Rebirth in 1960, My Industrial Age

Chapter 407 The Leader Relents
Dean Wu looked on with curiosity. Usually, when Zhou Fengnian needed to see him, he would have his secretary notify him in advance.

This time, she actually came to him with the documents herself, and she seemed quite anxious, making him think that some major national project had run into trouble.

"Dean Wu, take a look at this. This is something I've been researching privately. I feel it's very feasible and I have a 90% chance of success."

As Zhou Fengnian spoke, he handed over the documents in his hand, and then continued, "I hope this project can be launched immediately. I am confident that it can be manufactured within a year, and I dare to make a solemn promise!"

"Comrade Fengnian, don't rush, let me see what this project is. Hmm, it's a human evolution project."

Seeing how anxious Zhou Fengnian was, Dean Wu also began to read the document carefully.

However, the further down one looked, the more serious their expressions became.

He didn't have a background in biology, so he didn't quite understand some of the technical theories in the plan. Therefore, he skipped the relevant knowledge and looked directly at the results that the plan could achieve.

When the body's cells break through their division limits and multiply in number, theoretically, physical fitness can be improved by at least two times. What does this mean?
Dean Wu seemed to recall that there was a previous project that studied the human body, which was somewhat related to Qigong and also aimed to break through the limits of the human body. However, that project was rejected by Zhou Fengnian.

At the time, Zhou Fengnian said it was impossible to achieve, so how come now...
At that time, the reform and opening up had just begun, and the development of scientific research was basically about pursuing the boldest goals possible, regardless of whether they could be achieved.

As a result, many outrageous theoretical studies have emerged, such as using solar energy to achieve comprehensive energy replacement and space living, which are all audacious research.

However, for this type of research, insurance professionals usually just write a theory and never actually set up a project team, because they know it's unlikely, and even if it could be achieved, it's impossible with current technology.

Radical parties are the ones who form project teams to ask for funding, but they basically don't produce any real research results.

Dean Wu is a bit confused. Has Comrade Feng Nian sided with the radical party?
"Comrade Fengnian, can your project really achieve this effect?"

Dean Wu then quickly said, "I'm not doubting it, it's just a bit exaggerated. There have been some human research projects before, but this is the first time I've seen something that can double one's physical fitness."
And the experimental methods were somewhat flawed, weren't they?

This is not just a doubling of strength, but a doubling of all aspects, including nerve response, metabolism, cardiopulmonary function, and so on.

If someone could really do that, wouldn't they be Superman?

Moreover, the solution used here is somewhat unethical, at least in Dean Wu's opinion. At the same time, he secretly thought that Zhou Fengnian was really bold to show it to him so directly.

If this gets out, I expect many people will criticize his idea, since we're all the same kind of people, and experimenting on our own kind is a bit much.
Dean Wu shook his head. That's how they used to do things, so the older generation who experienced the War of Resistance Against Japan were very resistant to this.

"This is nothing. There was no torture, no blind experimentation, and they won't even die after the experiments, at most they'll be weakened. And if all else fails, we can just capture a few people?"

Zhou Fengnian said jokingly, but seeing the expression on Dean Wu's face, he became serious and said, "I know the experiment best. The most serious consequence is only permanent weakness, and there won't be any major problems."

If we recruit serious offenders from prison and persuade them with rewards for meritorious service, some of them might agree to undergo harmless extraction once the first generation of cell evolution serum is produced.

This was the safest method he could think of; after all, there had to be a first batch of test subjects to offer, and they had to be human.

Using the term "small life" was a joke, although he genuinely had that impulse deep down. But there were too few "small lives" in China; arresting even one would be a serious matter.

"Even prisoners in labor camps shouldn't be allowed to participate in experiments, Comrade Fengnian. Do you know what the consequences would be if others found out?"

Dean Wu said to Zhou Fengnian with a solemn expression, "Prisoners also have human rights. Our goal is to reform them, not to harm them at will."

If they recognize their mistakes, then the labor reform is complete, not an opportunity to exploit them under the guise of labor reform.

Zhou Fengnian also knew these profound principles. His country believed in learning from past mistakes to avoid future ones and curing the disease to save the patient. The idea he put forward was indeed a bit ahead of its time.

"Dean Wu, let's put aside all those grand principles for now and just talk about the value of this project. I'm asking you, if my conditions are met and I can really make it happen, would you support me?"

