Because Ding Yun had given prior instructions not to make a fuss and to keep things low-key, Gao Yi and Ding Ding, despite their excitement and desire to shout, laugh wildly, run laps, and tell everyone that Ding Yun online was their daughter, managed to restrain their impulses.
They didn't even directly inform their eldest daughter, eldest son-in-law, or youngest son. Instead, they told them that Ding Yun had performed meritorious service and would be able to move to a ground base with good living conditions and strong defenses. They were offered a spacious house there and asked if they were willing to move with them. Of course, they were primarily asking their eldest daughter and son-in-law, as their son was young and would naturally stay with them.
Ding Xia and her husband readily agreed. After all, they weren't fools; living on the surface was far better than living underground. Even though the latest news stated that artificial starch could be supplied without limit soon, it couldn't compare to living with their daughter, who could still send them rice, flour, and even cured meat. They didn't mind living under someone else's roof, as long as they had thick skin.
Since they had all agreed, the move proceeded smoothly. They packed up all their belongings, bid farewell to their closest neighbors, and gave away things they deemed unnecessary. Then, amidst envious gazes, they left the underground base.
They traveled in the vehicle provided by the Grain and Oil Administration for Ding Yun, heading swiftly towards Ground Base No. 1, formerly known as Spring City. This region had always enjoyed a pleasant spring-like climate, making it one of the most habitable areas for humans. Even with the increase in extreme weather and severe environmental degradation in recent years, the highest temperature there did not exceed thirty-five degrees Celsius, and the lowest was no less than minus ten degrees Celsius. While it couldn't compare to the consistent temperatures around twenty degrees Celsius year-round in the past, it was still remarkably mild and habitable compared to other regions. This allowed for the establishment of a surface base, rather than necessitating survival in underground facilities.
As the distance between the two locations was considerable and road maintenance had not been ideal in recent years, they took three days to reach their destination. Another day was spent settling in. It was only then that Ding Ding and his wife revealed the true situation to their eldest daughter and youngest son, cautioning them to keep it to themselves and not to spread rumors. They also advised them not to rely entirely on Ding Yun for support; they needed to continue their studies or find jobs if they weren't studying, regardless of how much they earned. Idleness was not an option.
After settling his family, Ding Yun began to accept interviews and accolades, smoothly becoming the director of the research department for the Doomsday Survival Plan, a position no one dared to dispute. Everyone was convinced. Years prior, it was clear that breaking through the current environmental crisis depended on two key advancements: controllable fusion technology and stable, efficient artificial starch production. Ding Yun had independently achieved both. If she didn't qualify to lead the research department, who would? Surely not inexperienced administrative staff.
Upon taking charge of the research department, Ding Yun did not focus on crop breeding. Instead, she delved deeper into the research of her Golden Finger Treasure Bowl, using it as a basis to further refine the Shennong Pot. If the Treasure Bowl could replicate all things, then theoretically, with sufficient understanding, the Shennong Pot should be capable of the same. Even if perfect replication was impossible, producing other artificial items, such as artificial grains, flour, and even artificial meat and vegetables, was a theoretically viable endeavor. Artificial starch alone could only ensure survival for a limited time, but long-term, many would suffer from malnutrition and other issues, potentially affecting reproduction and the health of infants.
However, scientific research is not achieved overnight. Even Ding Yun could only proceed slowly. She began by developing artificial starch, modifying the Shennong Pot to produce various types of artificial starch, such as pea starch, potato starch, corn starch, wheat starch, and cassava starch. While all were still starch, the different final products would allow for a wider variety of foods, enriching people's diets. This meant they could occasionally eat dishes like liangpi, lianggeng, liangfen, and cassava balls, rather than relying solely on nutrient solutions.
These achievements led most people in the country to believe that Ding Yun was the hope for the future, even speculating that the Shennong Pot might eventually produce anything. This expectation placed some pressure on Ding Yun, but she had confidence in herself and was not overwhelmed, continuing her research with dedication.
With the release of artificial starch and other starches, the domestic situation stabilized. The government publicly announced this development and began engaging in international trade and aid. While the technology and equipment would not be exported, the manufactured artificial starch could be sold. Resources and technology could be exchanged, and for countries with nothing, those with a friendly past attitude could receive humanitarian aid to save lives.
China's strength was considerable, and they had no fear of their achievements being plundered. Furthermore, many major countries had already collapsed internally, with some fragmenting into warring factions. China quickly began to dominate the global landscape with its unlimited supply of artificial starch and established the Human Mutual Aid Association. Subsequently, numerous meetings were held to coordinate and integrate the existing resources of the member countries, focusing on perfecting the nutrient solutions manufactured with artificial starch as a core component, and balancing the internal trace elements. This ensured that most people, relying solely on nutrient solutions, could maintain their bodily balance and avoid death from malnutrition or illness caused by trace element deficiencies.
Within six months, all member countries of the Human Mutual Aid Association were receiving the latest all-purpose nutrient solution produced and supplied by China. Though the taste was mediocre, it was plentiful and filling. Of course, this nutrient solution was not given freely. The member countries were required to provide all their available resources to China and actively cooperate with China's macro-control policies, primarily focused on actively restoring the environment and ecology. They aimed to prevent further environmental degradation through overexploitation, all for the good of the world and the survival of humanity.
Through China's diligent efforts, while the global environment did not show significant improvement, at least member countries of the Human Mutual Aid Association were no longer experiencing mass starvation.