Zou Xiaoxiao's worries did not materialize. As soon as Wei Shikang was released, and before the professor could even inform him of the disciplinary decision, he called the professor to announce his resignation.
Although his conversation with Shen Xioumei was not intentional, and he had not disclosed any professional secrets, the consequences were very real.
Hearing him say this, the professor did not say anything else to provoke him.
However, the project was at a critical juncture, and it was impossible to proceed with one less person.
The professor cleared his throat, sitting in the conference room with a grave expression. "Originally, I intended to wait for the disciplinary decision to be announced and posted for everyone to see as a warning."
Except for the colleagues who had accompanied Wei Shikang that day, no one else knew what had happened to him.
As a result, when Wei Shikang was absent from the project team for two days, they assumed he had taken leave to visit his girlfriend.
The professor explained the whole story to everyone, and they were all surprised.
Shen Xioumei came to deliver lunch every day, and sometimes she would chat with them when she had time. They had never suspected her of trying to extract information.
Now, hearing her name linked to espionage, and looking back, many things seemed to have a discernible pattern.
So this was what espionage looked like!
Everyone suddenly understood and became secretly vigilant.
Espionage was not just about stealing core secrets; anyone who, from within, obtained key information and, through operations with other countries, hindered or completely stopped the project's progress could be considered a spy.
"You all have good relationships with Xiao Wei, and I'm telling you this not for you to have any other opinions about him; he has already accepted his punishment," the professor said solemnly.
He cleared his throat and swept his gaze over everyone. "You must take this as a lesson. Our project is just a small part of the national strategy, but our success will bring undeniable benefits to the country."
"As members of the project team, you must have a clear understanding of your work. You must keep the confidentiality requirements firmly in mind, and be wary of anyone you interact with without good reason!"
The professor explained the potential risks and consequences clearly. The incident had happened so close to them, and no one treated it as a trivial matter.
As the meeting drew to a close, the professor observed everyone's serious and earnest expressions, confirming that they had all taken his words to heart.
He coughed lightly and continued, "It is also a fact that our project team is short of personnel. Now that Xiao Wei has left, I have applied to higher authorities, and two people have been specially approved to join our project team."
After this ideological education, everyone felt relieved by the news. "Are new people finally coming? And two of them?!"
The workload these past two days had been truly overwhelming. Even Huo Rou, whom they considered a technical advisor, had not been spared from hands-on operations.
Of course, Huo Rou's speed was beyond their comparison.
Someone asked anxiously, "Professor, when will the new people arrive? They're not going to take another year or a half, are they?"
When Yuda Artificial Intelligence had previously promised them technical support, they had waited for several months before finally confirming their technical consultants.
And it had taken a while longer for Huo Rou to officially start.
Now that everyone clearly felt the project was nearing its end, they didn't want to wait this long.
The sooner the people arrived, the sooner the project could be accelerated.
The professor secretly shook his head at their eager gazes, and then his eyes met Huo Rou's calm ones, which made him feel satisfied again.
This little Huo was not only kind and respectful to his elders but also calm and mature in the face of challenges. Excellent, very excellent.
"Stop chattering, everyone," the professor picked up his cup and took a leisurely sip of water.
He had to remain calm too; he couldn't be as impatient as these people.
At this moment, he had completely forgotten that when he heard the news at noon, he hadn't even taken a nap but had immediately driven to pick up the people.
Seeing the professor playing coy, everyone became even more anxious.
Zou Xiaoxiao couldn't stand it any longer. She was the closest and nudged the professor's arm. "Professor, don't keep us in suspense. We still have work to do."
The professor then put down his cup. "The people are already at the main entrance."
"Then let them in quickly, so we can meet them!" everyone urged.
The professor raised his hand and checked the time. "They are having lunch. After they finish eating..."
Knock, knock, knock—
Before the professor could finish speaking, a knock sounded at the door.
The professor guessed that they had arrived and smiled. "Come in."