Chapter 564: Straining to Hold

In the office of Dean Gao at the Iron Science Institute, Lu Cheng knocked on the door.

"Come in."

He opened the door and saw Lu Cheng; Dean Gao set aside the work in his hands and said, "It's Lu, the institute police, has arrived."

"Lu, the institute police?" Lu Cheng had never heard that title before.

Dean Gao smiled and explained, "Ah, you are both the director and the captain; simplified, aren't you just Lu, the institute police?"

Lu Cheng laughed along, "Look at you, such a great dean, still teasing me."

Dean Gao returned to his work, "You have so much time to come over today; is there something you need?"

"Oh, nothing, just passing by, thought I'd drop in and see you," Lu Cheng hadn't figured out how to start.

Because whoever signs this responsibility letter must bear the liability; after all, the transport is long and fraught with uncontrollable situations.

He was truly afraid to bring it up, and Dean Gao dismissed it outright.

So the matter of borrowing a computer was completely hopeless.

"Dean Gao, you focus on your work; I see your desk is a bit dusty, let me wipe it," Lu Cheng said, picking up the towel from the washbasin rack.

He thought that by serving Dean Gao well, the chance of success would increase.

Dean Gao hurriedly stood up, "No, no…"

Lu Cheng insisted on wiping the desk, "It's fine, Dean Gao, I have nothing to do right now; let me wipe the desk, I can also relax my muscles."

"Really, you don't need to wipe…"

"Dean Gao, being able to wipe your desk is an honor for us subordinates; many would like to, but never get the chance, so please don't be modest."

"Who are you being polite to!" Dean Gao snatched the towel, "This is my face‑washing towel."

Lu Cheng blinked, "Oh, is that so? Then…"

He saw the broom in the corner, about to sweep, but Dean Gao stopped him.

"Alright, alright, tell me what you need quickly; I'm still busy with work."

Dean Gao said as he sat back down, and Lu Cheng leaned in, "Dean Gao, what are you busy with?"

Dean Gao didn't even raise his eyelids, just scribbling on a scrap of paper.

"Oh, I'm calculating a figure; being old, I've computed it many times, and still get several different answers."

Lu Cheng nodded and continued, "Indeed, as people age their minds become sluggish, but machines don't."

Dean Gao lifted his eyelid and asked, "Machines?"

"Yes, people get tired; once tired, the brain dulls, but machines don't have that flaw; they can stay at peak performance."

Take data calculation as an example; a machine can compute tens of thousands of times per second—how could a human brain compare?

Listening to Lu Cheng, Dean Gao seemed to recall something, "You're talking about a computer, right?"

"Yes, it's called a computer."

"Oh, I know this thing; research institutes use it often, but such computers are scarce nationwide, and for large‑scale computation, they truly outmatch the human brain."

"Dean Gao, interested?" Lu Cheng casually pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket.

"In that case, I arranged for someone to contact a computer located in Gan Province; I heard it even participated in satellite launch calculations. Let's borrow it, and you can sign on it."

"Right, it's at this location…"

Following Lu Cheng's indicated spot, Dean Gao instinctively reached for his pen to sign, but just as he touched the paper, something felt off.

"Transport computer responsibility commitment letter?"

Dean Gao tossed the pen and leaned back, "What does that mean?"

Lu Cheng pretended to be puzzled, "Nothing special, you always get the numbers wrong, so we'll use the computer; it'll calculate everything clearly for you."

Dean Gao tapped the commitment letter, "I just couldn't compute a small datum; do I really need such a big setup? Wow, a whole suite of equipment! Someone who doesn't know might think I'm researching an atomic bomb!"

Lu Cheng scratched his head, "How about this: if you think it's a waste of resources, you use it first; after you're done, our research institute can also use it, so nothing is wasted."

"Hehe…" Dean Gao laughed.

Lu Cheng also laughed, "Hehe…"

Dean Gao's expression changed instantly, pushing the commitment letter forward, "Take it away; I can't bear this responsibility! That thing is so delicate—if it gets dented or broken, I couldn't even afford to sell it."

Lu Cheng, worried about that outcome, said, "Dean Gao, our institute is responsible for Internal Combustion Engine Development, and we urgently need a computer. Can it shorten the time and get the New Type Internal Combustion Engine into operation? We're counting on being able to bring a computer over."

Dean Gao sighed, "I know what you're saying, but borrowing a computer isn't a trivial matter; it must be reported up the department."

"Ah, my dear Dean Gao, if you report it, by the time it comes back the daylilies will be cold; whether Captain Lei can hold on then is another story."

Dean Gao sighed again, "How is Captain Lei doing now?"

Hearing that, Lu Cheng had to play the emotional card.

"Not good at all; he probably knows he won't live long, so he reminisces. Every time I visit him, he keeps mentioning you…"

"Mentioning me?"

"Yes, Captain Lei always says, 'Old Gao is a man of great resolve; that old fellow handles things…'"

When Lu Cheng referred to him as 'old fellow,' Dean Gao couldn't help but frown.

Lu Cheng quickly clarified, "Oh, I was imitating Captain Lei's tone, saying you handle matters efficiently, never dragging your feet. The Iron Science Institute's current brilliance wouldn't be possible without your contributions, Dean Gao."

Dean Gao's face lit up with laughter, waving his hand, "No, no, I'm not that outstanding."

"You're being modest; Captain Lei even likened you to a candle, sacrificing yourself to illuminate others—what a noble spirit."

Dean Gao smiled even wider, mainly because receiving a compliment from Lao Lei was rare.

"Captain Lei really praised me that much? He's always been extremely proud, and never praised me like that before."

"Of course, I wouldn't dare spread that carelessly; as you said, his pride is great, but now it's different. There's a saying—when a person is near death, his words become kind."

"Captain Lei that day held my hand and said, regarding resolve, he can't compare to you…"

Dean Gao took a deep breath, immediately grabbed his fountain pen, and signed his name on the responsibility commitment letter.

"Official Seal, the Official Seal hasn't been stamped yet," Lu Cheng, suppressing his excitement, reminded.

Dean Gao pulled open the drawer, took out the Official Seal, and pressed it hard onto the Seal Ink.

Damn, this Lao Lei who has been arrogant all his life finally admits he's not as good as him.

Looking at the bottom of the Official Seal, soaked with red Seal Ink, Dean Gao felt his emotions surge.

Today I'll let Lao Lei see what real decisiveness is! The million‑valued computer—he says he'll sign when he signs, and stamp when he stamps…

Dean Gao let out a sigh, and at the spot where the signature should be, he was about to stamp it down hard…

But noticing Lu Cheng's eager gaze, Dean Gao suddenly calmed down.

"What's wrong, Dean Gao, stamp it quickly,"