Hearing Zhou Tianming's resolute answer, Zhou Junguo nodded approvingly before saying, "Upload the data to the tech repository later. I'll go meet with the Prime Minister."
"Ah?" Zhou Tianming was momentarily stunned.
I just wanted to negotiate a deal with the unmanned car company. Isn't bringing the Prime Minister into this a bit much?
But...
Having powerful backing sure feels great!
Unconsciously, the corners of his mouth curled upward.
Noticing this, Zhou Junguo glared at him. "What are you thinking? We in East Asia conduct business honorably. How could we abuse authority like that? The Prime Minister would never do such things either."
"Then..." Tianming looked puzzled.
"Though I'm not in high-tech, even I recognize the value of your technology. With this as our lead, the Prime Minister would grant small favors for my sake."
"But you said we wouldn't use authority to pressure others."
"I never planned to negotiate with the unmanned car company," Zhou Junguo replied with a "you're still too young" expression. "We'll just issue a policy requiring all unmanned cars to install new equipment for operation. We'll supply the devices—would they refuse? Could they refuse?"
Clap clap clap
Unable to resist applauding, Tianming gaped. "Grandfather, the older ginger is indeed spicier!"
"Finish designing the device quickly and prepare everything properly. Don't embarrass me when the Prime Minister grants this favor."
"Understood. I'll start the design immediately."
"Disguise it as something common." Zhou Junguo glanced at the "coffin" beneath Tianming. "Not even the Prime Minister could justify something like this."
Chuckling awkwardly, Tianming replied, "Got it. This is just a prototype—the design isn't finalized yet."
With the unmanned car issue resolved, Tianming sighed in relief.
Nearby, Zhou Hanxiang smiled as she saw their conversation conclude with progress made. Yet she still inquired carefully, "Tianming, how long can this machine buy you?"
Tianming shook his head. "Uncertain. It mainly depends on my physical condition."
Natarle interjected, "Given this device's function, shouldn't it theoretically protect you indefinitely with near-limitless Mental Power? Even if your condition worsens, it would just consume more Mental Power."
Hanxiang's eyes brightened, looking at him expectantly.
"That won't work." Tianming didn't hide the truth from them. "Think of Mental Power as shields—I currently possess three different types."
"The first type of attack can't penetrate at all, leaving not even a scratch. The second type can't fully penetrate either, but leaves dents on the shield surface. The third is like a soft sponge shield kilometers thick—attacks sink right in but can't pierce through to reach me."
This vivid analogy made everything clear to everyone.
"I see. If the damage is too powerful, even a shield kilometers thick can be pierced."
"Exactly. Only the portion of damage the shield can withstand gets negated. If the shield breaks, the remaining damage still hits the body." Zhou Hanxiang asked urgently, "Then why not use the first type?"
"Because the materials are rare and irreplicable."
Her face immediately fell with worry.
Seeing his mother's expression, Zhou Tianming leaned out of the metal case and grasped her hand. "I believe you'll cure me, Mom."
Clasping his hands tightly, Zhou Hanxiang pressed them to her chest. "I will definitely cure you!"
Clap clap!
"Alright, alright! To celebrate Tianming's improvement, I'll prepare some food and drinks," Gao Jing clapped her hands. "We've all had rough days lately—time to replenish."
A rare atmosphere of relief filled the room.
Time flew by, and December 24th arrived.
Thanks to White Rabbit's efforts, a large supply of third-grade Mental Power had been gathered for Zhou Tianming's consumption.
Late at night, the family sat awake around the [Mental Resistance Device], waiting quietly.
Zhou Tianming regretted not designing the prototype machine better—it felt like they were gathered for his funeral, making him fidget uncomfortably inside the metal case.
Finally, the clock passed midnight, marking the official arrival of the 25th.
Zhou Tianming raised a triumphant fist, and only then did everyone relax to celebrate the two birthdays.
A few days later, on New Year's Day, January 1st, CE68—
Zhou Tianming uploaded the technical data for [Mental Resistance Device 1.0].
