The next day, Lin Yun stood outside the imposing gates of the West Lake Institute of Technology (WLIT), the crisp morning air brushing against his face.
The campus was a sprawling expanse of modern architecture intertwined with lush greenery, a testament to the institute's reputation as one of the top technological universities in the country.
Today, Lin Yun wasn't here as a student—not yet, anyway. The official reporting day was still a month away, and the campus was relatively quiet, save for a few early arrivals and staff members.
He adjusted the strap of his backpack, which carried a folder of documents, and approached the security booth. A middle-aged guard with a stern expression looked up from his newspaper, eyeing Lin Yun with mild curiosity.
"Can I help you?" the guard asked, his tone polite but firm.
"Yes," Lin Yun replied with a respectful nod. "I'm here to see Professor Wang. She's expecting me."
The guard raised an eyebrow. "Professor Wang? The one in the Computer Engineering department?"
"That's right," Lin Yun confirmed. "She's the one who convinced me to enroll here. I'm Lin Yun."
The guard's expression softened slightly as he looked at Lin Yun attentively. He had heard of Lin Yun—the young prodigy who got a full mark on the national exam. Even the security staff at WLIT weren't immune to the news.
"Ah, Lin Yun," the guard said, nodding. "Professor Wang mentioned you might stop by. Let me call her office to confirm."
Lin Yun waited patiently as the guard picked up the phone and dialed a number. After a brief conversation, he hung up and gestured toward the campus. "You're good to go. Professor Wang's office is in Building C, third floor. You can't miss it."
"Thank you," Lin Yun said with a smile before stepping through the gates.
As he walked across the campus, Lin Yun couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. WLIT was where he would spend the next few years of his life, and it was also where he planned to lay the groundwork for his next big project—a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system for heavy machinery like lathes, milling machines, and more. Professor Wang had promised him an independent lab, and he was here to claim it.
Building C was a sleek, modern structure with glass walls that reflected the morning sun. Lin Yun entered through the glass doors and made his way to the elevator.
The third floor was quiet, the hallway lined with offices and labs. He found Professor Wang's office at the end of the hall, the nameplate on the door reading: Professor Wang Mei, Department of Computer Engineering.
He knocked lightly, and a moment later, the door opened to reveal a woman in her early fifties with sharp eyes and an air of authority. Professor Wang Mei was a renowned figure in the field of computer engineering, and her no-nonsense demeanor was well-known among her students.
"Student Lin," she said, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Right on time. Come in."
"Thank you, Professor," Lin Yun said as he stepped into the office. The room was spacious and organized, with shelves filled with books, research papers, and a few computer models. A large desk dominated the center of the room, its surface cluttered with blueprints and a computer.
Professor Wang gestured for him to sit. "I've been following your work," she said as she took her seat behind the desk. "QuickBooks, Cloud Browser, and now Aegis. You've been busy."
Lin Yun smiled modestly. "I've been fortunate to have the right opportunities."
"Modesty doesn't suit you, Student Lin," Professor Wang said with a chuckle. "You're here because you're talented, not because of luck. Now, what brings you to my office today? It's not just a social visit, is it?"
Lin Yun shook his head. "No, Professor. I'm here to discuss the independent lab you promised me. I have a project in mind, and I'll need the space and resources to make it happen."
Professor Wang leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "Ah, yes. The lab. What kind of project you are working on?"
"I want to develop a CNC system for heavy machinery—lathes, milling machines, and more. The technology exists, but it's not as advanced or accessible as it could be. I believe I can create something that's more efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective." Lin Yun said, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
Professor Wang nodded, clearly intrigued. "Ambitious. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you. Tell me more about your plans."
Lin Yun opened his backpack and pulled out a folder of documents. He handed the folder to Professor Wang and began explaining his vision.
"The current CNC systems rely on outdated software and hardware. They're expensive to maintain and difficult to operate. My goal is to create a system that's not only more powerful but also easier to use. I've already developed the basic framework for the software, but I'll need access to the right equipment to test and refine it."
Professor Wang flipped through the documents, her eyes scanning the diagrams and notes. "This is impressive work. You've clearly put a lot of thought into this. But developing a CNC system is no small feat. It'll require a significant investment of time and resources."
"I understand," Lin Yun said. "That's why I'm here. I need the lab to get started, and I'll also need access to the institute's workshops and machinery. I'm willing to put in the work, and I'm confident I can deliver results."
Professor Wang studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. "Alright, Student Lin. I'll give you the lab. But there's a condition."
Lin Yun's heart skipped a beat. "What's the condition?"
"You'll have to present your progress to the department every month," Professor Wang said. "I want to see tangible results. If you can demonstrate that your project has potential, I'll continue to support you. But if it doesn't pan out, I'll have to reallocate the resources."
Lin Yun nodded without hesitation. "That's fair. I'll make sure you see progress every month."
Professor Wang smiled, clearly pleased with his response. "Good. I'll have the lab ready for you by next week. It's on the second floor of this building, Room 205. It's not the biggest space, but it should have everything you need to get started… Welcome to WLIT, by the way."
"Thank you, Professor." Lin Yun said, his gratitude evident in his voice.