Chapter 134: The Sun and Moon Move Forward

Chapter 134: The Sun and Moon Move Forward

The industry of Abyss is primarily focused on ordinary daily necessities and light industries, such as toothpaste, towel factories, and soap factories. However, what stands out is a crystal cores stove factory.

This crystal cores stove factory actually uses crystal cores, which immediately caught the attention of Ren Yuefei and Gong Yanqing, who sensed something extraordinary.

Ren Yuefei eagerly asked the engineer introducing the product: "Can you really apply crystal cores?"

Luo Shouchang, sitting there, felt his mind freeze under General Guan's gaze. After a moment, he stammered, "Currently, we have managed to produce a prototype, modeled after the old solar stoves."

His assistant pulled up a presentation for him. Seeing the familiar computer slides, Luo read stiffly from the script:

"Overall, our fire crystal cores energy stove utilizes the principles of energy focusing and directional emission."

"We know that at specific frequencies, when the wave frequency matches the natural frequency of the target object, resonance occurs, and energy concentrates on the target object..."

"This idea was inspired by the resonance method of psychics proposed by Dongjun City Lord, which we have applied in our crystal cores focusing technology."

"Our crystal cores stove is essentially an energy focusing and directional emission device. Simply put, we use refraction and reflection devices to concentrate energy, then employ phased array technology to emit the energy in a specific direction, converting it into thermal energy."

"In this process, we utilize a small resonance device to enhance the energy focusing effect..."

Ren Yuefei couldn't wait any longer: "If we follow your principle and approach, could we create directional crystal cores weapons?"

Luo Shouchang's shoulders slumped, and he looked helpless: "Our main challenge is solving the energy storage device, the focusing and directional emission adjustment device, and the later-stage control and monitoring systems..."

So, for now, we can only produce a single fire crystal cores energy stove, which is quite limited in functionality. A single ordinary fire crystal core can only fry an egg... On a hot day, you could just crack an egg on a rock outside and it would cook. This left Luo Shouchang, who had invested heavily in the research, feeling quite defeated.

However, Dongjun City Lord greatly praised this effort and even allowed him to set up a small crystal cores stove factory in the industrial zone.

An energy stove that can only fry an egg! Who would buy such a thing?

However, Dongjun City Lord was optimistic: "This is a high-end product; treat it as a luxury item. As a new energy product, set the price higher. We don't need to produce too many in the first batch; scarcity adds value. There will definitely be buyers. Remember, the core technology must be kept secret."

Luo Shouchang cautiously glanced at General Guan, who remained as stern and indifferent as ever, seemingly unmoved by all this.

Indeed, there had been little progress. Luo felt disheartened. They were still far, far away from turning crystal cores into weapons. Was he destined to spend his life as the manager of a crystal cores factory, filled with regret?

But Ren Yuefei's eyes lit up with excitement: "This is an excellent idea! I have a few weapons experts on my team. After the Spring Festival, I'll send them to learn from Director Luo! We're willing to co-invest in a factory!"

General Guan coughed lightly: "This is Dongjun City Lord's industry. We only accept technical partnerships. First, bring us your research and technological achievements, then we'll consider whether to cooperate."

Ren Yuefei: "..." He turned to General Guan, visibly frustrated: "Don't you see how promising this is in the military field? Don't set the cooperation threshold so high! Let's pool our talents first and tackle the technical challenges!"

General Guan replied seriously: "Luo Shouchang has already said he'll send people after the Spring Festival. He's already delivered two technological achievements and even helped me set up a military factory for free."

Ren Yuefei: "..." That Luo Shouchang! He's too ambitious! How is anyone else supposed to keep up!

He grumbled, "Fine, fine. I've made some progress in crystal cores storage. There's a type of shellfish that's useful for storing crystal cores."

General Guan finally nodded in satisfaction: "Send the information first, and let Dongjun City Lord review it."

Ren Yuefei agreed: "Deal!"

Meanwhile, Gong Yanqing, along with his daughter, son-in-law, and nephew, listened in awe, realizing that this technology likely had significant military applications.

Gong Yanqing smiled: "Is there anything I can do? We also have a fleet that goes out to sea. Perhaps we have such shellfish as well?"

General Guan's gaze finally settled on Gong Yanqing: "If Gong Yanqing could provide some raw materials, that would be excellent."

Gong Yanqing felt honored: "Of course, just let us know what kind of shellfish you need when the time comes."

Guan Yuanfeng nodded in approval.

After touring the industrial zone, they took a casual look around the residential, agricultural, and livestock zones before returning to the city hall auditorium to hold a tea party.

Zhu Zhuan briefly delivered a speech, summarizing the current achievements of Abyss City. The tea party was straightforward and practical, but it gave a significant boost of confidence to the residents of Abyss City.

After the tea party ended, Ren Yuefei followed Guan Yuanfeng back to Yunding Mountain Villa. Ren Duoduo had already been sent ahead by Qin Sheng to Yao Huan's residence, where a group of people were making dumplings in the living room.

As she made dumplings, Ren Duoduo recited herbal formulas to Yao Huan. Seeing Guan Yuanfeng arrive, she greeted him politely: "Hello, General Guan. Dr. Zhou is in the kitchen."

Guan Yuanfeng nodded and strode into the kitchen. Ren Yuefei sat down and chatted with Yao Huan: "Duoduo's grandfather plans to head south next spring once the snow has melted. He specifically asked me to check with Yao Lao about the availability of schools here. He also wants to find a teaching position."

Yao Huan replied: "If Professor Mi comes, that would be excellent. We currently have a shortage of higher education facilities. It would be wonderful if he could establish a school here. We can arrange for as many people as he brings."

