Chen Jinglong had been watching quietly from the side, his gaze fixed on Li Ming.
"What is this alloy ratio?"
"Flame Blue Alloy can actually be refined to such a degree..."
Ding Hui marveled with a click of his tongue, discussing with Cheng Tienan, while Li Ming vaguely saw Huang Jijian’s figure in a corner, but he didn’t come over.
"Enough, enough, all of you step aside." Xia Yuanlun waved his hand impatiently and took Li Ming and another back to his office.
"Li Ming wants to apply for the Mecha laboratory, he is definitely qualified. He has crafted several weapons, they have all passed through my hands, and he is very solid in various related knowledge."
After venting his frustration through Li Ming’s armor, Xia Yuanlun began to formally discuss with Chen Jinglong.
"The small laboratory is a grant-funded laboratory after all, he has the ability, the talent, and the willingness to work hard, perfectly meeting the requirements," Xia Yuanlun praised without reserve.
The specifications, approval procedures, and budget allocation of small laboratories cannot compare with those of large laboratories.
Essentially, it is to support researchers to continue on their current path of research.
"I understand." It seemed that Chen Jinglong had already had an idea in mind, and shortly after Xia Yuanlun spoke, he agreed, "I will convene the Professor Committee as soon as possible. For the small laboratory, we only need one third of the votes to pass."
"You shouldn’t have any problems." These last words were directed at Li Ming.
"To be approved for your own small laboratory at nineteen, you’ve indeed set a new record for Blue Star," Chen Jinglong said somewhat sentimentally.
Although Li Ming’s potential for development was astonishing, without sufficient ability, he wouldn’t have voted in favor.
After all, the professors at the University of Science and Technology had their own sons and grandsons. Who wouldn’t want to benefit from the opportunities?
He was somewhat suspicious about Li Ming applying for a laboratory; there might be other factors involved, but as long as it was within regulations, it was acceptable.
"Thank you, Dean, Professor," Li Ming expressed his thanks, without much surprise in his heart, as the approval was expected.
If he couldn’t get the approval even after producing a C-grade armor, then Chen Jinglong shouldn’t be the Dean anymore.
"By the way, that Castelon might try to get in touch with you. Although he is quite acerbic, he is genuinely skilled, and you might consider contacting him." Xia Yuanlun reminded him as he was leaving.
Li Ming pondered and then suddenly asked, "Does this great Mechanic have a lot of Mother Ore?"
Mentioning Mother Ore darkened Xia Yuanlun’s expression as he remembered his collection being stolen; he swept a cold glance over Chen Jinglong, "Of course, the Castelon family has been deeply involved in Mechanic crafting for generations, with terrifying heritage."
Li Ming understood and followed Chen Jinglong out, the latter personally escorted Li Ming back to the laboratory.
As he had mentioned, the matter could be settled within two days, not a big deal, and remote voting also counted. He just needed to consider the site selection for the small laboratory.
Additionally, after receiving approval, construction of the laboratory and the purchase of equipment would be the responsibility of the University of Science and Technology.
He could purchase laboratory equipment worth up to twenty million Star Coins in total, and upon specification, the University of Science and Technology would make the purchase.
Professor Xia had already provided him with several options with a high cost-to-benefit ratio.
Having sent off Chen Jinglong, Li Ming strolled back and forth on the small island. He was certain to choose this location for his laboratory, not only for safety but also for the convenience of doing anything.
Behind the island, there was a small grove. Li Ming estimated its coverage area.
"This should suffice," Li Ming surmised, noting the distance to the experimental building was about one or two hundred meters.
The greenery was not a problem; it could simply be cleared out.
Still, to be on the safe side, he sought out Li Ruoning who had returned from vacation, showing her a virtual map and asking if that area had any other use or if something was buried underground.
"That place..." Li Ruoning examined the data and finally shook her head, "There’s nothing else there. The professor had planned to build a private swimming pool there at one point, but that was shelved after being complained about by Professor Bai."
"Private swimming pool..." Li Ming’s expression was difficult to maintain, "Since it has no other use, then I will go ahead and stake it out."
Upon hearing this, Li Ruoning, couldn’t help but ask curiously, "Stake out? What are you up to?"
Li Ming explained, "My small laboratory is going to be located there."
"Oh..." Li Ruoning nodded in realization, then suddenly froze, her eyes widening, she couldn’t help but lean in and ask, "Your small laboratory!?"
"Am I hearing this right? When did you have a small laboratory?"
"In two days," Li Ming clarified briefly and added, "Then, we will just run a cable from this laboratory to there, so I don’t have to pay for electricity."
"But you..." Li Ruoning still felt it was surreal.
Li Ming was about to have his own small laboratory? How many professors at the University of Science and Technology had tried to apply without success, and yet Li Ming was so confident?
Was it because of Professor Wu?
She subconsciously thought so but then immediately dismissed it, as Wu Yanqing was not well-liked and couldn’t even pull strings effectively.
"What laboratory?" Li Ruoning pressed.
"The Mecha laboratory," Li Ming replied, not considering it a secret, "The equipment in the workshop is no longer keeping up, so I might as well apply for a laboratory."
Li Ruoning swallowed hard, perplexed. Was this even a normal conversation?
If the bald uncles in the laboratory knew about this, they would probably be terribly jealous.
Thinking this, her eyes flickered, and she nudged Li Ming with her shoulder, "Junior brother, you haven’t started recruiting for your lab yet, right? How about your sister?"
"You?" Li Ming sized up Li Ruoning from head to toe, then shook his head in the face of her expectant look, "Not really suitable."