Chapter 67

Chapter 67

After dinner, they naturally headed back to the research institute to keep working. The institute hosting Durarov was the one at the Field Army base; the mountain base—the former Cherry Blossom Country base—wasn't open to the public and few knew about it. The Flower Kingdom couldn't afford to have no cards up its sleeve.

Wan Fulin and the others also asked Durarov if he could share some of the military manufacturing data, and if possible, introduce one of their military factory's production lines. Initially, Durarov found it strange; logically speaking, seeing such advanced weapons, they should have asked to learn the core technology of weapon manufacturing, right? The production line was just the end of the chain!

It wasn't until Division Commander He brought several senior experts—including Feng Xia—to a military factory guarding the Field Army base that Durarov finally got their angle.

The Flower Kingdom's military manufacturing technology was very backward, with many parts still relying on the most primitive manual grinding, lacking precision. Even if they got their hands on firearm blueprints, mass-producing them would still be a challenge. Meanwhile, the Bear Country's military manufacturing machinery enjoyed a worldwide reputation.

Once again, Durarov admired the country's sharp insight. They were not dazzled by temporary riches but knew clearly what they truly needed.

Exchanging a mid-level machinery production line for first-class silencer technology—this was a huge win for them! As a researcher, Durarov believed science had no borders, but he did have a nationality. Seeing his country gain so much, how could he not be happy? With that, after discussions, the two sides quickly signed an agreement. The Bear Country would help the Flower Kingdom set up a new military machinery production line, including core data for certain machine tools. As for what the Flower Kingdom needed to exchange, it went without saying: Feng Xia's silencer had, at this moment, been exchanged for enormous benefits for the Flower Kingdom.

Since the Bear Country still needed time to dispatch technical personnel, and Durarov was very interested in the silencer, he decided to stay at the Field Army base. He spent every day in the lab with Wan Fulin, and it was a fulfilling life.

The environment here was much worse than the lab Durarov had built in his own country. Even though the Field Army base had done its best to provide them with the best conditions, Durarov had no complaints. Compared to the progress of his experiments, these were minor issues.

Daniel also stayed, working as an assistant to the team of senior researchers in the lab. Undoubtedly, this young man was studious and sincere; his diligence and hard work were evident to all, and everyone was willing to offer a few pointers. This was a treasure trove for Daniel. To understand certain principles, he could stay glued to his books for a day or two without sleep, ending up with raccoon eyes. Meanwhile, his Flower Kingdom language was improving day by day.

He was undoubtedly in awe of Feng Xia. Feng Xia had also participated in several of Durarov's experiments, even taking the lead in some parts. She and Durarov had wonderful discussions, and Feng Xia's fluent Bear Country language saved her a lot of time.

But Feng Xia was always a bit quirky and unconventional. She was getting a bit bored with constantly studying the silencer, mainly because the core part was hard to explain. Durarov was well aware of this and could only try things out little by little himself. Feng Xia didn't have that patience; she had already found the answer, and having to work backward from it was a bore.

She set her sights on something else.

One of Durarov's ideas, a hypothesis derived from an experiment.

But making this thing was also quite tiring, so she needed manpower. The handsome young man from Bear Country couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine. He rubbed his messy blond hair, wondering if that was just his imagination.

At the Field Army base's cafeteria, Daniel loved the meatballs the chef made there. They were not greasy at all, seemed to have some fruit added inside, with a sweet fragrance that captivated this Bear Country youth.

"I'd like one serving of this, this, and this, plus a portion of rice." Daniel spoke the local language fluently. The cafeteria lady had been instructed to treat foreign friends warmly and equally, so she just smiled and gave Daniel a serving of four-joy meatballs, stir-fried pork with chili, a serving of stir-fried pumpkin, a large portion of rice, and a big bowl of winter melon and spare ribs soup.

Daniel politely thanked her, then took his food and found a seat. Soon after he sat down, Feng Xia also came over with two huge lunch trays and sat opposite him.

Facing Feng Xia, Daniel felt as if he were facing his teacher, a bit restrained and with a hint of admiration. Now, seeing the two large lunch trays Feng Xia had brought, the youth, with his ice-prince looks, seemed to have question marks popping up over his head.

He hesitated and said, "I already have mine; you should just get your own." Feng Xia clearly understood the meaning and replied in a clear voice, "These are all for me to eat." She said it in the Bear Country language. Daniel couldn't believe it, thinking his ears were playing tricks on him from listening to the local language for too long. Then he watched the slender girl in front of him eat her meal with relish, one mouthful of food, one mouthful of rice. He mechanically followed suit, but the usually delicious four-joy meatballs now tasted bland, and his eyes kept drifting to the girl opposite.

Under the young man's rather strange gaze, Feng Xia polished off both large lunch trays.

Daniel: …?!

His brother was a school ice hockey player and ate a lot every time he came home, but only today, meeting Feng Xia, who almost finished two days' worth of his food in one sitting, did he realize that perhaps his brother was only moderately capable of eating.

How could this Flower Kingdom girl eat so much? The young man was puzzled.

After the meal, they went to wash their utensils together, then returned to the cafeteria lady. Feng Xia suggested they take a walk, and Daniel nodded in agreement.

"Do you mean you want to invite me to join your next experiment? Are you sure, Miss Feng Xia?" Daniel asked incredulously. The two were now strolling along a tree-lined path; the beautiful young girl and boy looked like a painting from afar.

Feng Xia nodded: "Yes. I've already made a preliminary plan, with an 80% success rate. But completing this experiment alone would take too long. Would you like to join?"

Daniel was clearly tempted but restrained himself. He asked, "I want to know why you chose me?"

Feng Xia's eyes seemed to ripple with a pool of spring water, carrying a tenderness beyond her age. She said, "I think you have great potential and would be an excellent partner. So, how about it? Do you want to join?"

Daniel's jade-white cheeks flushed bright red, and his lashes trembled with excitement. His voice was loud, and his local language was clear and standard: "I want to join! Thank you for inviting me to join! Thank you very much!"