Siheyuan: A warm home with wife and children

The influence Professor Pan mentioned refers to the current unstable public sentiment.

Social attitudes are becoming increasingly open and overly free, with more and more external interference and temptations.

Many researchers in the institute earn a fixed salary of a few thousand yuan a month, but then private companies are willing to hire them at high prices.

That price was ridiculously high.

Take a team leader who can independently manage a project team, for example; they can easily earn tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Even core staff can earn a few hundred thousand a year, not to mention someone like Professor Pan, whose earnings start at tens of millions if you join...

Yang Jianguo...

This analogy isn't quite right. If he really wanted to go, he could get shares in any technology, and he'd get the lion's share.

Unfortunately, he looked down on these things. If Yang Jianguo really wanted to make money, he wouldn't have taken this path.

With his 'foresight,' he would be the world's richest man if he wanted to be.

Putting everything else aside, just look at Li Aiguo. According to recent Forbes analysis, his net worth is at least in the tens of billions, and that's a conservative estimate...

This is still some of his funds, which he invests in charity and public welfare.

Loongson and some other projects have certainly drained his pockets.

Just because Yang Jianguo doesn't care doesn't mean others don't care; everyone needs to eat.

You said that during difficult times, we should unite as one to overcome difficulties, and being poor and tired is nothing.

But now, the country is developing, the nation is reviving, and those who are not as good as us outside are all rich. They spend their days swaggering around with their cell phones and cars, and every now and then they'll say something like, "You're so capable, how come you can't make money?"

He's uncomfortable with anyone who's on his mind, and his family is also a problem.

Seeing that those who were once less capable than her are now living a prosperous life, while her own husband, with all his skills, insists on clinging to a salary of a thousand or so yuan.

Honors? Can honors put food on the table?!

Given the current economic climate and the influence of one's spouse, it's inevitable that some people will be tempted to quit their jobs and choose to go into business for big money.

This departure sparked even more interest, but with so many people involved, the project stalled, disrupting the entire plan.

If you don't release him, it won't be appropriate. Professor Pan has been losing sleep over this for nights on end lately.

Chapter 777 Let them pursue happiness; though they may grow old, their hearts may remain young.

“Professor Pan, this is a difficulty that we must face during social transformation. I discovered it a long time ago and have made corresponding countermeasures.”

Yang Jianguo was referring to his previous actions of merging research institutions and improving the treatment and benefits of relevant personnel, all of which were for the same purpose.

In response to the series of changes brought about by social transformation, including the issues Professor Pan just mentioned.

The effect wasn't particularly good, but it wasn't nonexistent either.

In short, this general trend is unlikely to be significantly changed by human effort. Yang Jianguo has done his best, and he is powerless to go any further.

That's not just the salary, benefits, and welfare of one or two people, but the salaries, benefits, and welfare of hundreds of thousands or even millions of people.

If the standards are raised to the highest level, then he won't need to do anything. All projects will be halted, and everyone will just sit at home with their jobs, waiting to see if the tragedy of decades ago will be repeated.

This world always needs someone to sacrifice; yes, sometimes this hope may be meaningless.

But that's not actually the case; it simply carries a higher meaning, and the joy and rewards it brings are the same.

Yang Jianguo hopes that one day they can find this profound meaning and joy in it.

As for those who failed, Yang Jianguo would only offer his blessings and wish them all the best.

They have the right to pursue better things. Regardless of what others think, it is ultimately their own life, and outsiders have no right to interfere, much less make decisions for them.

"I just... sigh."

Professor Pan knew he was right; there was nothing wrong with those people's choices, including the apprentice he admired most and wanted to train with all his might to succeed him.

There is no right or wrong, only choices made after weighing the pros and cons. But it is precisely this inability to distinguish right from wrong that has left Professor Pan in a state of utter confusion.

"Let the children fly. I believe they will return when the motherland needs them."

"As for now, we old guys will have to step up for now, otherwise our old bones won't be of any use."

"Hahaha, Jianguo, what you said is really infuriating."

Xiang Shaodong laughed heartily, then curled his lip in disdain and said, "People might believe it if you said Lao Pan and I were old guys, but the way you're saying it is really annoying!"

Yang Jianguo touched his face and shook his head helplessly: "Age is what it is, it's all the same. Besides, it's just that some people age more slowly, there are plenty of people like that."

"Hey~"

Xiang Shaodong grinned and started rolling up his sleeves. Yang Jianguo took one look and turned to leave, saying as he went, "Old Xiang, I'm only letting you off the hook because you've done so much."

I've never seen you so irritable when you were young. At your age, aren't you afraid of breaking your bones in a fit of anger? You've just gotten more energetic in your old age.

"Yang Jianguo, don't leave."

Xiang Shaodong was furious, and then he himself burst out laughing.

If it really came down to a fight, he was no match for him, but he had to at least put up a fight in terms of momentum.

After following him around for half my life, am I not allowed to show off a little?

The two of them joked around and made Professor Pan feel a little better. "Minister Yang is right. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Let them live a good life!"

Yang Jianguo's words struck a chord with Professor Pan: "We've worked hard for most of our lives, isn't it all for the sake of letting future generations live a better life?"

Now that they are striving for a better life, how come I've become an obstacle?

"Never mind, I'm just getting senile."

Seeing Professor Pan shaking his head with a self-deprecating expression, Xiang Shaodong comforted him, saying, "Old Pan, we need to keep up with the times and meet with Jianguo more often. Don't let his similar age fool you; he's quite progressive in his thinking."

"Of course, he is the role model for all the workers, and everyone's hope."

Xiang Shaodong shook his head in opposition, "It's not just about relying on him; our leader is a big star among the workers."

"The only big star."

