After a quick tour, Ji Xingmi began discussing the items she'd brought with Zhang Heng, and slowly, more and more people gathered around. As more problems arose, Ji Xingmi patiently answered each one.
"Um, Major General?"
"Call me Xiao Ji, or Xiao Xing, either is fine!" She'd noticed during the introductions that people here mostly used surnames to address each other.
"Then let's call you Xiao Xing! Could I possibly dismantle your machine to take a look at the chip inside? We received a chip before, and we've almost finished researching it. Just now, from what you said, there should be a chip processor inside, right? Would it be convenient to take it apart and have a look?"
"The chip we received before?"
"Yes, it's this one!" Someone handed Ji Xingmi the chip they had on hand. "Though this is one we made based on that one, not the original."
Ji Xingmi looked at the familiar chip in her hand and smiled. "Sure."
While everyone else was busy dismantling things, Ji Xingmi found a nearby spot and started writing a report. Although Zhang Heng wasn't among the onlookers, he kept an eye on Ji Xingmi. Seeing her find a seat, skillfully operate the computer, and quickly start writing her report using two of her commonly used software programs, he was somewhat surprised by her proficiency. By the time she finished her report, they still hadn't finished dismantling the chips. Ji Xingmi directly printed the report, organized it, and realizing she didn't have a pen, turned to ask Zhang Heng, who was standing behind her.
"Do you have a pen?"
Upon hearing her, Zhang Heng handed her the pen he had clipped in his chest pocket. Ji Xingmi took it, signed her name with practiced ease, and then handed the report directly to him.
"Did you write these two software programs?"
"Yes. Didn't you have this software when you received the computers?"
"What do you mean? Are you saying?"
Seeing his surprised look, Ji Xingmi nodded, confirming his guess. Zhang Heng's exclamation caught the attention of those nearby, and some even asked directly. Unsure if the matter could be discussed, Zhang Heng ignored them.
"So, what brings you here this time?"
"I want to build a database to be used with this fingerprint collector. What did you think I came here for?"
"But you can write it yourself, can't you?"
"I haven't studied it much. You are the professionals here, so I planned to come and learn. If I can learn, I might be able to write a few programs for myself."
Zhang Heng hadn't expected that she was the one who had created the chip, that the computer was also made by her, and that she had even written the software herself. No wonder her status was so high; he had initially thought this girl was the illegitimate daughter of Number One. Although he knew that thought was incorrect, the idea had still crossed his mind.
Some people, having overheard Ji Xingmi's words, came over to chat with her. Seeing that they were getting along well, Zhang Heng didn't intrude. He took the report and returned to his seat, examining it carefully. Indeed, the disassembly diagram was the same as the one in the chip report. Just then, someone approached and, seeing the item in his hand, took it to look.
"Where did you get this report?"
"She wrote it. I watched her write it while you were dismantling the device!" The person had been looking at the report but, hearing Zhang Heng's words, looked up. He saw Zhang Heng pointing towards Ji Xingmi, who was talking nearby.
"This... could it be that..."
"Yes, it's just as you're thinking."
"No way! How old is she?"
"Nothing is impossible. Haven't you seen what she made?"
"That's true, but that chip is even more sophisticated than the previous one. You're saying she might also be able to..."
"Let's ask when we have the chance. She said she's here to learn and wants to create a database to work with the fingerprint collector. You can talk to her about the specifics; I think you'll find it very interesting."
Seeing them engrossed in conversation, the person didn't join them. Later, Ji Xingmi asked Zhang Heng if he had any related materials. Zhang Heng shook his head but pointed her towards someone – Lou Qiming, who had been chatting with him earlier. Ji Xingmi followed Zhang Heng's gaze and saw him sitting in the seat she had just vacated, seemingly examining the program she had written.
"Hello?" Ji Xingmi walked over to him and said softly. Lou Qiming had been intently studying the program's code when a soft greeting came from beside him. He turned his head and saw Ji Xingmi standing next to him.
"Is something wrong?"
"I wanted to ask if you have any books or materials on coding that I could borrow to look at!" Lou Qiming neither nodded nor shook his head, his gaze fixed on her.
"Did you write this?" Lou Qiming pointed at the screen.
"Yes. Are there any problems? Did I write it wrong?"
Lou Qiming shook his head. "I heard you want to build a database. What kind of database is it? Can you tell me more about it? I'm very interested!"
Ji Xingmi nodded, and Lou Qiming stood up, leading her to a quiet corner. They then proceeded to discuss the database topic for a long time. Initially, no one paid much attention, but as Lou Qiming spoke with increasing excitement, even banging on the table, it became impossible to ignore them. However, the two people who had been talking earlier were completely unaware that they had attracted so much attention, still immersed in their conversation.
Zhang Heng had noticed it earlier. At first, he thought Lou Qiming wouldn't say much to Ji Xingmi, given his usual arrogant and unyielding demeanor. He hadn't expected them to be able to connect so well, and this only deepened his curiosity about Ji Xingmi.
Before he could turn around, Lou Qiming's voice grew louder, and he even banged on the table. What was going on? Were they arguing? Zhang Heng was about to step forward to mediate; after all, she was just a sixteen-year-old girl, and it was understandable if she said something wrong. However, before Zhang Heng could reach them, he saw Lou Qiming burst into laughter and even attempt to embrace Ji Xingmi. Zhang Heng arrived just in time and quickly pulled back the extremely excited Lou Qiming.
"What are you doing? She's a young girl! Don't get any ideas!"
At his words, both Lou Qiming and Ji Xingmi gave him a strange look. For a moment, Zhang Heng felt as if he were being looked down upon. No, since when had these two become so close?
Lou Qiming rolled his eyes at Zhang Heng before turning to Ji Xingmi. "I'll show you my materials first, and then we can work on what you've described together. I have a feeling we're about to usher in a new era, and we might even be faster than Eagle Country."
"Okay, when can I come back?"
"I'll go get them for you now; they're in my dorm. You can understand English, right?"