NEC Chapter 85: Fishing Enthusiasts, Monthly Meeting

As a renowned big shot in East Xia's fishing world, known as the "Fishing King," Old Deng was currently utterly bewildered.

He had just finished dominating a fishing spot during the day, putting on quite a technical display in front of the cameras.

Returning home triumphantly to enjoy the overflowing likes and comments, a series of knocks interrupted his self-indulgence.

The knocks were crisp and steady, three knocks with consistent intervals and volume, a brief pause, then three more knocks.

So methodical that Old Deng suddenly felt his scalp tingling.

His feeling was completely correct.

Opening the door, two middle-aged men in East Xia formal wear stood outside. They immediately showed their work credentials, the bright red official seal making Old Deng's eyes ache.

"Hello, you are Mr. Deng? National Security Protection Center Southwest Branch, this is my work ID!"

"Sorry to disturb you. We have a rather important task that requires Mr. Deng's assistance."

Old Deng swallowed hard, his whole body trembling slightly.

Had someone died at some fishing spot and they suspected him? Or had some familiar boss turned spy and dragged him down? It couldn't be that some silk scroll was found in the belly of a fish he caught...

He decided not to catch such big fish anymore. He knew people would be jealous...

Seeing Old Deng's nervousness, the other man smiled and added, "Don't worry, we just have some fishing-related questions our leaders want to consult you about."

Family members gathered around, not daring to breathe, staring woodenly at the visitors.

Old Deng was panicking but could only brace himself to respond, "So... do I need to go now?"

"Yes, time is tight. We hope you can depart immediately!"

"Can you tell me where we're going?"

"Changan! The leadership is waiting for you there!"

"Um, will we take the high-speed rail? Should I bring some changes of clothes?"

"Nothing needed. We'll prepare everything. A special car will take you to the airport, and a private plane is ready to take off as soon as you arrive!"

At this point, Old Deng felt somewhat more at ease. He wasn't important enough to warrant such a grand operation.

After briefly saying goodbye to his family, he was whisked away at breakneck speed. Three hours later, Old Deng was dizzyingly led into a large conference room.

Upon entering, his heart skipped a beat.

Over a dozen fishing world celebrities and colleagues, Old Hua, Old Liu, Old Cheng, Old Xu, all sat bewildered at the scene.

They exchanged glances but dared not say a word.

As the last chair was occupied, a middle-aged military officer with stars on his shoulders stood up.

"Thank you all for your hard journey!"

Everyone waved their hands and shook their heads, saying "not at all, we wouldn't dare!"

"You are all experts in East Xia's fishing world. We've invited you here mainly for a special task requiring your assistance."

"Let me first explain the support we're providing."

"Outside, we've invited representatives from forty-two suppliers and distributors, with more representatives on their way."

"Whatever brand or model of fishing equipment you need, fishing rods, lines, hooks, bait, just report it and I guarantee it will be in your hands immediately."

"The engineering department is conducting final checks on the simulated fishing grounds we've prepared. Each of you will have an independent experimental fishing ground simulating natural environments."

"We've stocked them with different types and sizes of live fish. If you need specific sizes or species for experiments, just ask and the logistics department will fully cooperate."

The officer lightly tapped the table twice and, facing the room full of uncertain gazes, stated the final requirement.

"I need all of you to provide me with a complete feasibility plan: what fishing equipment to choose, how to match bait, how to grasp technical points..."

"To turn a complete beginner into a fishing expert in the shortest time possible!"

The room fell dead silent, everyone stunned.

At this moment, Chen Mo naturally had no idea that his casual situation report had caused such upheaval in East Xia's fishing world.

Blue Star always had expressions like "eldest son of the confederation" or "eldest son of the republic," mainly to express the importance of certain enterprises or groups to the nation.

The current Chen Mo could completely be called East Xia's beloved grandchild.

Spoiled beyond measure. After all, there's a saying: love the grandchild more than the child.

This wasn't blind affection. Chen Mo's tireless efforts to send various fragments from the Starry Continent home had already brought tremendous changes in several fields.

At this month's [Cihang] Project Department monthly meeting, Stargazing Group leader Lin Xiangdong briefed all supervising leaders and coordinating departments on this month's work situation.

Currently, the series of meetings centered around the wanderer were divided into "three regular, two special."

"Three regular" referred to three standing meetings: the [Stargazing] group's daily meetings, the [Cihang] Project Department's weekly meetings, and monthly meetings attended by all leaders and related departments.

"Two special" referred to Category A emergency meetings called when the wanderer sent back important information, and Category B temporary meetings called when materials sent by the wanderer produced major results, beyond the three regular meetings.

Opening the big screen, he first briefed the leaders about last evening's matter when [Wanderer] requested fishing technical support and related arrangements.

The meeting room instantly filled with joy and harmony.

During this recent period, everyone had been quite anxious.

Whether political officials or military staff, all had suggested that [Wanderer] should quickly enter hiding mode, whether hiding in the city or countryside, just lying low forever and never getting involved in Starry Continent conflicts again.

Facing this sentiment, Executive Cangming rejected it.

"Comrade Xiao Chen's character has been analyzed extensively by security departments. From his 'overreaching' attempt to save people at sea to his 'soft-heartedness' during escape, the conclusion is obvious. I won't elaborate."

"But some things can't be judged purely by interests, we must also consider right and wrong."

"Personally, others helped him and gave him medicine, so he wants to repay them."

"Officially, he's securing a suitable base for stable future development. Essentially, he still wants to make greater contributions to the nation."

"When he sent medicine home, he never discussed any conditions with us."

Executive Cangming looked around with burning eyes, "Actions that can't be called wrong either personally or officially, if he didn't want to do them, no problem. But if the wanderer wants to do them, and we stop him for certain interests, doesn't that violate our original intentions somehow?"

"My personal opinion: if [Wanderer] decides to act, we should fully support him."

"If there's danger, help him avoid it. If there are difficulties, help him solve them. If enemies truly capture him, spare no cost to negotiate his return."

"If we can't rescue him, engrave him in history books for generations to remember, until someday we can settle accounts. That's the proper way."

"If everyone only protects themselves and puts profit first, East Xia would probably still have pigtails on our heads."

It was precisely because of these tone-setting words that East Xia's subsequent series of coordinated actions followed.

Basically: "Little Chen, if you want to do it, do it. Whatever you need, just tell us!"

Now that danger was completely eliminated and the situation looked excellent, everyone could leisurely and happily attend this meeting.

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