Traffic near the IMCRC headquarters building had almost ground to a halt.
Reporters from major television stations and newspapers had practically sealed off the entrance, seriously disrupting staff coming and going from work.
Although IMCRC security had stopped some of them, a small number of reporters had still slipped into the underground parking garage through various official and unofficial channels.
Just as Luo Wenxuan parked his car, pressed the electronic lock, and prepared to head upstairs, he stared dumbfounded as a crowd of reporters carrying cameras and microphones swarmed him like zombies.
"...Hello, I'm a reporter from Observer News. Secretary-General Luo, does IMCRC's latest research mean warp travel is now possible?"
"In theory, it's possible. In practice, the prospects are very slim."
"Secretary-General Luo, does this mean Hua Nation will soon begin exploring distant star systems? Will we be able to set foot in Andromeda within our lifetimes?"
"Good question, provided you can live another two centuries. Perhaps a little longer."
"Secretary-General Luo-"
"Please let me through. The meeting is about to begin. If you have any further questions, please contact IMCRC's press spokesperson. That is our only officially authorized channel for statements."
He fought his way through the crowd and, under the protection of the venue's security guards, slipped into the lobby.
Watching the staff struggle to close the wooden door behind him and the crowd gradually disperse as security ushered them away, he finally let out a long breath and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Looks like those reporters outside gave you quite a hard time."
Hearing the familiar voice, Luo Wenxuan looked up and saw Lu Zhou standing beside him with a smile.
Surprise immediately spread across his face. He looked Lu Zhou up and down in disbelief, then asked with a strange expression, "How did