CH 112

The passage of time and the progress of research go hand in hand. In early April, Jiang Chen’s image processing system had achieved a fair amount of results.

At present, domestic surveillance was not as widespread as in later years, and compared with foreign video surveillance technology, their country’s technology could be said to be very immature. In addition to external interference and insufficient technology of the equipment itself, the digital image space, video transmission efficiency being low, and environmental issues might interfere with the video image.

Because of the existence of these problems, the current application of surveillance in criminal investigation had very limited effects, but the significant progress brought by video surveillance to solving crimes could not be ignored, so it was imminent to improve domestic video surveillance technology.

Because of this, after learning from old Mr. Xiang that Jiang Chen’s image processing system was extremely intelligent, Major General Wu went directly to Yan No. 1 High School to find Jiang Chen without even a heads up. And after seeing his results, regardless of the complicated procedures within the system, he directly handed Jiang Chen’s results to the desk of the immediate leader. After an emergency meeting of higher ups, Jiang Chen’s project and identity became confidential.

A single image processing system was not considered an important scientific research project. As far as the Seventeenth Research Institute was concerned, there were three laboratories dedicated to image processing projects. However, the image processing system in Jiang Chen’s hands was different, and its neural network algorithm was highly intelligent. What was accomplished was not only the technology of video image processing, but also the achievements that research institutes around the world have not achieved so far. Although the current research direction of the image processing system was criminal investigation, it did not mean that the image processing system only had applications in this direction. Its future was limitless.

As the developer of the image processing system, Jiang Chen, who was only 18 years old, was regarded as the top priority by the entire research institute. There were not many talented researchers of this age in the world. If they did not protect him while he was still young and weak, the covetous desire and oppression he attracted would destroy not only a talented boy, but also the progress of the country.

It was just that research belonged to research, and politics belonged to politics.

The people in the research institute were interested in Jiang Chen because they were rooted in this field, and have a deep understanding and forward-looking perspective on this field. However, it would be difficult for them to force laymen to have such a precise vision. They only know that Jiang Chen’s invention would have an effect on the progress of the country’s science and technology and the security of the border defense, but how much effect it would have depended on Jiang Chen’s real achievements.

Therefore, in the past few months, apart from searching for flaws every night before going to bed, Jiang Chen had devoted all his time and energy to the image processing system. As the head of the artificial intelligence laboratory that once stood at the top of the federal research institute, when Jiang Chen really got serious, his efficiency and rigorous attitude towards work were far beyond the reach of ordinary researchers.

The entire project team, except for Yu Yi who could only just barely keep up with Jiang Chen’s thinking and efficiency, everyone else could only maintain the most nervous and cautious state to catch up with Jiang Chen’s pace, the laboratory falling into an unprecedentedly busy environment.

This kind of tension and busyness had eased the relationship between the researchers in the group. What was important in doing scientific research was to be pragmatic. Everyone could clearly see a person’s ability when standing in the laboratory, let alone the fact that a huge gap existed between them and this teenager who had just become of legal age. The huge gap even made them unable to feel jealous. They could only sigh in their hearts: There are always people better than you.

After all, research institutes could not compare to society. Most scientific researchers were relatively simple-minded. Science knew no borders or ages. And when coming across people with true abilities and skills, most of them would submit willingly.

Even Zhang Lei, who used to find faults from time to time, silently shut his mouth. He got up early every day and was busy until the early hours of the morning. Because he couldn’t keep up with Jiang Chen’s pace, he couldn’t get involved with important experiments. He could only do the simplest data recording and summary work with other researchers. But even so, he didn’t dare to relax for a moment, because during this period of time, he really realized how terrifying this young man who smiled innocently and harmlessly was when he was actually serious. He could see at a glance mistakes, omissions and invalid data that he couldn’t find, pointing out all real flaws, which made people unable to refute and could only bow their heads and be scolded.

