Chapter 142: Wu Zhen’s Wish

Geographical Research Institute, Academy of Sciences.

Wu Zhen carefully studied the paper in his hand. It was the paper on earthquake early warning research sent by Chen Mo.

He had studied it over and over, no less than five times. He also conducted some simple experiments to find evidence supporting the paper. The results were not good.

Although the experiments were not ideal, as time passed, he now looked at the paper and seemed to gain new understanding. The more he read it, the more he found it interesting.

He had been engaged in geological and geographical research for over thirty years.

Back when he lost his loved ones in an earthquake, he swore in his heart that he hoped to solve the problem of earthquake early warning within his lifetime. Or, during an earthquake, he could use his abilities to save more people.

Many earthquake rescue instruments and equipment, as well as instruments for measuring the earthquake resistance of houses and bridges, came from his hands. He also participated in formulating the building earthquake resistance standards issued by the Earthquake Administration. He could be considered an expert.

When Chen Mo’s paper came out, it successfully caught his attention, but he did not step forward to show off.

Just as some experts who spoke out said, science is a rigorous discipline. They had no experimental proof that Chen Mo’s theory was wrong. It was very inappropriate to dismiss Chen Mo without evidence.

He studied the paper several times and always felt that the most crucial point was missing. It gave him a feeling of scratching an itch through a boot.

Perhaps Chen Mo had omitted some important point, making it impossible for him to find the essence of the paper. While Wu Zhen was looking at the paper, Li Chengzhi, led by an assistant, entered his office.

Li Chengzhi knocked on the door, interrupting Wu Zhen who was reading the paper. “Hello, Teacher Wu.”

“Who are you?” Wu Zhen looked at Li Chengzhi with confusion.

“My name is Li Chengzhi. This is my credential.” Li Chengzhi took out his credential and handed it to Wu Zhen. “I came here to discuss something with you.”

Wu Zhen looked at the credential and then looked at Li Chengzhi in surprise. “Have a seat! Comrade Li, what brings you to me?”

“I heard that Teacher Wu has recently been studying Chen Mo’s paper. Coincidentally, I have a matter related to Chen Mo, so I came to find you.” Li Chengzhi said with a smile.

“Oh? What about him?” Wu Zhen asked.

“Please look at this.” Li Chengzhi handed the photos taken from Chen Mo’s laboratory to Wu Zhen. “I just returned from Binhai City. This is an instrument made by Chen Mo. He said it was created using the principles from the paper, and it’s called a Seismograph.”

The last sentence immediately piqued Wu Zhen’s interest. He took the photos and examined them carefully.

“He really said that?”

“Indeed.” Li Chengzhi said. “He plans to deploy this instrument in the Mariana area for data collection. Aren’t you going on a marine geological survey? So I came to you.”

“Can you take me to see this instrument?” Wu Zhen asked.

…

Chen Mo was outside the Legion Ant Company building. With him were Xiaoyu and Li Lingfeng, among others. Zhao Min was already away on a business trip.

The day after Li Chengzhi returned, he called to say that an earthquake expert wanted to come see the Seismograph. This was something they could not refuse, especially since they planned to take the instrument out to sea later.

Soon, the car sent by Wang Hai to pick them up entered the company. They saw Li Chengzhi and a plainly dressed, gray-haired teacher get out of the car. Chen Mo and the others then went forward to greet them.

“Chen Mo, this is Mr. Wu Zhen from the Academy of Sciences. He has been engaged in seismology research for over thirty years.” Li Chengzhi introduced to Chen Mo.

“Mr. Wu.” Chen Mo quickly bowed. As a junior student, these courtesies were necessary.

“Ah, hello, no need to be so polite. You look more spirited than in photos.” Wu Zhen held Chen Mo’s hand, smiling broadly. It had been a long time since he saw such an outstanding young person.

“Mr. Wu, please come inside with us to talk.” Chen Mo said.

“No need. Take me directly to see that instrument. Your time is more precious than mine, let’s not waste it.” Wu Zhen said.

“Alright.”

Chen Mo could see Mr. Wu Zhen’s eagerness to see the Seismograph.

The group entered the Legion Ant Company and headed straight for Chen Mo’s Laboratory. Only four people were allowed into Chen Mo’s Experimental Zone.

“I studied your paper five times and conducted a few simple experiments, but I always felt something was missing. I couldn’t grasp the most important point.” Wu Zhen said as they walked.

“I was afraid the technology might be leaked, so the core part wasn’t written. If the technology were leaked abroad, the loss would be huge.” Chen Mo said.

“That’s true.” Wu Zhen nodded.

Not long after, the four of them entered the Laboratory.

Inside the Laboratory, it was the same as when Li Chengzhi visited last time. Apart from the most prominent Seismograph and a few Robots, other things were not exposed.

Seeing the Seismograph, Wu Zhen carefully walked over. He did not touch the Seismograph with his hands but observed it closely from all sides.

“Mr. Wu seems to care a lot about the Seismograph.”

Chen Mo did not disturb him. From the outside, one couldn’t make heads or tails of the Seismograph.

“The earthquake over forty years ago took his family. All these years, Mr. Wu has been dedicated to researching disaster relief equipment. He is almost obsessive about these instruments. He changed his name to Wu Zhen after that earthquake.” Li Chengzhi whispered into Chen Mo’s ear.

Hearing this, Chen Mo felt deep respect. Focusing on one field for decades, it was the almost obsessive pursuit of senior scientists like him that gave them their stable lives today.

“Has this instrument been tested?” After carefully examining the Seismograph, Wu Zhen finally stopped.

“We tested it with vibration waves, but it was a simple simulation test. The instrument can operate. Now we are preparing for field tests. We plan to set up several test stations in the Tibet Region and also send a few to the Western Pacific. We’ll test both land and marine environments to save time.” Chen Mo said.

“How much will that cost?” Wu Zhen asked.

“Not too much. Money is not a problem. If we complete the tests early and it proves feasible, deploying it early would be a blessing for many people.” Chen Mo said.

“Hmm.” Wu Zhen looked at Chen Mo with appreciation, then turned his gaze to the Seismograph, hesitating to speak.

“Mr. Wu, if you have something to say, please speak directly.” Chen Mo said.

“It’s still uncertain whether this instrument works. If it does, could you provide me with a copy of the collected data?” Wu Zhen said after a moment of hesitation.

“Of course. Such a big matter, I definitely can’t handle it alone. I also plan to cooperate with Binhai University. Having you join is more than I could ask for.” Chen Mo said with a laugh.

He currently lacked maintenance personnel in this area. Wu Zhen had decades of experience and was a senior Academician. He surely had many students and considerable connections and resources. This could reduce a lot of trouble.

As for the collected data, that was simple. It wasn’t the manufacturing technology of the Seismograph.

Hearing Chen Mo’s answer, Wu Zhen broke into a smile.

He did not hold high hopes for this instrument, but even if there was a one in ten thousand chance, he would seize it. If it were true, this Seismograph would fulfill his lifelong wish.

The matter progressed very smoothly. Wu Zhen also agreed to do his best to help Chen Mo with this experiment. After getting the affirmative answer, Chen Mo’s next task was to modify the Seismographs for deployment into the seabed.