Chapter 134 – Hongmeng S2

They weren't movie stars. They weren't influencers. But their fame dwarfed both.

Online, people called them "Papa Ma"—and now, both Old Ma and Xiao Ma Ge were publicly spotted using CS's newest flagship phones.

Inside Penguin Company, Xiao Ma Ge quietly examined the device in his hand. His trained eyes scanned the materials, finish, and performance. Compared to the first-generation Hongmeng S, this new model was on another level. It didn't fall short, even compared to his daily driver—the Hongmeng X1.

He put the phone down with a trace of admiration in his voice.

"Domestic phones have come a long way. Especially China Star Technologies. Competing with global giants on our home turf—and holding their own."

Xiao Ma Ge was thoroughly impressed by the Hongmeng S2, and a thought was already forming in his mind.

He also noticed Old Ma's recent moves—quietly acquiring several internet firms, building influence behind the scenes. The signs were clear.

"We'll see if an opportunity opens up..." he muttered. If there was one thing Xiao Ma Ge was good at, it was reading the wind.

Meanwhile, preparations at CS headquarters were in full swing.

The Hongmeng S2 press conference was happening tonight, and Liu Jianyu locked himself in a quiet room, reviewing his script one last time.

The Hongmeng S2 and S2 Pro were ready. Same chip, different bodies—Pro meant a bigger screen and battery. Performance-wise, they were equals.

Both ran on the Zhulong A2 processor, benchmarked at nearly 90,000 points, and with full tuning, they could break the 100,000 mark.

That number was symbolic.

No mobile processor worldwide had hit six figures in performance—yet.

As the sun set over Piaocheng, CS's massive launch event kicked off in a packed stadium. Over 2,000 attendees arrived in person, and millions watched the livestream online.

Initially broadcast on domestic video platforms, the event was also trending internationally.

The influence of China Star Technologies was undeniable. It had eclipsed all other local mobile brands.

Although no specs or pricing had been revealed yet, the fact that the two Ma's—the tech kings of China—were using the S2 spoke volumes.

Across the country, rivals huddled around screens, watching the launch unfold in real time. They'd heard whispers: this new device wasn't just good but game-breaking.

At 8:00 PM sharp, the livestream cut to the main stage.

A familiar face stepped up to the podium.

"Good evening, everyone. I'm Liu Jianyu, product director at China Star Technologies."

The crowd erupted in applause.

To fans and tech heads, he was the face of CS. Not even Chairman Lu himself carried that kind of star power among consumers.

And Lu Haifeng? He liked it that way. He preferred to stay behind the curtain, pulling the strings.

Liu Jianyu began calmly.

"It's been ten months since we launched the first Hongmeng S. In that time, we've received... a lot of feedback."

He started listing the criticisms without flinching:

"Some users said our camera quality was disappointing."

"Some called the build quality cheap, like a knockoff."

"Others complained that the same design was used for too long."

He paused, meeting the eyes of the audience.

"All valid. We heard you. We took notes. And then, we got to work."

"After six months of relentless effort, we're proud to present... the all-new Hongmeng S2."

The screen behind him lit up.

Three phones appeared—sleek, luminous, and gleaming in silver, space gray, and champagne gold.

Gasps echoed through the stadium.

"No way that's real. That color isn't Photoshopped?"

"That design's gotta cost a fortune."

"President Liu—mad respect!"

The phones were a knockout. Online, reactions were just as explosive.

Liu Jianyu picked up a live demo unit.

"This is the 4.7-inch Hongmeng S2. It features an all-aluminum body. The one I'm holding is silver—also available in space gray and gold."

"We didn't just tweak the old design. We rebuilt the front shell and polished every curve. It's not just a phone—it's a statement."

He held it up, light catching on the sculpted edge.

The crowd was silent.

And then—applause.