Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 154：Falling Sick

Long Ke University!

As the temporary editor-in-chief of Dragon Journal, Jiang Fan had already finalized the SCI papers for the second issue. This time, the journal would feature twelve papers in total, seven of which were submissions from scientists around the world.

Since the release of its first issue, Dragon Journal had garnered widespread recognition from the global academic community. It could now be considered the most authoritative SCI journal on the Blue Star.

After handling the journal's second issue, Jiang Fan went to his laboratory to reward himself by working on the micro-controlled fusion device. Due to his prior commitments, the project had been delayed for some time.

On his way to the lab, Jiang Fan received a call from Old Qiao.

"Jiang Fan, come to the General Military Hospital in Kyoto immediately! Your teacher is in the hospital."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Fan quickly hailed a cab and rushed to the hospital.

In the intensive care unit, Old Long was still unconscious. Jiang Fan and Old Qiao could only wait in the hallway.

"Uncle Qiao, how could my teacher suddenly fall ill?" Jiang Fan asked in confusion.

Old Qiao sighed deeply. "I thought this old man had let go of everything, but it seems... he hasn't."

Jiang Fan was even more puzzled. "Uncle Qiao, what do you mean by 'let go'?"

"You must have heard of Old Long's student from ten years ago, right?" Old Qiao asked, looking at Jiang Fan.

"Yes, I know him," Jiang Fan replied, unsure of why Old Qiao was bringing it up. Could it be that his teacher's illness had something to do with that student?

"Today, your teacher led a team of scientists from Dragon Nation to successfully develop a 500-ton rocket engine, bringing Dragon Nation's rocket propulsion to the forefront of Blue Star technology!" Old Qiao continued.

Jiang Fan was even more confused. If his teacher had achieved such a remarkable breakthrough, he should have been elated, not ill.

Old Qiao sighed again. "But, as soon as Dragon Nation announced this achievement, the United States immediately declared that they had developed a 700-ton rocket engine, and their chief engineer was none other than your teacher's former student, Bai Yanlang!"

Jiang Fan's confusion turned to anger. His teacher had developed such a monumental achievement, only for a traitor to steal the glory. No wonder his teacher was so enraged.

Old Long had painstakingly nurtured Bai Yanlang into an outstanding talent, intending to have him take over his work and continue contributing to Dragon Nation's scientific progress. But Bai Yanlang, the ungrateful traitor, had gone to the United States, changed his nationality, and helped them surpass Dragon Nation's technology. Anyone would be furious.

"What a shameless wolf in sheep's clothing!" Jiang Fan muttered, his anger rising.

"Old Long invested so much effort into cultivating Bai Yanlang. He had hoped that, after retiring, Bai would take over his work and continue contributing to the country's scientific development. But this ungrateful traitor went to the United States to study and switched allegiances!" Jiang Fan continued in a fury.

At that moment, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

[System]: Emotional fluctuation detected in host. Triggering selection task!
Option 1: Take over Old Long's rocket engine research, surpass Bai Yanlang's achievements, and avenge your teacher. Reward: 1,000-ton rocket engine design blueprint!
Option 2: Remain a coward, with no reward!

Without hesitation, Jiang Fan chose Option 1.

Immediately, a wealth of information flooded his mind — the design blueprint for a 1,000-ton rocket engine.

Jiang Fan sneered inwardly. "A traitor? Just wait and see!"

About an hour later, Old Long woke from his coma. However, the doctors only allowed ten minutes of conversation, as Old Long's condition was still fragile and he needed rest. Further tests would be needed after his recovery.

"Teacher, please drink some water," Jiang Fan said, offering a cup to Old Long.

Old Long took a sip and felt somewhat better. "How are you feeling, Teacher?" Jiang Fan asked.

"I'm fine, very well indeed!" Old Long responded confidently.

Old Qiao, standing nearby, couldn't help but admonish him. "Old Long, you've been coughing up blood, and you still say you're fine? I told you to take better care of yourself, but you never listen!"

"Ha, how about a marathon race to see who's not doing so well?" Old Long retorted with a playful grin.

"Fine, I concede!" Old Qiao said, shaking his head.

Old Long's face lit up in triumph, though a sharp pain in his abdomen made him wince.

Jiang Fan, noticing his discomfort, immediately called for the doctor, who administered a pain-relieving injection.

Afterward, Jiang Fan shared his thoughts with Old Long.

"Teacher, I want to participate in the rocket engine research," Jiang Fan said.

Old Long thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. "Sure, our country has just developed a 500-ton engine. You should go learn from it. It will be a great help to your future development."

Jiang Fan nodded. In his heart, however, he wasn't going just to learn; he intended to develop a 1,000-ton rocket engine and avenge Old Long's humiliation.

After a brief conversation, the doctor asked both Jiang Fan and Old Qiao to leave so Old Long could rest.

Returning home, Jiang Fan contacted Professor Li, Old Long's assistant at the rocket engine research base. Old Long had already spoken to him, and Professor Li welcomed Jiang Fan to join the research.

Jiang Fan decided to visit the base the next day.

That evening, when Chu Ruoxi heard about Old Long's condition, she accompanied Jiang Fan to visit him at the General Military Hospital in Kyoto.

With her bright and cheerful personality, Chu Ruoxi's presence lifted Old Long's spirits, and he grew very fond of her.