Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 125 True Love? Cherish! (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

So it's not that von Bryan didn't want to fight, but that he couldn't find a suitable way to break the stable triangle relationship between Lin Ran, James Webber, and John Morgan.

The three parties reached a tacit understanding, both overtly and covertly.

Lin Ran was in charge of NASA's technical management. He would find some benefits for General Aerospace and gradually pass the bidding process to General Aerospace.

James Webb remains the most powerful person at NASA, responsible for managing the organizational structure and holding firm to personnel authority.

John Morgan was the one who offered the benefits.

Once the Democrats leave the White House, James Webb will be able to transform into a General Aerospace executive.

Of course, his ambitions didn't stop there. He also contributed to NASA's success through his collaboration with Lin Ran at NASA.

While working as a senior executive at General Aerospace, he can prepare for his future career, whether it's running for Congress or even President.

If he really had the opportunity, it wouldn't be impossible for the Morgan family to become his sponsor.

A revolving door is a door that allows entry but not exit.

A career change from politics to business doesn't mean one can't move from business back into politics.

Such a strong relationship was simply beyond the reach of von Braun and his fellow former German scientists.

Stussy felt the same despair after hearing this: "So there's no way for us to control them?"

Von Blaine: "Yes."

Stusster asked, "What method?"

Von Bryan said, "Going back in time, working with Lockheed, and then working with James Webb in advance, we built this triangular alliance."

Stusster remained silent, knowing that von Braun's answer was a joke.

Going back to the past and reversing the future—do you think this is science fiction?
Von Bryan then said in a deep voice, "We are not entirely without a chance, we just need to wait."

Whether it's James Webb or Randolph, they will leave NASA sooner or later.

They will leave, but we won't.

When that time comes, it will be time for us to build a triangular alliance.

As long as Randolph didn't cultivate his own engineering network at NASA before then.

In short, instead of constantly trying to get rid of Randolph, it would be better to focus on which Jewish engineers Randolph favored and then eliminate them.

Von Blaine's philosophy of struggle is that Lin Ran's niche will eventually become vacant, and they just need to wait to fill that vacant niche.

Prior to this, to avoid having similar technocrats at NASA, given the current environment, the only group of scientists Lin Ran could rely on and trust were Jewish scientists.

And they need to eliminate such a possibility from this perspective.

The Friendship 7 spacecraft also returned to Cape Canaveral.

The destroyer USS America took it to the coast of Grand Turk Island, placed it on a small boat, and then transported it to the dock in the port.

From there, workers transported it by truck to the airport and loaded it onto an Air Force cargo plane, which then transported it to the taxiway.

John Glenn and Friendship 7's eventual reunion didn't happen until an event held at the S hangar.

Hanger S is the location at Cape Canaveral launch site used for astronaut training, crew accommodation, and early spacecraft fabrication.

(Aerial view of the S-shaped aircraft hangar)

Throughout the early 60s, a significant portion of the work of engineers and technicians was carried out in the S aircraft hangar.

This was largely due to NASA's acquisition of the S hangar in 1959 through an agreement with the Department of Defense, which was then converted for use by the Space Mission Group's pre-flight operations department, including the reception and testing of the Mercury spacecraft capsule.

Friendship 7 underwent thorough testing here before its launch.

(Astronaut John Glenn, wearing a hose connected to a ventilation system, prepares to board the Mercury spacecraft. This chamber allows engineers and technicians to test the leakage rate of the spacecraft's pressure shell and verify that the spacecraft's environmental control systems and other equipment are functioning as designed.)
Unlike in the past, because of the great significance of this manned orbital flight, the White House immediately held a celebration at the S hangar after the launch and return to Earth, with Kennedy leading the delegation.

(John Glenn introduces Friendship 7 to the Kennedys)
Kennedy was given the opportunity to peek at the spaceship that had just returned to Earth.

John Glenn and his wife then traveled to Washington, D.C., where they attended a reception hosted by President Kennedy at the White House.

Besides John Glenn, there were also representatives from NASA, including Lin Ran.

Despite the rain that day, tens of thousands of people still rode in Vice President Johnson's motorcade to the Capitol, where Glenn addressed a joint session of Congress.

Glenn then used a globe to give a detailed account of his flight experiences to the attendees.

When John Glenn mentioned Lin Ran during his speech, the Democratic Party members in the audience burst into enthusiastic applause.

The celebratory dinner that day was held in the diplomatic reception hall.

The White House invited government officials, NASA officials, members of Congress, and Glenn's family to honor his historic flight.

The event followed the White House reception and congressional address that day. The reception hall was brightly lit, with American flags and NASA logos hanging on the walls. The long tables were covered with white linen tablecloths and decorated with blue and silver accents, echoing the NASA theme.

A miniature model of the Friendship 7 spacecraft was placed in the center of the dining table as the focal point of the evening's decor.

Guests were required to dress formally, with men in black tuxedos or suits and women in various evening gowns.

"This is the first time I've ever worn a tuxedo," Lin Ran whispered in Jenny's ear as they attended the event together.

