Chapter 26: Battery Technology Goes Commercial, The Electric Vehicle Counterattack

"!"

Upon hearing Fang Jing's first sentence, Zhou Zhezhi’s eyes widened. This was China's highest state secret.

Back in the 1980s—specifically in 1987—the 710 Aerospace Institute had received a message of unknown origin containing only the number "2044." At the time, countless secret intelligence experts had racked their brains, yet none could decipher what "2044" referred to. Because it remained undecipherable, the information was eventually classified as top secret, and the 710 Institute underwent several rounds of restructuring.

It is worth noting that the name "710 Institute" might sound familiar. Indeed, the facility currently used for the absolute offline isolation—the very place designated for communication with Fang Jing—was none other than the original 710 Institute!

"Very well, I believe you."

Seeing Fang Jing reveal such a deep secret with a single sentence, Zhou Zhezhi was completely convinced. "What do we need to provide to obtain specific information regarding 'The Wandering Earth'?"

Zhou Zhezhi paused to calm his inner unease and shock, then locked eyes with Fang Jing.

"Originally, our superiors intended to give it to you directly. However, as the field operative, I have to consider the situation on our end, so I have added two simple requirements." Fang Jing smiled slightly and stated his terms: "First, information regarding AI-related technology; second, we need your help in processing the open-source Class C technical documents."

"That is not unreasonable. I will arrange it." Zhou Zhezhi nodded slightly. These demands were not excessive; at the very least, Fang Jing had not requested access to Class B technical data.

"By the way, there is one piece of information I would like you to verify: did any meteorites with blue exhaust trails streak across the skies over China yesterday?" Fang Jing had not forgotten Elder Zhu's experiment and immediately added the request.

"Rong'er, go to the information office and ask." Zhou Zhezhi delegated the task to Zhou Weirong. Zhou Weirong acknowledged the order and left the room immediately.

"Heh, Little Fang, it is a pleasure doing business with you." With the official matters concluded, a kind smile appeared on Zhou Zhezhi’s face. He extended his right hand and asked amiably, "Give me a hint—does the film's ending match the novel?"

"Pleasure doing business with you as well." Fang Jing shook the old man's hand and replied with a smile, "The film doesn't have an ending yet, but the issues within the novel are quite significant. You will understand once you read it."

"Hmm." Zhou Zhezhi nodded and quietly began to read the book titled "The Wandering Earth."

To Fang Jing, this scene felt utterly surreal. Zhou Zhezhi, a character from the film, was reading the novel *The Wandering Earth*. Talk about a spoiler! However, Fang Jing dared not treat this world as merely a movie set. At least in his interactions, Zhou Zhezhi and Zhou Weirong felt like living, breathing human beings.

The original *Wandering Earth* novella was quite short. It didn't take long for him to finish it. After closing the book, Zhou Zhezhi fell into a long, heavy sigh.

"Though they endured countless hardships, at least they set out on the journey."

"Indeed, at least humanity still has a future," Fang Jing added, intending to comfort him.

Zhou Zhezhi nodded, lost in thought. A silence followed; clearly, he was processing what he had just read. A while later, Zhou Weirong returned.

"How did it go?" Fang Jing asked with anticipation.

"Nothing. I checked with astronomical observation platforms across the country, and there were no meteorites matching that description yesterday," Zhou Weirong replied, shaking his head.

"I see. Thank you." Fang Jing was slightly disappointed, but since the odds of success had been slim to begin with, he did not dwell on it.

"Very well. In that case, let us proceed with the trade." Zhou Zhezhi took a USB drive from Zhou Weirong, smiled faintly, and cautioned, "Since you know about the 710 Institute, I can only advise you to stay clear of it."

"We have always accessed it while completely disconnected from the internet, so please rest assured." Fang Jing nodded and vanished in an instant.

A moment later, he reappeared, holding another book: *The Wandering Earth: Concept Art and Technical Specs*!

"I will go report back now. I won't disturb your reading any further." Fang Jing smiled, exchanged the items with Zhou Zhezhi, and after receiving the USB drive, vanished from the spot once more.

Mission accomplished!

...

In the world of *The Wandering Earth*, Zhou Zhezhi finished reading the volume in his hands and remained silent for a long time. He muttered to himself:

"So, you were born from the 710 Institute."

"Must we inevitably clash in the future?"

"We have gained the upper hand, and... heh, we certainly won't be dancing to your tune."

With a soft chuckle, Zhou Zhezhi closed the book, took out a lighter, and gently set it ablaze.

Human society was harboring MOSS, and that fact was safer in his mind than anywhere else. At the same time, after finishing the book, Zhou Zhezhi felt even more resolute in his plans.

"It seems the containment plan must be carried out even more covertly and subtly."

"However, during this period, we might be able to utilize this to ensure all of humanity supports the 'Moving Mountain' project."

In the interrogation room, the small flames flickered. Zhou Weirong had been sent away. Zhou Zhezhi was the only one left. He watched quietly as the entire book turned to ash, his gaze growing increasingly firm.

"Unity comes at a price. Perhaps, this is also an opportunity for us."

His voice faded as the flames died out. He stood up slowly and walked out of the room.

"Father." Zhou Weirong was waiting outside. Noticing his father had brought nothing out with him, he felt a flicker of doubt.

"Rong'er, from today on, no electronic devices are allowed to enter the 710 Institute. Furthermore, strictly forbid anything from being taken out of here."

"Yes!" Although puzzled, Zhou Weirong nodded and acknowledged the order immediately.

"Good. I am leaving now. The scientists they need will arrive shortly." After giving a few more instructions, Zhou Zhezhi departed.

He was heading off to prepare for the crisis of 2044. With eight years left, through his careful management, he could at least minimize the impact. At this moment, he no longer held any reservations. His plan would surely succeed!

On the other side, Fang Jing returned to his base and received some good news: an agreement had been reached with a private company regarding a degraded version of the *Wandering Earth* battery technology.

The Northern Industrial Group held the patents for the battery technology and had established a specialized subsidiary for battery production: Multi-Dimensional Era! Multi-Dimensional Era had held secret negotiations with industry leaders like Biyadi, the top electric vehicle manufacturer in China. They decided that Multi-Dimensional Era would supply specialized batteries to several companies.

The era of electric vehicles was rolling in. With the support of these "Core-Energy" batteries, China's industrial chain would shatter the old age of internal combustion engines!

This was a war—a battle to wrest the automotive industry chain from the hands of Japan and Germany and into the hands of China. Tomorrow, the new electric vehicle launch event would serve as the bugle call for this campaign!