The old man reached out and wiped his face, smearing away the oil and revealing his original appearance.
The old man was none other than Wei Deze, who had been hiding in the scrap yard, pretending to be an ordinary retired old man.
Under everyone's gaze, Wei Deze walked up to Fang Haosi and clapped him forcefully on the shoulder, leaving a black handprint on his white research coat.
"Old Fang, you've been really underhanded. Jing Mingqiu was clearly the disciple I had my eye on first, yet you secretly made your move while I wasn't paying attention. Do you think I've retired and can no longer wield a saber?"
Before Fang Haosi could retort, Wei Deze strode over to Jing Mingqiu, pulled out a crumpled document from his怀, and shoved it into his arms.
"Jing Mingqiu, I officially invite you to join Imperial Capital University as the Director of the Imperial Capital University Mechanical Research Institute. You will be directly admitted to graduate studies, with a combined master's and doctoral program, and will be exceptionally admitted into the Imperial Capital University Research Institute to commence research immediately..."
Hearing this, everyone couldn't believe their ears and their eyes widened involuntarily.
Imperial Capital University, on par with Shuimu University, was one of the top institutions in Long Country.
And the Imperial Capital University Mechanical Research Institute was the premier research institution in Long Country, and one of the best in the world.
For ordinary people to join the Imperial Capital University Mechanical Research Institute, a doctorate was the minimum requirement. A bachelor's and master's degree from top universities like 211 or 985 were merely entry qualifications.
Only by publishing a paper with a high impact factor in a world-class academic journal, defeating doctors from around the world, would one have a chance to join the Imperial Capital University Mechanical Research Institute.
Yet Jing Mingqiu had just graduated from university, wasn't even a college student yet, so how could he be directly admitted to the Imperial Capital University Mechanical Research Institute?
"I understand now," Cao Qian, who had just been reprimanded by Fang Haosi, revealed a look of sudden enlightenment. "You old lunatic, you must have been hired by Jing Mingqiu as a plant to inflate his value."
Cao Qian sidled up to Fang Haosi, forcing a very sincere expression onto his face: "Mentor, Jing Mingqiu is talented but lacks virtue. You must not accept him!"
Hearing this, Jing Mingqiu chuckled wryly. With the system's blessing, it was easy for him to join any research institute; why would he resort to such petty tactics?
"I appreciate your kind offer," Jing Mingqiu returned the document to Wei Deze. "As I said before, I haven't decided which university to attend yet."
After Jing Mingqiu's refusal, Cao Qian began to mock him sarcastically: "Haven't decided? I think you're just afraid to go! A clown seeking fame, you'll probably be kicked out of the Imperial Capital University Mechanical Research Institute if you present forged documents..."
"Shut up!"
Wei Deze roared, his hair bristling, and stared intently at Cao Qian. "You call others clowns, but I think you are the purest clown. Old Fang! How do you manage your students? If my disciple dared to speak like that, I would have kicked him out long ago."
Fang Haosi sighed. "Old Wei, you've seen an embarrassment. Cao Qian, this child, is somewhat of a descendant of an old acquaintance, and I didn't want to argue with him too much."
"It seems I was wrong. Cao Qian, you should go back first and pack your things. I will help you contact a new mentor."
"Mentor, I..." Cao Qian panicked instantly, fumbling to explain. As soon as he opened his mouth, Fang Haosi interrupted him.
"Cao Qian. Let's part amicably! If you still acknowledge me as your mentor, do not say another word and hurry back."
Cao Qian couldn't believe that he was expelled from his apprenticeship by his mentor just for saying a couple of words to Jing Mingqiu. Distraught, he was dragged out by bodyguards.
While Wei Deze and Jing Mingqiu were conversing, Fang Haosi quickly thought and decided to pursue a roundabout strategy.
"Classmate Jing Mingqiu, you can take your time choosing a university. Now, as the Director of the Long Country Chip Research Institute, Shuimu Branch, I would like to invite you to visit the Shuimu University laboratory. Are you interested?"
Jing Mingqiu was very interested in the legendary research institute, which was rumored to hold many secrets, and readily agreed.
Escorted by bodyguards, the group left the classroom. Through the corridor window, Jing Mingqiu saw over a dozen riot control vehicles lined up at the school entrance. Soldiers armed with live ammunition occupied strategic positions, patrolling back and forth with great vigilance.
After leaving the teaching building, Jing Mingqiu got into a black bulletproof sedan with Fang Haosi. Wei Deze unhesitatingly squeezed in as well.
Along the way, the three engaged in detailed discussions about the fabrication of the lithography machine.
Fang Haosi leaned more towards theoretical research, while Wei Deze focused more on practical operations. Jing Mingqiu was different; with the system, he was omnipotent!
Because of a large coal mine near Dongyang, with abundant and cheap energy, coupled with its location in a plain and convenient transportation,
Dongyang City had attracted many universities to establish research institutes here. Shuimu University's Chip Research Institute was located here.
As Jing Mingqiu and his group discussed, the sedan drove smoothly and humbly, finally stopping at the entrance of Shuimu University's Dongyang City Chip Research Institute.
"Classmate Jing Mingqiu, let me introduce you..."
Fang Haosi took the lead, introducing the various equipment in the research institute one by one.
This included high-precision CNC machine tools, specially made metal furnaces, and of course, the various lithography machines they were researching.
"All good stuff..."
Jing Mingqiu looked at the system subtitles constantly refreshing next to the instruments, and the upgrade plans lighting up above, his eyes also shining.
After staying in the scrap yard for so long, the system upgrade points had long been filled.
Jing Mingqiu had not upgraded the system because upgrading from level two to level three required completing an advancement task.
This task was to make an item break through its original grade, but Jing Mingqiu had not found suitable materials and could not complete the task.
Fang Haosi noticed the change in Jing Mingqiu's gaze and secretly rejoiced. Just as he was about to make another effort to persuade Jing Mingqiu to join the research institute, Wei Deze suddenly spoke.
"Jing Mingqiu, don't be fooled by him. What's so great about this scrap metal? Weren't you collecting parts to modify an electric vehicle? Come with me, I'll show you what high-end instruments are!"
Shuimu and Imperial Capital University's main campuses were adjacent, and their research institutes in Dongyang City were also next to each other. Jing Mingqiu was equally curious about the Mechanical Research Institute that Wei Deze mentioned, and readily agreed to his invitation.
Wei Deze's words were not false. The equipment at the Imperial Capital University Mechanical Research Institute was much more advanced than that at Shuimu's Chip Research Institute, especially some ultra-large equipment, which had very unique functions.
"Jing Mingqiu, this is the electric motor our laboratory is researching. It uses a special winding method, which can effectively increase power, improve speed, reduce power consumption, and enhance conversion efficiency..."
Jing Mingqiu had originally intended to continue modifying his small electric scooter. Listening to Wei Deze's introduction, and recalling the equipment he had just seen at the chip research institute, a flash of inspiration struck him, and he thought of a way to complete the advancement task.