Fourth Update,

…

"And the second one?"

Upon hearing the words "Underworld," both Tang Feifei and Xiao Muxue involuntarily frowned, and even Lin Hai's face showed a slight change. However, it was clear that he wasn't as opposed to the idea as Tang and Xiao were; after all, all he wanted was to regain custody of his daughter, and he didn't care about the means to achieve that goal.

"The second one involves contacting Sister Ning or Brother Qiang; they have connections within the legal and political system, so handling this matter shouldn't be too difficult. Or, if you dare to have your father step in, it would likely be resolved even more easily…" Qin Fang stated the second option nonchalantly, even managing to tease Tang Feifei in the process.

Lin Hai was somewhat confused upon hearing this, but seeing the smile on Tang Feifei's face, he realized this approach was reliable too. He looked at Tang Feifei with hope; Qin Fang's implication was clear—both options were viable, and the final decision rested with Tang Feifei.

"It's better to find Sister Ning. I'll make a call…"

Tang Feifei stuck out her tongue—the idea of her father stepping in was out of the question. It was more appropriate to seek help from Ning Yumo or Ning Weiqiang, considering both of their fathers were influential figures within the political committee system of Jiangnan Province.

"Young Master Qin, this…"

Seeing Tang Feifei walk away with the phone, Lin Hai asked hesitantly.

"Don't worry. If Feifei is willing to help, it shouldn't be too difficult. I believe we'll have an outcome soon! Brother Lin, let's sit over there…"

Qin Fang knew Tang Feifei's phone call could take a while, so he asked Xiao Muxue to stay and care for her little daughter Weiwei, and took Lin Hai aside to talk about business. He had heard something about Lin Hai's work during their previous conversation that sparked a thought.

"Brother Lin, did the lab you work for ever attempt to tackle lithium battery technology?"

Qin Fang pulled Lin Hai aside and directly asked about something he had picked up from Lin Hai's passing comments.

"Yes, there was such a project that I was part of. But due to a lack of funding in the later stages and the investors pulling out, the project was abandoned," Lin Hai said, still a bit preoccupied with what result Tang Feifei might get, but he answered Qin Fang's question earnestly.

"So you're saying your lab is qualified to research and tackle this field?"

Lin Hai's mood was something Qin Fang could understand, so he had no complaints about Lin Hai's attitude. The mere fact that Lin Hai was willing to speak with him like this was already an apology to Qin Fang.

"Our research institute is a National First-class Research Institute, and the staff of the laboratory are all up to standard, fully qualified…"

Lin Hai was quite proud of this fact. As a senior researcher who once had hope for the deputy director position, his work had been secured despite the ordeal, but advancement had become very difficult.

"Brother Lin, if I may ask boldly, how is the lab's performance these days?"

Now that qualifications were confirmed, Qin Fang grew interested and inquired more closely.

He noticed that Lin Hai's financial situation didn't seem particularly good, not because of his attire, but because of that woman's attitude towards him and his own subtle expressions. At least when Qin Fang himself was in dire straits, he looked quite similar. This was perhaps a case of empathy.

"Well, I won't hide it from you! Originally, our institute was affiliated with Polytechnic University. But after market economy reforms, various departments of the university started to be financially independent. We receive just enough in allocations to pay our researchers' salaries… It's only when we occasionally undertake some research and development projects that we have a decent income, but the worst is when something like the lithium battery project happens – if it's abandoned halfway due to lack of funds, our income naturally... If it weren't for that, Fang Mei... wouldn't have ended up like this," Lin Hai replied candidly, sharing some of the conditions of the Ninghai Polytechnic University Affiliated Research Institute with Qin Fang. He spoke with a tone of struggle, yet didn't notice the gleam in Qin Fang's eyes growing brighter.

"By the way, Brother Lin, if someone approaches you to continue the lithium battery project, would you be able to take it on?" Qin Fang hesitated momentarily before asking casually.

"Yes, of course! Actually, we had almost reached the final stages last time. We were only one breakthrough away from completion…" Lin Hai's response was firm, showing his considerable involvement—and excitement—about the project.

"Young Master Qin, with these questions, do you mean…"

Lin Hai wasn't a fool; the continuous questioning about the laboratory and the lithium battery project made it quite apparent, even to an academic of his caliber. If he couldn't figure it out, he'd have to be considered a simpleton.

Lab researchers might be known for being socially awkward or inept at networking, but calling them naive or foolish would be more a reflection on the accuser. After all, how many challenging projects had come to life at their hands?

