I built an armada.

"You've really given us a big problem!"

Su Dingping spread his hands.

"There's no other way; I had no choice but to do this."

If possible, Su Dingping would also like to personally take charge and create an artificial intelligence that can be directly mounted on a sixth-generation fighter jet.

Unfortunately, without sufficient data, Su Dingping was like a skilled cook without ingredients.

However, before collecting enough data, Su Dingping could first focus on the development of the sixth-generation fighter jet.

A sixth-generation fighter jet is not just about having artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is the brain of a sixth-generation fighter jet, equivalent to the software of a computer.

But if the software meets the requirements, but the hardware can't handle it, wouldn't that be ridiculous?
Therefore, while conducting research and development on artificial intelligence, Su Dingping was responsible for building the framework of the sixth-generation fighter jet.

Some technologies that have not yet been validated, or those that have encountered bottlenecks, can be put aside for the time being.

At least Su Dingping's current focus does not need to be entirely on sixth-generation fighter jets.

He needs to improve the railgun system, develop a practical directed energy weapon, and test its reliability against hypersonic missiles.

However, even Su Dingping would probably be overwhelmed if so many projects were launched at once.

"Don't rush to talk about these things. You should just go and take your vacation first!"

Before being kicked out by the old leader, Su Dingping did not forget to urge the old leader.

"Remember, you must get it done as soon as possible; the earlier the data is collected, the better!"

"Moreover, once artificial intelligence technology is promoted to the market, it can bring in additional revenue and make money!"

Artificial intelligence is still a blue ocean market, and just releasing the news can attract a large number of people to invest.

In the process of developing technology, not only do you not need to spend your own money, but you can even earn extra money.

Of course, this refers to the civilian sector; real military technology is not open to anyone's interference.

Su Dingping didn't need to elaborate on this point; he believed his old commander wouldn't make such a basic mistake.

There are indeed many difficulties in promoting this technology at present.

However, Su Dingping has already given a general direction, and now with a strong navy as a foundation, Longxia no longer needs to constantly maintain a sense of crisis about the possibility of national extinction.

At this point, some resources can be appropriately shifted to where they are needed.

……

"No, you don't trust any of me?"

Su Dingping looked at the guards blocking his way and said helplessly.

"President Su, this is the old commander's order."

The guard honestly replied, "The old commander said that you are not allowed to think about any technical issues for this month."

He cleared his throat.

"Xiao Su, you're going on a trip for the next month! You can even just sleep all day in your hotel room, but you're not allowed to continue your research!"

"You're still so young, you have a long life ahead of you! You absolutely mustn't ruin your health!"

The guard perfectly imitated the old commander's tone.

Left with no other choice, Su Dingping had to give in.

Two hours later, Su Dingping was ushered into an SUV with ordinary license plates. His tablet and encrypted terminal were all handed over, and even his cell phone was replaced with a brand new one that contained no research data.

From top to bottom, he only had a simple travel bag containing a few casual clothes and some personal items.

Of course, the necessary guards, communications soldiers, and hidden protection personnel were all present and accounted for.

As the car drove out of the heavily guarded base gate, he glanced back—in the morning mist, the massive dry dock and the adjacent R&D center buildings gradually blurred into a gray silhouette.

The driver and safety officer, Xiao Chen, was a quiet young military officer whose eyes were full of respect when he looked at Su Dingping.

"Mr. Su, just name your destination, I'll drive. For places that are too far, we can arrange a private car. I just want you to forget about work."

Xiao Chen looked miserable: "If we get caught, the class monitor will definitely make me do extra training when we get back!"

Xiao Chen was young and could take a joke. Being with him, Su Dingping felt a sense of ease that he hadn't felt in a long time.

It's not the relief of finally putting down work, but the relief of communicating with friends and peers.

After all, the people he chatted with during his research were all elderly scientists.

No matter how pleasant the conversation was, aside from work, Su Dingping's worldview and outlook on life were quite different from his colleagues.

We all share the same goals and ideals; we are all like-minded comrades. But during our occasional casual chats, there's always a slightly different feeling.

Some colleagues talked about their daughters, some talked about their grandchildren, but Su Dingping... how could someone who hasn't even gotten married have the right to talk about this with others?

