Chapter 1368: Another bottleneck!
Zhao Chen looked at the final scanned map of the universe.
Apart from the universe centered on the Dragon Empire and the two surrounding universes, everything else remained pitch black.
It simply scanned the map of Universe 2 in greater detail and more comprehensively.
The size of Universe 2 is roughly the same as that of Universe 1.
It is estimated to be a universe of similar 'age'.
This left the researchers present feeling both happy and disappointed.
The good news is that the experimental results of Unit 4 showed that its overall performance was at least ten times better than that of Unit 3.
This is a huge improvement for the machine itself.
Disappointingly, no other new universes were found.
"This result is still acceptable."
This at least shows that our research is progressing.
"As long as we continue our research in this direction, we will be able to see much further into the future." Zhao Chen looked at Dr. Camille beside him.
Dr. Camille nodded in agreement, but soon added with concern, "But according to our research, we found..."
As far as current machines and technology are concerned.
Although it can be iterated and upgraded several more times afterward.
However, as we upgrade the machine more and more, we will soon reach a bottleneck in its development.
Unless another disruptive design theory framework emerges.
Or perhaps there is a significant improvement in raw materials and energy.
Otherwise, it will be very difficult for us to have a large-scale substitute for this later.
Hearing Dr. Camille's words.
Zhao Chen nodded slightly.
He was naturally aware of this problem.
This is the theoretical technology he presented, and he is actually responsible for more than 80% of it.
Dr. Camille and others were only responsible for overseeing the production of these theoretical concepts while simultaneously learning them.
Zhao Chen understood the machine better than they did.
"I know.
"Let's focus on doing what's in front of us right now, and leave the future to the future," Zhao Chen said.
"Yes." Seeing that His Majesty the Emperor did not delve further into the matter, Dr. Camille did not say anything more.
Zhao Chen looked at Dr. Camille and continued, "The end of the year will be here soon."
This year, our empire will host a grand New Year's Eve banquet.
Our project researchers have all worked very hard during this period. None of us have had a proper rest or much time to spend with our families.
This time, all researchers at our Imperial Military Research Institute have been given a week-long vacation.
And everyone will be given a holiday spending card.
This is for your use during your holidays when you and your family go out for fun and shopping.
"A week?" Dr. Camille frowned slightly, seemingly not very fond of the holiday. She said, "But our project schedule is so demanding..."
"I know this project plan is very serious."
But sometimes a taut string needs to be loosened, otherwise it will break.
Everyone has their own family.
Dr. Camille, your parents miss you very much.
I've heard that you usually only talk to them for a few minutes on the phone.
"It's time to go back and visit them." Zhao Chen looked at Dr. Camille and said in an unquestionable tone.
"I will arrange a boat ticket for each of you. Those who are far away can take the fastest dedicated teleportation machine."
I will have someone arrange your trip.
"To ensure you have a safe and comfortable holiday."
These researchers are all his prized possessions.
It's not just what's out in the open.
Whenever they went out, Zhao Chen would have the Imperial Guards keep a close watch on them in secret to protect their safety.
After all, this is all the empire's wealth!
Dr. Camille still seemed hesitant, probably worried that it would affect her research experiments.
Zhao Chen then added, "If you have any concerns, there is another option."
I can arrange for someone to bring your families to the Xiaolong system for a vacation, which will also allow us to reunite.
Dr. Camille's brow relaxed upon hearing this suggestion.
——————
In the next few days of the year, most people in the Dragon Empire were preparing for the New Year.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of invited interstellar warships entered the Xiaolong system.
Because of the unique characteristics of the Xiaolong Galaxy.
Therefore, interstellar warships entering and leaving the Xiaolong system are subject to control.
The use of each stargate is subject to special arrangements.
For example, the interstellar transport ships used to transport raw materials and parts in the industrial zone have a dedicated stargate.
Meanwhile, the area where the Dragon Legion fleet is stationed also has a dedicated stargate.
The remaining stargates.
It is intended for use by personnel from various factions who need to come to the Xiaolong Galaxy to handle various matters.
And some people who want to visit the Xiaolong system.
After obtaining the permit, board a special interstellar cruise ship to the Xiaolong system and spend a vacation in the Xiaolong system.
