The Real Daughter Just Wants to Pilot Mechas - Chapter 40

“Even though teachers can’t explain things directly, students can still make wild guesses. So I have a reckless little theory, could you listen to it?”

“Go ahead,” Ge Qing nodded.

“I think, since A-grade mechas just have two more energy pathways than B-grade ones, it’s likely that the grades are interconnected. That means even in S-grade mechas, energy pathways are still useful,” Jiang Momo said after organizing her thoughts. “The so-called ‘metallic neural fibers’ sound like they could be embedded into carved energy pathways. So, when I make an A-grade mecha, could I just embed metallic neural fibers into some of the energy pathways to create a super A-grade mecha?”

It had been on her mind ever since she made the super B-grade mecha. But even Little Eight didn’t know the process for making S-grade mechas, so she’d never voiced the question. She had briefly considered pestering E Mingjun to dismantle his super A-grade mecha but lately she hadn’t even seen him.

Ge Qing visibly tensed up for a second and then nodded vigorously. “Yes, you can embed them.”

Then he froze.

So did Jiang Momo.

“You didn’t get a warning?!” She hadn’t expected Ge Qing to directly confirm her theory.

They should’ve agreed on a secret signal or something beforehand.

“I did not,” Ge Qing replied. “Normally, I’d get a warning the moment I tried to confirm something like that.”

Jiang Momo lowered her head and thought for a moment and then suddenly understood.

Why wasn’t it considered a leak when she carved out curved energy pathways in public at the maintenance center? Why wasn’t it a leak when the academy released a video of her doing it? Why wasn’t it a leak when she taught students to find the energy pathway ports? Because the Federation believed that just knowing those small details wasn’t enough to build more advanced mechas.

In other words, what she had just speculated still wasn’t enough to let her create a higher-grade mecha. She hadn’t found the key point.

Ge Qing also finished thinking and explained to who-knows-who, “Maybe it’s because the existence of metallic neural fibers isn’t considered a secret in the Federation. The trading center has been selling decorative materials under the banner of being able to produce S-grade mecha metallic neural fibers.”

But he didn’t expect that the embedding process wasn’t a secret either.

“So the embedding of metallic neural fibers involves other processes and the current methods used to make A and B-grade mechas are useless for it?” Jiang Momo pressed further.

The difference between A and B-grade mechas was just two additional energy pathways. As long as students knew that, they could eventually carve out complex ones through effort and experimentation, which was why that info was classified.

But the idea that embedding metallic neural fibers would produce S-grade mechas wasn’t classified, meaning that even if someone knew about it, it was impossible to figure out the correct method just by trial and error.

“Right.” Ge Qing nodded again.

Jiang Momo was puzzled. She subconsciously bit her knuckle, her brain racing. “So, the method for embedding metallic neural fibers is highly counterintuitive?” Jiang Momo asked.

Ge Qing’s eyes lit up, the corner of his mouth twitching like he wanted to say something, but the next second, his expression returned to calm and his brow furrowed slightly.

“Momo, the Federation’s original reason for not allowing lower-level students to study mecha manufacturing at higher levels was actually well-intentioned. Learning high-level techniques too early does more harm than good for most mecha manufacturers. For example, drawing complex energy pathways has a high failure rate. If students are exposed to this while still learning B-grade mechas, it distracts them. And the high failure rate can affect their motivation and confidence badly. It can even make naturally talented students give up.”

“I understand, Professor Ge.” Jiang Momo blinked. She didn’t really believe Ge Qing meant what he said. His expression looked like he was quoting someone else. “Professor Ge, I can’t access the classified book you read by any means, right?”

“If you pass the Level A Mecha Certification Exam, I could help you apply for access but whether it gets approved or not is another matter,” Ge Qing said.

Jiang Momo shook her head. “I don’t plan on taking the exam.”

Becoming a Federation-certified mecha manufacturer meant she wouldn’t be allowed to pilot mechas anymore.

“What a shame. In the fifteen years since I built my A-grade mecha, I’ve been teaching at the academy and never met someone with your talent. It’s such a waste,” Ge Qing sighed and then added a little theatrically, “Since you’re not planning to go deep into S-grade mechas, you might as well spend more time on classical literature. Our library’s got a decent collection, it’s actually quite interesting.”

‘Why are we talking about classical literature all of a sudden?’

