Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3035 Let me see what it will be like after the New Year.

Chapter 3035 Let me see what it will be like in ten years.

As evening approached, the conference room door opened, and Mr. Qing got up and left.

After Yang Xiaotao and everyone else stood up to see him off, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. The meeting, which had lasted for most of the day, was finally over.

After picking up the prepared notebook and tidying it up, Yang Xiaotao came to Chen Lai's side.

Meanwhile, Old Chen was chatting with his uncle about the aftermath of the meeting and showed no intention of leaving, so Yang Xiaotao waited on the side.

When Yang Xiaotao arrived at the conference room with Mr. Chen, he saw many familiar faces.

But most of them still looked unfamiliar.

Of course, I knew almost everyone who was sitting in the front row.

Yang Xiaotao wasn't particularly interested in getting to know the people in the back row either.

You'd be better off reading a book than wasting time building relationships.

While I was in Kuaizhou recently, I read two books. I didn't earn many credits, but I found that feeling of steady growth.

I might be even busier from now on, but I still need to read books even when I'm busy.

Only by strengthening our own capabilities can we cope with more challenges.

Earning academic credits by reading books is definitely an important way to do so.

Yang Xiaotao stood to the side listening with his notebook in his hand, while a group of people stood behind him, watching him and waiting to speak to him.

But in these people's eyes, there was now a sense of awe and expectation.

Those present, except for the people sitting in the front row who knew the details of space-based weapons, were unaware of the true situation of space-based weapons.

Moreover, before coming here, Elder Chen specifically instructed us not to reveal the secrets of the space-based weapons.

Do not disclose any information to the outside world, and do not express your opinion on whether it is a success or a failure.

Yang Xiaotao naturally knew what was going on. When the plan was proposed earlier, everyone who knew about it signed a confidentiality agreement, and there would be someone to continuously monitor it for at least ten years.

Although this "experiment" used many temporary "actors," most people are unaware of the true nature of the experiment.

Most people only know the tasks assigned by their superiors.

As for the specifics, some people may have guessed, but they didn't have the opportunity to contact others.

Anyone who participated in the on-site setup would basically spend their entire life continuing the revolutionary construction in Northwest China.

Therefore, it's understandable that most people here are unaware of the situation.

Of course, with such a big commotion surrounding space-based weapons in the world today, it would be unrealistic for people in China not to know anything about it.

Furthermore, in order to indirectly prove the authenticity of the weapon, a strong domestic response is also needed.

At the very least, the people have something to be proud of with such powerful weapons!
Therefore, the real purpose of this meeting was not to discuss the authenticity of space-based weapons.

In fact, when Qing Lao chaired the meeting, the premise was that his side already possessed powerful space-based weapons.

This meeting was convened on this basis.

The main topics of discussion were the three points that Mr. Chen raised with Yang Xiaotao in his office.

Having made preparations in advance, when it was Mr. Chen's turn to speak, he directly called out Yang Xiaotao's name.

Yang Xiaotao then shared his organized thoughts.

At that moment, Yang Xiaotao's answer was nothing short of amazing.

The meeting's final outcome largely adopted Yang Xiaotao's suggestions, which further shocked everyone present with this young man from the Ninth Division.

At that moment, the people behind him were thinking of greeting Yang Xiaotao and getting to know him.

After all, these are people sitting in the front row, and even if they are at the back, it is still a symbol of status.

Moreover, it's obvious to everyone that Old Chen brought Yang Xiaotao to this meeting because he was grooming him as his successor.

"We still need to take care of the delegation from Japan!"

Uncle habitually reached into his pocket for cigarettes, only to find it empty. He'd probably been smoking too much lately; a pack of cigarettes in his pocket wouldn't last a day.

Just then, someone reached out and handed him a pack of cigarettes. The uncle glanced at it and saw it was his favorite little panda cigarettes.

He glanced at Yang Xiaotao, then took the cigarette, pulled one out, tapped it twice on the cigarette pack, and then put it in his mouth.

A lighter appeared at just the right moment, lit the cigarette, and then put the cigarette pack in his pocket.

Old Chen, who was standing nearby, frowned as he watched all this, and he was displeased.

This brat is blatantly encouraging 'unhealthy practices'!

Don't you know that smoking too much is bad?
But my uncle took a drag of his cigarette and continued, "However, we don't have to agree to their request. We must resolutely oppose things that involve principles."

"Especially as a defeated nation, we must not cross this red line."

"In short, we're open to discussing cooperation, but nothing else!"

Old Chen nodded, "I think this one can be handled directly by the foreign trade department!"

"Yes, their involvement already represents our stance."

After the two finished speaking, they looked at Yang Xiaotao.

