33: Chapter 33 Clash of Ideas! Disputes Arise Over Test Plans, Seeking a Breakthrough Amidst Emotional Maneuvering (2)

Mu Li listened intently, his finger rhythmically tapping the tabletop with soft 'thud-thud' sounds. His calm gaze swept over the faces of Lin Wei and Zhao Kai without interrupting Dr. Chen. Once Dr. Chen finished his report, Mu Li looked at the two and said in a peaceful tone, "The two of you should each explain your plans and the reasons for sticking to them in more detail. No need to rush, take your time."

Lin Wei stood up first and took a deep breath, pressing her hand lightly against her chest in an effort to calm her agitation before elaborating on her conservative test plan once more. "Engineer Mu, I have been working in reactor design for over a decade. I've been through many technical hurdles and have seen firsthand the serious accidents caused by rushing for success." Her gaze drifted into the distance, carrying a hint of solemn recollection, as if she were seeing those past scenes again. "There was once a project where power was increased without sufficient verification, leading to the burnout of the Magnetic Confinement Coils. The entire project stalled for half a year, resulting in losses of hundreds of millions. That incident made me deeply understand that safety is paramount for nuclear energy projects; there is no room for wishful thinking."

She withdrew her gaze, her eyes becoming exceptionally firm. "The first commercialized Controllable Nuclear Fusion power station carries the nation's expectations as well as the hard work of our entire team; we cannot afford a single mistake. Although my plan is conservative, it maximizes the safety of the testing process. Through long-term stable operation, we can comprehensively monitor the wear and tear of each component and build a complete performance degradation model. This will provide the most reliable data support for subsequent maintenance and optimization, ensuring the project moves forward as planned and successfully achieves commercial operation."

Zhao Kai stood up immediately after. He puffed out his chest slightly, his eyes firm as he added, "Engineer Mu, I understand Engineer Lin's emphasis on safety and respect her past experiences, but we must also see that the current competition in the new energy industry is exceptionally fierce." He tapped on the virtual screen, pulling up the latest trends report in the international energy sector. "The Star Alliance Nation's Controllable Nuclear Fusion project has already entered the countdown for commercial operation. Their limit power test data is 20% higher than our current levels. If we cannot master the limit performance of our own technology as soon as possible, we may find ourselves at a disadvantage in future competition."

His fingers slid rapidly across the screen, his tone carrying a hint of urgency. "Although my plan seems aggressive, every step of the power increase is backed by scientific data. The 72-hour stable operation test has already verified the system's basic stability. Furthermore, we have the Intelligent Equipment Fault Diagnosis System and comprehensive emergency plans to effectively handle potential risks. Rapidly completing the limit testing will not only allow us to discover latent issues faster and provide a basis for subsequent technical optimization, but it will also allow us to seize the technological high ground internationally, attracting more cooperation and investment to drive the development of the entire new energy industry."

Mu Li nodded. He didn't immediately state his position but instead turned to look at the other R&D personnel. "What do the rest of you think? Everyone can speak up; don't have any reservations, speak freely."

"Engineer Mu, I support Engineer Lin's plan. Safety first! Nuclear energy projects are different from others; once a problem occurs, it's a major accident. We can't afford to gamble!" said a white-haired senior expert, shaking his head slightly with deep concern on his face.

"I support Engineer Zhao's plan. We already have sufficient technical safeguards. We should seize the opportunity for a rapid breakthrough; we can't miss out on a good chance just because we're afraid of risks!" a young technical backbone countered, his eyes bright and his tone filled with confidence.

"I think we can find a middle ground. Increase the power appropriately, but slow down the frequency and magnitude of the increases. For example, increase it once every ten days by 5% each time. This way, we ensure safety while also obtaining limit performance data," another middle-aged R&D staff member proposed. He sat with his hands crossed on the table, leaning forward slightly, appearing somewhat cautious.

"I agree with the compromise plan! This way, we can account for both sides and resolve the current disagreement, reuniting the team." Someone immediately echoed, a look of relief appearing on their face.

The crowd voiced their opinions one after another, and the meeting room became lively again. However, this time the discussion had less of the previous bickering and more rational analysis. Mu Li listened carefully to everyone's speech, nodding slightly from time to time, a decision gradually forming in his eyes.

After everyone had finished speaking, he slowly stood up, placed his hands on the table, and leaned forward slightly. He said in a firm tone, "Everyone, I understand your sense of responsibility toward the project, and I understand the point of contention between Engineer Lin and Engineer Zhao. Safety is indeed the primary principle of the project; it is a bottom line we cannot waver on. However, we also cannot lose the courage for innovative breakthroughs because of it, otherwise, the technology will not progress and the project will be unable to meet future challenges. I believe that a purely conservative or purely aggressive plan has its limitations and cannot meet the current development needs of the project. Therefore, I propose that we adopt a 'Stepped Progression + Dynamic Monitoring' test plan."