Jiang Momo blinked, suspecting Ge Qing was hinting at something. “When did you make your S-grade mecha?”

“Eight years ago,” Ge Qing replied. “The book I used as a reference was confiscated by the Federation and classified after I succeeded. It was a one-of-a-kind copy. There won’t be another like it.”

“I see. Thank you, Professor Ge.” Jiang Momo thought for a moment, said her goodbyes, and left the office. “Little Eight, help me check what books Professor Ge read from the time he joined the academy until eight years ago,” she instructed silently after closing the door.

[Got it.] The Siamese cat sat up, eyes closed.

By the time Jiang Momo reached the bottom of the office building, it opened again.

[Based on existing borrowing records, Ge Qing borrowed 368 classical literature-related books from the academy. The most frequently borrowed were That Winter, Bedtime Stories, Alien Beast War Chronicles, Ye Fei’s Diary 2, Wandering on the Unknown Planet… No books with mecha-related content were found but we cannot rule out the possibility that the classified book had a physical checkout slip.]

“There’s no way I could get access to a classified book. So if Professor Ge was hinting at a book, it must not be classified,” Jiang Momo said firmly. “I need to check it out.”

[Momo, I know your brain is always active and you love diving into new ideas, it’s a great trait. But your scheduled reminder to ‘Build a standard B-grade mecha’ is due now.]

Jiang Momo stopped in her tracks and leaned against a wall, taking a deep breath. “I know, Little Eight. Thanks for the reminder.”

She has a class tomorrow morning. First, she had to prep her teaching tools. Before figuring out how to make an S-grade mecha, she needed to master A-grade mecha manufacturing, which undoubtedly formed the foundation of S-grade manufacturing techniques.

What was it she had meant to do when she went back to the office earlier?

Jiang Momo thought for a second and then immediately turned around.

She opened the office door again. Ge Qing was still practicing his calligraphy. He looked up when he saw it was her and asked, “You’re back? Do you need something?”

“I’m here for the Mecha Manufacturing Practical textbook.” Jiang Momo walked straight to her desk.

Earlier, she’d only seen the Introduction of Mecha Manufacturing textbook. But after seeing the dense notes her students had made, she figured there had to be a practical textbook too, probably with detailed steps for first-time energy pathway sensing.

“There’s no textbook for practicals. If you want class materials, you can ask Pang Pan or Shou Tao,” Ge Qing said, putting down his brush. “But you probably know those aren’t very useful.”

Jiang Momo nodded. “I know. But I feel like there might be something wrong with my teaching method. Those students haven’t managed to sense energy pathways even after two hours.”

Ge Qing picked up a pair of gardening shears and strolled over to his bonsai tree. “You’re in a special case. You can’t use your own standards to judge students. Normally, eight hours of practice a day for three days is already considered a great talent if they can sense it by then.”

Jiang Momo: “Huh?”

“When I first started teaching, I was the same. The students made slow progress, couldn’t grasp a thing, and I thought I was teaching a bunch of airheads. But eventually, I made peace with it. People are different. We just need to point them in the right direction. How far they can go depends on them.”

Ge Qing looked off into the distance, seemingly recalling something, and smiled gently. “A lot of those ‘airheads’ ended up in the Military Research Institute as senior manufacturers. Some even became department heads. Everyone praised my teaching. Parents lined up to enroll their kids in my class. But in the end, how much a student can learn depends on their own ability. It’s not about me.

“Momo, when it comes to teaching, you have to learn to let go.” He set the shears down and pointed to his oddly shaped bonsai tree. “Everyone says teachers are like gardeners but how they grow doesn’t just depend on how we prune them. It depends on their own nature too.”

“I get it now.” Jiang Momo let out a relieved breath. “Then I’ll stick to my own teaching methods.”

“Go for it,” Ge Qing said, patting her on the shoulder.

***

After saying goodbye to Ge Qing again, Jiang Momo headed downstairs, feeling much lighter, ready to go to the materials warehouse to make B-grade mecha components.

Making a full B-grade mecha in one night was impossible but making a component was more than doable.

“I’ll go with the forearm. That’s easier,” Jiang Momo muttered as she quickened her pace toward the warehouse.

She had just taken a few steps when someone suddenly rushed out and grabbed her.

“Momo! I’ve been waiting for you! Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Wu Yue, with her bright pink wavy hair, grabbed Jiang Momo’s arm, blinking with glittery eyelids and gleaming eyes.

