Chapter 1117: Super Fireworks – Sun Test Launch

Outside Laicheng’s waterfront, a district usually bustling at night, the crowd was even thicker than usual this evening. The cause was unmistakable: four extraordinary vehicles.

Resembling missile launchers, these vehicles were stationed along the waterfront, accompanied by several cranes and a group of mysterious security guards. Many onlookers whispered anxiously, wondering if missiles were about to be launched.

Indeed, the security guards’ uniforms, modified several times by Fantasy Technology, bore a striking resemblance to military attire. Though not identical to those of China or any other nation, the outfits projected an unmistakable soldier-like presence. At a glance, suspicion was inevitable.

Zhu Lan stepped down from one of the vehicles, flanked by Liu Binghe and Li Hongjin.

“Have we arrived?” Zhu Lan asked.

“We’ve entered the city. We’ll be there shortly,” came the reply.

“Let’s head over,” Zhu Lan said, turning to Liu Binghe and Li Hongjin.

They both nodded.

Several police cars were parked nearby, with seven or eight officers pulling up barricades to cordon off this section of the waterfront.

“Zhu Lan, what can I say about this?” Li Hongjin gazed at the four launch vehicles and gave a wry smile.

To any outsider, these really did look like missile launchers, camouflaged in military colors, guarded by Fantasy Technology’s security team, with cranes at the ready—everything about the scene screamed missile launch.

“Don’t mind these minor details,” Zhu Lan replied dismissively.

Li Hongjin smiled bitterly. If it weren’t for their inside knowledge, the area would have long been swarmed by authorities.

In the distance, three large trucks approached. The police promptly lifted the barricades to allow them through.

“Go ahead and inspect everything!” Wu Ren instructed his team.

They nodded and proceeded to examine the trucks, checking the fireworks shells for any damage.

“All intact!”

“All normal here!”

“Everything’s fine!” The inspectors quickly confirmed there were no abnormalities.

Wu Ren nodded in satisfaction. “President Zhu, we can begin.”

Zhu Lan nodded. “Load them up.”

Qin Shi nodded as well, picking up the walkie-talkie to signal the cranes to start operating.

The security guards began unloading the trucks to reveal the fireworks beneath.

The four launchers stood upright, patiently awaiting the shells to be loaded.

As the first massive shell was carefully placed into the launcher, Wu Ren and his team entered the tube for inspection.

The diameter of each shell exceeded 150 centimeters—these launchers were truly gigantic, making the inspection straightforward.

Unlike the traditional four-foot shells that required underground launchers, these four devices were massive vehicles in themselves. With some modifications, they could even launch missiles. They were built to withstand the immense heat generated by such enormous fireworks.

The specifications for the launchers were sent to Honghou, who then oversaw their construction. They featured hydraulic systems similar to those used on actual missile launchers, capable of bearing significant weight. Eight stabilizers ensured exceptional steadiness.

Made from aerospace-grade alloys, the launchers matched or exceeded the strength of military steel.

They were electrically powered, minimizing the risk of accidents.

Once all four shells were loaded, everyone quickly withdrew.

Each launcher was spaced ten meters apart to prevent chain-reaction failures.

“Chengwen Port New Year’s Eve Super Fireworks Test Launch—Live Broadcast! Don’t Miss It!” announced the online stream.

Many spectators had already recognized the event. Those with generous data plans didn’t hesitate to start live streaming.

Although it was only a little past eight in the evening, the news quickly attracted a large audience online.

Despite the night, powerful floodlights illuminated the testing site without obstructing the viewing experience.

“First comment! I’m the adorable first commenter~”

“Wow, a test launch that looks exactly like a missile launch! So high-end, isn’t it?”

“Disperse immediately! This is a classified operation. Anyone caught here will be charged with leaking state secrets!”

“Super fireworks? Too bad I was in Laicheng just the other day!”

The people gathered could clearly see a gigantic shell being hoisted by a crane into the launcher tube.

Though the video was somewhat shaky, the image was unmistakable.

After loading was complete, Zhu Lan, Liu Binghe, and Li Hongjin retreated to a safe distance. Any accident here would be catastrophic.

The launchers were remotely controlled, eliminating much of the danger.

Zhu Lan took the control button from Qin Shi and turned to Liu Binghe. “Governor Liu, you take this.”

“No, no, I can’t handle the shock of this. Too intense for me!” Liu Binghe laughed, politely declining.

Zhu Lan sighed and turned back to gaze at the four launchers along the waterfront, a satisfied smile crossing his face.

“Has everyone been evacuated?”

