Yue Hengyi was highly efficient in his work, a testament to his significant standing in Yan Jing. His pronouncements were readily accepted, and tasks were swiftly executed by those who recognized his authority.
After the execution of the detestable scoundrels, Yue Hengyi turned his gaze to the group of individuals behind the iron bars. "The fact that you brought this matter to my attention," he inquired, "is a result of your deep contemplation, isn't it? Otherwise, how would I have known that so many had suffered such injustices!"
The raggedly dressed individuals, realizing their subtle intentions had been seen through, offered a sheepish smile. "We heard about his plight shortly after we were imprisoned," they explained. "Seizing this opportunity to meet, we decided to help him. He seems to be a man of extraordinary bearing, and establishing a good relationship with him now could be beneficial. Besides, the matters we are discussing are fundamentally different from his."
"Now that you are all incarcerated," Yue Hengyi probed, "if you don't have others to assist you, you might face extortion. Would you not fear having every last coin you possess squeezed dry?"
"Mr. Yue, you needn't worry about this matter," they replied confidently. "We know that if we state our ultimate goal, you will undoubtedly help us. Escaping this prison will be a simple matter!" They appeared self-assured, convinced that Yue Hengyi could facilitate their release.
Yue Hengyi replied unhurriedly, "Don't be in a hurry. We have wine and peanuts here. If you'd like, I can have some fried broad beans brought over later. Please continue, I am listening patiently!"
Most people, upon hearing this, would not interpret it as a genuine desire to listen. Instead, they might perceive it as mockery, implying that Yue Hengyi believed they were merely boasting and that the peanuts and wine were meant to fuel their bragging.
"That would be wonderful! Peanuts are best enjoyed with wine, and fried broad beans would be even better. Come, let's eat and talk. We have a grand plan, one that not everyone is privy to." However, these individuals did not feel mocked. On the contrary, they interpreted his words as genuine interest, becoming animated. They eagerly began to eat peanuts and sip wine.
Yue Hengyi observed that these men were not mere lunatics. They were articulate and possessed sharp minds, unlike ordinary individuals. They might be swindlers, but since he had nothing else to do, he might as well listen to their tall tales.
"We are scientists, but second-hand scientists!" the raggedly dressed men declared, boasting about their identities. They didn't just claim to be scientists; they specifically identified themselves as "second-hand."
"Have you been watching too many comedy shows and gone mad? Scientists, I can understand, but 'second-hand scientists'? Are you trying to fool me? You don't look like scientists at all!" Yue Hengyi's expression turned dismissive.
If they were true scientists, they would at least be able to secure basic necessities during the apocalypse, not appear in such tattered clothes and disheveled states. Scientists were always valued, receiving far better treatment than ordinary people.
Such scenarios were typically found in comedy shows, often serving as satire for experts who feigned knowledge, like claiming that washing coal was necessary for launching rockets – utter nonsense. If such pronouncements garnered attention, it was considered a form of success.
"We are serious, Mr. Yue! Do you think we are joking?" Seeing his disbelief, one of them adopted a serious demeanor, as if seeking to vindicate himself.
"Then explain why you are 'second-hand scientists.' If you are scientists, just say you are scientists. What is this 'first-hand' or 'second-hand' nonsense? You're just deceiving people!" Yue Hengyi retorted.
"After Yan Jing was breached, we scientists went into hiding among the populace, scattering to various places. But now, we must step forward to change the world. If this continues, all of humanity will face destruction. Only we can save this world now!" the "second-hand scientists" stated with solemnity.
"Is that so? You think highly of yourselves. The world has plunged into a deep freeze for all of humanity. What methods do you have to save mankind? Ending this apocalypse is a joke. Shen Feng's suggestion of salvaging meteorites and sending them into space is at least feasible. But what you're saying now, I simply don't believe!" Yue Hengyi declared.
"Mr. Yue, you only know part of the story! To end this apocalypse, many things need to be done. Simply launching meteorites into space is not the end. There is a vast amount of work that needs to be completed afterward to truly end the doomsday," they stated earnestly.
"Then tell me what needs to be done next. If your reasoning is sound, I will seriously consider your plan. If your claims are entirely baseless, then I must respectfully excuse myself. Our conversation and banter today have been sufficient, and I have no desire to pursue anything further," Yue Hengyi said, his initial condescension fading.
