Chapter 232: My Heart Can

The theoretical modeling of the "Crowbar" project has entered deep water, with variables and multiphysics coupling calculations growing increasingly complex, placing extreme demands on the "New Era" supercomputing capacity. After deliberation, the Science Council concluded that a new round of expansion and upgrade to the existing Quantum Computing Array is necessary to support the computational demands of multiple frontier projects, including "Crowbar."

This costly upgrade plan, involving core infrastructure, ultimately landed on Qin Feng's desk, awaiting his final approval.

Almost simultaneously, another application report from the Management Committee of the Sea-floor City's Civilization Ark also reached Qin Feng. The report noted that with steady population growth and improved functionality, residents' demand for cultural, entertainment, and leisure facilities had become increasingly prominent. To enhance residents' happiness and sense of belonging, the Committee requested funding to plan and construct an integrated Cultural Center encompassing a Library, Cinema, small Concert Hall, cafés, and public green spaces.

Two reports: one concerning the most advanced scientific computing power of the "New Era"—cold and grand; the other concerning the daily spiritual life of tens of thousands of residents—warm and mundane. They represented two distinct facets of the "New Era" behemoth—the sharp prow pointing toward the future, and the broad deck carrying the present.

Qin Feng approved the Quantum Computing Array upgrade first, without hesitation. It was the foundation supporting all his grand blueprints; no investment, however large, was too much.

Then his gaze fell upon the application report regarding the Cultural Center.

He read it quickly, but carefully—surveying site selection, design philosophy, functional zoning, and budget composition in rapid succession.

Su Wenqian, standing beside him, felt a faint unease. She knew her master—his focus always centered on core fields capable of delivering substantive breakthroughs and technological leaps. Would he view such a "soft power" livelihood project as unnecessary waste?

After all, in his view, survival and development always came first.

Yet, after reading it, Qin Feng did not raise objections or reject it outright, as Su Wenqian had feared.

He picked up his pen and signed his name in the approval section of the report. His motion was smooth, without a single pause.

Then he handed the approved document to Su Wenqian and added, in a flat tone:

"Tell the Management Committee to increase the green space by another fifteen percent. Also, set the Library's initial book stock at the budget ceiling, prioritizing science, history, and philosophy titles."

Su Wenqian took the document, staring at the clear approval and the extra directives, momentarily stunned.

Master… he not only approved it, but proactively offered optimization suggestions? Even cared about the Library's book categories?

This exceeded her expectations entirely!

She instinctively looked up at Qin Feng, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Qin Feng seemed to sense her gaze. He lifted his head, meeting her startled look, and raised an eyebrow. "What? A problem?"

"N-no!" Su Wenqian quickly shook her head, suppressing the turmoil within. "Master, I'm just… surprised. I thought you might consider such projects…"

"That they're a waste of resources?" Qin Feng finished her sentence, his tone still flat. "Wenqian, remember: the 'New Era' is not merely a research base or a refuge."

His gaze drifted toward the window, as if piercing through the walls to see the city flourishing beneath the sea.

"We are building a Civilization Spark capable of enduring and growing. Civilization requires more than powerful technology and fortified walls—it demands the inheritance of knowledge, the cultivation of art, and a sense of spiritual belonging."

"A group that only calculates and survives will not go far."

His words were calm, yet struck Su Wenqian's heart like a hammer.

She instantly understood his deeper meaning. He did not disregard these "trivialities"—on the contrary, he saw further than anyone else. He was laying a firmer path for the "New Era," one leading to true civilization.

Technology is the skeleton; these cultural and spiritual elements are the flesh and blood that give civilization life.

"I understand, Master," Su Wenqian bowed her head, sincerely convinced. "I will convey your suggestions fully to the Management Committee."

Qin Feng nodded, said no more, and turned to the next document.

Su Wenqian took the approved document and exited the office. Only when she reached the corridor outside did she pause, glancing once more at Qin Feng's signature on the paper.

Recalling his words about "civilization," and connecting them with his earlier approvals of family access and his attention to residents' daily details…

A complex emotion—shock, movedness, and deeper admiration—rose within her like a warm current.

She had always known her master's vision was vast, his ambition lofty. But only now did she truly grasp that his greatness lay not merely in world-shattering technologies or ambitions to conquer the Star Sea, but in his profound understanding of civilization's essence and his care for each "New Era" member as a human being.

He was cold because he had to face the cruelest challenges.

But he was not without warmth. His warmth lay hidden in every seemingly insignificant yet vital detail he planned for this civilization.

Su Wenqian leaned against the cold metal wall, pressing her hand lightly to her chest, feeling the pounding from the overwhelming emotion within.

She gazed at the closed door at the corridor's end, whispering in a voice only she could hear, with a faint, resigned smile:

"Master…"

"If you keep this up, I can't take it anymore."

She meant more than just this moment's emotion.

It was the growing, inescapable devotion—and something deeper—that arose from increasingly understanding this man's unfathomable wisdom and breadth of heart.

She could only bury this feeling deep, transforming it into firmer loyalty and unwavering support.

Taking a deep breath, Su Wenqian straightened her back, regaining her usual competence and composure, and marched forward with steady steps to carry out Qin Feng's orders.

Yet her heartbeat still raced slightly faster than usual.