Ren Yuefei said: "Yao Lao is indeed decisive. I tried to persuade her grandfather to come before, but he refused. Now he's the one proposing to come."

Yao Huan said: "Zhongzhou is busy eliminating dissidents and forming cliques. It's better to come here. After all, it's the apocalypse; isn't some peace and quiet preferable?"

Ren Yuefei replied: "It's no wonder they have concerns. Where I was before was chaotic and unstable, and they were reluctant to leave their hometown. Now, seeing the ongoing scientific advancements here and the influx of renowned scientists, he's eager to join."

Yao Huan said: "There's a Lotus Mountain over there, with a villa district at its base that was once home to high-ranking officials. It's now designated as a residential and laboratory zone for scientists from various regions. If Professor Mi decides to come, I'll have Zhou Yun secure a suitable place for him."

Ren Yuefei thanked him: "That would be ideal. Thank you, Professor Yao. I'll pass this along and encourage him to come as soon as possible."

In the kitchen, Guan Yuanfeng stood beside Zhou Yun, watching him cook dumplings, while putting on an apron: "Has all the equipment been installed?"

Zhou Yun replied: "Yes, it's all set up. This morning, upon hearing Duoduo was coming and with things wrapped up over there, I returned with the teacher. How was the tea party today?"

Guan Yuanfeng said: "It was average. However, Ren Yuefei showed great interest in Luo Zhongyu's crystal core stove."

Zhou Yun chuckled: "Throwing out a brick to attract jade. You used to grumble about the slow pace, but once the Three Chu Base and Jingnan Base get involved, things will pick up. If this crystal core can be developed into a new energy source, we'll hit the jackpot."

Guan Yuanfeng: "..."

Zhou Yun sighed: "Only when you're in charge do you realize the true cost of running a household. A city of this size requires energy, resources, and food at every turn. Fortunately, Zhu Zhuan and Qin Mu are highly capable..."

Guan Yuanfeng asked: "What are you preparing? If it's too much trouble, I can get someone to assist."

Zhou Yun said: "No need. These are all presents from Duoduo's father. There's a pre-roasted suckling pig that just needs to be reheated. The chicken is already steaming, and the dumplings are ready to be cooked. There are also fish dumplings, rice cakes... and we'll stir-fry a couple of vegetables."

Just as he finished speaking, Qin Sheng energetically entered: "Dr. Zhou! Let me handle it! I heard there's rice cake! I'll stir-fry some crab rice cake!" He then noticed Guan Yuanfeng: "General Guan."

Zhou Yun smiled: "Crab rice cake is delicious. You can stir-fry it. The rice cakes are soaking in water over there. I'll go upstairs to write something."

Guan Yuanfeng asked: "What are you writing?"

Zhou Yun replied: "Duoduo heard I can write and pestered me to write some Spring Festival couplets. They'll head back to Jingnan after dinner. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, so I'll write a few more couplets to distribute. I've already prepared the ink and mixed in some gold powder."

Guan Yuanfeng followed him upstairs into the study, where a large table was covered with red banners sprinkled with gold. The inkstone contained gold-powdered ink.

Zhou Yun picked up a large brush and flipped through a couplet reference book with his other hand, casually testing the brush.

Guan Yuanfeng watched as Zhou Yun's brush moved like flowing clouds, writing the four characters "Sui Sui Ping An" (Peace Every Year). He couldn't help but recall the first New Year he and Zhou Yun spent together on the 30th floor.

Zhou Yun finished writing with some pride and looked up at Guan Yuanfeng: "How does it look?"

Guan Yuanfeng said: "Hmm, I remember during our first New Year together, you also wrote these four characters and pasted them on the door."

Zhou Yun was surprised, "I don't remember that, how do you remember it so clearly?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Back then, it was just the two of us." Now, with more people around during the New Year, there are more people distracting Zhou Yun. Looking back, he realized that every moment he had Zhou Yun all to himself, yet he didn't realize how fortunate he was.

Zhou Yun wrote down the words "As the sun and moon advance to greet the New Year, we pray for peace in prosperous times and new beginnings," and also wrote the banner "Everything is renewed." Guan Yuanfeng took it aside to dry, and Zhou Yun said, "Let's give this one to Jingnan. Chu also wants one."

He frowned and began to concentrate on thinking.

Guan Yuanfeng flipped through the couplet book and said, "This pair, I think it's quite good."

Zhou Yun took it and read, "May smooth sailing bring good fortune, and may happiness and prosperity come to your door." He couldn't help but laugh, "You're too perfunctory." Though he found it a bit cliché, he still carefully wrote the couplet.

Qin Mu walked in and applauded, "Great calligraphy, give this one to me!"

Zhou Yun: "..."

Qin Mu laughed, "Is it already claimed? Then I'll pick another pair." He took the couplet book from Guan Yuanfeng and flipped through it while talking to Zhou Yun, "Today, the son-in-law of the city lord, named Wu Zhou, quietly asked around. He said that a friend's elder from Zhongzhou had a water crystal core transplant surgery done privately and is now experiencing some side effects, feeling extremely cold and unable to sleep. He wondered if Dongjun could spare some time to help with the treatment and recovery, with the price at Dongjun's discretion."

Zhou Yun was startled and set down the brush, but Guan Yuanfeng said, "Refuse. Say Dongjun won't do it."

Qin Mu looked at Zhou Yun, who thought for a moment and said, "As General Guan said, refuse."

Qin Mu smiled, "I was also worried it might be a test, not necessarily a real person, so I just said that Abyss City doesn't have the capability for this and probably can't help him."

Zhou Yun and Guan Yuanfeng exchanged a glance, understanding each other, fearing that there might indeed be such a person.