Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 65：Idealism and Reality

Jiang Fan felt a sense of relief as they finally completed the lithium iron phosphate battery sample. The next phase was the experiment. As long as the subsequent tests yielded no issues, their research would be deemed a success.

"Senior Niu, are there any problems with the calculations for the lithium iron phosphate data?"

"No, everything is normal," Niu Xu replied.

"Good. Let's begin the experiment on the lithium iron phosphate battery!"

Xia Xiaoyu slumped in her chair. Upon hearing Jiang Fan's order to begin the experiment, she feigned annoyance and said, "Jiang Fan, can't you show some mercy?"

"Research knows no gender, remember? You were the one who said that!" Jiang Fan retorted.

"Hmph, when Academician Long comes back, I'll report you!" Xia Xiaoyu huffed, though she immediately got up. In truth, she was eager to see the outcome of their research.

At this point, Xu Guangyuan had already brought over the power supply and prepared everything. Initially, he was certain that Jiang Fan's idea of developing a lithium iron phosphate power battery was impossible. He had been waiting for Jiang Fan to fail, but over the past few days, Xu was deeply moved by Jiang Fan's dedication. Despite numerous failures, Jiang Fan never gave up. Each time they failed, he would dive straight into the next trial. Gradually, under Jiang Fan's leadership, they made breakthroughs, step by step. And today, they had actually developed a lithium iron phosphate power battery sample. Although its success was still uncertain, it was clear that only someone like Jiang Fan could have achieved this in just eight days, from theory to realization.

After confirming that the sample showed no issues, Jiang Fan turned to Xu Guangyuan. "Senior, power it on."

Xu nodded and immediately connected the 220v power supply.

"Niu Xu, report the data changes!"

"Voltage: 3.65V,
Current: 0.5C,
Temperature: 45°C,
Charge rate: 86mA/s..."

Niu Xu continued to report the data as Jiang Fan diligently took notes. Half an hour later, Niu Xu spoke up, "100% charge!"

"Great, cut the power!" Jiang Fan instructed.

Xu Guangyuan promptly disconnected the power supply and then retrieved instruments to begin testing the lithium iron phosphate battery sample.

"Everything's normal!" he reported.

"Xiaoyu, begin connecting the discharge equipment and monitor the data. If anything abnormal happens, disconnect immediately!"

"Understood!" Xia Xiaoyu nodded seriously. Although she often joked around, she knew better than to take the experiment lightly.

As she powered on the discharge equipment, the readings began to change, but they all stayed within expected ranges, showing no irregularities. Five minutes later, the discharge process concluded, and Xia Xiaoyu reported the data.

Niu Xu transferred the data into the computer and began comparing it to check for any discrepancies. If no errors were found, it would confirm that their research on the lithium iron phosphate battery had achieved preliminary success.

This process would take about half an hour. They had worked tirelessly day and night, averaging only four hours of sleep each day. Jiang Fan, however, had been even more extreme, sometimes staying up for two consecutive nights without rest. Yet, thanks to his "night-shift capsules," he remained in the best shape of them all.

As Jiang Fan observed the dark circles under his teammates' eyes, he spoke up. "You guys should rest. I'll keep an eye on things."

They had been in a closed research environment, with makeshift beds in the lab where they could sleep in shifts.

"Who cares about sleep now? We'll know the result of our research soon enough!" Xia Xiaoyu responded, somewhat exasperated. She had grown increasingly frustrated with Jiang Fan's grueling schedule. During these eight days of intensive research, she had barely washed her face, let alone taken a shower. She felt she was starting to smell. Worse still, every time she was about to rest, Jiang Fan would pull her back into the lab to continue experimenting.

Despite her complaints, she was still eager to see the results of their research. Xu Guangyuan and Niu Xu also agreed to wait together.

As they anxiously awaited the results, their tense nerves finally began to relax, and they joked among themselves.

"Jiang Fan, do you think we'll get a bonus if we actually develop the lithium iron phosphate battery?"

"Yes, definitely!" Jiang Fan replied. If they succeeded, it would mean a significant leap in battery technology, and the country would likely reward them handsomely. Last time, Jiang Fan had received five million for his breakthrough in controlled nuclear fusion, and while this lithium iron phosphate battery project was not as critical, its commercial value was enormous—ranging from energy storage to electric vehicles, power tools, mobile devices, and more, possibly reaching trillions of yuan across all fields.

"Bonus? That's great! I've been wanting to buy a computer!" Niu Xu said excitedly.

"A computer? That's so cheap! Can't you have a little more ambition?" Xia Xiaoyu teased.

"It's not expensive—just over 40,000," Niu Xu replied.

"40,000? Computers usually cost around 2,000!" Xia Xiaoyu was shocked.

"You girls wouldn't understand. It's like how we don't get your obsession with lipstick," Xu Guangyuan said with a smile.

"By the way, Xu Guangyuan, what would you do if you got the bonus?"

"I'd buy a model aircraft carrier!"

"How boring! If I got the bonus, I'd go from the first floor to the top floor of the mall and buy everything—clothes, shoes, makeup, lipstick, perfume, bags..."

"Senior, I have a small question," Jiang Fan asked. "How much would all that cost?"

"I have no idea! I've never tried!" Xia Xiaoyu replied, momentarily distracted by Jiang Fan's unexpected question. But soon, she was back to joking, now addressing Jiang Fan with a smile. "Chief Engineer Jiang, if we succeed, how much bonus do you think we'll get?"

Jiang Fan raised one finger, but before he could speak...

Beep beep!

The computer made a sound—indicating that the data results were in!

He quickly turned to look at the screen, while the other three gathered around, their faces tense with anticipation. Jiang Fan scrutinized the data carefully. The previous readings were fine. But as he scrolled down, a string of red numbers appeared before his eyes!

His heart skipped a beat. He knew immediately: the research had failed!

The data was corrupted.

The other three saw the red numbers too, and their faces immediately fell. Although they knew that success on the first attempt was rare, they had still hoped for a miracle.

But, as always, reality proved to be far harsher than their dreams.

4o mini