Zhao Qiang said, "I guess their energy source is the same as the equipment we found in the spaceship."
Yang Shiyun smiled: "You guessed right. This energy source requires a release source. I suspect that when they put the cover on the sinkhole, it wasn't entirely to protect it. It's very likely that there was a release source inside, providing the robots with the energy they needed to move on the surface. Later, we blew up the equipment on the sinkhole, so after a period of time, they ran out of energy and had to shut down."
"Look at what I just found." Zhao Qiang uploaded the scene of the car chase in the deserted shop, which he had just captured on his watch, to the internet.
Yang Shiqi is not an expert in this area. She is only good at fighting and killing, so she remained silent about Zhao Qiang and Yang Shiyun's professional skills. Liu Jia and Xu Changhe are subordinates, and Zhao Qiang did not instruct them to keep quiet and just watch and listen.
Yang Shiyun said, "They are finding their own ways to solve energy problems," just like we did underground back then!
Zhao Qiang said, "Therefore, we must find them all before they solve their own energy problems!"
Yang Shiyun said, "Third sister, this matter depends on you."
Yang Shiqi said, "We've already deployed our maximum manpower for the search, but the area is so vast, it's like searching for a needle in a haystack. The difficulty is immense."
Zhao Qiang said, "I have an idea: we can invent a scanning device based on the materials used in robots."
Yang Shiyun was inspired: "Yes, the robot's materials are different from those commonly found on the ground, making it very convenient for the scanning instrument to screen them."
Yang Shiqi said, "Then what are you two waiting for? Hurry up and start developing it."
Volume Two [787] The Yang Family
Time flies, and some time has passed since the robot invasion of the Earth. The overwhelming rumors have gradually subsided. Although some ordinary people witnessed the robot war, the government has ways to cover up the truth. With effective public opinion guidance, the matter is gradually calming down. However, under the circumstances, there are still many unrest. Reports of unexplained human deaths have been received in various places, and the number has climbed to hundreds. This is a super-large case in the new China.
In truth, Zhao Qiang knew better than anyone that robots were behind it all, but they might have limited energy, which was why they weren't operating in large numbers; otherwise, the death toll wouldn't have been just a hundred or so. But this kind of murder alone infuriated Zhao Qiang; it severely disrupted social stability. He and Yang Shiyun worked day and night on research, finally creating a scanner. This scanner primarily targeted matter, with a scanning range exceeding two kilometers. In unobstructed open fields, it could even reach five kilometers, greatly reducing the workload for the soldiers.
After the research results were produced, scanners were immediately mass-produced and equipped with the troops stationed around Chenguang County. Large-scale scanning began, and the results on the first day were remarkable. More than 120 hidden, immobile robots and more than 30 robots that were still mobile were discovered. After fierce fighting, all of these robots were captured. They were powerful in combat against ordinary humans, but firstly, they were running out of energy, and secondly, the special forces soldiers were well-equipped. Despite their numerical advantage, the robots were no match for the humans.
Yang Shiyun's research studio gained many more experimental materials, and Zhao Qiang also put aside some of his work to rush back. The two analyzed the overall structure of the robot. Given the current inability to manufacture "matter" and the robot's main control chip, it was unrealistic to try to replicate a robot with the same combat capabilities. However, modifying the core program of the captured robot was not difficult, because Zhao Qiang and Yang Shiyun had already mastered the writing system of the underground life form, which might also be an alien script.
After some effort, the two successfully input a new control program into the robot. This new program was modeled after the Three Laws of Robotics from "I, Robot" by Zhao Qiang. It was designed to prevent the harm to humans and to use the modified robot to search for the remaining robots. With their help, the casualty rate of the troops could be minimized.
After another half month of large-scale searching, the scope was expanded to beyond Tiannan City in L Province, and the results were very significant. More than 300 robots were captured, bringing the cumulative total to more than 500 robots captured. Zhao Qiang modified all of their programs and started them up, merging them into the Special Affairs Department of the Space Administration, which made manpower more abundant.