Upon hearing Mu Li's words, everyone fell silent. Their eyes were fixed on him, fearing they might miss a single detail—some leaned forward, some held their breath, and one could even hear the sound of a pen pausing on paper.

Mu Li continued, "The specific plan is to divide the one-month long-term stable operation test into three stages of ten days each, proceeding step-by-step to balance safety and efficiency. In the first stage, the first ten days, we will maintain the current energy output power. The focus will be on monitoring the wear of the reactor components, the sealing of the Vacuum Chamber, and the stability of the Magnetic Confinement System. Comprehensive inspections will be conducted three times a day to generate detailed performance reports. This is the core of Engineer Lin's plan, ensuring the safety of the test and laying a solid foundation for subsequent power increases. In the second stage, the middle ten days, the energy output power will be increased once every seven days. The magnitude of the increase will be strictly controlled within 5%. Simultaneously, the Intelligent Equipment Fault Diagnosis System will be active for full-process monitoring, with multiple early warning thresholds set. If any abnormal fluctuation occurs—even a parameter deviation of only 0.1%—the power increase will be paused immediately, and technical personnel will be organized for a comprehensive investigation and adjustment. We will only proceed after confirming there are no issues. In the third stage, the final ten days, provided that the first two stages have operated stably without any potential risks discovered, the frequency of power increases will be appropriately accelerated to once every five days. The magnitude will be controlled within 8%, gradually approaching the design limit of 150% power to complete the limit performance test. This will allow us to fully master the reactor's operating state under different loads and provide comprehensive and precise technical data for subsequent commercial operations."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Lin Wei and Zhao Kai as he added sincerely, "This plan incorporates the safety core of Engineer Lin's plan and adopts the breakthrough philosophy of Engineer Zhao's plan. Through stepped increases and dynamic monitoring, it balances risk and reward. We must ensure the safety and stability of the project while also daring to explore the boundaries of technology within a controllable range. This is the attitude our R&D team should have."

As soon as Mu Li finished explaining the plan, a wave of approval rippled through the meeting room. Both of the previously divided factions showed signs of agreement—some clapped lightly, others nodded and smiled, and the tension on their faces gradually dissipated.

Dr. Chen was the first to nod, a gratified smile appearing on his face. "This plan is good! It balances safety and efficiency and is very well-thought-out. It's a very reasonable compromise that won't miss out on data due to being too conservative, nor face huge risks due to being too aggressive."

The senior experts who supported Engineer Lin also expressed their agreement. They nodded slowly, the worry on their faces gradually fading. "This plan is indeed steady. The stable testing in the first stage will give us peace of mind, and the subsequent power increases have strict monitoring and warnings. The risk is controllable."

The young technical staff who supported Engineer Zhao also breathed a sigh of relief, relaxed smiles appearing on their faces. "This plan can also meet our needs for limit performance testing. Although the pace is a bit slower, it ensures the smooth progress of the test. It's much better than staying at the same power level the whole time."

The tight expression on Lin Wei's face gradually softened. She let out a soft sigh, the firmness in her eyes replaced by a sense of relief. Looking at Mu Li, she said, "Engineer Mu, this plan indeed accounts for safety and is more comprehensive than mine. I agree."

Zhao Kai also broke into a smile, much of his previous agitation and tension having dissipated. He reached up to scratch his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "Engineer Mu, this plan ensures safety while also allowing us to obtain limit performance data to meet the project's development needs. I also agree."

Mu Li said with a smile, "Excellent! Since everyone agrees on this plan, the R&D team should follow it and formulate a detailed test plan and emergency response plan as soon as possible. Define the monitoring indicators, warning thresholds, investigation procedures, and division of responsibilities for each stage. Engineer Lin and Engineer Zhao, the two of you must put aside your previous differences and cooperate closely to jointly manage the technical coordination of this long-term stable operation test. Engineer Lin will focus on safety monitoring and risk assessment, while Engineer Zhao will focus on performance data collection and technical optimization. Supervise each other and support each other."

"Understood!" Lin Wei and Zhao Kai responded in unison. They glanced at each other, both seeing apology and relief in the other's eyes—Lin Wei nodded slightly with a gentle smile playing at the corners of her mouth, while Zhao Kai smiled sheepishly with a hint of guilt in his eyes. The previous heated argument had made the relationship between them tense, to the point where they rarely even communicated in private. Now, under Mu Li's coordination, the disagreement was resolved. Both realized that team unity was far more important than individual philosophies; only through unity and collaboration could they drive the project forward smoothly.

After the plan review meeting ended, Lin Wei took the initiative to walk over to Zhao Kai's side. With a sincere smile on her face, she said earnestly, "Engineer Zhao, I was a bit agitated during the meeting just now and my words were a bit harsh. I hope you don't mind." She turned slightly with a humble posture. "Your plan actually has many points worth learning from. I was indeed overly sensitive to risk because of my past experiences."

