193: Chapter 193 Public Recruitment?

The call was quickly connected, and Academician Zheng's voice came through.

"Youhua? Why are you calling at this hour? Is something the matter?"

The faint sound of paper flipping could be heard in the background; clearly, the other party was still busy.

Chen Youhua took the electronic version of the test report—hundreds of pages thick, containing all raw data, analysis charts, video records, and over a hundred pages of detailed technical specifications—and categorized, packaged, and encrypted them one by one, setting the highest level of access authorization.

Then, he sent it over via a dedicated encrypted transmission channel.

"Old Zheng, I hope I'm not interrupting your reading?"

"I've just sent over all the test data and the summary report for the second phase. You should have received it on your end."

"Oh? Received it, received it. It's downloading now. Good heavens, what a massive file package."

Academician Zheng's voice carried a hint of a smile.

"Just by looking at the size, I can tell your results this time must be quite substantial.

Is the prosthetic limb project nearly finished?"

"It's going fairly smoothly."

Chen Youhua offered a humble remark before cutting straight to the point, expressing himself clearly.

"Large-scale animal experiments and extreme pressure tests have all been completed. Based on the comprehensive evaluation, the system's failure rate has been suppressed to 0.47%, and most of those are just self-repairing instantaneous micro-errors that don't affect overall functionality. After our team's internal assessment, we believe the technical risk has dropped low enough to provide the foundation for human clinical trials."

He paused for a moment, then continued in a consultative tone.

"So, I was thinking, for the next step, could we start preparing the public volunteer recruitment process? We could draft a plan first and see how to proceed most securely."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, with only the sound of light breathing; clearly, Academician Zheng was thinking rapidly.

"Youhua," Academician Zheng spoke up.

"I just took a quick glance at the data. It's very impressive—it even exceeded my expectations."

He first gave full affirmation to the achievements before slowly shifting the topic.

"However, about this public recruitment... perhaps we should reconsider."

"Oh? How so?" Chen Youhua asked patiently.

"Public recruitment... I believe it might not be the optimal choice at this stage; in fact, it carries significant risks."

"Risks?"

Chen Youhua raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Do you mean technical risks? We have comprehensive contingency plans..."

"It's not entirely about the technology itself."

Academician Zheng interrupted him, his voice dropping slightly as he spoke more candidly.

"Youhua, have you thought about it? This technology is too cutting-edge; social attention will be unprecedentedly high. Once you recruit publicly, countless eyes will be watching. Any tiny fluctuation—even a normal individual difference—could be infinitely magnified, triggering unnecessary public outcry and doubt. For a technology that hasn't undergone final clinical validation, this is immense pressure and could interfere with your normal research rhythm."

He paused, giving Chen Youhua a moment to digest this, before continuing.

"Furthermore, volunteers recruited through public channels have backgrounds, motivations, psychological resilience, and levels of cooperation that are all uncontrollable variables. What we need are the most stable, reliable volunteers who are most capable of consistently cooperating throughout the entire trial process. This technology concerns the future quality of life for human beings; we cannot afford even the slightest mistake. We must choose the path with the lowest risk and highest controllability."

Chen Youhua listened quietly, sensing the deep protection and long-term consideration behind Academician Zheng's words.

"Then which path do you think is more suitable?"

"Go through military channels."

Academician Zheng said clearly, his tone certain.

"The Rehabilitation Center of the Military General Hospital has a large number of honored soldiers who were disabled in the line of duty. They have undergone the strictest selection and training; their willpower is extremely tough, and they have the deepest affection and trust for the country. Their backgrounds are clear and fully controllable; it couldn't be more appropriate for them to serve as the first batch of volunteers. The environment is closed and the process is confidential, which can maximize the protection of your research from outside interference and ensure that if anything happens, you'll have the most timely and professional response and support."

He finally added, his tone softening.

"Youhua, this isn't because I lack confidence in your technology. It's precisely because it is so important and promising that we must use the most secure method to escort it smoothly through this most critical clinical stage."

Chen Youhua hardly hesitated; Academician Zheng's considerations were thorough and highly persuasive.

"I understand, Old Zheng. You have indeed thought it through more thoroughly. We'll do as you say."

"Good."

Academician Zheng's tone became noticeably more relaxed; after all, Chen Youhua's thoughts were what mattered most, and he was only offering a suggestion.

"In that case, arrange some time for nine o'clock tomorrow morning. I'll take you to meet a friend who can make the final decision. I'll have my secretary send the specific location and arrangements to your encrypted email later."

"Alright, thank you, Old Zheng."

The next morning, Chen Youhua's black private car arrived on time downstairs.

The security personnel remained taciturn, but their driving skills were consistently professional.

