The night before the college entrance exam results were released, I redeemed my Peking University ad

"Ding-dong!"

"They're here!"

Ji Bai opened the door, and a large group of people stood outside, all wearing dark-colored business jackets, each exuding an aura of authority.

Secretary Li squeezed through the crowd to the front and introduced them: "Ji Bai, this is Director Zhang from the National Science and Technology Leading Group, this is Deputy General Manager Li from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and also Director Sun from the Education Bureau, General Manager Zhou from China Electronics Technology Group Corporation..."

"Distinguished leaders, this is Ji Bai."

After Secretary Li finished her introduction, Manager Zhang stepped forward, extended his hand, and smiled warmly.

"Ji Bai, I've long admired your name. You truly are a young hero; you look even younger than you do in the video."

Ji Bai smiled.

He thought to himself that a big shot is a big shot, unlike that woman Ye Lan, who stared at his hands the first time they met, probably wondering which hand he used to wipe his butt.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, to my humble abode. It is an honor to have you here. Please excuse the small size of the place and come in for a seat."

A group of bigwigs filed in.

The old, run-down apartment that Ji Bai rented was already small, and after seven or eight people were crammed into the living room, it suddenly felt crowded. The big shots had to squeeze in each other to make room for one another.

Manager Zhang glanced around, his gaze sweeping from the peeling ceiling to the cracked walls, from the creaking ceiling fan to the loose aluminum door on the balcony. His eyes held no disgust, but rather a sincere sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing admiration, awe, and a touch of melancholy).

"It's true that the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold! Only in such a simple environment can one concentrate on research and be forced to produce a genius like Ji Bai."

Ji Bai was bending down to pick up a cup when he heard this. Without even looking up, he replied in a serious tone, "I wasn't forced into it. I had a C-section."

"..."

The moment those words left his mouth, the pleasantries that filled the room instantly ceased.

The smiles on the faces of the group of bigwigs froze in mid-air. They looked at each other, but no one could say anything.

Manager Zhang's prepared opening remarks got stuck in his throat, leaving him unsure whether to continue or retreat.

I had only one thought in my mind: seeing is believing!

This young man's way of thinking is indeed beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

Secretary Li quickly tried to smooth things over with a laugh, secretly wiping away sweat: "Haha, Ji Bai is always humorous. Let's go inside and sit down to talk."

Everyone felt as if they had been granted a pardon and took their seats.

There weren't enough sofas, so Secretary Li moved two plastic stools from the corner, and the leader with gold-rimmed glasses accepted them and sat down without any hesitation.

Ji Bai picked up the electric kettle on the coffee table, whose outer shell was already somewhat deformed, and poured a glass of boiled water for everyone.

The cups are the kind of glass cups that come free with instant noodles at the supermarket. There are six cups, each with a different design, and none of them are the same.

Manager Zhang accepted the glass with the faded bear pattern with both hands, holding it in his palms, and felt somewhat flattered.

This feels absurd.

What level of reception hasn't he experienced?

That year at the Great Hall of the People, the staff brewed him a special Longjing tea in a bone china teacup, but he didn't even lift his eyelids.

But holding this little bear glass, he actually felt quite moved.

Perhaps it was because the boy in front of them was so special that any gesture of politeness seemed exceptionally precious.

It's like when a universally acknowledged bad person suddenly does a good deed, the whole world praises him for turning over a new leaf; but when a universally acknowledged good person suddenly does a bad deed, the whole world condemns him for going astray.

And Ji Bai, this unconventional person who had a C-section, actually poured you a glass of water today.

In some ways, the value of this water is even higher than that of the specially supplied Longjing tea!

After finishing his water and exchanging pleasantries, Manager Zhang put down the cup, interlaced his fingers on his knees, and his expression turned serious.

"Ji Bai, on behalf of the organization, I formally request that you directly authorize the patent for room-temperature superconductivity to the state."

Director Zhang leaned forward slightly and said sincerely, "Room-temperature superconductivity is not an ordinary scientific research achievement; it is a national strategic asset that can reshape the entire world order."

"Only through unified planning and coordination at the national level can we rapidly expand industries, build strong barriers, and transform technological advantages into national strength advantages."

