The news broke like a thunderclap.
The Marching Ant Company was about to hold a global new product launch. The announcement sent shockwaves across the tech industry. Their last major release—the groundbreaking holographic projector—had barely cooled down. Many consumers hadn't even gotten their hands on it yet.
And now, a new product launch?
But it wasn't just any press conference.
This time, four launch events would be held simultaneously—across China, India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
The magnitude stunned everyone.
Marching Ant had never organized anything of this scale before. Not even the holographic projector had received such a grand reveal. This level of international coordination meant only one thing—a game-changing product was coming.
Speculation exploded overnight.
Within hours, leaks began to surface: a new mobile phone. No images. No specs. Just a single sentence—and the tech world was ablaze.
Marching Ant had only released two phones so far, both considered classics. Even in an era of rapid iteration and endless gimmicks, their Butterfly Eye Series was still among the top in user experience, performance, design, and especially security.
A new phone from them? That wasn't just a product—it was an event.
Speculation flooded the internet:
"I'm betting it's the holographic phone. The last conference dropped the projectors—this one's definitely the phone."
"At the very least, it'll have naked-eye 3D. Maybe even something crazier."
"One billion pixels. Front and back. The thing probably reads your soul."
"Join our Penguin group 439923657. Real holographic girls. Free benefits. Full AI immersion!"
"666…"
Forums, comment sections, and Weibo feeds boiled over. Conspiracy theories, tech analyses, and wild wishlists filled every corner of the web.
The hashtag #MarchingAntNewPhone rocketed up the trending charts.
Fans and loyal users were practically vibrating with anticipation. A phone worthy of a global, synchronized launch? That wasn't just a device—it was revolutionary.
Inside the Marching Ant Company, things were no less intense.
The internal atmosphere was electric. Everyone was on high alert and fully engaged in preparing for the launch.
The projector had only just hit the market a month ago. Demand was still overwhelming. Production lines were running at near capacity. And now, a new mobile device was about to hit.
The workload was immense—but no one complained.
After all, President Chen Mo had doubled this month's bonuses.
And under that kind of incentive, everyone was turbocharged.
In his office, Chen Mo was paying a visit to an old acquaintance—Li Chengzhi.
By now, he was used to Li's surprise visits. The two were well-acquainted, and there was no need for formalities.
"I heard the Americans talked with you for quite a while?" Li asked as he settled into the chair opposite Chen Mo.
Chen Mo smiled knowingly. "You're wondering what we talked about?"
Li laughed and waved a hand. "You know how it is. These bastards will do anything to get what they want. They show up for a 'friendly visit' and next thing you know, they're planting bugs. Wouldn't be their first time."
"He tried to poach me," Chen Mo said casually. "Wanted me to bring the holographic and AI tech to the U.S., set up a factory there. Even dangled the immigration card."
Chen Mo shared the entire conversation without reservation. To him, it was more amusing than threatening.
Li Chengzhi's expression darkened. "Shameless bastards."
Poaching top talent wasn't new. It happened all the time.
In the past, China had invested heavily in nurturing talent—only for many to be lured away by cushy offers from abroad. Some had even ended up developing tech for foreign governments. It had been a painful period of brain drain.
But Chen Mo?
That was a different story.
He wasn't just some PhD with a patent. He was a strategic asset. The man behind artificial intelligence breakthroughs, seismograph tech, potential-enhancing drugs, holography—any one of those would've made him a national treasure.
The fact that the U.S. tried to recruit him so blatantly was infuriating.
Officially, the government didn't bind Chen Mo with restrictions or overbearing contracts. But behind the scenes, they were constantly safeguarding him—vetting employees, monitoring internal leaks, even detaining foreign operatives who tried to sneak into the company.
As far as Li knew, apart from that one incident involving Japanese espionage, two American special agents had already been secretly captured—but the public would never know.
"You didn't say yes, did you?"
"I'm not an idiot."
Li nodded, satisfied. "Just stay alert. Don't forget, the last attack on you came from mercs tied to the U.S. Blackwater Company. We couldn't trace who was behind it, but you should always watch your back."
"I know," Chen Mo said calmly.
What Li didn't know was that the mastermind behind the mercenary assault had already been dealt with. The person had committed suicide after the failed operation—something Chen Mo had personally orchestrated.
But he didn't elaborate.
Li leaned forward, changing the topic slightly.
"There's one more reason I came. The potential-enhancing drug has been officially confirmed successful. Even the Big Boss himself was briefed. I was lucky enough to meet him in person."
Li's face glowed with pride.
"He praised you. Told me to pass this message: As long as your research doesn't cross the red lines, you'll have full support. Especially in sensitive fields. If you need help, contact me. I'll make sure it gets to the right ears."
Chen Mo nodded. That simple sentence meant a lot. It was a clear signal: green light granted.
If he chose to explore deeper, riskier frontiers, he would no longer be met with red tape. He'd have real backing.
"I'll reach out when the time comes," Chen Mo said.
With the serious matters out of the way, the conversation lightened.
"I heard you've got a new phone dropping soon," Li grinned. "Any spoilers? My daughter's birthday is in two days. She's a big fan of your phones. I'm not home much, so I was hoping to surprise her with one."
Chen Mo laughed. "Sure, I'll get you one."
He called for the robot assistant. Moments later, a holographic phone was placed on the table.
Li flipped it open and gasped softly as the company logo floated in the air—a clean, vivid hologram.
Even someone as informed as him couldn't help but be stunned.
"This… is already beyond everyone else."
He knew the Marching Ant Company had cracked holographic tech. But this? This was a product from the future.
"How much is this selling for?"
"No idea," Chen Mo said. "Zhao Min handles pricing."
"I'll take it. Just let me know the price later. I'll wire it over."
"No need. Consider it a gift—from me to your daughter."
But Li shook his head firmly. "I appreciate the thought. But on principle, I can't accept it. I'm giving it to my daughter—not receiving it from you. As for keeping it under wraps—I'll make sure she doesn't show anyone until the launch."
Chen Mo smiled and didn't insist. If Li wanted to keep things clean, he'd respect that.
After seeing Li off, Chen Mo turned his attention to the presentation slides for the upcoming press conference.
The launch was approaching fast.
And this time, Zhao Min insisted he take the stage himself.
In her words: "At a moment like this, there's only one person who deserves to be at the center."