Zhou Fengnian said, "Your support is the attitude of our Academy of Sciences. If we go to the leaders, we'll probably get it approved. But if you, Dean Wu, don't support me..."
Then I'll have to figure it out myself. My family is in business, so we can still raise money for research. This project is the only one I can control and make a difference right now.

The three level-ten abilities granted him three extremely advanced technological achievements; since computing terminals couldn't achieve this, then a nationwide biochip system was needed to create a virtual world together.

The second life-mechanical entity cannot be realized either, as the necessary materials and energy cannot be produced yet. It is truly a case of having a treasure trove but being unable to realize it, and can only proceed slowly.

However, the research results for the third level 10 ability are very promising. With the current conditions, it is entirely possible to manufacture the Cell Black Evolution Serum.

Even he himself could manufacture it. However, Zhou Fengnian would not leave the country unless absolutely necessary.

He's now on the blacklist of Western countries, and if he goes abroad, the US might try every means to kidnap him.

However, to bring foreigners in, he would need the support of people in China. Unless Zhou Fengnian went to Hong Kong, this was the safest place he could think of.

"Comrade Fengnian, look at you, you're in such a hurry again."

Dean Wu said helplessly, "Why don't we ask the leaders? I don't know anything about the field of human biology, and I'm really not sure if it can be approved. Let's ask the leaders, or maybe we can call a few academicians in the field of biology to come up with a solution."

"No one can understand it! But I can guarantee absolute success."

Zhou Fengnian said decisively, not that he was arrogant, but he had experimented with simulations several times during the Spring Festival and he was certain that it could be manufactured.

He said 90% to others, but in reality, he was 100% certain.

"Then I'll go talk to my supervisor first. If that doesn't work..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhou Fengnian stopped himself, realizing there was no point in saying anything more.

Dean Wu's thinking is like this. Zhou Fengnian can also write down things he agrees to by pressing his finger. He has a strong sense of morality, but he doesn't dislike this kind of person. In fact, he quite likes him.

At least Dean Wu wouldn't make things difficult for him behind his back; disagreements in scientific research are inevitable.

Seeing Zhou Fengnian get up to leave, Dean Wu couldn't help but ask, "Comrade Fengnian, are you going now?"

"Time waits for no one, Dean, it's not time to clock out yet."

After saying that, Zhou Fengnian left Dean Wu's office to find Qian Zhi.

However, when he returned and couldn't find Qian Zhi, Zhou Fengnian figured that Qian Zhi might have gone to hand over some documents, so he headed towards the office outside.

As Zhou Fengnian reached the door, he seemed to hear Qian Zhi's voice, so he pushed the door open and went inside.

Upon entering, one could sense that the atmosphere inside the room was somewhat off. Qian Zhi seemed to be arguing with someone, but the people inside also noticed that Zhou Fengnian had entered.

Zhou Fengnian asked Qian Zhi, "I've been looking for you for ages, what are you busy with here?"

Qian Zhi quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, boss. I came here to deliver a document, but I didn't arrange the work properly. Is there anything you need me to do?" "What work?"

"We've been quite busy lately with the data review for last month's research funding."

“If you’re busy, just add a few more positions. Why drag this out? Tell your Director Li to come see me tomorrow morning.”

After Zhou Fengnian finished speaking, he said to Qian Zhi, "Tell the driver to leave now, and also call my family; we'll be home later tonight."

Qian Zhi followed Zhou Fengnian out, saying as they walked, "I understand, boss. But Director Zhou said last time that if you're going back late, you'll have to tell her personally. What do you think?"

"If you're quick-witted, just say I'm talking to my boss."

As Zhou Fengnian and Qian Zhi's voices faded into the distance, some people in the office looked at Li Jie with resentment, while others gloated.

He usually looks down on Qian Zhi's good fortune because he's arrogant and incompetent, but now he's caught in the crossfire. No matter what, Qian Zhi is the vice president's secretary. He's just using his uncle's position as the office director to make things difficult for Qian Zhi. He's really brainless.

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Zhou Fengnian soon arrived at the Zhonghai office. After speaking with Director Zhang there, he was led to the leadership.

At his level, it's quite easy for him to see his superiors. Even without an appointment, if the superiors are present and know that Zhou Fengnian is looking for him, they will make time to meet him.

"A bountiful year, sit down and let's talk. Xiao Yu, pour me a cup of tea."

The leader smiled and asked his secretary to pour tea, then looked at Zhou Fengnian and asked, "You came on the first day after the New Year, there must be something important."

Tell me, what aspect is it? Is there a problem with one of the projects you're following?

