Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, leading the technology war

Chapter 620 Speaker Hua's Secret Meeting with Top Experts Reveals Electromagnetic Catapult Launcher Plan
Professor Xie Jiangping's thoughts were indeed similar to Xiao Zhengze's. He also had reservations about the authenticity of the Tenglong Island space launch site and the motives behind it, and even harbored some deep-seated doubts.

Xie Jiangping is simply older and has been working in academia and various other fields for many years. He is more composed and experienced in dealing with people and things, and he is well-versed in the art of concealing his talents and speaking cautiously.

Therefore, he did not outwardly express his disapproval as obviously as Xiao Zhengze, and his emotions were more reserved and introverted, so as not to easily give others a handle to use against him.

Xie Jiangping leisurely put down his cup of coffee before slowly speaking, his voice calm and composed: "From what I've heard, it seems it's not just a matter of routine operations at the launch site, but rather that the launch site is planning to build a new, critical facility that can be considered a core component."

"Core facilities?" Xiao Zhengze looked puzzled. "The main structure of the launch site, including the launch pads, command and control center, and telemetry and control system, are supposedly already in use, aren't they? What other more critical facilities need to be built?"

He smiled as he said this: "Could it be that the huge initial investment has caused problems with the project's cash flow, and now they urgently need to find a solution, which is why they are going to such lengths to seek special support funds from the Hong Kong government to keep it afloat?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Jiangping also smiled, neither fully agreeing nor directly denying it, but vaguely replying, "Well, from a business perspective, the possibility you raised cannot be completely ruled out. After all, the aerospace industry is a bottomless pit that devours funds."

Their eyes met briefly, then they both smiled knowingly, a tacit understanding spreading in the air.

Clearly, they all knew perfectly well who the real controller behind that launch site was—the Hu family.

Both of them agreed that the Hu family had probably successfully connected with Speaker John Wah, attempting to persuade senior Hong Kong government officials with some seemingly forward-thinking, even futuristic, concepts in order to obtain valuable policy support or substantial financial assistance.

Professor Xie Jiangping then changed the subject, saying, "However, gentlemen, Speaker Hua is not someone who is easily fooled by appearances. He is known for his prudence and rigor in handling matters, especially when it comes to major decisions and the use of public funds. He is extremely cautious and always conducts very rigorous and professional evaluation procedures. The purpose of inviting us here this time is precisely to use our professional expertise to distinguish truth from falsehood and assess risks."

"Professor Xie is right, you hit the nail on the head." Xiao Zhengze nodded in agreement, his tone certain. "Speaker Hua has keen insight and always handles matters officially and with strong principles. No matter what the Hu family is really up to, or how much hype they create behind the scenes, they will probably find it difficult to fool us professionals. The truth will soon come to light."

Although Xiao Zhengze harbored doubts and even disdain for the Tenglong Island project, as a scholar with rigorous academic training, he still possessed basic objectivity and prudence.

"However, no matter what our preconceived notions are, in the end, we still have to see for ourselves what their so-called plan is really like. Perhaps they did spend a lot of money to hire some industry professionals and carefully package a technical solution that looks plausible and logically consistent on the surface. They did put some thought into it."

"That's right. We can't be too prejudiced or dismissive. We should treat it with a professional, objective, and prudent eye, and let the technology and data speak for themselves."

Just then, the heavy, exquisitely carved solid wood door to the reception room was gently pushed open again, breaking the atmosphere of the conversation inside.

First, a Hong Kong government civil servant in a proper uniform opened the door to the side, and then respectfully extended his hand in a "please" gesture.

"Ms. Lu, please come in. You can rest inside for a while. The Speaker will be here shortly."

The civil servant's voice was polite and considerate.

Immediately afterwards, a woman dressed in a smart business suit and exuding an air of sophistication stepped in.

This woman looks quite young, probably not even thirty, yet she exudes a calm and confident aura.

