Chapter 11: I Believe in China's Scientists

Sandao University, Nuclear Physics Laboratory.

BANG!

A loud noise erupted from the innermost office.

Several researchers flinched, pausing their work to glance toward the source of the sound.

"What's gotten into Academician Fang?"

One researcher whispered to another, confusion written across his face.

The other shook his head slowly, equally puzzled.

"No idea. Our recent experiments haven't failed… Why is he so angry all of a sudden?"

Just as murmurs began to spread, the office door swung open violently.

Fang Xu stormed out, his face flushed with fury.

"Damn it! How could ITER do this?!"

The lab fell silent. His words rang out clearly.

One brave soul dared to ask, "Academician Fang… what happened with ITER?"

Fang Xu's head snapped up. His expression darkened further.

"ITER is accusing our scientists… of stealing experimental data!"

Gasps.

The lab erupted in shock.

"Academician Fang… is that true?!"

Fang Xu's jaw clenched. "Of course not!"

"Every scientist China sent is beyond reproach—not just in skill, but in integrity!"

"They would never stoop to such… such disgraceful behavior!"

"Then… what will ITER do?" another researcher asked nervously.

Data theft was an unforgivable sin in any research institution.

Even a private lab would impose severe penalties—let alone an international organization like ITER!

Pain flickered in Fang Xu's eyes.

He took a slow breath, shoulders slumping.

"China has announced… its voluntary withdrawal from ITER."

Silence.

Every researcher stared at him, stunned.

"The news broke this morning," Fang Xu said heavily. "From now on… we're on our own."

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened.

"All ongoing projects are suspended. Priority shifts to synthesizing a new material!"

Pulling up Lü Yongchang's blackboard notes on a computer, he began issuing orders.

Meanwhile, at Sandao University's gates…

A black Audi A6 glided past security, heading straight for the nuclear physics lab.

Knock knock knock!

Lü Yongchang stood anxiously outside an office door.

"It's open."

Professor Guan Hualiang's voice called from within.

Lü Yongchang hurried inside.

"You—"

Guan Hualiang blinked in surprise, then set down his pen and stood.

"Yongchang, what brings you here?"

After yesterday's faculty meeting, Guan now regarded Lü Yongchang as a peer—academically, at least.

No, more than that.

In his eyes, this sophomore might already outshine him.

Lü Yongchang didn't notice the deference. His voice was tight.

"Professor, have you seen the news?"

Guan's smile faded. "You mean… ITER?"

A nod.

Guan exhaled deeply and gestured to a chair. "Sit."

Once seated, he spoke firmly. "Yongchang, I refuse to believe our scientists would do such a thing!"

"There's more to this story!"

Lü Yongchang's eyes flickered.

As a reborn man, he knew Guan was right.

But in his current position, he couldn't reveal the truth.

Not yet.

Even China's leadership might stay silent—leaving those scientists to bear the shame.

Their reputations wouldn't be cleared for over a decade.

By then… it would be too late.

Lü Yongchang's fists clenched.

"Professor… what was the review's outcome?"

He changed the subject before his anger spilled over.

Guan's lips quirked.

Ah, youth. Impatient after just one night.

"After you left, Deans Jiang and Tian convened a full faculty meeting."

Lü Yongchang didn't react.

Expected.

No handful of professors could fully grasp his proposal.

"You're not surprised?" Guan raised an eyebrow.

Had this young man anticipated this?

"Of course not," Lü Yongchang said calmly. "Dean Tian isn't a fusion specialist. Uncertainty was inevitable."

Guan's expression turned odd.

Hearing a 20-year-old critique professors' expertise so casually was… surreal.

Yet this kid had earned the right.

"Ahem. Well, what if I told you the faculty approved your proposal?"

"And that it's been submitted to the National Council?"

Lü Yongchang's pupils contracted.

Already?!

....

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