Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 84：Study

Following Dr. Long's advice, Jiang Fan deleted certain sections on nanotechnology and its future applications. However, the original file was retained by Dr. Long, as it would serve as an essential reference for the nation's nanomaterials research.

Once Jiang Fan had made the revisions, he sent the paper to Dr. Long for review. Dr. Long made a few minor adjustments before expressing his satisfaction. Despite removing some crucial content, the paper was already of high quality, fit for publication in SCI journals.

Soon after, Jiang Fan submitted the paper. To his surprise, the materials science paper was successfully completed within a single day. With only five major subjects left, subjects he wasn't particularly skilled in, he decided to tackle astronomy for his next SCI paper.

Although Jiang Fan had chosen Astronomy as his major at Long University, he had yet to begin studying the specialized courses. This concerned him, so he mentioned the issue to Dr. Long. While Dr. Long was unsure why Jiang Fan was so eager to publish multiple SCI papers, he nonetheless introduced him to Professor Ma, a distinguished expert in astronomy at Long University.

Professor Ma, at 38, had earned his professorship at a young age, a rare achievement that highlighted his excellence in astronomy. Having heard of Jiang Fan's remarkable performance in the university's traditional challenge, he was eager to meet him in person. Upon meeting Jiang Fan, he held back his praise, instead commenting, "Indeed, a promising young talent!"

"You're too kind, Professor Ma," Jiang Fan replied modestly.

Dr. Long, however, was less reserved, declaring with a laugh, "My students must all be promising, haha."

The three of them shared a laugh.

When Professor Ma heard of Jiang Fan's intention to publish an SCI paper in astronomy, he was taken aback. After all, as a freshman with no prior exposure to the field, publishing a paper seemed almost impossible.

Noticing Ma's hesitation, Dr. Long asked, "Professor Ma, is there a problem?"

"Well, Dr. Long," Professor Ma said cautiously, "as you know, science doesn't have shortcuts. Knowledge needs to be accumulated step by step. Jiang Fan has never studied space technology, and to write an SCI paper in such a field is extremely difficult."

Jiang Fan understood that his previous success in writing papers on mathematics and materials was due to his solid foundation in those subjects. Without such expertise, he would not have been able to complete them.

"Professor Ma, could you recommend a few books on astronomy for me to study the theoretical knowledge first?" Jiang Fan asked. Although he knew this would take considerable time and energy, writing an SCI paper in astronomy was a necessary step if he wanted to succeed.

"Alright then," Professor Ma, out of respect for Dr. Long, wrote down a few recommended books on astronomy.

He knew these were specialized texts, and mastering them would take at least a year or two. Initially, he had thought well of Jiang Fan, but now, seeing his rush to publish, he assumed Jiang Fan was merely after fame, leading to some disappointment.

After chatting with Dr. Long for a while, Professor Ma excused himself and left.

Dr. Long turned to Jiang Fan and said earnestly, "Jiang Fan, life is short, and time and energy are limited. We must dedicate our efforts to what we are best at. Do you understand my point?"

"Yes, I understand, Professor," Jiang Fan replied.

"Good. I won't interfere with your choices too much, but if you need help, don't hesitate to ask," Dr. Long said kindly.

"Thank you, Professor."

After parting with Dr. Long, Jiang Fan headed straight for the library. As a freshman, he hadn't yet received his library card, so he called the university president for assistance. Five minutes later, he received his card and entered the library.

Following the list of books provided by Professor Ma, Jiang Fan found "Fundamentals of Astronomy," "Encyclopedia of Astronomy," "The Formation of the Universe," and "Basic Space Technology." He began with the most basic book, "Fundamentals of Astronomy."

Although the material was difficult to grasp, Jiang Fan focused intently, absorbing the information quickly. His learning speed was three times that of the average person, a skill he had developed during his high school years while using his system to control his exam scores.

He attributed his current level of concentration and speed to the system's rigorous training over the past year.

Hours passed unnoticed, and when the librarian reminded him that the library was closing, Jiang Fan finally realized the time. After completing the borrowing procedures, he left the library, stretching as he gazed up at the starry sky.

He wondered how many civilizations existed among those countless shimmering stars.

"Growl..." His stomach rumbled, bringing him back to reality.

"Right, I need to fill my stomach," he thought.

He made his way to the cafeteria, where he noticed the lights on at Window 10.

"Li Auntie!" he called out.

"Ah, Xiao Fan is here, hehe..." Li Auntie greeted him with a smile.

"Yes," Jiang Fan replied.

"But today, we don't have any steamed buns," she added, laughing.

"Did they sell out?" Jiang Fan asked.

"You can go around to Window 12, I've prepared something else for you," Li Auntie said mysteriously.

Curious, Jiang Fan followed her advice and took a detour through the kitchen behind Window 12, where he found two dishes on a table: stir-fried spinach with eggs and potato beef, still steaming.

It seemed freshly cooked.

Li Auntie smiled and served Jiang Fan a bowl of rice.

"Xiao Fan, why are you standing there? Sit down! Eating only steamed buns is no good for your health!"

"Li Auntie, this is too much trouble," Jiang Fan protested.

"No trouble at all! I haven't eaten either, just one extra pair of chopsticks," she said cheerfully. "Now sit down before the food gets cold!"

Unable to decline, Jiang Fan sat down.

"Thank you, Li Auntie!"

"Hehe... Eat up!" Li Auntie said, beaming with affection.

Jiang Fan, ravenous, began eating without hesitation, savoring the delicious food.

Li Auntie, noticing how quickly he was eating, said with concern, "Slow down, don't choke!"

"This is so good! I haven't had such delicious food in a long time!" Jiang Fan exclaimed between bites.

"Well, if you like it, eat more!" Li Auntie encouraged, like a mother caring for her child.