Jiang Chen handed the data to Zhang Lei, and saw that he was drooping in defeat. He was clearly in his thirties, wearing glasses and a white coat, and looking like an elite, but somehow he seemed aggrieved and pitiful at that moment.

“There is a lot less invalid data during this period.” Jiang Chen thought for a while, then smiled, “It must have taken a lot of care.”

The surprise in Zhang Lei’s eyes had just leaked out, only to be suppressed immediately. He coughed and said calmly, “I didn’t put much effort into it. The previous mistakes and omissions were because I haven’t entered the right state yet.”

“I knew you could do it.” Jiang Chen bent down, inserted the USB flash drive in his hand into Zhang Lei’s computer, and said, “This is my newly written code. It runs fine, but there are still many flaws in it. I hope Mr. Zhang will work harder during this time, and help me debug it.”

Zhang Lei was taken aback, and subconsciously said: “Can I?”

Jiang Chen raised his head and said with a smile, “Of course, I believe in Mr. Zhang’s ability.”

“I…..my ability is beyond doubt.” Zhang Lei coughed again, and after glancing at Jiang Chen, he eagerly sat in front of the computer. When he saw the code, his eyes lit up, and he couldn’t help saying, “It’s so beautiful.”

Jiang Chen smiled slightly, and Zhang Lei immediately said, “I mean it’s not bad, you can go to eat first, the laboratory needs someone to remain behind, I will work for a while, and go when Xiao Yu and the others come back.”

Jiang Chen didn’t expose him, and nodded slightly with a smile, “Okay, I’ll trouble Mr. Zhang.”

“Go ahead.” Zhang Lei waved.

Walking out of the research institute, Jiang Chen greeted the researchers who came and went. On the way to the cafeteria, he suddenly received a call from home. Jiang Zhuo’s voice was stiff and nervous: “Son, your mother and I are on the way to the hospital right now. She’s going to give birth soon, don’t be nervous, we’re fine, and your mother is doing good.”

Yang Si next to him was breathing loudly, but her voice sounded strong, and she could even laugh at her husband’s nervousness. She raised her voice to comfort Jiang Chen: “Don’t be afraid, Chen Chen, Mom is fine, if you have something to do, you can come back after getting off work at night. At that time you should be able to see your little brother or sister.”

Jiang Chen paused, then quickened his pace in an instant, ignoring the other people who were greeting him, and soon changed from a brisk walk to a jog. While running, he asked, “Mom, are you going to the Affiliated Hospital of Yan University? I’ll be there soon.”

“Don’t be in a hurry.” Yang Si’s voice was comforting: “Mom has experience, it’s only labor pains at this time, and it will take a while to give birth. Tell Xiao Qian to drive slowly later, you must drive safely.”

How could Jiang Chen think of anything else, he hung up the phone and immediately dialed Qian Yi’s number. The research institute did not allow outsiders to enter and leave at will. Jiang Chen had been staying in the research institute during this period of time. And because Qian Yi and the others didn’t need to protect or pick him up, they simply stayed in a small hotel near the research institute. The first person who received Jiang Chen’s call rushed to the gate of the institute to pick him up as soon as possible.

“Don’t worry.” After getting along for this period of time, Qian Yi and the others were already very familiar with Jiang Chen, but it’s the first time they’ve seen him so visibly nervous and filled with urgency, “Sister Yang will be fine, I’ll try my best to drive faster, we might even get there before she goes into the delivery room.”

“Thanks, Brother Qian.” Jiang Chen nodded, and called the institute to ask for leave. After explaining the reason, he got a quick reply.

Yang Si’s due date was two weeks later. And the reason Jiang Chen was in such a hurry with the progress of his experiments was because he also hoped to take a few days off to accompany his mother at that time, but who knew that the plans couldn’t keep up with the changes. Their family’s long-awaited little fella couldn’t wait to come into this world.

When Jiang Chen rushed to the hospital, Yang Si hadn’t entered the waiting room yet. Due to the early delivery date, the beds in the waiting room were a bit tight. In addition, she was an older pregnant woman. So at this time, the nurses and doctors were adjusting the beds.

