Chapter 31: Filing a Patent

Li Yifei stood before the simple yet solemn main gate of Yanjing University, gazing up at the familiar plaque. He took a deep breath, the air carrying the crisp chill of winter.

Having concluded the intense and rewarding period of field research and instrument refinement in Shan County, Shan Province, he had finally returned to this academic sanctuary that held the weight of his youth and dreams.

The exhaustion accumulated from long periods of high-intensity travel and research washed over him like a tide, leaving his body and mind in desperate need of rest. He decided to grant himself a day off.

He spent the day quietly in his dormitory, going nowhere. After a long, restorative sleep that seemed to replenish his depleted energy, he woke up feeling refreshed. He began to methodically organize the thick stack of data and records he had gathered.

Categorizing notes, archiving data, and sorting through photographs allowed the experiences he had in Shan Province to gradually settle and clarify in his mind.

Following this brief respite, Li Yifei did not slacken his pace. Understanding the value of time, he immediately set out to visit several professors who had been following his academic progress.

The professors looked at the student before them—weary from his travels yet bright-eyed—with a mixture of pride and expectation. They admired his spirit of practice and his ability to explore, but they also knew that a solid theoretical foundation was the cornerstone of future development.

"Yifei, we have all seen the significant gains you’ve made on this trip," an elderly professor said earnestly. "However, with the end of the year approaching, it would be better to settle down, focus on your reading, and solidify your professional foundation.

"Sharpening the axe will not delay the woodcutting. After the New Year, we will arrange for you to learn some new things."

Li Yifei listened respectfully, understanding their well-intentioned advice. He nodded in agreement, promising to study diligently.

Yet, in his heart, he already had another plan: to take advantage of this relatively free time to apply for a patent for the "Geological Activity Detector" he had poured his heart and soul into developing.

To him, obtaining a patent was not only a legal protection for his innovation but would also enhance the instrument's authority and credibility, paving the way for its future practical application.

Before applying, he had to ensure the device could withstand the most rigorous scrutiny. He was determined to perfect its 3Q validation, leaving no room for doubt.

In the days that followed, the laboratory became Li Yifei’s main battlefield. Like a fastidious quality inspector, he scrutinized every detail of the detector.

Starting with the exterior, he incorporated ergonomic principles, performing simulated operations repeatedly and adjusting the position and size of components to ensure maximum convenience in operation and ease of transport.

After several iterations, the new design was not only more intuitive but also more compact and lightweight.

Performance optimization was his top priority. To improve the device’s environmental adaptability, he replaced materials in critical areas and optimized the circuit design, ensuring stable operation under complex field conditions such as extreme heat, freezing cold, and high humidity.

The accuracy of data detection was the core. He consulted a vast amount of literature and, combining it with the data he had collected in the field, meticulously calibrated and optimized the detection algorithm.

To determine the optimal burial depth for the sensors, he worked with the support of the Yanda Department of Geology, conducting repeated experiments in various simulated geological environments and analyzing every set of data in detail.

Simultaneously, he extended the device's battery life, improving power management and consumption control to satisfy the requirements for long-term, continuous field monitoring.

Time flew by in focused busyness. Li Yifei was acutely aware that 2008 would be a year full of challenges. The extreme weather at the beginning of the year, the massive geological event in the middle of the year that would shake the entire nation, and the economic fluctuations beginning to sweep the globe in the second half... these impending major events served as an invisible alarm, reminding him to race against time.

He hoped that this constantly improving detector could contribute to safeguarding lives and minimizing losses during the storms to come.

***

Fortunately, the core research and development of the detector had been largely completed, so this phase focused on targeted improvements and validation.

When all the validation data was organized and the report drafted, he immediately thought of Professor Wang Cheng.

Having mentored him since he first enrolled, Professor Wang was well-connected and sophisticated in his dealings. In Li Yifei’s eyes, he was the most trusted guide when facing critical problems.

Li Yifei dialed Professor Wang’s number, his tone tinged with a hint of nervousness and anticipation: "Professor Wang, hello.

"I apologize for bothering you. I have a research outcome I would like to patent, but I am unfamiliar with the process and don't know anyone at the Patent Office.

"I wanted to ask if there is any way to slightly accelerate the review process?"

There was a silence of a few seconds on the other end before Professor Wang’s hearty laughter came through: "It’s that detector project, isn't it? That’s great news, Yifei! Leave it to me; I’ll go and ask for you." Professor Wang made no empty promises, but the support in his tone set Li Yifei’s mind at ease.

After hanging up, Professor Wang immediately called Cheng Jie, a deputy director at the Patent Office with whom he was well-acquainted.

"Director Cheng, it’s me, Wang Cheng from Yanda. Are you busy? Did I catch you at a bad time?" Professor Wang exchanged pleasantries.

"Professor Wang! It’s rare to receive a call from you. I just finished a meeting and have some time. What can I do for you?" Director Cheng’s voice was warm.

"I wouldn't dare give you orders. It’s just that we have an exceptionally talented student at our school named Li Yifei. He independently developed a geological detection instrument with significant practical and innovative value.

"The young man wants to apply for a patent, but as you know, he’s a student, unfamiliar with the process and lacking connections.

"He came to me, so I’m shamelessly asking if it would be convenient for you to provide some guidance or perhaps introduce him to a responsible examiner so he can submit his materials more smoothly?" Professor Wang explained the situation, highlighting the student’s efforts and the value of the achievement.

