Chapter 176: First Atomic Bomb Test Explosion Succeeds
“Professor, please teach me how to win this presidential election, how to defeat Lyndon Johnson!”
Lin Ran looked at the middle-aged man in front of him, showing none of the confidence and fervor from his campaign speeches on television, only unease and pleading.
Even though Lin Ran knew Fred was faking it, he still got plenty of emotional value from it.
Kennedy, Nixon, Johnson, Fred—four presidents and presidential candidates in a row, which one hadn’t he personally chatted with and given pointers to on state affairs?
But Fred being able to fight his way through the Elephant Party internally was both reasonable and unexpected.
Lin Ran had only mentioned it casually, but he didn’t expect the other man to actually have that talent.
Thinking about it, if old T later on didn’t have the genes and family background, he wouldn’t have been able to master the essence of ballot politics so quickly either.
Fred, as his father, might not play it better than old T, but it was normal for him to know at least a little bit of the basics.
After listening to Fred ramble on about his worries, Lin Ran said frankly, “Fred, if there’s no way, there’s no way.
On a national scale, Lyndon Johnson holds the advantage after all. Conservatives are the minority, and you’ve offended all minority ethnic groups. The dark clouds of World War II Nazis haven’t dissipated yet, and McCarthy is even more recent.
Your extreme performance makes it hard to gain support from most people.”
Fred defended himself, “No, Professor, those are all media rumors! All fake news.”
Lin Ran felt a bit dazed when he heard “Fake News,” like a door had been activated taking him back sixty years.
“They’ve portrayed me as an irredeemable extreme white supremacist, but I’ve never discriminated against minority ethnic groups.
Look, I’m so good to Chinese descent people. All Chinese descent people in my apartment, I gave them prices cheaper than comparable apartments on the marketplace!”
Lin Ran thought to himself that this was behavior to flatter him, but he remained expressionless on the surface.
Fred continued, “I made some mistakes when I was young. Doesn’t everyone make mistakes?”
Fred was very afraid Lin Ran wouldn’t give him advice because of his white supremacy.
“I’m a good person now.”
Lin Ran could hardly hold back laughter. You allowed your supporters to sing “Niggers in the White House” at a campaign rally, and that’s a good person?
Fred’s voice pulled Lin Ran back to reality.
After listening, Lin Ran said, “Fred, I think even if your explanation convinces me, it won’t convince minority ethnic groups to vote for you.
From what I know, aside from Chinese descent people in New York City who have a good impression of you, Chinese descent people elsewhere don’t like you at all, and even my image has been affected by you.”
Fred said, “That’s all the media’s fault!”
Lin Ran thought for a moment, “I think it’s very difficult. There’s only one way to defeat Johnson.”
Fred immediately asked, “What way?”
Lin Ran said, “That is to prove that Lyndon Johnson is connected to Kennedy’s death, that he killed Kennedy, and is an unprecedented hypocrite.”
Fred narrowed his eyes, his tone filled with excitement, “Professor, you mean Lyndon Johnson is connected to President Kennedy’s death?
I knew this guy wasn’t any good!”
Lin Ran explained, “No no no, that’s not what I mean. I mean if someone can help you prove this, then you might have a chance to win.”
After hearing this, Fred sighed, “That’s too hard. He’s the vice president, in the White House all the time.
Even if it’s really connected to him, who could find the evidence?
Unless V. But even V would have a hard time finding evidence connecting Kennedy’s death to Lyndon Johnson.”
Lin Ran reminded him, “You forgot one person.”
Fred asked, “Who?”
Lin Ran said, “Robert Kennedy.”
Fred immediately realized, “You mean Robert Kennedy accuses Lyndon Johnson of being connected to Kennedy’s death? Let the media hype it up, shape it into a conspiracy theory on the public opinion level, but a conspiracy theory backed by someone, thereby influencing voters?”
Lin Ran nodded, “Exactly.
What you need to do isn’t get people who don’t like you to vote for you; that’s very hard no matter what you do.”
After Lin Ran stopped speaking, Fred immediately added, “What I need to do is make Johnson’s supporters not vote for him!
As long as I can shape Johnson into a villain in public opinion, into a morally corrupt person, so that progressive voters can’t bring themselves to vote for him, I’ll win!
Professor, I understand.”
Fred felt this trip to Huntsville was worth it; this one suggestion alone paid for the ticket.