But when the license expires, you either have to renew it if conditions allow, or you have to leave the Dragon Star System.
Because the population of the Xiaolong system has now almost reached its peak.
As a result, Jiang Hong, the administrator of the Xiaolong Galaxy, has even moved all the low- and mid-end manufacturing industries out of the Xiaolong Galaxy.
Despite this, there are still many people in the Dragon Empire who want to flock to the Dragon Galaxy.
They regard the Xiaolong system as a sacred place in their hearts.
This is naturally unacceptable.
After all, the Xiaolong Galaxy is just a galaxy, and not a very large one at that.
Even planets that have undergone terraforming to become habitable cannot accommodate this endless stream of people.
Therefore, this rule was added.
Anyone who does not possess a special household registration in the Xiaolong Galaxy is not allowed to enter the Xiaolong Galaxy.
From then on, a gray industry was born in the Dragon Empire.
That was smuggling into the Xiaolong Galaxy.
As the name suggests, it means that someone arranges for those who want to enter the Xiaolong system to smuggle themselves into the Xiaolong system.
They charge a fee for this, but whether these stowaways can survive in the Xiaolong system is naturally not their responsibility.
There are many ways to illegally cross the border.
Alternatively, they could use the interstellar transport ship prepared by the leader of the smuggling operation, or the shuttle to enter the Xiaolong system through the edge of interstellar space.
This method allows for more illegal immigrants to be carried at once, but it also increases the risk of being caught.
After all, the area around the Xiaolong system is not only surrounded by warp interceptors, but also by interstellar patrols that patrol for extended periods.
On a luxurious interplanetary cruise ship.
A man leaned back on a sofa, a cigar held between his mechanical arms, striking a cool pose as he took a puff and exhaled a smoke ring.
"Xiao Song, do you think I look handsome?" the man said, looking at his male secretary beside him.
The male secretary said with a somewhat complicated expression, "Mr. Li, you look very handsome."
But your wife said you're not allowed to smoke.
You...
"That woman is always meddling in this and that."
He even controls my smoking.
I don't know, I'm a man destined for great things.
"A man can smoke when he's out and about, so what? Others...others...if they were in my position...they'd do even more outrageous things than I do."
Li Wei was grumbling incessantly, completely unaware of the constant winks he received from his male secretary beside him.
In the end, the male secretary seemed to give up and silently lowered his head.
"Something out of line?"
"I'd like to see what outrageous things you're up to, kid." A slender hand pinched Li Wei's ear.
Li Wei felt pain, but upon hearing that voice, he didn't even have the slightest thought of resisting.
He immediately smiled apologetically and said, "Sis... Sis, don't take it seriously, I was just kidding."
"Just kidding?"
Were you just trying to say that someone else should be sitting in your position, Mr. Li?
Playing around or keeping a mistress are commonplace occurrences.
Do you also want to play along?
"President Li." The person who appeared behind him was Li Wei's sister, Li Yaqi.
One of the major business giants in the current Dragon Empire.
Li Wei said with a forced smile, "Just kidding, just kidding."
It was all a joke.
And sister, please don't call me President Li.
What am I compared to you?
"I don't earn as much in a year as you do in a single day."
"Sister, Li Wei probably realized he was wrong just now."
See, he's already apologized.
"Don't make things difficult for him." A woman carrying a child came out.
The child looked to be only a little over a year old.
"Xiao Miao, you're not usually like this," Li Yaqi said, looking at her sister-in-law with suspicion.
Madam Miao smiled slightly.
This laugh sent a shiver down Li Wei's spine.
"Doesn't Mr. Li like to put on an act?"
That's perfect. I'll pick a few tough guys and put on a good show for Mr. Li when the time comes.
I don't know if Mr. Li likes this or not.
This person has a big butt.
This chest is nice too.
"Look how slender this waist is, isn't it?" As Madam Miao spoke, she projected several photos of women.
Upon seeing these photos, Li Wei was even more terrified.
That butt is big, how could a pig-headed person's butt not be big!
Those breasts are huge, minotaur... those muscles could probably crush Li Wei to death, especially that body hair, it could probably drown Li Wei.
As for that waist.
Mantis Woman?