After looking her over carefully for a moment, Jenny said, "Professor, you look very smart."

The dinner was opened by Lyndon Johnson, who is in charge of space affairs.

He gave a brief speech, welcoming the Glenn family and praising his courage and contributions to the country.

President Kennedy then rose to speak, his tone relaxed and encouraging.

"Tonight, we pay tribute to a true American hero and express our gratitude to our colleagues at NASA. You not only sent John Glenn into space, but you also brought him back our confidence in the future."

"Professor, what are your thoughts?" Jenny asked.

Lin Ran clapped his hands and said, "I just want to eat the ice cream later as soon as possible."

The appetizer was oysters with white wine, and the main course was roasted beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

The dessert Lin Ran mentioned was the specially customized Mercury ice cream, which he had heard Lyndon Johnson mention before he arrived, while resting in Johnson's office.

Named after Project Mercury, this dessert features vanilla ice cream topped with blue frosting and a small chocolate rocket model on top.

Jenny's eyes lit up when she saw it: "Professor, I finally know what you've been waiting for. It really is an exquisite dessert."

After the meal, Glenn was invited to give a short speech, and Lin Ran was also invited to speak.

Lin Ran stood up, his tone firm, and said only one sentence: "I will lead everyone to win this space race!"

Then he clenched his fist.

Compared to Glenn, Lin Ran's brief speech clearly resonated more with the audience.

After dinner, the guests, sipping champagne, chatted freely in the hall.

Lin Ran and Jenny were chatting in a corner: "Jenny, I'll treat you to a really great Chinese restaurant tomorrow."

Jenny asked curiously, "Which one? I don't think I've been to many Chinese restaurants."

Lin Ran said, "You'll know when you go tomorrow night."

Jenny asked, "Aren't you going to the Ohio celebration parade?"

Lin Ran rolled his eyes: "Jenny, that's Glenn's hometown, not mine. Why would I go there?"

Besides, Lyndon Johnson is accompanying me as his representative, so I'm not needed.

Lin Ran wanted to know how China would react after he brought the Raspberry Pi back to China, and whether there were any problems he needed to solve.

At this point, the only person he could contact was Long Sifan in Yanjing Palace.

If he wasn't mistaken, the other party was probably working for China.

As for Huang Yunji and Chen Jingrun, one reason was that the other party was in New York, and the other reason was that their identities were not quite suitable.

Kennedy, who was socializing with everyone, finally found Lin Ran and Jenny.

He joked, "Looks like I've come at the wrong time." The relationship between the Hearst family and the Democratic Party is not only that George Hearst and William Hearst were both Democratic senators, but also that George Hearst bought the San Francisco Examiner early in his career and transformed it into the official newspaper of the Democratic Party.

Subsequently, the Hearst family's propaganda machine continued to serve the Democratic Party's elections with unwavering dedication.

The fact that the Democratic Party controls traditional media is inextricably linked to the Hearst family.

Jenny raised her glass and said, "Mr. President, thanks to Professor Lin, NASA was able to successfully complete the manned space mission. Shouldn't you give him a reward, like the Congressional Gold Medal?"

Kennedy said, "Jenny, you're too greedy. If I give Randolph the Congressional Gold Medal this time, what will I give him next time he helps NASA land on the moon?"
Should we award him the Congressional Gold Medal again? That might not be appropriate.

America's highest civilian honor is the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but that won't be established by Kennedy until next year; it doesn't exist yet.

"Don't worry, I will definitely give Randolph the honor and reward he deserves. Don't worry about Randolph, he's much smarter than you."

Kennedy turned to Lin Ran and said, "Randolph, choosing you as the White House Special Assistant for Space Affairs was one of the best decisions I made after being elected president."

"Don't worry, as long as I'm still in the White House, you can fully utilize your talents at NASA. I'll shield you from any storms. Those corrupt officials in Congress can't stop NASA from moving forward!"

Kennedy had barely left when Shudra arrived.

McNamara walked over with a glass of champagne. "Professor, it's been a long time."

Lin Ran raised his glass and clinked it with the other person's: "Long time no see."

McNamara and Jenny exchanged a brief greeting; the Elephant Party members weren't going to give the Hearst family any special treatment.

Then, excitedly, he continued, "Professor, I went back and thought about the theory you proposed, and I think that game theory is very suitable for use in the field of warfare."

I also looked up and read Professor Schelling's "Strategy of Conflict," which you mentioned in the interview.

It also discusses non-cooperative game theory.

I even consulted Herman Kahn of the RAND Corporation, asking him to help the Department of Defense research the optimal strategy in nuclear war.

"Professor, that's a real shame. You must be busy with your work at NASA; otherwise, I think you'd be best suited to research these kinds of questions."

McNamara was practically saying no one was more suitable than you.

Jenny looked disgusted. "Professor, didn't we agree to go on a date? Shall we go now?"

She deliberately spoke loudly enough for the other person to hear her.

Lin Ran didn't want to talk to McNamara either. After all, if he knew McNamara's specific background, it would be bad if McNamara used the game theory he had talked about in Baiyue.

