CHAPTER 37: The Man Who Shook the World
The world didn't sleep that night.
News networks replayed the Grand Demonstration on an endless loop. YouTube livestreams hit a billion views within hours. Headlines blared across screens in every language. From Times Square to Tokyo Tower, the face of Dr. Wong was projected onto cityscapes like a techno-prophet descending from the clouds.
Social media lost its mind.
#TechmanMiracle,
#DrWong,
#GuardianRevolution — all trended globally for 14 hours straight.
Every government.
Every superpower.
Every secret agency.
They were all whispering one name.
Dr. Wong.
---
Washington D.C. – The War Room
Beneath the White House, deep in a classified military bunker, a crimson hue bathed the conference chamber. Emergency lighting pulsed like a warning heartbeat.
President Marshall Grant sat at the head of the table, his square jaw clenched, dark eyes scanning live footage of Dr. Wong's demonstrations. Beside him, top generals, intelligence directors, and cyber command officials sat in tense silence.
General Holtz, a grizzled war dog with a booming voice, finally slammed his fist on the steel table.
"He just unveiled tech that makes half our military obsolete. This is a global red alert. If we don't engage him first, China, Russia—or worse—will."
The President leaned back, his fingers steepled in thought.
"And what if this man decides not to sell to anyone? What if he builds his own army?"
Silence.
The air grew heavier.
General Holtz narrowed his eyes.
"Mr. President, I suggest we invite him here for a... 'cup of tea.' Start with diplomacy. If he's reasonable, we bring him under our wing. If not—well... we prepare contingencies."
Around the table, murmurs of agreement rose. The council elders and cabinet secretaries nodded in sync, the weight of the moment anchoring their expressions.
President Grant tapped his index finger twice against the table—his signature when making a decision.
"That sounds like a plan I can get behind," he said at last. "If there's one thing we can't afford, it's falling behind in this new arms race."
A female council elder, her voice calm but edged with urgency, added.
"Then we move quickly. Before someone else does."
The President turned to his Cabinet Chief Secretary, a sharp-eyed man known only as Sir Walker.
"Sir Walker."
"Yes, Mr. President."
"You know what to do."
Sir Walker nodded once and stood. Without another word, he exited the chamber, his phone already dialing a secure global channel.
The mission had begun.
---
Elsewhere: A Fortress of Silicon and Silence
Far across the ocean, in a towering tech-fortress built into the side of a mountain, Dr. Wong stood before a wall of holographic projections.
Each screen displayed real-time global feeds—presidential meetings, news coverage, stock market shifts, AI threat assessments, and the growing number of nations sending him private invitations.
He sipped green tea from a floating cup, unmoved.
"And now... they panic."
Behind him, one of his Guardian AI Robots stepped forward, scanning the incoming requests.
"Dr. Wong, the United States government has initiated contact. Code-level priority: Black Diamond."
Wong smirked,"Took them long enough,huh? It's about time I get to the top."
" Would you like me to respond to their contact master?"
" Sure thing. Put them online. Let see what do they have to offer."
" Right away Sir," the sleek AI Robot said shape shifting its human feet to wheeled robotic ones. It was short of stature,round headed with a black hologram like face with two blue shiny pearls for eyes. The rest of the body was silver.
It disappeared into another room and returned with a laptop whose screen showed an incoming call. The caller ID was; US Agency Black.
" And here it is,"
" Thanks Griko. I'll handle it from here."
****************
Outside Dr. Wong's mansion, Leo brought his motorcycle to a gentle stop at the tall, black gate. The engine purred before falling silent. Ling Zhao, Dr. Wong's daughter, leaned forward, her hands briefly resting on his shoulders as she hopped off.
Still seated, Leo reached behind him and handed her the sleek handbag. A soft smile touched his lips.
"Here you go. Guess it's time to say goodbye," he said, his tone light, but a hint of reluctance lingered beneath.
"Yeah… but we'll see each other soon," she replied, accepting the bag. "I really enjoyed today. It was fun spending time with you, Lee."
Leo raised an eyebrow playfully. "Should it be Lee… or Leo?"
She laughed, the sound like wind chimes in spring. "Oh—I mean Leo!"
"I had fun too. Hope we can do this again soon," he said.
"Sure thing, Lee—I mean Leo!" she replied with another giggle, her cheeks glowing.
Leo reached out, gently took her hand, and placed a light kiss on her knuckles. Her eyes widened slightly, the gesture catching her off guard.
"Bye, Ling Ling," he whispered.
She blushed, lowering her gaze, then laughed and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "See ya."
Leo gave her a wink as he turned the ignition. The motorcycle roared to life. With a final glance and a small nod, he sped off into the darkening street.
Ling Zhao stood watching until the bike's tail light disappeared around the bend. She exhaled softly, a secret smile playing on her lips.
"Hope Dad doesn't find out about this… about us," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Hugging her handbag close, she turned and entered through the mansion's towering gate.
---
No sooner had Dr. Wong ended a call with Sir Walker than Ling Zhao walked in.
"Good evening, Dad," she greeted warmly, walking up behind the armchair and giving him a gentle hug from behind.
"Good evening, my daughter," he replied, smiling as he patted her hand affectionately. "Hope you had a nice day."
"I did, Dad," she said, stepping around to the sofa and sitting down gracefully. "You are trending enormously on social media and on TV dad.Looks like your hard work is really paying off."
He leaned back with pride. " For sure.Just got a call from the U.S. government. Everything's moving exactly as planned. If this keeps up… we'll be billionaires soon."
Her eyes sparkled. "That's amazing, Dad! I'm so proud of you. You've got this."
She stood up and stretched. "So… what's for dinner tonight?"
Dr. Wong chuckled, stroking his goatee. "Well, that's a surprise. Griko will reveal it soon."
Ling Zhao groaned dramatically. "Oh, come on, Dad. Not again!"
Still chuckling, he waved her off as she playfully stomped toward her room.
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