Chapter 536
Without Hesitation
Given Jiang Nian's current state of having ample theoretical knowledge but zero practical experience, all he can do is conduct the most basic level of experiments.
But he didn't care and devoted all his energy to the experiment.
Even with complete data provided by the system in his mind, Jiang Nian approached each step with utmost focus, never daring to slack off.
If an outsider saw Jiang Nian conducting an experiment, they would never believe that this was someone who was doing hands-on work for the first time.
His every movement was fluid and natural, without any pause. The whole process was like a work of art, pleasing to the eye.
Jiang Nian spent a full three hours on this simple experiment.
Satisfied with the data he obtained, Jiang Nian's smile grew wider and wider.
He felt that he was indeed very talented—otherwise, how could he have succeeded so smoothly on his first experiment?
Having gotten into the swing of things, Jiang Nian decided not to rest and studied all the materials available in the lab. He figured that doing a Class C experiment should be no problem.
Without hesitation, Jiang Nian gathered the necessary materials and threw himself into the experiment once again.
Stroking his chin and staring at the pile of experimental data in front of him, Jiang Nian wondered: If we can do C-level experiments, can we also try to do SSS-level experiments on nuclear power?
After all, only by actually building the reactor will Xie Jianguo truly acknowledge his own capabilities.
As long as the reactor succeeds, other problems are not a big deal.
Jiang Nian thought this idea was absolutely brilliant; no one was smarter than him.
However, when Jiang Nian submitted the application report for the materials required for the experiment the next day, the report was returned directly.
Looking at the returned report, Jiang Nian was filled with confusion.
He knew that even a first-level researcher at the Institute of Physics had to submit a report and application materials in advance if they wanted to conduct a super S-level experiment.
Normally, it would be approved, so why was it rejected outright in his case?
Jiang Nian went to Xu Lei's office.
Xu Lei was flipping through a thick stack of documents when he heard a knock on the door. He paused for a moment, but when he saw Jiang Nian walk in, he still smiled.
"I heard you've been spending all your time at the library these past few days. What brings you here to see me?" Xu Lei asked with a smile as he sat down on the sofa with Jiang Nian and even made him some tea.
He was also anxious about the nuclear power issue for the 004 aircraft carrier, but he had to wait. Besides, Xu Lei didn't believe that Jiang Nian could find a solution for nuclear power as soon as he arrived—a reactor wasn't so easy to build.
Xu Lei had spoken with Jiang Nian and knew that he hadn't actually done any experiments yet, so he didn't have high expectations. After all, no matter how talented someone is, it's impossible to reach the level of completing an SSS-level experiment in a short period of time.
The theoretical knowledge is not difficult; the difficulty lies in actually conducting experiments.
Even with a solid theoretical foundation, an experiment can still fail if one's psychological qualities are slightly lacking.
"I submitted an application for experimental materials, but the report was rejected. I want to ask, is it really that difficult for a Level 1 Researcher to conduct an experiment?"
Jiang Nian's tone was calm as still water, but Xu Lei could detect a trace of confusion and subtle displeasure in it.
He thought about it again and realized that given Jiang Nian's status and position at the military research institute, he was probably always straightforward and had everything go smoothly. He had never encountered a situation like this before, which was why he came to him immediately.
"Comrade Jiang Nian, you know that although you are a Level 1 Researcher, you lack practical experience. In fact, you've never even personally completed the most basic experiments. Under these circumstances, it's understandable that your experimental application and materials list were rejected. However, your lab has almost all the experimental materials up to Level B. What materials did you submit that were returned?"
Xu Lei explained the rules of the Institute of Physics to Jiang Nian very seriously.
Even though he is a first-level researcher, he is, after all, a member of a military research institute, and it seems that he only provided theoretical support for the projects he participated in in the past, and he was not the one who actually carried out the operations.
To a large extent, Jiang Nian's title of Level 1 Researcher is indeed somewhat exaggerated.
After all, he really had no practical experience whatsoever.
Xu Lei personally took Jiang Nian to his laboratory, so he was quite familiar with the materials inside.
That's why he found it strange: what materials did Jiang Nian need that would be rejected?
This should never have happened!
"Nothing special, just a list of materials needed for an SSS-level experiment."
