Here!

"FASTER, okay, then FASTER." Director Zhan knew that Shen Qi's hobby was stargazing at night. Shen Qi had published two popular science articles on astrophysics in Science.

The project code name that Academician Nan gave to China's "Sky Eye" Radio Telescope was FAST. He hoped that China Sky Eye could be completed as soon as possible, and that China could join the ranks of the world's top countries in the field of astrophysics and cosmology research.

Shen Qi paid tribute to the senior members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences by using the project code name FASTER. He Academician Nan were not doing the same thing, but he knew that Academician Nan in heaven would certainly hope that he could do it faster and better.

Director Zhan only mentioned the direction of the FASTER project, without specifying which type of Metallic Plastic to be developed; the specific details were left to Shen Qi to handle.

Shen Qi personally drafted a detailed project proposal, highlighting that Metallic Plastic with different structures and compositions possess different properties and application prospects.

In theory, Metallic Plastic are the best materials for manufacturing nanoscale and microscale devices.

Nanoscale and microscale devices can also be used in the manufacturing of high-precision instruments and equipment. High-precision instruments and equipment are used to develop and produce high-tech products or parts, such as aerospace, medical, and defense, creating a chain reaction.

As he wrote, Shen Qi would occasionally flip through his 500-page book, "Review of Condensed Matter Physics Structure." This monograph was a treasure trove; he would browse through it whenever he had free time to find inspiration.

The Chinese version of this physics monograph was published by Yanjing University Press and is now available in China. Sales are so-so, as it is not easily understood by the average person and is mainly read by professionals in the Physics Community.

The Chinese version of the monograph brings in a pittance of income, but if Shen Qi wants to earn a little more in sales commission, he still has to rely on the overseas version of "Review of Condensed Matter Physics Structure".

By referring to the materials he had written, Shen Qi completed the project proposal for FASTER.

The report states that, based on the three rules and one equation of Condensed Matter Physics proposed by the author, the goal of the FASTER project is to develop a Ce-based or Ce-containing binary or ternary amorphous material. This novel Metallic Plastic material could theoretically form a certain type of Metallic Plastic product and has the potential for rapid commercialization.

Ce stands for cerium, a rare earth element.

Why did I choose Ce-based amorphous materials as my starting point? Because Ce-based amorphous materials contain tightly packed, icosahedral-like atomic clusters.

This coincides with the local quintic symmetry rule for amorphous physics that I proposed.

While verifying my theoretical system, it can also produce applied results. This task is most suitable for me, Shen Qi. I am sure I can complete it quickly and well.

Therefore, I request that the government provide me with the necessary research funding and personnel to ensure the smooth progress of the FASTER project.

The government quickly approved. "Give it to me!"

The country attaches great importance to Shen Qi's first project after being promoted to academician. The first budget for the FASTER project was approved quickly, amounting to 30 million yuan.

The company will also provide additional funding, reportedly more.

The background of this project is clear: it is led by the state, involves industry-academia-research collaboration, and Shen Qi serves as the Chief Scientist, taking full responsibility for advancing the FASTER project.

With money and government support, Chief Shen lacks people, capable assistants.

Such a large project, linked to industry, cannot be accomplished by Yang Ding Tian alone.

Shen Qi arrived at the dean's office of the Yanjing University Physics Department and said very sincerely to Dean Ning, "I'm sure Dean Ning has heard that I've just taken over a Metallic Plastic research and development project. This task came urgently, and I'm short-staffed. I can't find suitable physics researchers in the short term. Doesn't your Physics Department have several Condensed Matter Physics teams? Could you lend me some people for a while? Thank you."

Shen Qi clasped his hands together and bowed first.

Dean Ning readily agreed, "No problem, how many people do you need?"

Shen Qi held up his hand and flipped it over. "Ten is enough."

Dean Ning nearly coughed up blood. "Ten? That's too many! I thought you only wanted two or three."

"This project is application-oriented and requires a large number of researchers to conduct experiments. If it only requires two or three people, would I need to personally ask you to borrow them?"

"Chief Shen, such a large project requires a lot of researchers to conduct experiments, and your center's equipment is not enough, so we still have to conduct the experiments at the Institute of Physics, right?" Dean Ning asked tremblingly.

Shen Qi nodded. "That's right, our Physics Institute has the most advanced equipment in the country."

Dean Ning laughed as he spoke, but then his laughter turned to tears. "I provided the manpower, the venue, the equipment—what did I get out of it all?!"

Yeah, what's Dean Ning after? FASTER isn't a project of the Physics Department.

Shen Qi said, "Dean Ning, let's look at it another way. As the Chief Scientist, I'm actually the project manager. I'm responsible for securing projects, finding funding, and overseeing project progress. In the FASTER national key project, there's no Shen Qi Mathematical and Physical Research Center or Yanjing University Physics Department. We're all Yenching University people; this is a Yenching University project."

"That makes sense, but let me digest it and calm down." Dean Ning took a sip of chrysanthemum tea to regulate his endocrine system.

After catching his breath, Dean Ning finally understood that Chief Shen had managed to get something for nothing with just his words.

To get something for nothing, you need real skills; whoever can secure projects and funding has the ability.

Dean Ning, a veteran Party member, naturally prioritizes national interests and the collective reputation of Yenching University: "Here's what we'll do. I'll circulate this message within the Physics Department, limiting it to 10 spots. Whoever wants to join your FASTER Project Team, I won't stop them; it's entirely up to the personal wishes of my colleagues in the Physics Department. Chief Scientist Shen, let me be clear from the outset: if no one wants to join your project group, don't blame me. We researchers value democracy, and we always put the will of the people first."

"Yes, thank you for your understanding and support, Dean Ning." Shen Qi bowed and took his leave.

A few days later, Shen Qi ran into Dean Ning on his way to work.

Dean Ning turned and ran as soon as he saw Shen Qi.

"Hey, Dean Ning, don't run away!" Shen Qi caught up with the nearly 60-year-old Dean Ning in a few strides and asked, "Am I a demon or a monster? Why are you running away when you see me?"

"You're such a boss!" Dean Ning said, both amused and exasperated. "Didn't you want to borrow 10 people for the FASTER project? I've already taken care of it for you. They'll report to you today. I'll give you a list later. That's all, I have to go to a meeting now, I'm busy."

After Shen Qi inquired, he learned that the news of the shortage of people in the FASTER project he was in charge of had spread within the School of Physics. The number of applicants was enthusiastic, and the 10 spots were quickly filled. Almost all the front-line scientific researchers at the level of assistant researcher or above in the School of Physics applied to join Shen Qi's project team.

After receiving the list of volunteers, Shen Qi sought out a researcher to inquire, "Brother, why do you want to join my project team? Don't give me any empty platitudes; I want to hear the truth."

Researcher: "You treat your subordinates well, your team has a high degree of freedom and a harmonious atmosphere."

Shen Qi: "Anything else?"

Researcher: "You have a big reputation and a high ranking in the industry. I heard that if your name is used in a journal, they won't even charge the publication fee."

Shen Qi: "Please continue."

Researcher: "You have connections at the top, a strong background, and a lot of approved funding. Following you will be promising; we can really make our mark. Nobody wants to work on a project with a cowardly leader."

Shen Qi: "Bro, you're such a straight man. Anything else?"

Researcher: "Your center has many beautiful women, which is beneficial to their physical and mental health and team harmony."

Shen Qi laughed, "Brother, you have a bright future. Tang Yuan, right? You're the one! My project team welcomes you!"