As Meng Hao had predicted.
When William submitted the hard drive containing the R&D progress to the military.
All product accessories were immediately prepared for Meng Hao.
When William excitedly and joyfully told Meng Hao how he had received the praise from his own father, who was also a high-ranking official in the US, Meng Hao couldn't help but find it amusing.
This William.
If not for their differing allegiances, he would indeed be a friend worth befriending.
However.
Even though Meng Hao was destined to return to Great Xia, there was still an opportunity to build some rapport with William during this period of interaction.
"Brother Hao, you're incredible. My dad told me that the R&D progress and ideas you provided are extremely novel, not only usable in civilian equipment but also of great reference value for military equipment."
"It's a shame that, based on the current equipment parameters, they are all somewhat niche technologies. My dad said they are eagerly awaiting your research into more powerful technologies..."
"And also that Bruce, he's had terrible luck, you know. After he submitted the list, before he could even claim credit, he was thoroughly scolded. They said he was using the excuse of assisting you with R&D to concoct demands for materials you never requested, trying to skim money..."
It was evident.
William was gleeful about Bruce's misfortune.
"Brother Hao, you've given me such great merit. Tell me if you need anything!"
"How about I arrange for someone to let you sneak out for a stroll in the city?"
"But, it can only be within the city. If you go too far, I'll be held responsible."
Meng Hao raised an eyebrow.
This William.
He really seemed to consider him a friend.
He smiled at William.
"What?"
"Aren't you afraid I'll run away midway?"
William froze for a moment, then scratched his head.
It seemed he did have some slight concerns.
"Brother Hao, I feel like you wouldn't betray me, right?"
"Besides, you can't go back to Great Xia right now. Bruce's maternal uncle, Lieutenant General Tommy, has completely tarnished your reputation in your homeland."
Good heavens.
William really spoke without thinking.
Although Meng Hao had an inkling that the reason for his infamous reputation in Great Xia was the scheming of that old fox, Lieutenant General Tommy.
However.
Guessing it and being told directly were two entirely different matters.
This William, his backing power was likely not to be underestimated. In fact, it was absolutely on par with Lieutenant General William.
Otherwise.
He wouldn't have casually mentioned that it was Lieutenant General William who was targeting Meng Hao.
"Don't worry."
"I don't plan to stroll around the city, nor do I plan to escape."
Meng Hao said with a chuckle.
It wasn't that.
He felt obligated by politeness not to escape.
It was simply unnecessary.
Under the surveillance of countless agents and soldiers, escaping by land was an impossible feat... and it would also alert them, making his escape plan less feasible.
Another reason was to return William's favor.
At least for now, this kid was quite to his liking.
"Oh, Brother Hao, why are you being so polite with me?"
"But, I won't force you."
"However, within this research center and military base, feel free to ask for anything you need. It can definitely be fulfilled."
"How about arranging another trip to a gambling ship?"
Damn.
Meng Hao repeatedly shook his head.
This William was far too hospitable.
With "song and dance" and "flirty women" visiting the gambling ship every few days, did he really think Meng Hao had an iron waist and an electric motor for a body?
Even though Meng Hao had been enhanced by the system's little blue pills, he was still flesh and blood, not outside the human realm.
...
A large number of components were delivered to Meng Hao's workshop.
Having completely gained William's trust, Meng Hao could now proceed with his escape plan with peace of mind.
He selected the necessary parts from the components and began the installation.
As for the R&D technologies that William mentioned Meng Hao had submitted to the US,
Those were indeed genuine.
Although they were just minor technical parameters with little "black technology" content.
The R&D capability they represented absolutely shocked the US... and consequently, William also received praise.
As for Meng Hao, in the coming period.
He would provide William with many more opportunities to earn merit.
Providing the latest new energy vehicle for Testest Company?
That was absolutely impossible.
However, similar to how NG Company, under the instruction of Testest CEO Marchek, had provided Huayong Technology with battery modules containing backdoors, Meng Hao could follow suit and return the favor.
Meng Hao had left backdoors in all the products provided to the US.
And these were backdoors that the US side could not crack.
Once Meng Hao escaped, if the US dared to use these technologies, they would have days to cry about it.
...
The first "new energy vehicle" model had been assembled.
From its exterior, this car model was significantly larger than ordinary cars.
Meng Hao took a short break.
And began modifying the external model of this car.
After all.
This nominal car was actually intended for underwater operations.
At depths of tens or even hundreds of meters,
The pressure from the seawater was enough to crush most ordinary land creatures into meat paste.
Therefore.
The external chassis of this submersible, disguised as a new energy vehicle, was extremely important. It couldn't just be crushed into a tin can as soon as it entered the water.
After inspecting the car body.
It was generally determined that there were no major issues.
Meng Hao pondered for a moment and named this vehicle "Danggui."
Danggui, Danggui, returning home.
Named after a common Chinese herbal medicine, it showed Meng Hao's longing to return home.
Another hazy night.
Tired from the day's work, Meng Hao sat in his chair, gazing blankly at the Danggui submersible.
He entered a state of absolute relaxation.
His thoughts drifted.
He wondered.
How were his parents doing now, and had his mother woken up from her coma.
Was the production of Huayong Technology proceeding in an orderly fashion.
Uncle Chenghua should have arranged everything quite well.
Qin Muyan, this girl was deliberately waiting for him to return every day, wasn't she.
And Zhang Xijin, that slightly proud yet girl who had put in countless efforts for him, was probably still in Australia, searching for any trace of him.
Just as Meng Hao was feeling a myriad of emotions.
A phone call rang.
No need to look.
He knew it must be Luna.
So late, and the only one allowed by the US to contact him was this girl, Luna.
The call was connected.
Luna's voice, which he hadn't heard for only two or three days, exploded in his ears.
"Brother Hao, I miss you."