After Li Qiwei finished analyzing the first-mover trap in technology, everyone present was struck with dread.
They feared the day Britain would be caught up to, when it would no longer be the center of the world.
Suddenly, someone threatened loudly, "Bruce Li, aren't you afraid that the British government will arrest you and bar you from leaving the country for publicly saying such things?"
"If you can't even make it home, let's see how you'll replicate Britain's technology."
A buzz immediately rose through the hall. He Yujie and the other two were especially worried, afraid that the British government might truly lose its mind and detain them. If that happened, everything would be over.
Yet Li Qiwei merely gave a scornful laugh, shook his head, and appeared utterly unconcerned. "So long as Britain's rulers haven't lost their minds, they cannot possibly do something so foolish."
"Even if you deported me today, or even imprisoned me, have you considered the disastrous consequences that would follow?"
"Everyone, it is not only Qing Dynasty people who study in Britain now. There are Americans, Frenchmen, and Germans as well."
"You may be able to guard against one me, but can you guard against countless thousands? Is Britain going to drive out every foreigner?"
"Qing Dynasty is not the only backward country in this world. Does the empire on which the sun never sets intend to make an enemy of the entire world?"
The face of the man who had issued the threat instantly turned the color of pig liver. Li Qiwei's questions were impeccable. The British government truly would not dare do such a thing, or it would incur public outrage.
After all, Europe was not a solid block even now. There were quite a few nations that hated Britain, not to mention