After learning about the situation, Jiang Chen looked at the nurse who came over and asked, “How is the situation?”

“There are no beds in the waiting room for the time being.” The nurse shook her head, glanced at Yang Si who was obviously struggling to stand, and said sympathetically, “For the time being, we can only add an extra bed in the corridor. After a pregnant woman who has finished giving birth comes out, we can then coordinate a free bed.”

Jiang Chen looked at the noisy corridor, frowned slightly, and after thinking about it, he went out and called He Yanfeng.

Since New Year’s Eve, Jiang Chen has had almost no contact with them except for the scheduled time of eating at the old family house every month. He rarely saw them and rarely called them, so when he received Jiang Chen’s call, He Yanfeng was very surprised.

“Chen Chen, is there something you need Dad to help you with?”

Jiang Chen briefly explained Yang Si’s situation, and He Yanfeng immediately said, “Don’t worry, Dad will contact your Uncle Xiang Hong immediately, he should be in the hospital right now, and he will be able to come and make arrangements immediately.”

“Okay.” Jiang Chen pursed his lips with a somewhat complicated expression: “Thank you.”

He Yanfeng smiled: “Thank me for what, it’s only natural for Dad to help my son, if that’s all, I’m going to hang up, and I’ll let Uncle Xiang Hong contact you later.”

Not long after hanging up the phone, Jiang Chen received a call from an unfamiliar number, and it was indeed Xiang Hong.

Xiang Hong was very efficient, and as soon as the call was connected, he said directly: “Xiao achen, I have heard from your father about your situation. I just contacted the obstetrics and gynecology department, and there happens to be a VIP room there. The waiting room can be arranged immediately, so don’t worry.”

“Okay, thank you, Uncle Xiang.”

“Thanks for what.” Xiang Hong smiled and said, “I’ll be right over, don’t panic.”

“No need.” Jiang Chen refused, “My dad and I are here, so I won’t waste your time.”

“What can it delay?” Xiang Hong’s voice was panting, as if he was walking or jogging hard, but his tone was very fast: “Mrs. Jiang suddenly went into labor, and she is giving birth at an advanced age. There are too many things to prepare and pay attention to before and after childbirth. The obstetrics department is too busy with no one watching. Although I am not in the obstetrics and gynecology department, I know someone who can help you figure out what you need to know.”

Hearing what he said, Jiang Chen had no reason to refuse, no matter what, his mother’s health was the most important thing at this time.

“Then thank you, Uncle Xiang.”

“Wait for me.”

As soon as he hung up the phone, Jiang Zhuo came over, and he said, “The doctor said that a delivery room has been vacated, and we can take your mother there now.”

“Let’s go.”

The VIP waiting room was similar to a hotel suite. It not only had a well-equipped waiting room for pregnant women, but also had a small kitchen and a gym that let pregnant women move around. And because it was in the obstetrics and gynecology department, most of the walls were painted light pink and looked very warm and welcoming.

As soon as Yang Si entered, she almost forgot about the pain, and asked in surprise, “How much does this waiting room cost?”

“Not much.” Jiang Chen said, “The key now is that you can rest well and receive the most professional care later.”

“But…..”

Just as she uttered the first word, Yang Si cried out at the sudden sharp pain in her stomach, and she almost couldn’t stand up. Immediately behind her, a nurse helped her to sit down. While encouraging her softly, she told her about the preparations she needed to do before giving birth. What the nurse said quickly attracted Yang Si’s attention, and she listened carefully.

Jiang Zhuo breathed a sigh of relief, and said to Jiang Chen, “I’m afraid that your mother would insist on sleeping outside in order to save money.” He showed a thumbs up, “Good job, son.”

Jiang Chen smiled, and turned his head to look at Yang Si, whose complexion had improved a little bit from before, and was now accompanied by the nurse, sitting on a yoga ball and exercising.