White House, Lin Ran returned to the White House for his routine report as usual. All NASA programs were progressing smoothly.
From Ranger to Mercury to Gemini and the Apollo Program, all programs were progressing smoothly.
As NASA Director, he felt how lonely it was to be invincible.
Returning to the White House for reports felt more troublesome instead.
Lyndon Johnson treated Lin Ran like a friend he could chat with, and every visit involved long talks.
Lin Ran guessed it was because others had requests of him, while he told the other man the truth.
“Professor, the reason I specifically called you to the White House this time is to tell you some good news.” Lyndon Johnson said.
Lin Ran was noncommittal, “What good news?”
Lyndon Johnson said, “China’s atomic bomb test was successful, just two days ago.”
Lin Ran’s fist clenched, then he slowly said, “For Chinese people, it’s indeed good news, isn’t it?”
Lyndon Johnson gestured for him to relax, “Professor, relax. I’m not here to question you. I’m not like those conservative congressmen from the southern states.
I know you have nothing to do with China’s atomic bomb. You’ve never accessed nuclear weapons-related information while working at NASA.
I completely trust you on this.
Even though Hoover tried to find all sorts of information to prove you’re helping China.
But the only actual evidence is that maybe through my competitor’s brother, you provided some academic journals to China, and IA staff confirmed there was no sensitive information when those academic journals were passed on.
So, Professor, rest assured. I believe in your loyalty to America.”
Loyalty! Lin Ran’s mind automatically flashed with that word.
“Irish descent people try every way to help Ireland, German descent people try every way to help Germany, America’s Jewish descent people even publicly hold all sorts of rallies to raise funds for Israel, fund lobbying institutions in Washington, and pass Israel-friendly bills.
You as a Chinese person trying to help China is perfectly normal; it would be abnormal if you didn’t help China.
Professor, obviously, your behavior hasn’t crossed the line; it’s just stayed at the academic level.” Lyndon Johnson seemed exceptionally magnanimous.
Lin Ran thought to himself, no no no, America’s Chinese descent people in later generations didn’t think that way; they tried every way to be hostile to their homeland.
Lin Ran said helplessly, “I really don’t understand why Hoover is targeting me.”
Lyndon Johnson explained, “Because you’re Chinese; he distrusts anyone who might have socialism tendencies.
Even though I’ve said countless times, Professor, you are loyal, absolutely loyal to America.
But Hoover’s job nature means he’ll suspect everything.”
Lin Ran sighed, “Alright, looks like he has quite a misunderstanding of me.”
If that was just lip service, then discussing amendments to the Export Control Act during Lyndon Johnson era to allow medicine and grain exports to China was real benefit, but unfortunately the overall environment at the time prevented the bill from passing.
And among the people serving in the White House this term under Lyndon Johnson, those advocating easing relations with China through cultural exchanges and trade adjustments, believing isolating China unsustainable, included James Thomson (third-generation Chinese descent mixed blood).
Hearing Lyndon Johnson say this, Lin Ran relaxed too, “Yes, and that’s why I said it’s good news for Chinese people.
China has borne huge pressure from its northern neighbor. China has had to invest too many resources in the military. With a nuclear bomb, it can focus some resources on economy and livelihood, which is of course good for my Chinese compatriots.”
Lyndon Johnson was noncommittal, “Professor, I hope it’s as you say.
Also, Professor, another very important reason I trust you.”
Lin Ran asked, “What?”
Lyndon Johnson said, “Do you remember the Radiation Laboratory series?”
Lin Ran nodded, “Of course.”
Lyndon Johnson said, “I only found out later that it was actually designed by President Kennedy and McNamara, a test of your loyalty.
To see if you’d try to provide that set of books to China. That set of books has strategic significance on the military level.
Including 1940s radar blueprints, all prepared, of great significance to China, but obsolete technology to us.
If we could test your true thoughts this way, even if China got the set of books, it would be worth it for us.
The result was you passed the test successfully. From getting the books to the end, you never took them out of Redstone Arsenal, no sensitive actions at all, until the entire set was returned intact to the Department of Defense.”
Lyndon Johnson’s purpose wasn’t so pure either; he wanted to win Lin Ran over to his camp by disparaging Kennedy and McNamara.
Lin Ran thought to himself, as expected, there was a trap here waiting for me to step into. Good thing I have the door; no matter how shrewd your calculations or how tight your surveillance, you couldn’t anticipate this.
