Persuasion

After hanging up, Chen Feng finally had the chance to carefully study the technology related to the Human Prosthetic Limb. He found it truly astonishing. Ordinary prosthetic limbs were relatively crude, little more than mechanical skeletons without any realistic feel.

But this Human Prosthetic Limb was entirely different. It incorporated extensive biological knowledge, and many of its materials had undergone special processing, requiring refinement from biomimetic materials.

With these silicone-like simulated materials, it could feel remarkably lifelike and fully imitate the various physical characteristics and movements of a human body.

Moreover, the technology for connecting the skeleton to the prosthetic limb was highly sophisticated. Chen Feng could now understand the relevant techniques, and he planned either to establish a new company or have Corona Technology Company directly launch this Human Prosthetic Limb.

Once the Human Prosthetic Limb was introduced, it would be a tremendous blessing for people with physical disabilities. Furthermore, it could be continuously optimized and upgraded. Eventually, whether it was eyes or other human organs, they could all be seamlessly connected.

Of course, there was still a long road ahead before this product could be launched. It did not yet have a supporting Production Line, and manufacturing it would be quite difficult. He would likely have to wait until he had substantial funding before he could begin production.

During this period, he had placed his full focus on selling the Virtual Reality Helmet and building its ecosystem.

In addition, the various preparations for the Rising Star Program were steadily moving forward. It would probably be launched within a few months. During this time, Professor Zhang called him and asked in detail about the progress, making it clear that Chen Feng had to speed things up. Every delay was torture for him.

Southwest Region of China.

China was divided into several regions. The Southwest Region was a basin known as the Land of Abundance, yet despite that reputation, it still contained many barren and impoverished mountains. Only a small portion of it was flatland.

In the southwestern part of the Southwest Region were many impoverished areas. Li Cheng was a student from one such place. He lived high in the mountains, and every day his task was to herd cattle and cut pig grass when he returned home.

Going to school was a luxury, but he was still attending. The local brigade had built a Hope Primary School where they could study for free, though simply getting to and from school each day was extremely difficult.

He had not attended school for quite some time. Recently, Li Cheng's father, who had been working away from home, returned. But his return brought little joy to the family—rather, it brought endless pain.

His father had broken his leg after falling at a construction site. Since it had been caused by improper operation on his father's part, the site had paid very little compensation.

After Li Cheng's father returned, the family suddenly lost its main pillar. His mother had spent all year farming at home and also had his grandmother and Grandfather to care for, so she had not gone out with his father. As a result, their family had become desperately poor.

Zhao Guoming was a teacher in the brigade, one of only two teachers there. Today, he crossed mountain after mountain to reach this remote Small Mountain Village.

His purpose was the little boy herding cattle on the mountain.

"Li Chuan still needs to go to school. He can't possibly stay cooped up in this mountain hollow forever like you do, can he? The outside world is far more wonderful than you imagine. Li Cheng's father, you've been outside—you know what it's like out there."

Zhao Guoming earnestly tried to persuade the family, hoping they would let their child return to school, but they refused.

"We want our child to go to school too. But if he leaves, we'll be in trouble. No one will herd the cattle, no one will cut pig grass, so he can't go. He still needs to help me with the farmwork. Look at what his father has become—we have no choice."

No matter how Zhao Guoming tried to persuade them, Li Cheng's parents stubbornly insisted that they could not let him leave. Otherwise, the family would lose its main pillar.

Li Cheng was outside herding cattle at the time and knew nothing about what was happening inside. He wanted to study too. At school, he had friends, but when herding cattle, he was alone.

Besides, the knowledge he learned from books felt incredibly magical to him—far more magical than watching cattle eat grass.

With no other choice, Zhao Guoming could only start with Li Cheng himself. He walked over to the boy.

"Child, do you want to go to school?"

"I do, Teacher."

"Then come with me. I'll pick you up and take you home every day. I promise your parents won't get angry at you."

But Li Cheng shook his head, because he saw his mother staring sternly at him.

"Forget it, Teacher. I won't go to school."

Zhao Guoming could only sit helplessly on the hillside. Looking down from the mountain at the endlessly rolling hills below, he could not help but sigh. This place was truly barren.

Even the roads had been formed by people walking over them day after day. Otherwise, there would not even be a proper path.

There were four other families like Li Cheng's here. Together with his family, the five households depended on one another for survival.

In such poor mountains and harsh terrain, there was truly no good solution. Zhao Guoming was at his wits' end.

If the boy was not allowed to study, then Li Cheng would likely herd cattle here for the rest of his life, spending his entire life in this remote, impoverished place. Perhaps his son would have the chance to study someday, or perhaps he would become like his own parents and refuse to let his son attend school.

In truth, it could not be helped. Every family had too many hardships. Li Cheng's father had originally been able to provide some financial support, but now there was nothing he could do. All the burden had fallen on Li Cheng and his mother.

Just as Zhao Guoming was at a loss, he suddenly received a call from his colleague, another teacher in town.

"What? The Rising Star Program has already reached us with funding? Good, good, good! I'll head back right away."

He tried once more to persuade Li Cheng, but found that the boy still would not budge. In the end, he could only leave in disappointment. After walking along mountain roads for over two hours, he soon returned to the school.