Howard deliberately emphasized the word "misunderstanding" in an attempt to give Mingzhao a way out.

Mingzhao's clear gaze lingered on Huo Hua's serious face for a few seconds before turning to Liu Wenjun, who was pale-faced and had pleading and bewildered eyes.

She seemed to be genuinely considering Howard's words, or rather, assessing the connection between the stalemate and Jiang Feng's hopes.

The courtyard was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

It felt like an eternity had passed.

Mingzhao finally nodded very slightly.

"Okay." She uttered a single word, which was her way of agreeing to go to the research institute to discuss the matter.

Liu Wenjun's heart, which had been in her throat, suddenly fell back into her stomach. She breathed a long sigh of relief, as if she had just been pulled back from the brink of drowning.

Anyway, it's good that you're willing to go! There's still a chance!

"Great! Mingzhao! Let's go now! The dean is still waiting!"

Fearing that Mingzhao might change his mind, Liu Wenjun urged him on, a glimmer of hope rekindling on her face.

...

Northern Machinery Research Institute. Director's Office.

The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.

Zhang Mingyuan sat behind his large desk, his face as gloomy as the sky before a storm.

He tapped his fingers impatiently on the mahogany tabletop, making muffled "thud, thud, thud" sounds, each tap striking Liu Wenjun's taut nerves.

His sharp, scrutinizing gaze, like a searchlight, mercilessly swept over Mingzhao, who stood beside Liu Wenjun.

Mingzhao calmly looked back at him, her eyes clear, without the slightest unease or fear, as if she were simply observing an ordinary experimental subject.

Her calm and absolute confidence, so out of place with her surroundings, made Zhang Mingyuan start to have some doubts.

“Comrade Mingzhao,” Zhang Mingyuan finally spoke, his voice carrying a deliberately suppressed coldness, “Regarding your application to assemble core components at home, LiuGong has already relayed the research institute’s regulations. This is a red line, and it cannot be crossed!”

He paused, leaned forward slightly, and said with a condescending air of pressure, "However, considering that you are new here and unfamiliar with the rules and regulations, and also taking into account Comrade Jiang Feng's special circumstances, on behalf of the research institute, I can make an exception and give you a chance."

Liu Wenjun's heart jumped instantly, and she looked at Zhang Mingyuan nervously.

“As long as you,” Zhang Mingyuan’s gaze locked onto Mingzhao like a hawk, “submit all the detailed drawings of the ‘mechanical leg’ project you designed for Comrade Jiang Feng, including all the technical details such as the core structure, energy conduction, and neural interface, to the institute’s technical archives for filing, and sign a technology transfer agreement to clarify its ownership.”

"Therefore, as recognition and trust in your technical capabilities, I can grant you special permission to take some non-core, low-sensitivity materials from your required materials list home for preliminary... well, parts processing. Of course, the assembly of core components and final testing must be completed in the institute's designated laboratory under full supervision!"

After Zhang Mingyuan finished speaking, he leaned back in his chair, placed his hands on the table, and gave a composed smile that suggested he was in complete control.

He offered a bait: allowing some of the materials to be taken home for processing.

But the real purpose was that complete blueprint!

That is the invaluable core technology that is enough to establish his and his research institute's leading position in related fields both domestically and internationally!

He made a shrewd deal by exchanging the empty title of "processing parts at home" for a real technological treasure!

Liu Wenjun gasped! She hadn't expected the dean to make such a demand! Hand over all the detailed blueprints? Sign a technology transfer agreement? This... this meant that the research institute was completely holding Mingzhao's hard work and Jiang Feng's hopes in its hands!

Moreover, the conditions were so harsh they bordered on plunder! She instinctively looked at Mingzhao, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry.

Howard's brows were also furrowed.

Zhang Mingyuan's move is blatant technological plunder! He uses the guise of "making an exception" to actually undermine the company's foundation!

He looked at Mingzhao with concern, afraid that she might refuse impulsively, or even more afraid that she might agree without understanding the intricacies of the matter.

All eyes in the office were on Mingzhao, waiting for her reaction.

Mingzhao's expression remained unchanged. She seemed to have listened attentively to Zhang Mingyuan's lengthy conditions, and then, under Zhang Mingyuan's determined gaze and with Liu Wenjun holding her breath in tension, she shook her head very decisively.

"I won't pay."

Two words, clear and calm, yet carrying an unwavering rejection!

Zhang Mingyuan's smile froze instantly, then turned into anger! He slammed his hand on the table: "Comrade Mingzhao! What kind of attitude is this?! The research institute gave you this opportunity because they trust you! They value your abilities! Do you intend to hoard your talents and disregard Comrade Jiang Feng's hopes?!"

Liu Wenjun's heart sank to the bottom.

Mingzhao, however, seemed oblivious to Zhang Mingyuan's anger.

Her clear gaze met Zhang Mingyuan's face, which was contorted with anger, and she spoke in a calm tone, as if stating an observation that had nothing to do with her.

"The blueprints. Mine."

"Here you go. It's useless."

"Your skill level is insufficient."

"What did you say?!" Zhang Mingyuan was completely enraged. He slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming throughout the office. "Arrogant! Utterly arrogant! Who are you calling incompetent?!"

Liu Wenjun was also stunned! Mingzhao's words... were too direct! They were such a slap in the face!

Mingzhao looked away, no longer glancing at the enraged Zhang Mingyuan.

Her gaze fell on a piece of paper in front of Zhang Mingyuan, and she picked up a pen and started drawing.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!