"You will meet with Faisal tomorrow. You two have dealt with each other before. You are in charge of this matter."

Old Chen spoke directly, and Yang Xiaotao picked up his notebook and said, "Sir, I haven't returned to my nine departments yet. As you know, there's a ton of stuff waiting to be dealt with."

"How about you?"

"Forget about seeing him, just meet him at the Ninth Department. That way, it won't interfere with your work."

"No, boss, I just got back, I need to rest for a couple of days."

As Yang Xiaotao spoke, Old Chen snorted coldly, "Rest? Haven't you rested enough in Xizhou? Do you want to read some more?"

"Boss, I was just studying, it was important business."

“Learning also needs to be done at the right time. You are in charge of getting the desert camels sorted out this time. If things go smoothly, arrange it for them as soon as possible.”

Old Chen spoke with an unquestionable tone, and Yang Xiaotao could only nod helplessly.

After seeing that Old Chen had finished speaking, the uncle smiled and said, "Don't take it too seriously when you're chatting with them. They're the ones who are anxious now. Just keep a calm mind."

"I understand. They're just paying for peace of mind. We each get what we need."

Hearing Yang Xiaotao say this, everyone behind him smiled.

In their view, they could not only gain a lot of foreign exchange, but also establish a 'close' relationship with the other party.

That's right, it's an intimate relationship.

Imagine that such a 'powerful' weapon has been sold to you. Although each person has a key and cannot fully control it, it is like having a powerful weapon in the hands of the surrounding neighbors.

Anyone who wants to spy on the city should think twice about whether they can bear the consequences of its destruction.

In conclusion, maintaining good relations with the other party this time will also be helpful to the situation abroad.

The group laughed, and the meeting room was filled with cheerful sounds.

After exchanging a few words with his uncle, Old Chen nodded to Yang Xiaotao, and the two then left.

Yang Xiaotao wanted to leave as well, but someone behind him called out to him.

"Minister Yang, it's almost dinner time, would you like to join us?"

The speaker was a middle-aged man wearing a Zhongshan suit, with a kind smile on his face.

"Secretary Wang!"

Yang Xiaotao turned around and smiled. This person was the third secretary of the Organization Department, and he had met Yang Xiaotao once before.

"I was dragged here by Old Chen as soon as I got off the plane, and I haven't even gone home yet."

Upon hearing Yang Xiaotao's words, Secretary Wang immediately burst into laughter. "We were a bit presumptuous, but we really want to have a good chat with Minister Yang next time we have the chance."

Yang Xiaotao smiled and extended his hand, "Next time, next time I will personally cook a meal and entertain everyone."

Secretary Wang quickly reached out and shook hands, "Then it's a deal."

"It's a word."

The two shook hands firmly, and then Yang Xiaotao said goodbye.

After Yang Xiaotao left the meeting room, the smiles on the faces of the remaining people gradually disappeared, and then turned serious.

"Young and promising, with unlimited potential."

In the crowd, an elderly man wearing black-rimmed glasses spoke up calmly, and several people around him nodded in agreement.

Secretary Wang turned to look at the speaker and asked, "Old Gao, do you think this suggestion came from him or from Old Chen?"

The old man with black-rimmed glasses shook his head. "I know Old Chen's personality well; he wouldn't stoop to such methods."

"So, this was his own idea?"

"Nine times out of ten."

Old Gao spoke with certainty, then sighed, "Actually, you can see the other side's strategic vision by looking at how the Ninth Division has developed step by step to where it is now."

"Otherwise, do you think their 'golden decade' plan is just empty talk?"

"And this is only three years old."

Secretary Wang took a deep breath after hearing this, "Yes, three years has brought about earth-shattering changes."

"One link leads to another, one step leads to another."

"I'm starting to wonder if he had planned everything out from the very beginning?"

"But how can he be so sure he'll succeed?" Secretary Wang's question was shared by everyone present, but no one gave a definitive answer.

"More importantly, their rules and regulations."

Old Gao spoke again, his eyes full of admiration, "The heating stoves they made were even inspected by them last winter."

“I asked these people, and they are all workers from the Ninth Department. It’s a system that was established when it was still a machinery factory. They have to carry out free maintenance every year to ensure the safety of the heating boilers.”

"This not only warms the winter, but also warms people's hearts, making them feel more connected to the Ninth Division."

"Moreover, he was the one who established this system."

After Lao Gao finished speaking, everyone present simply took a deep breath and then nodded silently.

"Old Wang, I'm leaving now!"

Secretary Wang nodded, "Okay."

After the two shook hands, Lao Gao quickly left, and then Secretary Wang also called everyone to leave.

The car pulled into an apartment building in the suburbs. Lao Gao got out of the car, glanced at the dark room, and then walked over.

