Invasion of the United States

Just catering to the needs of these wealthy families is enough to keep 'Holy Light' busy for a while.

"Victor indeed has some commercial talent, especially his decision to lower the prices of flying devices, which is a critical maneuver."

Consider that a purely American-made flying device costs 2.4 million US dollars, while 'Electric Flight' plans to keep their product costs under one million RMB.

This completely overturns the commercial logic of the low-altitude economy; even Kelly feels that this industry cannot be driven solely by the United States itself.

"Still, the employees from 'Dongda' are more reliable, and the cost-performance ratio is truly superior. Recruiting similar personnel in the United States would require at least three times the salary and they wouldn't be willing to work sincerely."

While Kelly was pondering whether to package 'Electric Flight' and send it to the Nasdaq in the United States to raise funds, an assistant came and knocked on the door, saying that Mr. Xiao, a director from the Provincial Science and Technology Department, was here to visit.

Kelly had never dealt with mainland officials before, hearing that a 'director' was coming, she formally invited the visitor to the reception room. She tidied herself up a bit and then went to meet him.

"Hello, Ms. Kelly." Xiao Jinlang spoke fluent English, proactively stood up, and shook Kelly's hand.

After the usual pleasantries, they exchanged views on the operation and technological development of 'Electric Flight' company.

In these days, many government officials have indeed come to visit 'Electric Flight', expressing their intention to improve the business environment and welcome foreign investment.

Director Xiao circled around a lot and subtly mentioned the recent collaboration between 'Holy Light' and domestic universities on biochemical pharmaceuticals.

"Biochemical pharmaceuticals?" Kelly shook her head, "Victor handled that; he was interested in a pharmaceutical company called 'Apocalypse Creatures'."

Talking about 'Apocalypse Creatures' required starting from the beginning.

From Zhou Qingfeng's academic travels, winning the lottery, defeating the Chris Clan, being forbidden to acquire 'Apocalypse Creatures', to the recent terrorist attack on the cruise ship.

Kelly wasn't aware of many details but understood the main storyline. As she recounted Zhou Qingfeng's series of legends, Xiao Jinlang's hand couldn't keep up with taking notes.

Director Xiao was taking notes while internally cursing, "Damn, is he a troublemaker? Wherever he goes, disaster follows.

Eighteen years old? He'll be nineteen after the New Year. How can he be so courageous at this age?

He couldn't manage biochemical pharmaceuticals in the United States, so he plans to find partners domestically? Just casually finds a research team and sends all the money and data over."

"Do you know the source of the data he provided?" Xiao Jinlang asked.

"Of course, it came from a secret research institution of the US military." Kelly said nonchalantly.

Xiao Jinlang pressed further, "Do you know these are classified documents?"

"Of course," Kelly immediately understood the identity and background of this 'Provincial Science and Technology Department' director, she laughed indifferently:

"Victor is currently in contact with the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies, his bodyguards are from the CIA and the Special Service Bureau.

Without a doubt, he's caught in a whirlpool. In my view, this is his self-rescue, and also a commercial act.

If the provided X project can yield some results, he naturally can gain huge funds and power, enhancing his status and voice.

If you are willing to use his connection with some powerful US institutions, it will also reinforce his significance.

This is a very smart choice, isn't it? As for classified or not, it is precisely his capital for survival."

Kelly, having seen much deceit in major US investment banks, knows that many so-called 'secrets' are actually just bargaining chips and power-sharing tools for those involved.

Ordinary people would be imprisoned for leaking secrets, but for big figures, leaking secrets is rather a survival tactic to demonstrate their value.

Director Xiao, being a professional, felt somewhat surprised but not unfamiliar. He came to have a good chat with Kelly, and her openness was the best outcome.

Kelly continued, "Victor's personal freedom is somewhat restricted; he currently can't leave the United States, nor can he leave with his money.

If you want to contact him, you'll have to come up with some methods. He definitely won't want to meet you surrounded by his bodyguards."

Xiao Jinlang thought to himself, "Such contact is not something I can decide, it needs to be reported. But that kid really is capable, so much trouble yet hasn't sunk."

