“Engineer Geng,” Su Tang stepped forward and shielded Lin Fan behind her.
She met Geng Xiangdong's gaze with neither arrogance nor servility.
“I’m not just talking theory. I’ve studied the case files from six years ago and found inconsistencies in the report. The conclusions from back then are very likely wrong.”
She clearly pointed out the contradictions between the autopsy report and the symptoms of gas poisoning, and put forward some new conjectures about why nothing grows on Xishan Mountain.
These words stunned not only Geng Xiangdong, but also Qian Xuedong, who was standing next to him.
Geng Xiangdong's expression changed several times, but he remained defiant: "Nonsense! What do you, a mere girl, know about geological exploration! Let me tell you, with me, Geng Xiangdong, here today, none of you will set foot in Xishan!"
Seeing Geng Xiangdong's unreasonable behavior, he was determined to stop him to the end.
The argument in the office had attracted a crowd of researchers from the institute, who pointed and whispered among themselves.
Looking at the stubborn old man in front of her, as obstinate as a rock in a latrine, Su Tang suddenly realized that arguing with him about these scientific principles was futile.
To deal with this kind of person, we need to use a more direct approach.
She suddenly smiled, a cool smile that stood out brilliantly in the morning light.
"So, Engineer Geng simply doesn't believe we can safely return from Xishan and find the refractory clay?"
"Dream on!" Geng Xiangdong roared without thinking.
"Okay." Su Tang nodded. "How about we make a bet?"
"A bet?" Geng Xiangdong thought he had heard the biggest joke in the world.
The onlookers buzzed with discussion, all thinking the woman must be crazy to make a bet with the chief engineer.
Su Tang looked around and raised her voice, "We all know that Engineer Geng is only worried about our safety. If I bring Comrade Lin Fan back safely, and also successfully bring back the refractory clay needed to make the core of the heat-gathering circulating furnace, what will you do?"
These words were spoken to Geng Xiangdong, but also to everyone present.
Cornered against the wall in public by a young woman in her early twenties, Geng Xiangdong lost face and, in a fit of rage, laughed:
"If I lose, I'll give you my position as the chief engineer of the exploration team!"
These words caused an uproar throughout the room!
The position of chief engineer of the exploration team! This is a pivotal position in the entire military region's technical field! This is a huge gamble!
Qian Xuedong stamped his feet in frustration: "Old Geng! Are you crazy! You're being ridiculous!"
However, Su Tang shook her head, her eyes sharpening.
"I have no interest in the chief engineer position."
She continued, "If I win, I want you to formally apologize to me and Comrade Lin Fan in front of all the exploration team members for your suppression and prejudice! Furthermore, I demand that from now on, Lin Fan will have a high degree of autonomy in the research and development of all new projects for the exploration team!"
boom--!
Her words stunned everyone. Those watching were all intelligent people, and they instantly realized the implications.
If Geng Xiangdong's bet was to vent his anger, then Su Tang's bet was about justice—she didn't want power or profit!
It's about fighting for a future for the suppressed newcomers!
This is no longer a personal grudge; she wants to shake up the deeply entrenched and rigid system of this department.
This girl is really daring!
Her composure and boldness instantly made everyone present look at this seemingly delicate young woman with new respect.
Even Qian Xuedong, who had been standing to the side with a lot of worry, now had eyes full of admiration.
Excellent! Well done, Su Tang!
Lin Fan stood there stunned, his eyes instantly reddening. How could he not understand what Su Tang had fought for for him?
Geng Xiangdong was also stunned by Su Tang's imposing manner and the conditions she offered.
He stared intently at Su Tang, forcing out a few words through clenched teeth:
"What if you lose?"
“If we lose and fail to bring back the clay,” Su Tang said in a frighteningly calm tone, “I will go and guard the tomb of the four martyrs who sacrificed their lives six years ago for a year.”
"If anything happens to me, it's because I'm willing to contribute to the country's development. This is the awareness every soldier should have. I'm ready. So, what about you, Lin Fan?"
Lin Fan replied almost instantly, "I'm ready!"
This bet is so heavy it's suffocating.
The entire scene was deathly silent.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for Geng Xiangdong's decision.
"Fine!" Geng Xiangdong's eyes were bloodshot as he practically roared as he made the decision. "It's a deal!!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
