Rong Yu walked into the core research area, carrying a stack of documents.
Song Huai knew she was Lin Rang's assistant. Lin Rang's workstation was inside, so it was normal for Rong Yu to go in there.
Even though she was in the core area, she was doing clerical work. What a waste of a genuine talent.
Sometimes, he really couldn't understand what Rong Yu was thinking.
One moment she's in the publicity department.
The next, she's content being a clerk.
Even though he had already invited her to do proper, substantive work.
Oh well, she can do as she pleases.
Song Huai walked to his own workstation. The team leader had been called to a meeting and returned half an hour later to notify everyone: "Suspend all current work. We have a new task now, primarily to collect and analyze data on these types of raw materials..."
Song Huai was stunned.
A new task was really being issued?
Because she's Lin Rang's assistant, does she get to know the research institute's project directions in advance?
Perhaps he should also find a way to get into the core area for a look?
Rong Yu was in a meeting with everyone.
"I just recalculated. The service life of TR-7 in space exposure environments is only three years, while the intended operational lifespan for the 'Eagle Eye' project I envisioned is at least ten years..."
"If we use TR-7 composite material, then all equipment would need replacing every three years. For the nation, that would be an enormous expense..."
Lin Rang nodded: "So, that's why countries like the one making the space junk don't deal with it—the cost is prohibitively high."
"Identifying the problem is the first step to solving it," Rong Yu said. "I believe the drawbacks of this space composite material are too pronounced. It would be better to spend time searching for a substitute material. This process might be long, but it's a necessary path. Once found, it will become a core patent for our nation..."
Lin Rang fully agreed: "Everyone has been burning the midnight oil for days. Go home and get some rest."
Rong Yu walked out, yawning.
At the entrance, she unexpectedly ran into Min Shenyan. Seeing her, his face lit up with a smile. "Your project has already attracted international attention. Currently, every nation lacks experience in dealing with space debris. Once the project succeeds, China will be in the global spotlight... Ah, listen to me rambling. You look exhausted, hurry home and rest. By the way, my son happens to be at the gate; let him give you a ride."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yun Xiaoyuan arrived as well.
Her face was stern, her eyes sharp as knives directed at Min Shenyan's head. "Well, look who's playing matchmaker here. If it isn't the old pickled cabbage that's gone sour from being cooped up in the lab! With your level of emotional intelligence, even a centrifuge would complain about low RPM. And you have the nerve to arrange blind dates? You old fool, instead of playing matchmaker here, you should submit that paper 'On the Molecular Motion of Human Meddling' to the Ig Nobel Prize. At least you might get a certificate..."
Min Shenyan: "..."
He must have forgotten to check his almanac today. How did he run into this old woman, Yun Xiaoyuan?
Her mouth was like it was dipped in poison.
He wiped his face and scurried inside, crestfallen.
Yun Xiaoyuan turned around. The previously sharp expression on her face instantly transformed into one of affectionate kindness. She reached out to smooth Rong Yu's messy hair, saying gently, "You're just too polite, child. You respect teachers and elders deep down, which gives people like him the chance to act recklessly. Don't be so polite next time; just talk back. I've got your back."
Rong Yu chuckled. "I'll remember that, teacher."
"Go on, get some rest."
Yun Xiaoyuan watched as Rong Yu walked out the main gate.
Song Huai, who had been working by the window, was utterly shocked.
Rong Yu was actually chatting and laughing easily, on familiar terms with two academicians, Min Shenyan and Yun Xiaoyuan?
How does she know academicians?
She's just a minor celebrity from the entertainment industry, merely Lin Rang's assistant. Even if she filmed a promotional video for the aerospace institute, it shouldn't warrant two academicians stopping to talk to her.
"Hey, Xiao Song," the team leader called his name. "Academicians Yun and Min are here for a meeting at the institute. Go help prepare tea..."
Song Huai's expression stiffened.
He had just been internally scoffing at Rong Yu for doing clerical work.
And now, it was his turn to serve tea and water.
"Xiao Song, hurry up. Don't keep the academicians and professors waiting."
Song Huai put down his pen, stood up, and walked towards the conference room.
Looking at it from another angle, being able to get close to several academicians and listen to their conversation would be immensely beneficial.
Once a person convinces themselves internally, it becomes easy to accept tasks like serving tea and water.
Rong Yu walked outside and indeed saw Min Jianshen waiting there.
"My dad can be a bit... unconventional. Please don't take it to heart," Min Jianshen said, equally exasperated. He happened to be in Haicheng on business, so he dropped his father off at the institute. He was about to leave when his dad messaged him to wait and give Rong Yu a ride home.
His father... brilliant at research, but always a bit lacking in social graces.
Rong Yu smiled. "Academician Min is quite endearing. I wouldn't let something like that bother me."
Min Jianshen studied her for a moment, confirming she genuinely didn't mind, then sighed in relief. He opened the car door. "Let me drive you back."
Rong Yu gave the address for Hibiscus Manor.
The car drove off and soon arrived at the gate.
Old Master Ji had been sitting in the garden reading. Hearing the car engine, he immediately straightened up and saw the same man driving his mother home for the third time.
Something's definitely up.
He felt an instinctive aversion.
But then he remembered what his second brother had said: he would likely leave this world many years before his mother. If she had no one by her side then, she might break down...
If she dates someone and it works out, they could be companions for life.
If it doesn't work out, at least it's an experience.
Thinking this, Old Master Ji finally found psychological acceptance. He put down his book, strode out quickly, and looked at Min Jianshen. "And you are?"
Min Jianshen was from the capital, only traveling between Haicheng and Beijing for work. He had some knowledge of the capital's elite families, but was completely in the dark about Haicheng's.
He didn't recognize Old Master Ji and asked, "I'm Min Jianshen, a friend of Miss Rong. You must be Rong Yu's grandfather..."
Old Master Ji: "...You can think of me as that."
What else could he say? Explain that he wasn't a grandfather, but a son?
The old gentleman forced a smile. "Would you like to come in for a while, have a chat?"
Rong Yu shot a discreet glance at her 'old son.'
Old Master Ji gave a start, smacking his forehead. "Xiao Yu has been up for several nights; she needs to rest now. I won't keep you. Next time, come over for a meal."
Min Jianshen nodded with a smile. "Alright, Grandfather Rong."
Old Master Ji: "My surname is Ji."
Min Jianshen continued nodding. "Alright, Grandfather Ji."
He drove off.
Rong Yu had a dark look on her face. "What mischief are you plotting now?"
"I think he's not bad. A bit dull, a bit silly, a bit too slick-looking... but at least, he's presentable," Old Master Ji stated solemnly. "Mom, I give you permission to give it a try."
Rong Yu swatted him on the back. "Try your head! Don't you have anything better to do than think about such nonsense? Your punishment is to copy the Dao De Jing one hundred times."
Old Master Ji: "..."