Xiao Chen kept talking, but Su Dingping didn't find it annoying at all.

"Let's go to West Lake? I've never been to West Lake before!"

"Alright, let's go to West Lake then!"

"How do you want to get there? By car, train, high-speed rail, or plane!"

"Sir, let me tell you, the high-speed train is so comfortable, blah blah blah."

Su Dingping listened with great interest.

"Don't call me 'Commander' when we're out. I'm probably a bit older than you. Just call me Brother Su!"

"Let's drive there, and enjoy the scenery along the way."

"If you're tired, I can drive instead."

Su Dingping said with great interest.

"Oh, how could I let you drive?"

Xiao Chen glanced at Su Dingping.

"But if you're happy, I can drive you a bit."

Two days later, Su Dingping buried himself in the large bed in the room facing the lake.

Outside the window lies West Lake, beautiful whether adorned or plain, with boats thronging the water and distant mountains like dark eyebrows.

However, after two days of travel, he was not in the mood to enjoy the scenery and soon fell asleep in bed.

He woke up feeling refreshed. He drew back the curtains and heard the sound of the cruise ship's engine. He subconsciously estimated the power and propulsion efficiency in his mind.

After a moment, Su Dingping was stunned for a moment, then smiled helplessly.

Looking out the window, the sky seemed ominous. A clap of thunder sounded, and a sudden downpour began.

He suddenly felt like taking a walk in the rain, so he grabbed an umbrella and went out of the guesthouse.

Xiao Chen and the others naturally followed closely behind.

Walking into an unnamed pavilion, Su Dingping finally felt a bit tired. He found a dry spot to sit down and watched as large raindrops pounded on the lake's surface, creating countless ripples. The ripples interfered with each other, overlapped, and disappeared, forming incredibly complex patterns.

The mist gradually rose from the lake, creating a somewhat dreamlike scene.

This must be what the misty, rainy Jiangnan region looks like.

After the rain stopped, he walked slowly along the Su Causeway. The setting sun shone through the clouds, casting golden rays that painted the lake, distant mountains, and Leifeng Pagoda in warm hues.

"What should we have for dinner? How about West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce? I've heard it's very famous?"

That night, Su Dingping and the others left West Lake overnight.

"West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce is absolutely awful, I'm never coming back!" Xiao Chen cursed.

Su Dingping nodded in complete agreement.

"It really tastes awful. I have no idea what the person who designed this dish was thinking!"

This time, the journey begins in the northwest.

Along the way, the group stopped frequently, occasionally stopping to chat with the villagers working in the fields when they came across some small villages.

Su Dingping doesn't smoke, as it would interfere with his thoughts.

But if someone offered him a cigarette while chatting, Su Dingping would not refuse; he would simply hold it between his fingers and never light it.

What impressed Su Dingping the most was probably the boundless Central Plains.

Although there are many negative comments about this place, you will only discover the true nature of the people here once you actually come here and delve into the rural areas unknown to the internet.

The so-called Central Plains is probably what Longxia looks like.

The car crossed the Guanzhong Plain, climbed over the Qinling Mountains, and finally entered the Northwest.

From here, the landscape of Su Dingping gradually changes from lush green to earthy yellow, and finally to a dry, granular grayish-brown.

The mountains here are quite peculiar, as if they were painted with a palette by a giant god.

Layers of crimson, orange-yellow, gray-white, and dark blue stripes overlap, creating an unreal, dazzling effect under the intense sunlight.

Here, he saw the westernmost section of the Great Wall in Longxia, Jiayuguan.

"He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true man; I suppose I am one now?"

After spending a few days in the Northwest, Su Dingping glanced at the map and suddenly thought of something, so the group headed south.

He wants to see giant pandas.

After entering the Sichuan region, green once again became the dominant color.

The green here is a little different from other places; it seems to be a bit deeper.

The car wound its way along the national highway, with a cliff on one side and a deep valley on the other, the valley floor flowing with rushing river water.

This was probably the first time Su Dingping truly understood the meaning of the phrase "layered mountains and overlapping peaks".