Especially for differential game theory, which is suitable for missile tracking and air combat simulation, what if it's against McNamara, and America becomes even more adept at fighting in Baiyue?
Data analysts like McNamara are among the most ardent believers that mathematics can solve all problems.

Lin Ran said apologetically, "Minister, I did have an appointment with Jenny, so I left early."

McNamara looked incredulous. "Women can be more interesting with math?"
Watching Lin Ran's departing figure, McNamara pondered to himself: "Is this what talent is? Even if he wastes his time on women, his terrifying talent can still easily produce groundbreaking results."

Shudra's admiration deepened even further.

If there were a system, you could see McNamara's admiration level constantly increasing by one.

He hadn't been to Yanjing Palace since Lin Ran's last visit.

Long Sifan received two arrangements that he found very strange.

The first arrangement was that if Lin Ran ever escaped to Yanjing Palace, he would do everything in his power to ensure her safe passage onto the ship leaving America.

This is his top priority, and all resources and connections must be mobilized to prepare for it.

This task is easy to understand.

If the importance of Lin Ran to China's decision-making level is like looking at flowers through a fog...

After all, people could only receive information through newspapers; they couldn't even see videos.

Moreover, the newspaper also had to be translated into Chinese.

It is actually quite difficult to understand Lin Ran's reputation and influence overseas.

Long Sifan, on the other hand, was in Washington, D.C., the heart of America.

It was in this place that I gained a deeper understanding of Lin Ran's influence.

Lin Ran would occasionally appear in the discussions of White House bureaucrats and Washington civil servants.

The conversations between these white people and him always revolved around Randolph. Everyone would say that Randolph was very impressive, a top Chinese in every field. With him leading NASA, everyone had confidence in the space race with the Soviet Union.

Long Sifan even asked the white bureaucrats who often dined at his restaurant whether they had confidence in Lin Ran or in NASA, and almost everyone answered Randolph.

In addition, Lin Ran's image frequently appears in newspapers, radio, and television.

He even saw in the newspaper that a batch of Randolph apartments had sprung up in Flushing, New York, specifically targeting Chinese people and costing 10% to 20% less than other cheap apartments.

It is said that Lin Ran and New York real estate businessman Fred jointly built it, and the Chinese in New York praised this good deed.

For most Chinese people living at the bottom of society, this is indeed a benefit for everyone.

The academic community goes without saying; everyone admires his achievements in mathematics and his remarkable success at NASA after crossing over to the White House, where he also proposed the concept of a "hotline" that contributes to world peace.

It was precisely because he was caught up in the situation that Long Sifan was able to understand the significance of saving Lin Ran's life at all costs.

Just considering the technical secrets the other party had access to at NASA, if he could exchange his life for those secrets, Long Sifan felt he wouldn't even blink an eye.

But the second arrangement puzzled him greatly; it involved asking him to ask some questions.

Yes, it's just a question, and the question itself is very simple, just a choice between two options, but the meaning of the question is a bit technical.

Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long for the opportunity to come, and he met Lin Ran on this day in February.

The other party came with a beautiful young white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. Despite their different skin colors, Long Sifan couldn't help but sigh that they were a perfect match.

"Professor, we meet again. Will you be treating us at Yulanxuan again this time?"

Lin Ran nodded and said, "Yes, let's go with Yulan Pavilion."

"Avon Books has compiled and published some of Philip K. Dick's earlier good works, which sold only so-so but received good reviews."

Those who have seen it say it's very interesting.

Avon Books wants to know if you can help write a short recommendation.

However, I declined. My idea was to wait until The Truman Show was published before writing a passage.

"Oh, by the way, Philip gave me the first draft of the manuscript. Take a look."

Jenny took a stack of manuscripts out of her Hermès Kelly bag and handed them to Lin Ran.

Lin Ran took a look and found that Truman's wife was not named Jenny, but there was an inexplicable extra plot.

Truman does have parents, but they were an astronaut couple who went on a mission to Mars and never returned. His parents were Randolph and Jenny.

This made it really difficult for Lin Ran to keep his composure.

He asked, "Jenny, I have a question. Shouldn't America be very respectful to astronauts?"

How could the descendants of astronauts end up like this?
Isn't this setting a bit unreasonable?

Lin Ran inwardly marveled at the terrifying power of money, which was enough to get Philip K. Dick to customize the storyline.

Jenny explained, "What's wrong with that?"

This is a fictional world created by Philip, but it's not our world; it's another world.

Perhaps from Washington's perspective, Truman is living a good life, with material possessions, family, and love.

Lin Ran said, "But there is no freedom."

This answer struck a chord with Jenny, who believes that freedom is the current trend among Americans. "Okay, I'll have Philip revise it again."

Let Truman's real name be Randolph, and let him find true love after leaving the town.

This time it was Lin Ran's turn to ask, "What's true love called?" In his heart, he thought to himself, "True love? I think 'cherish love' is more like it."

　I'm begging for monthly votes at the beginning of the month! Please give me some!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)