"More importantly,"

Manager Zhang paused, his tone turning somber: "To put it bluntly, the fact that someone dared to defy public opinion and intercept you in international waters is because they're after your patent."

"If something really happens to you, and the ownership gets messed up, they'll have plenty of loopholes to exploit."

"But if you directly license your patent to the state, then to put it bluntly, your life or death will be of no concern to them."

"The patents belonged to the state before they killed you, and they still belong to the state after they kill you. They don't gain a single penny; you're actually safer!"

"Of course, the country will never take your achievements for nothing."

Manager Zhang abruptly changed the subject, offering substantial terms: "The industry profits will be split 30/70, you get 30%, pure profit, without deducting any costs!"

"In addition, in terms of scientific research, we will provide you with a national-level laboratory, enjoy the same treatment as an academician, and have access to hundreds of millions of yuan in special funds for your use. You can research whatever you want without any interference."

"In addition, all supporting facilities in terms of security, medical care, and other aspects of daily life are built to the highest standards!"

"Whatever your personal needs, as long as they don't violate principles, the organization can help you resolve them."

The words were spoken clearly, and the reasons, logic, and interests were all laid out plainly.

Ji Bai leaned back on the sofa and nodded after listening to the long string of words.

From both a public and private perspective, this is the optimal solution.

He had thought about this before. If he kept the patent in his own hands, he would be guilty of possessing a treasure, but if he handed it over to the state, it would be safe, worry-free, and would maximize his benefits.

"Can."

As soon as those two words were spoken, everyone in the room quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Before they arrived, they prepared a thick stack of negotiation plans, anticipating all sorts of conditions, difficulties, and bargaining that Ji Bai might propose, and even prepared responses to his on-the-spot refusal.

As it turned out, the person agreed without even stammering.

But soon, Ji Bai spoke again: "However, I have one request."

The atmosphere that had just relaxed instantly tensed up again.

Manager Zhang sat up straight: "Whatever your request, just say so. As long as it's within our capabilities, we will definitely fulfill it."

Looking at the tense-looking big shots in the room, Ji Bai suddenly found it a little funny.

"Don't be so nervous. My requirement is very simple: the room temperature superconductivity-related industries must be established in Fucheng."

boom--!

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured into hot oil, causing an immediate uproar.

"No!"

Before Director Zhang could speak, a senior executive from a state-owned enterprise in the back row couldn't help but stand up.

Realizing that the young man in front of him wasn't an intern who could be easily sexually exploited in the company, his attitude softened, and he advised:

"Ji Bai, I understand your feelings for your hometown, which is very admirable. But please understand that the establishment of a room-temperature superconducting industry chain is not as simple as building a factory or opening a production line."

"Frankly speaking, Fucheng's current foundation in this area is practically zero!"

"There are no top universities in science and engineering, no relevant research institutes, no large-scale precision manufacturing enterprises, and not even a decent subway line."

"Under these conditions, forcing the industry to settle here would multiply costs and drastically reduce efficiency, which would be a huge waste of your hard work!"

"Yes, Ji Bai," another leader chimed in.

"We fully understand your original intention to do something for your hometown, but room temperature superconductivity is an industry worth hundreds of billions or even trillions of yuan, and it should be placed in a place with a solid foundation."

"Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen—take your pick! Labs, pilot lines, industrial parks—we can build them for you in three months."

"You don't need to worry about your lifestyle at all. We'll arrange everything for you, from an academician's villa in Beijing to a private car and all the amenities you need."

"If you find it troublesome, we can provide you with a support team, so you don't have to worry about food, accommodation, or transportation."

"Not to mention the research conditions; whatever equipment or team you want, it's just a matter of a word."

"That's right, think about it again. There's no need to go against your own achievements."

Everyone chimed in, some offering reasoned arguments, some setting conditions, and some appealing to emotions, but the core message was the same:

Fucheng is too small to contain this great Buddha.

If we go somewhere else, everything is negotiable.

Ji Bai listened with a smile the whole time, and only slowly spoke after everyone had finished.

"If I can give up Fucheng today because of better conditions, then tomorrow, can I go to the US because of even better conditions?"