“Yes, boss. Our personnel have all cleared the area. The police and our team are holding back the crowds. No incidents expected. I’ve double-checked, and the waters are clear as well.”

Zhu Lan nodded.

“Master Wu, you won’t let me down, will you?”

“Of course not, President Zhu! You can rest easy. I have full confidence in our company’s products!”

Boom!

A tremendous explosion shattered the silence, sending shockwaves across several kilometers. Everyone saw a massive fireball surge upward like a shooting star moving in reverse.

Boom!

Suddenly, the entire sky lit up, the glow bright enough to illuminate the whole city.

Those unaware of the test rushed to their windows in astonishment. Far off, countless streaks of light cascaded like meteors before vanishing.

On the waterfront, the crowd was even more awestruck. The enormous fireworks blossomed as if blooming right before their eyes.

Because the site was close to the city, the launchers fired at a slant toward the sea, ensuring the explosions wouldn’t endanger the crowd, especially those on the waterfront.

“So beautiful!”

“I’m moved to tears. I want to visit Laicheng!”

“There are no words to describe this… this… this…” The live chat exploded with comments, all expressing awe.

The live broadcast was being filmed at the waterfront—the closest vantage point to the fireworks, unlike the distant views of four-foot shells.

Though Zhu Lan was pleased, a frown crept upon his brow. The fireworks were too monotonous—only red, no other colors.

“Master Wu, are they all this dull?”

Wu Ren understood Zhu Lan’s concerns immediately.

“President Zhu, don’t you trust Guoyang? Rest assured, if you continue, you’ll see surprises!”

Zhu Lan nodded and pressed the button again. Another brilliant streak shot into the sky, accompanied by a deafening roar.

The sound was overwhelming, shaking the ground violently. It was clear the fireworks needed to be launched even farther from the crowds. Though he was already over a thousand meters away from the launchers, it wasn’t enough.

Laicheng’s waterfront was vast, with a long coastline offering ample space, but the sea there wasn’t particularly attractive, limiting visitor numbers.

Boom!

A giant firework blossomed high in the sky once more.

Its light illuminated the heavens, revealing clouds as if it were daytime.

This time, the bloom was snowy white, resembling a flurry of snowflakes—dense, exquisite, and captivating.

Yet Zhu Lan remained unsatisfied.

Another shell was launched.

Green, blue, then two more shells, all in the same plain colors as the first. Though impressive, they failed to impress Zhu Lan.

After all four rockets were fired, Qin Shi called the team to drive the vehicles over, cool down the launch tubes, and prepare new shells.

“Master Wu, these effects are too plain. Can’t they be more vibrant?”

Wu Ren frowned. “What do you mean, President Zhu?”

“The Sun is a world record holder. Isn’t it supposed to be more than just flying higher and exploding bigger than the four-foot shell? What about innovation?”

Wu Ren hesitated. “President Zhu, if these fireworks are too complex at this scale, they might not achieve your expected effect.”

“That’s your problem. Guoyang’s been a respected brand for decades, working with many fireworks manufacturers. Can’t you bring those designs to the Sun? It’s not about money; you have enough manpower. Do you want to settle for mediocre fireworks? Ordinary people might be impressed, but insiders see right through it. Aren’t you ashamed?”

Wu Ren was silent, thinking deeply.

“President Zhu, if that’s the case, time might be an issue.”

“How many factories are producing these now?”

“Six,” Wu Ren replied, uncertain of the implication.

“Six? Double that. More hands means faster production, right? Money isn’t a problem. If you want more than just ordinary fireworks, you have to put in the effort. Otherwise, this grand event shouldn’t even be held.”

Zhu Lan turned and left without another word.

Wu Ren shook his head helplessly.

“Don’t mind him! Zhu Lan is always like this,” Liu Binghe said, understanding why Zhu Lan was upset. Fantasy Technology had invested enormous effort aiming to stun the world, yet Guoyang’s products were just ordinary. How could he be satisfied?

“Governor Liu, this is indeed Guoyang’s fault. I’ll start making changes immediately upon returning. We will ensure Fantasy Technology is pleased, and there will be no delay for the Chengwen Port New Year’s Eve event!”

Liu Binghe nodded. “Carry on.”

The fireworks test continued, the sky over Laicheng glowing brilliantly.

Out of ten samples, nine succeeded. One failed due to a short circuit. Overall, it was a tremendous success.

For Guoyang, this was their first attempt at such massive fireworks. For Liu Binghe, it was essential for the smooth hosting of the Chengwen Port celebration. Li Hongjin was merely there to assess any potential threats—the New Year's event was important to him as head of the South Sea Intelligence Center.

(To be continued.)