286: Xiao Niannian is the most popular person at the research institute.

"Oh my heavens, this is truly outstanding."

"Comrade Xiao, welcome to join us."

After the initial shock, everyone looked at Xiao Niannian with increasing affection.

They had heard of, or perhaps even seen, genius youths before.

"Greetings, seniors."

Xiao Niannian looked at them, knowing how much these seniors had sacrificed for the country. Most of them spent their entire lives developing better and more advanced weapons for the nation, and even if they were out of contact for many years, their contributions were never known to outsiders... "Comrade Xiao, quickly come and tell us about this mine detector and this suppressor..."

Xiao Niannian walked over and immediately began speaking.

Lu Jing stood not far away, watching Niannian stand with Researchers twenty or thirty years her senior, yet showing no nervousness, discussing the situation with the seniors while holding the mine detector... After a while, several Old Comrades began to praise her.

"So that's how it is, I understand. Comrade Xiao, you are truly brilliant."

"This is really good. After a few more tests, it can go onto the production line..."

"Putting this online will protect more Soldiers..."

"This suppressor is also excellent..."

Factory Director Xie had originally feared that the Old Comrades might say something unpleasant, but now, these Old Comrades were incredibly fond of Comrade Xiao Niannian.

Xiao Niannian hadn't expected that the Old Comrades, who had initially questioned her, were now extremely fond of her.

Not only did they discuss the products she had researched, but the Old Comrades also talked to her about firearm design... In her original world, Xiao Niannian had also self-studied a lot of knowledge, and guns were the closest companions to Soldiers like her, so she was incredibly familiar with discussing weapons.

"Comrade Wang, if this gun barrel were designed to be smaller and lighter, it would also be easier to carry..."

"Elder Zhao..."

By the time Xiao Niannian finished speaking with the Old Comrades, it was past midnight.

Factory Director Xie had already instructed the Cooking Squad to prepare a late-night snack.

Research personnel usually finish work very late when busy, so the Cooking Squad often provides them with extra meals.

"Comrade Xiao, come quickly and eat."

"Comrade Xiao, you are ten years younger than my son, and he is far inferior to you."

"Comrade Xiao, you must come over here often in the future. Grandma likes chatting with you..."

Xiao Niannian listened to the Old Comrades and nodded with a smile.

"Alright."

"Comrade Xiao, do you have a boyfriend?" After eating, another Old Comrade asked Xiao Niannian.

"I..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Niannian noticed Lu Jing's gaze fixed firmly on her.

Remembering what Lu Jing had told her before, Xiao Niannian decided to uphold her agreement with Lu Jing.

"I have a Fiancé."

She had originally intended to say she had an engagement. But at this time, having an engagement didn't count for much. If she was going to say anything, she should say she had a Fiancé.

What Xiao Niannian didn't see was that as she said this, the corners of Lu Jing's mouth, who had been standing nearby with an indifferent expression, instantly lifted. His gaze rested tenderly on Xiao Niannian.

"She has a Fiancé?"

Hearing that Comrade Xiao had a Fiancé, several Old Comrades felt surprised and a little regretful. Every one of them had one or two outstanding children at home, and they had been thinking that if Comrade Xiao didn't have a partner, they could introduce her. If such an excellent young woman became part of their family, they would wake up laughing from their dreams.

What a pity! This young woman already has a Fiancé.

Didn't they say she was twenty years old?

Who acted so quickly to seize the advantage?

Their foresight is simply too good.

Factory Director Xie also heard this. Unaware that Lu Jing was Xiao Niannian's Fiancé, he sighed next to Lu Jing.

"Comrade Xiao has a Fiancé at such a young age. I wonder which little rascal got such a bargain."

The little rascal, Lu Jing, heard Factory Director Xie's words, and the amusement in his eyes intensified.

"You two will rest here at the Arms Factory today. Comrade Xiao will be staying here these next few days..."

Xiao Niannian immediately agreed upon hearing Factory Director Xie's words.

"Yes."

Her only advantage was knowing decades of history and having genuinely studied weapons and firearms from later generations. She had personally manufactured many firearms, but compared to the Old Comrades here, she had far too much to learn.

These seniors are also extremely selfless. When she consulted them just now, they taught her everything.

By staying with these seniors, she could acquire a vast amount of knowledge.

Xiao Niannian was very willing to learn and could better contribute to the country.

Xiao Niannian was staying in a single room at the Arms Factory, which also had a small restroom where she could shower.

Having these conditions was truly excellent.

"Comrade Xiao, this is the military uniform issued to you by the Arms Factory..."

Grandma Lu knocked on the door, holding a package.

Xiao Niannian opened the door, heard Grandma Lu's words, and thanked her with a smile.

"Thank you, Grandma Lu."

"Good child, you're welcome."

Grandma Lu looked at Xiao Niannian, her face full of smiles.

Looking at Xiao Niannian, she recalled her own youth. Having such a young person in the Research Institute also lifted the spirits of them, the older generation.

Grandma Lu chatted with Xiao Niannian for a while longer before returning to her own room.

Xiao Niannian closed the door, immediately took the items, and entered her space to wash up.

After quickly taking a shower, Xiao Niannian also fell asleep.

Over the next few days, Xiao Niannian was busy at the Arms Factory, and Lu Jing disappeared.

Xiao Niannian quickly became the most popular person in the institute.

She was one or two generations younger than the seniors. Although she didn't often say flattering things, no matter what the seniors asked or what tasks they needed Xiao Niannian to do, Xiao Niannian could answer them and execute the tasks extremely well.

Who wouldn't like such a good child?

Xiao Niannian stayed here for a week and gained a lot of knowledge.

The seniors here filled her with deep admiration; every single one was devoted entirely to the country and the people, disregarding personal interests. When they got busy, they worked upwards of sixteen to eighteen hours a day, and when a product was successfully developed, the seniors at the Research Institute would all be overjoyed.

"Niannian."

Hearing Lu Jing's voice, Xiao Niannian stopped what she was doing and looked at Lu Jing.

Seeing Niannian, whose face was dusted with ash and whose eyes were incredibly bright, looking at him, Lu Jing said with a smile.

"I've come to take you home."

"Okay."

Xiao Niannian felt a little reluctant to leave, but the time was almost up. She still needed to return to the City Name, and shortly after returning to the City Name, she would have to report to the Military Academy.

She would come back to the Research Institute here during the winter and summer holidays.

"Comrade Xiao, these are snacks sent from my family. Take them and eat them."

"This is a piece of fabric I bought earlier. It suits young girls like you."