Jiang Nian spoke of it casually.
Isn't it normal for a senior researcher to do something like this?
As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Lei spat out the mouthful of tea he had just drunk.
His face was filled with disbelief, his eyes almost wide open as he stared at Jiang Nian, his lips trembling, unable to utter a single word for a long time.
Jiang Nian was a little puzzled. He looked at Xu Lei with a question in his mind, and casually pulled out a few tissues to wipe up the water stains that had splashed on the coffee table.
"You haven't even done the most basic experiments, yet you're applying for SSS-level experimental materials. No wonder they're being rejected!"
It took Xu Lei a while to recover. Looking at Jiang Nian's still confused expression, he simply didn't know how to explain the matter.
This is absolutely ridiculous!
Jiang Nian lacks practical skills, a fact known not only to Xu Lei but also to the dean of the Institute of Physics! It would be strange if the dean approved his application!
"No, I've already done the experiments, and I'm capable of conducting B-level experiments." This time, Jiang Nian finally offered an explanation.
"What? You can do B-level experiments now? How is that possible? You've only been in the library for a short time, how could you suddenly be able to do B-level experiments?"
Xu Lei was taken aback and stood up abruptly, staring at Jiang Nian in shock.
If he hadn't known some of Jiang Nian's background beforehand, he would have almost suspected that the other party was joking with him.
Otherwise, how could someone go from being unable to conduct even the most basic experiments to being able to conduct B-level experiments in just two days?
Xu Lei felt that this was too surreal; otherwise, how could such a thing happen?
"It was the experiment I did in the lab last night. I think doing experiments isn't that difficult. Since I can already do a B-level experiment, it shouldn't be a problem to apply for SSS-level experimental materials in advance, right? After all, it takes about half a month for these materials to be prepared and delivered to my lab. By then, I'll definitely be able to do SSS-level experiments!"
Jiang Nian stated that he had given this report considerable thought. He wouldn't have rushed to submit the application if some of the materials required for the SSS-level experiment hadn't been so specialized and required time to prepare.
For Jiang Nian, time was undoubtedly extremely precious. Xu Lei was stunned.
He truly hadn't expected that Jiang Nian would be able to directly start a B-level experiment in just one night.
Is this person a genius or a prodigy?
However, after calming down, Xu Lei felt that Jiang Nian was still too young.
"Jiang Nian, although you can now conduct B-level experiments, you need to understand how significant the difference in difficulty is between B-level and SSS-level experiments. In half a month, you can at most conduct S-level experiments, but SSS-level experiments are absolutely impossible!"
The materials required for SSS-level experiments are extremely precious; even their physics research institute would not consume them casually.
If the applicant is Xie Jianguo, the superiors might approve it, but if the applicant is Jiang Nian, there is absolutely no chance of approval.
After all, no one would approve the use of these precious materials knowing that the experiment is likely to fail.
The director of the Institute of Physics is no fool.
"I can do it. And I guarantee that I can conduct an S-level experiment within three days! Chief Engineer Xu, I was transferred to participate in the nuclear power R&D project precisely to solve the nuclear power problem. This SSS-level experiment I proposed is a concept for a nuclear power reactor. Once completed, I guarantee it will absolutely bring a qualitative leap to the development of nuclear power..."
Jiang Nian didn't want her time to be wasted. If applying for these materials herself didn't work, she would have to ask Xu Lei for help.
After all, Xu Lei, as the chief engineer of the 004 aircraft carrier, is the one who cares most about the development progress of the 004 aircraft carrier.
"Really? The SSS-level experiment you proposed is about nuclear power reactors?"
Of all the things Jiang Nian said, Xu Lei only grasped this one key point.
His eyes were fixed on Jiang Nian, as if afraid of missing any reaction from her.
"Yes, this is my experimental application, and all the required materials are listed here. Chief Engineer Xu, our time is very precious, so I certainly wouldn't dare to delay. If I can't obtain these materials myself, I can only rely on you, Chief Engineer Xu."
Jiang Nian said this very seriously.
He was prepared to devote himself wholeheartedly to the experiment during the two weeks of waiting for the materials, striving to reach the level of an SSS-level experiment.
