Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 27：Scheme

At the same time, Jiang Fan was abruptly woken by a phone call.

The night before, he had told Zhou Huaide that he could develop controlled nuclear fusion in one year's time, and as a result, he had been pulled into an intense discussion that lasted over an hour. By the time the meeting ended, it was already past two in the morning. He had finally gone to bed at around four. Zhou Huaide had informed Jiang Fan that he would be applying for funding at the National Science and Technology Bureau today, and tomorrow, he would take him to the northern fusion base.

Thus, Jiang Fan had planned to take the day off and rest, knowing that once they went to the northern base, there would be plenty of work to occupy him.

However, just before nine, he was disturbed by a strange phone call. Had he known, he would have turned off his phone.

Reluctantly, he answered the call.
"Hello!"
"Jiang Fan, this is Qiao Shan, your Uncle Qiao!"
Jiang Fan immediately recalled the man who had once competed with Long Lao for his mentorship.
"Uncle Qiao, what's the matter?"
"Well, since it's your first time in Kyoto, as your host, I'd like to invite you to tour our beautiful campus at Huaqing University. You know, the scenery here is exquisite..."
"Thank you for the invitation, Uncle Qiao, but..."
Before Jiang Fan could politely refuse, Qiao Shan interjected.
"Jiang Fan, my niece Qiao Yifei is the most beautiful campus queen at Huaqing. She has some free time today, and you two could tour the campus together..."
Qiao Shan's voice held a hint of meaning.
Although Jiang Fan had not officially decided on which university to attend, his heart was already set on Longke University. He had no intention of giving Qiao Shan any false hope.
As the saying goes, no hope means no disappointment.

Just as Jiang Fan was about to gently decline, the system's voice suddenly sounded in his mind.
[System]: "An appropriate amount of rest can actually enhance research efficiency.
Option 1: Agree to spend 8 hours touring Huaqing University with Qiao Yifei, and receive a 'Night Owl Capsule' that allows the host to stay up late without harm to their body, with a total duration of 10,000 hours!
Option 2: Refuse the invitation, with no reward."

Jiang Fan was momentarily stunned. The 'Night Owl Capsule' that allowed him to stay up without harm for 10,000 hours was an extraordinary offer. As a researcher, late nights were the norm. Just like last night, when he stayed up until 4 AM, his body had yet to fully recover.

Without hesitation, Jiang Fan chose Option 1, then turned to Qiao Shan and said,
"Alright, Uncle Qiao, I'll come over now!"
Qiao Shan's face lit up with satisfaction upon hearing Jiang Fan's response. It seemed that, as expected, men couldn't resist the allure of a beautiful woman. His plan was going smoothly.

He immediately called Qiao Yifei.
Twenty minutes later, a tall and slender young woman appeared at the gate of Huaqing University. She wore a delicate white sheer top over a purple skirt, revealing long, smooth legs. As she walked closer, her elegantly arched eyebrows framed large almond-shaped eyes, a perfect nose, and full lips, her chin sharp like the petals of a lotus flower. Every movement and smile radiated charm.

Qiao Shan surveyed her with approval.
"Yifei, this time, it's all up to you. Use whatever means necessary to get Jiang Fan to our university!"
"Don't worry, Uncle. The title of Huaqing's campus queen isn't just for show. Hehe..." Qiao Yifei replied with confidence.
"Good! Once you succeed, I'll arrange for you to get extra credits!"
"Thank you, Uncle! Just wait and see!" Qiao Yifei said gleefully. She was in her final year, but still lacked enough credits, and she had to do an internship next year. With her uncle's help, her credit problems would be solved.

After waiting for a while, she pouted in impatience.
"Uncle, when will that Jiang Fan kid show up? What if he's going to stand us up?"
Jiang Fan was her ticket to extra credits, and she couldn't let him slip away.
"I'll call him," Qiao Shan said, but before he could take out his phone, he spotted Jiang Fan walking toward them, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and khaki pants.
"Jiang Fan! Over here!"
Qiao Shan waved eagerly, his heart swelling with joy. This time, without Long Lao's interference, he was certain he could handle this.

As Jiang Fan approached, he greeted Qiao Shan,
"Hello, Uncle Qiao."
"Good, good!"
"Jiang Fan, let me introduce you. This is my niece, Qiao Yifei."
Jiang Fan looked at the young woman beside Qiao Shan and realized that with her heels, she was almost as tall as him, at 1.83 meters.
"Hello, little brother!"
Qiao Yifei extended her long, fair hand with a playful smile.
Jiang Fan hesitated for a moment, then shyly took her hand.
As their hands met, he blushed, feeling the softness of her skin.

[System]: "Countdown begins: 7:59:59!"
Qiao Yifei noticed Jiang Fan's reaction and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. He was clearly still a naïve little boy, inexperienced with women.

This made her more confident. With just a little strategy, he would easily fall under her spell, and her credits would be secured.

Turning to her uncle, she said,
"Uncle, don't you have something to do?"
Qiao Shan was caught off guard. He had wanted to chat with Jiang Fan for a bit longer, but seeing his niece give him the signal, he understood that she was very confident about the situation.
"Yes, yes, Jiang Fan, I have an important meeting to attend. Yifei will take you on the tour of the campus today."
"Uncle Qiao, I..."
Before Jiang Fan could finish, Qiao Shan was already briskly walking away.

Jiang Fan looked at the retreating figure of Qiao Shan, a little unsure of what to do next.
In his past life, as a researcher, he had never been good at interacting with girls, especially those who were beautiful and alluring.

He glanced at the system's task timer, now showing 7 hours, 58 minutes, and 32 seconds remaining. Frowning, he sighed.
"Little brother Jiang Fan, let's go. I'll show you the little forest in Huaqing."
Qiao Yifei said in a sultry voice, licking her lips.

Jiang Fan, feeling a chill run down his spine, looked away and avoided her gaze.

With a resigned sigh, he followed her, knowing he had no choice but to complete the task.

4o