I painted an aircraft carrier on the courtyard house for Dongda University.

After he finished speaking, everyone looked at Minister Song in astonishment.

Looking at Zhou Weiguo's beaming face, one can't help but sigh: "Commander Song, you're quite the reader."

Minister Jiang, his face grim, pointed at Minister Song and cursed, "Old Song, you fucking have no sportsmanship! You've raised the bar so high, what am I supposed to say? Damn it!"

After thinking for a while, Minister Jiang looked at Zhou Weiguo and said, "I didn't realize you were such a hot commodity. Since Minister Song has said so, I'll give him some face. I've approved your associate doctoral program at Tsinghua University, and you can choose any major you want, take whatever courses you want, and you don't have to take the regular exams. However, if you want to graduate, you must produce a result related to your major, even something like machine tool improvement counts, but don't try to fool me with firearms. That's all."

Zhou Weiguo was completely bewildered.

Li Huaide, standing to the side, felt only weakness in his legs: yes, his legs were weak. He had only one thought in his mind: he absolutely had to kowtow to Zhou Weiguo—no, wait, he absolutely had to kowtow to Zhou Weiguo. He didn't ask to be born on the same day, month, and year, but he wished to die on the same day, month, and year. That was his happy decision. He was now glued to Zhou Weiguo's thigh; even a laser cutter couldn't cut it off.

Minister Li from the First Ministry of Machine Building also came out and said to Zhou Weiguo, "Me too."

Upon hearing this, Minister Song and Minister Jiang looked at Minister Li with expressions of sudden realization.

Song Bu laughed and said, "I said, Old Li, you're the kind of person who won't get up early for nothing, so why are you running around with me today? So you were waiting here all along?"

Li's face flushed slightly, but he forced a smile and said, "I was just kidding. Zhou Weiguo is a graduate of Harbin Institute of Technology. He even got his associate doctorate from Tsinghua and Beijing University of Technology. Wouldn't people laugh at Harbin Institute of Technology for not being able to retain talent? Besides, Professor Chen just told me that this kid can build motorcycles, and he doesn't even look down on the M72 from Daegu. Of course, I can't stand it."

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped and looked at Zhou Weiguo.

Zhou Weiguo looked at Chief Engineer Song in disbelief, only to see Chief Engineer Song looking up at the sky and even whistling twice.

This sight made everyone burst into laughter. Chief Engineer Song's face turned completely red, and he stubbornly endured the stares of everyone, still looking up at the ceiling.

Just then, Director Wang stepped forward somewhat awkwardly: "Um... well... I'd like to have the same thing, is that alright?"

All eyes turned to Director Wang, who gave an awkward laugh and said, "Engineer Song said that Zhou Weiguo said he can make oxygen top-blown converters. Well, our Beijing Iron and Steel Institute just passed the approval for the associate doctoral program."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes turned to Chief Engineer Song again, but by this time Chief Engineer Song had already run far away.

Upon hearing Director Wang's words, Li Huaide's eyes turned red. He stared intently at Zhou Weiguo, thinking: "Your connections are so strong I want to kneel before you. No, this can't be solved by sworn brotherhood anymore. If all else fails... should I find a godfather?"

Zhou Weiguo felt goosebumps all over from the stares of everyone, and in his heart he cursed Chief Engineer Song to the bone.

He had only casually boasted a couple of times in the morning, and suddenly it became known to everyone.

He opened his mouth helplessly and stammered, "The motorcycle issue is manageable, but I only have a preliminary idea for the top converter right now, and it's still a long way from being implemented."

These words stirred up a storm in Director Wang's heart; having ideas meant having hope.

He glanced anxiously at the ministers present, but they simply remained silent and stared at each other.

It is important to know that the top-blown converter is a cutting-edge technology in the international metallurgical field. If we can master it, the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry will no longer have to worry about high-quality steel.

The shrewd leaders exchanged glances, and Minister Song spoke first: "It's not impossible for us to agree to your participation, but..."

Director Wang's eyes lit up, and he quickly replied, "Minister Song, please don't hesitate to tell me if there's anything I need!"

Minister Song said seriously, "Since you want a piece of the pie from Zhou Weiguo, it's not unreasonable for me to get a piece from your steel rolling mill too, is it?"

Director Wang's expression changed drastically, and he asked incredulously, "Minister Song, you want to build a steel mill? That won't do you any good either!"

Minister Song shook his head with a wry smile: "The steel rolling mill itself is not of much significance to us, but think about it, your factory has already produced world-class machine tool improvement technology, leading rifle technology, and today it has produced advanced sniper rifle technology."

"What we're after is Zhou Weiguo. If this kid weren't so incredibly lazy and unwilling to travel around, why would we be targeting this place?"

"I've spoken with Lao Qin, and for certain reasons, we have to keep this kid low-key."

"He also likes the environment of the steel rolling mill, which is perfect for 'living in seclusion in the city'."

"My suggestion is to set up a secret research lab in the steel rolling mill, which will be officially called the technical department, and Zhou Weiguo will be given the title of department head."

"Anyway, apart from Chief Engineer Song, there are no other department leaders in the technical department."

"However, this research lab was actually under the jurisdiction of the Second Ministry of Machine Building."

"We can usually exchange technical information, but the leaders of the steel rolling mill have no right to give orders to Zhou Weiguo."

"Of course, if you need help, I believe he won't stand idly by."

These words put Director Wang in a difficult position, as this was practically a "state within a state" structure.

But when he thought about the immense value of the top converter, he felt it might be acceptable. Just as he was hesitating...

Minister Li interjected with a smile, "It won't work if the Second Ministry of Machine Building manages it alone. The machine tool renovation and motorcycle projects both fall under the jurisdiction of the First Ministry of Machine Building, and we must participate."

Minister Jiang's eyes lit up: "Minister Li is right! Both machine tool technology and firearms manufacturing are invaluable assets. Perhaps in the future, we can have Zhou Weiguo mentor students, passing on the technology and design concepts. Assigning him research assistants won't be a problem then. Our Ministry of Education should also have a say!"

Before Director Wang could speak, Minister Song raised his hand to interrupt: "Then it's settled. The Second Ministry of Machine Building will lead the research office, with the First Ministry of Machine Building assisting, and the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Metallurgy each taking one position. Once Zhou Weiguo produces results, the allocation will be based on the situation. The Ministry of Education can arrange for students to study under him, which can also be considered as cultivating talent for you. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, the leaders present all nodded in satisfaction.

Zhou Weiguo stood there, staring blankly, his face filled with utter despair.

He was internally raging: "Hey! You people, can't you at least ask my opinion before saying these things about me?!"

Just then, Commander Song turned his gaze to Zhou Weiguo and asked, "Weiguo, do you think this arrangement is feasible?"

Zhou Weiguo felt a warmth in his heart, his eyes almost welling up with tears. Finally, someone was willing to ask him what he thought! But just as he was about to speak, Commander Song didn't give him a chance, immediately throwing out the next question: "Tell me quickly about your future research direction. Are you still planning to build guns? Or how about building some cannons to play around with?"