If both of them were naive or foolish, what would that make the average person, who might not even measure up to such naivety or foolishness? It's important to remember that many difficult projects are born in their capable hands.

"Heh, I was just asking! I've heard about this from a friend before, and since Brother Lin has researched it, I wanted to inquire about the situation... Of course, if we really do seek cooperation with your research institute, I hope Brother Lin could give me a lead, help me build a bridge..."

Qin Fang didn't admit it, but the latter part of his statement was an implicit indication of the possibility.

"Naturally, naturally... Weiwei's issue..."

Lin Hai had no reason to refuse, yet his greatest concern at the moment was his daughter's situation. He feared he would be powerless in anything else until that matter was properly resolved.

"Feifei is here; there should be a result now!"

Qin Fang tapped Lin Hai on the shoulder just as Tang Feifei ended her phone call and walked over to them with a smile on her face.

"How did it go? What did Sister Ning say?"

Seeing Tang Feifei approaching, Qin Fang asked.

"I told Sister Ning about Weiwei's situation. She said she'll handle it herself, and we should have a response soon... Don't worry, since Sister Ning has spoken up, there shouldn't be a problem!"

Tang Feifei nodded with a smile, confident in Sister Ning's abilities. With her involved, things were surely going to be sorted out easily.

However, Lin Hai had no idea who Sister Ning or Big Sister Ning was. Although Tang Feifei said so, there was still no concrete assurance, leaving Lin Hai looking pitifully at Qin Fang.

"Don't worry, Brother Lin, Sister Ning is part of the political and legal system, her father is the secretary of the Provincial Political and Legal Committee. A matter like this should be easy for her..."

Qin Fang was good at currying favor. He was initially reluctant to disclose Ning Yumo's identity but decided it would lay some foundation for future cooperation.

Sure enough, when Lin Hai heard that Sister Ning was the daughter of the secretary of the Provincial Political and Legal Committee, his issue suddenly seemed like no difficulty at all. Although he didn't work in government, Ninghai Polytechnic University was also a public institution, so he had some understanding of the rules and regulations.

"Thank you, Young Master Qin, thank you, Miss Tang... Weiwei, quickly thank your uncle and aunt!"

Lin Hai truly felt grateful, and not just him – even Weiwei's face was covered with an unknowing smile. Perhaps the recent interaction had made her very fond of the two sisters.

...

"Brother Jiangnan, it's me, Qin Fang!"

After seeing Lin Hai off, Qin Fang immediately called Chen Jiangnan.

"Younger Brother Qin, my dear, you're actually seeking me out. I'm flattered indeed!"

Chen Jiangnan was genuinely surprised by Qin Fang's initiative to call him, but he laughed it off with a few jests.

"I just wanted to ask about the lab's preparations; I've been getting the relevant documents ready on my side..." Qin Fang got straight to the point.

"Xiao Qin, this matter... is quite troublesome. As you know, money is a small matter, but it's difficult to find the right talent! You want me to find such research personnel, and I've been making contacts, but it's really hard to gather everyone so quickly!"

As soon as Qin Fang brought up the topic, Chen Jiangnan's face turned into a sour expression, indicating clearly he had not yet solved the issue, whether it was a factual difficulty or an excuse.

"Oh? Is that so... I did find a suitable team, but unfortunately, I don't have the funds... Never mind, I'll figure it out myself! Worse comes to worst, I'll try my luck again... Anyway, I won't bother you any longer, Brother Jiangnan!"

Qin Fang put on an air of great disappointment in his tone with Chen Jiangnan, even subtly hinting before pretending to end the call.

"Wait... wait a moment! You found people?"

Chen Jiangnan was taken aback for a moment but quickly stopped Qin Fang. He could tell what Qin Fang was implying – that Chen Jiangnan himself hadn't been serious in handling the matter.

If Qin Fang could manage something that Chen Jiangnan couldn't, there were two possibilities: either Qin Fang was more capable, or Chen Jiangnan hadn't been diligent. The first possibility could be dismissed, implying the latter – that Chen Jiangnan hadn't taken the project seriously, which meant that if the project indeed started officially, he wouldn't have a role in it.

"Yeah, I found some people. Ninghai Polytechnic University Affiliated Research Institute. I know a researcher there named Lin Hai, who has been involved in lithium battery research projects, and the qualifications of the institute are also beyond question..."

Although Qin Fang really wanted to rebuke Chen Jiangnan, thinking about the need for someone to provide the funds, he held back for now.

(To be continued... For further details, please visit www.qidian.com. More chapters are available there, and you can support the author and legitimate reading!)

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