7: Chapter 7: A Materials Science Geek Joins the Team! Selling Titles to Earn Research Funding!

With the peerage certificates sent out, Lin Zhou felt his tense nerves relax slightly. Though the funds were not abundant, they were sufficient to serve as a foundation for starting his scientific research. He once again sought help online, looking for a suitable materials science expert.

He started a new live stream. This time, he didn't mention the peerage sales at first; Lin Zhou went straight to the core issue.

"Citizens of the Cyber Freedom Republic, I previously mentioned that we have a complete strategy." In front of the computer screen, Lin Zhou spoke in a steady tone that revealed his determination. "The essence of this plan lies in technology!"

He brought up a pre-prepared PPT, which displayed the schematic and conceptual diagrams of 'Solar Water Collection Technology.'

"As you all know, the Bir Tawil desert is vast. The scarcity of water resources is the bottleneck that stifles all development."

"And the 'Solar Water Collection Technology' I have studied will completely reverse this predicament!"

He explained the working principle of this technology: how special materials absorb moisture from the air, which is then efficiently condensed via solar energy to finally turn into drinkable pure water. Lin Zhou further emphasized the many advantages of this technology, such as its 'low energy consumption, moderate cost, and integrated power generation functions.'

"The cornerstone of this technology is a brand-new adsorbent material with a unique molecular structure. It is the lifeblood of this cutting-edge technology!" Lin Zhou pointed to the intricate molecular structure diagram on the PPT. "However, this material is currently limited to laboratory preparation, and the process is cumbersome, requiring high levels of specialized materials science knowledge and equipment."

He paused briefly, his gaze scanning the bullet chat.

"Therefore, I am extending a sincere invitation to all members of the materials science community, students, and all friends who hold a passion for materials science who are following the 'Cyber Freedom Republic'!"

"If you have a professional background in materials science, possess a passion for research and development of cutting-edge materials, and are willing to do your utmost for the technological rise of the 'Cyber Freedom Republic,' please contact me!"

"We urgently need a professional team to help us overcome the difficulties in preparing the core materials!"

"In return, all team members involved in the research and development will automatically obtain citizenship of the 'Cyber Freedom Republic' and will receive corresponding peerages based on their contributions!"

"Furthermore, all core material costs required for the experiments will be paid in full by the 'Cyber Freedom Republic' Fund." Lin Zhou's words were intended to show that funds were sufficient and to alleviate the concerns of professionals.

In the comments section, the audience's discussion boiled over again.

"Oh my god, the streamer is really going to dive into scientific research!"

"This has really become a technological utopia!"

"Are there any materials science big shots coming out to claim this?"

"I'm from the chemistry department; can I make up the numbers?"

"Are you kidding? Would anyone really believe he can develop cutting-edge technology?"

After the live stream ended, Lin Zhou began receiving emails from various parties. As he expected, most of the emails were just jokes from onlookers, but he quickly filtered out several letters that seemed quite professional.

One email caught his interest. The sender was named 'Spring of the Material Dog,' and the content was straightforward: "I am a PhD student majoring in Materials Science and Engineering at a key domestic university. Our laboratory has a full set of material preparation and characterization equipment. I am deeply interested in the 'Solar Water Collection Technology' you mentioned, especially regarding the molecular structure of the special adsorption material, about which I still have several doubts. If your theory is indeed solid, we can discuss the possibility of cooperation in depth. However, the prerequisite is that all costs for experimental consumables must be borne by your side."

After reading this letter, Lin Zhou could not contain the excitement in his heart. This was exactly the help he was looking for! The other party not only had a laboratory and professional talent but also dared to raise questions, which showed they possessed genuine knowledge.

He immediately replied, attaching more detailed theoretical principles and some structural diagrams (of course, the core technology was not fully disclosed).

'Spring of the Material Dog' quickly replied again, his words revealing excitement and professional rigor: "After a preliminary assessment, your theoretical framework has feasible potential. The arrangement of specific molecular bonds can theoretically improve adsorption efficiency. However, I need more data and experimental verification. If you can provide some samples of the special material or more detailed preparation ideas, we can have an in-depth discussion."

Lin Zhou had no samples in hand, but he had a complete preparation strategy in his mind. He began a preliminary technical exchange with the other party via email, cleverly guiding them and throwing out several core directions during the exchange.

After several days of online communication, both parties believed the prospects for cooperation were broad. In the end, 'Spring of the Material Dog,' along with several junior fellow students, decided to join Lin Zhou's 'Tech Nation Building' plan. They didn't necessarily believe Lin Zhou could establish a country, but were attracted by the 'special materials' and 'cutting-edge technology' concepts he proposed; for materials science researchers, being able to touch upon cutting-edge or even disruptive theories was a huge attraction in itself.

Both parties agreed to meet a month later at the laboratory of the university where 'Spring of the Material Dog' was located.

To ensure the smooth progress of the experiments, Lin Zhou once again opened up peerage sales. He further refined the peerage system and added more appealing promotional slogans.

"R&D funds exhausted! Every peerage will directly assist our country's technological takeoff!"

"What you are donating is not just money, but an investment in the future of human water resources!"

This time, he focused on promoting the concept of 'Tech Nation Building,' closely linking peerage sales with research funding.

The audience's enthusiasm remained undiminished. Although most people still held a playful attitude, they were willing to give generously for this 'fun.'

Lin Zhou personally experienced the power contained within the internet.

Several 'Founding County Barons' and 'Founding County Viscounts' were purchased one after another. There was even a 'big spender' who went straight for the second 'Founding Duke of the State' peerage, with a total price of 100,000 yuan!

When Lin Zhou received this sum, a smile couldn't help but spread across his face. It seemed the world was never short of 'pleasure-seekers,' nor of those willing to pay a price for their beliefs.

This fund once again made his account more abundant, providing solid support for the upcoming scientific research experiments.

He knew that this move was like walking on thin ice; every step had to be steady and sure.

A month later, he would set off for the laboratory to personally participate in the research and development of the core materials. He was determined to prove that his 'Cyber Freedom Republic' was not merely an absurd joke, but an entity with the power to transform the world.