Mars.
Inside the conference room in Mars City.
Academicians and professors with graying temples sat upright around the conference table.
At the head of the table, a huge holographic projection unfolded.
Several large Chinese characters were prominently displayed on it.
"Space mining technology"
Lü Yongchang sat at the head of the table, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone before him, a trace of emotion flickering in his eyes.
Unlike previous projects, this space mining project involved many disciplines, so there were plenty of unfamiliar faces in the conference room.
"Professor Lü?"
A voice with a somewhat unusual accent rang out.
Lü Yongchang turned toward the voice.
An elderly man with white hair and distinctly Western features sat in a chair, watching him quietly.
It was Professor Leonard, formerly of the United States.
If Lü Yongchang remembered correctly, Professor Leonard specialized in space mining research.
"Professor Leonard?" Lü Yongchang gave him a friendly smile and asked softly, "Is there something you'd like to say?"
Professor Leonard nodded solemnly, picked up the microphone beside him, and cleared his throat.
The somewhat noisy conference room fell silent.
Everyone turned their attention to Professor Leonard.
"Professor Lü, based on my previous research, space mining presents quite a few challenges," Leonard said carefully in less-than-fluent Mandarin.
After speaking, he looked at Lü Yongchang with some apprehension.
This was his first time working with Professor Lü.
Leonard was a little worried that his remarks might offend the Human Federation's Chief Scientist.
Lü Yongchang chuckled and nodded. "Please, go on."
Seeing Lü Yongchang's response, Leonard visibly relaxed.
"Professor, although we have experience with lunar mining, there are enormous differences between the two," Professor Leonard said seriously.
"The three largest asteroids in the Asteroid Belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter are over 400 kilometers in diameter."