Chapter 38: Elder Yan Pays a Visit

Without the proper tools, scrap metal couldn’t be forged into new iron; now, with three outsiders in this small building, it was even less possible to refine it with mental power.

“Alright, Master,” Gou Dan responded, presenting paper and pen once more.

At her worktable, Zhong Yuxiu began sketching the structural diagram. With the blueprint vivid in her mind and her plan clear in her heart, her hand moved swiftly; in just over ten minutes, the schematic for the little electric scooter was complete.

“Gou Dan, don’t give anything away.”

Gou Dan beeped twice softly, making no further sound.

Zhong Yuxiu glanced at it, then left the laboratory, passed through the bedroom, and opened the door to find Li Yun waiting outside.

“Li-jie?”

“Comrade Zhong,” Li Yun said quickly, “I was just looking for you. Elder Yan has arrived downstairs.”

Zhong Yuxiu maintained her composure. “I see. Go ahead and serve tea first—I’ll be down in a moment.”

“Alright.” Li Yun turned and went downstairs.

Zhong Yuxiu’s gaze dropped to the blueprint in her hand, momentarily setting aside the coincidence of Li Yun’s arrival. She then descended the stairs, where she found Elder Yan and Yan Rushan in the hall, along with two security officers standing behind Elder Yan.

Hao Nan and Tian Shanguo were also present.

“Good day, Elder Yan. Comrade Yan.”

“You’re here.” Yan Rushan’s tone was gentle, drawing a sidelong glance from Elder Yan. Yan Rushan pretended not to notice, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Grandfather heard you were working on a new project and came by especially to see for himself.”

“How quickly news travels,” Zhong Yuxiu said with a slight smile, taking a seat on the sofa in the hall.

Elder Yan chuckled softly, his gaze benevolent. “The principal mentioned it specifically—he said you plan to take an academic exam, and if you pass, you’ll earn a long holiday?”

“That’s right. My current project requires time. Firstly, it’s so I can focus on my research; secondly, I’ve already finished reading all the professional books in the university library, and I’ve gone through the various academic journals and even a fair number of other books. Attending classes any further won’t yield much useful knowledge.” Her tone paused lightly, then she continued, “Besides, I’m preparing to publish a paper on lithium electronics.”

“You keep your schedule far too tight. Work and rest must be balanced.” Elder Yan was clearly pleased with her diligence, but he still offered a few words of comfort.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled softly. “Indeed, it is my fault for not attending classes regularly. Over time, that’s not appropriate, so I thought of this solution—to prove my studies aren’t being neglected, and I can devote myself to research at the same time.”

“Do well on your exam.” There are many hardworking young people, but few who work as hard as this.

“I will,” Zhong Yuxiu replied with a smile and a nod.

Elder Yan smiled, and then asked casually, “Is your latest project related to vehicles?”

“Yes. I wanted a means of transportation, but cars are hard to come by, motorcycles are expensive and cumbersome, and using one is exhausting. Bicycles are powered by muscle, which is also time-consuming and tiring.” Observing that Elder Yan’s smile remained unchanged, she continued, “My ideal vehicle should be lightweight, practical, have a large battery capacity and strong power, while also saving time and effort.”

Elder Yan, thoughtful, motioned for her to go on.

With a faint smile, Zhong Yuxiu went on, “I plan to make improvements to the latest lithium electronics, increasing their efficiency for use in a commuter vehicle.”

“That’s a good idea. Do you have a plan?”

“I do. I’ve already drawn up the schematics for the vehicle. I’m just looking for someone to help build the shell, and I still need materials for the engine and the lithium electronics.” Zhong Yuxiu handed over the blueprint. “Please take a look, Elder Yan.”

Yan Rushan took the drawing, placed it in Elder Yan’s hands, and produced a pair of reading glasses for him.

Elder Yan examined the diagram carefully, but quickly found the lines swirling before his eyes, making his head ache; this wasn’t his field, and he could make little sense of the technical drawings.

“Grandfather, Comrade Zhong’s schematics are excellent—every aspect has been considered. Once the shell is completed and handed over, I think it won’t be long before there’s a finished product,” Yan Rushan remarked with a light smile.

Elder Yan nodded solemnly and set the drawing down. “Indeed. Let Dashan handle the shell—he can coordinate with the mechanical factory.”

“Thank you, Elder Yan, and sorry to trouble you, Comrade Yan.” Since Elder Yan had given the order, it was now official. “I need two shells, and double the materials for the engine and lithium electronics—I’ll keep one for myself when they’re done.”

“That’s only fair.” It was perfectly reasonable.

The old and the young continued to discuss her paper for a while, though Elder Yan, unfamiliar with the field, soon found himself overwhelmed. At last, Yan Rushan noticed and quickly made their excuses.

Grandfather and grandson departed in haste, the two security officers hurrying after them.

Zhong Yuxiu chuckled softly on the sofa, pressing her knuckles lightly to her brow. At first meeting, Elder Yan had seemed a stern and dignified elder; only today did she realize he was rather a lovable old man.

“Comrade Zhong, just now you…” Li Yun emerged from the kitchen, hesitating.

“It’s nothing.” For Elder Yan to hold such a position, he must be a clever man. She had only played a small joke; judging by his character, he was broad-minded and upright—he wouldn’t take offense at such a trifle.

Seeing this, Li Yun let the matter drop.

Hao Nan asked, “Comrade Zhong, if you need any help with your research, just let us know.”

“There’s no need, I have Gou Dan,” Zhong Yuxiu replied naturally. Hao Nan and Tian Shanguo exchanged glances.

After a moment’s silence, Tian Shanguo spoke: “Gou Dan is a robot.”

“I improved its programming myself, and entered all the codes needed to assist me. It contains some basic scientific knowledge. Though it isn’t a sentient being, its programming runs faster than any intelligent species. So there’s no need to worry. If something comes up that Gou Dan can’t handle, I’ll be sure to trouble you then.”

Hao Nan and Tian Shanguo fell silent. They had witnessed firsthand how obedient the robot was to its master—more so than any dog. Moreover, it obeyed only its master, and Comrade Zhong clearly trusted it above all.

Three days later.

Zhong Yuxiu received a notice from the university, summoning her to Professor Ding’s office. She had her suspicions, and brought along two fountain pens.

Arriving at Professor Ding’s office, she found several professors present, including Principal Guo.

“Professor Ding, Principal Guo, professors,” she greeted.

“Welcome, Zhong,” Principal Guo said personally. “Are you ready?”

Zhong Yuxiu nodded with quiet determination. “Yes, I am ready.”

“Then let’s begin.”

With Principal Guo’s nod, Professor Ding pushed several exam papers across the desk. “Zhong, each professor has written you questions. There is no time limit; just finish by this evening.”

“Understood. Thank you for your trouble, professors.” She collected the papers and leafed through them—seven large sheets, with questions on both sides.

First, she surveyed the range of topics, studied the questions carefully, and then began.

Zhong Yuxiu devoted herself entirely, writing with utmost concentration. During the exam, Principal Guo and Professor Ding supervised; the other professors attended classes or continued their own work as needed.