"This result is impossible… absolutely impossible."
Li Jian stared at the simulated experimental data in front of him, eyes wide in disbelief.
"There's no way... This can't be real," Wan Yuanzhen muttered, more shaken than when he first read the information.
"The results are out? What did you get?" Li Chengzhi asked, observing the reactions of the three scientists.
"Don't bother me right now," Li Jian snapped, anxiously rechecking the data. "Look again. There must be an error in the formulas or the data."
If there wasn't… then they were staring at an epoch-making result.
Li Chengzhi quietly stepped aside, allowing them space as they worked.
"The formula is correct."
"The data checks out."
"Run the calculations again!" Li Jian and Wan Yuanzhen said simultaneously, both glued to the computer screen, desperate to confirm the results.
"The results are in," said the researcher operating the system.
"It's real. This is real!"
Li Jian and Wan Yuanzhen looked at the new output like excited children getting their dream toys, grinning ear to ear and forgetting their usual reserve.
"Director Li, where did this data come from?" Wan Yuanzhen asked, sobering slightly after the initial excitement.
"Yes, tell us now. Where did this information come from?" Li Jian grabbed Li Chengzhi's sleeve, eyes gleaming with urgency, as if afraid he'd vanish.
"What exactly does the data say?" Li Chengzhi asked calmly, though he already had a hunch.
"It shows sustained self-sufficient operation—net positive energy output," Wan Yuanzhen said, his voice almost trembling. "This data solves the biggest hurdle of controlled nuclear fusion. If it's accurate, we can theoretically enter the stage of commercial operation."
The three researchers were ecstatic. They had poured their youth and passion into this work, and now they finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
"Seriously?" Li Chengzhi's heart skipped a beat.
"It's real. And those new formulas in the data are the key. But we lack the theoretical framework behind them. Can you tell us where this came from? Who gave it to you?"
"That information is classified for now."
Li Chengzhi now fully understood why Chen Mo had approached him with such confidence and requested a partnership. It all made sense now.
"Listen carefully," Li Chengzhi said. "This data is top secret. Not a word of it can be made public—not even a hint. This isn't like previous experiments."
If news of a successful controlled nuclear fusion simulation leaked, it would instantly cause a global sensation.
"We understand." Wan Yuanzhen nodded. His face was flushed, likely from excitement. "The theories here mention something called 'Star Ring Technology.' If we had the full theoretical system, we could make a massive breakthrough in our Tokamak experiments. The nuclear fusion era is right around the corner."
"Not yet," Li Chengzhi reminded.
"When?" they asked eagerly.
"I can't say," he replied. He wanted answers too, but everything hinged on Chen Mo, who currently held all the cards. "Right now, I need an official technical report."
"Understood," Wang Nian replied.
An hour later, with the report and hard drive in hand, Li Chengzhi left the institute.
Chen Mo should still be in the capital. Li Chengzhi needed to confirm his intent and then report back to higher authorities. This was no small matter.
While Li Chengzhi was rushing between labs, Chen Mo was calmly picking out earrings at a boutique store.
Lanxi watched him, somewhat surprised.
The boutique sold mainly silver, silver-plated, and stainless-steel jewelry. Prices ranged from tens to a few hundred yuan—nothing extravagant. She hadn't expected someone like Chen Mo, who clearly wasn't short on money, to shop here.
"These two sets. Please wrap them up," Chen Mo said to the clerk before turning to Lanxi. He noticed her surprised look.
"Surprised I'd buy from here?"
Lanxi nodded honestly.
"Xiaoyu already has lots of jewelry at home. She only wears the expensive stuff on formal occasions or when we go out together. At work, she likes simple, comfortable pieces. These might be inexpensive, but they're well-crafted and come in a lot of unique styles. When I see something nice, I'll get a couple for her. I think she'll like them."
Lanxi suddenly understood why so many women admired Xiaoyu. She felt a small pang of envy. How lucky must she be to have Chen Mo's unreserved affection?
"Brother Mo, Li Chengzhi is calling," came the voice of Mo Nu, cutting into the moment.
Chen Mo nodded at Lanxi, stepped aside, and answered the call.
"What's up, Brother Li?"
"Chen Mo, I'm in Huizhou now."
"You're quick. Already down there?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow.
"Quick? I've been running around non-stop since you left yesterday. Didn't even sleep last night."
"And now you're calling... so the results are out?"
"The old-timers here wouldn't let me leave without grilling me to death." Li Chengzhi chuckled before shifting to a serious tone. "I know you well enough to understand you won't just give this technology away. So I won't even bring that up. I need your answer—what do you want out of this? I'll pass it up the chain."
Chen Mo wasn't surprised by Li Chengzhi's understanding. "Cooperation. This cake is too big. I can't finish it alone, and I don't want to. Let's collaborate. As for how... we'll discuss the terms. I'm confident I can crack the remaining technical barriers and bring commercial nuclear fusion to reality."
"Got it. I'll report your exact words. They'll definitely send someone to talk soon. When? I can't say. After the AI conference, just head back to the company. I'll come find you."
"Alright. Looking forward to it."
After hanging up, Chen Mo returned to the boutique, collected the bags, and left with Lanxi and Wang Hai.
"The AI conference ends today, right?" Chen Mo asked.
"Yes," Lanxi replied.
"Then book tickets for this evening. No point staying in the capital doing nothing. Let's return to the company."
He knew this level of tech wouldn't get an immediate response.
It was too important. The decision-makers would need time. Instead of waiting around in the capital, it was better to head back to Binhai City—his home turf, where he had the advantage.