Chapter 4

Monday morning.

Feng Yan stepped into the office with two dark circles under his eyes, but his mind was exceptionally clear.

The images of the warehouse trip over the weekend were still spinning in his mind.

Especially Li Yang's eyes that lit up whenever technology was mentioned.

Before going to bed last night, he specifically sent a message to Li Yang.

Saying he would try to help him fight for support from official channels to see if he could apply for some resources.

Li Yang replied quite simply at the time: "Okay, thanks."

Now, Feng Yan felt like he was shouldering the "hope of the whole village."

He knew that this matter couldn't be rushed foolishly to go directly to Section Chief Wang and say "Leader, I found someone building a mech."

It would be good if their section chief didn't treat him as sick.

He had to change the way of saying it, a way that the leader could understand and feel "valuable."

Sitting at his desk, he didn't rush to open the computer.

First, he took out his phone and looked at the few photos he took secretly (with Li Yang's tacit consent) over the weekend over and over again.

The photos were average, and the angle was a bit crooked.

But that hardcore industrial style couldn't be blocked.

"Must package the concept of 'mech' into 'advanced individual soldier assistance system with potential application value'..."

Feng Yan touched his chin, why does he feel like a profiteer who wants to package roadside stones as antiques?

"Little Feng, what are you muttering about?" Sister Liu from the adjacent desk poked her head over.

"Ah? Nothing, nothing," Feng Yan quickly locked the screen and picked up the materials at hand to pretend to read seriously.

While "researching how to make the report 'more eye-catching'."

Sister Liu said "Oh," and retracted doubtfully.

Feng Yan took a deep breath, opened the computer, and created a new document.

He pondered the title for a long time, and finally typed:

"Preliminary Observation and Value Analysis Report on Folk Technology Enthusiast Li Yang and His 'Wearable Assistive Device' Project."

Yeah, this sounds much more pleasant, at least it doesn't sound like reporting on the progress of a sci-fi movie.

First, intercept the most shocking few seconds from Li Yang's helmet video and convert it into a GIF animation.

That smooth hydraulic action and metal texture are more convincing than a thousand words.

Then, insert a few close-up photos of parts that don't involve the core but can reflect processing precision and design ingenuity.

For example, that hand-polished hydraulic valve body.

And the control board with wiring so neat that even he, a former engineering student, felt ashamed.

Besides, pictures alone are not enough.

Feng Yan exerted the "Spring and Autumn Brushwork" he had practiced for many years writing materials.

The "barely usable" lithium battery pack Li Yang assembled himself.

Was described by him as "an innovative miniaturized energy module integration scheme based on existing mature technology."

That balance system that was still debugging and occasionally acting up.

Became "dynamic stability control algorithm currently being actively tackled."

Materials were expensive and couldn't be afforded, which became "current project progress is limited by the procurement channels and cost control of some high-performance special materials."

He even turned Li Yang's "want to make it more like in the movies."

Into "the R&D motivation stems from a strong interest and active exploration of cutting-edge human-computer interaction technology and augmented reality application scenarios."

Writing to this point, Feng Yan himself blushed a little.

Packaged like this, even his mother wouldn't recognize it, right?

How does that saying go, really didn't even want his face!

But looking at this report with pictures and text, rigorous wording, and a sky-high description of the prospects.

He couldn't help but feel a little proud in his heart.

"Sigh, no way, this is the art of language."

He thought happily, "Submitting such a well-founded report with highlighted value.

No matter what, Section Chief Wang has to pay a little attention, right?"

He highlighted several directions:

Individual soldier load-bearing field (helping soldier brothers carry things, can't be wrong, right?)

Special working conditions (such as firefighting, rescue, carrying equipment to climb stairs)

Future logistics handling (although it's a bit far-fetched, drawing cakes must be bold)

He also specifically left a hook:

【This project shows the potential possibility of achieving asymmetric breakthroughs in specific technical paths, and has high continuous tracking and cultivation value】

He knew that these ambiguous but professional-sounding words.