Jiang Zhuo also watched with him, and couldn’t help but reveal a trace of worry in his eyes, and his tone still carried the tension from the previous phone call: “I hope your younger brother or younger sister can learn from you, and don’t make your mother suffer too much, letting your mother give birth smoothly…..”

In fact, Jiang Chen was also very worried. Although Yang Si seemed to be in good condition, the doctor said that she and the fetus were both healthy during every check-up before, but what happened in front of the Li De Building had left some effects. In addition, she was an advanced mother, and now the due date was two weeks earlier, all of which made him very nervous.

Jiang Zhuo caught a glimpse of Jiang Chen’s slightly tense face from the corner of his eye, and knew that he was as nervous as himself. In this room, the most optimistic and relaxed person was actually Yang Si who was about to give birth.

“By the way.” Jiang Zhuo deliberately diverted the attention of himself and Jiang Chen, and said, “I just heard from the nurse that this suite is not open to the public and is only reserved for special patients. How did you book it so quickly?”

“I got someone to help me.”

Before Jiang Zhuo could ask who it was, he heard the door being knocked three times. The person who came in wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, had a gentle demeanor, and he was smiling as well.

Xiang Hong: “Xiao Chen.”

“Uncle Xiang.” Jiang Chen said to Jiang Zhuo, “Dad, this is Dr. Xiang, he is the one who helped.”

Jiang Zhuo immediately greeted him: “Dr. Xiang, thank you very much, we have troubled you today.”

“No trouble, no trouble.” Xiang Hong said with a smile: “Xiao Chen is almost like a nephew to me, and helping him is natural.”

Jiang Zhuo was taken aback for a moment, feeling that there was something strange with his words, but before he had time to think about it, he heard Xiang Hong ask, “How is your wife’s current condition?”

“The nurse said it is good.” Jiang Zhuo thanked again: “This is all thanks to you, Dr. Xiang.”

“You really don’t need to thank me.” Xiang Hong smiled and said, “Brother Jiang, I’m a few years younger than you, so why don’t you just call me Xiao Xiang.”

Jiang Zhuo also had a straightforward personality, and he changed his address with a smile, but he was a little curious: “Chen Chen, how did you and Uncle Xiang know each other? Why doesn’t Dad know?”

Xiang Hong knew that Jiang Chen hadn’t told his adoptive parents about the mistaken identity, so he answered with a smile, “I’m friends with Qian Min’s father. I met Xiao Chen a few times with Qian Min before, and we became acquainted after a few visits.”

Jiang Zhuo had no doubts, “So that’s the case.”

When talking with Xiang Hong, his eyes always glanced at Yang Si from time to time. At this time, the current topic came to an end, and he didn’t look for a next topic. His attention was completely on his wife with a pale face.

Seeing Jiang Zhuo’s worried expression, Xiang Hong said empathetically, “Brother Jiang, go and start with sister-in-law. I’ll go outside with Xiao Chen later and ask the director of the obstetrics department to see what else my sister-in-law has to prepare.”

“Maybe I should go as well…..”

Jiang Chen smiled and said, “Dad, it’s fine for me and Uncle Xiang to go, you can stay with Mom, she can’t be left here alone.”

Jiang Zhuo was already quite focused on his wife, so he was soon persuaded by Jiang Chen and Xiang Hong. He turned around and walked in the direction of his wife.

“Go out for a walk?” Xiang Hong smiled at Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen nodded: “Uncle Xiang, let’s go.”

Out of the ward, out of the noisy and bustling obstetrics and gynecology department, Jiang Chen and Xiang Hong came to the secluded garden downstairs.

Xiang Hong was very friendly and his tone was very gentle. He said with a smile, “I heard that you are now in the Seventeenth Research Institute. How is it?”

“That’s right.” Xiang Hong was considered half an insider of the project in Jiang Chen’s hands, so he didn’t have much to hide. He casually talked about the progress of the project. Jiang Chen soon changed the subject and asked the question he had always wanted to know: “Uncle Xiang, how did you know the true identity of He Qianjian and me?”

