Chapter 28: The Origin of Everything

After arriving at the school, she had ample time and went to the Department of Finance first, seeking out Yan Rushan’s class.

“Hey, you look unfamiliar—you're not from our department, are you?” As soon as Zhong Yuxiu reached the door, a male student approached her.

She glanced into the classroom and smiled gently. “I’m from the Physics Department. I’m here to see Yan Rushan.”

“Looking for Yan Rushan!” The boy’s eyes dimmed a little. He was about to call out when Yan Rushan himself emerged, his next words dashing the boy’s hopes lightly.

“Thank you, she’s here for me.”

“Then I won’t disturb you two.” The boy turned briskly and went back to the classroom.

Yan Rushan watched his retreating figure before leading Zhong Yuxiu to the end of the corridor, his voice low and deep. “What brings you here?”

“As we agreed before, I’d show you my results first.” Zhong Yuxiu raised her brows playfully.

“You’ve already got results?” Yan Rushan looked surprised. “That was quick.” After all, a research project usually takes at least a couple of years, sometimes even a decade or more.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled. “Of course. Don’t forget who I am—the future scientist, Zhong Yuxiu.”

Her mischievous smile and lively demeanor left a deep impression on him, softening his features. His voice, usually cool, now carried a hint of warmth.

“Shall I come to your house for lunch?”

“Sure, I’ll treat you to something delicious. I need to get back to class now. Let’s meet at the main gate at noon.”

She came and went in a hurry, while Yan Rushan stood watching her leave.

When classes ended at noon, Yan Rushan, who normally left at a leisurely pace, arrived at the school gate early and waited. After about ten minutes, he finally saw her, light-footed and graceful as she approached.

“Have you been waiting long?” Zhong Yuxiu asked with a smile.

He met her gaze, a hint of laughter in his eyes. “I just got here.”

“Then let’s go.”

They exchanged a smile and left the school together, heading toward the Zhong family home. At the entrance to the courtyard, Zhong Yuxiu opened the gate and invited him in. After closing the door, she eagerly led him into the main hall.

“Goudan, bring out the little robot.”

Goudan’s chip had a wide sensing range and, sensing the presence of a guest, made no sound but instead brought out the little robot. One large and one small, the two robots emerged one after the other.

With a smile in her eyes, Zhong Yuxiu pointed at them. “These are the results of my research.”

“Robots?” Yan Rushan’s gaze sharpened. He instinctively stepped forward, running his fingers over the arm of the big robot, then the smaller one, clearly fascinated.

Zhong Yuxiu chuckled. “I’ve installed the latest chips and sensors I developed. The chips contain my own programs. They can follow their owner’s commands. The larger robot handles housekeeping, while the smaller one is an assistant.”

Feeling a rare spark of excitement, Yan Rushan looked down and asked, “What can they do?”

“Goudan, serve the dishes,” she commanded.

Goudan beeped in response and left the room. Moments later, it returned with a tray of dishes and set them on the table.

Yan Rushan watched the robot’s smooth movements, his eyes gleaming. Though the larger robot had minor flaws in its gait, such small defects couldn’t diminish the achievement. It could understand instructions, do housework, and even cook—a remarkable leap for technology.

Current technology was still lagging far behind, constantly outpaced by foreign countries; yet these two robots, in both technology and inner workings, were at the very forefront.

“Goudan, standby.”

Goudan went to a corner, stopped moving, and entered standby mode.

Zhong Yuxiu smiled. “Brother Yan, what do you think?”

“Excellent.” His reply was firm, without hesitation. Yan Rushan’s gaze lingered on the two robots for a long time before he forced himself to turn back to her. “Zhong, do you realize what the birth of these robots means? Not to mention the robots themselves, just the sensors and chips alone would reshape the current landscape.”

“I know. Sensors have a wide range of potential applications. If fully developed, they could be used not only in daily life but also in advanced weaponry—missiles, for example.” She knew better than anyone. “And there’s something else I haven’t mentioned—the embedded chip is a lithium-ion chip. Lithium-ion batteries are the focus of my research—rechargeable batteries. I’ve integrated the battery and chip into one, so the robots run on electricity.”

“The materials for lithium-ion batteries are non-toxic and abundant—the main ones are petroleum coke, graphite, electrolytes, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and a few other chemical elements. These are non-toxic resources, making them safer than the batteries currently on the market, and they consume far less material.”

Not only could they save resources, in new fields, they would become the main force.

Yan Rushan fully understood the ramifications. “Don’t reveal your findings just yet. I’ll go home and tell my grandfather. Don’t worry—he’s a senior general, has devoted his life to the country, and is above personal interests. You can trust him.”

“All right.” That was her intention anyway. She was on her own, so she had planned this from the outset. “The little robot is for you—you can take it home.”

For now, she was still safe. As long as she wrapped it in black cloth, it shouldn’t be difficult to bring out.

“No rush. I’ll talk to my grandfather first, then come back tonight with his official car.” It wouldn’t be convenient to carry a metal object around, and being seen on the road would be risky.

“Then let’s eat first.” Zhong Yuxiu smiled, not worried in the least. As long as nothing was exposed outside, it would be safe. While building the robots, she’d used her mental powers and made no commotion.

Yan Rushan hesitated a moment, then nodded happily.

After lunch, she saw him off, shut the door, washed up briefly, and lay down in her room.

After tidying up, Goudan came in and, noticing she hadn’t covered herself, said, “Master, if you’re going to sleep, please use the blanket. Don’t catch cold.”

“Goudan, do you think I did the right thing?” She had invented lithium-ion batteries ahead of time, brought robots into existence years earlier than expected.

“Whatever you do is right, Master. You should believe in yourself.”

She shook her head. “I’m confident, not insecure; but confidence doesn’t mean I don’t reflect. Technology can’t keep up with me. For convenience, I made you and the little robot, and let Yan Rushan know. Was this right or wrong?”

“Technological progress is the cornerstone of human advancement. You’re not wrong.”

Indeed, technology is the cornerstone of development. Without progress, how can a nation advance?

Having figured it out, Zhong Yuxiu felt her heart relax and sleepiness overcame her. “Goudan, I’m going to sleep.”

“Very well, Master. Good afternoon.” Goudan personally pulled the blanket over her before leaving.

After a good nap, she felt energized in the afternoon. In class, her mind was quicker, able to grasp and expand on the professor’s lectures with ease. After class, she went to the library to sift through various books, only returning home at dusk.