Jiang Momo looked up and was momentarily stunned and then broke into a smile. “Wu Yue! Are you okay? How’s your health? Are you fully recovered? I was just heading to the warehouse, totally focused on walking, and didn’t notice you.”

Her eyes swept quickly over Wu Yue’s bold red lips and dramatic eyeliner.

Compared to when they first met, Wu Yue looked even more refined, radiant and stunning, like she was glowing.

“I’m fine, I’ve already recovered. It wasn’t that serious to begin with.” Wu Yue waved it off and pulled out two bottles from her bag. “Here, the hair dye and contact lens solution we talked about, both in dark green. One thing to remember though, this dye makes your hair fall out immediately after applying. It grows back to the same length within 12 hours and for the next six months, any new hair will stay this color. So if you don’t want to be bald in public, make sure to time it right.”

Jiang Momo took the two bottles and tucked them into her pocket, then bumped their light brains together to transfer the payment.

“Do you want to add me as a contact? I’ve got tons of beauty products in this line,” Wu Yue said after confirming payment. “With our steady crafter hands, we’re perfect for makeup.”

“No thanks,” Jiang Momo declined. She wasn’t curious about makeup, at least not for now.

Wu Yue pinched her chin and stared at Jiang Momo’s face, his eyes full of admiration. “True, you’re naturally good-looking. Honestly, you don’t even need makeup. I’ve got some alien beast jerky from the Chaos Star System, want some?”

Jiang Momo hesitated for a moment. “I thought alien beast meat was inedible?”

“The Chaos Star System doesn’t care about that stuff. They’re all non-toxic beasts. You could at least chew on them for jaw exercise,” Wu Yue said.

Jiang Momo replied, “I’ll pass on the jaw exercise.” She’d been doing that for over a decade on the desolate planet.

After thinking for a bit, she asked curiously, “I heard from Ling Yelin that you’re a raw material supplier for their trading center. What kind of materials do you provide?”

“They are just some specialty materials from the Chaos Star System. The supply’s not much but he always sends a giant cargo ship over, so I toss in a few extras to make a little side money.” Wu Yue raised the bag she was carrying. “The Capital Star is great and all but it’s so expensive. This bag alone cost over a hundred thousand. I’m always short on cash.”

“Wow~ that’s really expensive,” Jiang Momo exclaimed.

“If you bought fewer luxury goods, your money would last longer,” Ling Yelin’s voice drifted over from behind them.

Wu Yue rolled her eyes. “Tsk.”

Luxury goods? Jiang Momo glanced again at Wu Yue’s bag.

“It’s not like I can’t make money,” Wu Yue said cheerfully, showing off to Jiang Momo. “Boss Ling hired me as his teaching assistant. The salary is way higher than a teacher’s and it’s flexible. I only have to work two days a week.”

“That’s still not enough to cover your 30-year loan for that spaceship,” Ling Yelin said coolly.

“Boss Ling has become so stingy now? His employees can’t even afford spaceships?” Yan Chang spotted Ling Yelin from afar and quickly rushed over, stepping in front of Jiang Momo like he was staking a claim.

He was only two minutes late and this guy already snuck in?

“If you knew what kind of ship she bought, you wouldn’t say that. Even yours might not be as high-end,” Ling Yelin said with a sideways glance at Yan Chang. As his gaze swept past the person behind Yan Chang, his brows furrowed. “You again? Why are you still haunting us like a ghost?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking that?” a familiar voice responded from behind.

Jiang Momo turned around sharply.

E Mingjun, hands in his pockets, walked up slowly and positioned himself directly in front of Ling Yelin, fully shielding Jiang Momo.

The two men squared off again, tension crackling in the air.

Jiang Momo peeked out from behind E Mingjun, oddly feeling like the scene was very familiar. “What are you two doing?” Jiang Momo asked.

“Stay away from him!” the two of them said in unison.

Ling Yelin gave E Mingjun a disdainful glance and instinctively raised his hand to cover his nose.

This was why he hated lower-class people. They were rude, filthy-minded, and impolite.

E Mingjun placed one hand in front of Jiang Momo to shield her, eyeing Ling Yelin warily. He casually handed her a small box.

This guy’s gaze was just as shady as before, always looking at people like he was in love. He was clearly a playboy.

“What’s this?” Jiang Momo took the small box, catching a faint sweet scent.

