Chapter 23: The Executive and the Whistleblower

"I nominate myself!" Military scientist He Hongwei stood up and said, "To deal with the Zerg, advanced military weaponry is indispensable. As the person in charge of this sector, I nominate myself to serve as a Xuanwu Executive."

"Let's vote!" The attendees began to cast their ballots. He Hongwei was approved with eighty percent of the vote.

"I nominate Academician Song Jinghong!" one academician said. "Academician Song is an expert in biology and has profound insights into genetic research. We cannot do without him when studying Zerg genetics!"

"Academician Song, what is your view?" Kong Qing asked.

"If the country needs me, I am duty-bound," Song Jinghong replied solemnly.

"Very well, let's vote!"

With eighty-three percent of the vote, Song Jinghong also became a Xuanwu Executive.

"There can be at most three more Xuanwu Executives," Kong Qing stated. "Too many people will hinder command and the execution of our work."

"I nominate myself!" Sociologist Lü Mei stood up and said, "When disaster strikes, social unrest is inevitable. I can lead a team to make preparations in advance and handle the logistics."

"Let's vote!"

Lü Mei’s approval rating also exceeded eighty percent.

Thus, six Xuanwu Executives had been selected.

He Xingzhou had wanted to nominate himself, but he knew his experience was still shallow and the plans he proposed were too radical; it was unlikely he would be approved.

No one else put forward nominations or self-nominations, as these six individuals were capable of leading the major aspects of the Xuanwu Project.

"Very well, the election of the Xuanwu Executives concludes here. If there are changes to the plan or other reasons, the Xuanwu Executives may be replaced," Kong Qing asked, "Does anyone have any further comments?"

"I do! As the whistleblower of the Zerg crisis, I would like to establish a Whistleblower Research Institute to participate in the Xuanwu Project," He Xingzhou stood up.

"I had intended to arrange for you to join Academician Song's team, He Xingzhou. Are you saying you want to work independently?" Kong Qing asked.

The eyes of the group turned toward him, filled with a measure of skepticism. Although He Xingzhou was the whistleblower, he was far too young; the other Xuanwu Executives were all over forty—mature, steady, and experienced.

Even if He Xingzhou was a genius, he was still just a student. Could he handle such a heavy responsibility?

He Xingzhou understood their thoughts and said, "Respected elders, I know I am young and lack experience. It is natural for you to doubt my capabilities."

"I would like to present my reasons to you all!"

"First, I am absolutely one of the most knowledgeable people regarding Zerg genetics and biology. By participating in the plan, I can better formulate preventative measures or develop corresponding weapons against the Zerg."

"I can lead a team independently to research Zerg genetic information, branching out from Academician Song's team; this will yield greater results."

Song Jinghong nodded and said, "Student He Xingzhou’s understanding of Zerg genetics is indeed superior to ours. The Zerg genetic evolution model he established is currently an important reference tool for us."

The group had no objections to this point.

"Second, the other executives already have established mission plans, but the 'Great Wall of Steel' project, which serves as a contingency, does not have a dedicated executive to carry it out."

"This plan is also crucial. I have a complete roadmap for it, and if I lead the team, I can push this plan forward most efficiently."

"If the other executives' plans proceed smoothly, that is for the best. But if the situation develops negatively, we will have a backup plan ready."

"These are the two reasons for my self-nomination. I am confident in taking on this responsibility. If I am allowed to execute it, I only require a small portion of funding and resources. Please trust me! I am also willing to contribute to the protection of our motherland!"

He Xingzhou intended to secure some resources first, and as he gradually proved his worth, he would then become a new Xuanwu Executive to truly carry out his vision.

After He Xingzhou finished speaking, the group began to deliberate.

Kong Qing thought for a moment and said, "Your proposal has merit. In fact, we have discussed your desire to lead your own team over the past few days."

"Our opinions are divided; some support it, others oppose it. Let us put it to a vote and see what everyone thinks."

This time, it was not the smooth, unanimous approval as before. The group was still considering whether a university student truly had the capacity for such a role.

The first person to raise his hand was Song Jinghong, who said, "I support He Xingzhou leading his own team. As long as he can make further progress in Zerg genetic research, it will be a significant leap for us."

"For this reason, providing him with a certain amount of resources is feasible."

Once Song Jinghong raised his hand, several other biological experts followed suit. They were thinking more about He Xingzhou’s research reports on Zerg genetics rather than his 'Great Wall of Steel' or 'Planetary Fortress' proposals.

"I agree as well!" A highly respected old academician from the Academy of Engineering stood up and said, "I have carefully studied his 'Great Wall of Steel' plan over the past few days. I have found that if the situation truly develops to a point beyond our control, the Great Wall of Steel may become a solid bastion protecting China!"

"Since he is so eager to try, let us let him try. Small-scale experiments will not consume too many resources, and we can also send experts to assist in the research."

"The current situation is special; we must be bold in employing talent."

"Even Elder Bai agrees!" Several other academicians cast their votes in favor.

"Although Comrade He is very young, I support his courage and determination!" Qin Peng also expressed his support.

As more people expressed their support, Kong Qing began to tally the votes.

A few minutes later, he announced, "After the count, fifty-one percent of the members agree to Comrade He Xingzhou establishing the Whistleblower Research Institute! I now announce that the Zerg Crisis Response Group will support Comrade He Xingzhou in setting up his own team to join the Xuanwu Project."

"His primary tasks are to lead and execute Zerg genetic research and the pilot program for the Great Wall of Steel!"

"Clap, clap, clap!" Now that it was confirmed, the group had no further objections and broke into applause to celebrate.

"Thank you for your support, elders!" He Xingzhou immediately expressed his gratitude.

...

The Xuanwu Project was established, and the six Xuanwu Executives were confirmed: Kong Qing, Qin Peng, Cui Weimin, Song Jinghong, He Hongwei, and Lü Mei.

He Xingzhou had also achieved the result he wanted. He believed that given time, his name would inevitably be added to the list of Xuanwu Executives.

With the plans confirmed, it was time for everyone to start their actions.

The Xuanwu Executives had already determined their tasks and immediately began gathering personnel and mobilizing resources to launch their plans.

"Comrade Whistleblower," Kong Qing said, "you need to submit a formal proposal for Comrade Lü Mei to review."

"I have already prepared it!" He Xingzhou had not been idle these past few days; he handed over a document.

"I need a comprehensive research station with laboratories for biology, physics, chemistry, and so on. I need a group of corresponding researchers to help me execute the plan, a startup fund, experimental sites, and the authority to mobilize scientific research units and key resources across the country!"

Lü Mei took the document and said, "Very well, I will review and arrange this as soon as possible."

Compared to the other executives, He Xingzhou’s requirements in the document were a drop in the ocean. The plans being undertaken by the other executives, not to mention the manpower, required initial funding of at least a hundred billion! As the plans unfolded, the resources consumed would be an astronomical figure.