Chapter 20: Ten Thousand Crystal Cores Emerge from the Furnace

The aftermath of the crystal core incident still reverberated among the upper echelons and core research circles of Yanhuang Guo.

But for Qin Hao, life had temporarily returned to tranquility.

The specially made suite inside the Liu Xia Hydropower Station became his exclusive charging treasure for the next ten days.

During this period, when he was truly bored, Qin Hao would study some scientific knowledge.

After learning of this situation, the state specially arranged two professionals roughly his age to come tutor him.

Moreover, they were both female, with looks and figures beyond compare.

It let Qin Hao feast his eyes.

The lecture content covered many aspects, from the basic concepts of quantum physics to the cutting-edge developments in materials science,

from the encoding principles of information engineering to the structural mysteries of aerospace engines—knowledge that had once been as inscrutable to him as heavenly script,

now, under the explanations of these two great beauties, he actually found it delightful to listen to.

Of course, the process was not all smooth sailing.

Faced with those complex formulas and abstract theories, Qin Hao also often scratched his head,

revealing the classic expression of "Who am I? Where am I? What am I studying?"

Whenever this happened, the two beauties not only showed no impatience, but became even more patient in adjusting their explanations, sometimes using metaphors Qin Hao could grasp, with a touch of everyday flavor, to explain.

"You can imagine this 'quantum entanglement' as a pair of specially sympathetic dice, no matter how far apart they are,

as long as you roll a 'six' on one, the other die, without looking, is necessarily also a 'six'.

Of course, this is merely a rough metaphor; the real situation is far more complex, but the core meaning is——"

Qin Hao listened, half-understanding, and he clearly knew his own intellect—he feared he would forever struggle to grasp these things.

But understanding a bit more is always good.

At least, later when they ask him to copy some high-tech gadget, he won't be completely clueless, not even knowing what it's for.

"Yo, our great hero, what problem has stumped you?"

Just as the study time ended and the two female scholars were seen off, Cheng Haitang walked in holding a cup of hot tea, smiling.

She also joked at the same time.

Qin Hao put down the e-book in his hand, rubbed his temples, and gave a wry smile:

"It's Old Cheng, huh—don't tease me; I can't learn this stuff, am I only fit to be a copying tool?"

"Don't think that way,"

Cheng Haitang handed him the tea cup and continued:

"Learning isn't something that happens overnight; you already have the rare initiative to want to understand.

Besides, you're not some tool—you're the one-of-a-kind treasure of our Yanhuang Guo, priceless!"

Qin Hao took the tea, sipped it, and warmth flowed from his throat down to his heart.

He knew Cheng Haitang was comforting him and also affirming his worth.

This feeling of being valued made him feel a bit light-headed.

"Besides, if you don't want to study these things, no one will force you—it's entirely up to you."

Cheng Haitang added another sentence.

"Hmm! I know that—I'll learn as much as I can."

Afterwards, they chatted about other topics for a while, and then Cheng Haitang left.

When afternoon came, Qin Hao would relax relatively.

The suite had an independent fitness area, where he would do moderate exercise to keep his vitality.

Sometimes he would also check the internal network for news, to stay informed about domestic and international affairs.

Besides these, he also became enamored with a few old movies, experiencing the luxury of a private cinema before the huge projection screen.

Old Luo did not come in person during these ten days, but sent his assistant to represent him once.

Originally he was very busy; the fact that he could have others come see Qin Hao in his stead already shows his importance.

"Little Qin, how have you been these days?" the assistant named Hong Wuxiong asked, inquiring about Qin Hao's living situation as soon as he arrived.

"Everything's fine. I eat well, sleep soundly, and have learned quite a bit of new knowledge."

Qin Hao answered standing at attention, full of youthful vigor.

Hong Wuxiong waved his hand, indicating he should sit down:

"No need to be so formal; I'm here today representing Old Luo—first to see you, second to hear your thoughts about the future.

Of course, mainly concerning your personal development and the application of the system."

They talked for about an hour.

Hong Wuxiong gave him no pressure, focusing more on listening and guiding.

He told Qin Hao that the higher-ups had high expectations for him, but would absolutely not treat him as an emotionless tool.

His personal wishes and physical and mental health always come first.

"The system is your unique ability; how to better make it serve the nation and the people is something we need to explore together."

Hong Wuxiong's gaze was deep: "We will not force you to do anything that goes against your wishes.

But at the same time, I also hope you realize that this ability also entails a weighty responsibility."

Qin Hao nodded solemnly: "I understand. As long as the nation needs it and I can do it, I will not shirk my duty."

This conversation made Qin Hao's state of mind even clearer.

He began to actively think about how to push the system's abilities to the limit, to do more for this country.

"Secretary Hong, I feel that eight hours of charging a day is a bit low; how about ten hours? If we upgrade the system sooner, we might gain even more powerful functions."

Qin Hao voiced his idea.

Having this heart is enough; the country is very grateful to you!

Hong Wuxiong heard this, grabbed Qin Hao's hand firmly, and said solemnly.

You flatter me; what merit do I have? Compared to what you have done for the country, it's not worth mentioning.

Qin Hao, feeling overwhelmed by the favor, quickly said he couldn't bear such responsibility.

……

Ten days passed amidst busy and leisurely days.

That morning, Cheng Haitang found Qin Hao and, upon meeting, stated her purpose.

"Xiao Qin, are you ready? The Rote Commissioner and several academicians are already waiting for you."

Qin Hao nodded.

He opened the system interface; the number in the 'Energy Reserve' column had already reached an astonishing level.

864 million points. This is considerably more than expected.

Upon returning to the heavily guarded laboratory, Luo Te, Academician Qian Bowen, Academician Li, and the heads of several core projects were already waiting there.

Everyone's faces bore an expectant expression.

"Comrade Xiao Qin, how's your rest?" Luo Te asked with a smile.

"Very well." Qin Hao answered, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his mind clear.

"Good, then we won't waste any time."

Luo Te looked at Academician Qian Bowen and said, "Academician Qian, let's begin."

Academician Qian Bowen nodded, indicating that the technicians place a 4-nanometer crystal element prototype on the operating table.

"Xiao Qin, this time the target is one hundred thousand units; according to previous tests, it will likely consume about five hundred million points of energy. Your energy reserve…"

Academician Qian Bowen looked at Qin Hao.

Qin Hao gave a slight smile: "Academician Qian, rest assured, the energy reserve already exceeds eight hundred sixty million, more than enough for this replication."

"Then that's good."

Afterward, Qin Hao walked to the operating table, extended his right hand, and lightly touched the crystal element.

He issued the command for batch replication in his mind.

The atmosphere in the lab was somewhat solemn, but more so an irrepressible excitement.

Everyone knew that if these one hundred thousand crystal elements were successfully replicated and put into use, they would have a profound impact on multiple cutting-edge technological fields of Yanhuang Guo.

Qin Hao watched the system interface as the energy reserve numbers began to plummet rapidly, while in the huge dust-free area cleared beside him,

crystal elements identical to the prototype appeared out of thin air, then silently piled up.

This process lasted nearly an hour.

When the last crystal element finished replication, Qin Hao finally let out a gentle sigh.

He glanced at the system interface; the energy reserve still had 364 million points.

"Academicians, the replication of one hundred thousand crystal elements is complete."

Qin Hao spoke up.

In the lab, there was first silence, then it erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

The scientists surged excitedly toward the mountain-like pile of crystal elements, tears glimmering in their eyes.

Luo Te then patted Qin Hao on the shoulder, his eyes full of relief, "Xiao Qin, well done!"