Tang Wanci's eyes shifted slightly as she deliberately put on a thoughtful expression, responding only after a moment's pause.
"If progress goes smoothly and we push the schedule, the replication should be completed in about two months.
However, due to the tight timeframe, the performance of the replicated version…
might not match the Empire's original Stargate.
But it will be more than sufficient for transporting the Joint Fleet."
Hearing that it would only take a little over two months, Qin Bei Wang froze on the spot, his eyes filled with unconcealable shock.
He had originally assumed that such advanced reverse engineering would take anywhere from a few years to several decades to show any progress.
He never expected it could be done so quickly.
At this rate, wouldn't the replicated Stargate be ready for use before the next campaign began?
Seeing Qin Bei Wang's barely contained excitement and shining eyes,
Tang Wanci couldn't help but chuckle softly, raising a hand to lightly cover the corner of her mouth as she teased,
"I never thought our Federation's heroic general would be so eager to return to the battlefield and earn more Military Merit!"
Qin Bei Wang, having been seen through, scratched the back of his head somewhat sheepishly, a faint blush crossing his face.
He hadn't expected his eagerness to be so easily read.
Noticing this, Tang Wanci set aside her smile, patted her chest, and spoke with certainty and decisiveness,
"Don't worry, with me personally overseeing this project, I guarantee we'll have it ready for you in about two and a half months!"
"Then I'll trouble Director Tang for this!"
Qin Bei Wang quickly responded, his tone full of gratitude and anticipation.
Immediately after, Tang Wanci shifted the topic.
A hint of mischief flashed in her eyes as she added with a smile,
"By the way, our research institute has recently developed a batch of new toys. You should come take a look when you have time.
If there's anything useful, feel free to take it early to equip the Fleet.
Just remember to back up all the usage data and provide feedback for our subsequent optimization research."
"New toys already?"
Qin Bei Wang's eyes lit up with surprise once more, his tone filled with astonishment.
He truly hadn't expected the Advanced Technology Research Bureau to produce new results in just a few short months.
Having previously witnessed the power of the new anti-aircraft weapons and Titan's Grip, and having tasted the benefits of cutting-edge technology,
he was now filled with anticipation and keen interest in the Bureau's new inventions.
"Great, I'll trouble Director Tang to show me around then!"
A faint smile spread across Tang Wanci's lips.
"Just call me Wanci, no need to be so formal."
As she spoke, she raised a hand to gently tuck a strand of wind-tousled hair behind her ear.
The moment her fingertips brushed past her hair, her stunning face was fully revealed to Qin Bei Wang, adding a touch of soft allure to her elegant beauty.
After that, the two mounted their horses once more and galloped across the Mengliang grasslands for another two hours.
Only when the sun began to set did they turn their horses back, stepping into the bustling neon lights of the city.
As night deepened, inside the opulent Qianjin Chunxiao Club, a lavishly decorated private room was brightly lit.
Qin Bei Wang and the Capital Twelve Young Masters had gathered once again.
No sooner had they taken their seats than Tang Jiuxiao couldn't hold back, asking urgently,
"Brother Qin, how's my sister?
She didn't take you to any strange places today, did she?"
At these words, everyone in the room perked up with interest, turning their gazes toward Qin Bei Wang.
His eyes were filled with curiosity, clearly picking up on the scent of gossip.
Qin Bei Wang faced the intense gazes of the crowd with a calm expression.
A faint smile curled at the corner of his lips.
"Where could we have gone?
We just discussed some official matters."
Beside him, Luo Hao laughed and patted Tang Jiuxiao on the shoulder, his tone full of teasing.
"You lucky guy, you've really hit the jackpot!
Being my Brother Qin's brother-in-law isn't a position just anyone can land!"
As he spoke, he deliberately sighed with feigned regret.
"What a pity! My Luo family only has me as the sole heir. Otherwise, I'd definitely fight you for that brother-in-law spot!"
After saying this, he even stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger.
A mischievous grin spread across his face as he stared at Qin Bei Wang, the teasing in his eyes completely unconcealed.
Faced with Luo Hao's teasing, Tang Jiuxiao quickly waved his hands to explain, his tone somewhat flustered.
"That's not what I meant!
It's mainly… my sister isn't like other girls. She always likes going to places we guys enjoy, and I was worried she'd put you in an awkward spot."
"Oh? What kind of places?"
"That sounds interesting, tell us more!"
As soon as Tang Jiuxiao finished speaking, the private room erupted in excitement.
Everyone started egging him on, their curiosity growing even stronger.
For a moment, the lively atmosphere in the room intensified.
Tang Jiuxiao's face flushed with embarrassment as he scratched his head and lowered his voice.
"My sister never liked girly things since she was little.
Instead, she's obsessed with Mecha Combat, fighter craft racing, horseback riding, and free combat.
I was just afraid she'd get a sudden urge and drag Brother Qin to a boxing gym to suffer!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the room burst into laughter.
Some slapped the table in amusement, while others cast understanding and sympathetic looks toward Tang Jiuxiao.
From his tone, it wasn't hard to infer that Tang Jiuxiao had endured quite a bit of "special attention" from his older sister during his childhood.
Seeing this, Qin Bei Wang smiled and spoke up to ease the tension.
"Nothing like that happened. We just went horseback riding on the grasslands.
Your sister is a great person. This time, she mainly wanted to discuss the new weapons their R&D department is developing.
To see if they could be adapted for my Pluto Fleet and equipped ahead of schedule."
Hearing this, everyone immediately showed expressions of sudden understanding, nodding in agreement.
Indeed, Tang Wanci was the director of the Advanced Technology Research Department.
It made perfect sense for the two of them to discuss weapons and equipment—they had simply overthought it.
Just as the laughter in the private room began to die down,
Han Zongye, one of the Capital Twelve Young Masters, raised his glass and spoke with a smile.
"Brother Qin, as you know, my family is in the pharmaceutical business.
I've always wanted to contribute to the Federation.
Last time, during the Savannah System Campaign, things were too rushed.
We were caught off guard and couldn't make it in time.
This time, you've got to give me a chance to contribute to the Pluto Fleet as well!"
Hearing this, Qin Bei Wang showed no surprise, his expression remaining steady.
He understood clearly that while the Savannah System Campaign had been fought brilliantly, its results, when viewed across the entire Theater, were only average and didn't cause much of a stir.
But this Battle of the Bushman System was entirely different.
They had annihilated over 80,000 enemy starships of the Empire in one fell swoop, decisively crushing the Empire's ambition to annex eight star systems in the Ten Stone Starfield using a Portable Stargate.
Such an achievement was an unprecedented victory in the entire history of the Federation.
Because of this, during his recent leave, many high-ranking Federation officials and family factions had been indirectly offering assistance to him and his Pluto Fleet.
But who was Qin Bei Wang?
Over thirty years of corporate drudgery in his past life had long smoothed away his impatience and forged a clear, discerning mind.
He understood these people's intentions all too well.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "LegendaryTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!