"Put simply, the Third Generation Circulator Model M is the most advanced experimental apparatus on Blue Star. With it, Dragon Country has surpassed other nations by a whole generation in this domain."

Xia Liang listened quietly. Although he didn't fully understand, he could tell Dragon Country's researchers had once again pulled off some crazy shit, leaping an entire generation ahead of everyone else.

"What a great piece of news. So why is everyone looking so gloomy?"

Lu Chaoge's eyes were red, and his voice began to tremble. "Because its prototype was destroyed, and the only precious blueprint was stolen."

"Holy shit!"

Xia Liang's eyes widened. "Are you kidding me? Such an important blueprint was stolen? Where was security? Were they all just standing around like mannequins?"

How could he not be shocked? Leading the world in cutting-edge technology was an achievement built on the blood, sweat, and tears—and even the lives—of countless researchers.

"Sigh, I'm angry too, but this really can't be blamed on security." Lu Chuang stepped in to smooth things over. "It was the person from the Grand Science Academy in charge of the project... he defected."

Defection. In other words, a traitor. During a war, one might do such a thing to survive. But in an era of peace? For a top-tier researcher to fucking turn traitor? It seemed the strongest fortresses were indeed easiest to breach from within.

Xia Liang looked at Xiao Qianxi again. With something this huge happening, there was no way the Luan Long Group would just stand by.

"The people with full authority over this are from National Security," Xiao Qianxi said calmly. "So unless it's absolutely necessary, we won't get involved."

Xia Liang said irritably, "But you're here right now."

Xiao Qianxi glanced at her watch. "That's right. It's already been five days since the incident. In that time, National Security has sent three elite teams. Unfortunately, the adversary's support network was extremely thorough, and he still managed to escape the country. Right now, he has at most five more hours until he reaches Gold Mountain."

"You want me to go to Gold Mountain... don't tell me you want me to get the blueprint back?" Xia Liang had already realized what was happening.

"Confidence is a good thing, but arrogance leads to self-destruction." Xiao Qianxi shot him a glance. "With Luan Long on the case, why would we need a Didi driver to snatch a blueprint?"

If anyone else had said that, it would have sounded like bragging, but coming from Xiao Qianxi, it was different.

"Not my problem? Great. I hope you all get the treasure back soon. Once we have a new energy source, I won't have to worry about the price of gas anymore." Xia Liang got up and started walking out.

"Er..." Mortified, Xiao Qianxi quickly grabbed Xia Liang's sleeve. "While you don't have to retrieve the blueprint, your help is essential for this operation."

With so many heavyweights asking for him, Xia Liang didn't believe for a second they wanted nothing from him. Frankly, every citizen has a duty when the country is in trouble. He had no issue with helping, of course, but you, little brat... is this how you ask for a favor? Look at you, acting so high and mighty. A Didi driver can't compare to Luan Long? Then what the hell do you need this master for?

"Don't get worked up, Brother Xia. This was just a sudden development," Lu Chuang said, giving Xiao Qianxi a look. He didn't understand why her tone was so aggressive today; he obviously had no idea it was because of a bit of celebrity gossip.

When Xiao Qianxi saw the various gossipy reports about Xia Liang and Gao Yuanyuan, she felt an inexplicable sourness. She tried her best to remain detached, but for the past two days, she couldn't eat or sleep properly. In quiet moments, her mind would always drift back to the matter. Luckily, she hadn't thoroughly investigated the girls around Xia Liang; otherwise, she would know too much. She could almost hear Explosive's voice: "Sister Qianqian, feeling a bit sour, are we? It's fine to be sour, but don't take it out on your teammates."

Of course not! And even if it were true, she would never admit it! That was why, when she saw Xia Liang, she couldn't stop her tone from carrying a hint of aggression. She just hadn't expected Xia Liang to be such a piece of work, ready to bolt at the slightest provocation.

Putting business first, Xiao Qianxi's tone began to soften. "Throttle, Luan Long's driver, is injured. He's our best wheelman. Without him, it will be difficult to proceed with our next move. Even if we get the blueprint, we won't be able to break through their perimeter. After much consideration, I recommended you for the operation."

"That's right," Lu Chuang nodded. "I also recommend you for this operation. Brother Xia's driving skills are incredible. With your help, we're sure to succeed."

Xia Liang spread his hands. "So, you all had this settled before I even got here?"

"Hahaha—," Lu Chuang laughed and patted Xia Liang's shoulder. "I, Lu Chuang, pride myself on my judgment of character. If this were a civil matter, you'd hardly care. But when it involves something on a higher level, you jump in without hesitation."

You old foxes and your damn accurate read on people are the worst!

"If I agree, what's in it for me?" Xia Liang began to haggle, his expression unchanging. This was no joke. He might be helping, but that didn't mean he'd do it for free.

"The Luan Long Group will owe you a favor."

"And on behalf of the Lu Family, I will also owe you a favor."

Favors were intangible things, but they could be critically important at the right moment. And a favor from the Luan Long Group? From the Lu Family?

"I'd like to hear the plan first." Xia Liang stopped wasting words. Though he didn't particularly care, having a favor owed to him was better than not.

"This USB drive contains all the information you need. Memorize it all, then destroy it." Xiao Qianxi handed him the drive.

「At two in the morning, in the waiting lounge.」

Xia Liang was slurping his instant noodles while calling his various girls, telling them he'd be on a business trip for a few days.

Xiao Qianxi sat nearby, watching him coldly. You could guess who was on the other end of the line with your eyes closed. But that wasn't the problem! The real problem was that he made several calls. Within seconds, she had thought of dozens of ways to kill Xia Liang. In the end, reason prevailed by the slimmest of margins.

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