Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Homecoming

Xue He was carrying materials and hurried back to the research institute.

He wasn’t a permanent staff member of this institute, but had been sent on temporary assignment here to assist. However, the problem had remained unsolved, keeping him from leaving. That was also why he hadn't been staying inside the institute itself.

The just-dispersed crowd hadn’t gone home yet and were still busy tidying up. When they saw Xue He rush back with a pile of items so soon after leaving, they gave him curious glances. Then they heard him shout excitedly: “Come quick! Everyone, come have a look—the issue we’ve been stuck on is about to be resolved.”

“What?” Baffled but curious, everyone quickly gathered around.

“Look at this, and this…” Xue He eagerly opened the notebooks and handed them out for others to examine. Catching his breath, he continued, “If these formulas work, then the speed issue that’s been troubling us can be completely solved—potentially even better than before. If applied to fighter jets, it would represent a huge leap forward for us…”

As they listened to Xue He and scanned the documents in their hands, their breathing quickened. They began to realize what he said might actually be correct.

“Quick, quick, get to work!” Without needing Xue He to say anything more, everyone sprang into action, each taking on their responsibilities as the institute sprang to life…

……

Lin Nannan had no idea how important her random jottings had turned out to be. Right now, she was listening to the village chief's constant complaints, which made her head ache.

After Mr. Hu left, pressure came down on the village chief. The chief came over with a pleading appeal, but Lin Nannan held firm and didn’t budge.

“Chief, don’t worry. If they really take away your position, just follow me and farm instead. I’ll give you some of my seeds—you'll be the first in the village to grow high-quality crops!” Lin Nannan reassured him.

Lu Ding looked surprised. “Really?”

Just moments ago, he had been worried about losing his position as village chief, but suddenly he realized it didn’t matter all that much anymore—as long as he had food secured, what did he have to fear?

“Of course! I’d never lie to you. Just relax. Besides, this has nothing to do with you—they can’t hurt you.” After offering the village chief an escape plan, Lin Nannan comforted him further.

Lu Ding rubbed his forehead and sighed, “It was supposed to be a good thing. How did it turn out like this?”

“That’s just political maneuvering,” she replied calmly. “We just need to focus on our own work.”

After all, aside from Mr. Hu, none of the newcomers would make any difference.

At that moment, she was glad she hadn’t planted all the seeds earlier—otherwise, someone else might have taken advantage.

Seeing Lin Nannan’s confidence, Lu Ding relaxed slightly but still asked curiously, “Nannan, where exactly is A Hang? A Ming has already returned, so why hasn’t he come back yet? Did something happen?”

He couldn’t help but wonder, but seeing how calm everyone else seemed, without the slightest sign of worry, he felt even more confused—he just couldn’t figure it out.

Lin Nannan felt slightly guilty realizing she hadn’t told the village chief about Lu Hang’s recovery. Smiling, she said, “Oh, well, A Hang will explain everything when he comes back. He should arrive within two days.”

Unable to make sense of it, the village chief decided not to dwell on it. He could ask later once Lu Hang returned.

He had expected Lu Hang’s return to be delayed, but surprisingly, Lu Hang arrived early the next morning.

Grandma Lu, who always woke up early, opened the door and found Lu Hang standing outside with his luggage. She jumped, then scolded him, “Why didn’t you knock when you got back?”