Many guards stood on duty around the apartment. When they saw Lao Gao come in, their eyes swept over him, giving Lao Gao goosebumps.

After a brief pause, a middle-aged man came out of the apartment and immediately smiled when he saw Lao Gao, saying, "Uncle Gao, you've arrived."

"I just finished a meeting and came over to check on things."

Old Gao noticed that the middle-aged man didn't dare to be reserved; although he spoke normally, his tone carried a hint of awe.

"Perfect timing, my dad also wants to know what they'll say now, so hurry up."

Old Gao smiled and then quickly followed him into the apartment.

Upon arriving at the apartment, Lao Gao was momentarily blinded by the bright electric lights, but he quickly adjusted.

They then followed the middle-aged man up the stairs and arrived at a door.

The middle-aged man knocked gently on the door and then whispered, "Dad, Uncle Gao is here."

Then they pressed the doorknob and pushed the door open, and the two went inside.

The room was lit by a yellow light. Upon entering, the sudden change from the bright hall to the dim room was disorienting for Lao Gao's eyes. He squinted his eyes and it took him a moment to adjust.

Then I saw an old man sitting at a desk in the room.

It's April now, and the weather in Beijing is already getting warm. People here have started wearing light clothing, and some are even wearing short sleeves.

But the old man in front of me was wearing a thick sweater and a hat, and his figure was very thin.

"Xiao Gao is here."

When the old man saw Lao Gao walk in, he smiled, but his face appeared even thinner.

"Sir, please take care of yourself."

"We need you to take charge of the overall situation."

Seeing the other person's condition, Lao Gao couldn't help but feel concerned.

This is their Optimus Prime.

If Optimus Prime falls, they'll scatter like monkeys falling from a tree.

The old man waved his hand and said, "I'm already over sixty, what's the point of me hosting? You shouldn't always just parrot what others say."

"Yes!"

Old Gao quickly and respectfully said.

"dad"

The middle-aged man spoke again, but the old man simply raised his hand and said, "You can go out now."

The middle-aged man pursed his lips upon hearing this, but dared not disobey the old man's wishes. He turned around gently and went out, closing the door behind him.

But as he closed the door, a hint of resentment flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes.

But this slight resentment was quickly buried deep in his heart.

He simply couldn't understand why the old man suddenly wanted to retire.

Moreover, he wouldn't listen to anyone, and even became more severe towards them.

Last time, I asked Shengjing for a few J-8 fighter jets, but when the old man found out, he gave me a severe scolding at the dinner table.

He even personally called his old subordinate in Shengjing and said without any mercy that if this happened again, he should take off his clothes and go home.

That was the first time they had ever seen the old man so angry.

From then on, no one dared to get close to him anymore, and everything was handled strictly according to official procedures.

It was after that incident that he began to pay attention to the things the old man was interested in.

What puzzled him most was that his grandfather was particularly interested in the affairs of the Ninth Division, which piqued his interest even more.

However, this interest was overshadowed by a strong sense of jealousy when I saw the resumes of the leaders of the Ninth Department.

Because he seemed to see the shadow of his own father in this person.

Both are so young, yet incredibly talented!
Suddenly, I understood why my father had chosen to retire gracefully and why he had willingly come here.

Then came an even stronger anger!
It's already a joke that he's not like his father, but to be outdone by a poor boy, what will people around him think?
What do you think of childhood friends?
Crunch!

The middle-aged man clenched his fist tightly, glanced back at the room, and then quickly went downstairs.

Inside the room, Lao Gao had already finished recounting the entire meeting agenda.

Of course, he was unaware of the truth about 'space-based weapons'.

But the old man opposite him knew everything.

Upon hearing about the two-key setup, the old man couldn't help but laugh, slapping his thigh as he did so. He then picked up some cooked soybeans from the table and began to eat them.

After Lao Gao finished speaking, the old man nodded with satisfaction and then said with certainty, "This is not Lao Chen's doing."

Old Gao quickly chimed in, "Yes, that's what I think too."

The old man nodded again, then got up and walked around the room. He stopped and said, "Xiao Gao, among these people, you are the one I've watched grow up."

"Commander."

"I know what you're thinking; you don't want to get involved in this mess."

"Sir, I... I just wanted to do something for the country, I..."

"sorry"

Old Gao kept his head down, but the old man came up to him and gently patted his shoulder.

"Don't say sorry. If anyone should say sorry, it should be us who say it."

"This country needs more pure-hearted people."

The old man seemed to be mocking himself, yet his words betrayed a sense of helplessness.

It was as if I was not in control of my own destiny.

"Little Gao!"

The old man's voice suddenly became serious and solemn, like a general issuing orders.

"Chief."