It should be said that after a period of intensive searching, the threat of surface robots has been eliminated. The current task is to continue monitoring the activities of underground life to prevent them from coming to the surface again to cause damage.
In a high-level conference room in Beijing, exhaust fans quickly sucked away the rising smoke, and the room was packed with people.
Yang Zhaoxi tapped his cigarette ash, a hint of smugness in his voice, and said, "The underground intelligent beings aren't necessarily that powerful. If you ask me, Xiao Zhao's technology is still slightly superior."
Hu Weimin chuckled, clearly expressing his admiration for Zhao Qiang. Even if the others had any opinions about Zhao Qiang, they dared not voice them at this moment, as several bigwigs had already retired because of him.
The top leader said to Zhao Qiang, "Little Zhao, do you think our extensive use of robots might lead to new hidden dangers?" Many people have this concern, but others dare not speak out, yet the top leader has to say it.
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, their control chips are very advanced and highly intelligent. However, please rest assured, sir, their current programming is not advanced enough to make them highly intelligent. They are only used to assist us humans in capturing robots. If necessary, I will terminate their operation after the matter is over."
The top leader said, "That's good. I've also looked into science fiction movies about robots. They're a double-edged sword. Of course, if something unexpected happens, it will only be after robots have been widely deployed. They can only pose a threat to humanity when they have a certain number. Right now, we can't manufacture them ourselves, nor can we promote them. So my thoughts are just precautionary measures. Don't overthink it."
Zhao Qiang said, "How could I possibly overthink this? The leader is only thinking about the people. You can rest assured. I can tell you for sure that these robots won't be like those in science fiction movies because the programs I rewrote for them don't have that level of intelligence. Unless they develop over a long period of time and break through the program control themselves, their mission will be over once all the surface robots are found. As for what to do with them later, we'll talk about that then."
The top leader said, "Good, I have high hopes for you. As long as the surface robots stop causing destruction, we will have plenty of time to deal with those intelligent beings underground. It would be best to completely eliminate them and solve the problem once and for all."
Someone asked, "Director Zhao, will those intelligent beings underground come up again? Will they appear in a different location next time? The data you brought back from the underground world shows that the cavity is huge. Who knows, there might be one under the ground where Beijing is located."
Zhao Qiang said, "This commander's concerns are not unfounded, but please rest assured that we have already dispatched special forces to monitor all important locations. No large-scale underground activities can escape our eyes, so please rest assured that if there is any danger, I will assist you in evacuating immediately."
"Good, that's good." Everyone was relieved. No matter what power you hold in a country, you are powerless when faced with the attack of underground intelligent beings. Ordinary humans and troops cannot deal with robots, a fact that has long been proven.
Now that everyone's concerns had been alleviated, the meeting ended early. Even if there were other matters to discuss, Zhao Qiang didn't need to participate, as he was afraid of such formal occasions.
Yang Shiqi was waiting outside the meeting room. When Zhao Qiang came out, she was lazily playing a game on her phone. Zhao Qiang knocked on the car window, and Yang Shiqi got out of the driver's seat. "So fast? I thought you were going to have a heated debate with everyone."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's not as scary as you think. Right now, everyone is worried that Beijing will be attacked, so how could they possibly object to what I'm doing?"
Yang Shiqi said, "That's true. If anyone dares to gossip, we'll just push the matter away and let whoever wants to do it do it." If the special forces division abandons its responsibilities, no one can take over the burden of dealing with the underground intelligent life. Especially without Zhao Qiang's guidance, even if we gather a lot of strength, it won't be useful. Robots cannot be dealt with by sheer numbers.
“My grandfather told us to come home for dinner. This is a small, important family gathering, so we must go,” Yang Shiqi said.
Zhao Qiang asked, "Is your second sister going home too?"
Yang Shiqi said, "You only have her in your heart. You two have been inseparable these past few days, and we have a lot of complaints about it, okay?"
Zhao Qiang said, "You've misunderstood. We're together to modify the robot's control program, not to fall in love."
Yang Shiqi said, "You're talking nonsense. I went to the research lab and you haven't come back for several nights. There's only one bed there. Can you guarantee you didn't sleep with my second sister?"
