Capítulo 787: Chapter 484: Should Work Titles Be Used When Addressing Someone in a Professional Setting?

“Cough, cough, cough~~”

Elder Xue coughed a few times, continued looking at the files in his hand, studying the report on the new generation of laser weapons, his wrinkled face with eyes still sharp like a beast’s.

“Elder Xue, your medical team asked me to remind you to rest half an hour ago… you can’t finish all these files, keeping healthy will allow you to review more for longer.”

From outside the office, You Canmou pushed the door open, jogged in, and used the back of his hand to smooth Elder Xue’s breathing.

“Cough, cough~ I’m fine, not going to die… Those doctors don’t understand a thing, listening to them would lead to an early death!”

“Well, take a look at this ‘Research on Handheld Laser Sword,’ what is this thing anyway, what era are we in, still researching laser swords, didn’t I mess with this when I was young… why is it coming back now?”

Elder Xue knew laser weapons were advanced and a major military focus, but the document on laser swords on his desk… was rather outrageous.

Modern weapons have great range and power, yet you’re relying on humans to wield a laser sword… even if it’s made, you could solve it from dozens of meters away.

Elder Xue couldn’t fathom what wise guy wanted to mess with this…

Seeing Elder Xue had no intention of resting, You Canmou didn’t persuade further and started talking about the topic.

“Haha~ Elder Xue, you were talking about those immature ideas from before, I’ve read some of the researcher’s documents… He’s from the laser weapons department, recently proposed the ‘laser sword’ actually not being a traditional melee weapon, but a… mid-range weapon, with an effective kill range of up to 30 meters, specifically designed to deal with drones, using lasers to lock onto the drone, instantly detonate it, and in urban combat, it has great advantages compared to traditional weapons…”

Elder Xue listened to You Canmou’s report for a while and nodded.

“Indeed, drones are quite tricky… this could be a feasible path, a 30-meter long laser sword, quite creative, how’s it now, what’s the research progress? How much is needed?”

Usually, when it comes to him, it’s about asking for money and manpower.

The military industry is a big spender.

You Canmou closely examined the thick document.

“Hmm… budget needs to be increased by ten percent over last year, but their laser weapon department is still the same, some of the vehicle-mounted ones can be put into service, quite powerful, but endurance, power, cooling, and maintenance are big issues, the thing heats up instantly, not to mention handheld… even mounted on a tank, long-term use could burn the tank.”

It can be made, but it’s hard to use.

High cost, yet less effective than traditional weapons.

“Old problem~ material technology needs more progress…”

Elder Xue shook his head without saying much, this thing has been researched for a long time, it’s just that it never reached their desired effect.

However, the laser technology developed in the process has been useful in various fields.

This is a long-term investment, and after considering it, Elder Xue decided to sign it.

He wasn’t stingy when it came to research investment.

“Elder Xue, our defense budget is not very abundant this year…”

You Canmou was hesitant about investing in a project that wouldn’t show results in a year or two.

Elder Xue waved it off.

“For the kids’ future independence, we have to invest… while I’m still here, I’ll sell this old face for some funds to let the kids spend.”

He came from challenging times, step by step watching the country thrive, knowing the hardships clearly.

Last year, as he lay on his sickbed, his eyes were filled with reluctance, because he hadn’t yet seen his nation rise to the top of the world again… he wanted to fulfill this dream before departing.

Defense industry, it’s his biggest concern!

Modern armies compete on the quality of their gear!

“You go outside for a while, let me call an old friend, don’t panic in situations, there’s no problem that can’t be solved with proper communication.”

“Yes, Elder Xue.”

You Canmou had just left the room, when he heard Elder Xue’s robust, colorful language from behind.

“I don’t care about this or that, I’m close to death!”

“You little rascal dare play bureaucrat games with me~”

“If not handled tonight, it’s your house I’ll go to!”

From the doorway, sweat dripped from You Canmou’s forehead.

“Elder Xue is still as fierce…”

You Canmou realized, Elder Xue, having walked away from Ghost Gate, held a temperament of disregarding life and tackling challenges, not bothering about face, just focusing on money.

And it seemed to be effective.

Soon enough, he heard a voice from inside.

“Come in, funds are here~ cough cough cough!”

Elder Xue coughed while laughing, You Canmou rushed over to assist Elder Xue with breathing, with a pained expression.

“Elder Xue, please take care, there’s always more time to do things, and tasks are never-ending…”

“No more time like before! When I was your age, I thought the same, but with a blink… I was lying on the sickbed. This time as I’m able to stand up, I want to tackle what can be tackled. With each problem I solve, that’s one less for you… after I’m gone, it’ll be tougher to find funding.”

In his limited life, he could do little more but use his prestige to contribute to defense.

“Elder Xue…”

You Canmou’s eyes reddened, speech choked.

“Little You, don’t you think putting a laser weapon on a sixth-generation fighter would be quite cool?”

Elder Xue imagined that somewhat sci-fi future, a slight smile playing at his lips.

You Canmou vigorously nodded: “Guaranteed!”

Elder Xue signed off some more documents, only then did the overwhelmed medical team finally manage to take him away, albeit reluctantly.