Chapter 379 - 379 Parting
379 Parting
When Wu Mo noticed Cao Jianzhong’s confused expression, he immediately waved his hand and explained, “I have something to deal with at the Fifth Research Department. That’s why I’m leaving in a hurry.
“Please forgive me for not giving you a heads up.”
Seeing Wu Mo’s apologetic face, Cao Jianzhong instantly understood that Wu Mo was preparing to go back so soon because Academician Xu had already made arrangements.
“Oh, I see.” He nodded and quickly stored the document signed by Elder Huang in his briefcase.
Cao Jianzhong was about to leave with his briefcase, but he stopped after he took two steps. Then, he turned around and spoke to Wu Mo as if something just occurred to him.
“Wu Mo, although you’ve only been here for two months, you’ve contributed so much to the armory. I’ll remember your help. If you ever need our help in the future, you can definitely count on me,” he said with a serious face.
Cao Jianzhong soon sensed that he had made the atmosphere in the office a little solemn.
“If the opportunity arises, you’re more than welcome to visit the armory again. You can also use the equipment here anytime,” he said with a smile.
Wu Mo was a little touched when he saw how sincere Cao Jianzhong was.
He nodded, and a smile formed on his face.
“No problem. We’ll definitely meet again in the future.”
Wu Mo watched as Cao Jianzhong left. Then, he turned to look at Elder Huang, who was slowly taking off his presbyopic glasses.
“Elder Huang, thank you for taking care of me over the past two months. To express my gratitude, I have a small parting gift for you.”
Wu Mo snapped his fingers as he spoke.
The next second, a wooden gift box the size of a palm appeared in his hand.
Elder Huang raised his eyebrows slightly when Wu Mo took out the gift box. His face was full of surprise.
“Hehe, I didn’t expect to receive a gift at my age. But then again, gift giving doesn’t seem like your usual style,” Elder Huang said with a kind expression.
Wu Mo shrugged and casually said, “I’m often busy with work, so I don’t put much effort into interpersonal relationships. But now, we’re going our separate ways.
“You helped me a lot in the development of the Three-dimensional Maneuver Gear. I need to give you enough gifts as thanks just for that alone.
“Besides, you gave me many useful suggestions in the subsequent improvement project, so I hope that you won’t reject my good intentions, Elder Huang.”
Wu Mo immediately opened the wooden box and took out a dark silver ring.
The surface of the ring had been cast with cloud patterns, and silver threads on the ring’s surface outlined the shape of a phoenix. Although only a few lines of thread formed the phoenix, it was a vivid and lifelike depiction.
The ring’s overall style was also quite elegant and the opposite of gaudy.
Without careful observation, it would be extremely difficult for an ordinary person to associate it with spirit energy equipment.
“Oh… This is an interesting accessory.”
Elder Huang wanted to reject it at first, but after he saw the ancient ring in Wu Mo’s hand, his eyes immediately glinted.
“I hope you’ll accept it, Elder Huang.” Wu Mo handed the ring over and said sincerely.
Light flashed across Elder Huang’s eyes, and he realized that Wu Mo must have personally forged the ring.
Wu Mo still managed to find the time to make him a parting gift despite his busy schedule. That was enough to show his intention.
“Hehe, since it’s something you’ve prepared with such care, I won’t refuse.”
Elder Huang smiled and took the ring. Immediately after, he placed it on his palm and observed it carefully.
Every trace of forging on the ring appeared extremely natural. Although there were no gems embedded in it, Elder Huang could sense the abundant energy it contained.
It was at the very least an Epic-grade accessory.
“Mm… The craftsmanship of this ring is excellent. You’ve put in a lot of effort.”
He opened his mouth slowly and revealed a satisfied smile.
Hearing Elder Huang’s praise, Wu Mo waved his hand and humbly said, “Ah, it’s just a small token of my appreciation. My forging skills are insignificant before an expert like you.”
“Haha, you don’t have to be so polite with me. I heard from Academician Xu that you’re leaving at 1.00 pm. It’s getting late, so I won’t take up any more of your time. You can head back and continue preparing.”
Elder Huang’s eyes were filled with joy. He was becoming more and more pleased with Wu Mo.
However, he felt a little regretful that he had not met Wu Mo before Academician Xu. If he had, he could have arranged for Wu Mo to work at the armory.
If that happened, perhaps the armory would be even more developed now.
“Alright, please take care of yourself, Elder Huang. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I’ll get going now.”
Wu Mo stood up and bowed deeply to Elder Huang. He was full of respect.
Seeing this, Elder Huang’s expression changed. He quickly stood up and held Wu Mo’s arm.
“There’s no need to be so polite. Thanks to you, the armory has developed rapidly in the past two months. I should be the one thanking you instead.
“Let’s go, I’ll send you off.”
Elder Huang patted Wu Mo on the shoulder and spoke with a smile.
The two of them then walked side by side to the office door. Wu Mo pushed it open and walked out as he reluctantly waved goodbye to Elder Huang.
Elder Huang had given him the impression of a very stubborn and unsympathetic old man at first.
However, after spending two months together, Wu Mo learned that Elder Huang was not resistant to new knowledge. Instead, he had a huge passion for research that most young people did not have.
All these years, not only had he cared for his family alone, but he had also managed the armory and completed the work assigned by his superiors meticulously.
He was almost perfect in every way.
Wu Mo had also learned a lot from Elder Huang in the past few months, so he was grateful to the old man. He was reluctant to part with the armory’s environment and work culture.
Outside the office, Wu Mo and Wei Ge chatted for a while as well. Eventually, with some urging from Elder Huang, Wu Mo turned and left the office building.
Elder Huang’s eyes were filled with regret as he watched Wu Mo’s figure disappear around the corner.
When Wei Ge saw Elder Huang’s expression, he immediately teased, “Sir, don’t be too hard on yourself. Wu Mo is under Academician Xu. Even if you wanted to, you wouldn’t be able to make him stay.
“Instead of beating yourself up, why don’t we open up more recruitment slots from next year onward? Maybe one day, our armory will be able to recruit someone talented like Wu Mo too.”
Elder Huang was a little dissatisfied because Wei Ge’s words interrupted his thoughts, and he immediately glared at Wei Ge.
“Hmph, that’s easy for you to say. There are so many young talents in White River, but how many of them are as upright as Wu Mo? He has extraordinary academic spirit and the ability to endure loneliness.
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say someone like that only comes along once every hundred years.”