"Beep beep beep..."
The phone rang for a long time before being answered. A familiar voice came from the other end, and Jiang Cheng's habitually serious expression softened immediately upon hearing the clear voice.
"Xiao Li, I should be able to arrive in Lanjing by tomorrow night. I still need to go to Kyoto first."
"Really, bro? Oh wow~ hiss..."
Her voice changed from surprise to a cry of pain, as if she had dropped her phone on her head.
"It's been almost two months, and you're finally coming back. I've missed you so much."
Luo Xiaoli rubbed her forehead, which had been hit and turned red, and said in a wronged tone.
"It's alright, it's already on the agenda, see you tomorrow night."
"Waiting for you~"
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Cheng got out of bed, put some clothes into his suitcase, and took many other things with him.
This trip to the Northwest is finally coming to an end. Many researchers, like Jiang Cheng, are packing their belongings. They will be returning by special plane, while Experiment Subject No. 4 will be escorted back to Kyoto by armed personnel.
It is said that the personnel sent are very professional, so there is no need to worry about safety issues at all. Moreover, this is within China's territory, and the Brain-Inspired Intelligence Project is not an ordinary classified project, so the researchers don't need to worry about anything.
All they need to do is say goodbye to this Gobi Desert, then board a plane, rest for a few hours, and wake up to return to the bustling city.
Jiang Cheng took a book out of the bookshelf. It was a work by a famous author. Gu Qingwan was tidying up the other things, and he only needed to carry this book with him.
Since becoming the president of both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Jiang Cheng has had very little free time. Besides scientific research, he also has to deal with various documents. He can't remember the last time he poured himself a cup of tea and spent a quiet afternoon reading his favorite book, doing nothing at all.
Jiang Cheng recalled his carefree days at school and felt a pang of nostalgia.
The circular prison and research base will soon be demolished, meaning that after they leave, it will be difficult to leave any evidence of their presence here, only an inspiring story passed down by word of mouth.
The presidents of the two academies are not the limit. According to the leader's words during the conversation that day, he will be recommended to an international position in a while and will have an honorary seat. Ai Jincheng once tried for that position, but it was not approved.
Therefore, going international is something that outstanding researchers must do. Even if what they do is only for China, they still need to have influence on a larger platform. There is no conflict between the two.
He readily accepted, as he already had many positions and didn't mind having a few more.
A person's true success lies in doing one thing to the best of their ability throughout their life. However, many people spend their entire lives without ever doing one thing well.
Jiang Cheng looked down at the book in his hand; the title was: Morning Begins at Noon.
The essays by the famous Chinese writer Lu Yao record his experiences while writing "Ordinary World." He doesn't mention the hardships and sorrows he endured, but you can feel how much effort he put into completing this masterpiece between the lines.
Lu Yao depicted the ordinary world to its fullest extent; he was a successful writer.
Jiang Cheng felt that he still had a long way to go, because the fruits on the science tree were dazzling. He experienced the vastness of the universe in scientific research and the joys and sorrows in the real world, both of which benefited him greatly.
Perhaps, this is the meaning of life.
Experiencing, gaining, losing, living in the present while also living in an ideal world...
Jiang Cheng walked out of the room and downstairs, where he met other researchers in the corridor. Chen Ang and the others had also packed their luggage.
"Is everything ready?"
"Well, there wasn't much stuff to begin with, just some daily necessities and electronic products. It only took an hour to get it all done."
"Since you're leaving, let's say goodbye to the warden. We've been very fortunate to have his help these past few days," Jiang Cheng suggested.
At that moment, the image of the old man's fierce appearance yet kind and reserved smile appeared in everyone's minds, warming their hearts and making them think it would be good to go and see him.
It's impossible for everyone to go. Jiang Cheng, Chen Ang, and Shen Yiran going together is enough as a symbolic gesture.
They walked to the circular prison, went upstairs to Warden Tan's office, knocked on the door, and went inside.
The old man, who was studying the old newspapers, looked up. His face, which had been serious, broke into a smile when he saw Jiang Cheng. "Dean Jiang, why did you come here? You didn't even have your subordinates inform me."
"There's no need for that. I came here to tell you that our research mission has been successfully completed. We've already contacted Kyoto and plan to head back today."
"Are you leaving? Does that mean you've succeeded?" A glint of light flashed in the old man's eyes.
"certainly."
"Great! Great!" Warden Tan exclaimed twice, straightened up, strode forward, and shook Jiang Cheng's hand, somewhat excited. "Pillars of the nation! Well done!"
Jiang Cheng was somewhat surprised, as were Chen Ang and the others. They hadn't expected this elderly man from the system in the far northwest to be so concerned about China's scientific research. They had found it rather strange a while ago.
Warden Tan continued, "To be honest, Dean Jiang, I can't inquire about classified matters. But I sincerely hope that China will become more and more prosperous. This is the wish of our older generation. When I was assigned to cooperate with you when the research base and the circular prison were built together, I felt very honored. Now that you are leaving, I have completed the task assigned to me by the higher-ups."
He patted Jiang Cheng on the shoulder, and you could see the genuine joy on his face.
Chen Ang realized something in an instant.
It turns out that they were not alone when they were working hard in the cold laboratory. Behind the researchers was the support of China, and people like Lao Tan who cared about them.
What everyone is talking about on the streets is what achievements we have made.
Being a researcher is truly a wonderful thing. Chen Ang has never regretted his decision. Besides his passion, he also felt a sense of responsibility.
The Northwest is very dry. Everyone had already arrived at the gate of the circular prison with their luggage. The car that was there to pick up the researchers had also arrived, and everyone put their luggage in the car.
Many people looked up at the azure sky. Urbanization has led to poor air quality, and only in sparsely populated deserts like the Gobi can one truly appreciate the charm of nature.
Is it time to say goodbye?
This brief moment is worth remembering.
Jiang Cheng took a breath of oxygen, feeling a mix of emotions.
If I come to the Northwest again, I may not see any more research bases.
“Let’s go.” He turned around and walked towards the car.
"Wait a minute, Dean Jiang!" Old Tan's shout came from the back of the prison.
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