At the end of the conversation, he brought up the matter of the 'chip sale prohibition' deal.

Kelly was unaware of this, frankly stating it would be best for domestic personnel to contact directly.

-----------------

After the meeting ended, Xiao Jinlang stayed up late to organize the report and send it to his superiors—these past few years, the situation in the United States has undergone tremendous changes, indeed bringing numerous opportunities for domestic penetration.

Even the most closed-off and conservative US military has been affected by the ongoing political turbulence—just the practice of soldiers 'paying their own way' to enlist has created far too many loopholes.

Recently, the US military faces the threat of budget cuts, with the blonde-haired president demanding an 8% reduction annually. High-ranking generals are filled with complaints, it's no surprise they are taking action.

Xiao Jinlang was still waiting for a reply from his superiors when Marco couldn't wait anymore, calling to ask, "President Zhou is pressing us, the goods are ready to be loaded.

The logistics company he found is about to set off, they won't wait, ask them whether they want the goods or not? He's in a hurry."

But Xiao Jinlang was helpless—such matters cannot be rushed. They must wait for upper-level approval. Upper-levels need to hold meetings and discussions, it could take ten days or half a month without any news.

"Tell President Zhou to wait a bit longer, leaders are studying it."

"He says he can't wait; the goods are being loaded onto the ship."

-----------------

California, San Diego Military Port.

The CVN-76 'Reagan' aircraft carrier was preparing to set sail.

It belonged to the US Pacific Fleet, ready to cross the ocean to Southeast Asia for the 'Golden Cobra' military exercise with allies including Thailand.

Among the carrier fleet, a ro-ro transport ship 'Watson' was in the process of loading. Amidst the military vehicles participating in the exercise were ten inconspicuous heavy trucks.

The navy sergeant responsible for cabin arrangements held a tablet, confirming each vehicle's listing one by one. When he got to those ten heavy trucks, he couldn't find where they came from.

"Wait, aren't these trucks delivered to the wrong place?" The navy sergeant walked out of the ship cabin, seeking the lieutenant at the dock for confirmation.

The trucks were delivered by several plainclothes soldiers.

This wasn't surprising; the US military often uses private companies to provide logistical services, which is efficient and cost-effective. Many soldiers joining private companies after retiring isn't uncommon.

"No mistake," a plainclothes soldier stepped forward, "It's a specific request from General Smith; you can ask your superior to confirm."

Though surprised, the navy sergeant didn't say much, silently returning to the cabin to ask the duty officer how to proceed.

The duty officer asked in return, "Did anyone ask you about anything?"

"No, sir," replied the navy sergeant, "But I didn't see these ten trucks on the transportation list..." Chapter provided via M|V|L@EMPYR.

"Then shut up and do your job," the duty officer scolded, "You'll get your share after this."

The navy sergeant immediately understood the situation and said no more—military hierarchy is strict, orders from superiors are absolute.

The US Navy operates globally, engaging in smugglings frequently.

Ordinary judiciary personnel have no authority over military affairs, leading to rampant smuggling by generals and soldiers.

Though ten heavy trucks in one go was surprising.

Watching the heavy trucks being loaded, Lieutenant Lula, acting as a 'plainclothes soldier', felt a surge of emotions. He looked around, hoping someone would stop the operation.

Like FBI agents descending via helicopter, or Department of Homeland Security personnel crashing into the navy port.

Preferably, personnel from the Ministry of Government Efficiency armed with presidential orders, taking over the entire port and uncovering the smuggling operation.

Until the heavy trucks were loaded and the 'Watson' ro-ro transport ship retracted its ramp, the dock remained unchanged.

Colleagues were joking around and planning leisure activities, having been granted three days off for this dispatch from Miami to California.

Lula had to force himself to smile, blending in to avoid suspicion, though inwardly he was exceedingly angry—that group of parasites smuggled America's cutting-edge products.

A full hundred NVL72 cabinets, worth more than three hundred million dollars, key equipment for AI technology.

This is aiding the enemy, outright aiding the enemy, his blatant treasonous aiding the enemy!