Chapter 82: Data Report

“Not bad. Is it possible to improve the camera’s blurriness?” With a blurry lens, recognition would be somewhat lacking.

Zhong Yuxiu nodded. “At present, probably not. The materials are what they are. To improve it to a clear and visible level, a few small components would need to be modified. Unfortunately, with the technology we currently possess, it’s a bit difficult to manufacture.”

This involved technology beyond the current era.

“How would you modify it? As long as you’re willing to study, one day it will be possible,” Professor Ding said, not quite understanding. “We’ve come this far because we were willing to put in the hard work and research.”

“I understand. I’ll write up the materials and submit them for further study.” The nation’s future strength relied not only on the guidance of leaders but also on the countless researchers who, undaunted by difficulties, persevered and overcame one obstacle after another.

Success is never one-sided; it is supported by many factors.

As long as it could improve the current level of technology, she would not begrudge sharing the expertise she brought from the stars.

“You just do the research yourself; there’s no need to hand it over.” When it came to patents, the credit might not be hers, since she wasn’t the one conducting the research.

Zhong Yuxiu shook her head. “I have no interest in spending time on this. Let others explore it.”

Professor Ding was puzzled. “Why not study it yourself? If you give it to others, it won’t be yours anymore.”

“It doesn’t matter—just an idea and some data.” Merely minor materials, nothing of real importance.

“You really are young,” Professor Ding said, lightly tapping her twice with a finger. His gaze drifted to the computer, and thoughts of surveillance equipment surfaced in his mind; suddenly, he realized she probably had another idea brewing. He voiced his suspicion, “Comrade Zhong, do you have another new project in mind?”

Zhong Yuxiu was momentarily startled but remained composed, shaking her head calmly. “Not for the time being.”

“I’ll be free for the next few days—I thought you might have a new project for me to join you in researching.” Working on a project with Zhong Yuxiu was addictive—such a satisfying and relaxed feeling. From the outset, she considered every detail, especially her precise data calculations. He wanted to ask to learn her calculation methods but could not bring himself to say it.

To calculate so quickly, there must be a unique approach. Could he expect to learn it just by asking? He didn’t have the nerve.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled wryly and teased, “If there’s a new project, I’ll let you know. After all, you’re the professor guiding me now—I couldn’t possibly bypass you.” Matters of physics could be discussed, but those in biopharmacology, not so much.

“I’ll wait for your good news, then.” Professor Ding glanced out the window at the gloomy sky. “It’s getting late, looks like it’ll rain soon. I’d better be off. Take your time with the rest of the paper and the report.”

Zhong Yuxiu nodded. “I won’t see you out, then.”

“No need. It’s just a formality, not worth making a fuss.” His gaze returned from the window and he smiled. “All right, I’m off. I still have to return to school and report back.”

“Take care.”

Professor Ding left the lab, striding quickly out of Zhong Yuxiu’s room.

Zhong Yuxiu closed the door, took out pen and paper, and began writing rapidly; she first finished the report, data, and materials, and then detailed the materials and data for the improved camera.

As Professor Ding was going downstairs, he saw two people and a robot, and couldn’t help but smile again. His gaze lingered on Hao Nan, then he turned to speak to Gou Dan.

“Gou Dan, take the equipment back.”

Gou Dan didn’t respond verbally. He simply extended a mechanical arm, removed the equipment, and went upstairs holding it in one hand, with the cables draped over the other.

Hao Nan smiled slightly. “Professor Ding, are you heading back?”

“Yes, I have to go. Looks like it’ll rain. If I leave too late, I’ll be soaked,” he said, already at the door.

“Go fetch an umbrella for Professor Ding,” Tian Shangguo signaled with his eyes.

Hao Nan suddenly realized and slapped his forehead. “How could I forget?”

He hurried to the storage room, found a long umbrella with a hook, and chased after him. Tian Shangguo glanced upstairs; that must have been the finished product that Comrade Zhong and Professor Ding had just developed. Such speed—it felt like only two days had passed. You couldn’t judge Comrade Zhong by ordinary standards; faster was normal for her.

In the future, if Comrade Zhong completed a research project every day, he wouldn’t be surprised. He’d seen too much to be shocked anymore.

“Professor Ding, please wait!”

Professor Ding turned back. “Comrade Hao Nan?”

“Professor Ding, please take this umbrella, just in case.” Hao Nan handed him the umbrella.

“Thank you, I won’t refuse.” With the umbrella, he could walk home more leisurely.

Hao Nan shook his head with a smile. “Don’t worry, there are spares at home.”

“All right. I’ll return it to Comrade Zhong when she comes to the university. Thank you, and thank her as well.” Professor Ding held the umbrella, made as if to leave, then stopped and turned back, saying, “Comrade Hao Nan, next time be more careful. Your head’s too big.”

At least he hadn’t said his face was big.

Hao Nan looked bewildered, his eyes innocent and confused. He returned to the house, still puzzled, and mentioned it to Tian Shangguo.

“Comrade Tian, what do you think Professor Ding meant?”

Tian Shangguo glanced upstairs and replied in a low voice, “The thing Gou Dan took down was the result of Comrade Zhong and Professor Ding’s research. There must be something special about it. Didn’t you lean in close to look at the finished product just now? That’s probably why.”

“It could see me?” Hao Nan frowned. “Now I remember—Comrade Zhong’s research this time was related to surveillance.”

How foolish he had been.

“Don’t worry, Professor Ding and Comrade Zhong won’t mention it.” Judging by how Hao Nan brought the umbrella and Professor Ding reminded him, it was clear Professor Ding never intended to say anything; perhaps he and Comrade Zhong would just share a private laugh.

Hao Nan had meant well by bringing the umbrella. Professor Ding merely gave him a friendly reminder.

“It doesn’t matter. I just hadn’t thought it through before.” Hao Nan paused, then asked, “With Comrade Zhong’s research finished, it will probably be reported soon. We’re still short-staffed here—should we apply to bring in another person?”

“Don’t bother. Comrade Zhong won’t agree,” Tian Shangguo said indifferently, glancing at him as he sat down on the sofa. “She’s very cautious about people. The fact that she accepts us is already rare. You saw what happened to Li Yun—Comrade Zhong never trusted her from the start.”

Had there been the slightest trust, Li Yun wouldn’t have been exposed so quickly.

Hao Nan nodded slightly. “Li Yun brought it on herself. She shouldn’t have touched Comrade Zhong’s things.”

“That’s right.” Tian Shangguo had no intention of spelling it out. The robot was more capable than both of them; what would be the point of bringing in another person? It would only add to the burden.

Their role was to protect Comrade Zhong; it was not yet time to expand the team.

“Ah, Gou Dan is more capable than both of us—housework, cooking, everything, and can even assist Comrade Zhong with experiments. With such an excellent robot…” He sounded disheartened.

It was true—the robot outperformed the two of them. They managed the chores reasonably well, but cooking was not their forte, and they were even less suited to be Comrade Zhong’s assistant.

After talking for a while, Hao Nan, being carefree by nature, let it go. The idea of applying for more staff was not brought up again.