Special forces soldier demobilization: Starting from the county government compound, a meteoric rise

In late autumn in Kyushu City, the weather should be warm and the sky clear.

This morning, however, the entire city was completely shrouded in a thick, oppressive layer of gray clouds. The crispness of autumn was nowhere to be seen; the air was thick with tension, as if a storm was about to sweep across the entire region.

This was no ordinary weather anomaly, as all those in high positions knew perfectly well—Kyushu's external development environment was once again facing a crucial and severe test.

Three o'clock in the morning, in the eastern open ocean.

This gateway, which safeguards the peace of Kyushu's sea routes and connects internal and external development, has encountered external military pressure that is extremely rare in decades.

Several large ocean-going fleets, multiple heavy air defense vessels, and dozens of auxiliary ships formed a massive maritime formation. Under the guise of maritime passage and regional stability maintenance, they crossed the long-standing and stable maritime buffer zone and approached the high seas area less than 200 nautical miles from the Kyushu coastline.

Coastal defense and monitoring stations issued high-frequency warnings throughout the entire process. The enemy's shipborne monitoring equipment repeatedly locked onto our patrol vessels, and alarms continued to reverberate throughout the entire area, making the situation extremely precarious.

The goals of external forces are straightforward and utilitarian.

Previous rounds of industrial competition and technological containment have repeatedly failed, leaving Kyushu at a disadvantage in international public opinion and industrial competition. Now, the other side is attempting to use the strong means of maritime pressure to force Kyushu to open up its self-developed "Longyuan Chip" architecture, trying to interrupt Kyushu's path to independent scientific and technological innovation and once again confine Kyushu to the traditional industrial pattern of low-end processing.

This is an extreme test under dire circumstances, and even more so, an ultimate gamble concerning the lifeline of Kyushu's development for decades to come.

……

Council hall.

The atmosphere in this meeting room, which oversees the overall development of Kyushu and coordinates affairs across the entire region, was extremely tense at this moment. On both sides of the long conference table sat the heads of departments responsible for the economy, diplomacy, defense, and science and technology innovation. In front of each person was the latest top-secret intelligence report transmitted from the front lines overnight.

The accompanying real-time aerial footage clearly shows that foreign carrier-based aircraft flew close to our patrol vessels, deliberately making highly provocative moves and recklessly testing Kyushu's bottom line and dignity.

"We can no longer afford to passively wait and see!"

A general in standard military uniform, bearing the heavy responsibility of defending the territory, suddenly stood up. His voice was powerful and resonant, causing the lights in the room to flicker slightly.

"The other side is pressing forward relentlessly and continuing its provocations, having already crossed multiple security red lines! In accordance with the comprehensive security plan, once the other side enters the warning waters, we will immediately activate the near-shore defense system! Our special operations defense forces are fully equipped and ready to respond appropriately and prudently at any time!"

"We must not escalate the situation rashly!"

On the other side of the long table, Mr. Zhou, who was in charge of external coordination and macroeconomic management, slowly put down his teacup, his expression calm and solemn. He was always steady and thorough in his work, and was good at weighing the pros and cons of the overall situation.

"The current global public opinion environment is complex and volatile, and Kyushu's overseas trade and transnational cooperation are at a critical stage of recovery and growth. If the situation in the maritime region continues to escalate, global capital flows and cross-border industrial chains will be impacted, and the industrial upgrading and opening-up achievements we have made over the years may very well be lost."

"Are we just going to keep quiet and let them provoke us and put pressure on us at our doorstep?" The general looked anxious and full of resentment.

"We can resolve disputes and gain the initiative in a compliant and reasonable manner through official formal negotiations, multilateral communication and mediation, and by relying on international cooperation platforms."

"Simply engaging in diplomatic mediation is merely a temporary solution; the lessons learned from past experiences of being technologically blocked and maliciously suppressed by external forces should serve as a wake-up call!"

A heated discussion immediately erupted in the meeting room.

Those in charge of economic and diplomatic affairs, with a long-term development perspective, advocate prioritizing stability and resolving conflicts through communication to preserve hard-won development achievements; while key personnel on the front lines of defense uphold the bottom line of national territory and rights, are unwilling to tolerate provocations without any bottom line, and advocate a firm yet prudent response to safeguard the red line of national security.

Both approaches are for the benefit of the nation, only differing in their stance and emphasis. However, this is a crucial juncture for Kyushu's scientific and technological innovation breakthroughs and industrial catch-up; every decision is crucial to the overall direction.

Just as everyone was expressing their opinions and arguing, the tightly closed door was slowly pushed open from the outside.

Liu Ming walked slowly into the hall.

He wore a simple black jacket, his attire casual and neat. He was alone, without any entourage, holding only a work tablet in his hand, his face calm and his expression indifferent.

That calm and composed aura, unwavering even in the face of a collapsing mountain, possessed a power to soothe the soul, instantly silencing the noisy hall.

Facing the scrutinizing, probing, and wary gazes of the room, Liu Ming remained calm and walked straight to the newly vacated seat at the end of the conference table—a seat reserved for newly promoted council members.

He did not sit down immediately, but casually placed a porcelain water cup bearing the marks of time and the slogan of original aspiration on the table.

thump.

