Ding Yun's proposal was undeniably tempting.
Apart from the significant difficulties, high resource consumption, and troublesome process, it had no drawbacks.
At the very least, it wouldn't lead to any adverse consequences.
For the leaders, the most attractive aspect was undoubtedly Ding Yun's willingness to take full responsibility. After learning about Ding Yun and her achievements, they had naturally investigated her, uncovering many secrets. However, considering her contributions as a hero, any secrets were deemed indispensable.
Therefore, her files were sealed, and some efforts were made to shield her.
At this moment, they genuinely believed Ding Yun's confidence was not feigned. Her secrets might indeed help her complete this plan. And if her plan succeeded, it wouldn't just resolve the doomsday crisis, but also achieve a great revival.
It would catapult them directly into the interstellar era.
Into an era of cosmic exploration.
After further discussion, the Chairman made the final decision: "In my opinion, this plan is approved.
Developing space has always been one of our future plans. Rushing the layout now is not unacceptable. For the sake of future generations, it is worthwhile for our generation to endure hardship and strive."
Thus, the matter was settled.
Following this, the entire nation threw its support behind Ding Yun.
Ding Yun had never managed such a large-scale endeavor before. Relishing the responsibility, she was truly invigorated, like a shot of adrenaline. She began relentlessly issuing research and manufacturing tasks, and simultaneously, disregarding conventional logic, she continuously rolled out achievements.
For example, the Shennong Pot, capable of producing meat and vegetables.
The core blueprints for spacecraft.
Interstellar transport and teleportation devices.
Most people paid little attention to what she considered unreasonable. Instead, they were thrilled by the continuous stream of achievements and grew even more confident.
Confident in the success of the entire plan.
...
Pingyang River No. 9 Underground Base.
On the day living supplies coupons were distributed, everyone in the base was almost cheering, delighted to see vegetable and meat coupons again after years.
After their joy, everyone rushed out.
Heading straight for the supply distribution centers.
Afraid of arriving too late and having coupons but no goods.
In an instant, the area outside the supply distribution centers was teeming with people. While perhaps not everyone in the base was there, at least one person from each family had come, forming queues. Those at the back grew more anxious until a broadcast boomed from the distribution center stating that both the vegetables and meat were produced by the Shennong Pot.
They were available in unlimited supply, so there was no need to worry about not getting them.
This announcement calmed the people at the back, urging them to quiet down and queue properly.
The emotions of the queuing crowd stabilized somewhat, and they began to discuss the advanced technology and Ding Yun's brilliance.
"Old Li, didn't you hate genetically modified and artificially synthesized foods before? You wouldn't eat them at all.
Now, this is purely artificially synthesized."
Wang Hong teased his acquaintance as soon as he saw him. This guy behind him had lectured him numerous times about how genetically modified food was unhealthy and artificial synthesis was toxic.
He used to brag daily about only eating organic food.
And now? He still had to queue with Wang Hong to get the artificial vegetables and meat produced by the Shennong Pot.
Old Li ignored him completely. He used to be picky because he had the means. Now that he didn't, this was the only way. Arguing would only make him angry.
It was better to pretend to be deaf and mute and not engage.
A few people not far from them were actively discussing the taste of the artificial meat and vegetables.
"Hey, what flavors do you think these vegetables and meat we'll get will have? The artificial starch distributed earlier tasted pretty much the same as regular starch. I couldn't taste any difference. But vegetables and meat are more complex in composition. Will they be the unpalatable kind?
Artificial meat used to be quite bad, in my opinion.
It wasn't even as good as the vegetarian mock meats sold in temples!"
"Get outta here. How long has it been since you last ate meat? Even if the artificial meat is a bit unappetizing, it'll surely be better than pure starch. If you're worried, give me your coupons.
Don't taint your palate..."
"Dream on!"
"I believe in Goddess Ding. I watched the video of her Shennong Pot's new product launch. She explicitly stated in the video that the vegetables would have the texture and taste of vegetables, and the meat would have the texture and taste of meat.
So, the flavors shouldn't be bad!"
"I'm still not convinced. How can artificial products compare to natural ones? They'll definitely be far inferior. It's probably just mimicking the appearance and adding some elements.
But having something is better than nothing. Be content!"
"Ah, what's the point of arguing here? It'll be our turn soon anyway. We can take them home, stir-fry them, or boil them, and then we'll know how the artificial vegetables and meat are!
Hurry up, hurry up, keep moving forward.
Don't let anyone cut in line!"
Meanwhile, some areas closer to the underground Base No. 1 had already obtained their vegetable and meat coupons earlier and exchanged them for artificial vegetables and meat.
They had already gone home to eat.
Even if their cooking skills were mediocre, everyone wore a blissful and enjoying expression upon tasting vegetables and meat again.
Some were even moved to tears.
Don't think this is an exaggeration. Anyone who has eaten nutritional paste for years will experience some emotional fluctuation upon tasting ordinary vegetables and meat.
After tasting them, some people
started praising them online.
[What kind of divine vegetables and divine meat are these? They're too delicious! They taste a thousand times better than the vegetables and meat I ate before. Goddess Ding is simply the best!]
[Hype it up! Hype it up!]
[We have vegetables and meat, and artificial starch and rice grains. Please, authorities, quickly open restaurants and let them operate again. This inability to cook is too much of a burden!]
[I want Roujiamo, donkey meat burgers, spicy hot pot, and barbecue. I also want fried chicken, boiled beef, and pickled fish!]
[Goddess Ding's technology is too amazing. These vegetables really taste like the lettuce I used to eat, and the meat has the texture of pork. Also, those who think the vegetables and meat taste better aren't just experiencing a hallucination due to a long period without eating.
It's because the artificial vegetables and meat are genuinely good.
The pork seems to be modeled after miniature pig meat, and the manufacturing process is natural and pollution-free. The specific texture and quality have even improved upon the original!]
[Food is the most important thing for people. Ever since I tasted the vegetables and meat, my sense of happiness has soared, and my mood has improved significantly!]
[I'm still queuing. Can you guys stop uploading videos of the dishes? I'm about to drool!]
...