After double-checking that there were no issues with the [Star Ring], Chen Mo lightly tapped the side of his head, set down the stylus in his hand, and left the villa's library.
The raw materials were in place. All preparations had been completed. Tomorrow marked the official start of the [Star Ring] experimental test. With the final verification done, he could finally relax a bit. The rest now hinged on the results of tomorrow's experiment.
The detailed data from the [Star Ring] still needed to be collected during the test phase.
As he returned to the bedroom, Chen Mo saw Xiao Yu reclining against the headboard, reading. Her belly, under her soft nightdress, had grown round and full. In profile, she radiated a maternal glow.
"Husband," Xiao Yu greeted with a warm smile, surprised to see him back so soon.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Chen Mo gently brushed a few stray strands of hair away from her face.
"I couldn't sleep, so I picked up a book," she replied, closing the one in her hand.
"These past two days I've been too focused on the [Star Ring] and haven't taken proper care of you. Once the experiment is done, I'll make it up to you." Chen Mo sat beside her and gently rested a hand on her belly.
Xiao Yu leaned into his touch, eyes soft. "I don't need to be pampered. Mom's been here, remember? I've got all the help I need. If anything, I'm being over-pampered."
Ever since her pregnancy was confirmed, the elders at home had been overjoyed. Chen Mo's mother and Xiao Yu's own mother had taken turns doting on her. Her attempts to protest were ignored, and she'd gained some extra weight as a result—something she was slightly embarrassed about.
"When does your experiment start?"
"Tomorrow. I just did the final test. The full trial begins first thing in the morning."
"Then I wish you success. I'll be waiting for you to come back and celebrate. I'll tell our child that their father is doing something incredible. When they grow up, they'll be just as brilliant." She rubbed her belly and smiled proudly.
"It's a girl," Chen Mo said, grinning. "She'll be beautiful like her mother."
"Flatterer. Go take your bath. Rest early tonight," Xiao Yu said, nudging him.
"Alright. Wait for me."
Chen Mo kissed her on the forehead, then headed into the bathroom.
The night passed quietly.
Early the next morning, Chen Mo got up, had breakfast, and left for Science Island.
Today was the day the [Star Ring] experiment would begin—a day he'd long anticipated. Ever since the controlled nuclear fusion project was provided by the Science and Technology Library, he had poured endless effort into it. Now, everything was ready.
"Brother Mo, Li Chengzhi is calling," came Mo Nu's voice on the way there.
As soon as the call connected, Li Chengzhi's cheerful voice rang out. "I heard the banquet's starting. I came to join the fun. Hope I'm invited?"
"Come on in." Chen Mo understood his intention immediately.
"Great. I'm already at the entrance to Science Island. Where are you?"
"…You're early," Chen Mo said, speechless.
"What, you think you'd deny me a seat at the table?" Li Chengzhi chuckled. "Zhao's already here too. I came with her—we're waiting for you."
After ending the call, Chen Mo could only smile helplessly.
By the time he arrived at Science Island, Li Chengzhi was already there, dressed in his formal military uniform. Zhao Min stood beside him, the two chatting casually. When they saw Chen Mo approach, both turned to greet him.
"You move fast. No noise, no hints, and suddenly this massive thing is ready," Li Chengzhi said, glancing around the island.
"Oh, this is nothing. Just a small prototype. If this succeeds, then we'll start talking about 'amazing,'" Chen Mo replied with a grin.
Li Chengzhi shook his head, amused. This guy could be so smug at times.
Zhao Min overheard their exchange and smiled, stepping in: "Let's go. Everyone's waiting inside."
It was a rare occasion for her to visit Science Island in person, but she wanted to witness the results of the enormous investment and effort that had gone into the [Star Ring] project.
"Anything major happening with the company lately?" Chen Mo asked. He hadn't been to the headquarters for days, completely absorbed in [Star Ring] preparations.
"No major events. Ninety percent of big moves come from you anyway," Zhao Min said lightly. "I've mostly been dealing with government planning meetings about the holographic city. Everything else is smooth sailing—we're still making money."
Li Jian and the other visiting experts were already in the command center, clearly eager for the test to begin. Over the past two days, they'd familiarized themselves with Science Island's layout, and the more they learned, the more astonished they became.
Though newly established, many of the technologies and experimental conditions here already surpassed even the Huizhou Science Island.
The researchers sent to accompany them had shared limited information, and even that had proven enlightening. It was only a glimpse—but it spoke volumes. As for the [Star Ring] itself, it remained strictly off-limits. Aside from Chen Mo, no one could directly access its core tech.
All they could do was look—and itch with curiosity.
When Chen Mo entered the command center, Li Jian and the others immediately gathered around him, completely ignoring Li Chengzhi and Zhao Min. The two exchanged glances but smiled and stepped aside.
"Academician Chen, when does the test start?" asked Ke Jianye.
From the beginning, he had been skeptical of [Star Ring], but in less than two days, he had been won over. In fact, after just one day on the island, he had been stunned by its level of technology.
Each of the 30 guest researchers had their own lab space equipped with top-tier instruments, advanced holographic projection, and AI assistants—all within an environment that encouraged academic freedom and innovation.
Two of Ke Jianye's own students had also joined the delegation, and in just a short time, they'd made significant progress—offering insights on his own project that even he found enlightening.
He was thoroughly impressed—though he regretted that his entire team couldn't join permanently.
"Don't rush," Chen Mo said, a little helplessly.
These experts were laser-focused on academic progress.
To them, technology was sacred—especially nuclear fusion. Right now, they were like fervent fans about to meet their idol.
"If you all keep crowding me, I won't be able to start the experiment," Chen Mo joked.
That got a few chuckles, and Li Jian and the others immediately stepped back to give him space.
Straightening his clothes, Chen Mo stepped up to the central console.
Inside the command center were the 30 visiting researchers, several intelligent robots, and various automated systems. All experimental steps and safety protocols had been preprogrammed. The AI would handle the core procedures, with human researchers ready to assist in case of unexpected incidents.
Everyone wore serious expressions. They could sense it—today might be historic. And they were lucky enough to witness it firsthand.
To them, Chen Mo's presence was a source of unwavering confidence.
Standing before the main console, Chen Mo looked over the entire control room and announced clearly:
"Now, the first controlled fusion test of [Star Ring] officially begins."