Chapter 203: A Reward
The bicycle belonged to Fu Mingxue, and since she wouldn’t agree, there was nothing Director Geng could do.
He could only watch as Fu Mingxue rode around for several laps.
"Alright. What do you think?" Fu Mingxue braked to a stop.
"Not bad, not bad at all. By the way, about those blueprints you mentioned last time—"
Fu Mingxue never went back on her promises.
The only reason she hadn’t handed them over last time was that she still needed them herself.
She took the design drawing out of her pocket.
"Here you go!"
Director Geng quickly took it.
"We’re planning to study this power device of yours and rush out a trial batch. Of course, we still need to calculate the cost."
After all, if it was too expensive, no one would be able to afford it.
Fu Mingxue paused. ’...?’
This suddenly made her think of something—
’If she remained a researcher, did that mean she couldn’t profit from her own designs?’
The country was now gradually reviving its economy.
The Reform and Opening-Up policies were just a few months away, set to start in the second half of the year.
’When that happens, should she quit her job at the research institute to start her own business? Or maybe partner with some companies?’
She immediately dismissed the thought.
After all, compared to making money, she still wanted to dedicate herself to her country and help make her motherland more prosperous and powerful.
Besides, it was precisely because of her job at the institute that the university had granted her special accommodations.
’Sigh, if only there was a way to do both.’
But she still needed money.
After all, money could grant her access to knowledge and technology she could only imagine.
And, of course, it could improve her quality of life.
She had no intention of living a hard life again in this lifetime.
"By the way, can this be improved any further? If it’s ultimately successful, the factory will give you a bonus."
The word "bonus" struck a chord with Fu Mingxue.
After all, money was what she needed most right now.
She immediately said, "Yes, I can. I’ll come up with a third version, and I’ll also think about how to improve its performance."
Director Geng quickly added, "It would be best if it used fewer materials. That way the cost won’t be too high."
’If it’s too high, who could afford it?’
Fu Mingxue nodded. "Alright, I understand."
Director Geng already had a great idea—they could collaborate with a bicycle factory on this power device.
"I’ll take these blueprints for now, then. If you have time, you can make a prototype. But of course, the most important thing is still your team’s main project. Don’t let this cause any delays."
Although this power device was good and seemed to have potential with bicycles, he couldn’t put the cart before the horse.
After all, the new aircraft engine Fu Mingxue was developing was far more important.
Fu Mingxue said at once, "Don’t worry, I know. I’ll head back now, then."
She returned the bicycle to its spot and locked it up tight.
Director Geng watched her. ’...?’
’Locking it up so securely... who is she trying to keep away from it?’
’Then again, can I really not give that bike a try?’
Fu Mingxue returned to the lab.
...
Cui Meihong didn’t get home until almost noon, carrying her child.
She had just stepped through the door, not even having had a chance to put down her child, when Mrs. Hao, who was simmering with rage, let loose a torrent of abuse. "So, you finally decided to come back? Look what you’ve done! Now that the neighbor has beaten me to this state, you must be thrilled, right?"
Cui Meihong stared in shock at her mother-in-law, whose face was swollen like a pig’s head.
If her mother-in-law hadn’t spoken, she wouldn’t have even recognized the woman.
She instinctively turned her daughter’s head away, shielding her from the sight of the terribly swollen face.
’Wait, is one of her front teeth missing too?’
’Heavens, did the neighbor really do this?’