She has a face that is unforgettable.

She has a classic oval face with soft, flowing lines, delicate willow-leaf eyebrows that make her eyes look especially bright, a high and elegant nose, and healthy, fair skin.

At first glance, her deep features and three-dimensional contours might lead one to mistake her for a European woman of Nordic descent. However, upon closer inspection, her soft facial lines and the understated yet intelligent Eastern temperament, especially her long, glossy black hair and equally dark, expressive eyes, clearly reveal the unique charm of an Eastern beauty.

Clearly, this is not a purely white European or American woman, but a mixed-race beauty who combines the best features of both East and West.

In Hong Kong, where Eastern and Western cultures meet, mixed-race people are not uncommon. However, it is well known that among mixed-race people, those who can truly and perfectly blend the advantages of both East and West, and look so natural and stunning, are actually quite rare.

Many mixed-race people have some incongruity in appearance or temperament.

The woman in front of us, named Lu Anlei, is clearly one of the very few lucky ones.

She possesses not only the striking beauty and sculpted features of Western women, but also the gentle grace and mysterious charm of Eastern women, truly embodying the best of both East and West. This harmonious and unified beauty is quite rare.

Upon seeing the beautiful scholar enter, Xiao Zhengze, who had been sitting, immediately stood up, a warm smile on his face, and greeted her, "Dr. Lu! You've arrived too? Was your journey smooth?"

Lu Anlei smiled and nodded to Xiao Zhengze and Xie Jiangping, her movements elegant and composed: "Professor Xiao, Professor Xie, hello, I just arrived recently."

Don't underestimate Lu Anlei just because she's young. She's a well-known scholar in the interdisciplinary field of physics and mathematics, and holds two doctoral degrees.

Currently, I am engaged in cutting-edge basic scientific research at a top research institute in Europe.

At the same time, Lu Anlei is also a visiting professor at a famous university on Hong Kong Island, and she returns to give lectures for a period of time every year.

Furthermore, Lu Anlei has been invited by the Hong Kong government on several occasions to participate in the review and consultation meetings of major science and technology projects as a senior special advisor, playing a significant role and offering insightful perspectives. Therefore, it was natural that she would be involved in this small-scale internal technical seminar personally chaired by Speaker Hua Junfeng.

Fortunately, Lu Anlei happened to be in Hong Kong Island handling academic matters at the time, so she was able to attend the meeting in person, which undoubtedly enhanced the professional weight of the discussion.

At this moment, well-trained Hong Kong government employees quietly entered again, serving Lu Anlei a cup of freshly ground hot coffee, and replenishing the drinks, exquisite fruit platters, and snacks on the conference table, providing impeccable hospitality.

After all, those present are not ordinary guests, but top experts, professors, and scholars in their respective fields. It is essential to show them full respect and provide them with thoughtful service.

Lu Anlei had met Xie Jiangping and Xiao Zhengze several times before at academic conferences or Hong Kong government consultation events, so they were not strangers and could chat casually after sitting down.

At this point, Xiao Zhengze steered the conversation back on track, saying to Lu Anlei, "Dr. Lu, you've come at the right time. We were just discussing the core topic of this seminar, the space launch site on Tenglong Island. Have you received any more detailed information beforehand?"

Lu Anlei gently stirred her coffee and nodded: "I've heard some rumors, but I don't know the specific details. However, I am personally quite interested in the fact that a space launch site could be built on Hong Kong Island, so I came here as soon as I received the invitation."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Xiao Zhengze's face, which quickly turned into a meaningful smile: "Oh? Dr. Lu is also interested in this kind of commercial space launch site?"

"Of course I'm interested. For an international metropolis like Hong Kong Island to invest huge sums of money to build a space launch site with actual launch capabilities, regardless of the commercial logic behind it, requires tremendous courage and foresight. I think it's a remarkable thing."

"But Dr. Lu, don't you think there might be some impure motives or hidden reasons behind this? Such a huge investment in Hong Kong Island, its business return model is really puzzling."