“I completely understand. After all, I hold the lifeline of America’s moon landing.” Lin Ran said. What was the point of quarreling with dead people?
He asked curiously, “President Johnson, I’d like to ask: is Hoover still investigating me recently?
I don’t mean anything else; I’m just curious if Hoover’s recent reports to the White House have anything about me.”
Lyndon Johnson thought for a moment, “No, because you passed the security review, including your current identity as NASA Director. Hoover has no authority to review you.
After his last wiretapping exposure, he doesn’t dare do that kind of thing anymore.”
Lin Ran thought to himself, not necessarily. He asked this question just to confirm if the Soviet Union that got the photos had a hold on Hoover.
From Lyndon Johnson’s answer, Hoover probably didn’t have time to bother him.
“So Professor, I’m telling you this to let you know I fully trust you. China’s atomic bomb test was unexpected for us, but that’s about it.
They can’t hit America’s homeland; they can only deter the surroundings, posing no threat to us.”
Lyndon Johnson continued, “Sigh, but it does affect us.
The entire Vietnam strategy needs to be redeployed.
The military-industrial complex is forcing me to get involved, insisting I arrange for people to land in Vietnam after the election, personally intervening in the north-south war.” Lyndon Johnson complained.
Lin Ran said, “China won’t use an atomic bomb for Vietnam.”
Lyndon Johnson explained, “Of course I know that.
But the problem is, China drew a line for the Vietnam War. That line means the north can retreat behind the line if they lose, regroup, and come back to fight the south.
This endless fighting means we can’t win, and they can’t win either.
If China didn’t have an atomic bomb, we might break through that line, but now that China has an atomic bomb, we can only comply.
The end of this war will be no winners, except the military-industrial complex making piles of money.”
Lin Ran was somewhat surprised; he didn’t expect Lyndon Johnson to have such awareness. This awareness was too clear, almost perfectly predicting the final situation of the Vietnam War.
America was deeply mired in the jungles of Vietnam.
China expressed a clear stance and drew the so-called “red line” through diplomatic and military signals to warn America not to cross specific boundaries.
Specifically, this “red line” was the 17th parallel north.
In fact, America’s ground forces in Vietnam really didn’t break through that line, showing great strategic restraint.
“So America can stay out of it, not participate in this war.” Lin Ran said softly.
Lyndon Johnson pointed to his seat, “The last President Kennedy to sit here thought the same, and now he’s gone to meet God.
The military-industrial complex wants to make money, Washington’s congressmen want to make money, the army’s generals want to make money. Where does the money come from?
Of course from the government’s budget. When everyone wants to take money from the budget, can I refuse?”
Lin Ran heard a trace of deep fear in Lyndon Johnson’s explanation and thought, as expected, Kennedy’s death opened Pandora’s box.
All subsequent presidents didn’t dare refuse the military-industrial complex’s demands.
“So Fred’s accusations in the newspaper are completely baseless, actually saying President Kennedy was killed by me, having any relation to me at all.” Lyndon Johnson rambled on.
Fred’s aggressive momentum made him feel great pressure.
After listening, Lin Ran confirmed once more that Hoover really wasn’t watching him.
Otherwise, Hoover definitely wouldn’t miss this chance to add fuel to the fire: telling Lyndon Johnson about Fred going to Huntsville City to see him.
Lin Ran said, “Mainly because V has never been found, and the real culprit behind President Kennedy’s death hasn’t been found either.
Regarding President Kennedy’s death, it’s shrouded in fog. Before the real culprit is found, it’s indeed very unfavorable for you, President.”
Lyndon Johnson asked, “Professor, do you have any good ideas?”
Lin Ran thought for a moment, “I’ve been following the news too. I think the key is Robert. Robert Kennedy’s statements have put you in a passive position.
But there’s another person who can turn your passive position around: Jacqueline Kennedy.
You just need to plead with Jacqueline Kennedy to come out and state that you had a good relationship with the Kennedy family, and she doesn’t believe you’d do such a thing.
Nothing else needed, just her stating she doesn’t believe it.”
Lyndon Johnson thought thoughtfully, “Professor, I get it. I’ve always subconsciously thought Jacqueline and Robert were one unit, but they’re actually not.
If I can become president, I can’t guarantee finding the real culprit, but I can definitely preserve President Kennedy’s political legacy and continue pushing racial equality and integration.
Just based on political ideals, compared to Robert who’s blinded by hate, the probability of Jacqueline supporting me is much higher.”
