The air was completely silent.

Zhang Mingyuan looked at Mingzhao nervously, waiting for her answer.

Howard watched Mingzhao quietly. Whatever decision Mingzhao made, Howard would respect her decision.

Moreover, Mingzhao showed her talent too quickly, from a mute orphan girl adopted by a spy to a genius girl who can speak, write and do scientific research!

He's been linked to spies twice in a row!

Howard is very worried about Mingzhao's safety!

It's not safe just because you're in a family compound. In fact, the more crowded and less safe a place is, the more likely it is to be a high-density infiltration point for spies!

Mingzhao is also considering it.

To be honest, Mingzhao was impressed by Zhang Mingyuan's statement that he could do whatever project he wanted!

From the very beginning until now, Mingzhao's idea has never changed: she wants to build a starship and return to the Alliance!

However, she also understood her current level: she had research capabilities, but not many!

Moreover, Zhang Mingyuan himself may not have had time to question Mingzhao. In fact, Mingzhao's calculations are different from the existing formula calculations.

Researchers are all single-minded people. They will definitely not accept it if they find that the result of their painstaking calculations is wrong. At that time, Mingzhao could not refute it!

The reason she only accepted home-based research and development was that she didn't want to end up with nothing but being questioned by others.

However, the house is small and the risks are indeed high. Some experiments can only be carried out under specific conditions, otherwise this small courtyard and the surrounding area will be reduced to ashes in no time!

This might be an opportunity!

"I agree to join!"

Zhang Mingyuan's face lit up with joy!

Howard felt both happy and somewhat worried!

"But I have conditions!"

Zhang Mingyuan readily agreed without even listening: "Sure, don't worry, I'll do my best to meet all your needs!"

"I don't want to exert my full effort! I must meet my requirements: 1. I want a research lab that is entirely my own, and I don't want anyone else to enter it except for me! 2. I don't want my project to be questioned by anyone; let the results speak for themselves! If I can't build it, I can leave at any time, but I don't want anyone asking questions or making arbitrary doubts during my research period before the results are produced!"

"No problem!" Zhang Mingyuan readily agreed!

Mingzhao stared at him for a long time, then said, "Write the contract!"

Zhang Mingyuan's smile froze for a moment, then an overwhelming sense of confidence welled up inside him.

An independent lab? No problem, that can be solved!

The single-story building with a small courtyard in a corner of the research institute, which had always been used as a warehouse, was cleared out and given to Mingzhao.

It's in a remote location, but the place is large! It's also quiet and secluded; many people who wanted it have been rejected!

The institute's permissions have also been granted to Mingzhao, including the highest level of access and material allocation authority. He will apply for it as soon as he gets back!

And they won't accept any criticism! Then raise the confidentiality level of Project Mingzhao to the highest level!

Special talents deserve special treatment! Zhang Mingyuan will make capable people feel at home.

If she lacked ability? That would be a different story! But Mingzhao has already proven her strength!

The contract too, sign it! He was afraid Mingzhao might change her mind someday if he didn't. And once he signed, it would be a lifetime contract.

"No problem, absolutely no problem," Zhang Mingyuan said confidently, patting his chest.

"I will personally oversee the process. The independent laboratory you requested will be cleared out for you tomorrow, and I will also apply for the highest-level access pass for you as soon as possible."

He turned to Howard and said, "Commander Howard, please be my witness! Get out some paper and pen. I'll write this down right now!"

Howard walked in, immediately turned around, went into the room to find paper and pen, Zhang Mingyuan dictated, and Howard wrote it down.

Record Mingzhao's requirements in detail.

In addition, the welfare benefits are based on the highest level of experts in the research institute, and are increased by 50%.

Finally, Zhang Mingyuan solemnly wrote his name and the date on the draft note and pressed his fingerprint on it.

Mingzhao took the paper, quickly scanned its contents, and after confirming that everything was correct, handed it to Zhang Mingyuan and nodded.

"Can."

Zhang Mingyuan took the note and carefully put away the future agreement for the research institute.

He reiterated, "Comrade Mingzhao, please get some rest. Tomorrow morning, I will personally deliver the letter of appointment to you!"

The next morning.

Zhang Mingyuan was indeed standing outside the courtyard gate long ago.

Howard invited him in, but Zhang Mingyuan declined.

Howard then knocked on Mingzhao's door to remind her that Zhang Mingyuan had arrived.

Howard smiled as he looked at the bright-eyed girl.

After handing the letter of appointment to Mingzhao, Zhang Mingyuan said he had other things to do and left first.

Mingzhao turned her head and saw Huo Hua staring straight at her. She paused.

Howard thought that Mingzhao would ignore him again and go off to tinker with her treasures.

After he woke up in the hospital bed, Mingzhao's attitude seemed somewhat cold.

Upon closer reflection, it seems that her attitude towards herself has remained largely unchanged.

It's always been this subtle.

Mingzhao looked at Huo Hua's sudden low spirits and was somewhat puzzled.

Suddenly, a pair of hands appeared in front of him. Howard looked up and saw Mingzhao handing him her engagement letter.

"how??"

Howard was taken aback, but took it at Mingzhao's prompting.

"Look!"

Howard opened the contract and looked at the familiar terms. Looking up again, he saw that Mingzhao had already entered the room.

"Your letter of appointment?" Howard knocked on Mingzhao's door and said from outside.

"Please save this for me!"

Howard stood outside the door, took a deep breath, and the faint image of the little girl's face seemed to reappear before his eyes.

Suddenly, she smiled. It was as if spring had melted the ice and snow, and a hundred flowers were blooming in the warm sun.

The next day, the door to No. 17 Xiangyang Courtyard was pushed open.

Mingzhao was the first to step out.

She changed into brand new, dark blue work clothes. Zhang Mingyuan had them delivered to her yesterday afternoon.

Her clothes were slightly loose, making her figure appear even slimmer. Her hair was simply tied back, revealing her smooth, full forehead.

She was carrying a cloth bag that looked small but seemed quite heavy. Inside were Mingzhao's treasures.

Howard, dressed in military uniform, followed her out. Although his shoulder was still strapped with a brace, he looked much better.

He followed behind Mingzhao, like a parent sending their child to school, his eyes filled with a hint of relief, but more so with worry about whether his child would be bullied at school.

"Have you brought everything?"

Mingzhao patted his cloth bag, from which came the sound of metal striking metal, a clanging and rattling sound.

"Once you get there, remember: Dean Zhang begged you to go, so if you need anything, just go to him!"

He paused for a moment after speaking, then added, "If you really encounter a problem you can't solve, just call me."

Mingzhao nodded.

"Be careful at work." Howard looked at Mingzhao's calm face and added, "I'll pick you up tonight!"