Did You Destroy the World Today?
Chapter 48: Taking Over the Responsibility

After leaving Ren Jian's office, Lin Xu immediately began executing his plan. The first priority was dealing with Xu Jin - he needed to explain the current situation and convince him to join Donghua Chemical Fiber Factory as a consultant to oversee subsequent research and trial production.

From Lin Xu's perspective, this should have been a "not simple" task. But when he messaged Xu Jin, the other party called almost instantly.

"You... you're already prepared? Can I start now?"

"Where are you? Can I come see you right now?"

"How far am I from you? What do you need me to do?"

Xu Jin's voice trembled with unconcealed excitement.

"You can come now. I'm heading to check the new factory building and need your help evaluating what additional equipment we require. It's 3 PM now - can you make it by 4?"

"I'll be there!"

The call ended abruptly with a click. Lin Xu stared blankly at his phone. What the hell? Hung up just like that? He'd probably never understand that Asperger's thought process. He hadn't even sent the location yet!

Sighing, Lin Xu opened WeChat and shared his location with Xu Jin. Then he immediately informed Ren Jian and headed to Donghua Chemical Fiber Factory.

By the time Lin Xu arrived, Ren Jian had already arranged everything. Reception staff and guides were in position. Minutes later, Xu Jin showed up - literally panting and out of breath.

"How did you get here? Don't tell me you ran?" Lin Xu asked, seeing Xu Jin drenched in sweat.

"I... I..." Xu Jin stammered before suddenly waving his hand dismissively. "Not important! Not important! Not important! Can we go in now? Can we go see?"

"Of course, this way please," the guide immediately stepped forward enthusiastically. "Good afternoon leaders. I was the original general manager's secretary at Donghua Chemical Fiber Factory and will continue serving here. Today I'll be your guide - both of you leaders clearly have a hands-on style and should be interested in our technical equipment. Shall we begin?"

"Let's go," Lin Xu pulled Xu Jin along as they followed the guide into the factory.

They were greeted by somewhat dated but relatively complete equipment. The entire factory had been thoroughly cleaned - clearly Donghua Chemical Fiber had made considerable preparations for this acquisition.

"...Don't let the age of this equipment fool you - these were quite advanced for their time. Although Donghua Chemical Fiber Factory has declined now..." the guide began explaining.

"No good!" Xu Jin suddenly interrupted. "This equipment can only produce last-generation carbon fiber materials - no, actually most of it is completely unusable! We need new equipment! We need new melt impregnation production lines, new hot presses, plasma surface cleaning processes, hydrolysis-resistant drying machines... We have to replace all this! This machine needs replacing! That one too! We need to hurry... hurry up!"

Xu Jin moved between machines like a madman, inspecting each one before immediately shaking his head. His frenzied muttering left the guide speechless.

The guide hesitantly approached Lin Xu and asked tentatively, "Leader, this... expert... seems a bit..."

"Geniuses are like that," Lin Xu cut him off, raising his hand. "He's a true genius. Whatever he says, just follow his instructions. By the way, you mentioned you'll stay on as secretary here? You can start working now - document all his requirements and compile them for me."

"No problem," the secretary replied quickly. He'd realized this young man wasn't some rich kid here for appearances or a playboy dabbling in business. He had real talent working under him - a genuine rising star. 

How old was he? 23? 24? Already capable of standing on his own and expanding into crucial business territories? How did he even...? There weren't even rumors about Chairman Ren having illegitimate children. Maybe... a proxy? There was something about his demeanor - not bureaucratic, but more like... a decisive commander's aura.

The secretary had his theories but kept them to himself. Some things were better left unasked.

Clearing his throat, he continued: "Should I copy Chairman Ren on this?"

"No need," Lin Xu shook his head. "We'll review everything first, then submit the budget to the boss. He doesn't understand the technical aspects - his job is just funding."

"...Understood." The secretary said no more, looking at Lin Xu with complex emotions. What a bizarre combination - a decisive boss, a young and mysterious decision-maker, and a seemingly crazed "expert"... These people together... They must be planning something big.

...

Several hours later, as dusk fell at Zhong Mountain Cadre Sanatorium in Nanjing, Xu Qianlin managed to sit up in bed for once. A guard pushed his wheelchair into the central courtyard for some fresh air.

His physical condition seemed slightly improved, but everyone here - including himself - knew his time was truly running out. The spreading cancer cells were consuming his life, and all current medical treatments could only "delay" the inevitable.

Six months? A year at most before he'd have to let go. And within that brief period, the time he could maintain relatively clear thinking was even more precious. So he cherished every moment.

Even during this "walk," staff accompanied him, constantly updating him on work progress.

"...For the next Mars probe launch, we'll need to follow the previous plan and choose a different launch window. The special circumstances encountered by the Zhurong rover likely weren't isolated incidents. We must verify whether this 'event' itself is time-related."

"Additionally, the probe's robustness - its reliability - needs improvement. If we consider rocket payload issues, we can wait a bit. After Institute 11 completes their new engine, we can reconsider. Timewise, it's manageable. I can't wait, but you all can."

"Understood," the staff member quickly noted Xu Qianlin's instructions before adding, "Institute 165's progress is actually quite fast. Only the silicon carbide self-healing coating issue remains - once solved, they can proceed to testing. You'll see the results yourself."

"Don't bother with empty comforts - I definitely won't see it," Xu Qianlin waved his hand. "Payload issues can't be solved by engines alone. Ultimately, we need material breakthroughs. Probably why my boy Xu Jin is so obsessed with those PEEK and M46X materials... Speaking of which, how's his progress now?"

"Progressing rapidly," the staff member replied immediately. "That Tianqiong Technology company appears fully committed. Economic investigation colleagues report their chairman Ren Jian recently rejected nearly 200 million in investment - news has spread. Quite amusing actually - investment circles think Ren Jian's gone mad. But our colleagues confirm his determination is absolute."

"He can't secure bank financing now, but acquisitions and equipment purchases require funds. This afternoon, he mortgaged a villa at Tailai Yiran through a third-party company. Preliminary estimates suggest he'll get 150 million from it."

"That significant?" Xu Qianlin looked surprised.

"Yes. And that villa held special meaning for him. There's gossip today about a major fight with his wife - though that's purely rumor, just an amusing story."

"Only worth treating as a story..." Xu Qianlin nodded thoughtfully before continuing, "But his actions are genuine. My son messaged me today - very formally worded. He visited Tianqiong's acquired Donghua Chemical Fiber Factory and proposed a series of equipment purchases. Some equipment sources he can't currently locate. He begged me - he rarely uses that word - begged for help acquiring them quickly. I'm still considering whether to assist."

"Should we intervene?" the staff member asked. "Financially..."

"Finances aren't the issue," Xu Qianlin waved dismissively. "That Ren Jian sold his home - money he has, just lacks connections. Given time, he could source Xu Jin's required equipment himself. But... my boy is impatient."

After a pause, Xu Qianlin spoke again: "Then let's help them. Some domestic enterprises and research institutes have the relevant equipment. Help make connections - arrange leases or loans to provide temporary equipment. Once new purchases arrive, Tianqiong can compensate the difference. Everything must comply with regulations - both formally and substantively. Can this be done?"

"Of course, no problem," the staff member nodded immediately. "This is minor - rest assured, I'll handle it properly."

"Good," Xu Qianlin sighed softly. "I'm done for. Hopefully my boy... can take over this responsibility..."