“So straight to the point?” Xiang Hong laughed, paused, shook his head and said, “I promised the first person to discover this matter, not to say it.”

“Is it Qian Min?” Jiang Chen said affirmatively.

Xiang Hong was a little surprised: “You know?”

Jiang Chen had already guessed and was 80% sure that the first to discover his identity was He Qianmin. At that time, he and He Qianmin were together all the time, and it was easy to find that the two of them were surprisingly similar in many habits, including their tastes. And walking on the street, not only one person said that they looked like brothers, and towards what Sun Zhi said at the time, anyone would have doubts.

However, the fact that He Qianmin found out about it a long time ago, but never mentioned it in front of him, proved that he didn’t know how to tell him at that time, or planned to continue keeping it hidden. So why did he suddenly reveal this matter?

With that in mind, Jiang Chen asked.

“Qian Min really wanted me to keep it a secret.” Xiang Hong smiled and said: “The test sample he gave me at the time did not tell me who the subject was, and what he asked for was also a sibling relationship test. Your identity came out from checks later on, and I guessed it eventually.”

“And you told my parents?”

“Yes.” Xiang Hong turned his head, looked at Jiang Chen, and said, “Actually, I’m a little curious.”

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, indicating that he was listening.

“As far as I know and what I saw just now, you have a very deep relationship with your adoptive parents.” Xiang Hong smiled and said slowly: “But no matter how deep your feelings for your adoptive parents are, when one finds that their biological parents are other people, normal people would have hopes and expectations towards their biological parents, but you didn’t show any of that, instead you chose to hide it after knowing your identity in advance. I really want to know, why do you reject the He family so much?”

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and smiled lightly: “I don’t reject the He family.”

“But what’s the difference between your current attitude towards the He family and rejection?”

Xiang Hong was the first person to know Jiang Chen’s true identity, and he was also He Yanfeng’s best friend, so he was very clear about Jiang Chen’s current attitude towards the He family. Putting aside the rest, just talking about Jiang Chen and the He family both being in Wugu Village, the two families lived so close to each other, but after New Year’s Eve, Jiang Chen had never been to the He family’s again, which could give one a glimpse on a lot of things.

“I personally think that He Yanfeng is a relatively qualified father, and Yang Yun is also very gentle as a mother, and both Qian Min and Qian Yu also like you so much.” Xiang Hong looked into Jiang Chen’s eyes and said calmly: “You practically don’t even need to adjust to the He family, but after half a year, your relationship with your biological parents and Qian Min, Qian Yu may actually be a little more distant than before your true identity was revealed. If you are willing to accept them, this situation is unlikely to happen.”

Jiang Chen’s eyes were half-downcast: “Uncle Xiang, people’s feelings don’t just accumulate overnight.”

“But you also have to give them the opportunity to accumulate feelings in the first place.” Xiang Hong said earnestly: “Just because you are close to your biological parents, doesn’t mean you have betrayed your adoptive parents. They all love you equally. You can’t hurt one for the sake of other.”

Jiang Chen was silent for a long while without speaking. After some time, he sighed lightly and raised his eyes to look at him: “Without me as their son, they still have Qian Min, but my parents only have me. They poured all their love and all their energy into me, I grew up as an only child and enjoyed everything they gave me, I…..”

“What are you two talking about?”

Jiang Chen and Xiang Hong were startled at the same time, and whipped their heads around.

Jiang Zhuo stood by the flower bed with a shocked and bewildered expression. The two sides did not speak, and looked at each other in silence for a few seconds. Jiang Zhuo seemed to suddenly come back to his senses, and moved towards Jiang Chen step by step.

Stopping in front of Jiang Chen, he stared closely at Jiang Chen’s eyes, and repeated what he just said:

“What biological parents and adoptive parents, what were you two talking about just now?”