In the conference room of the Plasma Institute at the Academy of Sciences, the news from Wanyuan left everyone stunned—shocked to the point of disbelief. It had only been just over a month since the [Star Ring] project began, yet the progress was far beyond anyone's expectations.
"[Star Ring] is completed already?"
"Dr. Wang, you're not joking, are you?" Li Jian asked uncertainly.
"This is the update Lao Wan sent back. You think he'd joke about something like this?" Wang Nian replied. "With the help of the intelligent robots from the Marching Ant Company and the pre-planned construction steps, the progress was extremely fast. Here—this is a photo of [Star Ring]."
Wang Nian opened an image on his computer, revealing the [Star Ring] to everyone present. Upon seeing it, the assembled academicians and senior experts were visibly amazed. Some even seemed like they couldn't believe their eyes.
"Is this experimental device really capable of controlled fusion?" Ke Jianye frowned.
He was a senior plasma research expert, just one step away from being an academician.
"I don't know the details," Wang Nian said. "Lao Wan said it was independently designed by Academician Chen. While some of its internal structure is similar to a Tokamak, there are very unique elements. The specifics, however, can't be disclosed. But on the call, Lao Wan expressed his admiration. In today's field of plasma research, how many people can still impress Academician Wan?"
That sentence alone carried significant weight.
Just as Wang Nian said, the curiosity of all the experts in the room was piqued.
"Unfortunately, we can't view the device design unless it's part of our project. Academician Wan can't show it to us," Wang Nian added with some regret. "After all, we're working on separate projects, and we have to adhere to confidentiality agreements."
"Academician Wan also said that Academician Chen hopes we can send the '氚' material over for the experiment—as soon as possible. If we want to observe the fusion experiment, we're welcome to send a delegation. They're preparing the test now, and it can begin as soon as we arrive."
"This isn't child's play," said veteran expert Ke Jianye. "If the experiment fails, that device might be a huge waste of resources."
"Old Ke," Wang Nian responded patiently, "whether the device works or not isn't our concern. Since Academician Chen is confident enough to begin testing, I believe he has his reasons. After all, he's not just any young man. His accomplishments have already surpassed what many of us could achieve combined."
"Chen Mo does things efficiently—he uses intelligent robots and streamlined command structures. He doesn't have to go through all the audit procedures and bureaucratic layers we do. That efficiency isn't recklessness."
Wang Nian understood that Ke Jianye was blunt and not very tactful, so he explained things more gently. Having worked with Chen Mo, he knew just how efficient and decisive the man was. Without that, Chen Mo could never have developed so many groundbreaking technologies in such a short time.
Efficiency was something they often struggled with.
Just to initiate a project and apply for R&D funding, they needed to prepare piles of materials and go through endless rounds of reviews. Funding was always slow to arrive, and often their projects would be delayed before they even began.
In contrast, for Chen Mo, getting tens of billions in funding was a matter of a single decision. The Marching Ant Company was private. Chen Mo's word was final. No red tape, no delays—just results.
But the Academy of Sciences was different. With limited R&D budgets and numerous active projects, strict oversight was necessary to prevent misuse. Every funding allocation had to be thoroughly reviewed.
That's why Wang Nian admired Chen Mo's speed and efficiency—even if they couldn't operate the same way.
"Chen's fusion experiment is open for observation," Wang Nian continued. "Who wants to go?"
"Perfect timing," Li Jian said. "The superloop experiment hasn't started yet. I'll go take a look. Academician Chen's fusion theory is unique—it could really help with plasma research. I want to see how the theory translates into practice."
As head of the Eastern Superloop Project, he knew this was a rare opportunity not to be missed.
"I'll go too," Ke Jianye added. "I want to see if a device built so quickly can actually work."
The others chimed in as well. Even if the experiment ultimately failed, just observing and learning from it would be valuable. Many important breakthroughs came from failed experiments.
In the end, all seven academicians and senior experts in the room decided to make the trip.
The [Star Ring] fusion device had already entered the experimental phase, but the news hadn't been made public. The outside world still thought the project was in the research stage.
If people knew that Chen Mo's fusion project had progressed from concept to experiment in under a year, the shock would be massive.
Look at the ITER project—multiple countries debating for over 20 years, burning through countless funds, and still no experimental results. If Chen Mo's progress was exposed, people worldwide might begin to question the ITER effort altogether.
But outsiders didn't know the full story.
They didn't know that Chen Mo had access to a complete theoretical framework from the Technology Library, possessed a superhuman brain, and used artificial intelligence far ahead of its time. That's why his pace was so blisteringly fast—cost was never a constraint.
Three days later.
A large transport truck, escorted by special police, entered Science Island. It carried 500 grams of tritium ("氚"), sent by the Nuclear Industry Group. The isotope was secured in a specialized container with multiple layers of protection.
Soon after, a bus also arrived under heavy escort, carrying academicians and experts from the Plasma Institute.
This was a team of national treasures—each academician and expert a rare scientific asset. Security and confidentiality were paramount.
Outside the Science Island Research Institute, Chen Mo stood with Wan Yuanzhen, Yang Mingqi, and others to greet Li Jian and the arriving team.
"So this is Science Island in Binhai City? Not bad," Li Jian remarked casually.
He and the others glanced around and nodded. The infrastructure on Science Island was fully completed. Aside from the young trees, the environment was excellent—better than the Science Island in Huizhou, especially with the coastal climate.
After brief greetings, Chen Mo led the team into the institute. Researchers rarely engaged in formalities. Everyone went straight to business.
"Can we take a look at the [Star Ring] device?" Ke Jianye asked.
He had always been skeptical about how such a complex fusion device could be designed by one man and built in such a short time.
"This is Professor Ke Jianye—he's quite direct," Li Jian whispered to Chen Mo with a subtle look.
Chen Mo didn't mind his tone. Many experts and professors were known for their blunt personalities. It wasn't malice—just doubt.
And doubt wasn't always a bad thing. Science thrived on skepticism. Once those doubts were addressed, those same skeptics could become strong supporters.
"Of course. Follow me."
Chen Mo stepped aside and led the group into the institute.