If the [Psycommu System] was a seed yet to sprout, then the [Mental Resistance Device] was a fully bloomed flower. When Lu Sizhe reviewed the data, he grew uncharacteristically excited, shooting up from his chair. "Zhou Tianming! Zhou Tianming! You've truly given me a monumental New Year's gift."
Pressing the comm button on his desk, he ordered, "Connect me to the Premier. I need to report directly."
"One moment, please."
Soon, his secretary's voice came through. "Director, the Premier requests your presence in the Central Conference Hall. He'll meet you there."
"Postpone all my other appointments today."
"Understood."
With that, Lu Sizhe strode briskly from his office.
Half an hour later, inside the Central Conference Hall—
Ying Shaojun looked slightly older but carried even greater authority and dignity. The moment Lu Sizhe entered, he instinctively schooled his expression into solemnity. Only when Ying Shaojun smiled did the tension in the air ease.
From the head seat, Ying Shaojun gestured. "Sit."
Once seated, Lu Sizhe eagerly detailed the [Mental Resistance Device].
Ying Shaojun listened quietly, occasionally asking questions.
"In short, the applications for this technology are staggering—it can be utilized across countless fields."
Lu Sizhe was practically vibrating with excitement.
Ying Shaojun raised a hand with a smile, and Lu Sizhe instantly fell silent.
"Proceed as you suggested. Contact the Medical Department later—saving those with terminal illnesses or high surgical risks would be immeasurably virtuous. But ensure all precautions are taken; I want no possibility of leaks. They're simply good people receiving their due rewards. Understood?"
"Understood."
"That child Tianming is exceptional. Prioritize any resources he needs. Since you're heading to the Medical Department, inform Mr. Hua to place Zhou Tianming's medical research at the top of their agenda."
"Understood." Lu Sizhe nodded solemnly. "Ah, what a tragedy for such a resilient boy."
Beep beep beep—
The communicator on the desk flashed. Ying Shaojun pressed the answer button. "What is it?"
"Chief Zhou Junguo requests an audience."
"Send him to the central conference room."
"Acknowledged."
Ying Shaojun smiled. "The New Year's gift comes calling for its payment."
Lu Sizhe chuckled. "I'll take my leave then."
"Mm."
Rising, he stepped out of the conference room just as Zhou Junguo approached. Lu Sizhe clapped him on the shoulder. "Your grandson is extraordinary." Zhou Junguo's lips curled. "Naturally. Look who his bloodline comes from."
Suddenly, Lu Sizhe shifted the topic. "Still not planning to tell Liu Qi?"
At this, Zhou Junguo sighed. "How do you expect me to? Give him hope only to snatch it away?"
Frowning, he asked, "Why bring this up now?"
Now it was Lu Sizhe's turn to sigh. "Wei Bailing stormed into my office the other day."
He patted Zhou Junguo's shoulder. "Watch yourself. There are only a handful of them left—your turn is coming."
Zhou Junguo stiffened, swallowing hard. "Can't Wei Tong keep his daughter in check?"
"Pfft. He can't even beat her. How's he supposed to control her?"
They parted ways, Zhou Junguo entering the conference room distractedly.
Having overheard their conversation—neither had bothered to lower their voices—Ying Shaojun remarked, "Bailing is sensible enough. Given the circumstances, telling her might be for the best. Otherwise, if Liu Qi catches wind of her actions, it'll be even messier."
"Ah... What a mess this is."
After a heavy sigh, Zhou Junguo straightened and formally requested Ying Shaojun's assistance.
Ying Shaojun nodded. "No problem. I know the owner of the unmanned car company. This is a trivial matter."
With the confirmation, Zhou Junguo relaxed. "Thank you."
"Tianming's recent technological uploads have been immensely beneficial to the nation. I'll elevate his clearance level. Use it as needed in special circumstances."
"Understood. I may need an elite squad soon to retrieve some materials."
"Go straight to Wei Tong. I'll inform him."
As Zhou Junguo left, Ying Shaojun stood and walked to the window, gazing at the thriving city.
"Finally... I've touched the power of the immortals!"