Zhao Qiang fell silent, and Yang Shiqi continued, "Judging from your expression, you must be reminiscing about my second sister's taste."
Zhao Qiang's face hardened: "Kids shouldn't talk nonsense. Come on, let's go to your house."
Yang Shiyun was helping the nanny set out the meals at the restaurant. Zhao Qiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her at home. He would miss these women if he didn't see them for a day, and now that he saw Yang Shiyun, he would think about Xu Xiaoya and the others.
Many people came to eat today. All the prominent figures in the Yang family direct line showed up, including Yang Shiyun's parents and some important relatives. Yang Shiqi enthusiastically introduced them to Zhao Qiang one by one, using various titles for their extended families. Zhao Qiang tried his best to smile and greet them one by one. Everyone was equally polite, praising Zhao Qiang for being young and promising. Outsiders might not know of Zhao Qiang's existence, but as direct descendants of the Yang family, they naturally dared not underestimate Zhao Qiang's authority.
“This is my second aunt’s husband, Sun Baiyun, the general manager of CNPC,” Yang Shiqi introduced to Zhao Qiang.
"Mr. Sun," Zhao Qiang greeted him.
Sun Baiyun straightened his face and asked, "Uh, what's this address?"
Yang Shiqi tugged at Zhao Qiang's arm: "Call me Second Uncle! You've taken two of our Yang family's daughters and now you want to deny it after you've done all that?" The Yang family had long seen through Zhao Qiang and Yang Shiyun's affair. Even if Zhao Qiang wanted to deny it, he couldn't. Although many in the Yang family opposed it, Yang Zhaoxi had tacitly agreed, so there was nothing anyone could do.
He called out somewhat awkwardly, "Second Uncle." Zhao Qiang blushed with embarrassment; social etiquette wasn't his forte. Sun Baiyun, however, was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Good, good! The Yang family has a worthy successor!"
Given Zhao Qiang's current status and power, the Yang family has too much to rely on him for. Yang Zhaoxi has two daughters and one son, and his son Yang Chengxi only has three daughters. Therefore, the son-in-law becomes the successor of the Yang family. However, Yang Zhaoxi's eldest son-in-law, Dong Qinghua, also has to rely on Zhao Qiang to make a living. He is the head of the Ordnance Corporation. But now, Zhao Qiang can make the Ordnance Corporation live or die at will. The real weapons industry is in Zhao Qiang's hands!
Yang Zhaoxi's second son-in-law is Sun Baiyun. Although he also holds an important position, his influence is no match for Zhao Qiang's. Therefore, the Yang family naturally placed the successor on the third generation. Given Zhao Qiang's current power in the country, the Yang family's social standing is certainly not something that can be overlooked.
In fact, Yang Zhaoxi also has grandsons, but none of his six grandsons are presentable. Regardless of age, they all have the typical mentality of third-generation officials and third-generation rich kids, spending their days eating, drinking, and having fun. Occasionally, when they do something serious, they mess it up. Yang Zhaoxi has been unwilling to see them for some time now. However, since his grandsons came to see their maternal grandfather at today's family gathering, Yang Zhaoxi couldn't say anything.
Dong Qinghua and Sun Baiyun had long since given up on grooming their sons to take over the Yang family affairs, so they had no hostility towards Zhao Qiang and his group. However, Yang Yucui and Yang Yuhan, the two daughters of the Yang family, did not think so. As sons-in-law, why should a young boy who was still a baby occupy such an important position? Although Yang Zhaoxi had never mentioned letting Zhao Qiang take over the Yang family, everyone could see how much he valued Zhao Qiang. Did he need to say it outright? It was obvious that he wanted to skip the second generation and directly put the third generation in charge.
[788] Popularity in the Yang Family
Zhao Qiang was quite pleased that Yang Shiqi would call Sun Baiyun her second uncle. So she was happy that she stopped introducing Zhao Qiang to other people. The two of them hid in a quiet corner, and soon Yang Shiyun also sat down. The three of them then talked in hushed tones.
