"I really didn't expect you to come up with fifth-generation fighter jet technology."
The director looked genuinely stunned as he sat back down, though the tension on his face remained obvious.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't lie to you about something this serious."
Ethan Chen offered a calm smile. "I'm still a citizen of this country, and I wouldn't joke about something so important. Once you get back, feel free to have experts check the data. It'll be easy to verify whether it's authentic."
"That's not what I meant," the director said, still puzzled. "I'm just curious—where did you learn all of this? From what I know, the university you attended is a pretty average second-tier school. And even there, your academic performance was... unremarkable."
It wasn't hard for the military to gather information, no matter how minor. Ethan's entire history had already been laid out in front of them.
"You're right. I did go to an ordinary university," Ethan nodded. "As for how I came to know all this—well, General, let's just say I figured it out myself."
"Figured it out... yourself?"
The room fell into awkward silence. No one dared openly criticize him, but disbelief was written all over their faces.
Ethan's father looked particularly uncomfortable. Is my kid seriously claiming to have reverse-engineered fifth-gen aircraft just by thinking about it?
"Alright then, tell me more about your plan," the director said finally, leaning forward. "You mentioned wanting our support to protect your company. So, are you planning to start a new one?"
"Yes. I've already thought of a name—Xiaomu Technology. The logo will be based on the letter 'M', representing the pinyin of 'Mu.'"
"..."That sounds awfully casual for a tech company.
"From firearms to fifth-gen aircraft, whether or not these technologies are real, we're talking about weapons," the director said after a pause, his tone serious. "Are you trying to create a weapons manufacturing company like Stark Industries?"
He frowned slightly. "You're not a fool. You know our country's policy—private companies are not permitted to manufacture arms. There's no room for private arms dealers here."
"Who said Xiaomu Technology is going to make weapons?" Ethan smiled. "My first product will be smartphones. But of course, I'll be doing R&D in other technological fields too. The goal is to branch out into multiple industries."
"And that's why you want the military's support?"
"Exactly."
"But if you really have this kind of talent, wouldn't it make more sense to join a military research institute? If you're willing, I could help get you in."
"If the military ever needs my help with a specific project, I'd be happy to contribute," Ethan replied. "But if you're asking me to become a permanent part of the system, I'm not interested."
"Fair enough," the director said, nodding. "Lay out your conditions, and I'll see what I can do to help. But again—private weapons manufacturing is not allowed."
"Let's not be too hasty on that," Ethan said with a mysterious smile. "Who knows? Maybe one day, you'll be the one placing an order with me."
He paused, then added, "Don't worry—I'm not going to do anything illegal."
"Glad to hear it."
"There's one more thing. I want to build a specialized tech zone, and for that, I'll need some land."
"..."
— — —
Their conversation went on for a long while. In the end, Ethan got what he came for.
He would be establishing a new company: Xiaomu Technology. Any technology developed or analyzed through the Huaqiangbei system would be channeled into this company. The first product on the agenda? A smartphone.
This had already been discussed with Obadiah from Stark Industries. With their financial backing and tech support, Ethan would establish the company in China.
Of course, Obadiah's plan was to use Xiaomu's smartphones to infiltrate and dominate the Chinese market. But Ethan had his own agenda—he wanted access to their resources, funding, and especially Jarvis' AI technology.
There was no reason to turn down such a gift-wrapped opportunity.
Naturally, the government wasn't about to let Ethan operate without oversight. Officials would be assigned to monitor the development of Xiaomu Technology, especially given Ethan's recent activities involving firearms and fifth-gen aircraft blueprints. They weren't about to take any risks.
As for Ethan's proposal to build the Huaqiangbei Industrial Park, it was tabled for now. Xiaomu Technology hadn't proven itself yet, and the government wasn't going to invest land or resources until it did. However, the director did promise that if Ethan could resolve the funding issue independently, they'd assist in securing land within the country.
— — —
"Well, we'll part ways here. It was a pleasure meeting you, Comrade Ethan Chen."
After a long meeting and a hearty meal, Ethan and his father stood outside the restaurant, saying goodbye. The director sat in his car, window half-lowered, and gave Ethan a meaningful look.
"One more thing," he said. "Let's avoid incidents like the one on Yulin Road in the future. I hope you'll abide by the law from now on. I'll assign a financial advisor to help you set up your company."
Yulin Road—that was where Ethan had taken out two wanted criminals. Hearing it mentioned, Ethan froze momentarily. So, he knew about that...
"Of course, sir," Ethan said quickly, smiling in apology. "Preparations for the company will begin soon. I'll be ready to meet the advisor whenever they arrive."
Clearly, the director wasn't planning to pursue the incident, which was a relief. As for the so-called "financial advisor," who was probably a government monitor, Ethan didn't mind. He wasn't in this for the money anyway, and a little official oversight might actually make things run more smoothly.
"Then take care of yourself."
The director rolled up the window as Uncle Zhang started the car. As they drove off, a few other vehicles followed from different directions—clearly security details. As a military general, his protection was top-tier.
— — —