Tian Ming, who had just been released on bail, had been at the West Continent Academy of Science and Technology for less than a month.
He never imagined that he would be the one selected to meet with the high-ranking executives of Tian'ou Group.
"Hehehe, Tian Ming, there's no need to be so formal with me. Just call me 'teacher' like you used to,"
The president of the West Continent Academy of Science and Technology said with a faint smile as he looked at Tian Ming.
"Think about it. You used to work at Battleaxe Military Industries, and recently, many people have had issues with you—you've noticed that, haven't you?"
"If the others see you now able to stand beside me and even talk to the president of Tian'ou Group, don't you think they'll be more willing to cooperate with you from now on?"
Hearing this, Tian Ming suddenly understood, his eyes showing a look of gratitude.
The president's name was Sun Xingxue.
Back when the old Orland regime was still in power, he had already served as the president of the Orland Academy of Science and Technology.
Now, he has been engaged in scientific research for nearly forty years.
He was also the one who had suggested to the executives at Tian'ou Group that Tian Ming be released on bail—Tian Ming's former mentor at the academy.
"Thank you, Teacher. I'll go prepare now."
Tian Ming naturally knew that with his current unkempt appearance and scruffy beard, it would be inappropriate to meet with the president of Tian'ou Group at the academy.
So after thanking Sun Xingxue, he respectfully exited the office.
Sitting at his desk, Sun Xingxue watched Tian Ming's tall and lean figure leave the office. His smile slowly faded, and he let out a long sigh.
This once-proud student of his had been extraordinarily gifted and diligent back in the academy.
Unfortunately, he himself had been too preoccupied with research and didn't pay enough attention to the student, allowing him to be recruited by Battleaxe Military Industries.
Who could have predicted that his talented protégé would be ruined by the environment at Battleaxe, even having his personality altered?
"I hope there's still time to turn things around.
At least he didn't neglect his research over the years. With this work environment, maybe he can gradually return to who he used to be. Sigh."
Shaking his head in regret over Tian Ming's past, the white-haired Sun Xingxue looked at the photo on his laptop sent moments ago by Sun Dewang—it was of the president of Tian'ou Group.
"Hm? So young?"
He couldn't help but be surprised, muttering to himself.
This president was far too young. He couldn't imagine how someone of that age could be entrusted with such an important position.
"Well, politics and administration aren't my concern. As a researcher, I shouldn't dwell on these things."
Sun Xingxue closed his laptop, stood from his seat, and walked to the wall to put on the white lab coat hanging there.
Judging by the estimated arrival time Sun Dewang had given him, the young Tian'ou president should be arriving at the academy any moment now.
Hopefully, he would value scientific development—and not be like those past corporate presidents who only made a mess in pursuit of profit.
——
"The surroundings here are nice, but it's so remote. I'm surprised Yunhai City didn't designate this area as part of the development zone."
Lin Lan, sitting in the front passenger seat, commented as he gazed at the plains outside the window.
Sitting in the driver's seat, Sui Qiong had not activated autopilot, instead volunteering to drive himself.
Hearing this, Sui Qiong tilted his small head slightly, not quite understanding what Lin Lan meant.
The West Continent Academy of Science and Technology was technically located on the outskirts of Yunhai City, but the area around it was a vast, empty plain with barely any buildings.
It was clear this place hadn't been developed in recent years.
If not for the distant view of Yunhai City's skyscrapers under the overcast sky, Lin Lan would have found it hard to believe that such a remote area could house a high-end research institute vital to the Orland United States.
"Hehehe, maybe the academy chose such a sparsely populated place specifically for experiments and testing,"
From the back seat, Agir said with a mischievous smile as she looked out the window while brushing her silver hair.
Lin Lan nodded slightly—that explanation did make sense.
But another question arose in his mind.
Normally, it was indeed reasonable to build experimental testing sites in such remote areas, but a research institute of this caliber should at least have an office building within the city.
Even though it had now become a subsidiary of Tian'ou Group, it was still hard to believe they wouldn't even set up a proper external office.
Considering that Tian'ou Group was lagging behind Battleaxe Military Industries in terms of wisdom cube technology application, and most of the ship equipment research results in that field had already been sold to the Navy Department, Lin Lan began to form a suspicion.
Of course, he'd have to wait until he arrived at the West Continent Academy of Science and Technology to confirm it.
While he pondered, Agir continued:
"After all, if weapons testing were done in a city, who knows what kind of accidents might happen? Didn't a certain shady merchant do that in the port district before?"
With that, Agir's golden eyes glanced toward the green-haired Sakura Empire loli sandwiched between her and Ulrich in the back seat.
"Nyah! That was Yuubari's fault! You can't pin that on me, nya!"
Upon hearing Agir's words, Akashi's cat ears perked up as she immediately objected:
"Besides, that accident involved chemical weapon materials prepared by your own Ironblood U-73! Who knew she'd swap the ingredients for tea leaves?
Of course there'd be an explosion, nya!"
As his shipgirls bickered and reminisced about port incidents he wasn't even aware of, Lin Lan couldn't help but chuckle.
Yuubari was a light cruiser from the Sakura Empire, specializing in weapons research in the port.
She was responsible for many of the black-tech innovations in the port and was also a cute black-haired fox girl who called the Commander "Master."
U-73, on the other hand, was one of Ironblood's wolfpack submarines—a lively, self-proclaimed "big sister" with long dark purple hair and red eyes.
In the game, both of U-73's alternate skins involved chemical experimentation, holding test tubes or glass distillation flasks.
Clearly, this self-proclaimed big sister truly loved chemistry.
Unfortunately, judging by what Akashi said, U-73's chemistry skills may not quite match her passion...
U-73 was still at the Ironblood Fortress, but she should be arriving at the port soon along with Friedrich der Große and the others.
As Lin Lan listened to the chatter and reminisced about his shipgirls' quirks, a group of white buildings and a surrounding wall appeared ahead as Sui Qiong drove.
They had arrived at the West Continent Academy of Science and Technology.
Sui Qiong steadily brought the vehicle to a stop at the gatehouse in front of the wall, and Lin Lan and his group all stepped out of the car.
Surrounded by open plains, the cold wind slapped against Lin Lan's face, giving him a real sense that winter had truly arrived.
Two Tian'ou Group security guards in camouflage uniforms spotted them and immediately stood at attention, saluting with respect.
Lin Lan nodded to the two guards, then looked up at the white plaque above the gatehouse:
Orland United States West Continent Academy of Science and Technology.
From inside the gatehouse, two men in white lab coats came walking out to greet them.
One was tall and thin, wearing round glasses, with a pale, unhealthy complexion like someone who stayed up late regularly.
The other had snow-white hair and looked over sixty, but he stood tall and straight, clearly someone who exercised often and was full of vigor.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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