I am devoted to scientific research, but you want to trick me into having a love relationship?

Chapter 774 Construction of the Qiankun Demonstration Reactor
"This"

Shao Yilin was genuinely tempted.

He really liked the atmosphere at the materials research institute, where there was no baggage from those established forces.

Shao Yilin was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Just kidding, just kidding, I'm fine in the yard."

He couldn't help but recall Zhang Zhigao's hint before he left: helping out was just a formality, and a month later, the institute would use the excuse of a shortage of manpower for the project to transfer them back.

His teacher had treated him well, and he came to the research institute at this time.
I feel a little sorry for my teacher's many years of guidance and support.

Li Yi said in a deep voice, "I just feel that with all kinds of technologies developing rapidly, it is the time to realize our dreams. It would be a pity to be confined to a certain institution."

He didn't insist, understanding Shao Yilin's concerns.

"Yes, time waits for no one."

Shao Yilin squinted and looked into the distance.

On November 23, Xu Qingzhou arrived in the Longwan area. After a month of exploration, the final location of the Qiankun demonstration pile was determined to be here.

"Professor Xu, what brings you here?" A middle-aged man greeted him.

Xu Qingzhou shook hands with the middle-aged man: "I had some free time this afternoon, so I came over to take a look around and check on things. The progress is faster than I expected. Thank you for your hard work, Chief Engineer Qin."

The middle-aged man is named Qin Yanghui, an engineer from China Nuclear Industry Group. He is in charge of the project construction this time. They had met at the research institute before and discussed the project data in detail, so they are old acquaintances.

"Now we have all kinds of large-scale machinery, which makes things much easier. In the past, large-scale projects like this were basically done by people digging with shovels one by one."

Qin Yanghui smiled and shook his head.

Xu Qingzhou said, "This is probably why we strive to develop science and technology."

"Yes, science and technology are the primary productive forces, and that's always true."

Qin Yanghui agreed, and looking at the bustling construction site in the distance, a hint of anticipation appeared in his eyes: "When controlled nuclear fusion is fully implemented and the people can use clean energy, all the hard work we've done now will be worth it."

As they talked, they walked together toward the construction site.

"There have been many changes."

Xu Qingzhou was astonished. This was his first time here, and it was still a wilderness. Now there are quite a few buildings, and the ground is paved with permeable concrete.

"The site leveling work here has been completed in the past two weeks."

Qin Yanghui pointed to the fenced-off land in the distance and explained to Xu Qingzhou, "We plan to complete the foundation and underground works in six months, which means we can start pouring the main structure next April."

A long procession of dump trucks transported the excavated soil away.

The main structure of the tokamak will be located 250 meters underground, with a diameter of 80 meters, in addition to space for various supporting facilities. The entire project will take about two years.

Moreover, it's not simply about digging holes. For example, nuclear-grade shielding walls require layered pouring and temperature control.

"The title of 'infrastructure maniac' is truly well-deserved."

Looking at the various large vehicles moving around the construction site, Xu Qingzhou couldn't help but sigh. In the whole world, only China could complete such a large project in such a short time.

Two years is considered fast for a large-scale project.

Led by Qin Yanghui, Xu Qingzhou arrived at the construction headquarters, which is considered the nerve center of the entire construction site.

Qin Yanghui handed Xu Qingzhou a stack of documents. "These are the blueprints. They differ from the ones we finalized at the institute. For example, we plan to reinforce this location because of water seepage."

In addition to the personnel from China Nuclear Industry Group, the Materials Research Institute also dispatched a special team to be responsible for coordinating the construction.

Even if the drawings are modified, they will be based on the specific conditions of the tokamak, so there generally won't be any problems.

After reviewing the blueprints, Xu Qingzhou recalled the sentry posts he had seen upon entering and remarked, "There seem to be quite a few patrol cars outside the construction site."

“Just three kilometers away, a regiment of protective forces is stationed.” Qin Yanghui nodded and said with a smile, “Our country’s first demonstration reactor has attracted a lot of curiosity. In just one month, several groups of photography enthusiasts have come to the area.”

"Then they've come to the wrong place."

Xu Qingzhou also laughed.

The area surrounding the materials research institute has also been placed under enhanced surveillance and management.

Qiankun-1 is probably the most watched scientific device in the world right now, and countless people are eager to get their hands on its core data.

However, even for members within the research institute, it is quite difficult to take the data away, as there are multiple layers of review.

After taking a quick look around the construction site, Xu Qingzhou rushed back to the research institute.

The basic construction of the demonstration reactor is progressing rapidly, and their work is equally urgent.

They are working on a composite tokamak, which requires modifying the plasma cross-section into a D-shape with the curved portion facing the center, in order to suppress particle escape instability.

After the design is completed, various tests are still required.

Energy conversion systems, fuel cycles, and safety barriers.

Despite the experience gained from experimental reactors, demonstration reactors still need to be redesigned and tested to meet the performance standards required for demonstration reactors.

While the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering has begun designing the department's demonstration reactor equipment, it has also started recruitment.

More important than any tests are the personnel.

The Institute of Materials Science and Engineering was already attracting attention, and as soon as the recruitment information was released, it began to spread in the field of fusion.

Energy Research Institute of Luzhou Comprehensive National Science Center.

dorm room.

Two young men were drinking in their dormitory.

"Senior brother, are you really planning to leave?" the bespectacled young man couldn't help but ask.

"What else can we do if we don't leave?"

Yang Qing smiled bitterly: "She has given us an ultimatum: either go to Shanghai or we break up."

He paused for a moment, then laughed: "To be honest, after pursuing my scientific research dream for so many years, it's time to give it up."

He studied finance during his master's degree and plans to work at an investment bank recommended by an old classmate.

His girlfriend is from Shanghai. They met when they were in college. She's waited for him all these years, so what else can he say?

"Just like people say, it's bad enough to be exhausted like a dog, but to be exhausted like a dog and still not have any money, passion can't put food on the table."

The bespectacled young man still felt regretful: "But controlled nuclear fusion is definitely one of the hottest fields in the next few years. We've persisted for so long, and now we're giving up."

In fact, wages in the fusion field are generally lower than those in the internet and finance sectors.

"Popular?"

The bespectacled young man hesitated: "The Materials Research Institute is hiring, should we give it a try?"

"This"

"The salary and benefits are top-notch by global standards. With your skills, there's definitely no problem."

The bespectacled young man seemed increasingly optimistic as he spoke, “Senior, isn’t your girlfriend in Shanghai? Shanghai and Kyoto aren’t far apart, and she has a bright future. It looks much better than what you’re doing now.”

Yang Qing remained silent for a while, then looked at his junior brother and said, "How about we give it a try?"

(End of this chapter)