Chapter 51: The Art of Metal Smelting

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In the Lighthouse Nation (names slightly adjusted for harmony), the Supreme Leader received the first intelligence analysis from his informants.

"He Xingzhou is merely a university student, reputedly a prodigy highly valued by them, selected to work at their National Academy of Sciences."

"Currently, Shenzhou appears to have gathered many scientists to jointly tackle new technologies. Based on our analysis, He Xingzhou is likely just a figurehead representing their technological advancements."

"He himself could not possibly have developed such novel technologies; all these innovations come from the team behind him."

"Other intelligence remains unobtainable for now; they maintain strict secrecy. Our operatives cannot even get close to He Xingzhou."

After reading the report, the Supreme Leader remarked, "Even if he is a genius, a university student cannot be an expert across so many fields. It seems he truly is just a spokesperson. I must admit, Shenzhou’s approach is quite effective."

"If we could emulate this, our technology—"

An aide interrupted coldly, "Supreme Leader, that’s impossible. Not just companies or scientists; even we cannot fully unite ourselves."

The Supreme Leader sighed, acknowledging the undeniable reality.

The aide continued the analysis, "They claim they want to build a model of a space carrier, but in truth, they aim to study metal smelting and machine tool manufacturing technologies."

"Do you think they can succeed?" asked the Supreme Leader.

"We have consulted experts. Currently, cutting-edge technology in these fields is mainly controlled by us, Germany, the Swiss, Sakura Nation, and Goryeo. This year, there have been no breakthroughs in Shenzhou in these areas. Given their previous technological leaps, we suspect they have made some incremental breakthroughs, but reaching world-class top-level technology remains unlikely," the strategist answered.

The Supreme Leader pondered before saying, "Regardless, we must not let them succeed so smoothly. Contact other parties and continue to create obstacles!"

…

The German Mechanical Equipment Manufacturing Association, which also serves as the Industrial Union of the Western Alliance.

A video featuring He Xingzhou caught the attention of the Western Alliance’s industrial union.

"We just imposed restrictions on the automotive industry and related parts, and now they release this news—it’s an attempt to break our technological monopoly!"

"There’s no need for drastic measures; this is just a smokescreen! I refuse to believe that decades of our lead in technology can be so easily broken by them."

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"What exactly are they trying to do? Who is the research team behind He Xingzhou? Why is there zero intelligence on them?"

"Immediately dispatch Shenzhou’s investigators to probe—we must uncover everything behind this!"

…

Sakura Nation and Goryeo are also closely monitoring the matter, placing even greater emphasis on He Xingzhou’s video than the Lighthouse Nation or Western Alliance.

"From today onward, all their requests for related technologies and equipment are to be shelved! Including some previous cooperation projects, all must be suspended. We absolutely cannot let them surpass us in this area!"

Their sense of crisis is immense. Every year, Shenzhou imports large amounts of special metals, machine tools, and high-precision manufactured components from these two countries.

If Shenzhou manages to produce these domestically, they will lose huge profits.

…

In Modu, Baosan Steel Corporation, the largest metal materials company nationwide and a state-owned enterprise.

At the company’s Metal Smelting Technology Research Center, a group of technical experts from Sakura Nation are packing up, preparing to withdraw.

"Mr. Nishikawa, is there truly no room for negotiation?" Qiu Yang, a senior executive at Baosan, was trying to persuade the experts to stay.

They all come from Sakura Steel Engineering Holding Company, one of the top steel firms there, ranked second worldwide.

Previously, these experts had barely agreed to cooperate with Baosan on a project to help improve special steel smelting technology.

Of course, their assistance was limited; core technologies were not disclosed at all—just scraps of information, barely enough to be meaningful.

"I’m sorry, President Qiu. Our company has received orders from the Sakura Steel Industry Association to halt these projects. We have no choice but to leave. We hope for future opportunities to cooperate," said Nishikawa Kenta, the leader of the experts and a world-class authority on metal smelting technology.

"You are violating our prior agreement!" Qiu Yang protested.

"No, no, no, the breach is not on our side," Nishikawa refused to accept the charge. "We have already taught you much. We have fulfilled our obligations. There is no breach."

"I also heard your company is developing a new smelting furnace. I wish you success in your research," he added.

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Though Nishikawa spoke words of goodwill, his face clearly expressed disdain and arrogance. The Sakura Steel experts all wore smiles as well.

They were treated well throughout the exchange—fine food, comfortable accommodations, a leisurely tour—but when it came to critical technology, they were deliberately evasive.

In their minds, these people were easy marks: freeloading off them while being forced to buy their country’s special steel and products thanks to their technological advantage. How delightful.

"That is truly a pity," Qiu Yang sighed deliberately. "If you had stayed a few more days, you could have witnessed the trial run of our new plasma furnace."

He held some resentment toward the foreign experts and wanted to see them embarrassed.

The so-called new plasma furnace was precisely the one He Xingzhou had initially designed and commissioned a professional institute to manufacture. It was about to be delivered.

"What?" Nishikawa’s heart fluttered with doubt upon hearing this. Their speed was astonishing. Could they have really produced a finished product so quickly, just based on a hint of news?

Could this be their smokescreen? Nishikawa thought, but he felt it best to verify personally.

This matter concerned his company and the entire steel industry of Sakura Nation.

He said, "We would very much like to see your new equipment. If convenient, could we arrange a visit?"

Qiu Yang smiled. "Of course. The test will be in three days. You are welcome to attend."

Having heard the equipment had passed preliminary tests, Qiu Yang was filled with anticipation. If these experts saw their new plasma furnace in operation, would they be shocked?

Would they still dare to be so arrogant? Would related enterprises and institutions from Sakura Nation and elsewhere continue to suppress them?

He feared that once the situation changed and Shenzhou could produce special steel independently, they might breach cooperation agreements, start a price war, and throw the industry into chaos.

Three days later, He Xingzhou arrived at a steel production base of Baosan Steel Corporation, bringing with him the plasma furnace he had designed and commissioned the research institute to build.