Sky-cracking Rider

"From the MiG-28, F-22 'Raptor', Crystal Jet 'Holy Grail', and an unnamed high-copy Crystal Jet." Chen Fei candidly confessed, without any concealment or reservation. After all, he had even shown the design blueprints of the Crystal Jet to the designers of the "Canglong" project, so what was a little more information to him? The design reference samples for the "Canglong" advanced combat aircraft had also come from these aircrafts, as generated by the artificial intelligence AI "Adam." Even the Crystal Jet that Chen Fei himself had rigged up at the start, which crashed at least eight times a day, was based on these aircrafts. However, it was entirely different from the Northern Weapons Industry Group's "Canglong" project— they were not even on the same development track. The Northern Weapons Industry Group's senior executives, who were all focusing intently on the hoped-for substantial answers, appeared utterly baffled. Huh? What did I just hear? MiG-28? F-22 'Raptor'? Crystal Jet 'Holy Grail'? An unnamed high-copy Crystal Jet? Apart from the "Holy Grail," are the other three even normal? Though I am not sure about the performance of those two Crystal Jets, any random combat aircraft from the production line of the Northern Weapons Industry Group would surely outperform the MiG and the "Raptor," wouldn't it? Not to mention the F-22 which had been retired for who knows how many years. Are you serious about pitching something like the MiG-28, a mere toy? "Ahem!" Old Shen wanted to laugh but dared not, fearing he might spoil the awkward atmosphere permeating the room, so he pretended to cough, letting out the laughter he had been holding back in his lungs. What a mess of things! With this level, you still wish to tackle the "Canglong" advanced combat aircraft? Even if you placed the blueprints in front of this kid, he probably wouldn't understand them! "Are you, are you joking?" Vice President Liu's face flushed and then paled, finding the response utterly preposterous. "I am not lying, it's all true!" Chen Fei quickly raised his hand in assurance, his face the picture of innocence. "You're lying!" "Hahaha, that joke could make me laugh for a year." "Is this some kind of clashing comedy act? All such ferocious words you utter!" "If that were possible, we at Northern Weapons Industry might as well shut down, given all the research funding we've poured in. What a tragic waste!" The executives present were beginning to lose their composure, while their secretaries and assistants behind them had long been laughing uncontrollably. "What he said is true, I can vouch for him!" Unexpectedly, Teacher Shen stood up and the conference room fell silent once again. "Secretary Shen, are you serious?" In public, Liu Vice President referred to Shen Fei as Secretary Shen; in private, he also had to call her great-niece. Public is public, private is private. He confronted Old Shen, but he wouldn't arbitrarily direct his anger at his great-niece. "Although Chen Fei is a B-grade Metal Ability User, his Special Ability can reach an industrial level, plus he possesses the 'Sacrifice' skill, allowing him to freely replicate any industrial machine product. One man, in this case, is equivalent to a high-precision mechanical factory, so his statement is entirely plausible." Shen Fei's voice clearly resonated with everyone present. Those who had been losing their composure slowly resumed a serious demeanor. Industrial-grade ability users are rare gems, and here was one right before them. Ah, wait— the man's uncle is a fiercest competitor of the Northern Weapons Industry, the chairman of the National Defense Star; what a pity, what a pity... Many people showed a hint of regret in their eyes. Initially, the "Canglong" project team had wanted to recruit this young man named Chen, which even came up during a management meeting of the group, yet, as many had anticipated, it was rejected. If only he had no familial ties with the chairman of the National Defense Star. The development budget for a combat aircraft easily starts at billions, not to mention the years, if not decades, it takes, consuming the life's work of the top experts in the field. The risks involved in such an endeavor were simply too great for anyone to bear. In ancient times, for such national armaments, who dared to be reckless? The slightest mistake could lead from the mere eradication of a family to complete extinction. "What use is industrial-level ability alone? A fighter jet is a systematic project, involving aerodynamics, main engines, avionics, flight control, dynamic balance, radar—are these all things one person can handle?" Vice President Liu sneered, pinpointing the impracticality in the argument. A mere industrial-grade ability user, though rare, certainly isn't capable enough to stand toe-to-toe with the Northern Weapons Industry, much less build a nation on his own. In some ways, any major aerospace manufacturer is like a small country. "I have artificial intelligence AI; to put it precisely, I handle execution, it handles design. Hardware is my domain, software is its." Chen Fei calmly continued the discussion. Whether it's the industrial-grade ability or the artificial intelligence AI "Adam," none of these were secrets. Northern Weapons Industry even acquired their "Adam" from Chen Fei, having forged a relationship long ago. "An AI? Is there really such a powerful AI?" Vice President Liu momentarily didn't consider "Adam." Chen Fei kindly reminded, "'Adam', the artificial intelligence AI 'Adam' that your corporate group holds, was indeed obtained from me." "'Adam'? Can