That was true enough. The academicians nodded and went on eating.
But before long, everyone's chopsticks suddenly stopped.
Wait!
A researcher this young + getting into the nuclear research institute at a time like this + not belonging to any scientific research institute-didn't that = Chief Engineer 2.0?
Academician Zheng quietly picked up the pace of eating. Academician Feng hurried to finish the last two mouthfuls of soup, while Academician Li simply put down his chopsticks.
"I just remembered that our group's data still needs compiling. Take your time, everyone. I'll be off first."
But before he could take that first step, someone else beat him to it.
"Yanzhi."
Ji Yanzhi looked up to see Director Chang approaching him. "Uncle Chang."
"I was just saying I should go find you." Director Chang glanced around him. "Where's Little Ji? Didn't he come with you?"
"He's still asleep. I brought some food from home and came to ask the chef to heat it up."
Director Chang smiled. "Little Ji must be happy you're here, right?"
"Mm..." Ji Yanzhi raised his eyebrows slightly. "He's certainly happy, but..."
Before he could finish, Academician Li came over to greet them. "Chang, here for lunch?"
After the two exchanged a few pleasantries, Director Chang made an introduction. "Yanzhi, this is Academician Li from the Plasma Physics Research Institute."
Ji Yanzhi shook his hand. "Hello, Academician Li."
Director Chang was about to introduce Ji Yanzhi when Academician Li looked over with a beaming smile. "Is this young fellow from your institute?"
"Hm?" Director Chang paused, then chuckled. "Of course not."
Academician Li breathed a sigh of relief, then abruptly turned to Ji Yanzhi. "Young Yan, what did you major in at university? What's your current research focus?"
Director Chang immediately realized he had misunderstood. "Now, Li, he's..."