Reborn in 2014: A One-Man Tycoon

As the saying goes, even close brothers have detailed accounts.

When a country offers asylum, it cannot do so without any conditions.

"clever."

Old Huang smiled, the seriousness in his eyes fading slightly:

"There are two conditions. First, major scientific research results on Mars should be shared with the country as a priority."

"For example, if new mineral resources are found, or signs of extraterrestrial life are discovered, the country should have the right to know and the right to cooperate in research."

"Second, future Mars colonization plans should give priority to Chinese citizens, especially researchers and technical workers."

"To put it bluntly, we can't let you enjoy all the benefits of Mars by yourself. The country should benefit, and the people should benefit too."

These conditions are not harsh; in fact, they can be considered quite fair.

Meng Chuan remained silent for a while, then picked up the documents on the table, carefully reviewed the clauses regarding the "resource allocation plan," and then pushed the documents back.

"I agree to cooperate."

He looked into Old Huang's eyes and spoke bluntly:

"But I have one request—the collaboration must be kept confidential."

"The Mars project is just starting to make progress. If people find out that I'm tied to the country, those who are already watching me will only get more anxious."

"You don't need to tell us that; we know better than you how to conceal our abilities."

Old Huang breathed a sigh of relief, a slight smile appearing on his face:

"A dedicated person will handle the specific details of the cooperation with you, and they will draft a formal agreement."

Old Huang offered a final word of comfort:

"Don't worry, the country won't take advantage of you. We're working together to make the pie bigger, not to fight over it."

Meng Chuan nodded and picked up the teapot to refill Old Huang's tea.

But the feeling of unease in Meng Chuan's heart did not dissipate much.

It felt like a window had been pushed open, and a breeze was blowing in, bringing a refreshing feeling.

But it also brought in a lot of dust, making my eyes squint.

"By the way, there's one more thing."

Old Huang picked up his teacup, as if suddenly remembering something:

"Is your outpost on Mars nearing completion?"

"It will be soon."

Meng Chuan nodded:

"Zhan Yi said that the main structure is complete, and all that's left is to install the oxygen generator and carbon dioxide conversion device. It should be able to start trial operation next month."

"That's good."

Old Huang put down his teacup and stood up:

"I'll have someone from the space agency come to see you the day after tomorrow, so we can finalize the cooperation as soon as possible and put our minds at ease."

As Old Huang spoke, he changed the subject, his tone earnest and earnest:

"You shouldn't always be thinking about those technical problems. Occasionally, look up and look around—there are not only stars in space, but also a magnificent galaxy."

Old Huang could sense Meng Chuan's obsession with Mars.

I hope he can enjoy life more.

After all, given Meng Chuan's wealth, buying a few cruise ships and private jets and indulging in a life of luxury would be in line with his status.

Meng Chuan nodded, but did not speak.

"Alright, we've finished discussing business over tea. Now that we've finished, isn't it time for our heart-to-heart talk over drinks?"

Old Huang's eyes suddenly lit up as he spoke.

Drinking with Meng Chuan is what makes Huang Lao most happy.

Here he can drink without any restraint.

No one stopped me, and I didn't have to worry about my family's opinions.

This feeling of drinking heartily can only be experienced here in Meng Chuan.

"At your age, aren't you afraid of drinking yourself to death here?"

Meng Chuan rolled his eyes at Old Huang, clearly annoyed.

Only Meng Chuan dared to say this to Elder Huang's face.

Of course, only if Meng Chuan said it would Old Huang not get angry.

"What's the point of living if you can't eat meat to your heart's content and drink wine from large bowls? Quick, bring me some wine."

Old Huang stood up impatiently and said.

Liu Qian had already prepared the snacks to go with the drinks and was waiting in the living room.

This time, Elder Huang notified Meng Chuan in advance.

Liu Qian also prepared a sumptuous feast to accompany the drinks.

Old Huang thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

Meng Chuan accepted all comers.

Because Meng Chuan always felt a bit blocked up inside.

So they drank without any restraint.

Before I knew it, I had downed four bottles of strong liquor.

Meng Chuan himself drank two and a half bottles, but he wasn't drunk at all.

Old Huang had drunk one and a half bottles and was already unconscious.

After the driver picked up Mr. Huang, Meng Chuan sat alone in the study.

But his mind had already wandered off somewhere else.

As night began to fall, Meng Chuan suddenly picked up his phone and called Zhan Yi:

"Zhan Yi, when you send the bionic joint sample to the transit station next week, bring more things with you."

"What to bring?"

Zhan Yi asked, puzzled.

"Bring some protective gear."

Meng Chuan looked at the distant sky, his voice deep and steady:

"Helmet, bulletproof vest, and... have the security department prepare some combat training equipment and send it to the Mars outpost."

Zhan paused for a moment on the other end of the phone, but didn't ask any more questions and simply replied, "Okay."

Meng Chuan nodded.

From today onwards, his Mars plan is no longer as simple as "building houses and establishing immigrants".

What he wanted to build was not just an outpost, but a "home" that could be defended—not only a roof to block sandstorms, but also "walls" to keep out people's greed.

This "wall" must be built slowly by him and the country together.

"Master, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

Just as Meng Chuan was about to hang up, Zhan Yi suddenly spoke up.

Meng Chuan was taken aback. Given Zhan Yi's loyalty and support for him, he would never speak like this!

"Say!"

Meng Chuan said in a deep voice.

"I made an incredible discovery during this trip to Mars. However, I'm not sure if I'm just seeing things."

"Please don't tell me you've discovered aliens."

Meng Chuan couldn't help but interrupt.

“Master, to be honest, I don’t believe it either. When we were investigating the geology and life on Mars, Zhou Ming and the other scientist were busy with their research, but I had a feeling that someone was watching me.”

Zhan Yi's tone was serious, with no hint of joking:

"As you know, we ancient martial arts practitioners have a much stronger sense of being watched than ordinary people."

"So I instinctively looked up at the sky, but the instant I looked up, a streak of light suddenly flashed and disappeared from the sky."

"It wasn't a shooting star, nor a spaceship, but more like a beam of light."

"But it didn't just streak across from afar; it shot out directly overhead, into the dark starry sky."

Zhan Yi struggled to organize his thoughts, trying to describe the scene he had witnessed.

Meng Chuan listened quietly, unsure of what to say for a moment.

But for some reason, Meng Chuan had a chilling feeling.

“Master, I don’t know if you can understand what it means to have a light suddenly appear in the dark starry sky, and I can vaguely see a shockwave.”

"There was no sound, and I didn't manage to film it. But I'm pretty sure that as the light disappeared, the feeling of being watched also disappeared..."