Of course, Jiang Nian was quite confident in his abilities.
"Are you kidding me? How could someone who can barely manage a B-level experiment possibly be capable of an SSS-level experiment?"
Xie Jianguo walked in from outside, frowning, and spoke to Jiang Nian in an unfriendly tone.
He admitted that Jiang Nian was indeed very capable, having become a first-level researcher at such a young age.
However, Xie Jianguo also knew that while Jiang Nian had solid theoretical knowledge, his practical skills were quite weak.
He overheard Jiang Nian's words while he was outside the door. Jiang Nian said that he wanted to conduct an SSS-level experiment, but his application was rejected. He had come to Xu Lei to try and obtain the materials through Xu Lei.
However, if he manages to obtain the materials but is unable to conduct an SSS-level experiment, Xu Lei's reputation at the research institute will likely suffer a significant blow.
"Engineer Xie, since I've made a guarantee, I will definitely complete the SSS-level experiment. Besides, your nuclear reactor experiments have been going on for so long without success. But I can guarantee that my experiment this time will be a complete success!"
Unexpectedly, Xie Jianguo came in, and before Xu Lei could even speak, Jiang Nian spoke first.
He had initially considered handing over the data on the experimental reactor to Xie Jianguo and having his team complete the reactor experiment. However, the physical experiment process was intricate, and the slightest mistake could drastically alter the results. Despite having great confidence in Xie Jianguo's abilities, Jiang Nian decided to conduct the experiment himself to ensure everything went perfectly.
Jiang Nian's ideas were naturally incomprehensible to Xie Jianguo and Xu Lei.
At this moment, both of them felt that Jiang Nian was being somewhat blindly arrogant—he had only just completed a B-level experiment, yet he dared to boast that he could complete an SSS-level experiment.
"What guarantees do you have? This is no joke! If we really fail, who will take responsibility?"
Xie Jianguo's tone was really not good.
He even secretly wondered if he should submit a report requesting that Jiang Nian be transferred.
It's good for young people to be confident, but if they're too confident, that's not a good thing, it's foolish.
"Does every SSS-level experiment applied for by a Level 1 researcher guarantee 100% success? I don't believe it. However, I can make a solemn promise: my SSS-level experiment this time will definitely succeed. At that time, I may need Engineer Xie's assistance! After all, I cannot complete such a large-scale experiment by myself."
Jiang Nian's attitude was very firm, and while speaking, he actually proposed to sign a pledge.
His words made Xie Jianguo and Xu Lei fall into deep thought.
Could it be that Jiang Nian is really confident?
Xu Lei pondered to himself: Time waits for no one. The results of Xie Jianguo's several rounds of experiments have already come out, and the reactor has failed to meet the requirements for nuclear power.
If Jiang Nian succeeds, it will undoubtedly save them a lot of time.
The fact that Pan Jiayong personally led the team, and that the higher-ups had specifically ordered them to provide talent, demonstrates in itself that the higher-ups have absolute trust in Jiang Nian. Perhaps, I should also try to trust Jiang Nian and let him take a chance.
Moreover, Jiang Nian has already gone this far, even going so far as to sign a military pledge. Doesn't this prove that he is 100% confident? Otherwise, who would dare to easily sign a military pledge?
At this moment, Xie Jianguo's thoughts coincided with Xu Lei's.
Although he disapproved of Jiang Nian's arrogant demeanor, if Jiang Nian could truly succeed, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous good thing.
"Then it's settled. I'll apply for the necessary materials for you. But you must guarantee that your SSS-level experiment will be successful, and the reactor must be nuclear-powered; there can't be any problems!"
As soon as he said it, Xie Jianguo felt his face burning. After all, they were all researchers, and nothing like this had ever happened before—who dared to guarantee success before an experiment was truly completed?
It seems a bit too difficult for Jiang Nian, this young man, to do this.
"I promise."
Jiang Nian remained calm, confident that he wouldn't make any mistakes. Besides, Xie Jianguo would be assisting with the experiment; Xie had handled far more experiments than he had, so there was no way it would fail.
Xu Lei opened his mouth, intending to refuse Jiang Nian and Xie Jianguo's somewhat absurd decision, but swallowed his words back. (End of Chapter)