it also be used?" The general manager of the Northern Weapons Industry Group finally showed some emotion. Just as Chen Fei had said, one capable of handling software design and strategic deductions, the other able to materialize those plans, such a perfect match was indeed possible. "'Adam' was originally a core AI for a fighter jet, which is exactly its specialty." Inside 'Adam's core was a specific model for deducing combat aircraft, if it were replaced with another AI, Chen Fei really couldn't guarantee that it could be done. "Then can we review this design plan?" Vice President Liu, feeling increasingly unable to control the situation, changed the subject. Standing at his level, he no longer quibbled over every small gain and loss, but was looking at a big strategy and the outcome of major trends. He had never thought that just this move could bring down Old Shen, as far as the real situation was concerned, everything was just beginning. Chen Fei didn't cater to the other's probing but instead asked wearily, "You don't have a mature design plan for 'Canglong,' do you?" The second form of Tai Chi Fist "Heartbreaking Kick," was both ruthless and vicious. The expressions of many people in the conference room immediately soured, hitting someone specifically in the face, that remark was intentional, right? Even Shen Fei's father, Vice President Shen Songling of the corporate group, was somewhat embarrassed. Wasn't this obvious? The "Canglong" project team had made slow progress after a recent crash, and according to the original plan, the preliminary design wouldn't be ready for another two years, not something you could just have immediately as if it were a Lego set. "So..." Chen Fei spread his hands, smiling meaningfully at Vice President Liu, the implication clear without explicit statement. You're daydreaming! The conference room fell into an awkward standoff. Honest words don't need a shield, putting aside the shell of "Canglong," if another advanced fighter jet's aerodynamic design was available, Chen Fei and "Adam" could likewise assemble another fighter jet's scheme. So talking about shells was utterly meaningless, only garnering disrespect, which was the source of the embarrassment, beyond the capacity of Northern Weapons Industry to handle. "You should prove your own innocence, we are responsible for reviewing." Vice President Liu said this phrase through gritted teeth. If they really had to argue about this, his words could not stand any ground. "Then... may I apply for a patent first? Then we all sign a confidentiality agreement, it would be good for you, me, everyone!" Chen Fei maintained his hands spread out and even shrugged his shoulders additionally. Despite being alone facing the bigwigs of the Northern Weapons Industry Group, he showed no signs of fear, instead firmly seizing the initiative. Before this, Chen Fei had gone fishing with the big boss of Louis Industrial Company, a fact he could boast about for three years, let alone facing the bigwigs of the Northern Weapons Industry who were all local folks, they wouldn't harm him regardless. "No!" The conference room fell silent, even Chen Fei hadn't expected that the person to object would be Old Shen. Chen Fei looked at Teacher Shen, what's your father's intention? We're clearly on the same side, yet you suddenly fire off a shot catching me off guard. "If your plan is the optimal solution, once a patent is applied for, it would mean cutting off 'Canglong's' future." Some things shouldn't be discussed openly, but father's words indeed put Chen Fei in an awkward position, Shen Fei no longer covered up, disregarding the corporate group's dignity, openly explained everything clearly. Although Northern Weapons Industry Group could rely on its rich capital, extensive social relations, and sufficient legal resources to easily crush the common people, never forget, behind Chen Fei was a behemoth. Once involved in a patent lawsuit, Chen Fei was definitely not a match for Northern Weapons Industry, but involving National Defense Star would complicate matters. The dismissal of a design team leader was enough to show the great uncle's level of concern for his own nephew. Although many investments had been made in the "Canglong" project, it wasn't worth causing a standoff that could only lead to mutual hurt for the whole corporate group, as this would only amuse the outsiders gratuitously. Even without National Defense Star initiating the dismissal of the parties involved and making a stance, Northern Weapons Industry Group would reach a tacit agreement with the opposing higher-ups within the next two days to peacefully resolve the situation. So even though the conflicts between the two firms were heatedly discussed, it was limited to personal grievances of the people below and hadn't escalated to a mega collision between the corporations. "Indeed, that's how it is!" Shen Songling couldn't deny it, embarrassed. He was forced, if the "Canglong" project had any hope, he wouldn't have given up easily. "I see!" Chen Fei nodded, somewhat understanding why Old Shen had suddenly spoken in opposition. Vice President Shen personally oversaw the project, which ended without any major success, wasting so much investment and effort, the impact was almost as demoralizing as being criticized by company executives. He then said, "There's no free lunch in this world, if you want to see the design plan, please show your sincerity." In business talks, understanding is one thing, being taken advantage of another. Since my uncle handles matters officially, don't blame me, Chen Xiao'er, for being impolite.