A genius? I just love studying.

Chapter 246 We can't trouble him with everything, can we?

Jiangcheng University, School of Chemistry, Zhou Zhen's Materials Science Laboratory

"Junior Sister Luo, hasn't Senior Brother Lin returned yet?"

A second-year graduate student peeked out and asked mysteriously, explaining that some junior students had recently consulted him about the lab, and he was still considering whether to continue his doctoral studies under Zhou Zhen.

Junior Sister Luo shook her head.

"What about Senior Brother Lin's graduation thesis? He's graduating in June, less than six months away. How can he write a good thesis?"

Lin Hao had already extended his studies by two years. Although a 4+2 doctoral program is normal, extending his studies any further would affect his future development.

"He was working with Professor Chen on clean steel technology."

A proud glint flashed in Luo's eyes, "If I can make a breakthrough, I won't have to worry about not graduating."

The junior apprentice shook his head, saying, "Improving the process can't be done in a day or two. We've been working with our teacher for over three years, and we've achieved nothing."

"Senior Brother Lin should prioritize his studies and get his doctorate first, otherwise it will be difficult to find a job later."

The conversation between the two had already attracted the attention of their junior colleagues in the lab, who were all listening intently.

Lin Hao usually treats his junior brothers and sisters quite well, and everyone nodded in agreement, though they were very worried about their senior brother's career.

Luo Shimei's eyes also showed a bit of worry. She was also researching clean steel, so she naturally understood that making breakthroughs was not something that could be achieved in a day or two. If it didn't work, was Senior Brother Lin going to continue like this?
People can't live without eating!
……

Baosteel Building

It's dozens of kilometers away from the factory. Although it's not in the city center, it's much more comfortable than the desolate refinery.

In a research lab, after a long day of research, everyone returned to their workstations, waiting to leave. They chatted casually, and the festive atmosphere gradually grew stronger.

Today is the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, and we'll be on holiday tomorrow. Everyone's minds are already elsewhere.

"Maoqiu, hasn't Dapeng replied to your message yet?"

"Is he going back with us tomorrow or not?"

Gao Yikai looked at the WeChat messages that had no new messages and turned to look at his colleague next to him.

"He hasn't replied to me yet."

Jia Maoqiu shook his head.

They joined Baosteel in the same batch as He Peng and were from the same hometown. Although they were not Tsinghua PhDs, they were still C9 PhD graduates, so they naturally got along well.

"You know, he's the same. He didn't stay in a perfectly good office and insisted on going to the factory. I don't know what he's after."

Gao Yikai muttered something under his breath, but Jia Maoqiu shook his head, "He has dreams, unlike us who just drift through life."

"Whether you're doing experiments in a factory or a lab, how can you differentiate between them?"

Gao Yikai was clearly unconvinced. "Our lab has more advanced equipment that can simulate various experimental environments, and we have so many experienced researchers working together. Isn't that better than those few people working alone?"

"When it comes to announcing results, it's not certain who will do it first!"

Jia Maoqiu simply shook his head. He couldn't understand Chen Hui's thesis, but he knew about Chen Hui's journey. If He Peng hadn't volunteered, he would have signed up too.

Just then, a long-time employee walked into the office beaming with joy, "Good news, good news!"

"Is there some bad news?"

Another long-time employee joked with a smile.

"There really isn't one this time!"

The man who came in said with a smug smile, "News just came from the factory that we've made a breakthrough in the technology for clean steel!"

"Really?"

Which group?

"When did it happen?"

The news caused a huge stir, and everyone in the office excitedly crowded around. They were all seasoned veterans, and although they were somewhat disappointed that they hadn't made this breakthrough themselves, according to management, any breakthrough would significantly increase the company's profits, which would be reflected in their year-end bonuses.

Of course, the team that made the breakthrough doesn't know how much their year-end bonus will be, and everyone is excited and can't help but feel envious.

"It's Professor Chen's team."

"Professor Chen?"

Everyone looked blank, not knowing who Professor Chen was.

Only Gao Yikai and Jia Maoqiu were shocked; of course, they knew who Professor Chen was.

Unexpectedly, He Peng and his team achieved results so quickly.

For a moment, the two felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, they were happy for their friend's achievement, but on the other hand, they were a little jealous. If they had gone back then, would they be the ones achieving the same results now?

"How much year-end bonus will this get?"

Gao Yikai couldn't help but ask the veteran employee next to him out of curiosity.

The veteran employee shook his head, "How would I know? I've never achieved anything like this before. It depends on how significant the breakthrough is."

