Rest?
There was absolutely no need to rest.
Meng Hao had returned to Great Xia from Austrlia after spending over half a month underwater.
That half a month was spent doing nothing but eating, drinking, watching videos, and sleeping.
This period of recuperation, hidden from daylight for over half a month, had not only brought Meng Hao’s condition to peak form but had even lightened his skin.
Seeing Meng Hao wave his hand, indicating he didn't need rest, Elder Ouyang pushed away the finished meal and headed to the conference room in high spirits.
Unlike a family banquet, the conference was much more serious.
There were dedicated scribes for recording, cameramen, and the like.
The content of the meeting was essentially a reiteration of the situation Meng Hao had described at the family banquet, with some minor details being refined and gaps filled.
The meeting lasted for over two hours.
It meticulously reviewed and recorded everything from Meng Hao's detention by the American side, the subsequent schemes concocted against him, to Meng Hao's eventual construction of a submarine and return to his country.
Once the recounting of events concluded, Meng Hao stretched.
"What's wrong?"
"Can't sit still for over two hours? Feeling tired?"
"But that's normal, young people are active and dislike being still, it's quite understandable."
My goodness.
Elder Ouyang's fondness for Meng Hao was truly immeasurable.
If, indeed, one believed that young people were active and disliked stillness, what about the guards standing at their posts, as still as stone sculptures?
Meng Hao chuckled.
He casually picked up the green tea on the table and took a sip.
"Thank you for your concern, Elder. I'm simply stretching because I've been sitting for a while."
"No worries, no worries. What's the next agenda item?"
Elder Ouyang glanced at Meng Hao with a smile.
He slid the written meeting minutes across to Meng Hao.
"The Americans went too far this time. We can't just let it slide without seeking accountability..."
"However, before we seek accountability, we should hold a press conference to clear your name. What do you think?"
Clear his name?
Naturally, it was to prove that Meng Hao had not betrayed Great Xia.
Whether for his own reputation, his parents' honor, or the development of Huarong Technology, this press conference to vindicate him was certainly necessary.
"Mm."
"I agree to hold a press conference."
Meng Hao nodded, indicating he had no objections to this press conference.
"Then, take a look and decide which parts can be made public and which are not convenient to disclose."
Elder Ouyang gestured towards the finalized meeting minutes, prompting Meng Hao to decide what content should be released.
"Regarding my frequent visits to the cruise ship, let's not make that public. After all, William is a decent fellow, we shouldn't get him into trouble..."
Elder Ouyang smiled without comment.
He didn't call Meng Hao out.
Was this really for William's sake?
It was entirely because Meng Hao didn't want his revelry on the cruise ship to be known by his relatives, friends, and the vast netizens of Great Xia.
"Also, the matter of me developing this submarine, it's probably best not to reveal it, especially the detailed aspects..."
This touched upon confidentiality.
A submarine capable of shielding radar and sonar scans was a devastating weapon for any country in the world.
"And this last point, the fact that I embedded the 'Wenqu' AI copy into Testor's new car, that can be made public..."
This was about setting a trap for Testor.
As long as Testor dared to mass-produce and sell it externally, Meng Hao could detonate this hidden minefield.
And stab them in the back.
"For now, that's all I can think of."
"Of course, this is just for reference."
"Ultimately, whether to disclose certain content is up to you to consider, Elder."
Meng Hao was a clever person.
Elder Ouyang fully respected his opinion, so Meng Hao couldn't be too demanding or blunt.
He very politely stated that he was merely offering his opinion, and the final decision rested with Elder Ouyang.
"Also."
"I believe that at the press conference, it’s sufficient to clearly state that I was framed, forcibly detained by the American side, and that the materials claiming my betrayal of Great Xia were fabricated and produced by the American side..."
"You know, nuclear weapons are most threatening when they are in your hands but not fired..."
"We can hold onto this evidence and release it slowly, like a dull knife cutting flesh – that's the most painful..."
Good heavens.
Meng Hao was truly revealing his cunning, fox-like nature.
"Alright."
"We'll proceed according to Meng Hao's wishes."
"Seal the content of today's meeting and the video, and classify it as top secret."
"Old Chen, prepare for the press conference and discuss the specific details with Meng Hao..."
A senior official named Chen stood up and solemnly accepted the task. He then smiled at Meng Hao and sat back down.
"This press conference might take some time to prepare."
"You've had a tough half-year, so get some good rest."
"In the future, the scientific research work of Great Xia will largely depend on you."
Elder Ouyang patted Meng Hao's shoulder with a smile.
He did not reiterate his invitation for Meng Hao to join the military or government.
Well.
If he did, Meng Hao likely wouldn't agree.
Before the meeting concluded, Elder Ouyang specifically gave instructions.
A vehicle from his personal fleet would be allocated to Meng Hao for his use... Additionally, a dedicated military helicopter would be arranged for Meng Hao.
Although Meng Hao was reluctant to join the official establishment, with this car and helicopter, he would have virtually unimpeded access throughout Great Xia.
"Then, thank you, Elder."
Elder Ouyang's car.
This was far more than just a car.
With its license plate alone, no unit in Great Xia would dare to stop Meng Hao.
"Don't be so formal, this is the treatment you deserve!"
...
When Elder Ouyang gifted the car to Meng Hao, he gave it along with the driver.
There was still some time before the press conference began.
Meng Hao was bored staying in the capital... mainly because he had no acquaintances, not even anyone to chat with.
Elder Ouyang had mentioned arranging a car for Meng Hao, and also a military helicopter.
With these, traveling anywhere would be much more convenient.
Feeling bored in the capital, Meng Hao decided to visit Huarong Technology Company.
After all, he hadn't been back for half a year.
He wondered if the company had become overgrown with weeds.
Gazing at the endless flow of people outside, the bored Meng Hao gave up on striking up a conversation with the driver.
It was clear that this driver had undergone specialized training.
He strictly adhered to the principle of not listening to what he shouldn't, and not saying what he shouldn't.