Scholar’s Advanced Technological System

Boston.

Headquarters of the International Union of Materials Research Societies.

Chairman Swift sat in his office while Secretary-General Merri Finch looked at the email on the computer screen with a dumbfounded expression. He didn’t talk for a while.

About a day ago, the White House accepted their proposal, and the United States Congress side also gave the green light. They intended to use this award ceremony as an opportunity to restore the relationship between the two countries.

Whether it was the Lunar Gateway space station or the fusion reactor in California, they were inseparable from the Chinese transport spacecraft and engineers. They couldn’t continue to carry on this kind of confrontation, it would feel like a little kid making a tantrum.

All signs showed that the confrontation between them and China was over.

After all, if this confrontation continued, the people of California would start asking for independence again.

Sports could be an opportunity to restore the normalcy of diplomatic relations, as could academic activities.

The White House had already arranged for Lu Zhou’s airport pick-up ceremony, as well as a presidential-level meeting. They even scheduled an afternoon tea at the White House. However, Chairman Swift and Secretary-General Merri Finch did not expect that, after they had arranged everything, Lu Zhou actually gave up the award and wasn’t coming?!

Yes, he wasn’t coming!

What the hell?!

“… Isn’t he a young scholar himself?” Secretary-General Merri Finch said as he read the last few lines of the email.

He had never seen such bullsh*t!

Chairman Swift, who was standing next to him, obviously had the same thought in his mind. He had a constipated look on his face. It took him a while before he spoke.

“Does he have something against us?”

“Probably not? We didn’t offend him… right?”

“Sh*t… What should we do now? Everything is ready already. Should we inform the White House first…?”

“Ask the White House.” Secretary-General Merri Finch said solemnly, “If there is a misunderstanding, then we will be in big troubles.”

In fact, Chairman Swift and Secretary-General Merri Finch weren’t the only ones who were frightened. The White House was also troubled by Lu Zhou’s decision.

Gradually, they began to realize that the “feud” between the two countries might be bigger than imagined. The White House tried to gauge China’s attitude through diplomatic channels.

On the third day after Lu Zhou sent the email refusing to accept the Annual Union Award…

Director Li personally visited Jinling and went to Lu Zhou’s home.

“Did you reject the Annual Union Award?”

“Yeah,” Lu Zhou said casually. He looked at Director Li, who was sitting opposite the coffee table, and said, “It doesn’t make much sense for me to receive more awards. I think we should leave the opportunity to young people who need it more. Is there a problem?”

Leave it to young people…

Director Li had a baffled look on his face.

In the international academic community, which scholar who is worthy of a nomination is younger than you?

He saw Lu Zhou’s serious look and wanted to curse.

After a moment of silence, he sighed and said, “… Nothing. Doesn’t matter if you don’t go, anyway… We can wait for the next opportunity.”

Lu Zhou: “…?”

Opportunity?

What opportunity?

I feel like I missed something very important.

Lu Zhou was expressionless. Director Li hesitated for a moment. He then finally sighed and said, “The higher-ups are saying that the confrontation with North America should end. We should forget and forgive. Improvement is what’s important. We have no core interests in America. As long as they agree to give up interfering in Asian affairs, it is a good choice to step back… What do you think?”

Lu Zhou didn’t understand why Director Li suddenly discussed the overall political situation with him. He frowned and said, “I am a pacifist. You should know what I think.”

Director Li sighed and said, “Good! In fact, I am also worried if you are harboring any resentment… In fact, the incident on the last cruise has nothing to do with the Americans. Surprisingly, the CIA has nothing to do with it.”

Lu Zhou: “…?”

What resentment?

What does the Aurora Borealis cruise ship have to do with this?

In fact, if Director Li didn’t mention it, he had almost forgotten about the cruise entirely.

Moreover, he had never been very interested in politics. He was just a scholar who worked hard to explore the mysteries of the universe, under the premise of being loyal to the country and fighting for the shared future of mankind.

If he had to pick a motivation behind all this…

It was mostly curiosity.

“I don’t understand the purpose of you coming here.” Lu Zhou took a sip of tea and looked at Director Li with a bit of confusion. He said, “Don’t tell me you came to Jinling just to talk about politics with me.”

“Of course not! You are so busy with scientific research. I don’t want to disturb you.” Director Li smiled embarrassedly and said, “I only asked about the award for our diplomatic department. The main reason I’m here is about the manned mission!”

Manned mission?

Hearing these words, Lu Zhou’s eyes suddenly lit up.

He put down the teacup in his hand, looked at Director Li, and smiled.

“The manned mission? What a coincidence, I was planning to talk to you about this.”

Director Li smiled and said, “Please go ahead!”

“The Mars project occupies a very important role in our space strategy. The manned Mars landing is the beginning of everything. This project is important, so there is no room for mistakes,” Lu Zhou said seriously. He looked at Director Li and said in a solemn tone, “I want to be personally in charge of the launch plan!”

Director Li immediately showed an overjoyed look on his face. He tapped his thigh and said, “Hahaha, what a coincidence!

“I came to Jinling just to talk to you about this!

“The higher-ups have decided. If you want to, you will be the chief designer of the Mars colonization project!

“But since you already agreed, what else is there to say? Let’s go to Beijing together! Then head to the west!”

China’s artificial biosphere and Mars colonization experimental base were both in the Dzoosotoyn Elisen Desert, which was on the west side of China. The plans had been in preparation for a few years.

Lu Zhou stood up from the sofa and spoke with a smile.

“Okay then. Let’s get going. I’ll go and pack my luggage first. Wait for me for half an hour.”

Director Li: “No problem. No need to be in a hurry. You should pack more clothes. Who knows when you will be back… By the way, I suddenly remembered something.”

“What?” Lu Zhou asked.

Director Li had an embarrassing smile on his face.

“The call last time. Didn’t I ask you about the space elevator? I just wanted to ask if—Wait wait, don’t leave!”

Dumbfounded, Director Li looked at the empty living room…