“A cake. For you,” E Mingjun said simply.

“Thank you!” Jiang Momo happily unwrapped the package. Inside was a palm-sized piece of cake. She stared at it for a moment and then closed the lid and glanced at Ling Yelin, secretly sending him a message via light brain.

[Jiang Momo]: Aren’t you leaving?

[010]: Why should I leave?

Jiang Momo glanced at Yan Chang.

Ling Yelin got the hint and explained, “Our families are of similar status. We used to avoid each other because he’s annoying, not because we couldn’t interact.”

Yan Chang let out a cold laugh but didn’t refute.

The group lingered in tension until Wu Yue suddenly shouted in surprise, breaking the strange atmosphere.

“Homie! It really is you! I thought I was mistaken! What happened to your hair?!”

“What about his hair?” Jiang Momo looked up and asked.

“I used to have long hair,” E Mingjun answered. “Down to my waist.”

Wu Yue nodded and explained to Jiang Momo, “Yeah, he used to be one of those long-haired, delicate pretty boys, so pretty he almost looked genderless. But in just a few years, he’s totally lost his looks!”

‘Now he’s just a rugged guy. Not pretty at all.’

“Who is she?” Yan Chang leaned in and whispered to Jiang Momo.

“Wu Yue, the second place in the recruitment exam,” Jiang Momo whispered back.

“Oh, the unlucky one screwed over by Peng Ji?” Yan Chang instantly remembered, whispering, “Ling Yelin’s really going downhill. He used to be all about standing up for his people.”

He used to be ridiculously annoying about it too.

“Yan Chang, take Jiang Momo away,” E Mingjun said without even looking back.

“Got it.” Yan Chang put an arm around Jiang Momo’s shoulders and pulled her away from the mess.

Ling Yelin stepped forward to follow them but was blocked by E Mingjun’s outstretched hand.

He looked down at the hand pressed against his chest and sneered, “Let go.”

E Mingjun didn’t budge.

Ling Yelin clenched his fist, about to act, but Wu Yue rushed over and grabbed his arm. “Don’t be impulsive!”

“Why are you taking his side?” Ling Yelin pulled harder.

“I’m serious, don’t act rashly. You have no idea about my homie’s combat record in the Chaos Star System. Honestly, you should be thanking me for stopping you!” Wu Yue said loudly.

E Mingjun calmly stared at Ling Yelin for a moment, then turned and walked after Jiang Momo.

Jiang Momo had been quietly watching from afar. Seeing E Mingjun approach, she raised her head and asked, “E Mingjun, you’re not busy lately?”

“Not anymore. I’ve earned enough.” E Mingjun nodded and naturally walked between her and Yan Chang.

Yan Chang didn’t find anything odd about it and cheerfully patted E Mingjun’s arm. “So, Tutor E, I haven’t seen you spend on anything major. Why were you working so many jobs?”

“Maintaining a mecha is expensive,” E Mingjun replied casually. He then looked down at Jiang Momo and held out his hand. “Don’t use that hair dye and colored contact solution. They’re radioactive. I’ll take care of them for you.”

“Huh?” Jiang Momo was shocked. Wu Yue hadn’t mentioned any side effects!

“How expensive can it be to maintain a mecha?” Yan Chang asked, confused.

E Mingjun gave him a glance and said coolly, “That sneak attack you pulled on me, just the energy cannon recharge cost me a hundred thousand.”

“No wonder you never use it.” Yan Chang chuckled awkwardly. “You could’ve told me. I’d have paid you back.”

“No need. Your mecha needs repairs too,” E Mingjun said.

He’d been in a rush and smashed the arm off Yan Chang’s mecha. Fixing that would be a big job.

“So thanks to you, I’ve turned misfortune into fortune. I’ve got a super B-grade mecha now!” Yan Chang grinned ear to ear. “You wouldn’t believe how amazing Master is!”

Jiang Momo was still staring at the two bottles in her hand.

“So it really is radioactive?” Jiang Momo silently asked Little Eight.

[E Mingjun isn’t wrong but the radiation is minor. It’s within the range a human body can handle.] The Siamese cat yawned.

Jiang Momo thought for a moment and then handed both bottles to E Mingjun. “Thanks.”

