The collaboration between the Marching Ant Company and the Academy of Sciences on high-temperature plasma technology had drawn global attention, sparking continuous debate and discussion.
This marked the first time a private enterprise had taken part in controlled nuclear fusion research—and the company involved happened to be the ever-controversial Marching Ants.
Online forums and televised commentary programs buzzed with arguments over the implications of their involvement in the development of nuclear fusion technology.
While the world outside was abuzz, an undercurrent of tension rippled through the coastal city.
The fusion project had drawn eyes from across the globe. Recently, an unusual number of outsiders had begun appearing near the Marching Ant headquarters, prompting the local security bureau to take notice.
A few days later, the Binhai Municipal Bureau made a public announcement on their official website: six spies had been arrested. Two were from island nations, two from South Korea, and the other two had undisclosed identities.
The news caused an international stir.
The timing was impossible to ignore—just as the Marching Ant Company and the Academy of Sciences announced their cooperation, Binhai authorities swiftly declared the arrest of espionage personnel. It was a clear warning to those with ulterior motives.
Speculation ran wild. Many assumed the spies were linked to the joint fusion project. But the truth remained unknown.
Foreign affairs departments from the island nation and South Korea responded quickly, demanding the release of their citizens. However, their protests were largely symbolic.
For a time, spy activity surged in the coastal city, making many residents anxious. Some even began reporting suspicious individuals to the authorities.
Despite all the chaos, Chen Mo remained focused on his research.
Six spies might seem like a lot, but that was just the exposed tip of the iceberg. How many others still hid in the shadows remained an open question.
The true agents from powerful intelligence networks hadn't been uncovered yet—but that didn't mean they weren't there.
Chen Mo kept his guard up, fully aware of the lurking threats. No one knew when—or how—those hidden players would act.
Inside the physics lab of Building No. 1, Chen Mo was staring at the holographic projection of the [Star Ring] device floating in the center of the hall. He had been continuously optimizing its design for weeks.
The latest version was nearly flawless.
As Chen Mo contemplated the next step, Mo Nu's holographic form appeared beside him and spoke.
"Mergo, the [Star Ring] device has been optimized. To refine it further, we need to run the actual experimental setup to obtain specific performance data."
"Good. Save the final optimized design," Chen Mo replied. "Also, generate a set of spare parts designs for the [Star Ring]."
"Should I include blueprints for the components made of special materials?" Mo Nu asked.
"We can skip the ones we can produce ourselves," Chen Mo said after a moment of thought.
"Understood," Mo Nu responded.
Shortly after, a robot approached with a mobile hard drive and handed it to Chen Mo. He took it, removed his lab coat, and left the laboratory.
At this point, the [Star Ring] device had been optimized as much as possible through simulations. Further improvements would require real-world testing.
Assembly couldn't begin until the institute's construction was complete.
The Nuclear Industry Group was already preparing the site, but it would still take time.
Meanwhile, the liquid metal materials needed for the divertor were being synthesized and tested. Other components requiring special materials were all documented in the provided technologies—Mo Nu had the necessary formulas and handled most of the work herself.
Once the plasma research institute was finished, Chen Mo could move forward with building the [Star Ring] and progressing to the next stage of the project.
"Ah… Good day, Chairman."
Chen Mo had just entered Zhao Min's office when Lanxi, who was working outside the door, greeted him with surprise.
"Xiao Yu?" Chen Mo looked over and noticed Xiao Yu's desk was empty.
"She just left to deliver a document to HR regarding the new president's assignment. She hasn't returned yet," Lanxi explained.
"Alright. Bring in two cups of tea."
After giving the instruction, Chen Mo walked straight into Zhao Min's office.
"Well, this is rare—the science and engineering recluse actually dropped by in person," Zhao Min said playfully as she saw him enter. "Here to see me, or checking in on your little wife?"
"I'm here for you," Chen Mo replied, settling onto the sofa. Lanxi followed with the tea, then quietly left and closed the door behind her.
"What's going on with you lately?" he asked.
"I'm overseeing operations at the nuclear energy company," Zhao Min answered, sitting down beside him.
"Any luck recruiting?" he asked.
"Some, but most of the candidates are management personnel from other energy firms. I think some headhunting companies are helping us poach them."
"Be cautious of returnees with vague or unverifiable backgrounds," Chen Mo warned.
With the world's eyes fixed on their progress, the two state-owned nuclear energy groups they had founded were bound to become major targets. Chen Mo wasn't taking any chances.
"Got it," Zhao Min nodded, instantly understanding the subtext. "Given everything that's happened lately, we're watching closely. So, what's the big occasion? It's not every day the elusive boss pays a personal visit."
Chen Mo smiled and handed her the hard drive.
"This contains the component blueprints for the [Star Ring] device. Place an order with the Nuclear Industry Group and have them manufacture the parts according to spec. Once the institute is built, we can assemble the [Star Ring] immediately and save time."
Zhao Min accepted the drive and placed it in her office safe before returning to the sofa.
"Has the experiment concluded?" she asked.
"We're close. The next step is validation—testing the real-world performance of the [Star Ring]. The research institute just started construction, so it'll be a while before it's ready. Since construction must finish before we can proceed with the experiments, we're getting a head start by preparing the parts for assembly," Chen Mo explained.
"When are the researchers from the Academy of Sciences arriving? Should I set up a temporary facility for them?" Zhao Min offered.
"Not for now. The Academy is currently conducting the 'Super Ring' experiment on Science Island, and they've got several Tokamak devices in development. There's a shortage of qualified personnel in this field. Unless we finish our institute, they won't be sending anyone over.
"Besides, the coastal city isn't exactly safe these days—plenty of rats are still hiding in the dark. These researchers are working on classified projects. They can't just show up at temporary facilities set up by our company."
"So you're saying you've got nothing to do for now?" Zhao Min teased.
"As if. The divertor material for the [Star Ring] is being synthesized by robots. I've got to review those samples and… tinker with some fun toys in the meantime."
"What kind of toys? Aphrodisiacs? Breast-enhancement pills?" Zhao Min asked with mock seriousness.
Chen Mo: "—!"