44: Chapter 44 Teaching

Academician Zheng took a step forward, his gaze blazing with utmost sincerity.

"You have chosen to entrust this burden, which concerns the fate of humanity, to the nation to handle. This is an extremely correct and momentous decision!

On behalf of the Academy of Sciences and the nation, I extend to you the highest respect and deepest gratitude! This is not only recognition of your talent but also reverence for your sense of responsibility!"

He continued immediately.

"The nation will absolutely not betray this trust! From now on, you will enjoy the highest-level scientific research treatment the Republic can offer.

A top-tier independent laboratory, unlimited research funding, support from the most elite teams, and the highest level of security for you and your family! All resources will be unconditionally prioritized for you!"

He paused, his tone turning solemn.

"However... regarding public disclosure, given the unique nature and potential risks of this achievement, we must proceed with extreme caution.

It may require a very, very long time to digest, verify, and apply until the timing is absolutely ripe.

During this period, your name and contributions will become one of the Republic's most classified secrets. I hope you can understand this point."

Chen Youhua listened quietly, his face showing neither delight from the praise nor disappointment or resistance at the prospect of remaining anonymous for a long time.

He simply nodded very calmly after Academician Zheng finished speaking:

"Acceptable. I understand."

His voice remained as flat as ever.

"I don't care much about the treatment, but I accept what the nation offers. As for remaining hidden... that's fine."

His gaze behind his glasses was clear and direct.

"My goal is to ensure the Ember is controllable and ultimately use it to advance the evolution of human civilization.

In this direction, the nation's resources and willpower are the most powerful guarantee. Our goals are aligned."

This clear-sighted understanding and pragmatic attitude, so beyond his years, once again stirred Academician Zheng's heart.

This young man seemed to inherently understand the symbiotic relationship between power and responsibility, and an individual's place within a grand narrative.

"Good! Good! Our goals are aligned!"

Academician Zheng repeated 'good' twice, as if a great weight had lifted from his heart.

He then showed a somewhat awkward, bitter smile, rubbing his hands together with an unprecedented posture of seeking guidance.

"Student Chen Youhua, there's one more matter... where we need your utmost assistance."

"Speak," Chen Youhua replied succinctly.

"The materials you left behind... are too advanced, too profound."

Academician Zheng's admission seemed tinged with helplessness.

"We assembled the Academy's most elite team of Academicians, but... comprehending it is extremely difficult, like deciphering a divine text. The efficiency is too low."

He looked at Chen Youhua, his eyes earnest.

"To quickly form a comprehensive assessment of this achievement and provide a solid foundation for the highest-level decision-making, we earnestly request... could you personally explain it to us?

We will conduct a top-secret video recording at the highest classification level, solely for internal research and archival purposes.

Furthermore, a specialized evaluation expert panel will participate later..."

After speaking, Academician Zheng felt somewhat apprehensive.

He worried Chen Youhua might resent this instructional task or question the confidentiality measures.

However, Chen Youhua's reaction once again took him by surprise.

"Explain? No problem."

Chen Youhua agreed almost without thought, as if it were the most natural thing.

"It's unrealistic to expect you to fully grasp something I developed alone in a short time."

His tone carried a nearly cold, rational analysis.

"To translate it into tangible results, assess the risks, and establish subsequent control and application systems... this requires the collaboration of a vast professional team. It cannot be accomplished by just a few individuals."

He looked at Academician Zheng, his gaze calm yet sharp.

"I have only one requirement: confidentiality.

It must be absolute, top secret.

Under this premise, however many people are needed, however many resources are invested—these are necessary costs.

In this aspect, no expenditure is excessive."

"Of course! Absolutely guaranteed!"

Academician Zheng immediately straightened his posture, responding resolutely, a wave of immense relief and admiration surging within him.

Not only did Chen Youhua not refuse, but he also saw the bigger picture more clearly than Academician Zheng himself, understanding better the immense complexity of this work and the core importance of secrecy!

This perspective and pragmatism, so beyond his years, made Academician Zheng completely abandon the last trace of subconscious underestimation he harbored due to the other's youth.

"Very well,"

Chen Youhua nodded, as if merely confirming an experiment schedule.

"When shall we begin the explanation? Now? Or after the evaluation team arrives?"

He flexed his wrist slightly. His demeanor suggested he was not about to impart divine revelation to a group of national treasure-level Academicians, but was simply preparing to start a routine data analysis task.

Seeing him ready to begin at any moment, and thinking of his colleagues outside still scratching their heads in frustration over the 'divine text,' Academician Zheng felt that sense of absurdity rise again. But this time, it carried a strange, hopeful warmth.

The eye of the storm could be so calm.

And the force driving the storm was held in the hands of this calm young man.

He took a deep breath and said solemnly:

"The experts are already en route. We... can begin at any time!"

Chen Youhua adjusted his glasses and nodded calmly.

"Then... let's begin."