Chapter 4: Preparing for Construction

"Even professional nuclear physicists might not be able to design a plan as complete and thorough as his!" Cai Hao exclaimed in astonishment.

"Are you sure this was written by a student?" Dong Chen asked.

"Yes," Zhang Boyan replied solemnly. "One of my students just submitted it to me today."

"I thought it was just a regular assignment, but I didn't expect... this student is truly extraordinary!" he marveled.

Cai Hao said, "According to his experimental design, if all his conditions are met, he might actually build this miniature nuclear fission reactor!"

At the mention of this, the three professors grew uneasy. Letting a student build a nuclear reactor, even a miniature one, just seemed too dangerous!

"Old Zhang, we need to discuss this seriously," the three of them had lost their appetite. He Xingzhou’s application had made them realize that their school had produced a genius.

Dong Chen spoke first: "The idea is impressive, but after all, this is a nuclear experiment. Letting a student handle it is too risky."

Zhang Boyan disagreed. "You can’t say that. Wouldn’t that just stifle his passion for scientific exploration?"

"In the United States, some universities have had students build miniature nuclear reactors! American schools allow and support students in scientific exploration—why can't we?"

Cai Hao nodded. "Old Zhang is right. From this application, you can tell the student has put a lot of effort into designing this experiment."

"He has spent several years studying nuclear physics and has learned it very well."

"A student like this will undoubtedly become a pillar of the nation! Our university is meant to cultivate talent for the country, and now we have such a promising young talent. If we don’t support him, aren’t we just killing his passion for science?"

Dong Chen thought for a moment. "What you say makes sense, but we alone cannot make this decision. His experiment will definitely require a nuclear physics lab and professional personnel to ensure safety."

"Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll talk to the president. If he agrees, we’ll approve the experimental application and submit it to the National Nuclear Safety Administration for review."

"Good!" Zhang Boyan agreed. "I’ll talk to the student again to see if he really has the talent."

Such a significant matter couldn’t be taken lightly, so Zhang Boyan wanted to confirm once more.

"That’s settled then."

---

He Xingzhou never expected that because of his application, the dean of the Physics Department and two professors would lose their appetite at lunch, hastily eating before diving into studying his proposal.

Zhang Boyan invited He Xingzhou to his office to discuss the application.

After several rounds of questions and answers, Zhang Boyan was convinced the application was truly written by He Xingzhou.

He said with relief, "Your understanding of nuclear physics is remarkable. Whether or not the experiment is approved, I hope you continue to pursue your studies."

"You’re a junior this year, right? I hope you keep going. When you get to graduate school, even doctoral studies, I’ll be your advisor."

"Thank you, Professor Zhang. I will keep working hard," He Xingzhou said gratefully. Becoming Zhang Boyan's graduate or doctoral student was a rare honor, highly sought after.

"I still hope the experiment passes," He Xingzhou said. He hoped to use the reactor to study the mutations of the Zerg, to warn the world.

...

In the president’s office, Liu Yuan, president of Capital Technology University, was discussing the matter with Physics Dean Dong Chen.

Dong Chen said, "I spoke with the professors, and they unanimously agree we should support this student. Whether his experiment succeeds or fails, it reflects our university’s mission to cultivate scientific talent for the nation."

Liu Yuan asked doubtfully, "Are you sure the experiment can proceed?"

Dong Chen replied, "Several physics professors have reviewed it and confirmed there is no problem."

Liu Yuan pondered for a moment and asked, "What about the cost of materials and safety?"

"He’s designing a miniature nuclear fission reactor that won’t produce a sustained nuclear reaction. So the nuclear fuel issue is manageable and not costly. Professor Zhang Boyan is willing to oversee the entire experiment to ensure safety."

"This miniature reactor theoretically poses no threat to the school. And since it will be conducted in the nuclear physics lab, there’s even less cause for concern."

After hearing this, Liu Yuan said, "In that case, approve it. Let’s hope this student doesn’t disappoint us."

"Let’s hope so," Dong Chen said.

---

He Xingzhou’s experiment application was approved, stamped by both the university and the Nuclear Safety Administration. When he began the experiment, dedicated safety personnel would come to inspect and ensure all safety protocols were followed.

Upon hearing the news, He Xingzhou breathed a sigh of relief, but his roommates were going wild.

In the dormitory, several roommates were shouting.

"This is absolutely ridiculous!" Wang Jiahao shouted, staring at the approval document. "A nuclear experiment got approved? I don’t know what to say!"

Zhang Yang said, "I have a feeling I’m about to witness a rising star in the physics world!"

Feng Tao said, "Whether it succeeds or not, He Xingzhou is already famous!"

He Xingzhou calmly said, "Let’s wait until the experiment succeeds. Actually building a nuclear reactor is quite difficult."

"What do you mean 'quite difficult'?" Wang Jiahao shouted. "It’s freaking hell-level difficult!"

"Honestly, it’s one thing if you have to build the reactor device yourself, but why don’t you even have nuclear fuel? I can’t imagine how you’re going to get nuclear fuel."

"This stuff is strategic material; international trade of it is banned," Zhang Yang chimed in. "Hey He, I just realized your experiment can’t really happen. You don’t have nuclear fuel—how do you plan to build a reactor? Are you making a model?"

"What’s the point of a model?" Feng Tao asked.

"It’s not a model," He Xingzhou emphasized. "I can get the nuclear fuel myself. Didn’t the school approve some funding? Although it’s only a few tens of thousands of yuan, it’s enough."

The three roommates were speechless. "A few tens of thousands? You can buy nuclear fuel with that? Are you kidding us?"

Wang Jiahao asked, "Where exactly do you plan to buy nuclear fuel?"

He Xingzhou said, "Online, of course—Taobao, Pinduoduo, Xianyu (the secondhand marketplace). If all else fails, I can even go to a scrapyard."

"You might as well just buy an atomic bomb online!" The others were at a loss for words. How could anyone buy such things online? It was absurd.