Sometimes particularly suit the appetite of certain leaders.

After the main body of the report was written, he carefully wrote a short voice explanation.

Using as calm and objective a tone as possible, emphasizing Li Yang's "independent R&D capability," "engineering implementation level," and "unique excavation value of the project."

Pack all materials—report text, GIF animation, photos, voice explanation.

Into a folder, named "Preliminary Judgment Materials for 'Tie Lang Gong Fang' Project."

Looking at this folder, Feng Yan felt like he had carefully dressed up his son.

Preparing to send him to participate in a talent show, and he felt his son had a good chance of winning.

Success or failure depends on this one move.

He took a deep breath, picked up the USB drive, and got up to walk to Section Chief Wang's office.

"Chief, let me report to you on the progress of the folk investigation last week."

Feng Yan wore a professional smile and handed over the USB drive.

"Through online channels and offline visits, I noticed an individual technology developer active in this city."

"In... um, the field of automated machinery, there are some relatively unique attempts, and I think it has great potential."

"These are some preliminary observation materials I organized, would you like to take a look, leader?"

Section Chief Wang was looking at a document, looked up when he heard this, and took the USB drive.

No expression on his face: "Oh? Put it here, I'll look at it later."

Feng Yan's heart skipped a beat, this won't do, this "later" talk.

Basically means it's a no-go.

He quickly added: "Chief, the situation of this developer is a bit special, the thing he made..."

"Maybe it looks a bit unconventional at first glance, but the technical details are very solid, and..."

"Recently, the Provincial Academy of Sciences seems to be paying more attention to this kind of cutting-edge exploration."

He deliberately said it vaguely, but the three words "Provincial Academy of Sciences" seemed to have magic.

Section Chief Wang's hand, which was about to plug in the USB drive, paused, and he looked at Feng Yan.

There was a bit more scrutiny in his eyes: "Provincial Academy of Sciences? How do you know?"

"Uh, I have paid attention to some academic trends in the province before, and feel the direction is a bit consistent."

Feng Yan spoke vaguely, but his expression was very calm.

Section Chief Wang didn't pursue it further when he heard this, plugged in the USB drive, and clicked on the folder.

The office became quiet.

Feng Yan stood in front of the desk, calm on the surface, but his heart was drumming wildly.

Section Chief Wang first browsed the report body quickly, and his brows slowly furrowed.

Especially when seeing words like "wearable assistive device" and "individual soldier load-bearing."

Then he clicked on the GIF animation.

When the close-up of the mech helmet opening and closing smoothly with a "click" appeared on the screen.

Section Chief Wang's gaze clearly paused, and his body leaned forward slightly unconsciously.

But that was just for a moment.

He quickly returned to normal and clicked on Feng Yan's voice explanation.

Listening to the descriptions of "hydraulic transmission," "sensor integration," and "early R&D stage" inside.

His brows furrowed tighter and tighter, almost enough to crush a fly.

After the voice playback finished, Section Chief Wang leaned back in his chair, tapping the desk with his fingers.

Silent for several seconds, the atmosphere was suffocating.

Then, he spoke slowly, his tone carrying heavy disappointment and undisguised questioning:

"Feng Yan, oh Feng Yan, what do you want me to say about you?"

He pointed to the pictures and GIF on the screen: "Is this what you spent time and energy to investigate?"

"Someone tinkering with these... these iron lumps in a broken warehouse?"

"Can this be called folk characteristic industrial potential?"

"Chief, look at his hands-on ability and design ideas, it's really very..." Feng Yan tried to explain.

He knocked on the table hard, emphasizing:

"We are the Industrial Development Section! We must be pragmatic! We must be grounded! Not some damn sci-fi research institute!"

Feng Yan wanted to explain: "Chief, look at his current research progress, the idea is indeed very..."

"Are you showing me a sci-fi movie? Or have you watched too many Eagle Country sci-fi movies, and now you've started to engage in these vain things?"

