Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen: Two Types-Back Before the College Entrance Exam, I Became a Sensation in the Science Community(Flowing waters fill the goblet.)

Taking advantage of the opportune moment, Zheng Hongming delivered a concise yet profound lesson on confidentiality to Wu Tong. Given that she was very likely to become a leading figure in the nation's future materials science, the matter of secrecy was paramount and could not be overlooked.

Comparing her own behavior, Wu Tong felt somewhat embarrassed to realize that what she had considered cautious was, from a confidentiality standpoint, riddled with loopholes.

Fortunately, the people she sought out were trustworthy mentors who provided the best safeguards for her work.

After completing the basic procedures, Wu Tong handed over a USB drive containing the compiled data. "This includes all preparation and data for the T4 alloy. 'T4' is a convenient temporary name I’ve given it. I’ve also added a provisional section on lateral derivation that I haven’t had time to verify yet. It’s just a rough idea of mine. If needed, experiments can be arranged—it might be more suitable for turbofan engine blades."

"This is my first time working with materials, so I lack experience. I focused solely on optimizing it, and it seems I may have set the standards for T4 alloy too high!" Wu Tong crossed her hands on her knees, sitting in the posture of a model student addressing her teachers. Yet, despite her demure demeanor, her words startled everyone.

Seeing the astonishment flash in their eyes, Wu Tong thought she might have been unclear and paused, then explained, "The starting point for T4 was mainly considering airframe materials. If it’s to be used for turbofan blades, it should be refined further! My knowledge of turbofan materials is limited, and my understanding of materials science is only superficial. I simply constructed a rough material model based on the simple information that Elder Cheng just reviewed. There’s still a lot of room to fill in the details."

Her explanation only deepened the reverent gazes Zheng Hongming and Elder Cheng cast upon her, as if beholding a treasure. They often said genius inspiration was sudden and world-shaking; here before their eyes, the phenomenon was unfolding once more.

Their last amazement was from a young prodigy of the Lu family, who, with just basic information, had deciphered the structural details of the F-22 across the sea and designed the Wei Long J-20 along a path suitable for China, mastering aerodynamics with ease.

However, the nation’s aviation technology still suffered from many critical gaps—materials, engines, munitions—all of which hindered the full realization of Project 20.

Well, no need to explain further—they all understood perfectly!

The more obedient Wu Tong appeared, the fiercer her words proved.

---

On her first attempt working with materials, inexperienced and with only a shallow grasp of materials science, Wu Tong had created an extraordinary new alloy, T4 aluminum-titanium alloy. Imagine what she could achieve with more experience—truly limitless potential!

When she presented a second material model, no one doubted it for a moment. The fact was clear: the first new material, T4 titanium-aluminum alloy, was designed on a sudden whim!

Could such outstanding material design come in pairs? This was an unexpected delight!

"Let’s not trouble two masters for one matter—let’s initiate the project immediately. Wu Tong, work hard to complete the second, more suitable blade material model. Elder Cheng, please assist Wu Tong with experiments and data collection!" Another new material? One even better suited for blades? Lu Xiao smiled broadly and gave a thumbs-up. "Impressive, young lady!"

Those who had previously praised his genius should come and see this girl—she could turn an idea into a groundbreaking new material design with just a thought. That was something he could not accomplish!

Without hesitation, Lu Xiao decided, "I’ll help you get in touch with Elder Yang, chief designer of the Turbofan-15, to provide detailed data!"

If Elder Cheng’s superficial data was enough to sketch the broad contours of a material model, what could Elder Yang’s more detailed information enable?

"No problem! Elder Yang will be thrilled!" The standard T4 titanium-aluminum alloy was already more than enough for blade use and brought him great excitement. Now, hearing there was an even more promising material direction specifically for blades, he was overjoyed.

"Not to mention others, I myself am so happy I don’t know how to express it!" Elder Cheng reminisced emotionally. "Previously, researching a new material required day and night efforts, costing millions or tens of millions at best, hundreds of millions at worst. Many comrades grayed from stress, yet success was never guaranteed."

Now, with just a single thought from Wu Tong, a new material was born. They truly owed her gratitude—for saving the nation vast sums and delivering such groundbreaking results!

"Is being good at math really that impactful?" Elder Cheng pondered whether he should revisit the basics of mathematics. His students also needed stronger foundations in math. Lifelong learning was essential, and if it supported research, he would gladly start over in math no matter how tough.

But this was just a fleeting thought. Of course, being skilled in math helps advance materials science, but if math mastery alone could enable this level of innovation, the top mathematicians at Beijing University’s math department would already have their heads in the clouds! The world abounds with top-tier mathematicians, revered and supported, not to mention the free exchange of ideas driving mathematical progress.

At the core, it was Wu Tong’s brilliance—a talent bestowed upon China, a top-tier mind, truly a national treasure.

Elder Cheng exchanged a meaningful glance with Zheng Hongming: the protective measures for this child must be arranged swiftly, following the standard initiated by Lu Xiao. Other matters could wait. The child’s safety was paramount.

The value of this one child alone could equate to an entire army group. If the adversary across the sea learned of her, she would be in grave danger.

"Wu Tong, if you have any questions about materials science, feel free to come to me!" Such a child deserved all resources for cultivation. He could not predict how vast her future would be or where her limits lay.

He felt ashamed to revisit his earlier doubts. The few deficiencies Wu Tong had could be filled by any materials expert or data. To support her growth was his honor. He began to understand the conflicting feelings of the math department, who had yet to assign her a mentor: joy at encountering such a prodigy, but anxiety over not feeling worthy to teach her. Wu Tong’s talent and progress were so exceptional that being her teacher meant little could be taught—he felt unworthy.

"What other fields do you want to study? I’ll help you get in touch with the right people!"

"Thank you, teacher, for your concern and for not thinking me too slow. I’ll trouble you more in the future!" Wu Tong was delighted. She had only just touched the threshold of materials science, and to have an expert like Elder Cheng willing to generously guide her was the best possible outcome. She immediately stood, respectfully affirming their teacher-student bond.

(End of chapter)