As her tasks neared completion, Ji Xingmi prepared to return. Uncle Gu had already delivered the items, leaving them casually by the door. Seeing this, Xiao Ji, carrying the goods, went in first.
After processing the medicinal herbs, Ji Xingmi found a small stove and began to decoct the ointment. Mushroom offered to help, but Ji Xingmi declined, telling them to get some good rest. They were in the military zone now, and she wouldn't be going out, so there was no danger.
The two obediently went to rest. Ji Xingmi read while keeping an eye on the heat, occasionally adding some spiritual spring water to the ointment. She thought, well, since they were getting married, it was a good thing, so she might as well help.
Once the ointment was ready, Ji Xingmi went to sleep, leaving the items on the table. Gu Zhongli was diligent and came to collect them early the next morning, just as Ji Xingmi woke up.
Emerging, Ji Xingmi saw Uncle Gu standing in the middle of the living room, yawning. "Uncle, what are you doing?"
"Eating breakfast! I brought it for you from the mess hall!"
"Oh! The ointment is on the table!"
Uncle Gu walked over, put the items in his pocket, and only turned to leave after he had seen Ji Xingmi into the research institute.
In the days that followed, Ji Xingmi continued with her routine, alternating between the laboratory and her dormitory for sleep. Most of her time was spent in the lab. She wanted to finish her work quickly; this place was too boring. Moreover, Uncle Hu Li was also here, and she always felt like she was being taken advantage of. It was best to finish and leave as soon as possible.
One day, Ji Xingmi's work reached the experimental stage. She could have completed it sooner, but the inkjet component for the printer was unavailable. She searched many places to find it, and bringing it back also took some time.
Without seeking anyone to test it, Ji Xingmi had some white paper delivered. Then, using her self-invented computer and printer, she completed her report directly. After testing all the functions, she had Mushroom find Director Xu.
Upon receiving the news, Director Xu rushed over. Seeing Ji Xingmi's report being printed page by page, he found it novel. Once the reports were printed, Ji Xingmi signed her name at the end and handed them to Director Xu.
"Director Xu, please help me apply for patents for these two items. This is the application form, already signed. This is my report, detailing the process. How would you like to proceed? Shall I take it with me?" Patents were necessary. Especially since the printer was several years ahead of her previous life, this was a lucrative opportunity! Yes, yes, she could even do business with people! Money to be made!
"It's successful?" Director Xu was still a bit surprised. It had only been less than five months. Didn't all research take one or two years? This was a talented individual!
"Isn't it obvious? I've used them, and they work well."
"I need to consult with Number One on this matter! Would you like to wait here, or come with me?"
"I won't go. I'll wait for you here!" She decided not to go, preferring to wait. She could also use the military zone's network to see if the programming she had recently learned was effective. However, Ji Xingmi was honest; she only used the network for access, not attempting to hack into their system. Her technical skills were not yet sufficient. She planned to study diligently and see if she could create her own system and install all the software. That would truly save her a lot of trouble.
While waiting, Ji Xingmi had nothing to do, so she used the remaining materials to make herself a hairdryer. Since she had free time, she waited for a long time, but Director Xu still hadn't returned. She wrote the report and patent application for the hairdryer, thinking it should be approved.
Ji Xingmi began to let her thoughts wander. Before she could reach any conclusions, Director Xu returned. When Director Xu arrived, he was startled to see the item Ji Xingmi was holding, mistaking it for a weapon. Only when he heard her say it was for drying hair did he relax.
How long had it been since he left? Had she created another item? He instinctively took the report and application that Ji Xingmi handed him.
"Number One said to leave the report here for now. Someone will come to handle the subsequent matters. As for the items, arrangements will be made to send you back shortly. Regarding this, I will also consult with Number One!"
"Okay, so I just need to wait here?"
"That's what Number One said! Comrade Ji, didn't you notice the flaws in the design drawings at a glance last time? So, can you..."
"No! I can't! I'm going back to sleep!"
Ji Xingmi's words choked Director Xu, causing him to swallow back what he was about to say. He then recalled another matter, and his concerns delayed his speech. Ji Xingmi paid no mind, choosing to feign ignorance as long as it wasn't brought up. She had too much on her plate already and didn't want to take on more.
Besides, she had been working overtime recently to meet the deadline! All she wanted now was to go back and rest properly, doing absolutely nothing.
After a while, Ji Xingmi saw Uncle Gu arrive with a small team. "I'm here to take you back!"
"Alright. These two items need to be moved. Be careful, handle them gently."
"No problem!"
"Then let's go!"
"Not yet. Elder Ye said people are being sent from over there. We'll leave together once they arrive."
Ji Xingmi nodded and had Mushroom go back to pack their belongings. She stayed to chat with Uncle Gu. Since Uncle Gu arrived, Ji Xingmi seemed a bit listless. Uncle Gu noticed and, thinking she was unwell, asked if she wanted to see a doctor.
"It's nothing, I'm just feeling a bit sleepy!"
"Haven't you been sleeping lately?"
"I have. Oh, do you still have the medicine I gave you before? Never mind, I prepared some more recently when I had free time. Take this."
Ji Xingmi gave Gu Zhongli another portion of the prepared medicine. Gu Zhongli happily accepted it and put it directly into his personal bag, patting it afterward. The soldiers standing nearby were extremely envious. They knew how good their captain's medicine was; some of them had even had their lives saved by it! They wanted some too, but no one dared to ask.
When the people who came to pick them up arrived, even Ji Xingmi and Uncle Gu were a bit surprised because Gu Jingyi had also come.
"Jingyi, why are you here?"
"Uncle, I've been promoted and am now Assistant to Secretary Sun. I came with him."
Hearing this, Uncle Gu was astonished and hadn't yet understood what was happening. Ji Xingmi, however, raised an eyebrow, as if she had thought of something!