"Oh? Developed by a student at Yanda? That’s interesting. Tell you what, have him prepare his application materials and bring them directly to my office tomorrow morning. I’ll see what he’s got and have my colleagues in the relevant department take a look," Director Cheng replied decisively.

Learning that Director Cheng agreed to meet, Li Yifei was filled with gratitude. He immediately organized the full set of materials required for the patent application, including a detailed technical manual, drawings, and validation reports.

Before leaving, he hesitated but decided to bring a box of specialty tea from his hometown. Accompanied by Professor Wang, Li Yifei walked into Director Cheng’s office with a heart full of trepidation and hope.

The office was simple and solemn. Director Cheng appeared to be a sharp and capable middle-aged man.

He warmly invited them to sit. Li Yifei respectfully placed the thick application materials on the desk and gently set the small gift box of tea beside them. "Director Cheng, Professor Wang, hello.

"Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to see me. These are my patent application materials. Please, have a look. This is some tea from my hometown; it’s a small token of my appreciation, please do try it."

Director Cheng glanced at the materials and the gift box, nodding with an understanding smile. "You are thoughtful, student Li. I will accept the materials." He picked them up, quickly flipping through the table of contents and the core technical sections, nodding occasionally. "Hmm, the logic is clear, and the materials are well-prepared. Geological detection... there is practical value here.

"Very well, I will keep these. I will have the examination department prioritize this through the expedited pre-review channel. If the technology itself is sound, the process will be much faster.

"I will have Professor Wang notify you when there is news." He made no promises regarding a specific date, but the words "prioritize" and "expedited pre-review" gave Li Yifei hope.

"Thank you so much, Director Cheng! I will keep your kindness in mind!" Li Yifei stood up, bowing in gratitude.

***

After leaving the Patent Office and returning to campus, Li Yifei expressed his sincere gratitude to Professor Wang: "Professor Wang, I truly owe this to you! Please, you must accept this small token." He handed another box of the same tea to the professor.

Looking at the student who knew how to act with propriety and gratitude, Professor Wang’s eyes were full of satisfaction. He patted Li Yifei on the shoulder. "Yifei, the fact that you thought of this shows you have truly grown.

"Remember, while ability is important, how you conduct yourself and handle affairs is equally so. Keep working hard, I believe in you. If you ever run into a hurdle you can't clear, come find me. Now, go back and wait for the news in peace—and don't forget to study!"

In the days awaiting the review, Li Yifei did not waste his time. He followed his professors' advice, immersing himself in professional texts to solidify his foundation, while also using his unique insight into future economic trends to cautiously adjust his investment portfolio.

He sold a few stocks that had reached their target returns, shifting his holdings into assets he judged to have potential in the coming period.

These operations brought in quite a good return, further enriching his capital reserves.

He had a grander plan in mind: to invest a portion of his capital into overseas markets at what he considered a key point mid-year, taking advantage of the potential for violent market volatility.

He believed that if he succeeded, he would gain enough capital to support his future grand vision, finally breaking free from the shackles of financial constraints.

Time slipped by quietly. One morning, a few days later, while Li Yifei was immersed in books at the library, his phone vibrated. It was a call from Professor Wang.

Professor Wang said briefly, "Yifei, come to my office. I have good news."

Li Yifei’s heart skipped a beat; he almost immediately guessed what it was. He quickly informed his teacher of his situation, left the library, and ran toward Professor Wang’s office with irrepressible excitement.

Pushing the door open, he saw Professor Wang beaming, holding a deep red, hard-bound certificate. "You're here? Look at this!" Professor Wang smiled and handed over the certificate. "The Patent Office expedited the process, and the preliminary review has passed. This is your patent acceptance notice and application number!

"There is still a substantive examination to come, but with this number, your technology is now under temporary protection. The most critical step has been taken!"

Li Yifei’s hands trembled slightly as he took the heavy certificate, his gaze locked onto the "Title of Invention: Portable Geological Anomaly Signal Monitoring Device," the "Applicant: Li Yifei," and the unique patent application number.

A surge of heat rushed to his heart, and his eyes grew warm. This was not just a number; it was validation of his countless days and nights of research, experimentation, and refinement. It was a milestone in converting his knowledge into a force for protection. It meant he had taken a solid step forward toward his goal.

"Professor Wang... I... I really don't know how to thank you!" Li Yifei’s voice choked with emotion; his gratitude was beyond words.

Professor Wang patted his shoulder firmly, his eyes full of encouragement. "Good lad! This is the result of your own hard work! Make good use of this beginning, stay grounded, and produce real results. The road ahead is long; if you encounter difficulties, come find me anytime!"

Bidding farewell to the professor, Li Yifei practically ran back to his dormitory. He placed the patent acceptance notice in the most prominent spot on his desk and gazed at it quietly.

Waves of emotion rose in his heart, and a clearer, firmer plan for his next steps began to take shape. He knew that with this official preliminary recognition as a foundation, the report he had compiled—condensing his observations from Shan Province and professional analysis—would be far more persuasive.

Perhaps the shadows hanging over the future could be dispersed, alerting the authorities and winning precious time for a response.

Regardless of whether the future held storms or tempests, Li Yifei knew he was ready to face them, and ready to shoulder the responsibility.