204: Chapter 205 Qin Weiguo

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao was stunned for a moment, his mind unable to process the thought immediately.

Not wanting to offer money... then... then could it be?!

The next second, having regained his senses, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao's eyes widened, and he said with a trembling voice, "You mean... you really have finished the T-7 Material?!！"

Seeing his excited state, Jiang Jing smiled without saying a word, simply patting his pants pocket lightly.

Although he did not answer directly, this action said everything!

"Great!" District Mayor Zhao Wenhao clapped his hands excitedly and shouted in approval. Then, realizing something, he turned to Jiang Jing and said, "Let's go, right now. I'll take you to the place immediately!"

He grabbed the phone on the table, gave a few instructions in a very fast pace, then picked up his coat and pulled Jiang Jing by the arm as he headed out. He looked so eager that it seemed like even a second's delay would be a huge loss.

"Hey, hey, hey, slow down, slow down!" Jiang Jing said, finding it somewhat amusing as he was dragged along. "I just sat down, I haven't even had a sip of tea yet!"

"What tea? I'll buy you mineral water on the way! Business comes first!" District Mayor Zhao Wenhao was in a completely decisive state, dragging Jiang Jing out of the office without further ado.

Staff members encountered in the corridor were stunned to see the District Mayor rushing past while pulling a handsome young man, looking at each other in confusion, not knowing what had happened.

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao, however, had no time to spare. He almost sprinted down the stairs with Jiang Jing, where the Audi car was already started and waiting downstairs.

"Go to the 705 Research Institute," District Mayor Zhao Wenhao instructed Assistant Wang as soon as he got into the car.

"Yes!" Assistant Wang didn't waste any words. With a step on the gas pedal, the car let out a low roar and quickly sped out of the government compound, racing toward a certain state-level key material Research Institute in Shanghai.

Outside the car window, the scenery of Shanghai flashed by rapidly.

Inside the car, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao remained unable to calm his excitement, occasionally looking at Jiang Jing's bulging pocket with a fiery gaze.

Jiang Jing was unnerved by his gaze; someone who didn't know better might think District Mayor Zhao Wenhao had some perverted hobby...

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao noticed Jiang Jing's speechless look and coughed twice, pretending that nothing was amiss.

It was as if nothing had happened; he was executing well what his father had said—maintain a calm spirit when facing major events.

Yes, doing it perfectly...

Inside the car, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao felt the atmosphere might be a bit off, so he awkwardly took out his phone and dialed a number using an encrypted line.

The call connected, and a slightly tired middle-aged male voice came from the other side: "Hello? District Mayor Zhao? What's the matter so late?"

"Engineer Liu, I'm sorry to bother you. I have found a... well... private expert here. He might have a major breakthrough regarding special materials. I am bringing him over now and would like to ask the experts at the Research Institute to help verify it."

He deliberately blurred Jiang Jing's identity, only saying "private expert," to avoid causing unnecessary shock too early.

Engineer Liu on the other end of the phone was one of the people in charge of the T-7 Material project at the 705 Research Institute.

Hearing this, his brows immediately furrowed, and his tone was filled with suspicion: "District Mayor Zhao, I am very grateful for your concern for our project."

"However... you know the difficulty of the T-7 Material. This is not a problem that an ordinary private expert can solve. We are currently conducting critical data simulations, and time is very tight..."

His subtext was very clear: he felt that District Mayor Zhao Wenhao was eager for merit and was panicking, looking for anyone to help, and didn't know where he had found some "charlatan" or "amateur scientist" to waste their precious time.

He had seen too many such examples; few actually had any real substance.

Beside Engineer Liu, an old man wearing a simple Zhongshan suit, with gray hair but looking spirited, was reviewing an experimental report.

Although his skin showed signs of old age, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. He had heard the content of the call and had also seen Engineer Liu's dismissive expression.

The old man frowned, put down the report in his hand, and with a voice that was not loud but carried an unquestionable majesty, said: "Little Liu, what's going on? Whose call is it?"

Engineer Liu was stunned and quickly covered the receiver, respectfully whispering an explanation: "Director Qin, it's a call from District Mayor Zhao of the New District. He said... he said he found a private expert who has a breakthrough on the T-7 Material and wants to bring him over for verification. I think it's a bit..."

This old man, referred to as "Director Qin," was none other than the director of a core Research Institute in the Southern Theater Command—Director Qin Weiguo!

A titan in the field of national defense technology!

He had dedicated most of his life to China's technological development and was a person worthy of respect.

He happened to be in Shanghai for a meeting and stopped by the 705 Research Institute to understand the progress of several key projects, not expecting to run into this matter.

After listening, Director Qin Weiguo's expression immediately darkened, and he criticized sternly: "Nonsense! The project has been stagnant for so long without any substantial breakthrough. The country is in a time of thirst for talent and needs to embrace all sources!"

"District Mayor Zhao has been running around trying to find solutions for the project; this dedication is precious! Instead of thinking about how to cooperate with the verification, you are being prejudiced and putting on an attitude that keeps people at a distance? This attitude is unacceptable!"

Engineer Liu was scolded until his face turned red, and cold sweat broke out. He nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes, Director Qin, you are right to criticize! It was my narrow-mindedness. I will arrange it immediately!"

He dared not show the slightest negligence anymore and quickly said into the phone: "District Mayor Zhao, please come over directly. My attitude just now was bad, please forgive me!"

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao agreed and hung up the phone, letting out a long sigh of relief. He smiled bitterly at Jiang Jing: "It's fortunate someone spoke up for us, otherwise we might have really been turned away. These people in scientific research can be very stubborn at times."

Jiang Jing smiled indifferently, not minding it.

The car sped all the way, finally driving into a heavily guarded place.

After passing through three strict checkpoints, with even the undercarriage of the car scanned by instruments, and after confirming District Mayor Zhao Wenhao's credentials and appointment information, the car was allowed to pass and drove into an underground parking lot.

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao led Jiang Jing, taking a special elevator that required a key card and password, to the interior of the Research Institute.

Just as they stepped out of the elevator, District Mayor Zhao Wenhao immediately saw Director Qin Weiguo standing not far away, talking to Engineer Liu and others.

The bit of excitement on District Mayor Zhao Wenhao's face from the upcoming verification vanished instantly, replaced by seriousness and a trace of nervousness.

He quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and greeted: "Director Qin, why have you suddenly come here?"

Director Qin Weiguo turned around, his gaze calmly sweeping over District Mayor Zhao Wenhao, and then landing on Jiang Jing, who stood composed behind him. A trace of imperceptible surprise flashed in his eyes.

He waved his hand, his voice calm yet carrying an inherent authority: "Just happened to come by to take a look. Little Zhao, I heard you brought a capable person? Is it this young man?"

District Mayor Zhao Wenhao quickly turned to the side and introduced him solemnly: "Yes, Director Qin. This is Jiang Jing, the founder of Xingchen Technology."

"Jiang Jing, this is Director Qin Weiguo," District Mayor Zhao Wenhao said to Jiang Jing, then added: "Director Qin is a titan in our country's field of materials science."

Facing this old man with a powerful aura, Jiang Jing smiled and took the initiative to extend his hand: "Director Qin, hello, I am Jiang Jing."

Director Qin Weiguo looked at Jiang Jing's clear and confident eyes and also extended his hand to shake hands with him.

The grip was dry and firm, and his eyes did not dodge. This composed demeanor—he is quite a character!