In the past few months, under the joint efforts of Qi Dong and the old professors at Jiangnan University, the results of plant gene modification had been compiled, and they had successfully been published in the main journal of Nature.
This research had immediately caused a sensation across the academic world, and they were even preparing for a Nobel Prize nomination in biology. During this time, Jiangnan University basked in its success.
Just as Qi Dong finally found some time to rest, he suddenly received a call from Fang Jueyu.
He chuckled, knowing this rascal never called without a reason. He'd heard that Fang Jueyu recently ruffled the feathers of their department chair. Was he calling for help?
"Hey, Little Fang, did you get into trouble again?" Qi Dong said, treating this kid like his own junior. Fang Jueyu had contributed greatly to his research and provided ample funding. He was more affectionate to him than his own grandson.
"No way!" Fang Jueyu said defensively. "I didn't know you thought of me as someone who only causes trouble."
"Oh, come on, don't pretend to be cute with me," Qi Dong laughed. "I heard your department chair, old Zhuo, sent you for an internship at Tencent, and in just a few days, you acquired so many of their stocks. Are you planning to buy NetEase next?"
"Hahaha, Teacher Qi, you knew about that," Fang Jueyu said sheepishly. "I'm not planning to acquire NetEase at the moment, but NetEase Music is a consideration. The damn copyright issues means I can't listen to many songs. If I buy it, I'll start by buying all those copyrights!"
"Quit your smooth talk!" Qi Dong exclaimed, though he couldn't help but think Fang Jueyu might actually be able to pull it off. If he could acquire half of Tencent, targeting NetEase didn't sound impossible.
"Every company that takes you on as an intern is going to have bad luck!" Qi Dong said. "Come on, what's up? I just finished up with the Nobel Prize matters and need to rest up for the awards."
"It's , Teacher Qi, can you help me reach out to the chief?"
"Reach out to the chief? Why?" Qi Dong asked curiously.
"Recently, my research institute developed something new. I believe it holds great significance for our national military strategy, so I want to submit this technology to the state," Fang Jueyu said with a righteous look.
"Military?" Qi Dong was bewildered. "Didn't you just achieve a breakthrough in biology? How are you suddenly involved in military matters?"
This time, Qi Dong really couldn't figure out Fang Jueyu.
"Well, my research institutes cover a lot of areas," Fang Jueyu scratched his head. "Next time, I might come up with some new breakthroughs in energy or materials. Who knows?"
"Just how much money do you have?" As a scholar, Qi Dong was well aware that research was a money-burning endeavor. It could easily take billions just to buy equipment and materials. Sometimes it's hard to even make a splash.
Judging by Fang Jueyu's words, it seemed like he was dabbling in research across numerous fields!
Indeed, Fang Jueyu understood that research was a costly business, but he didn't necessarily have to pursue it. The database in Xiao Yi contained knowledge far beyond human civilization. To explore higher levels of understanding wasn't feasible on Earth.
In other words, even if he wanted to pour money into research, he wouldn't have the opportunity. He could only channel his funds by turning research into practical applications.
"Tell me, what have you cooked up this time?" Qi Dong asked.
"Oh, it's a VR system that can simulate human vision, touch, and hearing, immersing all senses in a virtual world. Currently, it can achieve over 80% realism," Fang Jueyu replied.
"What?" Qi Dong was startled. Though his main focus was biology, he kept up with international research trends. As far as he knew, no country in the world had reached this level of VR technology.
To exaggerate a bit, if Fang Jueyu really achieved this, it would be like creating a new world in virtual reality.
He immediately understood why Fang Jueyu said this technology held great importance for national military strategy.
With such a system, warriors could project themselves onto a virtual battlefield, experiencing real warfare sensations, feeling pain, and conducting nearly 100% operational simulation training. Even if something unexpected happened, sacrifices made would be only virtual.
Once such a force entered real modern warfare, the combat effectiveness would be unimaginable. After all, no matter how realistic a military exercise is, it's just an exercise and can't provide the true experience of war.
Furthermore, the potential applications of this technology in medicine, education, and various industries were enormous. If the nation could master this technology, the benefits would be immeasurable.
"Of course, it is!" Fang Jueyu said. "Do you know why I bought Mr. Ma's shares?"
"I thought they had a great game, but I wanted to experience a more realistic virtual game, so I bought Mr. Ma's shares to modify it as I pleased!"
"You, you, you!!!" Qi Dong became agitated. "You're squandering invaluable resources!"
If Fang Jueyu were in front of him, Qi Dong would have grabbed his cane and smacked him on the head. Such important and meaningful technology, and he wanted to waste it on a pointless game?
And you bought shares just for a game? If you have too much money, why not just it to my lab? I need it!
"You're going to be the death of me!" Qi Dong wheezed, unable to find his breath.
"Teacher Qi, don't be mad. Could you help me reach out to the chief?" Fang Jueyu asked stubbornly.
"Fine, fine! I'll do it, for heaven's sake!" Qi Dong understood the significance of this technology for the country and couldn't keep it off his mind. Maybe the chief would even make another visit to Jiangnan University!
"Hahaha, thank you so much, Teacher Qi!" Fang Jueyu laughed contentedly. "By the way, Teacher Qi, please tell the chief that if the country needs to build this system, I can fund the servers!"
"Didn't the last project already get underway? I've prepared 300 billion US Dollars in funding, and we can immediately put funds into practical application!"
"300 billion US Dollars!" Qi Dong nearly spat out his tea. Did he now speak the language of humans? As his research funding of tens of millions a year was hard enough to get from the president, Fang Jueyu casually mentioned 300 billion, also in US Dollars!
"Where on earth do you get all this money from? Teach me your ways?" Qi Dong said, aggrieved.
"Hahaha, better ask my parents then!" Fang Jueyu chuckled. "One more thing, Teacher Qi, I'll 500 million US Dollars in research funding to your project team in a bit, so don't be shy!"
"Who's shy with you?" Qi Dong replied, his previous grievances dissipating. Now, he wouldn't have to worry about project team operations before his full retirement.