Chapter 516: The Final Test_1
Jiang Yu continued, "In the next twenty to thirty years, the main task of the Solar System State will be to transform the fifteen surrounding planetary systems into our provinces.
"The original plan was to complete the preliminary deployment around Milky Way Year 50, but with our current pace, I estimate that by around Milky Way Year 40, the major construction of the fifteen provinces should be able to begin.
"The long-term plan is for humanity to strive to become a God-level Civilization.
"This requires stacking one short-term plan on top of another, and now it's time to consider the next mid-term plan once again.
"Your final test will be this, you can form your own teams and, without affecting normal operations, draw people from the Scientific Academy and the Strategic Department.
"Within two years, present a relatively mature plan.
"I'll give you a hint, don't stick to the current development model! Think more broadly!"
Then Jiang Yu clapped his hands, "Alright, go start preparing!"
It wasn't until they had exited Jiang Yu's office that Shi Mingwei and Yun Tony came back to their senses.
The Wallfacer's final hint suggested that the current development model was either imperfect or had flaws, or there were some situations that everyone had overlooked, which needed to be supplemented or improved in the upcoming plan.
The two exchanged a wry smile, realizing this test was not going to be easy.
...
Today, Jiang Que officially joined the Scientific Academy, and like other parents, Jiang Yu and Yang Dong accompanied their daughter for registration.
On the way, Jiang Yu deliberately asked the smart computer to drive slower, using the time to admonish Jiang Que, "Don't be too arrogant at the start of your job, you must take it step by step.
"When encountering a problem, don't react hastily, first stop and look around, or learn how others handle it.
"Maintain good relationships with your teachers and classmates..."
Jiang Que waved her hand impatiently, "Yeah, I know, my ears are practically calloused from hearing it.
"As for your requirements, I wish you would make fewer of them, don't use your connections and influence to create opportunities for me that you think are necessary!"
Jiang Yu and Yang Dong looked at each other and smiled, unsure whether to praise their daughter's ambition or to call her naïve.
But for a young person, having such spirit wasn't bad at all.
Jiang Que went on, "And you guys better not get out of the car when we arrive! I don't want my classmates to see you."
In the first three years of enrollment at the Scientific Academy, one generally works in a research group while pursuing a doctoral degree.
This learning process is different from the previous online courses. It is usually seven or eight students working on some research projects with a senior professor.
Through these projects, the professor teaches advanced knowledge and insights, both by word and by example.
Therefore, this teaching process involves traditional mentor-student and peer relationships.
This excited Jiang Que, as it meant entering a new environment.
Jiang Yu said helplessly, "All these years, I've been working hard to eliminate prejudice among people, and it's rare now to see anyone feeling ashamed of their family. I never expected that your mother and I would be the ones who cannot show our faces."
Jiang Que kissed her father cheerfully and then her mother, "Isn't this what you told me, no special treatment.
"If you are recognized, it's as if someone wrote 'I'm special' on my forehead."
Jiang Yu shook his head, smiling, pleased to be cajoled by his daughter in such a manner.
But in his heart, he felt somewhat melancholy, his little girl had grown up so quickly, and for the first time, he felt perhaps it was time to let go.
Watching Jiang Que disembark from the airship and wave goodbye before heading off to greet her classmates, Zhuang Yue waved back from the car.
Jiang Yu and Yang Dong exchanged a look, both feeling an inexplicable emptiness inside.
On the way back, Jiang Yu said, "Otherwise, shall we have another one?"
...
Since the regular research groups at the Academy of Science were semi-confidential units, parents could only escort their children to the entrance of the office.
Jiang Que had already become well-acquainted with two female classmates. One of the classmates' father said, "You're Jiang Que, right?"
Jiang Que nodded, "Yes, Uncle, just call me Little Que."
The classmate's father smiled and said, "My daughter is somewhat introverted, so I'm relieved to have an outgoing classmate like you. Please take good care of her during your studies and work."
"You're too kind, Uncle. Classmates should take care of each other."
The father chuckled, "Such a smooth talker. Your parents must have focused on nurturing your social skills from a young age, right? Eh? Just now, I saw you waving to the airship. Were your parents on the airship? Why did they leave so soon? They didn't come down to see you off?"
"They're both really busy, so I told them to go back to work."
"But this is a big day for their child. Are they Governors or Wallfacers? No matter how busy, they should make time to see you off!"
Jiang Que smiled awkwardly, at a loss for how to continue the conversation.
The Academy of Science recruited new people every two or three months, usually hiring a batch each time.
Dozens of people were saying goodbye to their parents and entering the courtyard, where several tutors or their assistants were waiting to receive them.
From a distance, Jiang Que spotted a robot holding a "Professor Zheng Hua" sign, standing beside it was a handsome young man in his twenties.
Jiang Que and her two female classmates giggled behind their hands; this must be the tutor's assistant, quite handsome indeed.
When eight students had gathered in front of the sign, the handsome young man cleared his throat and said, "My name is Qin Hai, assistant to Professor Zheng Hua and also your senior. I will be arranging your accommodations and your schedule!"
Jiang Que's face was full of expectation, feeling that her doctoral life was bound to be exciting.
...
Just as Jiang Yu had predicted, after Earth remained inactive, the Sophon incident simply faded away.
That was the official public stance, but Jiang Yu, Zhuang Yue, and others never let their guard down.
Following the photon experiment, under Jiang Yu's direction, the Academy of Science and the Strategic Department started to shift resources towards Earth.
New weapons were prioritized for deployment within the Earth Corps.
The Strategic Department began assisting Zhuang Yue in restructuring the Earth Corps and formulating strategies and tactics, all under the premise of preparing for a major conflict.
The Earth Corps was the largest corps of the Solar System State, integrating the elite of three armies. Whenever new warships were fitted, the Earth Corps was not left out, hence their equipment was always cutting-edge.
Everyone knew that should Earth encounter an enemy in the depths of space, Blue Maiden Star would simply not have enough time to provide support.
Therefore, it was imperative for Earth to possess the strongest military force, so that everyone could feel at ease.
The pre-war restructuring aimed to make the Earth Corps' military system more scientific; the vast war machine was continuously "on standby," operating non-stop.
It wasn't until the following year, in Milky Way Year 21, that Zhuang Yue suddenly issued an attack order to the most elite Second Group Army.