"Before Professor Xu's accident, he had always been our country's most outstanding expert in explosives technology applications. He made great contributions to our country's military construction, including the early 032 Project, 8701 Project, and this time's 8702 Project..." Zhang Zhen paused, and then said: "It's a pity that such a thing happened before the 8702 Project was completed. It is really sad, but the opinion of the ministry is that the 8702 Project must continue. This project is very important to our country's military development and cannot be abandoned halfway..."

When he said this, Zhang Zhen subconsciously looked at the expressions of everyone present.

However, to his disappointment, everyone, including Guo Rui, lowered their heads, as if they did not dare to meet Zhang Zhen's gaze.

"Xiao Guo, what do you think about this decision of the department?" Zhang Zhen suddenly asked Guo Rui.

For a moment, everyone focused their attention on Guo Rui.

"This..." Guo Rui's eyes shrank a little when he heard this, and after a moment he said, "We are all willing to follow your arrangements."

"You have been working on scientific research projects with Professor Xu for many years, right?" Zhang Zhen seemed to feel that his tone was a bit serious and made the people present feel nervous, so he smiled and said in a calm tone: "As far as I know, you have always been one of the core members of Professor Xu's projects and have made considerable contributions to these projects. You can be said to be the disciple whose technical level is closest to Professor Xu..."

"I can't compare with Teacher Xu. He has always been my mentor and idol." Guo Rui said quickly after hearing this.

"There is an old saying that the disciple surpasses the master. Our country's scientific research system has inheritance. Judging from various conditions, I think you are the most likely person to inherit Professor Xu's legacy." Zhang Zhen looked at Guo Rui with a smile, and then said: "In fact, for those of us who are engaged in technical research and development, we need to have a certain ability to withstand pressure, and pressure can be turned into motivation. I also experienced the transformation from a student to a project leader. I didn't know anything at the time, but in the end, I grew up step by step and won many awards. Looking back, it is indeed a very beautiful memory..."

Even though Zhang Zhen had said this, Guo Rui and everyone present still kept their heads down and remained silent.

"How about this... Comrade Guo Rui, I have decided to let you temporarily serve as the person in charge of the 8702 project and continue this project. What do you think?" Seeing that no one responded to his indirect hints, Zhang Zhen simply made it clear.

"Leader Zhang, I really want to continue the work that Professor Xu has not completed, but the problem is that my ability is really limited and I can't take on such a scientific research project." Guo Rui looked embarrassed and continued, "In fact, in addition to me, our team has many excellent candidates. I believe they are qualified to be the person in charge of this project."

It is obvious that Guo Rui does not want to take over the project left by his teacher.

In fact, this is understandable. After all, although Guo Rui has followed Xu Yuanming for more than ten years, a soldier is still a soldier. Even if he has been through hundreds of battles, he may not necessarily be a good general.

"Does anyone among you think you are capable of taking on this project?" Zhang Zhen then turned his gaze to the others.

In fact, the Fifth Ministry of Machine Building is full of talents, including many experts in researching explosives, but Zhang Zhen obviously hopes that people from Xu Yuanming's original team will take over this project. In this way, the previous research and development progress can be continued, and the phased results achieved by Xu Yuanming before will not be wasted.

But this time, Zhang Zhen was obviously disappointed.

Zhang Zhen looked around at everyone present, but no one dared to meet his gaze. They all lowered their heads and said nothing.

The matter is obvious. The danger of Project 8702 is too great. You know, the research and development of explosives can be said to be the most dangerous of all chemical projects. Although the TNT and RDX explosives commonly used nowadays are very stable and are unlikely to explode even under high temperatures and violent collisions, in fact, these explosives were later added with ingredients such as stabilizers, and when they were first developed, their chemical properties were very unstable.

In this project, even Xu Yuanming, who was experienced and always cautious, had such a big explosion accident. If it were someone else, they would naturally not dare to take over this project.

Therefore, even when facing the leadership and the national honors that seem to be within reach in the future, no one dares to take such a big risk.