Baosteel is a state-owned enterprise, and such companies usually have a confidential salary system. Unless you have a close relationship with the company, people won't discuss your salary with you. Of course, this long-time employee really didn't know.

"What are the specific figures?"

"How much of an improvement?"

The others also asked curiously.

"How would I know the specific data? I just saw Director Zheng go that way; it's probably a significant breakthrough."

"My year-end bonus has at least doubled."

The man was also amazed, looking at Gao Yikai and the other two. He knew that these two were He Peng's classmates. At that time, Chen Hui's team was recruiting people, and Lu Siyuan had issued notices to various teams. In the end, He Peng went to the team.

"double?"

Gao Yikai and the other man caught their breath for a moment, then their breathing became rapid.

A wave of immense regret washed over me.

In the office of the industrial park's administrative building,
This place was originally the research room of Chen Hui and his two colleagues, but after completing the process improvement, Chen Hui packed his things, bought a train ticket overnight, and returned to Chengdu. He wanted to go back and spend New Year's Eve with his uncle and aunt.

Zheng Yuanxiu tried his best to persuade Chen Hui to stay, but he also knew that his place was too small to accommodate such a great figure as Chen Hui.

He solved a problem that they had been researching for years in just three months, and he did it so cleanly and efficiently. How could someone like that stay with him forever?

However, it's still worth trying to get Lin Hao and He Peng involved.

"How about it? Are you interested in staying at Baosteel? You and He Peng can form a research team together. He Peng will be the leader, and you will be his deputy. We will apply this achievement to production as soon as possible."

"At the same time, we cannot be complacent. We must continue to improve our processes and produce higher quality clean steel."

Zheng Yuanxiu smiled and looked at Lin Hao.

Now that Chen Hui is gone, the people most familiar with his research methods are naturally He Peng and Lin Hao, who have been working with Chen Hui on research for three months.

He Peng, needless to say, was originally an employee of Baosteel. He wasn't stingy either, and he provided sufficient compensation, so he wasn't worried about retaining employees.

"I haven't graduated yet. I plan to go back to school after the New Year to finish my thesis and get my doctorate first."

After considering it for a while, Lin Hao declined Zheng Yuanxiu's invitation.

“An annual salary of two million, only slightly less than He Peng’s. If you have any other requirements, we can discuss them.” Zheng Yuanxiu didn’t hold back and stated his price in front of the two of them. “What’s the use of a doctoral degree? Isn’t the purpose of pursuing a doctorate to do research? Now I’m providing you with a research environment. You don’t need that doctoral degree.”

Lin Hao simply shook his head. "Don't worry, Director Zheng. If you don't mind after I get my degree, I will definitely come back."

Zheng Yuanxiu sighed softly, knowing that Lin Hao had made up his mind, and stopped trying to persuade him. "Alright then."

……

Chen Hui knew, of course, that once he left, Lin Hao and He Peng would become highly sought-after employees at Baosteel, and that was something they deserved.

He bought a ticket for the first flight on the morning of the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, and landed at Chengdu Tianfu Airport at around 8:40 a.m.

As they approached the exit, Dai Yafeng, dressed in a trench coat, stood at the arrivals gate. This time, he wasn't wearing sunglasses, and he didn't stand out in the crowd.

"Aren't you going home for the New Year?"

After getting into the car, Chen Hui originally planned to take a taxi back, but he didn't expect Dai Yafeng to come and pick him up today.

Dai Yafeng smiled broadly and said, "It is my honor to be able to protect someone like you!"

Although he wasn't very clear about many of Chen Hui's jobs, he had been following Chen Hui for some time and knew much more than most ordinary people, such as the new energy vehicle he was currently driving.

Ordinary people only know about technological progress and happily embrace new technologies. Nowadays, gasoline cars have long since left the historical stage. On the street, only one or two out of ten cars are gasoline cars.

He knew, however, that this change was all because of the person in the back seat.

"Qingshan, hurry up, the light's about to turn red."

As soon as Chen Hui arrived outside the Qingfeng Times City residential area, he heard Rui Rui's cheerful voice.

"Slow down, don't run the red light!"

Aoyama's slightly reproachful voice followed, as he slowly stopped his bicycle in front of the zebra crossing.

"It's all your fault. If you had been faster, we wouldn't have had to wait at the red light here."

"The green light only has three seconds left, I can't get through."

"After the green light flashes, there's a yellow light. You have six seconds, so why can't you get through?"

"That's too dangerous. We're not in a hurry."

"It's not like I'm running a red light, what's the danger?"

"The light is red now!"

Chen Hui opened the car door and looked at the two little ones bickering on the zebra crossing, and felt inexplicably happy.