After figuring out the key point, Lyndon Johnson thought, as expected, I still need to chat with the professor. No wonder Nixon treats the professor as an honored guest; my trust is completely justified.
Lin Ran felt he was profiting on both sides and was already looking forward to the 1968 election:
What benefits would Lyndon Johnson give him if reelected, what benefits would Nixon give if he took power, what fun would there be to watch if Fred took power.
“Professor, I’m considering whether to change policy toward China.” Lyndon Johnson probed, “Now that China and the Soviet Union’s relationship is bad, do we have hope to pull them into our camp?”
Lin Ran shook his head, “Not very realistic.
And if you try to do that, Congress and the public won’t agree; they’ll think you’re too weak.”
Lyndon Johnson thought, “But I think if we can pull in China, it would be the fastest way to defeat the Soviet Union.”
Lin Ran thought, “I think we can start with some small-scale cooperation in science and culture to test the waters. If the effect is good, then find ways to open the door to economic and trade cooperation.
From my personal perspective, I naturally hope China can have economic and trade exchanges with the free world; that’s good for Chinese citizens.”
Lin Ran was very clear he needed to firmly hold the bottom line: I just sympathize with Chinese citizens and hope their lives can improve.
After a moment of silence, Lyndon Johnson said, “I understand, Professor. After I become America President, I’ll arrange for James Thomson to make a low-key, quiet visit.”
James Thomson, Special Assistant for Far East affairs, third-generation Chinese descent raised in Jinling.
Lin Ran was both optimistic and cautious; he didn’t think much could come from contact at this time point.
You’re all about to personally get involved in Vietnam soon; how could relations ease?
Germany Hamburg, inside Golden Dragon Store. The store was filled with the scent of sandalwood, shelves stocked with Chinese tea and porcelain.
Panda Radio played soft classical music.
Shopkeeper Feng said enthusiastically, “Brother Sun, great to see you! Just back in Hamburg? Not busy on the ship lately?”
Shopkeeper Feng’s merchant enthusiasm hid the sharpness in his eyes behind sunglasses.
Sun Youyu smiled and walked to the counter, “Shopkeeper Feng, doing well lately. The seas have been rough, but shipping containers are increasing. Our work has actually gotten easier with machines handling unloading and transport.”
Shopkeeper Feng said casually but with a hint of pride, “Business is steady. But have you heard the big news? The mainland successfully tested an atomic bomb!”
Sun Youyu’s face briefly stiffened, then relaxed, “Oh? I was at sea, didn’t hear. When did it happen?”
Shopkeeper Feng nodded, raising his voice slightly, “August 16th, at Lop Nur. China now has its own nuclear weapons; that’s a tremendous achievement!
We Chinese people overseas share the pride; we can hold our heads high!”
Sun Youyu smiled and said, “Yeah, it does sound important, but honestly, does it really affect us much?”
Clearly, Sun Youyu wasn’t that excited inside; he was actually a bit tense, because he had known about this news long ago.
After scooping up several hundred West German marks from Taipei, he quickly exchanged them for a radio that could pick up radio stations even at sea.
When he heard the news at sea, he first felt proud—this thing white people could make, Chinese people could too—then disappointed: when could they counterattack?
He had still held a sliver of hope of killing back.
After hearing the successful nuclear bomb test news, he felt despair, like his heart was on the mainland but his body aging in Taipei.
Shopkeeper Feng said smugly, “Of course it does.
Before, my Golden Dragon Store basically had no foreigners. Since China’s atomic bomb test success, foreigners come in every few days asking about China, and my business has improved a lot as a result.
Including the Chinese compatriots around me, all proud of the homeland’s huge achievement.
First there was Panda brand radio showing the homeland’s huge achievements in the electronics industry, now the atomic bomb showing huge achievements in the military industry.
Today’s China really can’t be compared to the China of before.”
Shopkeeper Feng, knowing Sun Youyu’s identity, deliberately kept hyping China to stir up the other’s sense of identity as a Chinese person toward the homeland.
Maybe he could even convert him.
Beneath Sun Youyu’s stiff smile was a trace of pride. As a Chinese crew member, he knew exactly what foreigners were like—respecting power but not virtue—and he had felt white people’s attitude change after the homeland’s nuclear bomb test.
“Yeah.” He said with an awkward laugh, “It really is worth being proud of.”
At this moment, a thought flashed in his mind: if only I were on the mainland.
