"Chen Mo, brother, come here."
After the celebration party wrapped up and most of the scholars were preparing to leave Science Island, Chen Mo was called aside by Li Chengzhi and brought to a quiet, empty office.
"I've already reported the success of the controlled nuclear fusion experiment and passed along the message from above," Li Chengzhi said.
"Oh? Got another mission already?" Chen Mo asked casually.
"There's some news, yes." Li Chengzhi's expression turned serious. "Tell me, what do you think would happen if we announced the success of controlled nuclear fusion right now?"
"An energy revolution that would disrupt the global balance of power. It could very well reshape the world order," Chen Mo replied without hesitation. He had already considered this thoroughly before starting the project.
"Exactly." Li Chengzhi nodded in agreement. "And what else?"
"There are too many impacts to list all at once," Chen Mo said. "You'd probably need a few papers to explain it all."
"Right. As you said, it would be revolutionary. But if this kind of breakthrough comes out of nowhere, it can catch people off guard. If no one's prepared, it might not be a blessing—it could be the root of chaos. Every coin has two sides. You understand that, right?"
"I do," Chen Mo replied. "So what's the task?"
"When something has both pros and cons, the goal is to minimize the bad and maximize the good. If we suddenly announce this, the ripple effects could be enormous—international upheaval, shifts in power, panic. Change always brings both crisis and opportunity. But without preparation, it leans toward crisis.
"Domestically, we still rely on thermal power for electricity. If this comes out suddenly, it'll hit the coal and oil industries hard. That kind of shock could lead to panic, unemployment, and social instability."
"Wow, when did you start analyzing events on this scale?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"I didn't. Right after I reported the success of the fusion experiment, I got a call and was told all this," Li Chengzhi admitted.
"So you're here to ask me not to release the news too soon?" Chen Mo immediately saw where this was going.
"Yes. That's exactly it. The fact that you achieved this breakthrough so quickly has already caught the attention of the highest levels. They're scrambling to develop new strategic plans and directions in response.
"So we're hoping you can delay the announcement for two months. That'll give time to prepare and minimize the negative fallout, while amplifying the benefits."
"I've still got a big event coming up anyway. A two-month delay doesn't make much difference," Chen Mo agreed without hesitation.
To him, it didn't matter whether the announcement came two months earlier or later. The research was already complete. The money would come regardless. What mattered was stability.
If the news broke too soon, international oil prices might collapse, throwing global markets into chaos. That alone could cause an early shift in the world order. Domestically, falling oil prices combined with a coal panic would lead to mass layoffs and serious social consequences.
The leadership clearly had a broader view than his.
With proper time to prepare, the government could manage the international and domestic reactions and guide the situation for maximum benefit—or at least minimize the damage.
"That's great," Li Chengzhi said with relief when Chen Mo agreed. "The higher-ups also wanted me to remind you: if there's any new or sensitive technology you're planning to work on, just let us know. Within your clearance level, we'll give you full support and maximum freedom. They hope you'll become a 'pillar' in the country's rejuvenation."
"Understood," Chen Mo nodded. That kind of backing was worth more to him than any reward.
"Well, that's my mission done." Li Chengzhi exhaled. "What are you doing next?"
"Going home to be with my wife."
Wang Lan and the housekeeper Lin Biao had just returned from shopping and were getting out of the car, arms full of fresh groceries. Another car pulled in behind them.
When she saw Chen Mo step out, Wang Lan's face lit up with joy.
"Xiao Mo, you're back!"
"Just got back," Chen Mo smiled. "What'd you buy?"
"Xiao Yu's been craving oranges and apples lately, so I picked up some fresh ones for her. These veggies are for dinner. I've been buying fresh every day—pregnant women need fresh food, it's healthier," Wang Lan said. "How's work? Still busy?"
"It's winding down now. Things should be less hectic going forward," Chen Mo replied.
"That's good, that's good." Wang Lan nodded in satisfaction. "Then I'll head back. You should spend more time with Xiao Yu now. Your presence means more to her than anything I can do."
"Won't you stay for a bit?" Chen Mo asked.
"I'll give you young folks some space," Wang Lan chuckled. "You'll feel more relaxed without me hovering around. I'll still drop by to see her now and then."
She smiled and walked back into the villa.
Inside, Chen Mo spotted Xiao Yu on the sofa, listening to music and reading a book. He walked over softly and gently covered her eyes with his hands.
"Husband?" Sensing the familiar touch, Xiao Yu turned around with a happy smile.
"I'm back." Chen Mo sat beside her and rubbed her noticeably larger belly. "Everything okay at home while I was gone?"
"Everything's been fine. I just missed you," Xiao Yu said, setting down her book and leaning against him.
"My experiment's finished. I've cleared some time for myself, so I'll be around to keep you company. We can even go out for walks," Chen Mo said, noticing the parenting books she'd been reading—clearly preparing for motherhood.
"Really? That's great," Xiao Yu beamed. She'd mostly stayed indoors with her mother taking care of her, so she was eager for a change.
"I need a shower first—I can smell myself," Chen Mo said.
"Go ahead," Xiao Yu nodded.
After a hot shower and a change into casual clothes, Chen Mo settled back beside her on the sofa.
After the exhausting work that went into the [Star Ring] experiment, it had finally succeeded. With that breakthrough, the most challenging project from the Science and Technology Library was done. Now, at least for a while, he could relax.
With Xiao Yu by his side and no pressing matters, Chen Mo felt the tension leave his body. Before he knew it, he'd dozed off on the couch.
Watching his steady breathing and slightly tired expression, Xiao Yu felt a surge of tenderness.
Ever since his last experimental sprint, Chen Mo had barely been home for over a month. She understood how hard he worked. She'd waited patiently for his return, even while pregnant.
Not wanting to wake him, Xiao Yu quietly picked up her book and kept him company in silence.