Chapter 121: The Big Shots Recruiting Soldiers and Horses

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Across the entire globe, any ambitious nation aspiring to make its mark in the future has been feeling immense pressure emanating from the Eastern Dragon. Since last year, when China successfully developed its aerospace fighter jet, the space race led by China has erupted with unprecedented fervor.

Major powers around the world have poured vast sums of money into their space programs, yet their progress pales in comparison to China’s rapid advancements. With the possession of aerospace fighter jets, China’s power in space is expanding swiftly, akin to a celestial palace ascending towards the heavens.

In just about half a year, China’s space capabilities have grown at an unparalleled pace. Mastering the core technology of the aerospace fighter jet is like racing in a car while others are on bicycles or even walking. Not only has China overtaken Europe and America in a short span, but it has also opened up a vast gap ahead.

While other countries still take pride in the successful launch of a satellite or spacecraft, China has already proposed making the space industry the cornerstone and core of its future economy, fully opening space exploration to private enterprises. This reveals the immense confidence China now holds — at least within the realm of space technology, it has long surged ahead of all other nations.

China’s confidence naturally stems from the plasma engine, a revolutionary technological marvel that has only recently emerged internationally. Riding on the strength of the aerospace fighter jet, China has achieved a leapfrogging development. In the future, large spacecraft equipped with plasma propulsion will continue to emerge, further driving down the costs of space travel and heralding the dawn of the space age.

The world's nations cannot help but feel an invisible yet overwhelming pressure. Space is undoubtedly humanity’s future frontier; no one wishes to be constrained in this domain. Moreover, terrestrial resources are becoming increasingly scarce, while space offers resources that seem almost limitless.

In any field, first movers gain tremendous advantages. On matters of national importance and the future of entire peoples, taking an early lead means staying steps ahead. First entrants secure vast resources, enjoying abundant benefits, while latecomers remain subservient, forced to rely on the goodwill of others even for the crumbs.

Domestically, China’s situation is entirely different. The country’s top businessmen are acutely sensitive to this profound policy shift. Each can discern from the government’s primary policy document that the space industry is poised to become the future’s golden and sunrise sector.

Among them, real estate magnate Lao Wang—a frequent figure among China’s wealthiest and head of the nation’s largest commercial real estate group—possesses remarkably keen instincts. Following the issuance of the primary policy directive, Lao Wang realized that government support for real estate would swiftly diminish, possibly even turning into a crackdown.

The real estate sector has reached its zenith after more than a decade of glory, having pushed housing prices in China to astronomical heights. Continuing on this trajectory would only bring harm, with no benefits.

This awareness is not limited to the upper echelons of government; as a titan of real estate, Lao Wang deeply understands the future challenges facing the industry, which will undoubtedly grow harsher than before.

Thus, Lao Wang has long been experimenting with transformation. Having started in commercial real estate, his company has gradually evolved into a sprawling conglomerate encompassing commerce, culture, internet, finance, and tourism, though commercial real estate remains the core business.

Having grasped the implications of the primary policy directive, Lao Wang immediately recognized the enormous potential and boundless wealth within the space industry. Without hesitation, he promptly announced his company’s entry into the space sector by founding Wanda Space Technology Co., Ltd., with an initial focus on space tourism.

Although space tourism might seem insignificant now, the advent of aerospace fighter jets and the ongoing development of space stations make it likely to become one of the first realized space industries, with immense industrial value. Lao Wang’s vision is undeniably sharp.

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Starting with space tourism and gradually expanding into other space-related fields, Lao Wang aspires to build another vast commercial empire in the space sector.

In Hangzhou, the latest session of the China Alumni Association was held discreetly. The association is a low-profile and enigmatic organization, composed entirely of elite CEOs who once studied at the Yangtze River Business School and the China-Europe International Business School.

The gatherings occur twice annually, rotating the host role. This time, the host was none other than Ma, the well-known founder of a leading e-commerce platform. Many prominent figures attended, including Wang Chuanfu of BYD, Pony Ma of Tencent, Cao Lun of Sina, Mengniu’s Niu Gensheng, Lenovo’s Liu Chuanzhi, and numerous other influential domestic business leaders.

“Brothers, what are your thoughts on the space industry?” Ma, as host, initiated the discussion.

“Undoubtedly, a great era is dawning. The space industry, like the virtual world industry, will become one of China’s two economic hot spots and core pillars in the future,” Pony Ma, ever lively and sociable, responded eagerly.

“We’re all racing against time in the virtual world sector. What about space? Lao Wang has already publicly declared his entry into the space industry,” Ma added.

Currently, Ma’s finances are somewhat tight due to heavy investments in virtual world development, yet he is reluctant to abandon the space sector. He too recognizes its vast growth potential and boundless opportunities. Entering this field now could easily secure a territory that does not yet belong to anyone.

“The government has clearly expressed strong support and encouragement for space industry development. Policies are favorable. Technologically, with China’s aerospace fighter jets now operational, space progress will accelerate by leaps and bounds. No issues there. However, funding demands will be enormous. I believe we can pool our resources and aim to claim a large slice of the pie. The space industry is a high-tech, capital-intensive, and high-risk sector, but future returns will be very promising,” Wang Chuanfu analyzed carefully, nodding earnestly. He too wants to enter the space industry but worries about risks and the massive financial requirements, necessitating collaboration.

“I’m in.”

“Count me in as well.”

One by one, the assembled magnates nodded in agreement, all optimistic about the space industry. Though it may seem distant now, they possess far more information than the average person. They clearly understand that with the aerospace fighter jet’s emergence, the space age has arrived—just as the virtual world era looms with the advent of virtual machines.

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Joining these two sectors now means staking claims and building empires. If one waits until these technologies enter everyday life, the barriers to entry will be high and profits scarce. Without innovation, it will be difficult to thrive.

Soon, a company quietly formed with many of the China Alumni Association’s top tycoons as shareholders. Named Huadong Space Technology, it boasts a staggering registered capital of over 100 billion yuan, demonstrating the immense power of these magnates.

Even fewer know about “Jieli China,” a secretive commercial circle composed of elite second-generation heirs from wealthy families. It remains virtually unknown to the public but wields enormous influence and mobilization capacity. Beyond the business sphere, it maintains close ties with numerous political second-generation figures.

“Our group doesn’t accept those with clashing vibes. If you drive a Lamborghini, take off your three car accessories before entering Jieli China. If you’ve earned your own way, that’s a different story. Membership is based not on material wealth but on spirit,” states the founding philosophy of Jieli China.

This circle comprises heirs who inherit family legacies but refuse to rest on their laurels, striving instead to prove their worth through their own abilities.

Naturally, the heirs in Jieli China pay close attention to emerging industries like space and the virtual world. They see the immense wealth and infinite possibilities within these sunrise sectors.

A company called Future Star Technology was also established quietly. Despite its low profile, it registered over 10 billion yuan in capital. Compared to the China Alumni Association group, Future Star has attracted many young scientists and technical talents, effectively securing a technological advantage.

Throughout China, various private forces have already set their sights on the vast space industry cake, sharpening their knives and preparing to carve out their share.

Though individual entities may seem weak in this capital-intensive arena, collectively their strength is enormous and awe-inspiring. Numerous space-related technology companies are sprouting up like mushrooms after rain.

From top-tier billionaires to ordinary entrepreneurs, from the older generation to the ambitious youth, and even many university students from prestigious schools—all are gearing up to venture into the space field. The entire nation is galvanized by this grand vision.

Recommended reading: The new book "Yuan Zun" by the great author Tian Can Tu Dou, and the latest work by the acclaimed writer Mao Ni.