Yang Shiqi said, "Zhao Qiang, now you've finally officially appeared in front of our family. You have to be good to me and my second sister from now on."
Zhao Qiang said, feeling wronged, "I haven't treated you badly before."
Yang Shiqi said, "I mean you should treat us even better in the future."
Zhao Qiang replied, "Definitely."
Yang Shiyun chuckled. After all, she was older and had to act rather reserved in front of her younger sister. Actually, she was quite satisfied, though this satisfaction and happiness weren't entirely due to the Yang family; Yang Shiyun's body now belonged to Xiao Wei.
The Yang family had set up three large tables today, but some members of the three generations hadn't arrived yet, so they would have to wait a while before eating. Zhao Qiang was chatting happily with the Yang sisters when Yang Zhaoxi's secretary came over and called to him, "Mr. Zhao, please come to the study with me for a moment."
Yang Shiyun stood up: "Let's go, I'll go with you."
In his study, Yang Zhaoxi was looking at a painting that someone had just given him. Usually, when he did this, it meant that he was happy.
"Xiao Zhao, sit down. Shi Yun is here too. Pour Xiao Zhao a cup of tea," Yang Zhaoxi instructed.
Zhao Qiang sat down and asked, "Grandpa, what did you call me here for?" Zhao Qiang had learned his lesson now. When he called out "Grandpa," not only Yang Zhaoxi was happy, but Yang Shiyun was also very happy. After all, half of her body and mind belonged to Yang Shiyun. Being good to the Yang family was also being good to her. After making tea, she quietly placed her hand on Zhao Qiang's lower back.
Yang Zhaoxi said, "Recently, many major events have occurred both domestically and internationally. We old men have worked hard for half our lives and are tired, so I think I should take some time to have some peace and quiet. It's time to hand over the affairs of the country to the younger generation."
Yang Shiyun asked, "Grandpa, do you want to retire?"
Yang Zhaoxi said, "Yes, the time for the leadership transition has come, and I have neither the will nor the energy to continue..."
Yang Shiyun said, "No, Grandpa, as long as you're willing, you can not only continue working, but also get promoted. We have the strength to support you!" Yang Shiyun wasn't joking. The economic power behind Zhao Qiang is something that even foreign conglomerates might not be able to match. In terms of power, he has always been a man of his word, and those who disagree with him will ultimately suffer a bad end. This has already been proven, because the technology that Zhao Qiang possesses is beyond the reach of any other country on Earth.
Yang Zhaoxi laughed and said, "So that's what Grandpa really thinks. Who doesn't want to go further? But with you young people around, I'm at ease. There's no need for me to stand in your way anymore. I've wronged Xiao Zhao in many ways before, but don't take it to heart. When people get old, they'll have moments of confusion. Now I'm entrusting Shiyun and Shiqi to you. Please take good care of them for me."
Zhao Qiang chuckled sheepishly, "Grandpa, don't worry, I definitely won't let them suffer." Yang Zhaoxi's decision to entrust his two granddaughters to Zhao Qiang today implicitly acknowledged the complicated relationship between the three of them; he wouldn't concern himself with Zhao Qiang's relationships with other women. Although Zhao Qiang had previously harbored resentment towards Yang Zhaoxi, he wouldn't bring it up again because of the Yang sisters.
Yang Shiyun shyly hid behind Zhao Qiang. She originally felt a little guilty towards her younger sister, after all, she had stolen her sister's boyfriend. However, since Yang Zhaoxi had agreed to her relationship with Zhao Qiang today, she could be open about it from now on and didn't have to carry too much of a mental burden.
"Xiao Zhao, come and take a look at this painting in my collection, what do you think?" Yang Zhaoxi suddenly changed the subject. Zhao Qiang stepped forward and glanced at it, saying, "Grandpa, I'm really ignorant in this area, so please don't test me." Zhao Qiang wasn't lying. He had absolutely no experience in appreciating calligraphy and paintings. Even when he studied in the library before, he only skimmed over it. After all, that kind of knowledge wasn't a survival skill.
Yang Zhaoxi said, "I plan to collect calligraphy and paintings in the future to enrich my retirement life."
