Qi Dong warmly welcomed Fang Jueyu into his home, hurriedly asking his wife to brew a pot of tea that they only bring out for important guests. However, Fang Jueyu didn't understand much about tea tasting; to him, it hardly tasted different from plain water.
"So, uh, what's your name, classmate?"
"Oh, I'm Fang Jueyu," he realized he'd forgotten to introduce himself. "I'm a junior at Jiangnan University's School of Information. You can just call me Fang."
"Studying computer science?" Qi Dong was even more surprised now. How did a computer science student get involved in biology and genetics?
But those weren't the important things. The key was understanding how Fang Jueyu managed to graft those gene segments into the original DNA of plants without causing the existing genes to collapse.
The two of them chatted for a bit. Although they only touched on some basic topics, Qi Dong discovered from their conversation that Fang Jueyu had a solid academic foundation. Some of his fresh perspectives even challenged Qi Dong's existing views.
"Fang, may I take a look at your 'Genetic Grafting' method first?" Qi Dong had suppressed his curiosity for a long time. "If you're worried, you can record a video of the whole process, or even make me sign a confidentiality agreement!"
"Professor Qi, there's no need. I trust your integrity!" Had he not trusted Qi Dong, he wouldn't have approached him. Fang Jueyu had brought his computer with all the organized materials.
Qi Dong's hand slightly trembled as he held the mouse. He put on his glasses, fully focused, scribbling on a piece of paper as if verifying something.
Many methods used in the process were new, and Fang Jueyu explained them in detail. If there had been any doubts, Qi Dong was almost certain now that perhaps Fang Jueyu indeed achieved this result. If he had stolen it, he couldn't understand it so thoroughly.
The more he looked, the more shocked he became. Although Fang Jueyu's methods were novel, they were completely doable in a laboratory. They were just ideas no one had thought of, and his approach was exceptionally bold. Such academic research capabilities were truly impressive.
He spent more than two hours reviewing the material. Fang Jueyu, who was explaining, was also parched, and the pot of tea had long been emptied. But Qi Dong didn't mind because the information on the computer was what mattered most.
"Whew! This is incredible!" Qi Dong finally finished reviewing all the materials. Although some results still needed verification, he was 90% sure that almost everything was feasible. Fang Jueyu had really solved this academic problem!
He set the mouse down and looked at Fang Jueyu, examining him with a gaze as if he were a monster.
"Fang, pardon my bluntness, but your accomplishment could lead to many high-level papers in academia. If the part about genetic modification is verified, it could be a significant breakthrough. Even a Nobel Prize is not out of the question. Why did you come to me?"
"Professor Qi, if a brand-new result suddenly appeared in academia, and it was achieved by a 20-year-old not even in the field, what would you think?" Fang Jueyu countered.
"Well, I'd definitely think he's a monster!" Qi Dong blurted out instinctively, but quickly realized that might not be appropriate.
"Hahaha, see, even you think so!" Fang Jueyu laughed. "That's why it wouldn't be appropriate for me to release this result."
"This... then what on earth?"
"I hope this achievement can be published through your research group," Fang Jueyu feigned a compassionate demeanor. "You know, the earth's environment is deteriorating, with desertification becoming severe. I hope it can be put to reasonable use soon."
"No! How can that be?" Qi Dong understood Fang Jueyu's implication. He wanted to give away this breakthrough directly. If it were someone chasing fame and fortune, they might agree, no matter how excessive Fang Jueyu's requests. But Qi Dong's academic ethics would not allow it.
"Professor Qi, don't refuse just yet. Why not hear my purpose first?" Qi Dong's refusal didn't surprise him. It made him respect him even more.
"Alright, let's hear it then." Qi Dong was actually quite interested in what it was that made Fang Jueyu willing to forego the achievement.
"Here's the thing. My friend and I are planning to invest in building a film city, which requires a large piece of land. But you know, getting approval for such a large area isn't easy. So we're looking towards desert areas..." Fang Jueyu slowly explained his idea.
"Hold on!" Qi Dong was bewildered. Wasn't this about academia? How did it shift to building a film city? "I'm struggling to keep up; are you saying you cultivated this organism just to restore desert land and build a film city on it?"
"Um... kind of, is that not possible?" Fang Jueyu asked hesitantly.
"Hahaha!" Qi Dong burst out laughing. "You're quite an interesting young man. So you approached me, hoping I'd help publish this achievement, then apply to the government for experimental land. Once the experiment's done, you'd just start building?"
Qi Dong was a shrewd person who quickly understood all of Fang Jueyu's thoughts. The young man's mindset was amusingly unconventional.
"Based on your thoughts, if you want to build a film city on the moon, you'd first modify its atmospheric environment?" Qi Dong joked.
"But this is actually a good thing!" It was odd, but it could benefit humanity. "You don't need to do this. I can help you contact the authorities. If you contribute this technology, I'm sure the government would be willing to support your plan with special policies!"
"Really?" Fang Jueyu didn't expect Professor Qi to be willing to help him.
"Of course, seeing this technology emerge has already cured my long-standing unease," Qi Dong said cheerfully. "However, the inventor of this achievement is indeed a problem. I can give you a suggestion!"
"You could publish the achievement in the name of the university, but keep all the benefits for yourself. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
"Right! How did I not think of that?" Fang Jueyu slapped his thigh, acknowledging the wisdom of age.
"So it's the university benefiting from your achievement."
"It should be. The alma mater nurtured me for so many years. It's time I give back," Fang Jueyu said earnestly.
"Alright, I will help you contact the authorities in the coming days. I'll notify you when the time comes. You can also prepare your conditions, and I'll report them together. That'll make discussions smoother."
"Thank you, Professor Qi," Fang Jueyu expressed his sincere gratitude.