Chapter 645: Turning Points at the Research Institute

Hmm… I originally planned to perfect it before discussing it. Alright, next time—I promise I’ll notify you all beforehand.

He gave an awkward smile. Looking at the military high-ups tightly surrounding him, Yenir naturally understood their anxiety.

This strategic ‘weapon’ is akin to humanity’s first nuclear missile. If any details were to leak, the consequences would be unimaginable.

It seemed Yenir had subconsciously forgotten that this wasn’t the right moment—none of the new technologies had emerged yet.

Although the Supernatural Plan was once one of Huaguo’s most vital technologies, Yenir was well accustomed to it. In fact, he had plenty of things even more impressive in his arsenal.

(You could say that the potential and various technologies that erupted before humanity’s downfall—any one of them—would be a game-changer today. They were, after all, humanity’s final burst of brilliance in desperation.)

“Next time? There’s going to be a next time!?”

His ears pricked up like a rabbit’s. The group, who had been busy researching the Spirit Energy Potion, all turned to look at Yenir in unison.

They stared blankly, as if they’d just pieced something together.

One of the elders, who had once briefly met Yenir, suddenly leapt forward with a whoosh and grabbed his hand in excitement.

The move was so swift that even Fang Hao was momentarily stunned.

“Chairman Yenir! Please join the Research Institute! Once you do, we’ll instantly grant you the highest—uh—”

“If you’re willing to guide our work, you’ll be our Deputy Dean!”

“Can this potion be mass-produced? Could you share the synthesis process? No, just the general idea will do! Is it based on substitution!?”

Suddenly recalling that Yenir’s rank far exceeded theirs by several orders of magnitude—even the usually aloof, socially awkward Dean quickly backtracked, fearing he might upset Yenir.

It wasn’t about flattering Yenir, nor was it an attempt to curry favor.

For those who’d devoted their lives to Spirit Energy research, Yenir’s casual unveiling of the Spirit Energy Potion was equivalent to the lifetime achievements of thousands of researchers!

No exaggeration—if this had been his work, he’d gladly sacrifice his life for it!

So many questions swirled about Yenir that all the researchers present were eager to discuss it with him on the spot!

Watching the overly excited Dean and the others, Yenir couldn’t help but chuckle and sigh inwardly.

He understood their feelings.

Although he barely remembered Dean Huang from his previous life, he recalled that these elders had seemingly been involved in that Spirit Energy explosion incident.

That, however, did nothing to diminish his respect for them.

There might be plenty of corrupt elements in the Research Institute, with some flaunting their senior researcher titles for prestige.

Yet, there were also many devoted workers who sacrificed greatly for the nation.

Seeing that everyone assumed the Spirit Energy Potion was his creation, Yenir decided not to hide anything.

“Dean Huang, the Spirit Energy Potion wasn’t developed by me. In fact, it was the work of a researcher named Sun Li Cheng, whom I brought back from the East Sea Battle Zone.”

“The Spirit Energy Potion can be mass-produced, and its raw materials aren’t hard to come by. Of course, the synthesis process must remain confidential for now.”

“As for the concept—honestly, it wasn’t my idea. Perhaps you could speak with Sun Li Cheng…”

“We totally understand!”

“You’re being far too modest!”

Before Yenir could finish speaking, Dean Huang hurriedly waved him off, signaling that he understood the importance of the matter.

However, upon hearing Sun Li Cheng’s name from Yenir, his expression suddenly shifted. He abruptly glanced toward a middle-aged man standing behind him, as if he had just remembered something.

“Sun Li Cheng? I recall your earlier report claiming there was someone utterly clueless hogging a vast array of equipment, which led me to reject your laboratory application!”

As his words settled, the middle-aged man—being sternly confronted by Dean Huang—turned pale in an instant.

He knew exactly what had enraged Dean Huang!

Sun Li Cheng belonged to Yenir. The old Dean had been so engrossed in his own research that he was unaware of this fact!

Ever since Yenir had inserted Sun Li Cheng into the Research Institute and boldly set up an Independent Research Institute, the underground group’s proclaimed approval had proven to be a sham.

Although they held no overt hostility toward Yenir, deep down they believed that they were the true professionals, while Sun Li Cheng came off as an amateur. To them, he was merely an outsider force-fed by Yenir—incapable of real research!

Thus, when Sun Li Cheng kept breaking equipment and stubbornly asking elementary questions, they naturally ostracized him.

“Dean… I…!”

Before the middle-aged researcher could stammer an apology, he realized that they were on the verge of making a grave mistake.

Dean Huang took a deep breath and waved his hand to silence him.

Abandoning his previously excited, ramshackle manner, Huang Qiming fixed a serious gaze on Yenir and spoke in a deep tone:

‘Chairman Yenir, I’ll skip the empty formalities.’

“When we get back, I’ll deal with this matter seriously. I’ll personally apologize to that researcher under your command.”

“Also, thank you for your contributions to Huaguo—it has fulfilled a personal wish of mine. From now on, if you ever need anything, just say the word!”

Unburdened by the usual bureaucratic niceties, Dean Huang, disregarding the protests of those around him, bowed deeply to Yenir.

Without further words, Yenir returned the salute in kind and kept things simple.

He knew that Huang Qiming’s demeanor was also conveying another message.

That from today onward, the Research Institute would undergo a purge. What Yenir had unveiled was, in effect, a wake-up call for the old man—certain things truly needed to change!

———–

The meeting drew to a close.

Upon hearing Yenir confirm that the synthesis process would remain confidential, Fang Hao and the others, who’d been incredibly anxious, finally heaved a sigh of relief.

Gazing at Yenir’s profile, Fang Hao felt a mix of complex emotions.

Huaguo was fortunate to have Yenir on their side.

Yet ever since Yenir emerged, he had been perpetually on edge—and Huaguo had been locked down countless times because of him.

“Yenir, just how many more death-defying gadgets do you have hidden away?”

“Honestly, if I hadn’t seen your records, I’d swear you were a system’s illegitimate child—practically inhuman! Your innate talent is off the charts, and your combat skills and awareness outclass all of us.”

“You seem to know everything, able to find anything—I seriously feel like you can see into the future. Compared to you, I’m ancient, like a dog living its last days. Honestly, you’re the second…”

Listening to Fang Hao’s helpless grumbling, Yenir offered an awkward smile, unsure how to respond.

Then, as if struck by a thought, he suddenly frowned and glanced toward the Prime Minister.

“Prime Minister, I’ve always been curious about something.”

“Namely… who is the person you all say resembles me so much?”