Chapter 77: The Data Doesn

Wang Wei stopped what he was doing and stood up, walking over to Xu Qingzhou.

“Starting from sample 15, a small amount of hafnium (Hf) and zirconium (Zr) was added,” Xu Qingzhou said, plugging the hard drive into the computer.

Wang Wei nodded and said, “We’ve tested it—adding these two elements improves the resistance of high-alloy materials to molten alkali metal corrosion. The results matched our expectations: subsequent tests showed improved data across all parameters.”

“Last night, I simulated the data using a model and found that from sample 83 onward, the experimental data became unscientific—the magnetic field fluctuations were enormous, and by sample 100, the value of n had dropped to zero.”

As he spoke, Xu Qingzhou ran the simulation until a bizarre value appeared on screen: “I believe this is due to a change in the proportion of hafnium and zirconium added.”

“That’s impossible. Hafnium and zirconium have extremely low magnetic susceptibility—around 10^-6 gauss. Zirconium, in particular, even exhibits a tiny hysteresis loop!” Wang Wei’s tone was firm.

“By sample 34, the content of gaseous interstitial elements had already become quite high,” Xu Qingzhou pointed to the microstructure diagram on the screen.

“Yes, but our tests show that even up to sample 53, the compositional uniformity remains stable between 4% and 1.5% wt, well within acceptable limits.”

“Yet according to the model’s simulations, even sample 98 could produce an n output value of zero.”

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Wang Wei said, “From a materials science perspective, hafnium (Hf) and zirconium (Zr) are both non-magnetic. The latest PMS paper on niobium-titanium alloy VAR smelting technology also includes these two elements.”

“According to my brother’s model, we’ve been going down the wrong path—everything from sample 65 onward has been a waste of time.”

“Impossible! Yes, the model isn’t perfect—it has some error—but its core framework is accurate. The overall direction is correct. The simulation shows anomalies in all data after sample 100. Data doesn’t lie.”

He sneered at the person on the chair, then paused mid-step: “Do you have plans tomorrow?”

Song Yao wore her newly bought white hoodie, standing gracefully, drawing glances from passersby—even other girls couldn’t help staring. It proved that women, too, enjoyed looking at beautiful women.

“I’ve been busy lately,” Xu Qingzhou could sense the resentment even through the phone.

Xu Qingzhou nodded—he’d slept past three a.m. and risen early today—“I’m going back to catch some sleep.”

Besides refining the mathematical model, Xu Qingzhou borrowed two math books: *Modern Mathematical Methods in Physics* and *Advanced Mathematical Theory*. His current courses posed no challenge—he’d already aced the morning linear algebra class.

On the balcony, Song Yao let out a cold sniff, suddenly understanding her mother’s helplessness. She pouted: “Does being busy mean you can’t even find time to eat together?”

“Could your model be flawed?” Wang Wei still couldn’t believe nearly half their experiments might be wrong.

Seven days apart, she still looked just as beautiful.

Song Yao remembered the real reason and dropped the clothing topic: “Sichuan food—I’ve been here over half a month and already miss Chengdu’s cuisine.”

Pfft, pathetic.

Xu Qingzhou went straight to find Song Yao after his last class Friday afternoon.

Gong Yunfei was also drawn over by the two of them.

Wang Wei left with the model and data.

In the evening, a light drizzle began. Though the rain had stopped, the air carried the damp scent of earth, and the wind felt cool.

Seeing Xu Qingzhou wasn’t wearing the clothes he’d bought last time, Song Yao frowned: “It’s freezing out—do you really think this little outfit will keep you warm?”

Hmph, why should he just say it and have it happen?

“Brother, haven’t you been getting enough rest?” Gong Yunfei smiled, noticing Xu Qingzhou’s dark circles.

“I’ll handle the model optimization,” Xu Qingzhou nodded.

Xu Qingzhou was confident in the model—he’d verified it multiple times yesterday. Gong Yunfei added: “But it doesn’t specify exactly how much of each element was added.”

He planned to read some extracurricular material during class.

After saying that, Song Yao froze again—those words felt familiar. Why was she starting to sound like a complaining wife?

The girl leaned against the balcony, a breeze lifting a few strands of hair from her forehead. She lazily murmured two words: “Not going.”

Xu Qingzhou felt like he was being checked up on. He nodded: “Yes, I just left the library, heading back to the dorm.” Song Yao’s tone turned sharp: “Xu Qingzhou, if I don’t reach out, you never do, do you?”

The voice on the phone pulled Song Yao back.

Xu Qingzhou glanced around and smiled: “The temperature dropped sharply—it’s getting chilly even at night.”

Ten minutes later, Wang Wei exhaled deeply, turned to Xu Qingzhou, and said: “Brother, I need a few days to verify this.”

After his English class in Building 3 that afternoon, Xu Qingzhou returned to the library and kept studying.

Wang Wei stared fixedly at the model, his face grim—not because of Xu Qingzhou’s rebuttal, but because if it was wrong, they’d wasted enormous time.

After saying goodbye to Gong Yunfei and the others, Xu Qingzhou returned directly to his dorm. No one was there—he didn’t know what they were all busy with. He set an alarm for 13:40, then got into bed and fell asleep.

“What do you want to eat?” Xu Qingzhou was puzzled by her sour mood—was it her period? But her relatives didn’t come until early this month.

“Nope,” Song Yao’s voice remained lazy. “Here’s your chance: beg me, and I’ll go.”

He’d just replied to a message when his phone buzzed—it was Song Yao calling.

At 11 p.m., Xu Qingzhou packed up and left the Math Department library, replying to Song Yao’s message. She’d sent one at 10:50 asking if he was done.

!.

“Xu Qingzhou, do you have any boundaries at all?”

Xu Qingzhou stayed silent—he knew little about materials and listened quietly as the two debated.

Doing research is like this: 1 is 1, 2 is 2—the more you argue, the clearer it becomes.

“Still at the library this late?” came a cool, clear voice through the receiver.

“Dinner tomorrow night?”

Xu Qingzhou passed by the small lake—the couple hugging and kissing on the bench had changed again.

“Please.”

“It can be gone now.”

Yet in Song Yao’s clear eyes always lingered a quiet, serene calm, radiating an aura of distant indifference.

“Is Sichuan food here not authentic?” Xu Qingzhou recalled.

Song Yao frowned: “Have you eaten it before? With whom?”

“Is that the point?” Xu Qingzhou was speechless: “It’s normal—when Sichuan food moves elsewhere, it changes. This time is fine. If you want something more authentic, I’ll take you when I have time.”

Hearing Xu Qingzhou would take her, Song Yao felt warmth spread through her—she instantly forgot the question of who he’d eaten with.

(End of Chapter)