He asked, "If we're not using these to build an ocean ranch, what are they for?"
Lu Ao said with complete confidence, "I'm planning to write a paper!"
Song Zhou: "Hm?"
Lu Ao had only graduated with a bachelor's degree. He had not been the academic type when he was in school, and his parents had already passed away by then. He had to handle everything at home by himself and did not have much money for school, so after graduating, he went out and opened a supermarket.
The term "paper" seemed to have nothing to do with him. Song Zhou had no idea why he wanted to write one.
Lu Ao set down the materials in his hands, sat in a lounge chair in the courtyard, and said, "Didn't I go talk to Director Hou today? He doesn't think highly of our project. He thinks there are too many unresolved issues with ocean ranches and that they could easily leave behind future problems, so he refused to approve it."
Lu Ao had already told Song Zhou about this over WeChat that morning.
Song Zhou patted his leg in consolation. "What do we do now? Should I put in a word with the relevant people?"
"No." Lu Ao waved his hand, his eyes gleaming with defiance as he leaned forward slightly. "Isn't he questioning the academic side of things? Then I'll answer him with an academic paper. I'll write a paper that clearly addresses every one of his doubts and make him concede wholeheartedly."
Song Zhou had not expected him to take this route. Looking at him, he asked, "What if you finish the paper and the director still isn't convinced?"
"Then we'll think of something else. Once I write the paper, if I can get it published and gain