Chapter 19 — After I Resigned, the Whole Academic World Upraised

Back straight. Steady steps. Trung Son's delicately tailored outfit further highlights the temperament of a character who has stood at the pinnacle of academia for many years. Lam Dao and I stood in front of the door to welcome.

“Academician Cao, it is a pleasure to welcome you for a visit and guidance.”

I smiled according to proper etiquette and then proactively extended my hand.

“Hua Tinh, that's not right, now it should be called Principal Hua.”

Cao Thien Thanh laughed loudly and shook my hand. His hands were dry but extremely strong.

“It's true that we just haven't seen each other for a few days but we already have to look at them with different eyes.”

“I said a long time ago that a small pond like University A cannot hold a real dragon.”

“You see, as soon as you escape, you immediately fly straight up into the sky.”

The words sounded like a compliment. But inside, there is hidden scrutiny and evaluation from above looking down. It's like all my successes are within his expectations.

“You are too complimentary.”

“I'm just an ordinary researcher.”

“Just change to another environment to continue working.”

I gently withdrew my hand.

“I will show you around.”

I led him around the building. In each place, he observed very carefully. Each laboratory. Each equipment line. Each specialized research area. Especially when seeing the plasma sintering furnace imported from Germany. His eyes flashed with a hint of jealousy that was hard to hide. Only appears in the blink of an eye. But still can't get past my eyes.

“Really good equipment.”

“Even our institute has only seen it on the project presentation now.”

“It seems like the ministry attaches great importance to your research institute.”

He spoke as he gently stroked the metal shell of the reactor.

“The nation always values every project that has the ability to promote scientific and technical progress.”

I calmly responded. After visiting the entire research area. I invited him to the office. Sit down on the sofa. Cao Thien Thanh looked around the large room. Eyes carry very complex emotions.

“Principal Hua.”

“This office of yours has more atmosphere than mine.”

“The better the conditions, the greater the responsibility.”

“I heard that your institute is implementing a very important project recently?”

The fox finally showed its tail. I poured him a cup of tea. Place gently on the table.

“Our research institute has new projects every day.”

“I wonder which project Academician Cao is referring to?”

I deliberately pretended not to understand. He picked up the cup of tea. Gently blow hot air. But don't drink.

“Hua Tinh.”

“There is no need to beat around the bush between us.”

He raised his head and looked straight into my eyes. His sharp eyes seemed to penetrate all layers of disguise.

“Silicon Carbide Fiber Crystalline Materials.”

“You guys did it, right?”

My heart immediately sank. In that moment. I understand that. The news has been leaked. Or at least. Someone already smells the scent of a scientific revolution about to be born. Does he know this much? Where did the news leak from? A glimmer of caution arose in my heart. But his face still didn't reveal any emotions.

“Academician Cao.”

“I'm very curious.”

“Where did you hear this news?”

“I'm the dean and I still don't know about it This."

Cao Thien Thanh put down his cup of tea. Then burst out laughing. That smile carried a very clear contempt. It's like telling me that. I'm still too young.

“Hua Tinh.”

“There is no airtight wall in this world.”

“You guys ordered a plasma sintering furnace from Germany.”

“We also purchase large quantities of ultra-pure graphite and monocrystalline silicon from all over the country.”

“Such a big movement.”

“It's difficult if you don't want others to know.”

He looked at me. His eyes were full of confidence.

“Can make you mobilize so many resources.”

“In addition to the theoretical model you published five years ago.”

“What else could it be?”

I was silent. Now I understand. He never heard any secret news. He simply followed the tracks. Then figure out the whole thing yourself. The older the ginger, the spicier it becomes. If it has been guessed to this extent. Denying it makes no sense anymore.

“Academician Cao.”

“This is the core secret of our research institute.”

“I cannot reveal.”

I frankly refused. The intention to see off guests was also very clear. But Cao Thien Thanh has absolutely no intention of leaving. He leaned forward slightly. Bright eyes looked at me.

“Hua Tinh.”

“I admit.”

“I underestimated you before.”

“Not only can it be done.”

“But it was done so quickly.”

“The value of that.”

“I don't think I need to explain anymore.”

He stopped. The corners of his mouth curved up into a meaningful smile.

“But only with you and this small research institute.”

“Do you think you can keep it?”

He also revealed his intentions clearly. That's no longer a question. It's intimidation.

“Can we keep it or not?”

“No need for Academician Cao to worry.”