C20 Visiting the Military Equipment Department Elder Ren

"Class monitor, take a look at this design. With Sister-in-law's tweaks, the Mecha's mobility could be increased by a whopping fifty percent," Qiu Heizi reported to the class monitor, adhering to military protocol where all matters must be reported to the class monitor first.

Tang Hao examined the design, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief. The rest of the group, noticing their class monitor's reaction, grew curious and gathered around, eager to understand. Unfortunately, the design was beyond their comprehension, so they looked on, waiting expectantly for Tang Hao to shed some light.

Tang Hao, however, didn't rush to explain. He passed his Mecha design to Huang Wenwen for her inspection. It was the blueprint for the inaugural version of the Glory, and even at a glance, it was clear it wasn't fully complete. He had simply hoped for some feedback, as this first-generation Mecha design had long been discarded by its original designers.

Huang Wenwen scrutinized the blueprint and her face lit up with excitement, like a bystander who stumbles upon a treasure trove. After composing herself, she turned to Tang Hao and said, "Your Mecha has tremendous potential for enhancement. My expertise is in Mecha power systems, so I can't offer the optimal upgrade plan just yet. Could I possibly get a copy of this design? I'd like to take it back and collaborate with a few friends to study it. We'll definitely be able to address all the issues with your Mecha."

"Sure, that's no problem at all. I appreciate your help," Tang Hao replied, nodding in agreement, a rare smile of relief spreading across his face.

Seeing this exchange, the others in the class didn't wait for Tang Hao's explanation. They eagerly handed their Mecha designs to Huang Wenwen, seeking her advice on upgrades. Huang Wenwen was delighted to receive the original Mecha blueprints and tirelessly offered each person her most fitting recommendations.

It wasn't until late into the night that Huang Wenwen was able to depart and head back to the camp, preparing for her journey back to the capital. As they reached the entrance of the barracks, Zhuge Yao, feeling a bit sheepish, said softly, "Thanks for all your hard work and for staying so late. Please be safe on your way back."

Huang Wenwen smiled and nodded, pulling a letter from her bag and gently placing it into Zhuge Yao's hand. "I've reviewed your Mecha blueprints," she began, "and the modifications are impeccable. However, I did notice one issue: you seem to be troubled by the chip. While I can't assist you with that, I do have a letter of recommendation for you. Why not visit the Military Equipment Department of the Dragon Knight Army? Perhaps Elder Ren can help you resolve this matter."

As Huang Wenwen drove off in her flying car, Zhuge Yao stood there, a whirlwind of emotions stirring within him. Clutching the recommendation letter, he lapsed into a moment of deep reflection.

The following morning, Zhuge Yao headed to the camp headquarters to obtain a pass, eager to check out the Dragon Knight Army's Military Equipment Department. Liu Jianfeng, noticing Zhuge Yao's recent improvements, readily granted the request but firmly reminded him not to wander off and to return promptly after finishing his business.

Li Lingtong, who was enlisted to guide him, was more than happy to assist, especially since staying in the New Soldier Battalion all day had become monotonous. It was a welcome change to get out and about.

With the pass secured, the guards merely asked a few questions before letting them through. Once past the New Soldier Battalion, they entered the adjacent living area, with Li Lingtong leading the way as Zhuge Yao took in the sights.

The barracks' living area closely resembled civilian life, the main difference being the prevalence of military uniforms among the populace.

Li Lingtong expertly led Zhuge Yao to a multipurpose building where they located the Military Equipment Department's office. Zhuge Yao gave his guide a thumbs-up in appreciation of his excellent reconnaissance skills; despite never having been here before, Li Lingtong had navigated them to their destination without a hitch.

Two stone Mechas, the Assault No.66 and Strong Assault No.88, stood guard in front of the building. These Mechas were staples in the military, known for their ease of production and formidable combat capabilities. The building's entrance was marked by a rectangular stone archway, through which a steady stream of military officers passed.

Zhuge Yao and Li Lingtong, two privates, walked into the building and immediately stood out, drawing disdainful glances from passersby. Zhuge Yao felt extremely uncomfortable under their judgmental stares. Li Lingtong, hiding behind Zhuge Yao, also felt awkward and kept stealing glances at the reactions of others.

The Military Equipment Department took up a considerable space on the second floor. Upon ascending the stairs, they were greeted by an iron signboard proudly displaying 'Dragon Knight Army Military Equipment Department.' Guards were posted at the entrance, overseeing a long line of individuals waiting to register.

"Out, out! Elder Ren is conducting research and has no time to meet with you," a guard said impatiently, ushering a colonel out from inside.

The colonel left in a huff, but the guards remained unmoved by his protests and steadfastly refused him re-entry. Witnessing this, those of lower rank than the colonel abandoned the queue and dejectedly walked away.

"It looks like we're out of luck. Let's just leave and avoid further embarrassment," suggested a timid Li Lingtong, reluctant to approach the officers ahead.

However, Zhuge Yao was not ready to retreat. Forgoing the line, he approached a guard and handed over a letter of recommendation. "This is for Elder Ren," he said. "Could you please deliver it and let him know his student, Zhuge Yao, requests an audience?"

Initially indifferent, the guard's demeanor changed upon hearing Elder Ren's name. He broke into a warm smile and said kindly, "Young man, please come in and take a seat. I'll notify him right away."

Zhuge Yao was taken aback by the ease of entry. Little did he know, Elder Ren had never taken on a student before, so his sudden appearance was bound to be taken seriously. Moreover, in the Military Equipment Department, no one would dare to deceive; it would only lead to their own discomfort.

Once inside the Military Equipment Department, they were escorted to a reception room and served two cups of fine tea. Left alone, Zhuge Yao casually surveyed the room's decor. His eyes fell upon a discarded piece of paper on the floor, which, upon closer inspection, appeared to be a chip design blueprint.

Before enlisting, Zhuge Yao had been engrossed in Mecha control, with the chip being a crucial component. Without this tiny piece, the rest of the upper structure was mere conjecture. With time on his hands, Zhuge Yao bent down and retrieved the crumpled piece of scrap paper.

The chip design blueprint boasted a unique manufacturing method and an inventive research direction. Regrettably, the current production equipment couldn't meet the technological demands of these critical components. Thus, no matter how promising, the design was destined to remain on paper, as disposable as scrap.

It seemed wasteful to simply discard it. After some contemplation, Zhuge Yao replaced the silicon with copper-infused silicon and streamlined the integrated circuit. He was confident that these modifications would enable mass production with the existing equipment. Once he had finished tweaking the chip, he placed it neatly under the table and stretched languidly.

As footsteps approached from outside, Li Lingtong closed his notebook and sat up attentively. A stickler for propriety, he understood the importance of context and always knew how to act appropriately.