After that, she didn’t hear E Mingjun respond and immediately looked up. She saw E Mingjun staring at her thoughtfully.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Momo waved her hand in front of his face. “Didn’t the academy’s promo video already say I created a super B-grade mecha? Why do you look like you didn’t know?”

“Sorry, I haven’t been online lately.” E Mingjun snapped out of it. “Do you want to go eat together?”

“I was planning to go to the materials warehouse to make some teaching tools, so I already drank a nutrient solution. I’m not hungry right now,” Jiang Momo said. “Let’s go tomorrow. I don’t have class in the afternoon. I’ll treat you guys.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for your message,” E Mingjun nodded.

***

The next morning, on the top floor of the teaching building, Mecha Manufacturing Practical Base No. 1, Shi Qin sat anxiously on the edge of the podium, the fingers of his right hand tapping in turn against the back of his left.

After going back yesterday, he spent the entire night looking for alternative energy pathways, all to no avail. He couldn’t figure out the key point no matter how hard he tried and ended up staying awake until dawn.

Could it really be that he misunderstood?

“Aaaaahhh!!! Teacher Momo! You’re finally here!”

“Oh my god, that’s a B-grade mecha!”

“Teacher Momo, you’re so cool!!!”

The students suddenly erupted in excitement and Shi Qin immediately looked toward the door.

Jiang Momo entered carrying two three-meter-long mecha forearms on her shoulders.

“Class monitor?” Jiang Momo’s line of sight was blocked by the mecha arms, so she couldn’t see around her and just called out.

“I’m here, Teacher.” Shi Qin quickly ran to her side.

“Call the other seven over and move this to the open space at the back of the classroom,” Jiang Momo instructed.

“Got it.” Shi Qin hurriedly gathered the other seven to help him carry the heavy mecha arms off Jiang Momo’s shoulders.

Jiang Momo looked around at the students who were watching her with shining eyes, then took out several material panels from behind her and placed one on the podium.

“This material panel has the same energy pathways as yesterday’s. Keep practicing your sensing exercises. If you manage to identify the energy pathway, come to me for a new panel.”

She had only brought five panels today, which should be enough.

“Even though the class hasn’t officially started, this is a practical class. Time limits don’t matter, just start working.” Jiang Momo patted the dust off her hands and then leisurely walked to the back of the classroom.

Meanwhile, aside from Shi Qin, the other seven students were thrilled and excitedly chattering away.

“Teacher Momo brought two mechanical arms and they look the same. She doesn’t need both just for teaching, right?”

“Yeah, does that mean one of them is for us to use?!”

“Oh my god, I’m so happy. I love Teacher Momo!”

As they were still talking, Shi Qin suddenly stood up straight. “Teacher.”

The other seven were startled and immediately fell silent.

“You’ve all studied the theory before but your progress varies. If I continue with theory lessons, it might be tough,” Jiang Momo said.

Shi Qin responded, “The academy has a tradition of senior students guiding the juniors. I’m the furthest along and can teach them.”

“Then I’ll leave these students in your care. You’ll be in charge of the theory lessons from now on,” Jiang Momo said.

She had originally planned to find a dignified excuse to skip teaching the parts she didn’t know, so when Shi Qin offered a way out, she took it smoothly.

“Besides Shi Qin, who among you is progressing the fastest?”

“Lian Lansheng,” Shi Qin said, pointing to the girl standing next to him.

“Alright. Lian Lansheng will be the vice-class monitor. Before the next class, I’ll lend you these two mecha arms. The eight of you will take turns using them and make sure everyone assembles and disassembles them at least once.

“The class monitor and the vice class monitor will be responsible for recording the process and any problems encountered. Report back next class. I’ll demonstrate the disassembly and reassembly methods in a moment.”

The students were stunned at first, then quickly became thrilled and unable to contain their excitement.

‘This is what a practical class should be!’

After speaking, Jiang Momo keenly sensed that something around her had changed subtly. It was a strange, intangible feeling. She thought for a moment and then took out a pair of mental thread visualizing goggles from a nearby cabinet.

She had learned about them yesterday during a chat with Professor Ge Qing, who told her they could help observe the students’ mental power use.

After putting on the goggles, Jiang Momo saw fine, spiderweb-like white threads floating in the air, densely covering the material panel on the podium.

After thinking it over, she said, “If anyone successfully finds the energy pathway by the end of class, they can join this group early.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, the threads that had just been calmly coiled around the panel suddenly became wildly active.