The vehicle carrying Chen Youhua did not head toward the city center, but instead drove all the way toward the suburbs.

About an hour later, the car turned into a tree-lined side road, and an inconspicuous gate and sentry post appeared ahead.

The guards checked his credentials and appointment information with sharp eyes and a standardized, efficient process.

Once confirmed, the barrier was raised, and the vehicle entered a quiet, heavily guarded compound.

Finally, the car pulled up in front of a gray three-story building.

After passing through another internal security check, Chen Youhua was led by a well-mannered staff member in military uniform into a small meeting hall that was simply furnished yet exuded authority.

Inside the hall, Academician Zheng was sitting on a sofa talking with an elderly man wearing an Air Force service uniform with golden pine branches on his epaulettes.

Two cups of clear tea sat on the coffee table in front of them, steam curling upward; the atmosphere of the conversation seemed relaxed and harmonious.

Seeing Chen Youhua enter, Academician Zheng stood up with a smile.

"Youhua is here."

He turned to the military man.

"Old Zhang, come, let me officially introduce you. This is the Chen Youhua I've mentioned to you many times."

The general referred to as Old Zhang also stood up with a smile.

He was tall and stood ramrod straight. Although his smile was friendly, his brow naturally carried the authority of one long in a high position and the unique, hardy temperament of a soldier.

He took the initiative to extend his hand to Chen Youhua with a firm grip.

"Professor Chen, I've heard much about you! Old Zheng has been praising you to the heavens; I've finally met you in person today! You are indeed a man of talent and extraordinary character!"

"Chief Zhang, you are too kind."

Chen Youhua took a step forward and gave a firm handshake, his attitude humble and composed.

"It is thanks to Academician Zheng's constant guidance and encouragement. I am very glad to meet you."

"Sit, please sit."

Chief Zhang greeted him warmly and personally picked up the teapot to pour a cup of tea for Chen Youhua.

"Come, come, try the tea I have here and see if it's to your taste. We can chat while we drink."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the atmosphere became much more natural.

Chen Youhua handed a paper copy of the report to Chief Zhang and then, in clear and plain language, briefly introduced the core principles and current progress of the Intelligent Prosthetic Limb Project.

He specifically highlighted the key achievement of reducing the system's comprehensive failure rate to 0.47% and explained the Nature of those micro-errors.

Chief Zhang listened very intently, nodding from time to time and occasionally interjecting with a question or two, all of which hit on key technical and management points, demonstrating high professional literacy and understanding.

When he heard the final data and stability conclusions, his eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but tap the report with his finger.

"Good, truly excellent. I've only ever heard of this kind of technology in sci-fi movies; I haven't seen any lab actually manage to pull it off. I saw some things about your research online before, but I didn't expect you to really produce it. This has profound significance for improving the quality of life for our disabled soldiers."

He looked at Chen Youhua and Academician Zheng, his eyes full of admiration and support.

"Professor Chen, Academician Zheng has already communicated the situation to me in detail. Whether for public or private reasons, it is our bounden duty to support such a major scientific research project that benefits the country, the people, and the military. We will cooperate fully!"

His tone shifted, becoming more serious and earnest.

"However, the military has its rules, and scientific research has its rigor—especially when it involves the health and future of our soldiers. No procedure is too strict. Therefore, according to relevant regulations, we need to organize an independent review panel composed of medical, engineering, and ethics experts to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all your technical data, experimental processes, and risk contingency plans. At the same time, the relevant ethical review must also be strictly carried out according to the highest standards."

He looked at the two of them, explaining with a sincere and firm tone.

"This isn't a lack of trust in your work; on the contrary, it's out of respect for your scientific achievements and the greatest responsibility toward the soldiers who will participate in this great trial. We must ensure that every link is foolproof and can withstand the strictest scrutiny."

"This is a completely necessary process. We fully understand and will cooperate wholeheartedly."

Chen Youhua immediately gave a solemn statement.

"All relevant materials have been prepared and can be submitted to the review panel at any time."

"Good! Then it's settled!"

Chief Zhang slapped the armrest of the sofa briskly, showing the decisive style of a soldier.

"I will immediately have the relevant departments take the lead in establishing a joint evaluation expert group. As long as the evaluation and review pass smoothly, I will immediately determine the most suitable first batch of volunteers from the pool of fully qualified honored soldier volunteers screened from across the entire military! When that time comes, it will be hard work for you and your team, Professor Chen!"

The meeting ended in a positive and pragmatic atmosphere.

Chief Zhang shook hands with Chen Youhua firmly once again.

"Professor Chen, go ahead and prepare with confidence! If you need any support, just ask! We'll be waiting for your good news, looking forward to the day our soldiers can use these prosthetics."