111: Chapter 111 Unexplained Public Opinion

Wang Zhe practically burst through the study door, clutching his phone. His usual relaxed expression was gone, replaced by a look of grave seriousness.

"Youhua! Something's happened! Look at this!"

He rushed to the desk in a few steps and thrust the phone in front of Chen Youhua.

A short video was playing on the screen, with a stark, eye-catching title.

[Shocking! Z University Lab's Prosthetic Project Approved for 2 Billion?! Led by an Undergraduate? Science Fiction Becomes Reality?]

In the video, a sharp, AI-synthesized voice read with a sarcastic tone:

"Who understands this, guys! I woke up and the sky has fallen! Has technological development already left us mortals this far behind?

Z University Lab has an Undergraduate Student as a project leader! He's leading a bio-mechanical fusion prosthetic project! And it's been granted a whole 2 billion!

I mean, is Cyberpunk 2077 being released early? Is mechanical ascension right before our eyes? Can some insider come out and say a few words?"

The comment section below was even more lively, with all sorts of 'talents' gathering.

"Heh, top-tier Eagle Country labs throw billions of dollars in without even a splash, and our twenty billion solves it directly? Amazing!" (12k likes)

"Total nonsense! I'm a Master's student in biology (still revising my thesis, searchable on CHSI). Speaking responsibly, with the current level of neural interfaces and materials science, realizing practical prosthetics is pure fantasy! Waiting for the slap in the face!" (8k likes)

"No, is the threshold for project applications this low now? Led by an undergraduate? Do they even understand the approval process for research projects? How did this project leader's title pass? Where's the senior professor?" (5k likes)

"666, this move is basically playing with an open hand; they're not even trying to act anymore." (3k likes)

"Good news: Z University is really famous this time. Bad news: It's famous for negative news." (20k+ likes)

"Waiting for a temporary worker to take the blame." (1.5k likes)

Chen Youhua watched the comments from these 'talented' netizens with great interest. Instead of getting angry, he couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Wang Zhe was left between laughter and tears by this reaction, pointing at the video's view count.

"Boss Chen! My dear brother! The fire is singeing our eyebrows, and you can still laugh?

The entire internet is questioning us now! Questioning you! Questioning the authenticity of our project!"

Chen Youhua looked up, his face showing no ripples of emotion. He just calmly looked at Wang Zhe and asked a question in return.

"Wang Zhe, do you think we can't produce the results?"

Wang Zhe was stunned by the question.

From the initial confusion to the breakthrough of bipolar neurons, and then to the successful preparation of multipolar neuron materials—though signal stability was still being optimized.

But the core goal of the first phase—

Creating artificial neurons capable of simulating bidirectional transmission of neural signals—

Was already within reach! This was a solid, world-leading achievement!

Furthermore, the key materials for neural signal conversion had been broken through, and the subsequent stability and control logic were steadily progressing.

Wang Zhe scratched his head, his momentum weakening slightly.

"We... we can produce it! But I'm just afraid of the impact!

The pressure from public opinion is so great. What if you can't withstand it, or the project is ruined by people with ulterior motives... Everyone has worked so hard for so long..."

As he was speaking, Li Wei also pushed the door open. She was holding her phone as well; her expression was calmer than Wang Zhe's, but there was worry between her brows.

"Youhua, the public sentiment online is fermenting very quickly. Overnight, almost every major platform is discussing it, and the questioning is very loud."

She clicked on a page, showing the trending search lists of several mainstream social platforms.

Terms like "Z University," "2 Billion Prosthetics," and "Undergraduate Leader" were prominently listed.

Chen Youhua's gaze swept over the glaring headlines on Li Wei's phone screen. His expression didn't change as he said flatly:

"Don't worry. If the sky falls, I'll hold it up.

Your task now is to keep a close eye on the experimental progress and strive to finish the first phase beautifully according to the original plan."

Seeing Chen Youhua's certain look, Wang Zhe and Li Wei's tense nerves relaxed slightly.

They knew Chen Youhua wasn't one to make empty boasts. If he dared to say so, he must have the confidence.

Li Wei nodded.

"Understood. The materials are still being improved, but the results of the repeated experiments are very consistent. The stability report is expected to be out the day after tomorrow."

"Mhm, hurry up. Don't worry about what others say; let them talk."

Chen Youhua waved his hand. "Go and get busy first."

The two left the study with a sense of relief and new tasks.

Only then did Chen Youhua pick up the phone on the desk and dial a number.

The call was answered almost instantly.

"Academician Zheng, it's me, Youhua."

Academician Zheng's steady voice came through, carrying a hint of imperceptible anger and concern.

"Youhua? I already know about the online situation! It's being handled! We're already checking the source and the behind-the-scenes pushers! Don't worry, just focus on your work. If the sky falls, I'll hold it up!"

"Academician Zheng, I'm fine."

Chen Youhua's tone was calm, even slightly relaxed.

"This bit of storm won't affect me. However, I feel that this might not be a bad thing. Instead... it's an opportunity."

"An opportunity?"

Academician Zheng on the other end of the line was clearly stunned for a moment.

"Yes, an opportunity."

Chen Youhua's thinking was clear.

"The heat of public opinion doesn't come for nothing. Aren't they questioning our wild imagination and claiming the project is fake? Perfect. The first phase of our project is also nearing its end.

Although it's still far from final human application, if we disregard the cost, I can immediately perform an animal experiment demonstration.

We'll use concrete results to shut everyone up, and at the same time... build up hype and momentum for the prosthetic project in advance!"

Academician Zheng was silent for a few seconds, clearly weighing the options.

"Early exposure? This... might be too risky? And your identity..."

"My identity is fine."

Chen Youhua had considered this long ago.

"What's being exposed this time is only the biological prosthetic project itself, a research direction purely in biomedical engineering.

Even if it causes a sensation, the focus will be on the results. It won't dig deep into my past background in the information field.

This is actually better. On the surface, I have a dazzling biological project, while in the dark... the cores related to enlightenment remain in a state of secrecy.

One in the light, one in the dark, a combination of the real and the virtual. Those hiding in the shadows will find it even harder to figure out our trump cards, won't they?"

Academician Zheng's hearty laughter came from the other end of the line, filled with relief and appreciation.

"Hahaha! Good lad! You're really something! Fine! We'll do as you say!

I originally wanted to keep you hidden as a secret weapon, but it seems gold can't be covered up!

However, as for the people fanning the flames behind this, this old man won't let them off! I have to drag a few of them out!"

"I'll leave those to you then, Academician Zheng."

Chen Youhua also smiled.

"I'll make the arrangements here immediately."

Hanging up the phone, Chen Youhua walked to the door and called out to Wang Zhe and Li Wei.

"Brother Zhe, Sister Wei, come back! There's a mission!"