A soft thud, a crisp sound, landed, just enough to silence the chaotic discussion that filled the room.

"Liu Ming, you've come at the perfect time."

A senior executive advocating for a prudent approach spoke up, seeking professional support: "You have long been deeply involved in the fields of science and technology innovation and industry, and you are most aware of the current development strategy. Why don't you explain to everyone how much impact our Loongson innovation plan and transnational cooperation projects will suffer if the maritime situation escalates? It could very well shake the foundation of our industry built up over many years."

Liu Ming raised her eyes, her gaze clear, sharp, and bright.

He didn't argue directly; instead, he lightly tapped the tablet screen with his slender fingers, and a complex and precise spectrum of band analysis was instantly projected onto the giant display screen in the hall.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the screen, their faces filled with confusion.

"This is the encrypted communication data of the overseas maritime formation that I analyzed and restored ten minutes ago, relying on the global satellite monitoring system."

Liu Ming's tone was calm, yet it conveyed a chilling truth.

"The opposing command has finalized the plan: if Kyushu does not publicly share the Longyuan chip architecture within 24 hours, they will launch a precise pressure campaign to interfere with, contain, and disrupt the three major science and technology innovation laboratories in Ningzhou and Chengli in all aspects."

boom!

That short sentence was like a thunderclap, plunging the meeting room into complete uproar.

"They actually dare to target our scientific and technological innovation foundation?" "This isn't a dispute or a game of strategy; it's blatant containment of development!"

A cold smile flashed across Liu Ming's eyes as her gaze slowly swept across the entire room.

"While you are still concerned about trade cooperation, foreign investor confidence, and the global landscape, our opponents have already transcended the rules of the game and are targeting our scientific and technological innovation foundation, aiming to disrupt Kyushu's path to rise from the root."

"Once science and technology innovation laboratories are obstructed and self-developed technologies are disrupted, all transnational cooperation, investment attraction, and industrial achievements will become like trees without roots and water without a source, and will be vulnerable in the face of absolute external suppression."

He stepped forward, lightly placing his hands on the table. His calm aura, honed through countless crises, spread out, causing everyone present to unconsciously slow their breathing.

"I know that many people believe that seeking progress while maintaining stability is the best option at present, and that a tough response would disrupt the existing order."

"But looking at the big picture, there is no such thing as a permanent and stable balance in the world. Only equal strength can safeguard lasting peace and development."

Liu Ming looked at Old Zhou, whose expression was solemn. Her words were clear and earnest, yet her stance was firm.

"Our breakthrough in chip technology has broken the overseas monopoly, which has attracted their intense fear and containment. They want to take advantage of the fact that our comprehensive security and science and technology innovation system is not yet fully mature, and strike first to curb our development momentum."

"Constant concessions will not bring stability; they will only embolden the other side and ultimately lead to a completely passive and desperate situation!"

"We absolutely cannot back down at this point!"

Snapped!

As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Ming lightly tapped the mahogany table with her palm, and a crisp sound reverberated throughout the room.

At this moment, he shed his usual gentle and refined demeanor as the director of the Science and Technology Innovation Department. His sharp edge was restrained yet extremely powerful, full of determination and responsibility to protect the country and its industries.

"Mr. Liu, please make the decision."

Liu Ming turned to look at the person in charge who was silently observing the overall situation from the main seat, her gaze firm and her conviction clear.

"The comprehensive security and early warning system that I led the construction of is fully ready for deployment. The satellites in orbit are locked onto the maritime targets throughout the entire process, and are monitoring the other party's every move in real time."

"Only by acting with moderation, adhering to bottom lines, and daring to take a stand can we safeguard the overall situation. If the other side insists on testing our bottom line, then we will let the world see Kyushu's firm determination to protect its development achievements and defend its rights!"

Liu Ming's lips curled into a sharp yet composed smile, revealing her composure and shrewdness.

The council chamber fell into complete silence, with only the hem of a black coat swaying gently in the breeze. No one dared to utter another word.

The person in charge slowly raised his eyes, gazing at the young, decisive, and strategically astute key personnel before him. His eyes, weathered by time, had lost their previous caution, replaced by recognition and resolve.

The old man slowly rose and took out a formal appointment document bearing his personal seal from a confidential document bag.

"Comrade Liu Ming."

"Here!" Liu Ming stood tall and straight, like a pine tree, and answered with a firm and powerful voice.

"From this moment forward, you are officially a member of the council."

The person in charge looked solemn and made the official announcement.

"At the same time, you will also serve as the commander of the special response to the situation in the eastern sea area, taking overall command and implementing measures in accordance with regulations."

"Uphold the bottom line of safety, resolve crises prudently, safeguard scientific and technological achievements and rights, and stabilize the regional development pattern."

Liu Ming solemnly raised his hand, offering a standard and proper salute, then turned and walked calmly out of the heavy council hall.

Behind him was a silent council hall, and in front of him was the turbulent situation in the eastern seas that urgently needed a breakthrough.

As Liu Ming sat in the car, a cold wind brushed against her face, and she spoke in a deep voice to Old Chen beside her.

"Let's set off for the East China Sea."

In this crucial game concerning the future of Kyushu, he is determined to seize the initiative!