Leveling Up With My Pet



In a world where finite resources constrained the march of technological progress, one solitary battery stood as the linchpin of innovation. Within the bustling confines of the Global Scientific Research Center, technical team leaders found themselves locked in a relentless competition, a race against time, for access to this coveted component. As with any limited resource, this singular battery gave rise to tensions and disputes among the leaders. 

Amid this contentious atmosphere, Hu Nan, a seasoned technical team leader, couldn't help but voice his heartfelt wish, a sentiment tinged with emotion. "How splendid it would be," he mused, "if we could lay our hands on a few more of these batteries."

Ning Zetao, another prominent figure in the technical leadership, nodded in vigorous agreement. "Absolutely," he said, his voice echoing with shared aspiration. "A few more of these batteries would eliminate these ongoing conflicts and expedite our research. No more researchers would be left twiddling their thumbs, waiting for essential components. Instead, when one research team concludes its study, the parts would be readily available for the next group. It'd be a seamless cycle of progress."

Both harboured a deep longing for more batteries of this kind, yet they were acutely aware of the monumental challenge of this dream coming to fruition, even the near-impossibility.

However, they decided to sidestep the weighty topic, shifting their focus toward the exhilarating realm of graphene-aluminum batteries.

"Old Hu," Ning Zetao inquired, "how is our graphene-aluminum battery project faring?"

A contented smile graced Hu Nan's lips as he responded, "Boss, our progress is proceeding with remarkable fluidity. My initial estimate was that it would take approximately three months to create the first sample battery in a controlled laboratory setting. But, to be honest, that projection was rather conservative. At the most, within another month, we'll have produced the first prototype of our graphene-aluminum battery."

The pace of advancement took Ning Zetao aback. "So swiftly!" he exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting up pleasantly.

With pride, Hu Nan elaborated, "Indeed, and even the Boss would likely be overjoyed by this news. However, it's essential to remember that this is just the first generation of our graphene-aluminum battery. As we delve deeper into its technology and gain a more profound understanding, we'll undoubtedly usher in a third, fourth, and perhaps even an nth generation of graphene-aluminium batteries."

Their conversation flowed animatedly, offering a welcome respite from the recent friction and quarrels that had marred the interaction between the technical teams.

The sun had barely begun to rise on the following morning when a summons arrived for both Hu Nan and Ning Zetao. Their presence was required at Universal Building, where the Boss eagerly awaited their arrival.

Anticipating the Boss's insatiable curiosity regarding their project's progress, they diligently prepared a wealth of reports and promptly made their way to the appointed meeting.

A tinge of nervousness crept over them upon entering Liu Yong's office.

In unison, they greeted him, "Boss, we're here."

Liu Yong, the benevolent yet demanding head of the organization, welcomed them with warmth and grace. "Please, take a seat, my friends. I have some exciting news to share."

As they settled into their chairs, with a sparkle of intrigue in his eyes, Liu Yong wasted no time delving into the heart of the matter. "How is the graphene-aluminum battery project progressing?" he inquired.

Being the spokesperson, Hu Nan replied with a smile, "Boss, the success we've achieved with that revolutionary battery has fueled our determination to propel forward with the graphene-aluminum battery. Progress is proceeding at a pace that has exceeded our initial expectations, and we confidently predict that we'll have crafted a working prototype within the next month."

Ning Zetao couldn't help but exclaim, "It's truly astonishing, Boss. In the world of science and technology, most countries and research institutions are still confined to the theoretical and conceptual stages of such battery development. But here, at the Global Scientific Research Center, we're on the verge of producing a tangible, working prototype."

Liu Yong's reaction was a mix of surprise and profound satisfaction. "This is nothing short of groundbreaking," he commented. "But what about the production costs?"

With meticulous precision, Hu Nan replied, "We've remained steadfast in our commitment to a low-cost strategy throughout the research and development process. Our projections indicate that the manufacturing cost of our graphene-aluminum battery will be less than half that of the current lithium batteries."

His face lit up enthusiastically, and Liu Yong couldn't contain his joy. "Splendid!" he exclaimed. "I'm eagerly looking forward to expediting production and swiftly introducing this marvel to the market."

Ning Zetao deftly redirected the conversation to the practicalities. "Boss, selecting a suitable location for our battery factory is the next critical step."

Liu Yong nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's a pivotal decision. We'll need to act swiftly in this regard."

Hu Nan, however, chose this moment to broach another equally pressing concern. "Boss, one more issue significantly hampers our progress."

Liu Yong, with a sense of gravity, encouraged him to continue. "Please, tell me about it."

Without hesitation, Hu Nan addressed the issue head-on. "Boss, we're currently in possession of only one of those remarkable batteries. Having even one more, or perhaps an additional battery, would alleviate the strains we're experiencing in our research endeavors."

Ning Zetao, echoing the sentiment, added, "Precisely, Boss. With just a single battery, we often find ourselves mired in disputes as different research groups vie for its limited use. It's impeding our collective progress."

Unexpectedly, Liu Yong burst into laughter. His laughter was genuine and heartfelt, filling the room with a shared joy.

Baffled by this unexpected reaction, Hu Nan and Ning Zetao exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what had prompted their Boss's sudden mirth.

After a hearty bout of laughter, Liu Yong rose from his seat, strode purposefully to a massive safe, and unlocked it without hesitation. He retrieved a substantial box from within, placing it with a sense of ceremony on his desk. He then secured the safe once more.

Resuming his seat, Liu Yong gestured toward the box and grinned, "Open it and see what's inside."

Still bewildered by the Boss's laughter, the duo rose and approached the box in unison. As they lifted the lid, what they beheld left them momentarily dumbfounded.

It felt like their acupoints had been tapped, rendering them momentarily paralyzed. For a few seconds, they stood there, incredulous, as if an electrifying bolt of surprise had struck them. The contents of the box were almost too marvellous to comprehend.

Batteries identical to the one they had possessed filled the box. There were at least thirty of them, neatly arranged in rows.

Ning Zetao, trembling with disbelief, stammered, "Old Hu, this can't be real!"

Still grappling with the shock of the moment, Hu Nan agreed in a hushed tone, "Old Ning, we're not dreaming. This is undeniably real."

Seeing their reactions with a mix of amusement and satisfaction, Liu Yong proclaimed loudly, "You now have thirty-two of these batteries at your disposal for research. I trust that you will swiftly unravel their technological secrets and harness their potential to create even more advanced batteries."

Their initial astonishment subsided, and Hu Nan and Ning Zetao found their voices again, expressing their unwavering commitment. "Rest assured, Boss. We shall make the utmost use of these resources to achieve groundbreaking scientific advancements in record time."