me. But I'll have to keep that a secret for now," Ethan said with a smirk. "Some things are considered trade secrets. I can't just go around telling everyone."
Everyone around the table looked speechless, staring at Ethan as he casually ate. Was he seriously being cryptic at a time like this?
"In any case, General, you should know—I'm not in this for the money."
And Ethan wasn't lying. Ever since he came to this alternate world—a cinematic universe that resembled the superhero-filled blockbusters from his previous life—his goals had shifted. Wealth no longer motivated him.
"Not for money?"
General Zhang looked surprised and slightly skeptical.
Starting a tech company without profit in mind? Who would believe that?
"Then what's your purpose?" he asked, curiosity replacing disbelief.
"Since the modern era, our country has gone through serious upheaval," Ethan said, putting his chopsticks down and locking eyes with the general. "Especially around the time of World War II. This ancient nation, with 5,000 years of history, was on the brink of collapse."
Ethan's voice grew firm. "Thankfully, China woke up. Over the decades, it has developed remarkably. Look at how far it's come."
Indeed, the transformation since the founding of the modern Chinese state has been staggering—especially in terms of economics and technology. From a war-torn nation to a global powerhouse, the shift has amazed even the most developed countries. And that's why some rivals try to suppress it, using underhanded tactics.
"But it's still not enough!" Ethan said, more passionately now. "We're still lagging behind major world powers in key technologies and industries. I want China's tech capabilities to surpass them all."
"The growth of science and technology takes time," General Zhang replied thoughtfully. "And our country already has many brilliant scientists working day and night to build that future."
The general paused, clearly reflecting. He understood that sixty years of progress couldn't close centuries of global disparity—but he admired the determination.
"Still not enough!" Ethan said firmly. "I want to help this country fully rise to global leadership again."
"Historically, China led the world in science, innovation, and economics. That was true dynasty after dynasty. It's only in recent centuries that the nation fell behind."
General Zhang nodded, impressed by Ethan's national pride. "It's heartening to hear such conviction. If all of China's young people were as dedicated as you, there'd be no doubt about our future."
"Step one is restoring confidence in our people," Ethan added.
He accepted the compliment gracefully, because this wasn't about personal glory. His mission was clear: to help bring China back to the forefront of global leadership.
His father, who had been silent until now, muttered under his breath, "That's easier said than done…"
He had listened intently to Ethan's idealism and passion, and while inspired, he couldn't ignore the reality: it's difficult to restore faith across a country of 1.4 billion people. There are diverse perspectives, cultural divides, and many who've grown disillusioned or Westernized to the point of criticizing their homeland.
"How do you solve a problem like that?" his father asked softly.
"It's not unsolvable," Ethan replied calmly. "The root of the problem is years of national weakness. If we want people to regain confidence, we need to show them strength."
"And how would we do that?" General Zhang leaned forward, clearly interested. Solving such a widespread issue would have massive implications for national morale.
"It's simple," Ethan said. "A National Day military parade."
He spoke slowly and deliberately, letting the words sink in.
Military parades serve as a strong statement of national pride. They display technological progress and unity. They send a message both to citizens and to foreign powers. In a world that claims to be at peace, such displays still hold powerful meaning.
"A military review?"
General Zhang frowned slightly. Of course, parades are common tools for morale-boosting. But in this universe—modeled loosely after the Marvel cinematic world—China's presence was hardly even recognized. America stood at the center of nearly everything. Even fictional nations like Wakanda were more advanced. And in this alternate Earth, China was actually behind its real-world counterpart.
Even the famed "Eastern Express," once a world-leading company, was struggling. China's military tech was still outdated, and any large-scale show of force would likely backfire if it didn't impress.
"If we could organize a powerful military parade before National Day, one that truly turns heads, it would ignite national pride."
"That's easier said than done," Zhang replied with a wry smile. "We barely have enough military assets to fill out the parade grounds, let alone inspire confidence…"
"Well," Ethan said, still smiling, "I can provide a breakthrough in technology. But in return, I'll need some support for my company. Mutual cooperation."
As he spoke, Ethan pulled out a USB drive and placed it on the table.
"This contains complete fifth-generation stealth aircraft technology. We're talking radar evasion, next-gen engines, aerodynamics—everything."
General Zhang's eyes widened. He stood up instinctively, clearly shaken by what he'd just heard. Catching himself, he sat back down, and motioned for the aide nearby—Uncle Zhang—to collect the drive and secure it.
What Ethan had just offered was more than revolutionary—it was borderline unbelievable.
The technology he had compiled came from reverse-engineering the F-22 Raptor using advanced systems he'd accessed mid-flight on the return trip to China. Of course, he modified its appearance to avoid direct copyright or identity issues, but the core systems were intact—and even improved.
"This version is actually stronger than our current J-series fighters," Ethan explained. "With China's existing industrial capabilities, mass production shouldn't be an issue."
Though China wasn't yet the global military leader, it had enough infrastructure and talent to build what Ethan had just gifted them.
And just like that, he'd shifted the playing field.