After watching Fang Xu leave, the smile gradually faded from Hong Qiming's face, and his expression grew solemn.
From Fang Xu's words, he could tell with absolute certainty how much importance the Academy of Sciences attached to this matter.
"This won't be easy..."
Hong Qiming sighed softly and turned toward the list in the holographic projection, which had few names left on it.
He carefully reviewed each councillor's information, weighing his choices as he marked names on the list.
A long while passed.
Hong Qiming let out a long breath and straightened in his seat. He lightly tapped the list of fifty names in the holographic projection and said quietly, "Zero, ask these people to come over."
"As for the details... don't tell them yet."
Two hours later.
Lin Shuguang left the Head Councillor's office with a hint of bewilderment in his eyes.
"Councillor Lin, what did Senator Hong Chair say to you?"
As soon as he stepped out of the office, a councillor waiting in the corridor pulled him aside.
"Qiu Feng?" After recognizing the speaker, Lin Shuguang asked in a surprised whisper, "Why are you here too?"
He glanced back at the open door to the Head Councillor's office and lowered his voice again. "Senator Hong Chair summoned you too?"
Qiu Feng nodded apprehensively and said with some urgency, "Yes. I was getting familiar with all the new stuff in the fleet when I suddenly received a message from Zero."
"So..."
He took a deep breath and looked earnestly at Lin Shuguang. "What exactly happened? Why does Senator Hong Chair want to meet with us individually?"
At those words, the bewilderment in Lin Shuguang's eyes deepened.
He shook his head and murmured, "I... I don't know either."
"Senator Hong Chair only told me to report to the