Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 847 - 852 This is a Fact

Chapter 847: Chapter 852 This is a Fact

Sometimes, language is a weapon, piercing straight to the heart, and it’s very sharp.

Ian was dumbfounded by Zhao Qiang’s words, staring with his mouth agape, then confusion spread across his face.

"I’m not sure, I think what you’re saying is somewhat... no, I don’t know, but I think..."

I’m not sure, I don’t know, I think.

That was all Ian could manage to say now, his recent promotion’s allure had begun to waver, but Zhao Qiang’s words rapidly melted away the little hope for the future that had formed with his promotion, like ice and snow beneath the blazing sun.

Zhao Qiang’s face was grave as he shook his head and said softly, "It seems that you still don’t really understand your current situation. Let me ask you the same question in another way. You’re in charge of a laboratory, so do you have any projects? Will you have funding? Do you have qualified subordinates?"

Ian sighed softly.

"I... have many ideas, I have a topic, I want to prove something, I need support, but now..."

Ian spoke vaguely; he was a scientist, but a scientist does not necessarily articulate their thoughts accurately and smoothly, especially when their thoughts are in disarray, making it difficult to even organize their language.

Zhao Qiang didn’t need Ian to say anything.

"How does a person realize their life’s value? How do you see your own worth, how do you assess the value of your life?"

Ian seemed pained as he spoke in a low voice, "Life’s value, you talk to me about life’s value? My values are that I want to do something, something beneficial for the United Kingdom, for the world, for humanity!"

"You talk about doing something beneficial for the world and all of humanity—a noble goal, but you work for the United Kingdom, and that too for the intelligence service. Ian, you either choose to devote your life to the secret battles of the United Kingdom or dedicate all your energy to your grand ambitions."

Ian spread his hands and said, "I joined Kauswell Laboratory right after university graduation because I thought I could realize my dream faster here."

"But you were wrong, right?"

Zhao Qiang looked at Ian with pity, saying helplessly, "Ian, you chose the wrong place to realize your worth. Let me tell you, the United Kingdom is not what it used to be; it’s decayed and degenerated now. Don’t you understand your situation well enough yet? Mediocre people occupy high positions while a young and talented individual like you cannot see a future or hope. You achieve results, produce outcomes, yet get kicked out because you’ve become a threat to your superiors’ positions. They’ve given you a laboratory, but Ian, you’re a scientist; do you know what you can accomplish in a lab with nothing, relying on yourself alone?"

Ian took a deep sigh.

Zhao Qiang spoke earnestly, "You’re a genius. You’ve studied for a long time, and you hope to contribute to your own country, but don’t you understand, Ian? Your country no longer needs people like you. An individual has personal value and social value. Ideally, you fulfil the needs of societal value while realizing your personal value, but the problem is, your country doesn’t need you anymore; you cannot contribute to this country, let alone realize your personal value."

Ian fell completely silent.

Zhao Qiang continued slowly, "Why do I say your country doesn’t need you anymore? It’s simple, just look at the current state of the United Kingdom. Everyone is short-sighted and profit-driven; foundational scientific research projects are getting cut, only projects that can quickly turn a profit in business receive investment. Whether it’s defense technology or basic natural sciences, grants are nowhere to be found. Do you feel this is the case?"

Ian nodded weakly.

"The United Kingdom might still look gleaming, but what is this? It’s a final flare before extinction, living off past glories. What about in ten years, twenty years? You’re still young; do you really want to follow the United Kingdom step by step into decay?"

"I have one last question. I don’t know which direction your research is in, but I want to know what support you can get. Do you have technology? Do you have funding? Do you have experts?"

Ian held his head in agony, shaking it and saying, "Stop, just stop!"

Zhao Qiang exhaled deeply and then declared sternly, "If you can’t realize your societal value, then at least achieve your personal worth. Ian, you’re young, you have endless potential. You could have left your mark in the history of science, a mark as pronounced as Newton, Watt, Faraday, Fleming, Maxwell, Ernest. Think about these people, does that not excite you?"

"Think about those great scientists and the immense contributions they made to human progress. Consider the British scientists of that time; they propelled the entire world forward. And now?"

"You must realize your own worth, Ian. You should first realize self-worth, and then you may be able to achieve greater value. Like Marie Curie, she was Polish, but she could only realize her worth in France. Even Einstein, a German, could only save his own life by going to the United States. Aren’t these the best examples?"

Zhao Qiang’s mouth moved incessantly, and then he reached out his hands sincerely towards Ian, "Come join us. I cannot promise you anything in terms of treatment, but I can assure you that you will have a team just as young and brilliant. If you have the ability to lead them, then you’re the leader; if not, then you’ll be led by someone else."

Ian looked at Zhao Qiang thoughtfully.

"Our scientific research team is very young. The average age of my aerospace research team is just over thirty, and those born in the eighties are already carrying the mantle. Can you become a leader for a project or even a discipline? That depends on your capacity. If you have it, you move up! Funding? Talent? Support? Everything’s no problem; nothing’s a problem!"

Eric raised his hand and said softly, "Sorry to interrupt, but the three million British Pounds in... uh... relocation expenses..."

Before Zhao Qiang could speak, Ian said in a firm voice, "That’s not an issue!"

Zhao Qiang nodded, "Right, everything is not a problem – the only issue, the only problem! Is your ability. If you have it, we don’t care about your nationality, your background, your habits, or anything else. You’ll be the leader for a project, and if you’re strong enough, you’ll be the leader for a discipline! Our country will fully support your research; these are not my promises, but the resolve of a rising superpower."

After speaking, Zhao Qiang let out a breath, and said, "Whether I’m lying or boasting, there are too many examples that can prove it. You judge for yourself."