Originally, Zhang Xiaoman had planned to return directly to the Original Realm.
Today’s discussion with Lin Sisi had inspired him greatly, and he even had some ideas on how to improve the Violent Spirit Technique. He decided to take this opportunity to further contemplate it.
However, now that Richard had introduced him to some plans that caught his significant interest, he decided not to return yet and began to properly listen to the other party’s planning.
Sun Mingsheng had other projects to work on and had left the meeting room earlier, leaving only Zhang Xiaoman and Richard behind.
One spoke eloquently, the other listened carefully and attentively. Time flew by unknowingly, and soon it was already dark outside.
In the meantime, Richard had provided Zhang Xiaoman with a lengthy list of preparations needed for space development from a professional’s perspective.
This included some indispensable project equipment and personnel, and even a rough estimate of the funds—a series of matters Richard explained thoroughly.
Zhang Xiaoman had ideas and also took the chance to consider the financial aspects—the amount of money wasn’t too much, and he could afford it for now.
Later, Richard analyzed the financial returns, and the conclusions were undoubtedly pleasing.
Whether Helium-3 or titanium, both were very scarce on Water Blue Star, especially Helium-3, which was incredibly rare.
The specific use of Helium-3 can be summed up in three words, nuclear fusion.
In one sentence, it is a clean energy source that can be used to power nuclear power stations.
Typically, Helium-3 is obtained from tritium nuclei through beta decay.
Tritium itself is rare, and coupled with high purification costs, the total amount of Helium-3 around the world probably doesn’t exceed 500 kilograms.
On the contrary, on the Moon, because there is no atmosphere, Helium-3 elements can travel from the Sun, hitch a ride on solar wind, and distribute evenly in the Moon’s soil.
The estimated total amount of Helium-3 on the Moon can reach up to 700,000 tons.
That number seemed a bit exaggerated. Zhang Xiaoman thought that even if he did nothing else in the future but transport soil back from the Moon, he could earn a fortune.
Looking at the current market, a pound of Helium-3 is about 640,000 US dollars, which is about 9200 Huaxia Coins per gram.
However, if a large amount of it needed to be sold, he would have to consider various issues regarding the source and such.
If the space development plan could proceed successfully, then money would no longer be an issue for the Star Alliance in the future.
With sufficient funds, Zhang Xiaoman could also smoothly carry out his other plans, and research funding would no longer be an obstacle.
Whether in the field of biology or technology, he believed that by then, as long as he invested a considerable amount of money, progress would increase exponentially.
Once there were achievements, he could use them to enhance the overall strength of the Star Alliance and even share some of the outcomes to increase humanity’s foundation to survive the upcoming calamities.
Zhang Xiaoman never expected to handle everything on his own, nor did he expect to leave everything to the Star Alliance; ultimately, unity is needed to fight against the Great Fusion.
He had been hindered by a lack of strength and resources before.
Now, having overcome the initial difficulties, he was planning to gradually share some of his knowledge.
The discussion between the two continued for a while, not concluding until after 8 PM.
Looking at his watch, Zhang Xiaoman remembered he had promised to wake Lin Sisi up for dinner but had forgotten about it while listening to Richard so intently.
However, it was now nearly midnight over at Rebirth Island, and by this time, the young girl was surely asleep, so it was probably too late for him to go now.
He thought it over and decided to go check on her later anyway. Knowing her character, she might still be waiting up for him.
Outside, Xiao Ya saw the two men leave the meeting room and immediately walked over, apparently having waited there specifically for them.
Although Richard was eager to book a flight back to his country, it was quite late now, so there was no need to rush.
Zhang Xiaoman then asked Xiao Ya to arrange his accommodation for the night, deciding to leave any issues until the next day, while he headed towards the restroom, planning to use his Skill to leave the place.
Before leaving, Zhang Xiaoman passed by the laboratory and discovered that Sun Mingsheng and others still hadn’t left the company. He immediately went inside to check on them.
The few of them recognized Zhang Xiaoman, and seeing the boss come in, they all stopped their work to greet him.
Sun Mingsheng approached him.
"Boss, is there anything I can help with?"
Zhang Xiaoman waved his hand, curious, "Old Sun, it’s so late, and you guys haven’t left yet?"
"Hey, we just recently cracked a technical challenge, and everyone’s been seizing the moment, trying to thoroughly understand the first technology while the iron’s hot."
"Oh? Which step have you reached now?"
"For now, we’ve successfully opened the casing of the wristwatch and are distinguishing its internal structure. According to the plan, the first target is to deal with the holographic projection..."
Sun Mingsheng seized the opportunity to report his recent research progress.
"To be honest, boss, there are a lot of aspects in this technology that we still don’t understand, both in terms of software and hardware. Moreover, the lab’s current equipment is somewhat lacking. If possible, could you..."
Zhang Xiaoman saw his expression and knew he was hinting at needing more funding.
But there wasn’t much Zhang Xiaoman could do at the moment.
The Star Alliance was relying on Brother Hero’s construction company in America, the Snow View Group funded by Su Fu, and investments from wealthy second-generation families within the Light Blue Clan.
It was enough for normal development and operation, but far from enough for research.
Luckily, the space program there would start soon, and Zhang Xiaoman wouldn’t need to bother building an automated mining factory.
He only needed to send the Star Guard to sweep the Moon’s surface to collect a large amount of valuable Moon Soil.
Then, he could directly transform the construction company in America into a high-tech materials research firm, skipping the step of even establishing a new company.
Though that was the plan, Zhang Xiaoman temporarily didn’t want to tell Sun Mingsheng about his current financial predicament; he needed to prevaricate a bit, or it might be too demoralizing.
"Hmm, I’m aware of your needs. The headquarters is already building your dedicated laboratory, and I will arrange for a top-notch experimental base for you. Don’t worry," he said, looking at Sun Mingsheng with a semi-smile, continuing, "Old Sun, your team is working so hard every day. It looks like I’ll need to give you all a raise."