Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 192：Hit

"Boom!"
Sparks erupted high in the sky, like a colossal firework bursting open.
The citizens of Dragon Nation were left utterly stunned by the scene before them, their minds filled with disbelief.
At that moment, they had no choice but to admit that the Long Dragon One launch vehicle had exploded.
Bai Yanlang, watching the explosion unfold live, burst into laughter, joking,
"So this is Dragon Nation's thousand-ton booster rocket? It's nothing more than a giant firework. Many thanks to Dragon Nation for the spectacular show they've provided us, haha..."
The host from Beautiful Nation also wore a smile on his face.
"Professor Bai, can you analyze why Dragon Nation's thousand-ton booster rocket was struck by an unknown light spot?"
Bai Yanlang replied, "This is simple. That white light spot must have been a missile launched by Dragon Nation..."
As soon as Bai Yanlang spoke these words, many viewers from Dragon Nation began to berate him in the live chat.
Dragon Nation User 1: "Damn it! Bai Yanlang, you're talking nonsense!"
Dragon Nation User 2: "We'd blow up our own rocket? You've got to be kidding! I think you're the real fool!"
Dragon Nation User 3: "I'll be damned if that UFO wasn't a missile launched by Beautiful Nation!"
Bai Yanlang, seeing the furious comments from Dragon Nation's viewers, wasn't angered; instead, he wore a smug smile.
The host, noticing Bai Yanlang's confidence, understood that he surely had a reason for his bold statement.
"Professor Bai, you're suggesting that Dragon Nation destroyed its own missile? But why would they do that?"
Bai Yanlang replied, "Many people may struggle to understand, but as someone familiar with Dragon Nation, I can tell you that they are an extremely cunning people."
"I don't know how they convinced two UN representatives that they had developed a thousand-ton rocket booster."
"But I can be certain that Dragon Nation doesn't have such technology. The reason they destroyed the Long Dragon One rocket was to cover up the evidence..."
The host, reflecting on Bai Yanlang's analysis, responded thoughtfully,
"Professor Bai, are you suggesting that Dragon Nation feared the rocket would reveal flaws if it continued its ascent, so they decided to destroy it with a missile? That way, they could claim they were attacked by an unidentified object, rather than admit their thousand-ton booster failed."
Bai Yanlang, hearing the host's words, applauded her and looked at her with admiration.
"Exactly, well said! You simply failed to see through Dragon Nation's scheme before."
"Now you understand why I was willing to publicly bet in the live stream that if Dragon Nation's thousand-ton rocket booster succeeded, I'd kneel down and apologize..."
Bai Yanlang and the host's back-and-forth enraged the entire nation of Dragon.
Dragon Nation User 1: "How could our country have such a traitor like you?!"
Dragon Nation User 2: "Damn you, Bai Yanlang, shut your mouth! I'm flying to Beautiful Nation to slap you across the face!"
Dragon Nation User 3: "Our country is upright and honorable. I believe this missile was fired by your Beautiful Nation behind our backs!"
Beautiful Nation User 4: "Professor Bai is brilliant! He immediately saw through Dragon Nation's plot!"
Sakura Nation User 5: "Dragon Nation is embarrassed because Professor Bai exposed them, haha..."
Kimchi Nation User 6: "Dragon Nation is so vain. They didn't develop a thousand-ton rocket booster, so they fabricated a lie to deceive everyone."
F Nation User 7: "They think they can surpass Beautiful Nation in space? Dream on. Beautiful Nation will always be the leader in technology!"
Russian Nation User 8: "Can you all at least show some self-respect? Bai Yanlang's reasoning is so weak! I believe Dragon Nation developed the thousand-ton booster!"
Pakistani Nation User 9: "I stand with Dragon Nation!"
Dragon Nation User 10: "Good man!"
...
In the high-level office in Kyoto, Number One and the other leaders watched the video feed, their faces contorted in pain. They had carefully arranged everything, yet they never expected Beautiful Nation to commit such a despicable act.
"Boom!"
Number One slammed his palm onto the desk, causing the water in the cups to splatter.
"I can't believe Beautiful Nation developed an invisible missile that dodged our radar!"
"We must lodge a protest with the UN and condemn Beautiful Nation!"
"Ah! The problem is, now the missile has turned to dust, and we have no evidence!"
Jiang Fan, on the phone, could clearly hear the frustration and helplessness in the voices of the high-level officials.
He, too, was filled with intense rage.
At that moment, the entire laboratory fell into a heavy silence. No one spoke.
They all understood that the thousand-ton rocket booster was something Jiang Fan had poured his heart and soul into developing. To see it destroyed like this was undoubtedly heartbreaking for him.
Just as Dragon Nation's leaders were about to console Jiang Fan...
"Eh!"
Xia Xiaoyu suddenly exclaimed in surprise, her voice trembling with excitement.
"Th-the rocket, it's... it's... flying out!"
Jiang Fan and Long Lao instantly looked up, staring at the video feed.
They saw the second-stage booster of the Long Dragon One launch vehicle, spewing blazing flames, soaring boldly toward the heavens!