"It's unrelated to previous projects, boss. I'm planning to start a major research project in the biological field, about human evolution. Please take a look."

Zhou Fengnian handed the documents to his superior and then continued, "Some of the research in it is a bit unethical, so Dean Wu doesn't really approve of it."

"Didn't Comrade Runfeng agree? It seems that's why you came to see me, Fengnian."

The leader smiled and took the proposal documents handed to him by Zhou Fengnian, then began to read them.

He was similar to Dean Wu, but his understanding was far inferior to Dean Wu's, so he only looked at the content he could understand.

However, after seeing what was needed for the experiment, the leader's expression became slightly more serious. He was also a little excited after seeing the effects of the multiplication of human cells.

"Comrade Fengnian, are you confident? Can you be sure about the effects described here?"

"I'm certain, leader, and I'm very confident."

Zhou Fengnian said confidently, "I can guarantee that as long as you provide the equipment and support, I can definitely manufacture it within a year. In fact, I already have a mature implementation plan in mind; all I need to do is manufacture the machinery."

"Oh? A pledge? It seems you're quite confident, Comrade Fengnian."

The leader said with some surprise that he hadn't heard the term "military order" from Zhou Fengnian in a long time. It seemed that he was really anxious and wanted to gamble with him on something.

In the past, Zhou Fengnian's status was not as high as it is now. If he wanted to do anything big, he needed the support of his superiors. In order to gain their support, he would make a pledge or guarantee something.

Once a guarantee is made, based on Zhou Fengnian's past performance, this project will definitely be completed.

The leader still remembers the previous two leaders' evaluations of Zhou Fengnian, and if he hears his own guarantee, he can trust him more.

"Comrade Fengnian, this experimental project cannot be decided by me alone. It needs to be discussed with several other people. You can go back and wait for a while. I will let you know as soon as I have any news."

"Boss, we need to hurry, I'm almost 100% confident of success."

"Don't worry, I'll tell you about this as soon as they have time. Just leave this with me for now."

Zhou Fengnian was slightly relieved after hearing what his leader said.

This attitude is probably not a problem, after all, this achievement is amazing, the investment was not large, but the returns were huge.

Regardless of what level one's physical fitness would be in the military after such a significant increase, the mere prospect of extending lifespan by 30 to 50 years is an irresistible temptation.

Zhou Fengnian then talked a lot with the leaders, mainly about the issue of cell evolution serum, but Zhou Fengnian dismissed it all by saying that he was a genius.

He's used this excuse for over a decade, and now, even if it's false, Zhou Fengnian has made it sound true.

Having read nearly 100,000 books and taught himself hundreds of subjects and skills, Zhou Fengnian can talk about anything, no matter what kind of knowledge it is.

The proficiency system couldn't be discussed with others, so Zhou Fengnian could only say that his comprehension ability far exceeded that of ordinary people.

If it weren't for his family's financial situation, he could definitely have gone to university. Zhou Fengnian used this excuse very smoothly. Anyway, it was all more than 20 years ago. At that time, Zhou's parents raised five siblings and were indeed very poor.

In addition to the research and development project on cell evolution serum, Zhou Fengnian also told his superiors about some other projects he was in charge of, all of which were progressing in an orderly manner.

In the biopharmaceutical sector, it's just waiting for clinical trials before it can be launched on the market; the construction of the nuclear power plant is also going smoothly, and it will be put into use in a few more years.

Their supercomputers are also the best in the world, and after the development and manufacturing of the fifth-generation supercomputer, no other country will be able to catch up with them.

A lead of more than a decade is not something they can catch up with at will, especially considering that China has taken the lion's share of the computer market. Foreigners don't even have a fertile ground for development, so how can they surpass them?

After chatting for a long time, Zhou Fengnian only ended his conversation with the leader when Director Zhang came in to remind him.

After leaving Zhonghai, Zhou Fengnian was somewhat relieved that he hadn't worked too late that day. He had thought his boss wouldn't agree and that he would have to plead with him for a long time.

He agreed immediately, and now it's up to him to convince the others.

The initial thirty-odd experimental subjects will definitely require the support of many people, and such an important research success must be kept secret.

The next morning, not long after I started work.

Director Li then found Qian Zhi and apologized to him with a smile: "I'm sorry, Secretary Qian, my niece was very inconsiderate yesterday and caused you trouble. I gave her a good beating when I got back yesterday."
"Secretary Qian, do you think the boss has time right now?"

(End of this chapter)