Chen Mo's lecture in Binhai City stirred up quite a sensation.
From beginning to end, his presentation focused on the application of future technologies and the blueprint of a futuristic city—one that felt surreal yet entirely within reach.
Media coverage turned the holographic city concept into a symbol of the future world. On social media platforms and forums alike, discussions ignited over the city's landscape and possibilities.
But all of that had nothing to do with Chen Mo anymore. After giving his lecture, he once again vanished from the public eye. Meanwhile, the construction of [Star Ring] at the Science Island Research Institute proceeded at full speed.
Everything was progressing smoothly, and half a month passed by in a flash.
Zhan Tianming stood beside a laptop, holding a box-sized instrument in his hands. Numbers flickered rapidly across the screen while two intelligent robots and a smart robotic arm operated nearby.
As a mechanical engineering researcher, Zhan was currently performing final tuning and inspection of the thermal conductivity system.
Upon arriving, the team had been shocked by the March Ant Group's incredible efficiency. With robotic arms and smart assistants helping to collect data and adjust on the fly, the pace of [Star Ring]'s construction was several times faster than expected.
With dozens of researchers and just as many intelligent machines, work that was estimated to take three to four months was nearing completion in just one month.
"Done."
The final transmission pipeline checked out. All data was normal. Zhan Tianming smiled with satisfaction and began packing up his tools.
Inside Star Labs, every staff member involved in [Star Ring]'s construction was conducting final diagnostics around the massive central unit—standing about 6 meters in diameter and 8.5 meters tall.
Looking at the massive ring, everyone present felt a deep sense of accomplishment. This was the magic of scientific research—months of sweat culminating in a single moment of triumph.
But this was only the first step. True success would come with the next major milestone: the experimental breakthrough.
Once the final calibrations were complete, Wan Yuanzhen led the team to the Star Loop Experimental Command Center.
The center was about the same size as Star Lab, surrounded on all sides by computers and instruments. At the center stood a full-scale holographic projection of [Star Ring].
Upon seeing Chen Mo inside, Wan Yuanzhen approached with a smile. "The debugging of [Star Ring] is complete. What's the next step?"
"Start it up," Chen Mo said casually. "Let's see if it works."
Following his command, the researchers powered up [Star Ring]. Everyone qualified to be in the control room had their eyes fixed on the data streams.
"The magnetic pillars are stable…"
"Vacuum chamber operational…"
"Divertor working normally…"
"Field system functioning…"
"Thermal conductivity system stable…"
The AI's status reports triggered a round of laughter and applause. Everything checked out—no malfunctions. That meant [Star Ring] was ready for experiments.
Chen Mo smiled and turned to Wan Yuanzhen. "What about the raw materials—tritium and deuterium? Did the Academy deliver?"
"You'll have to contact them," Wan replied.
"You do it. Tell them we need it as soon as possible—tomorrow would be ideal."
The March Ant Group had previously discussed this with the Academy of Sciences. The Academy had agreed to sell the materials to their lab for experimental use.
Tritium is a strategic resource for nuclear fusion and difficult to produce and store. Chen Mo could've used the Technology Library to synthesize it, but he refrained. Creating and storing tritium involves complex processes, and doing it with technology beyond today's understanding would only invite suspicion.
There were already conventional methods available. Unless others refused to provide the materials, he wouldn't step out of line.
The Academy of Sciences agreed to provide 500 grams for the initial phase—purchased for 120 million yuan, slightly above market rates. But in reality, such materials had no fixed price due to scarcity.
Excessively expensive materials were one of the reasons fusion research was known as a money-burning endeavor—only a few could afford it.
"If any researchers want to observe the fusion experiment, they're welcome," Chen Mo said.
"Understood, I'll let them know," Wan Yuanzhen nodded.
Controlled fusion experiments were rare. Due to the scarcity of resources, high costs, and lack of talent, a single lab might only manage one or two major experiments a year. Every such opportunity was valuable, and many researchers would jump at the chance to observe or participate to improve their own work.
"Our next step is to prepare for the controlled fusion experiment," Chen Mo said. "I'll assign you some tasks—get them handled before we begin."
"Of course." Wan nodded without hesitation.
The more involved he was in a project like this, the more experience and credit he'd gain. It was an opportunity he wouldn't pass up.
With everything arranged, Chen Mo left Science Island. Construction of [Star Ring] was complete; now they just had to wait for the materials to arrive. There was no need for him to remain on-site.
Back at March Ant headquarters, Chen Mo had barely arrived when Zhao Min showed up.
During Chen Mo's stay at Science Island, he hadn't been back at HQ. Zhao Min had just finished a meeting and headed straight to his office.
"I just bumped into Yao Shuji," Zhao Min said. "He told me he wants to turn Binhai into a technological city—smart transportation, urban brain systems, autonomous public transport, a full holographic world. His ambitions are pretty big."
If realized, Binhai would become a leading city in China—and potentially the world. With the Dawan District's geographical edge, it could become one of the largest international metropolises.
"A science and tech city is a great idea," Chen Mo said. "The prototype for a future city can start right here in Binhai. Let me know when the planning's ready—I'll get involved."
With Yao Yi pushing the idea, Chen Mo had no reason not to support it. The more such initiatives succeeded, the greater March Ant Group's influence—and the more demand for their holographic tech, which they monopolized.
"Got it," Zhao Min nodded. "How's the project on Science Island going?"
"[Star Ring] has been built. Next up is the controlled fusion experiment. Once the Academy sends the materials, we'll start the testing. Nothing major left—I figured I'd slip away for a bit," Chen Mo said.
Zhao Min was visibly surprised. "[Star Ring] is already done? That was fast. If people outside find out, it's going to cause a storm."
"It was quick, yeah," Chen Mo agreed. "But news won't get out right away."
"This thing really has the potential to change the world?"
Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. "You think I spent tens of billions just to play house?"