Section Chief Wang interrupted him, his voice instantly raised by eight degrees.

"Ideas? What ideas? Ideas for building robots? Can this thing be eaten or drunk?"

"Can it contribute to the GDP of our Yunchuan City? Can it solve employment or attract investment?"

"We are the Industrial Development Section, not a sci-fi research institute! And certainly not a toy appraisal center!"

He picked up his thermos cup and took a big gulp of water, his tone softened a bit.

But it seemed even more earnest, carrying a bit of "hating iron for not becoming steel":

"Little Feng, I know you want to achieve some results, I understand this mood."

"However, the direction must be found accurately! What we are looking for are those enterprises with market prospects"

"Enterprises and technologies that can land quickly, form output value, and be written into the year-end summary report PPT!"

"What you're doing is too vain! Too floating! Not grounded at all! Completely inconsistent with the original intention of our investigation work!"

"But Chief, this kind of original innovation..." Feng Yan still wanted to struggle a bit.

"No buts!" Section Chief Wang interrupted again, his tone unquestionable, even carrying a bit of impatience.

"This kind of small-scale tinkering by individuals has too much uncertainty, and the input-output ratio is completely disproportionate!"

"Our limited energy must be placed on the blade! This matter ends here, don't waste any more time."

He waved his hand, as if to dispel something unlucky:

"Go out and get busy, put your energy back into those serious ones."

"Small and micro enterprises with potential! That is your main job, that is the right path!"

Feng Yan opened his mouth, looking at Section Chief Wang's face that already showed a "don't talk nonsense" expression.

He knew that if he continued to speak, he might even lose the little "steady and hardworking" impression points he had before.

He silently unplugged the USB drive and turned to walk out of the section chief's office.

The door closed behind him, cutting off the last gaze that Section Chief Wang might have cast.

Back at his desk, Feng Yan felt like a lump of wet cotton was stuffed in his heart, blocked and stuffy, and the little pride he had before was smashed to pieces.

Although he somewhat anticipated the leader's attitude towards this aspect.

For this reason, he specifically packaged it, thinking it should be basically stable.

But until he heard the total denial with his own ears.

Seeing the things he carefully prepared being belittled as worthless.

That kind of grievance and powerlessness still bubbled up.

He took out his phone and clicked on the chat window with Li Yang.

The last message was still the one he sent last night, saying he would try to apply for official support.

Should it just be forgotten?

Li Yang was still waiting for news, those materials that were choking his neck, those sensors with top-tier performance...

He stared at the screen for a few seconds, the grievance in his eyes slowly replaced by a spirit of not giving up.

No, it can't just be forgotten.

If the official path doesn't work, then take the unofficial one!

If the above doesn't support it, I'll find a way myself!

He sent a message to Li Yang:

"Li Yang, the path of official support... probably won't work."

"The leaders in the section think our thing is too 'sci-fi', not grounded, and didn't approve it."

After the message was sent, he was a bit worried. After all, he had drawn a cake for others before.

But now it didn't pass.

After a while, Li Yang replied, his tone very calm:

"Guessed it. It's okay."

Without waiting for Feng Yan to reply, he sent another one:

"I had sent materials to the mailboxes of some relevant departments before, thinking that if there was anyone who could be interested in my technology, there might be some resource support."

"The result was all like a stone sinking into the sea, not even an automatic reply. Used to it, relying on myself to explore is also quite good."

Feng Yan looked at this message, and his heart felt even worse.

It turned out that Li Yang had already tried and had already been disappointed.

He immediately typed hard on the screen to reply:

"Without official support, we'll find a way ourselves!"

"What is the problem that gives you the biggest headache and blocks progress the most right now? List it for me."

"Materials? Components? Or test equipment?"

"I'll think of a way to see if I can get some resources for you from other channels, even if I have to smash the pot and sell iron, we must start first!"

Screw official support, this path is blocked, find another way!

He wants to boil the cold water the leader splashed, and splash it back!