The words "room-temperature superconducting material" instantly snapped Chen Mo out of his thoughts like a jolt of lightning.
This was a dream pursued by scientists across the globe for decades—billions spent, generations of researchers trying and failing. Yet now, the answer had appeared in his mind with terrifying clarity.
A superconducting material that functions at room temperature, one with nearly zero electrical resistance. Its potential was limitless. In fact, it was considered the holy grail of materials science. From advanced electronics to revolutionary power grids, its impact would reshape entire industries.
He hadn't expected the chosen technology to be this. It far surpassed his imagination.
But thinking it through, it made sense. The technologies granted at the Apprentice stage were already groundbreaking. The next tier would likely be those that truly changed eras. In that light, a room-temperature superconductor didn't seem so out of place.
Heart pounding, Chen Mo dove into the newly acquired knowledge. Detailed synthesis conditions, production steps, required environments, safety precautions—it was all there. Every angle, every process meticulously documented.
Then came the application breakdown. From electronic device manufacturing to power transmission, superconducting chip fabrication, and advanced machinery, the scope was staggering.
When Chen Mo reached the section on superconducting chips, his breath caught.
If this material could be processed into chips, it would utterly transform computing. Processing speeds would leap forward, heat generation would plummet, and energy efficiency would skyrocket.
Even if it had no other use, that alone would make the material priceless.
This wasn't just an upgrade.
This was an intergenerational material.
The composition was based on silicon-carbon (Si-C). Under special chemical conditions, the outer layers of silicon and carbon atoms could be bonded into a stable honeycomb structure, with tri-atomic chains forming the backbone. The resulting molecular lattice was both stable and conductive—ideal for superconductivity at room temperature.
Chen Mo sat still, absorbing the technical theory and the abstract formulas embedded in the material synthesis guide. It sounded deceptively simple on paper, but actual implementation would be far from easy.
After about half an hour, he fully digested the knowledge.
Exiting the Tech Library, Chen Mo let out a deep breath and rubbed his temples.
Another monster-tier technology unlocked.
But unlike previous breakthroughs, this one had to be handled with extreme caution.
This was a world-altering substance. If he released it too early, it wouldn't just cause a stir—it would draw attention from powers and organizations far more dangerous than greedy business rivals. The shadows behind global industries would not ignore such a disruptive element.
He'd learned this the hard way. Until he had the power to protect himself—and the technology—he wouldn't be publishing anything.
"Brother Mo, Jane is calling," Ink Girl's voice cut in softly.
"Connect."
A warm voice came through the line.
"Xiao Mo, Xinxin just finished her exams. She's on a bus to Binhai and should arrive around 5:30 or 6 p.m. Can you pick her up?"
"Ah! Right—I completely forgot. She just finished the college entrance exam." Chen Mo scratched his head. "I'll be just getting off work around that time. No problem, I'll pick her up."
"Sorry for the trouble," the woman said apologetically. "She insisted on going to see you. Hope she's not intruding."
"She's my cousin. Don't even say that. The house is big, and there's plenty of chopsticks to go around. Let her come and unwind after all that exam pressure."
"Oh, and about her results," she added with a chuckle. "She says she's confident she can follow in your footsteps to Binhai University. Scores aren't out yet though."
"If she said that with confidence, I'm sure she did well. Don't worry—I'll take care of her. You've done enough."
"I'm grateful, Mo. If she acts out, help me teach her a lesson, okay?"
"Haha, she's not that little devil she used to be."
"I'll hang up now. Thank you again."
After ending the call, Chen Mo asked Ink Girl to begin compiling all the silicon-carbon research data into an organized format. Then, once the workday ended, he and Xiao Yu headed to the Binhai City station.
"Who are we picking up?" Xiao Yu asked as they drove.
"Xinxin—my cousin," Chen Mo replied.
"Zhen's daughter?"
"You've met her?"
"A couple of times when we were kids. She came to our house once—small, noisy, and stole my toys," Xiao Yu said, smiling.
Chen Mo burst out laughing. "Yeah, that sounds like her."
Soon, they arrived at the station.
They didn't have to wait long before a girl in white sneakers, short denim jeans, and a crisp white tee stepped out. Her high ponytail swayed as she walked, radiating youthful energy. She pulled a suitcase behind her, her eyes scanning the crowd—until they landed on Chen Mo.
"Brother!"
She broke into a run, flashing a wide grin.
"Come on, hop in," Chen Mo said, taking the suitcase and handing it off to Wang Hai before leading her to the car.
"Is this my sister-in-law?" Zhang Xinxin asked, her eyes forming crescent moons as she looked at Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu blinked, caught off guard by the title, but couldn't help smiling shyly.
"She's He Xiaoyu," Chen Mo introduced, not denying it.
"Hello, Sister Xiaoyu! You're so pretty!" Zhang Xinxin said cheerfully.
"Thank you." Xiao Yu returned the greeting, warmth in her tone.
The chatter flowed freely during the ride, and Xiao Yu and Zhang Xinxin warmed up to each other quickly. Once they arrived at the villa, Xinxin dashed inside like a child set loose, while Xiao Yu quietly entered the kitchen to begin preparing dinner.
"Brother, big boss—where's my graduation gift?" Zhang Xinxin flopped onto the sofa and stretched her hand toward him expectantly.
"What do you want? I'll take you out to buy it tonight," Chen Mo replied, smacking her hand away with a smile.
"Deal! You're rich anyway." She grinned. Then, growing a little more serious, she leaned in. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something. I want to work over the summer—can I intern at your company?"
"You want to work? I can just give you the money."
"No way." She shook her head firmly. "I'm not a trophy or a vase. I want to earn my own spending money. After college, I plan to be independent. I can't rely on Mom and Dad forever."
Chen Mo studied her for a moment. She really had grown. The once unruly cousin was slowly maturing.
"You sure you want to work? It won't be glamorous—real entry-level grind."
"I'm not afraid of hard work."
"Alright then. When we get back, I'll have Xiao Yu set something up for you. You've been warned—this won't be fun."
"Thanks, Brother!" Zhang Xinxin said sweetly. "I'll go help Sister Xiaoyu in the kitchen!"
She darted off before he could say more. That night, Chen Mo took both girls to the commercial square after dinner for a bit of shopping and celebration.
A peaceful day, hiding the birth of an intergenerational revolution behind its calm surface.