The two walked and laughed. Yang Jianguo, who was waiting outside the door, saw how happy they were and casually asked, "What are you talking about that makes you so happy?"

"It's okay, they were just saying you're a big star!"

"What big star?"

"A superstar of the working class, an idol of all workers. Jianguo, don't you know how popular you are among the workers?"

"...I know a little, but not much."

Yang Jianguo doesn't really know much because he's been away from the grassroots for much longer now, spending most of his time in a "high and mighty" position. Even if he tries to stay close to the people, he only has contact with them for a few days each month.

Furthermore, all the limited time was spent on official business, giving speeches, attending meetings, and so on.

He had no time to gossip with the masses, but he was always popular among the masses and the working class, and Yang Jianguo didn't think there was anything wrong with that.

“Jianguo, you’re blinded by your own involvement; you don’t understand your influence among the workers.”

"Do you know that there was a time when... even now, some families would say this when marrying off their daughters: 'If you're so capable, why don't you find someone like Comrade Yang Jianguo to marry back!'"

Yang Jianguo frowned and asked, "Young Master, you're exaggerating."

“I’m telling the truth, I’m not exaggerating at all.”

Seeing that he still didn't believe it, Xiang Shaodong looked at Professor Pan and said, "Why don't you ask Professor Pan? Professor Pan, you must have heard of him."

Professor Pan looked embarrassed and avoided eye contact, as if he had done something wrong.

"Old Pan, say something!"

Seeing that he didn't say anything, Xiang Shaodong nudged him with his elbow. When he noticed the strange embarrassment and evasiveness in his expression, he was first puzzled, then his eyes lit up as he looked for a possibility.

“I… Lao Pan, don’t tell me you said that too.”

Old Pan smiled awkwardly and urged the two to get in the car quickly, "I have a technical meeting to attend, so I won't see you two off. See you later, see you later."

"Ha, ha ha ha, Lao Pan, Lao Pan! Who is it? Give me an answer!"

As Xiang Shaodong teased him, Professor Pan seemed to be riding on wheels of fire, disappearing behind the gate in a trail of flames and lightning.

"I never expected that Old Pan, at his age, would still have such a childlike heart."

Yang Jianguo raised his hand and slapped him hard on the back. "Stop fooling around here, hurry up, we have important business to attend to!"

"...cough, cough~"

Almost choking on his breath, Xiang Shaodong's eyes widened as he coughed violently, stumbling as he got into the car, "Jianguo, you...you're trying to kill me! I, cough cough, if I'm gone, who'll clean up your mess?"

Chapter 778 Abandon Illusions, Be Prepared at All Times

Without Butcher Zhang, we can't eat pigs with hair on.

But when we'll actually be able to eat pork is still an unknown.

Xiang Shaodong did indeed help him a lot, both in research and development and in administration.

Sometimes Yang Jianguo felt fortunate that he had met him back then and had not missed such a talent.

"Young Master, progress needs to be fast, but also steady."

"Make it public... Delay it for a while, don't let it leak or disappear yet."

Xiang Shaodong nodded knowingly and said, "If anyone asks, just say it's a normal power plant. Anyway, we're using our own people, so we're not afraid of leaks."

The entire construction project was handed over to the military, so secrecy was not an issue.

Now, it remains to be seen when someone will discover the truth and expose their lies.

"If that day really comes, we can explain it! We can just say it was a temporary technological breakthrough that led to the changes, which is perfectly normal, right?"

Xiang Shaodong disagreed, questioning whether it was normal for the nuclear power plant to suddenly become controllable.

I can only say that I am of limited knowledge and ability.

"However, regarding the founding of the nation... you'll need to keep a close eye on the finances."

Technology is one aspect, and government funding is another. Without money, nothing can be done. The research team's remaining funds are not enough to undertake such a large project.

"When I get back, I'll call a meeting to discuss this matter."

The Ministry of Industry still has a surplus of funds this year, and several million dollars remain from the funds previously allocated to the research and development team.

But compared to what they want to do, this amount of money is a drop in the ocean; even if you throw it in, it won't make a sound.

To get this done well, we need to report to our superiors and seek more support.

Back in his office, Yang Jianguo called Lu Hong in. "Contact Loongson and see how much money they have left. Give me a figure... Also, call everyone to a meeting in 40 minutes."

After giving the instructions, Yang Jianguo sat in his seat for a while, lost in thought, before picking up the red phone on the table.

"I am Yang Jianguo. I would like to meet with the Grand Elder tomorrow morning... Yes, it's better to discuss the latest progress of the research and development team in person."

No member of the Presbyterian Council can be met at will.

However, Yang Jianguo had absolute priority with the Third Elder, who is now the First Elder. His matters were always answered immediately, and his requests for meetings were generally successful.

As long as the Grand Elder is in Beijing and doesn't have any important international meetings or foreign guests scheduled, he will definitely be the first in line.

"Minister Yang, we've arranged a time for you. The Grand Elder invites you to have breakfast together at 5:35 tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, I will be there on time."

After notifying the Imperial City Office and arranging a meeting time with the Grand Elder, Yang Jianguo began organizing all the data again.

According to the data they collected, research in other countries is still in the experimental stage, and even so-called leading countries like Japan and the United States do not have much of an advantage in this regard.

At a temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, 10 minutes is already the limit.

The most critical issue lies in the furnace's load-bearing capacity.

Simply put, it boils down to two words: materials.

Temperatures exceeding those of the sun would result in dangerous and deadly radiation, even with the control of a tokamak magnetic cage.

Without a sufficiently strong outer shell, the continuous outward radiation alone can destroy all efforts.

Therefore, before breakthroughs are made in materials, deeper research is limited to the theoretical stage.

But now, they have broken through the constraints of materials and pushed controlled nuclear fusion directly from the theoretical and experimental stages to the practical field.