Beyond the security gate was the main laboratory.
There weren't many people in the lab, only twenty-three: nine older individuals and the rest young engineers.
The person in charge was a white-haired old man named Donnie Cooper, a professor of mechanical engineering who graduated from MIT. Upon seeing Luke, he immediately expressed his displeasure, "Carol, the R&D center isn't an exhibition hall; don't bring outsiders in casually."
Just as Carol was about to explain, Luke stepped forward first.
"Old man, I'm no outsider..." His gaze swept around, and to everyone's astonishment, he said with a faint smile, "Listen up, everyone. From now on, I'm in charge of this lab. I'm the boss here, and you'll all listen to me."
Carol: "..."
Everyone else: "..."
The air was silent for a few seconds, then strange laughter erupted.
Everyone was amused. Where did this kid come from? Did he even graduate from college? He probably hadn't even finished high school, and he wanted to be the boss of the lab? Did he think this was a wet market where whoever had the biggest fist was king?
Cooper's face turned green, and his eyes were very unfriendly. If it weren't for the inappropriate setting, he would have slapped the kid already. Where did this brat come from, daring to disrespect him?
Carol was incredibly embarrassed, not expecting Luke to pull such a stunt.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Cooper, Luke he..."
"No need to apologize to him. There are too many people getting paid for doing nothing these days."
Luke lit a cigarette and walked casually to the main computer, skillfully pulling up the engine design blueprints. As he looked, he shook his head with a tsk, tsk.
"Boeing's KN series."
"The internal framework is identical. No, four parts have been modified."
"After the modifications, stability increased by 4%, but power decreased by 3%."
"I have to say, you're really something. You casually modified something from twenty years ago and used it as a design blueprint for a new engine. What's even stranger is that the modified blueprint isn't even as good as the original."
Upon hearing these words, several researchers who knew the inside story instantly changed their expressions. Carol also looked suspicious, sensing that something was amiss.
Donnie Cooper's face was so grim it looked like it could drip water. He walked to the computer, directly turned off the power, and stared intently at Luke with eyes like a grizzly bear.
"The R&D center is a core department. The technology here concerns the company's future, and suspicious personnel are absolutely not allowed to leak anything."
"And you, kid, don't talk nonsense if you don't understand anything. This design blueprint is the culmination of my life's work. It's the most advanced turbofan engine design in the world today. Engines made from it will become standard equipment for top fighter jets. Don't think you're so great just because you looked at a few blueprints. How could you possibly understand the key points of a turbofan engine? Have you even graduated from high school?"
Luke picked his earwax and flicked it aside.
"Are you done talking?"
Donnie Cooper took a deep breath and turned to Carol.
"He must apologize to me, or I'll leave the company."
This was already a threat. Donnie Cooper was an engine expert Carol's father had hired at great expense. If he left, the entire experimental base would be paralyzed.
Carol was in a difficult position, unsure what to do. Seeing Luke wink mischievously, she seemed to understand something and said with a serious expression,
"Mr. Cooper, thank you for your contributions to the company over the years. I will give you a generous reward according to the contract."
As her words fell, everyone was dumbfounded, never expecting such an outcome. With just a few words, Carol fired the head of the lab. Who gave her such courage? This young kid who looked barely eighteen?
Hal Jordan, who witnessed this scene, was also stunned. He had initially wanted to get even with Luke, but now it seemed he could wait a bit.
The situation changed too quickly, far exceeding Donnie Cooper's comprehension. He was stunned for a long while before coming to his senses. Without another word, he took off his white coat and turned to leave.
This matter wouldn't end like this. He would have a good talk with Carl Ferris and ask what kind of daughter he had raised. Was such an unreasonable person fit to be the CEO of Ferris Aircraft?
Carol quickly chased after him. Donnie Cooper was her father's friend; he could be dismissed, but he absolutely could not be treated disrespectfully.
With the troublesome person gone, the next steps would be easier.
Luke extinguished his cigarette butt and tossed it into the trash can.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Luke Shaw. As you can see, I'm young, not yet eighteen. I haven't been to university, middle school, or even elementary school, yet I'm the world's top engine expert. For the next period, I will take over Donnie Cooper's position and become the head of the lab, which means I'm your boss."
"I personally advocate for a lean system: only talent, no waste. So, I will conduct a comprehensive test of your professional knowledge and creative abilities. Those who pass the test will have their salaries doubled, benefits doubled, and their rank automatically increased by one level. Those who don't pass..." He pointed towards the main entrance, "Leave through here. The lab doesn't keep idlers. Of course, you can also resign and leave now."
"I'm done talking. Who's in favor? Who's against?"
Everyone looked at each other, their minds muddled by Luke's unconventional actions. This guy's way of speaking was so strange, giving off a gangster vibe.
Several people who knew the inside story wanted to leave, but then they thought of the double salary and double benefits and couldn't bear to. For a while, it was difficult to make a decision, and so the atmosphere grew even stranger.
A young researcher stepped forward.
"You don't have any position in the company. Why should we believe you?"
Luke slapped his forehead, "Look at me, I forgot the most important thing! I'm Carol's boyfriend, and if all goes well, I'll be your boss in the future. Now do you understand?"
Everyone: "..."
So, after all that, he was just relying on his looks to get by. No wonder his quality was so low!
Immediately, there were those who disdained him, and even more who envied him.
Luke watched them quietly, taking note of everyone's expressions. When the atmosphere settled, he said unhurriedly,
"Since no one wants to leave, let's begin!"
"Angus Neil, you're a company veteran and the most senior high-level engineer. We'll start with you. Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."
Angus, whose name was called, snorted.
"Young man, you test me, and I'll test you too. If you don't pass, I'll call Mr. Ferris."
Luke shrugged, "Suit yourself."
The two walked into the lounge, closed the doors and windows, and the test officially began.
The others gathered outside, discussing in low voices.
Good news travels slow, bad news travels fast. The events here quickly spread, and by the time Carol returned to the lab after seeing off Donnie Cooper, the entrance was packed with curious onlookers who had come to hear the news.
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