"Allow us to outline our stance and our current perspectives. As we see it, to truly end the default or, rather, to end humanity's doomsday, several aspects must be addressed. Firstly, the food problem, which Shen Feng has already resolved. Secondly, ending the ice age. Only when the ice age ends can lands like Siberia be cultivated for crops, ensuring a continuous supply of food for our Chinese regions. However, once the temperature warms, insect mutations will reappear. At that point, meteorites must be sent into space to prevent the rapid evolution of insects!" these individuals stated with great seriousness, all the while drinking and their faces flushed. It was clear they spoke with immense passion and sincerity.
"What you've said has some merit, but these are viewpoints that others could also deduce. I still maintain my skepticism regarding your scientist identities!" Yue Hengyi's attitude shifted upon hearing their insights. It did not sound like the pronouncements of mere swindlers; their knowledge demonstrated a certain level of scholarship.
"Then allow me to explain how to end this ice age. That should be acceptable, shouldn't it? Most people wouldn't conceive of any means to end an ice age!" a middle-aged man stepped forward.
"Then please, tell me how to end this ice age," Yue Hengyi nodded.
"Mr. Yue, I must first ask you a question: how long do you believe this ice age will last before it ends? This question is crucial. Only after you answer it can I proceed," the middle-aged man asked earnestly.
"If I recall correctly, current scientific projections suggest this ice age might last for about fourteen to fifteen years. By then, the acidic gases will have been depleted, and the volcanic ash in the sky will gradually settle," Yue Hengyi replied, possessing considerable knowledge on the matter. As someone in a high position, he had access to the most current information.
"Why would the ice age last for over a decade? Can you provide a more specific answer?" the middle-aged man continued his questioning.
"Am I the scientist, or are you? I shouldn't be the one asking you questions, yet you are interrogating me!" Yue Hengyi found this development peculiar. Why was he being questioned?
"Please, Mr. Yue, answer my question, as I will then explain how to resolve the problems caused by the ice age," the middle-aged man insisted, unyielding in his demand for an answer.
"Let me be direct. Volcanic eruptions released a large amount of acidic gases, which caused the Earth's temperature to drop. Countless volcanic ashes were ejected, with a significant portion reaching the stratosphere, and some even piercing it to be propelled into outer space. This volcanic ash spread within the stratosphere, forming aerogels that would not settle quickly. These aerogels blocked sunlight from reaching the ground, rapidly reducing the solar energy received by the Earth's surface, thus initiating the ice age," Yue Hengyi explained what he knew.
"Therefore, to resolve this ice age, we must first address these two aspects. One is to absorb the large amount of acidic gases in the atmosphere. This might be inconvenient, as the volume of acidic gas emissions is immense, leading to acid rain in many places. We can only allow these acidic gases to dissipate naturally. The other aspect is to clear the aerogels in the sky, and for this, we have a rather effective method!" the middle-aged man stated with solemn earnestness.
"Please, tell me what method you have. If your reasoning is sound, I will consider your suggestions and recommend you. You will then be provided for and receive due recognition, as being able to clear these aerogels from the sky is indeed a remarkable feat!" Yue Hengyi said seriously.
"The principle is quite simple. We have discovered a liquid that can dissolve aerogels, thereby accelerating their settlement. This liquid can also be formulated into a spray. Once sprayed, it can dissolve large quantities of aerogels formed by volcanic ash, speeding up their settlement. Once the volcanic ash settles from the stratosphere, more sunlight will reach the Earth's surface!" the middle-aged man revealed his solution.
"I see. If what you say is true, then it is indeed quite useful. I will soon arrange for your release and take you to meet the City Lord to seek his support and have you produce this solution immediately!" Yue Hengyi's excitement grew upon hearing this response, as he realized these "second-hand scientists" were genuine.
"Mr. Yue, please wait a moment. Don't celebrate too soon. While our solution is highly effective in settling volcanic ash, I must point out one crucial detail: this liquid can only function when it comes into contact with the aerogels at a short distance. This means we must operate within the stratosphere to dissolve the aerogels formed by volcanic ash!" the men quickly intervened, preventing Yue Hengyi from acting too hastily.
"We still need to operate within the stratosphere to dissolve aerogels? Then what use is your solution? Currently, only large aircraft and rockets can operate in the stratosphere, but fuel supplies are insufficient. It would be difficult to transport this solution to the stratosphere on a large scale!" Yue Hengyi remarked.