He finally saw the giant pandas he had been longing to see... They were indeed very cute, especially since they all seemed to be in a good mood.

Standing in front of the glass window, Su Dingping stared at the giant panda and suddenly laughed.

Finally, Su Dingping arrived at the southwest side of Longxia, at the foot of Mount Everest.

It's said to be at the foot of Mount Everest, but it's actually quite far from the peak; you can only vaguely see a mountain peak.

The starry sky here is breathtakingly clear.

The Milky Way stretches across the sky like a giant river strewn with diamonds.

In the city, at the base, he had almost forgotten what the starry sky looked like... or rather, Su Dingping had never actually seen such a starry sky with his own eyes.

He wrapped himself in a blanket and sat in the courtyard for a long time.

The Big Dipper, Orion, Vega...

Su Dingping suddenly realized that some of these rays of light might have come from dead stars, and that their light had traveled for hundreds or thousands of years to reach his retina.

Looking at the starry sky, Su Dingping cleared his mind, not thinking about anything, and just stared blankly at the starry sky.

Time seemed to slow down, or perhaps it lost its meaning.

Su Dingping felt that he probably understood why the old leader insisted on letting him come out and relax.

He is lucky, lucky to have returned to this era, lucky to still be young, and he has plenty of time to slow down a bit.

More importantly, he witnessed firsthand the true meaning of all the things he had done.

Perhaps it is so that in the future all Longxia people who want to daydream like this will have the right to sit under the starry sky, do nothing, think nothing, and just quietly daydream.

Before leaving, Su Dingping encountered an old man who was prostrating himself on his way to a pilgrimage.

The old man had thick calluses on his forehead and his clothes were covered in dust, but his eyes were bright and peaceful.

After passing each other by, Su Dingping embarked on his journey home.

On the way back, he asked Xiao Chen to take a detour to see Huangguoshu Waterfall.

However, Su Dingping did not linger there for long.

In fact, he has been resting for more than a month.

However, the old leader was quite satisfied and specifically requested that Su Dingping stay for a few more days.

One morning more than a month later, the same off-road vehicle drove back to the base gate.

The sentry checks identification; the soldier stands at attention and salutes.

The car drove through familiar roads and stopped in front of the main building of the R&D center.

Su Dingping got out of the car and took a deep breath.

The air here is different from the clear air of the plateau, the moisture of the mountains and forests, and the mist of the waterfalls. This is the smell of the place where he fought, the smell of "home".

As he entered the building, the engineers and technicians he encountered along the way stopped and greeted him with delight: "President Su! You're back!"

"Ms. Su, you look much better!"

In the old leader's office, he was trimming a potted green plant.

He laughed heartily when he saw Su Dingping walk in.

"I thought this pothos was going to die, but after taking it out to sunbathe and pruning it, it actually came back to life!"

"How have you been doing these past month or so? What are your thoughts?"

The old leader smiled and patted Su Dingping on the shoulder.

"How's the review process going with the report I submitted before?"

The old leader pursed his lips in dissatisfaction.

"You young comrade, it's been over a month since I last saw you, and you didn't even ask if I'd eaten or slept well, or if I'd worried about you. The first thing you asked me was about your report!"

"It's absolutely heartbreaking for an old man like me!"

Su Dingping sighed.

"You're such a grown man, why are you still acting like a child!"

The old leader burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"Alright, alright, you've finally shown some humanity, you can even crack a joke now!"

To be honest, from a scientist's perspective, Su Dingping is flawless; he's practically a robot, incredibly dedicated.

It was precisely because Su Dingping was so dedicated that the old leader and others were worried about his mental state.

But you can't force someone like Su Dingping to see a psychologist, can you?
So after discussion, the higher-ups simply gave Su Dingping a long vacation so that he could rest and relax.

In retrospect, the results are indeed quite good.

"Alright, do you still need to worry about it? The specific plan is already being implemented, but the market needs some time to react."

"As for data collection, I don't really understand it either. Anyway, I estimate that we won't see any preliminary results for at least a year or two."

"I heard... the hardware problems are also very serious. Currently, we don't have the capacity for independent production and rely entirely on imports, so..." (End of Chapter)