Chapter 218: They Can’t Afford to Play

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Tang Rui didn’t need to concern himself with other aspects of the space shuttle; Red Lotus could handle everything.

The only thing he needed to personally take care of was the manufacturing of the nuclear-powered rocket engine, which was the most important.

Brother Lin, I need to apply for some materials,” Tang Rui said over the phone to Lin Chao.

“What materials?

“Yellowcake.

“Then you can apply. Tell me… What are you planning to do?”

Lin Chao initially didn’t react, but when he remembered what yellowcake was, he almost jumped out of his chair.

If such a thing ended up in Tang Rui’s hands, who knew what he could create?

Were you about to say that having yellowcake alone was useless?

That’d be a joke.

What made you think that Tang Rui couldn’t just build an industrial-grade centrifuge?

It must be a myth.

I’m not up to anything much, just want to build a nuclear-powered rocket engine, nothing else.”

Tang Rui swore to the heavens that this time, he was truly not causing trouble.

A nuclear-powered rocket. Without yellowcake, how could he make one?

Really?

Really, truer than real gold.

Wait for me to make a call.

After Lin Chao hung up the phone, he immediately reported Tang Rui’s situation to the higher-ups. He didn’t have the authority to approve such a request for Tang Rui.

Creating a simple device was fine, but if he gave Tang Rui yellowcake…

F*ck!

Who could then sleep peacefully?

Previously, Crimson Corporation was the only one in the world with nuclear strike capabilities.

But that was just strike capability.

If Tang Rui got his hands on yellowcake, with the integration of research and development, production, and strike, Crimson would be directly upgraded to the only company in the world with nuclear deterrence capabilities.

This was no joke.

Twenty minutes later, Lin Chao called Tang Rui and relayed the higher-ups’ thoughts.

“You can freely research nuclear rocket engines. What kind of reactor core do you need? CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation) will fully cooperate with you.”

Tang Rui understood Lin Chao’s implication.

He could research as he wished.

The higher-ups also fully supported him, giving him whatever he needed.

However, yellowcake couldn’t be placed in the hands of an individual but could be used to create a reactor core for him.

After all, giving yellowcake to someone, who knew what they would make with it?

Alright, once I finish the design, I’ll have CNNC manufacture the reactor core.

Tang Rui nodded after listening and wasn’t opposed to it.

After all, what he needed was highly sensitive.

It was normal for the higher-ups to take such measures.

He put down his phone.

Tang Rui began designing the nuclear-powered rocket engine. His requirement for the engine was that it could both generate electricity and serve as an engine.

It would suffice if the power generation reached 3000 kilowatts and the thrust was above 80 tons.

To be honest, these requirements weren’t high.

But integrating the energy system and the ignition system into everything would be somewhat troublesome.

However, Tang Rui didn’t mind.

This made it interesting.

Otherwise, why would he bother studying it?

Just like that, Tang Rui began the research and development work, burying himself in the lab for research and not causing any trouble outside.

A few days later, Han Shu, with his team, arrived at the port of Sudan.

Sudan was considered a major country in the African continent; its geographical location was very important, and its resources were abundant.

China still maintained a good relationship with Sudan.

This was especially true since they had established a strong presence in Congo, effectively getting sandwiched between Sudan and its Southern half.

Beside them, there was also Tanzania, waving its flag and shouting.

Under these circumstances, America couldn’t even sleep well, fearing a pincer attack from China.

Moreover, even the French, who occupied the Congo, didn’t want to see this happen.

Once America was ousted, the French’s days wouldn’t be good either.

As a result, Sudan wasn’t experiencing a period of peace.

As soon as Han Shu arrived, he was picked up by our ambassador in Asu, who wanted to understand the local situation.

But upon arriving at the embassy, Han Shu realized something was wrong.

The consultant of the Sudanese President was there too, Old Merchant, who had visited China many times.

Those who often watched the news would probably recognize him.

After Han Shu’s arrival, the three of them entered a confidential room to begin their discussion.

It was mainly the ambassador and Old Merchant talking, while Han Shu sat there listening.

However, the more he listened, the more serious his expression became.

How could it be described?

The current situation was deteriorating rapidly.

The Sudanese authorities were preparing but could only respond passively.

Taking the initiative to attack was definitely not an option.

But if they didn’t attack, those engaging in subterfuge would be happier, as they were crazily selling arms.

Many of these arms were directly pulled from American bases and delivered to their doorstep.

How brazen.

The main reason was their powerful backing. Those dealing in arms had the support of special departments, the American military, and the military-industrial complex.

Especially the military-industrial complex, which was very influential in the United States.

They weren’t afraid of war; they were afraid of peace.

Where would their money come from if there was no war?

So, even in peaceful times, they would find something to stir up, let alone in the current situation.

They were doing everything they could to fan the flames.

Fortunately, the top brass weren’t foolish. They could indulge in subterfuge and cause trouble, but they had to exclude the military.

If escalation was needed, it would be through military contractors. The army definitely couldn’t be involved.

Understanding America’s actions put China in a very difficult position, a very passive one.

China initially thought they were there to flex their muscles.

As a peacekeeping force, they were there to support Sudan and prevent America from taking action.

But now the problem was, America wasn’t budging, despite almost losing the battle, and their arms were nearly depleted.

They had no intention of fighting at all.

However, the military contractors and mercenaries were heavily armed.

All kinds of new equipment were being taken out crazily.

One mercenary group even brought out the fourth-generation tank that America had yet to mass-produce.

This was outrageous.

It was a complete shift in concept.

I’m aware of the situation. Now, I’d like to use a secure line to call back home, Han Shu said, frowning.

Alright, no problem,” the ambassador responded, instructing his adviser to prepare the secure line.

No one knew the content of Han Shu’s call to China, but when he came out of the room, the worry on his face was gone, leaving only a smile.

Simultaneously, Tang Rui, who was designing a nuclear-powered rocket engine in the laboratory, received a video call request from Lin Chao.

Brother Lin, what’s the matter?

Tang Rui, busy with his work, showed a hint of impatience after being disturbed.

There’s something very important I need to discuss with you,” Lin Chao said solemnly.

What is it? Tell me,” Tang Rui asked, puzzled.

I’ll come over and talk to you about it,” Lin Chao said, choosing not to disclose the details through the video call.

“Alright, Red Lotus and I will be waiting for you at the door..

■I