Both children wore helmets and protective gear, riding their bicycles like young generals, exuding heroic spirit.

"Ruirui, Qingshan."

As Chen Hui slowly walked towards the zebra crossing, he called out to the two little ones.

"elder brother!"

Li Qingrui turned around in surprise, paused for a second, then pedaled her bike and instantly got onto the sidewalk. She flipped off the bike, stepped off the bike stand, parked it, and rushed towards Chen Hui like a rabbit.

"Brother, you're back!"

Li Qingrui jumped into Chen Hui's arms and happily gave him a bear hug.

Chen Hui felt a sudden weight in his hand. In the past six months, the little guy had grown taller and heavier.

"elder brother."

Li Qingshan had already parked his car and walked over, his face also full of joy.

“We made your favorite glutinous rice balls with cured pork and tofu last night. Come on, let’s go back and cook glutinous rice balls for you.”

Li Qingrui jumped out of Chen Hui's arms again, grabbed his hand, and walked into Qingfeng Times City. She didn't forget to turn back and shout to Li Qingshan, "Qingshan, help me lock the car."

"Brother Feng, let's go upstairs and have a bowl of glutinous rice balls."

Chen Hui said to Dai Yafeng, who had parked his car next to him and was standing there with his suitcase.

"Yeah, brother, let's go upstairs and eat some tangyuan (sweet rice balls)."

Li Qingrui was also invited. Dai Yafeng had brought Chen Hui back more than once or twice, so she recognized him. Since he was her brother's friend, he was naturally her friend as well.

Dai Yafeng looked at the energetic little girl, his eyes also slightly narrowed with a smile, and said, "I have more important things to do."

"Hey, Xiaohui's back!"

As soon as Chen Hui entered the residential area, he saw Grandma Wu exercising. "Grandma Wu, how are you feeling?"

"It's okay!"

"Come visit me at home sometime."

"Grandma Sun still goes for a run in winter?"

"Haha, I'm just running around for fun, but the key is to keep at it."

After saying a few words, Grandma Sun stopped and started running again.

After greeting all his neighbors in the community, Chen Hui finally entered the apartment building and returned to his long-missed home.

……

December 29th, Lunar New Year's Eve, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Research Institute

Even on this traditional Chinese festival, the place remains bustling with activity.

For many researchers here, there is no such thing as the Lunar New Year. Sometimes, in order to tackle a certain problem, many of them will not even go home, even if their home is only 20 or 30 minutes away from here.

Sacrifice your own family for the sake of the whole community.

This concept, which seems somewhat ridiculous to many people in this day and age, is actually real here.

"That kid Chen Hui has come up with something amazing again!"

Zhao Yundong, head of the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group Research Institute, was amazed. They already knew about Baosteel's technological breakthrough yesterday.

Duan Xiaofei also sighed, "This kid is really a genius in application development. It would be great if we could keep him at Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group."

"I wish there were more people like that!"

Zhao Yundong also sighed, saying that Chen Hui had shown him just how much value talent could bring.

"With the breakthrough in clean steel, we are one step closer to the seventh-generation fighter jet. It will take at least three years, or as little as one year, for the seventh-generation fighter jet to be tested!"

Duan Xiaofei exclaimed with anticipation, "Who would have thought that it would take us more than a decade to successfully test-fly the sixth-generation fighter jet? And now, not long after the sixth-generation fighter jet was successfully tested, the seventh-generation fighter jet is already on its way."

Clean steel significantly improves material performance by controlling impurities and non-metallic inclusions. Through vacuum melting and electroslag remelting processes, the purity reaches 99.99%, and the tensile strength is increased to 1900-2100MPa, which means that a piece of steel the size of a fingernail can withstand 20 tons of pressure.

Furthermore, it plays a significant role in critical high-temperature components, such as turbine shafts and fuel injectors. For example, the Inconel 718 precision tube, through a cold-drawing process, controls the inner wall roughness to Ra≤0.2μm, improving fuel atomization efficiency by 17%. It also reduces stress concentration of inclusions in the irregularly shaped cooling channel tubes, lowering the turbine inlet temperature by 28°C.

The extent to which Chen Hui's modifications to the clean steel process will improve these performance characteristics still requires specific experimental data, but it is expected that the results will not be too bad.

"Speaking of combustion efficiency, how about we invite Professor Chen to help improve the model?"

Duan Xiaofei's eyes suddenly lit up.

Zhao Yundong shook his head, "Let's study it ourselves first. We can't trouble Professor Chen with everything, can we?"

(End of this chapter)