Lu Anlei paused slightly, then understood Xiao Zhengze's implication. After a moment's thought, she calmly replied, "Regarding the motive, without concrete evidence, I cannot speculate. But in my personal opinion, if it were merely for some... well, what you call shady purposes, it seems unnecessary to choose aerospace, a field with extremely high technical barriers, a very long investment cycle, and attracting so much attention. If there were other intentions, there should be many more convenient and discreet projects to choose from, without going to such great lengths."

Xiao Zhengze shook his head, a dismissive expression on his face, clearly disagreeing with Lu Anlei's relatively neutral analysis.

In his view, Lu Anlei may have been too idealistic and underestimated the complexity of certain capital operations.

At this moment, Xie Jiangping, who had been listening in, interjected, his tone more seasoned and tactful: "Dr. Lu, your idea has some merit. However, we must also recognize that the aerospace industry is a rarity in Hong Kong, and even in the entire region; it's synonymous with high technology. Those involved in the aerospace industry often enjoy preferential treatment in terms of both policy and public opinion, easily gaining attention and support. Look at this now; this launch site is just trying to build a new facility, yet it has already alarmed Speaker Hua and required an internal expert meeting like ours for evaluation. If it were an expansion project in another traditional industry, I doubt it would receive such treatment."

Xie Jiangping's words pointed out another key aspect of the problem: policy and the benefits of fame.

It must be said that experience truly matters; his point is indeed insightful and aligns with the logic of many project operations in reality.

Lu Anlei also felt that this possibility did exist and found it difficult to refute directly.

Lu Anlei also realized that she didn't need to forcefully refute Xie Jiangping's point of view at this moment.

She has no connection with the team that operates the Tenglong Island Space Launch Site, and has not even had the chance to visit the site once. She has only seen some related videos and text materials online, and her understanding of the launch site is still superficial.

Therefore, from an objective point of view, the judgments made by Xiao Zhengze and Xie Jiangping based on experience and practical logic are not entirely unreasonable.

Perhaps things really are as they speculated.

However, Lu Anlei personally prefers not to think of people or things in a too utilitarian or dark way.

At least in the global aerospace community she has been in contact with, whether it is a national team or a top private enterprise, most practitioners still have a certain scientific passion and technical integrity. She is willing to believe that people who devote themselves to the aerospace industry have some pursuits that go beyond pure commercial interests.

Xiao Zhengze seemed unwilling to dwell on the issue of motives, so he changed the subject and asked, "By the way, Dr. Lu, before you came, did you know exactly what type of facilities were planned to be built at this space launch site? Did Speaker Hua provide any more specific information?"

Lu Anlei shook her head and said frankly, "I don't know the specific type of facility either, but I've vaguely heard that it might be quite large, a giant facility. However, I also find it a bit strange. If it's just building a new launch site facility, which falls under the category of engineering projects, why are we being gathered here for this level of technical seminar? Does it involve some cutting-edge, unresolved technical difficulties that require theoretical analysis?"

Xiao Zhengze was taken aback when he heard this; he hadn't thought about the question in depth.

Lu Anlei's words reminded him, and he subconsciously turned his gaze to Xie Jiangping, hoping that this senior, who seemed to have better access to information, could provide more details.

Seeing the two people's probing gazes, Xie Jiangping gave a meaningful smile. He lowered his voice, as if to share a secret: "Well, I did hear some more specific inside information through some channels. However, you might find it hard to believe."

Lu Anlei and Xiao Zhengze exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.

How can building a space facility be associated with "unbelievable"?

Xie Jiangping continued, his tone tinged with an indescribable sarcasm: "It is said that, according to this Mr. Hu's wildly imaginative plan, they did not intend to build a conventional rocket launch tower or service tower, but rather proposed to build a completely new type of launch pad that had never been seen before."

(End of this chapter)