"We can give it a try first. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll just treat it as an experience."
Qin Nian assessed the considerations and potential outcomes for everyone, and no one had any objections—the consequences were within their acceptable range. As the team leader and the one who proposed the idea, it naturally fell to her to submit the application. Fortunately, their experimental group’s lab was separate, serving as a trial site without involving classified areas, and Dean Hu nodded in approval.
Shen Xianjun rode the gasoline-powered tricycle around the camp several times, confirming there were no issues before giving it a fresh coat of paint with satisfaction. Hu Jun watched as the once-awkward tricycle, now revitalized under Shen Xianjun’s hands, gave a slight nod of approval.
"At this speed, are you sure Aunt Yang won’t have any trouble riding it?"
"Normally, there shouldn’t be any problems. The biggest issue might just be the fuel, but—brother-in-law, you’ll help out, right?" Shen Xianjun’s face had grown thoroughly thick-skinned by now.
Let others say he relied on connections—he didn’t mind. Those who couldn’t latch onto such advantages were just jealous.
Hu Jun scoffed.
Shen Xianjun knew that meant it was settled.
"I’ll take some time off to deliver the bike home."
"You’ve got half a day. Come to my office later."
Hu Jun approved, and Shen Xianjun grinned—the fuel issue was resolved too. Of course, his brother-in-law wouldn’t leave him hanging.
When Shen Xianjun got home, he didn’t see Yang Yufen. After storing the fuel, he cooked a meal, then, estimating the time, rode straight to the research institute.
"Could you pass a message to Researcher Qin for me? I’m her husband. Just tell her I’m here to pick her up after work and ask if she’s coming home today."
Shen Xianjun pulled out a cigarette.
"I recognize you, but unfortunately, Researcher Qin isn’t at the institute today."
Disappointed, Shen Xianjun left. His wife wasn’t at the institute, and the person didn’t know where she’d gone.
He turned to pick up the kids, waiting at the nursery until all the children had left. Only then did Shen Xianjun remember something, slightly embarrassed, before riding to Dean Hu’s house. As soon as he parked, he heard the voices of several children.
"Mother-in-law, I’m off for half a day today—delivered the bike to my mom and thought I’d check on the kids. I’ve already cooked at home."
"Xianjun, alright then. You kids, go with your dad. Remember to finish your homework later."
Professor Wen quickly helped the children gather their things.
"Got it!"
The two kids moved fast, and Wang Xing was pulled along too.
"Come on, let’s all go together!"
"Wow, Dad, what kind of bike is this?"
"Uncle Shen, this bike is so cool!"
"It’s like the motorcycles from action movies!"
Hu Zhenghao’s eyes lit up as he circled the bike excitedly.
"Mother-in-law, I’ll take all the kids with me. Should I send them back later? I won’t be staying long—I have to leave in about an hour."
Seeing how curious the kids were, Shen Xianjun turned to Professor Wen.
"Go ahead, go ahead. Bunch of curious little cats."
Professor Wen didn’t stop them. After all, inside the compound, there was no way they’d get lost.
"Yay! Grandma’s the best!"
Little Baby cheered—he was the youngest of the group.
He was the first to be lifted onto the bike, followed by the twins and Wang Xing squeezing into the sidecar, while Hu Zhenghao sat behind Shen Xianjun.
"Dad, Dad, this bike is faster than a bicycle!" Li Wu exclaimed excitedly.
"Yeah, but there are a lot of people in the compound, so we can’t go too fast. Later, this bike will stay at home for your grandma to use."
Seeing the kids happy made Shen Xianjun happy too.
"Uncle, Uncle, can I try driving it?" Hu Zhenghao asked loudly.
"Sure, come sit up front."
Yang Yufen and Aunt Wang returned just in time to see Shen Xianjun riding the bike with a bunch of kids—far too flashy, with a trail of other children following behind. It was impossible to miss.
"Mom, I brought the bike back. It’s even easier to ride than a tractor. Let me show you. The fuel’s at home too—just keep an eye on the tank. My break’s almost over."
Spotting Yang Yufen, Shen Xianjun quickly stopped the bike.
Hu Zhenghao led the other kids off to play elsewhere.
Yang Yufen listened as Shen Xianjun explained how to operate it, then climbed on without hesitation.
"This is the accelerator, and this is the brake, right?"
"Right, Mom—take it slow. This thing’s got some speed."
Before he could finish, Yang Yufen twisted the throttle and zoomed off. She circled back moments later, grinning.
"Not bad, not bad! Fast and saves effort. Sister Wang, we’ll ride this tomorrow—we can carry more tools, and it’s super convenient. The sidecar’s wide enough to rest in when we’re not busy. If we could just add a canopy for rain, it’d be perfect."
Yang Yufen patted her new ride, thoroughly pleased.
Shen Xianjun hadn’t considered that.
"Mom, I’ll set that up next time I’m back on leave. For now, just bring a raincoat when you go out. The license plate’s already registered, but be extra careful in crowded areas."
He repeated the warnings.
"Got it, got it. If you miss the bus, just take the bicycle from home. I made some fermented fish—tastes pretty good. Take some with you."
It was rare for Yang Yufen to offer something like this.
"Alright."
Shen Xianjun thought it over—riding the bike would be convenient. As for the fermented fish, he’d never had it before. Must be something his mom had recently learned to make.
Shen Xianjun had come and gone in a rush, with only one regret—not seeing his wife.
Meanwhile, Qin Nian frowned, circling the washing machine. Every inspection had shown no issues, and during lab tests, there had been no power failures.
But after Fan Juan took the prototype for the first batch of production, every unit from the hundred-machine order had power failure issues—a significant cost. Even the prototype now exhibited the same problem.
"Let’s call it a day. I’ll take you back—it’s getting late, and this place is pretty remote."
Fan Juan checked the time. There was no rushing this.
"I’m taking this one back with me."
Qin Nian pointed at the machine in front of her. Fan Juan had it loaded into the truck. The factory had given the workers the day off, and Fan Juan got out partway.
"I need to stop by the department. See you tomorrow."
She waved.
Though the batch could be reworked, the time and labor costs were steep. Fan Juan would have to find more funding. She’d bought a house before going abroad—if necessary, she could sell it to scrape together a few thousand.
"Qin Nian, you’re back! Xianjun just left not long ago. And what’s this?"
Yang Yufen came out at the sound of movement.
"Xianjun was here?"
Qin Nian’s gaze landed on the uncovered tricycle.
"Yeah, he came to drop off the bike. The kids just ate and ran off to play again."
"It’s a washing machine, but there seems to be an issue. I’m going to take it apart at home."
If the problem wasn’t visible at the factory, maybe a different setting would reveal something. Qin Nian was willing to try—if it didn’t work, she’d send it back to the lab tomorrow for everyone to investigate.
