CHAPTER 290: CHAPTER 290: BITING OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW

Lanyue Star Military Academy, Professor Ye Hong’s laboratory.

Professor Ye Hong personally corrected all of today’s homework. Then, he began meticulously inspecting his work instruments and equipment.

Beside him stood a tall and handsome young man, next to him was a tall and sweet-looking girl. As the two watched the scene, they hurried to help, but Professor Ye Hong stopped them with a wave of his hand, saying, "Just sit aside for now, I am used to taking care of my own equipment. Only in this way can I always understand the condition of the equipments and know if it will have an adverse effect on material processing."

The young man looked on admiringly and said, "We all have much to learn from the teacher’s spirit."

Ye Hong glanced at him and said, "You young people are all too dependent on machines, on artificial intelligence, not realizing that only hands-on effort can cultivate meticulous craftsmanship and research truly good materials."

The girl, hearing these words, hurriedly searched for compliments to offer, and with a face full of extreme admiration and respect, she said, "Professor embodies the true spirit of craftsmanship."

Ye Hong looked at the two and almost imperceptibly sighed, saying, "I hope you’re not just paying lip service, but truly aspire to have the spirit of craftsmen."

Talking is easy, isn’t it? The tongue rolls, and words come out with ease.

But how difficult is doing it? Fewer and fewer people nowadays can truly settle down and refine their skills with a calm mind, without pride or impatience, like they have been diligently focused on their research for decades.

Sigh~

With Professor Ye Hong’s words, both the young man and girl nodded their heads repeatedly and agreed, "Yes! We will take the teacher’s/professor’s teachings to heart."

It was then Professor Ye Hong asked, "Nolan, what did you want to see me about?"

A trace of discomfort flashed across the handsome face of Nolan Augustine, but he still voiced his request, saying, "Teacher... I have encountered some problems in my recent research, several puzzles that I cannot solve no matter how much I ponder. I have heard that you are acquainted with Master Kong Zhe, thus I wish to ask for your help in making an introduction." As he spoke, Nolan Augustine kept an eye on Professor Ye Hong’s expression. Noticing his teacher’s mood shift at his words, he nevertheless pressed on, "If it’s inconvenient for you, or if Master Kong Zhe is unavailable to meet, that is also fine. I have left a copy of the problems I’ve encountered here, hoping only that Master Kong Zhe would be willing to take a glance and resolve my doubts."

Professor Ye Hong had a stern face and remained silent.

The atmosphere was a bit tense.

Xu Siyu, standing to the side, was getting a bit anxious, thought for a moment, and quickly started explaining to Senior Nolan, "Professor... Senior Nolan has been dedicated to the study of Soul Device Manufacturing recently, and he nearly succeeded several times, but failed at the last step. Actually... Whether in producing materials or researching Soul Device Manufacturing, Senior Nolan has been extremely diligent, not neglecting any coursework. Moreover, we’ve found that Soul Device Manufacturing also requires material processing, even more advanced techniques. So... I think Senior Nolan’s study of Soul Device Manufacturing does enhance the material techniques he has."

Xu Siyu finished speaking, feeling slightly uneasy herself.

Professor Ye Hong’s temperament was actually quite easy to figure out; he liked students who are focused, serious, and creative! What he despised most were those who dabble in everything but master nothing. After Xu Siyu enrolled, she specifically acted according to Professor Ye Hong’s preferences, thus she greatly won his appreciation and heavy regard, which also made her thrive at school...

But Xu Siyu knew that, no matter how capable or skilled she was, the best path in the future would be to join a prestigious laboratory as a specialist in material processing. When Mechanical Manufacturing Masters and Mechanical Manufacturers create a world-renowned product, the biggest beneficiaries are those Artifact Makers, not the little assistants responsible for material processing...

Therefore—

Material processing as a career, simply doesn’t have great prospects.

She wanted to become famous.

She longed for the world’s attention, longed for a life of luxury... Thus, she had no fondness for a profession steeped in obscurity.

Being able to cling to Nolan Augustine was an unexpected joy.

Xu Siyu was unwilling to let go of the connection with Senior Nolan; if he could become a soul artifact maker, then—it would be more beneficial for her future. So she was even more anxious than Nolan Augustine himself about this matter.

The urgency in Xu Siyu’s heart was not reflected on her face as she looked at Professor Ye Hong and, in order to persuade this stubborn old man, she mustered her courage to say, "Professor... During this time, I have seen Senior Nolan making progress in both learning soul artifact manufacturing and in the field of material technology. Look—here are some materials I secretly brought over."

A flash of surprise passed across Nolan’s face: "Si Yu, how did you bring these materials here?"

Xu Siyu blushed slightly and said softly, "It was Si Yu who decided on her own; I hope Senior Nolan won’t blame me."

Nolan was good-tempered, showing no sign of anger.

Professor Ye Hong’s face, however, turned from dark to darker. Before taking the materials from Xu Siyu, he scolded, "Biting off more than one can chew! How many times do I have to say it before you understand?" Nolan Augustine was a student he had always placed great hope in.

Xu Siyu was a rising star, and both were considered outstanding prospects by Professor Ye Hong, but what happened?

These two had actually chosen a fringe path, intending to cross the lone bridge of soul artifact manufacturing?

Little did they know, was soul artifact manufacturing that easy?

"Ridiculous!"

"Absolutely ridiculous!"

Professor Ye Hong cursed under his breath, but he still took the materials and examined them closely. As he looked, the anger in his eyes diminished slightly, but his tone remained very stern. "It looks improved, but it’s only been refined, and the actual application is not ideal. Do you really think your ideas are very advanced and creative? Let me tell you the truth, hundreds of years ago, people already linked material processing with soul artifact manufacturing, but why has no one really done it until now? They failed! There are countless cases of failure, and that is how our current manufacturing system came to be!"

"Naive!"

He was so angry, he nearly blew his beard and stared.

Hearing this, both Nolan and Xu Siyu’s faces flashed with embarrassment.

Professor Ye Hong glanced at the two and scolded them violently for a while. Both listened obediently, without daring to be disrespectful or fervently refute. After a good amount of scolding, Professor Ye Hong felt tired and couldn’t help but sigh, waving his hand, "Forget it, since you won’t be convinced until you’re facing the Yellow River’s end, I’ll indulge you. List the problems for me, and I’ll send them to Master Kong Zhe."

Both of them rejoiced at the news.

Xu Siyu was especially grateful and quickly said, "Thank you, Professor. With your help in making introductions, Senior Nolan’s research will definitely break through quickly."

Professor Ye Hong snorted lightly: "Hmph."