Zhao Qiang said, "Grandpa, I think you should serve another term. We young people have no experience, and the country is going through a turbulent time. We need you older generation to take the helm."
Yang Shiyun also advised, "Yes, Grandpa, Zhao Qiang and I are busy with research. The matter of the robots outside and the underground world is not yet settled. There are many things waiting to be dealt with. If no one in the central government is supporting us, our work will be very difficult."
Yang Zhaoxi pondered for a moment, and Zhao Qiang knew that the old man must be tired. Being in officialdom was like being on the front lines.
In the large dining room outside the study, the Yang family had almost all arrived. Everyone was showering Yang Chengxi with compliments. Yang Chengxi and his wife, who had been somewhat dejected in the Yang family, were now all smiles.
"Dad, I heard some rumors that my grandpa is planning to retire. Does that mean you'll be promoted this time?" The eldest daughter, Yang Shilin, had a wide network of information and knew a lot about the Yang family. She wanted to confirm this while her parents were around.
Yang Chengxi said with a stern face, "Your grandfather has his own ideas about this matter, so don't make irresponsible remarks."
Although Yang Shilin was already married and had a child, she was still somewhat afraid of her father. Since her father forbade her to mention it, she stopped asking and went to talk to her third sister. Her third sister's current status was not low either. In Beijing circles, who would dare to disrespect her name? If you angered Commander Yang of the Special Forces Division, you'd be waiting to die without a burial place.
Yang Shiqi was proudly showing off to her cousins when Yang Shilin pulled her aside.
"Third sister, where's second sister?"
Yang Shiqi said, "I went with Zhao Qiang to see Grandpa."
Yang Shilin spoke up for Yang Shiqi, saying, "Why is Shiyun always going against you?"
Yang Shiqi didn't care at all: "It's nothing, Second Sister and Zhao Qiang are a good match."
Yang Shilin thought she had misheard. "What? Third Sister, you said Second Sister and Zhao Qiang are a good match? Are you crazy? He's your man!" Zhao Qiang's identity was naturally no secret to Yang Shilin.
Yang Shiqi said, "How could I have such good fortune? I can't have him all to myself. There's nothing I can do. He was already someone else's boyfriend back then. In the end, I also snatched a part from someone else. Now that my second sister is helping me back up, our Yang family can get more benefits in the future. Why are you tempted, eldest sister?"
Yang Shilin tapped Yang Shiqi on the head: "What nonsense are you talking about! I'm already a mother. If your brother-in-law hears this, he'll scold you to death."
Yang Shiqi chuckled: "Once you're a mother, you're a wife, and men all like that kind of thing, don't they?"
While the two sisters were playing around, the children from Yang Yucui and Yang Yuhan's families were not idle either. However, they were all very serious, completely different from their usual playful style. After all, their parents were right in front of them, so they didn't dare to make a fuss even if they wanted to.
Yang Yucui's third son, Dong Haoguo, casually raised a glass of red wine and asked, "Yingqiang, where is your girlfriend from? I don't think there's anyone like her in Beijing's social circles. Did you just pick her up from some university?" Dong Haoguo asked bluntly in front of Sun Yingqiang.
Sun Yingqiang, Yang Yuhan's third son, didn't mind Dong Haoguo's teasing. He pointed to the girl next to him and said, "She just gave herself to me. Someone in her family had a problem and came to my dad for help. I brought her out to see the world. Girls from small places like her have never seen the world."
Dong Haoguo held out his wine glass to the girl: "Sister-in-law, let's have a drink. My name is Dong Haoguo, you can call me Aguo."
The girl was a little reserved and shy: "My name is Wang Ping, hello Haoguo."
Sun Yingqiang said, "Wang Ping, don't worry, your dad's problem is nothing to my dad. It's just a little accounting issue. These days, officials would be struck by lightning if they didn't take advantage of themselves, so I understand. I'll have my dad take care of it later."
Wang Ping said gratefully to Sun Yingqiang, "Thank you, Brother Qiang. Don't worry, as long as my dad is alright, I will fulfill all the promises I made."