1970s Gangster Couple

81

"Professor Xiao, do you really think quantum computing can be successful?" As they entered the laboratory, Xiao Xiao was arranging the tasks for the afternoon when a man in his thirties, wearing glasses, walked up to her and asked softly.

Xiao Xiao looked up; the man's surname was Zhou, and he was from the Institute of Physics, having returned from studying abroad in Country E.

Xiao Xiao smiled: "Of course, it will be successful."

Upon hearing this, Zhou suppressed his excitement: "Really?"

Xiao Xiao laughed: "Otherwise, why would so many of us be bustling about for this project? Is it just for fun?"

Zhou quickly shook his head: "I didn't mean that. I'm just worried. No scientific research project can guarantee 100% success, and it's common for experiments to fail. But the applications of quantum computing you described are truly exciting." He smiled sheepishly: "I asked you, actually, just to be sure again. Since you are so certain, then it must succeed."

"Zhou-gong, no need for such formalities, just be casual," Xiao Xiao said, feeling somewhat uncomfortable as he addressed her with respect and given that he was much older than her.

Zhou's head shook like a bobblehead: "No, no, that's not acceptable. The accomplished are masters, and with your knowledge, you are more than qualified to be a teacher to us all."

With his insistence, Xiao Xiao found it hard to correct him further.

After all, everyone involved in the project had started calling her "teacher," and while she could correct one person, she couldn't correct everyone.

Once everyone had entered the laboratory, Xiao Xiao clapped her hands to signal the start of the afternoon's experiments. The laboratory immediately became a hub of intense and orderly activity under her direction.

Thanks to Xiao Xiao's daily one-hour lessons, those who attended began to grasp the concepts she taught. This deeper understanding made the project seem more attainable than before.

Previously, they might have thought the project was mere fanciful talk, but now, with updated knowledge and a better understanding of Xiao Xiao, their confidence in the project's success grew day by day.

The lab's team was now most proud of not having left the project due to short-sightedness. Whether the project succeeded or not, the knowledge they gained from Xiao Xiao was reason enough for celebration.

The overall quality of the team was improving day by day, and with their confidence bolstered, and Xiao Xiao, a leader who was in herself a significant advantage, the progress of the computer project was exceptionally smooth, far exceeding the planned schedule.

The progress reports were very encouraging to the higher-ups, leading to increased investment in the project.

In just two months, the project was already more than halfway complete.

Pleased with the progress, Xiao Xiao noticed that her team had been working tirelessly for two months, conducting experiments during the day and staying up all night to review the knowledge she shared. The dark circles under some team members' eyes were concerning.

Therefore, Xiao Xiao mandatorily gave everyone two days off to rest.

Many team members appeared reluctant to rest, likely intending to spend the holiday reviewing their notes.

Seeing this, Xiao Xiao stated firmly, "I'm giving you time off to recharge because the next phase will be even more challenging. If I find out anyone isn't resting during the break, I'll cancel the noon lectures."