Genius of the Rules-Style System

Chapter 890: Chapter 460: The Two Major Problems of High-End Manufacturing_2

All these people were there to offer praise.

If you set aside the physics academic circle, scholars from other fields unanimously opposed the construction of the Large Hadron Collider. They simply lacked a say in the matter because they weren’t researchers in physics.

The reason for opposition was simple: the Large Hadron Collider project required a massive investment, and domestic research funding was limited. Since the collider project would consume a majority of the funds, other areas of R&D would inevitably face budget squeezes.

This was inevitable.

Even if additional funds were allocated to the collider project, they wouldn’t cover the total cost. If half of the additional funds could be invested, that would be considered good. With the collider project taking up "tens of billions," other research fields would have to "tighten their belts."

Peng Engui was a researcher at the Metal Research Institute of the Science Academy, and one of the top figures in domestic alloy material R&D. He too was invited to the military-industrial research and development conference.

It was during this conference that Peng Engui met Zhao Yi.

Although it was their first encounter, Peng Engui felt as if he and Zhao Yi had been at odds for a long time, and it wasn’t a pleasant relationship. The discord had resulted in him and his team’s efforts over the past two or three years going down the drain, and even his talented protégé, Li Rongmao, had been poached.

Their relationship could not be described as being as opposed as fire and water, but it certainly wasn’t harmonious.

However, one thing at a time.

On the matter of the Large Hadron Collider construction, they found a tacit consensus.

Peng Engui also joined Zhao Yi’s group, and while facing Zhao Yi, he felt conflicted. Still, he thought he must display the magnanimity of a senior, let bygones be bygones, and took the initiative to shake hands with Zhao Yi, sighing, "I’ve heard your speech at the conference, and you spoke really well. Now is not the time for our country to build a collider."

"With such a large investment, we must be extremely cautious, we must have research goals..."

He went on at length, acting very cordial, as if he and Zhao Yi were friends.

Zhao Yi just listened and nodded repeatedly, adding his own comments, "You’re absolutely right."

"Exactly!"

"That’s it!"

In the end, Zhao Yi couldn’t help but ask, "Pardon my asking... it’s very presumptuous, but you are...?"

"—??"

Peng Engui was completely stunned. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Zhao Yi didn’t recognize him...

Didn’t recognize him?

Didn’t recognize him!

He felt as if he were about to spit out a mouthful of pus, his face turning red with the effort of holding back his anger, like a bull about to go mad.

"You, what’s wrong?" Zhao Yi stepped back slightly and asked with confusion.

"I..."

Peng Engui took a deep breath to calm the turmoil inside and then heaved a sigh, saying despondently, "Xiao Li, is he doing well with you?"

"Xiao Li? Li Rongmao?"

Only then did Zhao Yi suddenly realize, and he said with a start of recognition, "You’re Xiao Li’s teacher, from the Metal Research Institute... I know now, you’re... what was it again..."

He thought for a long time but still couldn’t remember.

Peng Engui was seething with frustration and blurted out sharply, "I am Peng Engui, Academician!"

"Oh~"

"Academician Peng, I’m really sorry. I forgot for a moment. This is our first meeting, right? My apologies, my apologies..." Zhao Yi quickly apologized repeatedly but also felt somewhat annoyed. He genuinely didn’t know Peng Engui.

He hadn’t heard that name more than twice. Even if Li Rongmao had joined his team, he wouldn’t have inquired about his teacher’s name, would he? freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

In any case, he didn’t recognize him.

Apart from Peng Engui, there were other influential figures present. After Zhao Yi had a brief and not-so-friendly exchange with Peng Engui, he moved on to converse with others. Most notably, Zhou Haoren, the general manager of Red Wind Industry.

The prototype of the Warhawk engine assembly had to be manufactured by several military factories, with Red Wind Industry being the core. Red Wind Industry was the most advanced heavy industrial group in the country, a listed company in the military sector. General Manager Zhou Haoren was a very influential figure, able to directly participate in the decision-making for the development of the military field.

Zhao Yi exchanged pleasantries with Zhou Haoren before getting straight to the issue of prototype manufacturing.

Zhou Haoren was aware of the project.

With only a few aviation engine projects in existence, the newly formed Warhawk had produced a startling design, which had already spread widely. However, precisely because it was so advanced, targeting fifth-generation fighters, the manufacturing of the prototype had been delayed.

Although Zhao Yi had his team members press the cooperative manufacturers to speed up the initial preparations for the prototype components, the message surely wouldn’t reach Zhou Haoren’s level. Zhao Yi simply discussed it directly with Zhou Haoren, "Since the new fighter jet is definitely coming out, we need to speed up the prototype design as well."

"Our R&D needs to accelerate. Constant delays in progress are wasting time."

Zhao Yi spoke with a tone of helplessness. ƒrēewebnovel.com

Zhou Haoren, however, found this hard to understand. Compared to the construction of large engines and aircraft design, a few months, half a year, or even a year weren’t significant. Prototyping too needed time and though initial preparations might not be an issue, why make a fuss about a few months’ delay?

In comparison to the commitment to manufacturing prototype components and moulds, having a confirmed design was clearly more important.

Red Wind Industry definitely wouldn’t procrastinate the prototype manufacturing process, especially since the prototype was designed by Zhao Yi’s team, so there was even less chance of delay.

Zhou Haoren asked a few simple questions, and upon hearing Zhao Yi affirm that the targeted prototype would be ready soon, he straightforwardly guaranteed, "I’ll give them a heads up right away, make sure they pay attention to your team’s prototype issues, and have them start on the mould design earlier. If it’s possible to manufacture ahead of schedule, that’s fine too."