"Leader Zhang, I'm sorry to disappoint you." Guo Rui spoke at this time, and he said, "As you said, we should inherit our teacher's legacy and take over the 8702 project, but we really can't do it. First of all, although I have followed Teacher Xu for so many years, in fact, my ability still has many shortcomings. The indicator requirement of the 8702 project is to develop a high-energy explosive with an explosion speed and energy exceeding 1.8 times of TNT. The difficulty is still quite large and far beyond my ability level... In addition, I have two sons at home, and my wife is frail and can't work. I only rely on my salary to support the family. If something happens to me, the three of them will be helpless. As for other people, it's the same situation. If Leader Zhang wants to punish us for this matter, then punish me alone. It's my incompetence that can't bring honor to the master..."

Hearing this, Xu Qiang, who was sitting in the corner, suddenly realized that these people were actually developing high-energy military explosives, and the previous accident must have happened during the development of explosives.

However, Xu Qiang still admired Guo Rui's courage. He actually dared to reject Zhang Zhen in person, and the reasons he gave were obviously inconsistent with the values ​​of military workers of that era. After all, being afraid of death would be despised by many people.

"Haha, it's okay. It's a rare thing to have the courage to admit your own incompetence." After hearing what Guo Rui said, Zhang Zhen's expression eased instead. He continued, "Actually, I also know that this project is very dangerous. I held this meeting just to solicit your suggestions and will not force you to take over this project. Comrade Guo Rui is right not to want to take over the project. It is always better than forcing it to start without the ability. After all, no one wants tragedy to happen again." "Leader Zhang, thank you for your understanding. Although I am not capable of taking charge of this task, if this project has a new person in charge, we are willing to stay in this project, work hard, and do our best to help it complete this project. At least in the previous research and development, we have also made some breakthroughs." Guo Rui said again at this time.

"Very good!" Zhang Zhen nodded after hearing this, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "You have all worked hard these past few days. Go back and have a good rest. We'll talk about the project later. If there is a new person in charge, I will consider letting you rejoin the team."

"Thank you very much, Leader Zhang." Guo Rui thanked him, and the expressions of others immediately relaxed.

"Okay, let's end today's meeting here. You can go back." Zhang Zhen waved his hand, signaling the end of the meeting.

The next moment, everyone stood up and left. Soon, only Zhang Zhen, Xu Qiang and Liu Siying were left in the meeting room.

"Xiao Xu, I just wanted to ask you if you are willing to come to work at BJ." Zhang Zhen took a sip of the teacup, turned to look at Xu Qiang, and said with a smile: "If you are willing to come, not only you, but also everyone in your project team, and even some of your family members, can be transferred to the directly affiliated institute here at BJ. The working conditions and treatment will definitely be higher than your original unit. More importantly, your professional title evaluation and award-winning opportunities will be much easier in the future."

While Zhang Zhen was speaking, he also glanced at Liu Siying who was next to Xu Qiang.

This time, Zhang Zhen directly offered Xu Qiang benefits, and these benefits were indeed very sincere.

If it were an ordinary science and technology worker, this would be an olive branch that could not be refused.

Not to mention that the working and living environment in BJ is much better than in other cities, just being valued by a leader of this level means that your future prospects are limitless.

So whether you are pursuing material or honor, you should accept Zhang Zhen's invitation.

Even Liu Siying seemed moved and turned to look at Xu Qiang.

"Leader Zhang, you think too highly of me. I am just an ordinary scientific and technological worker. I really don't deserve your kindness..."

"It's all worth it since you can develop aramid paper!" Zhang Zhen said simply.

"Last time, you invited me to work in BJ, but I have to disappoint you this time. I am from the south, and the weather in the north is too dry. I can't stand it..."

Seeing that Xu Qiang dared to directly reject Zhang Zhen, Liu Siying showed some surprise in her eyes.

It seemed that in Liu Siying's eyes, Xu Qiang was simply a fearless person. He was like this when he was in the factory before. He dared to issue a military order in front of all the leaders and even dared to talk back to his father. Unexpectedly, when facing Leader Zhang, Xu Qiang still had an attitude of a dead fish not afraid of boiling water and did not consider the leader's face at all.

"Just say you don't want to come. There's no need to find so many excuses." Zhang Zhen said with a smile.

"In fact, if you can open a chemical research institute for me in Shanghai, I promise to work hard in the future."

"This is impossible. I have told you the reason before." Zhang Zhen picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"But what if... I am willing to take over the 8702 project?" Xu Qiang said again.

"Ok?"

Hearing Xu Qiang say this, Zhang Zhen almost spit out the half-drunk tea, and Liu Siying next to him also looked at Xu Qiang with shock on her face. (End of this chapter)