45: Chapter 45 Snatching People

Academician Chen was in his office reviewing research applications from various departments.

Chu Ge suddenly knocked and entered, sitting down opposite Academician Chen and just staring at him without saying a word.

"Xiao Chu, is something the matter?"

Academician Chen shivered. The last time Chu Ge stared at him like this for ten minutes, he had tearfully approved a 200-billion-yuan research funding application.

"We're short on people. I need your help to solve it!"

Chu Ge got straight to the point.

"That's easy to handle. Within the Ordnance Research Institute, Xiao Chu, you can just pick whoever you want."

Academician Chen breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't about money, things were manageable.

"There's no one left to pick from within the institute. Everyone who could go has already gone. We're still short 200 people, and they all must be elites. We have to select them from across the country!"

The pen in Academician Chen's hand clattered onto the desk.

Sure enough, every visit from him made the old man's blood pressure spike.

"Ahem, Chu Ge, in the future, just call me on the phone. I can't handle your stare."

"Wait, hold on. Why do you suddenly need so many researchers? Could it be... that project is about to start?"

The old man's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Not that fast. But, it wouldn't be wrong to say it's related. It's all part of the future space force plan."

Then, Chu Ge laid out his recent research plans in full detail.

"This is a complete set of individual combat gear?"

"Yes, but the operational environment is designated for space. The helmet system will be equipped with Quantum Communication, a face shield, and an ecological monitoring system. The protective armor will focus more on anti-gravity, electromagnetic protection, radiation shielding, and similar aspects."

"This... such a massive plan... I, I need to report this to the Ministry of Science and Technology, even to the military."

Academician Chen looked at Chu Ge, taking a moment to compose himself before responding.

"Alright. As for the funding..."

"Stop right there! My blood pressure is about to go off the charts. Submit a report later, and I'll forward it for you."

Academician Chen hurriedly waved his hands. He was genuinely afraid of Chu Ge.

"Tell Minister Wu that this time it's a personal combat system specifically developed for the military. Shouldn't the military contribute a bit? Haha!"

Having said that, Chu Ge dashed out in a flash.

It felt great to ask others for money!

"That rascal!"

After Chu Ge left, Academician Chen hastily picked up the phone on his desk. Such exciting news had to be shared with Old Wu. If blood pressure was going to spike, they might as well do it together.

"Hello, Old Chen, what's up?"

Director Wu picked up the phone and asked directly, clearly busy with work.

"Old Wu, Chu Ge has another new project about to start..."

"Short on funds, right? Just submit an application. You know as well as I do that 'Chu Ge' these two words basically mean a green light. I couldn't stop it even if I tried, haha."

"The budget hasn't been finalized yet. This time, besides money, he'll probably need people too!"

"People? What do you mean?"

Director Wu put down the materials in his hand and started paying closer attention.

"Technical talent, research talent—elite talent from all categories!"

"This? What are you implying?"

"I'm saying you'll need to conduct a nationwide screening in the name of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Our Research Institute, including several subordinate units, has already been cleaned out by him. There's still a gap of over 200 people."

"Whether it's research talent from local areas or promising students still in school, gather as many as you can."

Academician Chen suggested directly to Director Wu.

"Have them report to the Yanjing Weapons Research Institute as soon as possible. I'll prepare the related support work immediately on my end. Tell them that as long as they can achieve results in their own fields, their compensation can be executed according to the highest standards."

"Several branch institutes of the Ordnance Research Institute that started construction last year are almost completed. It's just that some precision research equipment hasn't arrived yet. We can fill them in directly when they come. I estimate once they arrive, they won't be thinking about leaving. Their files will be transferred here, directly subordinate to the Ordnance Research Institute. This is also a guarantee of honor for them."

Academician Chen finished speaking in one breath.

"Old Chen, you're going all out on this, aren't you? Could it be..."

"No need for wild guesses. Chu Ge's research report will probably be submitted in the next couple of days. We'll meet up later to discuss it in detail. It's not like you don't know about the plans ahead."

