All it took was three months of Thunder Horse’s new material and drone workshops to rise from the ground.
Every day, a huge hoard of reporters waiting outside their gates in hopes of attaining some form of material or hint for their headlines. Sadly, every employee who exited the premises was tight-lipped on the matter, not offering a single word of explanation.
The reporters camping outside the Thunder Horse Organization were not only from domestic news outlets but also international media outlets from America, Europe, Japan and India. After Xia Lei’s return from Israel three months ago, he had made a public promise to produce the world’s most advanced aviation material and unmanned aircraft by first of June. Now, there was merely half a month more till the specified date. It was only natural for the world to be on edge regarding Xia Lei and Thunder Horse’s activities.
Truthfully, some of the international reporters were not who they claimed to be. Among them were intelligence officers from America, Japan, Europe and India. They were hoping to extract valuable intel but unwilling to make any hasty actions.
Despite fully aware of such presences, Bureau 101 chose to completely ignore them. But even so, many internal political experts of the Thunder Horse Organization had arranged political ideology classes for their employees. They adamantly reminded everyone to avoid any mistakes and to appreciate what they had currently.
One end stubbornly hid while the other end placed no protective barriers up. It created a vulnerable impression. It was as if all the prying eyes outside the flimsy fences of the Thunder Horse Organization could only make out the heavy black curtains shielding the insides. This was honestly nothing more than a psychological war. The victor would only be known at the very last moment.
Xia Lei finally appeared at the gates. The camping reporters immediately swarmed over. Their desperation was understandable. In all of three months, Xia Lei had only made not more than two public appearances. One time was because Jiang Ruyi had suffered a leg cramp. Another time was when he exited the office block for the gate but turned back urgently without offering a word. That was one incident where the reporters had thought Xia Lei was about to give an official announcement but was actually on a stroll. On this fateful day, he had finally shown his face again. How could the reporters that had camped outside the premise for more than a month not be excited?
“Director Xia, is there an official announcement today?” One of the reporters asked.
“Director Xia, recent activities of the Thunder Horse Organization are very large-scaled. The entire world is eagerly waiting for more news on your new aviation material. Can you tell us something about it?” questioned another reporter.
“Director Xia, you mentioned that Thunder Horse will possess its very own aviation material and drone by the beginning of June. There is half a month left but we have yet to notice any trial flights.” Another reporter interjected rushedly.
“Director Xia, over here. Based on what I’ve heard, America currently holds the most advanced aviation material in the world. Are you sure your researched products will surpass similar American technology or products?”
“Director Xia, this will be Thunder Horse’s debut in the air battle arena. This is unprecedented. Seeing that this is your debut, will your drone really be the world’s most advanced?”
A flood of questions was shot, all of them related to the new material and unmanned aircraft. The fervent reporters had also included those from overseas.
The situation and crowd were complicated but it did not deter Xia Lei. With the help of his left and right eye, Xia Lei had completed basic checks on everyone present before he had even come close to the gate. The x-ray vision was used to scan their bodies and their camera equipment. Truthfully, he was only willing to approach the crowd after confirming the absence of threatening weapons.
Casting aside female reporters, the side effects of this investigation would certainly be the urge to puke his guts out at the information returned from the male reporters. It was as if Xia Lei was thrown into a mixed bath. One scan with his eyes had fed him with all sorts of data. What could be more awkward than this?
“Everyone, please.” Xia Lei raised a palm and gestured to them to quiet down.
The mumbly chaos suddenly dispersed.
Xia Lei replied, “I don’t have much time to spare so I’ll keep this simple.” He paused and studied the crowd. “Thunder Horse Organization has successfully produced its own new aviation material. It can absorb electromagnetic waves emitted by radars and sonars. Not only does that mean it is the best material for aircraft but also the best material for naval fleets. Its name is Alloy X. Using it to build aircraft would hide it from radars all over the world. It will be transparent and undetectable by any detection device this world has to offer.”
As soon as his sentence fell, the scene went out of control.
“Director Xia, based on what you’ve said, this is literally the perfect material. Are its physical properties as good as you claim?” A reporter asked among the crowd.
Xia Lei nodded. “Of course. I am very confident that Alloy X is the most perfect material in the world.”
“Director Xia, based on your earlier speech, are there plans for Thunder Horse Organization to enter the naval warfare market and produce warships?” asked someone else.
Xia Lei answered, “Currently, we have no plans to produce large warships such as aircraft carriers and destroyers. However, plans to produce a limited number of stealth submarines might happen in the future. We possess mature submarine technology. Production will begin once a certain number of Alloy X is accumulated.”
