Chapter 12: All-In Is a Form of Wisdom

Professor Guan Hualiang smiled with satisfaction as he read the answer on Lü Yongchang's face.

"After the meeting yesterday," he said cheerfully, "Dean Tian and Academician Fang jointly decided to submit your controlled nuclear fusion proposal to the National Council. They'll determine whether to proceed with experiments based on your plan."

"Academician Fang?"

Lü Yongchang's eyes flickered.

Could it be… Fang Xu?

The same Fang Xu who single-handedly advanced China's nuclear fusion research in his past life?

Without Fang Xu's foundational work, Lü Yongchang would never have been able to take over China's first fusion reactor project!

"You know about the nuclear physics lab here at Sandao University, right?"

Seeing Lü Yongchang nod, Guan took a sip of strong tea and continued, "Academician Fang is the director of that lab."

Lü Yongchang's expression shifted slightly.

It was him!

His "reckless" move had paid off faster than expected.

On just his second day reborn, he'd already connected with one of China's top scientists!

"Academician Fang is incredible in the field of fusion—"

Guan's admiration was evident.

Lü Yongchang nearly laughed.

He knew better than anyone how pivotal Fang Xu would become.

Against collective Western monopolization, Fang Xu had dragged China's fusion technology forward by decades—that was his legacy!

Ring ring!

A sharp phone call cut off Guan's praise.

"Tch." Annoyed, Guan picked up. "Who is it? This is Guan Hualiang."

But his expression quickly sobered.

"What? Minister Hong is here?!"

"Understood!"

"Lü Yongchang? He's with me now."

"I'll bring him immediately."

Hanging up, Guan gave Lü Yongchang an odd look. "You don't have anything urgent, do you?"

Without waiting for an answer, he muttered, "Doesn't matter. Even if the sky were falling, you'd have to come with me first—"

Lü Yongchang: "...???"

"Ahem. Professor, what's going on?"

Guan's gaze grew even stranger. "Kid… have you ever spoken to a minister-level official before?"

Lü Yongchang's pupils contracted.

"Pro… Professor?"

Guan sighed meaningfully. "Seems the ITER incident has ruffled feathers at the highest levels."

"I never expected the Minister of Science to get involved personally."

Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Sandao University

"Minister Hong, Lü Yongchang will be here shortly."

Fang Xu spoke gravely to the man before him. "Minister… what did Chairman Li say about this?"

Hong Qiming raised an eyebrow. "Which 'this' do you mean?"

"ITER's accusations? Or Lü Yongchang's fusion proposal?"

Fang Xu gritted his teeth. "Both."

Hong Qiming fell silent, weighing his words.

Finally, he said slowly, "Academician Fang, you must believe this: China would never sacrifice long-term gains for petty short-term benefits!"

Fang Xu's breath hitched.

He understood.

Just as he'd suspected—there was more to the ITER scandal!

"But withdrawing from ITER means we'll—"

Hong raised a hand, cutting him off.

"Academician, I'm confident China can achieve fusion without ITER."

"Since our nation's founding, have we ever let obstacles slow our progress?"

Fang Xu's eyes shone with realization. He nodded slowly.

"Moreover," Hong added, "if Lü Yongchang's proposal works, leaving ITER might be a blessing in disguise."

"Do you understand?"

Fang Xu's mind clicked.

If China proved the proposal viable while still in ITER, they'd have to share the technology with other members.

But now?

China could monopolize fusion for years, catapulting itself ahead globally!

There was just one catch:

This plan staked everything on a sophomore undergraduate.

Of course, if Lü Yongchang knew their thoughts, he'd grin and say:

"All-in is a form of wisdom."

In his past life, his bold bets on unpopular research directions had repeatedly paid off, accelerating human technology at a breakneck pace.

Underground cities for billions, interstellar ships under construction—all products of strategic gambles.

But in the final gamble, Lü Yongchang had lost.

And civilization had paid the price.

The lab doors slid open.

Two figures entered—one slightly stooped, the other upright and poised.

Hong Qiming's gaze locked onto the latter.

At first glance, he approved.

Good bearing. Sharp eyes. No trace of nerves.

"Minister Hong, let me introduce Lü Yongchang, a sophomore physics major at Sandao University."

"And this is Professor Guan Hualiang."

Fang Xu gestured between them.

"This is Hong Qiming, China's Minister of Science and Technology."

Guan and Lü Yongchang stepped forward with respectful nods.

Studying Lü Yongchang's calm demeanor, Hong smiled faintly.

"Lü Yongchang, is it? You don't seem… intimidated by me?"

Lü Yongchang's lips curled slightly.

"Why would I be? I've done nothing wrong."

Hong blinked, then burst out laughing. "Good! Very good!"

"Your proposal has been reviewed, Lü Yongchang. The consensus is… highly feasible."

"I assume you're aware of the ITER situation?"

"Because of it, Chairman Li has entrusted me with a mission."

Hong's gaze turned piercing.

"Tell me… do you dare accept it?"

.........

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