"For the next few years, the nation will be arranging its layout around these top-secret projects of Chu Ge."

"Yes, yes. The senior leadership has already briefed me on this."

Director Wu nodded.

"So, Old Wu, we might truly witness a miracle of an era. In the near future, China will surely awe the world and lead the trends in technology and military affairs. Can we not go all out on matters like this now?"

"Alright then. I'll convene the relevant meetings immediately on my end to finalize the specific personnel deployment arrangements. Once sorted, I'll have them report directly to you!"

"Good!"

Director Wu hung up the phone. Academician Chen's words had left him pondering for a long while. Then, his eyes gradually lit up with excitement, and the corners of his mouth turned upward!

"Haha, excellent! The time to showcase our nation's might is not far off!"

Over the next few days, scientific and technical workers across China, as well as graduates from related institutions, experienced a peculiar event they would remember for the rest of their lives.

A certain electronics Research Institute in N Province.

"Old Liu, have you seen the official directive from the Ministry of Science and Technology today?"

"Yes. It says experts in relevant fields must report to the Yanjing Weapons Research Institute within three days. All related procedures will be simplified!"

"You're the top talent in our institute, specifically named. Now the best Research Institute in the country has extended an olive branch. Your time to shine isn't far away."

"Engineer Zhao, stop flattering me. It's not just researchers they want. Didn't you see? Senior engineers are also within the special recruitment scope. Did you think you could escape?"

"Haha, what do you think it means that the country is gathering us on such a large scale this time? I've heard it's not just our unit; almost all sister units have received the notice."

"Really? If that's the case, then there must be a major project underway."

"Shh, this isn't something for us to speculate about. We'll know when we get there."

"Right, right."

This seemingly ordinary conversation between Dr. Liu and Engineer Zhao was being repeated all across China at that very moment.

...

A certain prestigious engineering university in H City.

Yan Tianhao was a postgraduate student in astrophysics. Thinking outside the box had been his distinctive trait since childhood. Driven by this persistent determination and passion, he had come this far.

Although several sizable multinational corporations had already extended olive branches to him, he hadn't accepted any yet.

He still wanted to wait and see. While taking a corporate position could offer substantial material benefits, it might also mean bidding farewell to the laboratory forever.

So he was quite conflicted at the moment.

Today, his supervisor suddenly called, asking him to come over, seemingly in a hurry. At this moment, he was hurriedly making his way to his supervisor's office.

"Professor, you wanted to see me?"

"Xiao Yan, you came at the right time. How have you been lately? Found a place you like?"

"N-Not yet. Professor, you know me. I want to continue doing research. It's just... I applied to a few Research Institutes, but they all politely refused, saying I lack experience. Hmph!"

Speaking of this, Yan Tianhao got a bit agitated, feeling particularly indignant.

"Haha, don't worry. There's a Research Institute you might want to try."

"Oh? Which one?"

"The Yanjing Weapons Research Institute?"

"Weapons Research Institute? That... Professor, doesn't that mismatch my specialty?"

"The Ministry of Science and Technology specifically sent a document to the university. The Ordnance Research Institute urgently needs top talents from all categories right now. Thetreatment are the best, and the research equipment is top-notch domestically. So I recommended you to them."

"And the result?"

"They replied that after reviewing some of your research reports, they are very interested. The Ordnance Research Institute also has related research in space, led by a dedicated Academician. The future is promising. If you're willing, report to the Yanjing Weapons Research Institute within three days!"

"Gasp, really? Professor..."

Yan Tianhao was as happy as a child.

"You rascal. Do you want to see the official directive yourself? Or don't you recognize the official seal of the Ministry of Science and Technology? Hurry back and pack. Time is tight. If necessary, take a flight directly. Can't be late for the first report. Get moving right away. Your professor believes in you!"

"Yes, Professor!"

With that, the teacher and student embraced tightly, patting each other on the back. There seemed to be the sorrow of parting, but also blessings for each other's future.