“Director Xia, since Thunder Horse has completed production and research for the Alloy X, are we able to visit the workshop?” A bespectacled blonde reporter asked from a corner.
Xia Lei’s sight was immediately brought to the area between her thighs. On her crotch was the tattoo of a triangular sword and lightning bolt. The symbol of the Delta Special Forces. The blonde reporter was obviously an intelligence officer from America. She must’ve been a commando in the Delta Special Forces back then or perhaps a medical soldier. However, no matter how secretive her tattoo was, it would not go unnoticed by Xia Lei’s X-ray vision.
“Director Xia, can you please answer my question?” The blonde reporter urged.
Xia Lei offered a small smile. “Sorry, I can’t. The Alloy X workshop is a national secret. While I may be the owner of this establishment, I am not permitted to bring strangers in for a visit.”
“Then can you show us a sample of the alloy?” The same reporter was evidently unsatisfied.
Xia Lei shook his head. “Sorry, I can’t.”
“Then how are you going to prove your claims?” The blonde reporter challenged him.
Xia Lei merely returned a polite smile. “I don’t need to prove it.”
The blonde reporter tossed a sharp glare.
“Director Xia, I’m more concerned about the relatively tense situation in the South China Sea. The International Court of Justice is about to lay a ruling and an American fleet is about to enter the territory. Here you are making an appearance and telling us about your new material and a new drone. Could this be considered a response to the matter?” A reporter from Southeast Asia asked with fluent Chinese.
In a calm tone, Xia Lei gave his reply. “Let me make this clear. I do not meddle with politics. None of my comments is directed at any country or group. We produced a new material beneficial to the entire aerospace industry, not a weapon for war. Regarding the possible voyage of the American fleet, I can only make a personal comment. In the last two thousand years or more, our race had full control over the waters of Asia. We too are people who are preachers of peace but that does not mean we will shy away from war. For thousands of years, we have rebuilt ourselves from the ruins multiple times.”
“Director Xia, those do not sound like words of someone that loves peace. Are you trying to hint that you’re not afraid of war?” The same reporter remarked, lips curled into a disdainful smirk.
Xia Lei chuckled lightly. “Look, I’m not a soldier nor am I a civil servant. I’m nothing more than a civilian. Compared to weapons, I’m more inclined to produce socks and shirts. What I said is insignificant. If anyone wishes me to take responsibility for my earlier comment, feel free to approach me.”
“Heh, you’re saying bold things for a country that depends on protection from another country. What a joke.” A Chinese reporter sneered, obviously intending to offend him.
“What did you just say?!” The Southeast Asian reporter snapped at him.
“I said it’s about time I end my maid’s contract! Is it clearer now? What are you going to do about it.” The Chinese reporter too was fueled with emotions now.
Xia Lei interrupted them. “This is no place to fight. Are there any other questions from the floor? I only have two minutes left.”
“Director Xia, you talked about the Alloy X but you did not mention anything about drones. Can you please touch on that topic?” A Japanese reporter asked in proficient Chinese.
Xia Lei nodded. “You’re in luck. We’re just about to conduct the first trial flight for Thunder Horse’s drone. You should be able to get pictures of it. However, I do not wish for you to capture pictures here. Perhaps it might appear in the screens in Langley or Japan’s Hyper-Tech in a matter of minutes.”
The intelligence officers in the crowd began to feel anxious.
“Haha, I was just joking. How could there be so many agents or spies in this world? Alright, that’s all I have to say today. After all, seeing is believing. Do peel your eyes wide and wait for it.” Xia Lei offered with a smile.
At this moment, the sounds of heel clacking against the ground could be heard. With his chest half-exposed and skin-tight leather pants, the package he had between his legs was obvious. Contrastingly, his lips were painted skillfully in smoky red and his eyelids were decorated with smoked out shadows. With the glimmering diamond earring on his ears, his appearance immediately robbed away the attention placed on Xia Lei earlier. Why you may ask. Despite being biologically male, he was more breathtaking than most women.
Qin Xiang’s beauty was getting more sinister day by day.
“Babe.” Qin Xiang strutted over. “The drone manipulators are ready. All it needs is your word and our little drones are going to fly.” The man passed a communicator into his palm.
Xia Lei gripped the device and checked his multifunctional wristwatch. Then, he uttered slowly into the communicator. “Take flight!”
Click click click!
Camera flashes began to go off.