Chapter 45: The Work of an Assistant Lecturer

After finishing her meal, Zhong Yuxiu tidied up briefly and handed the completed program chip to Yan Rushan. Only then did she accompany Yan Rushan to Hua University, where they parted ways at the campus gate. Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo followed from a distance, watching as Zhong Yuxiu entered the school and found a relatively secluded spot to keep watch.

Zhong Yuxiu first went to the president’s office, where President Guo was overjoyed to see her.

“Comrade Zhong, you’ve finally arrived. How have you been lately? You look a bit thinner.”

Even the address had changed; before it was ‘Student Zhong,’ now it was ‘Comrade Zhong.’ Such a change in title made it clear the president regarded her as an equal.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled lightly. “Thanks to President Guo, everything is well.”

“I heard you’ve achieved some new results?” President Guo walked out from behind his desk and took a seat with her on the guest chairs.

“There was indeed progress, and it’s already been submitted.”

President Guo was delighted. “That’s excellent! What an achievement, handling such a major project on your own. I wonder when I’ll have the honor of seeing your research?”

“President Guo flatters me—it’s just a small project. I improved the transport vehicle a bit; it’s hardly a major undertaking.” Zhong Yuxiu shook her head with a smile. “The authorities intend to produce a batch for sale soon. I suppose we won’t have to wait long to see the finished product.”

“That’s wonderful. When it’s released, I’ll be sure to get one.” Trusting in the country, President Guo made his decision without hesitation.

They talked for over half an hour before President Guo reluctantly let her go.

“Professor Ding was asking after you yesterday. You should check in with him.”

“I was just about to go. I’ll be off, then. Goodbye, President Guo.”

After exchanging farewells, Zhong Yuxiu turned and left, heading to Professor Ding’s office. Out of respect, she knocked gently on the door.

“Good day, Professor Ding. I’ve come to report.”

Professor Ding looked up, momentarily stunned. After a pause, he broke into an easy smile. “You’re finally here—come in, sit anywhere you like. If you’re thirsty, there’s a kettle; help yourself.”

“Thank you.” Zhong Yuxiu entered the office and sat on a guest wicker chair. “Are you preparing lessons, Professor Ding?”

“That’s right—school’s about to start, so I need to get the lessons ready. Once classes begin, it’ll be even busier, and I won’t have time to prepare then.” Professor Ding nodded slightly.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled gently. “Is there anything I need to do?”

“You…” Professor Ding paused, glanced around, and pushed the roster at the edge of his desk toward her. “This is the class roster, recording each student’s progress. After a holiday, who knows how much they’ve forgotten? Get familiar with their progress, review last semester’s material, and once school starts, spend three days helping them catch up. That’ll save me a lot of trouble.”

“Catch them up?” Is that necessary?

Her expression was too telling, and Professor Ding shook his head, amused. “Not everyone has your extraordinary memory and cleverness, nor do they use their brains as well as you do. Many students in the class aren’t like that—they worked extremely hard to get into Hua University, and I know the hardship they’ve endured. I want them to keep up with the new term’s pace, rather than realize too late that they’ve forgotten half the material.”

These university students are the hope of the nation; how could he not care?

“I understand, Professor Ding. Your efforts are admirable.” Zhong Yuxiu accepted the task solemnly.

Professor Ding quickly protested, “I’m only doing what I feel I should. But what about your research?”

“The results are done.”

“Already?!” He was incredulous. “So quickly?”

Zhong Yuxiu replied calmly, “I wrapped it up yesterday. The results have been sent to the authorities. I have no ongoing projects now, so I plan to rest for a while—this is a good time to return as an assistant.”

“Young hero indeed—you’re the hero among young heroes.” Professor Ding struggled for words, finally finding a suitable phrase.

“Thank you for the praise, Professor Ding. It’s more than I deserve.” Zhong Yuxiu feigned polite formality, bowing in mock ceremony.

“What a character!” The shock in his heart was dispelled by her antics, and Professor Ding couldn’t help but laugh. “I wonder when we’ll see your results.”

She repeated what she’d told President Guo, word for word.

“The authorities intend to produce a batch for mass sale, to make a good profit.”

Professor Ding pondered, then nodded earnestly. “That’s as it should be. We shouldn’t always let foreigners profit from us. If possible, I’d love to give America a good shake-down.”

“Yes.” She agreed; things were difficult now, largely due to foreign obstruction.

“But if your technology goes abroad in large quantities, it won’t be long before they steal it.” After his excitement, Professor Ding began to worry again. “What technologies did you add to your vehicle?”

Zhong Yuxiu replied, “The integration of lithium batteries and chips, the application of sensors, and improvements to the engine.” She seemed to have forgotten to mention the engine modifications, but she’d already handed over all the data—her part was done.

“So you used all the technologies you developed in the first half of the year.” Professor Ding frowned, his face troubled. “How did you improve the engine?”

“I changed its performance, size, and materials—made it lighter, but kept the same power. The original engine parts were streamlined; many were unnecessary.”

Professor Ding slapped his forehead. “My goodness, so many technologies! If we don’t charge the foreigners dearly, we’re losing out.”

“No worries. When I learned it would be sold abroad, I wrote a self-destruct program—controlled by the chip. If anyone tries to dismantle it, whether the chip, sensors, or engine, it will automatically destroy itself.”

All the key components were linked.

Professor Ding was speechless—his worries were groundless.

“You young people are so clever.” It was an excellent solution; no need to fear someone trying to dismantle and study it.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled softly. Professor Ding was an endearing old man. “So, you’re not worried anymore?”

“Not at all. If they can steal it even with this protection, I won’t have anything to say.” If their skills were so advanced they could bypass the self-destruct program, what could he say?

“As long as you don’t worry—if you keep worrying, you’ll get even more wrinkles.”

Professor Ding was taken aback, momentarily lost by her comment. In a moment, he recovered and couldn’t help but chuckle. “You! Little rascal, teasing an old man like me.”

“Who could resist, when Professor Ding is so amiable?”

“That’s where you’re mistaken. Haven’t you heard the students say I’m a stern old stick-in-the-mud, always punishing them?” Professor Ding rarely joked, but he was delighted by Zhong Yuxiu’s warmth. Their relationship had risen from mere teacher and student to mentor and friend—a rare kinship.