Zhao Kai also scratched his head in embarrassment, an apologetic smile appearing on his face as he subconsciously rubbed his hands together. "Engineer Lin, I was also in the wrong. I shouldn't have been so impulsive and spoken so directly without considering your feelings." He lowered his head slightly, his tone sincere. "Your experience in safety is far richer than mine. In the future, I will consult you more and consider the safety of the tests more. I won't blindly pursue breakthroughs while ignoring risks anymore."

"We'll learn from each other." Lin Wei extended her hand, her gaze sincere. "For the upcoming testing work, let's work hard together and cooperate closely to ensure its smooth completion. Let's not let down the trust of Engineer Mu and the team."

Zhao Kai also reached out and shook Lin Wei's hand firmly, giving it a strong shake. "Alright! We'll learn from each other and do a great job on the project together!"

The two shook hands and made peace, their previous conflicts and barriers vanishing in an instant as relaxed smiles appeared on their faces. This scene happened to be caught by Mu Li as he passed by the meeting room door. A gratified smile appeared on his face. He paused for a moment and then quietly left without disturbing them. Team unity and collaboration were key to the smooth progress of the project. Resolving the disagreement between Lin Wei and Zhao Kai had taken a weight off his mind.

That afternoon, the R&D team concentrated all its core strength to formulate the detailed 'Stepped Progression + Dynamic Monitoring' test plan and emergency response plan. In the test plan, they not only clearly defined the power increase nodes, monitoring frequencies, and indicator standards for each stage but also detailed the specific responsibilities of each technical personnel: who was responsible for monitoring the Magnetic Confinement System, who was responsible for recording energy conversion efficiency, and who was responsible for checking the Vacuum Chamber's sealing. Everything was listed one by one. The emergency response plan considered various possible situations, from parameter fluctuations and equipment failures to extreme accidents. Detailed response procedures, responsible persons, and processing time limits were formulated to ensure that any problem could be resolved in the shortest time possible.

Mu Li sat in his office, carefully reviewing the thick test plan and emergency response plan. He checked every word and sentence, not letting a single detail slip by—sometimes his brow furrowed as he circled and annotated the paper with a red pen; sometimes his finger tapped the table as he fell into deep thought; when encountering an uncertainty, he would pull up relevant data for repeated comparison. He pointed out several areas that needed improvement: "The warning thresholds here can be further refined. Set different warning levels based on different parameter types. For example, a 0.1% fluctuation in energy conversion efficiency is a Level 1 warning, 0.3% is Level 2, and 0.5% is Level 3, with different levels corresponding to different response measures. Also, for the fault investigation process here, the response time for each department must be clear. Technical personnel must arrive at the scene within 5 minutes and produce preliminary investigation results within 10 minutes."

He provided the feedback on the revisions to the R&D team, requiring them to complete the refinements before that evening. The R&D team acted immediately, optimizing and adjusting the plan according to Mu Li's requirements to ensure every link was precise and error-free.

At eight o'clock the next morning, the month-long stable operation test officially began. Inside the Main Control Room, the R&D team members were all at their posts, staring intently at the screens in front of them. Their fingers moved rapidly across the keyboards, producing a dense 'clack-clack' sound as they initiated various monitoring programs. According to the test plan, the first stage would maintain the current energy output power, focusing on monitoring the wear of the reactor components and the stability of the system.

Lin Wei and Zhao Kai cooperated closely. Every day, they would lead the technical staff in conducting a detailed analysis of the reactor's parameters, generating performance reports dozens of pages long. Lin Wei focused on safety indicators. Every day, she would personally check the insulation layer status of the Magnetic Confinement Coils and the pressure changes in the Vacuum Chamber—she would put on a heavy protective suit and a face mask, cautiously enter the reactor chamber, and use professional instruments for close-range detection, personally recording every piece of data without daring to be the slightest bit careless. Zhao Kai, on the other hand, focused on performance data. He sat before the control console, his eyes fixed on the jumping curves on the screen as his fingers operated rapidly to analyze minute changes in energy conversion efficiency and study the confinement state of the plasma. From time to time, he would stop his pen and fall into deep thought with a furrowed brow, looking for room for further optimization.

The two of them would set aside an hour every day to sit together and discuss the test situation—they would huddle around a virtual screen, heads close together, fingers pointing at the same data point as they discussed in low voices. Lin Wei would point at the curves on the screen, patiently reminding Zhao Kai to pay attention to certain safety details that were easily overlooked. Zhao Kai would pull up optimization plans and discuss with Lin Wei how to improve performance while ensuring safety. The coordination between the two became increasingly seamless, and their previous disagreements and barriers were completely transformed into the driving force for unity and collaboration.