After showing Director Chang his plan, Ji Ting took out a list of materials and asked whether he could help borrow them.
"I've advanced all the money in my account to the construction crew. I can synthesize some of the materials on this list, but I really can't afford the raw materials for the fluid medium or the fuel, including the coating additives."
Since several items on the list were experimental materials costing hundreds of thousands per gram, Ji Ting stressed, "I'll write you an IOU. Once I've saved up enough, I'll definitely pay it back."
Seeing how scrupulous he was, Director Chang chuckled. "What do you need an IOU for? Once I report this to the higher-ups, the government will have it sorted in no time..."
"No." Ji Ting's tone was serious. "This isn't for work. It's a personal matter. I can't mix the two."
"All right, all right. I'll keep a record for you and make sure you pay it back." Director Chang smiled helplessly.
With the materials settled, Director Chang went over the plan again and suggested lending him some staff. "I know you're perfectly capable of doing it yourself, but you can leave some of the simpler tasks to others, like this settling simulation or modifying the equipment. Time is a cost too, after all."
Especially Ji Ting's time. That cost was truly astronomical.
Ji Ting thought it over and agreed that he had a point. "Then I'm sorry to trouble you with that as well."
"No trouble at all." Director Chang grinned so broadly that his eyes nearly disappeared. "To tell you the truth, aside from the day I married my wife, this is the happiest day of my life."
Ji Ting's lips curved slightly too. "Uncle Chang, I'm getting married as well."
Director Chang