I've heard that praying mantises have a habit of eating their mates.
This could cost you your life.
Seeing these photos, Li Yaqi rubbed her chin and said, "I think they're pretty good."
"I'll arrange it for my younger brother."
"It's pretty good."
"Three isn't enough, let's just arrange a whole football team." Another voice came.
Li Wei's eyes lit up instantly.
Zhao Chen walked in through the bridge gate, followed by Leopard Woman and several guards.
"Old Zhao..." Li Wei called out subconsciously.
But Li Yaqi glared at her directly.
Li Wei immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Li Yaqi and Madam Miao also bowed in greeting.
Zhao Chen looked at the three of them and said helplessly, "What are you doing?"
This was a private meeting; we are old friends who have known each other for many years.
No need for formalities.
Zhao Chen knew that once he took that position, many things would change, including his relationship with his old friends.
But Zhao Chen still hoped to retain them as much as possible.
As Zhao Chen spoke, he walked to Li Wei's side and put his arm around Li Wei's neck.
He pointed at the photos of those 'beautiful women' with an air of importance.
"Not bad."
"Since your sister-in-law is so open-minded, why not seize the opportunity to have her on both sides?" Zhao Chen looked at Li Wei with a half-smile.
Li Wei may have also sensed Zhao Chen's feelings.
He gradually regained the feeling of being with his old friends.
"We dare not seize this opportunity."
My wife was just joking with me.
"Is that right, honey?" Li Wei immediately looked at his wife.
Lady Miao rolled her eyes at Li Wei: "For His Majesty's sake, I won't say anything to you today."
But your smoking habit can't be judged so simply.
Smoking is bad for your health.
"And you smell like smoke, is that good for the child?"
“My sister-in-law is right.”
"No more smoking from now on." Zhao Chen had somehow acquired a cigarette case and tossed it to the Leopard Woman.
The leopard woman silently accepted it.
She glanced at the cigarette box; it was a very, very expensive, high-quality item.
Li Wei looked at the cigarettes he had bought with so much of his allowance with some reluctance.
But now he dares not utter a single word and can only silently endure this hurt.
"Yes, yes, I promise I won't smoke anymore," Li Wei said helplessly.
Zhao Chen withdrew his arm and looked at the child in Madam Miao's arms.
What's the child's name?
"Li Miaomiao".
"We'll take Li Wei's surname and my surname." Mrs. Miao's face was full of happiness when she talked about the children.
"That's right."
This is my precious daughter.
"How is it? Pretty fresh, right?" Li Wei, now refreshed, walked over.
While playing with her own child, she looked at Zhao Chen and said, "You also have a son."
How about we arrange a marriage between our children?
Look at my daughter, she'll definitely be incredibly beautiful when she grows up.
If it's uncertain now, there might not be another chance later.
As soon as Li Wei said this...
Both Madam Miao and Li Yaqi were shocked.
Li Yaqi thought to herself that her younger brother really didn't know how to speak.
They were completely unaware of the seriousness of their words.
Zhao Chen's son, although he is the second son, is the eldest son.
What does that mean?
This means that he is very likely to be the successor of the future Dragon Empire.
And what does the wife of the future heir to the empire represent?
They knew it very well.
If Li Wei brings this up now, and the outside world finds out, it will inevitably cause a stir.
"I'll have to think about that."
If our Miaomiao grows up to resemble her sister-in-law, then of course there's no problem.
"But what if he looks like you..." Zhao Chen looked Li Wei up and down, frowning slightly as if he needed to think.
"So what do you mean by that, kid!"
What's wrong with my appearance?
Back when I was at the Northern Starship Military Academy, I was quite a handsome young man.
"Where's our class heartthrob?!" Li Wei immediately retorted, unconvinced.
"The class heartthrob?"
It's probably just a roadside weed.
"If my sister-in-law were to take a liking to you, it would probably be difficult." Zhao Chen wore a regretful expression, like a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung.
Li Wei immediately retorted, and the two acted like old friends who hadn't seen each other for years.
Completely disregarding their status, they chatted idly, their laughter echoing across the bridge.
However, Li Yaqi had already arranged for all the extra personnel in the bridge to evacuate, and the rest of the people kept their heads down and did their own things.