Chapter 112 - National High School Computer Competition (IV)

My Rebirth Legend Without Ads

“Vector thrust aero-engine…” After the host finished reading the name on my design drawing, she suddenly became even more excited. “Could this possibly be an engine for a fighter jet?”

Since the host was merely a TV presenter and not very familiar with engines, she could only say so much and didn’t realize what a vector thrust aero-engine meant for China! At that moment, a middle-aged man from the judging panel suddenly stood up excitedly and walked to the stage. After whispering something to the host, she continued, “Dear viewers, this gentleman is one of today’s judges, a colonel from an Air Force unit in the Beijing Military Region. He will now explain what a vector thrust aero-engine is.”

The middle-aged man, after casting an excited glance at me, said enthusiastically, “I can’t say for sure whether the vector thrust engine in this design is feasible, but just seeing such a design drawing confirms I made the right choice coming here today! I never expected to see such a world-class engine design at a high school computer competition. Simply put, a vector thrust engine can rotate in different directions to produce thrust in corresponding directions. As of today, only the United States and the Soviet Union possess this fourth-generation engine technology. Fighter jets equipped with such engines can take off and land on shorter runways, exhibit superior maneuverability, and are better suited for stealth operations. With a vector thrust engine, a fighter jet can execute more impressive tactical maneuvers and possess significantly enhanced combat capabilities. In fact, equipping an ordinary aircraft with this engine can boost its combat effectiveness by three to five times! Vector thrust engines represent the pinnacle of a nation’s most advanced technology. In our country, not only is this engine technology absent, but even the next-best standard high-thrust jet engines remain undeveloped. So regardless of whether contestant number 75’s design will truly succeed, his drawing is unprecedented domestically!”

Thanks to the colonel’s explanation, all the attendees and participants suddenly looked at me with astonishment and admiration. But I sought more than just their respect—I believed that with this vector thrust engine blueprint, the national president would take a keen interest in me. This would be my first step toward political power.

There was practically no suspense: my design received a perfect score from the judges and won the competition. Under Song Jie’s dark and sullen gaze, I proudly raised my fist in a victorious gesture. Chu Qitong hugged me joyfully, and Fu Ming came forward to congratulate me. For a moment, I became the center of attention, the brightest rising star in the entire venue.

The competition ended, and the awards ceremony began amid cheers. Alongside the grim-faced Song Jie and the smiling Chu Qitong, I stood on the podium for the top three, receiving heavy trophies and certificates from several leaders of the National Education Commission.

Glancing at Song Jie, who was noticeably shorter than me on the podium, I sneered coldly, “I told you never to count your chickens before they hatch; it’s just embarrassing. Song, remember this—no one dares to speak of victory before the final moment.”

“Hmph!” Song Jie shot me a fierce glare and snorted coldly. “You may have won this time, kid, but our rivalry is far from over! From today onward, you are my opponent. You better watch yourself!”

“Thank you for acknowledging me, Song. I’m truly flattered,” I replied with a faint smile, casting a playful glance his way. There was no way I feared him—I would make sure he knew that anyone who dared to provoke Xiao Qiang would find no happy ending.

This time, City C’s No. 4 High School truly made a name for itself. Not only did I claim first place, but Chu Qitong took third and Fu Ming fourth. Among the top four, three came from this small prefecture-level city. The awards ceremony concluded amid cheers, and the national high school computer competition drew to a successful close.

The crowd gradually dispersed. After taking a group photo, the eighty-six contestants all left the venue, leaving only me, Chu Qitong, and Song Jie behind. In a while, the three of us would board a special vehicle bound for Zhongnanhai to meet the leader of all Chinese people—the President of China.

“Xiao Qiang, Qitong, I’m really jealous you get to meet the president. Tomorrow I’ll work hard to try to get into the top three,” Fu Ming said with a smile before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

“Do you think Fu Ming might feel a bit disappointed?” Chu Qitong asked with concern as she watched him leave.

“If you’re worried about that, you shouldn’t have taken her third place in the first place. Isn’t this just asking for trouble?” I rolled my eyes helplessly. She really didn’t think things through. Anyone who loses third place would feel down—asking that question was just plain foolish.

“I was just asking casually; no need to mock me,” Chu Qitong huffed. “A competition is a competition—we have to give it our all. If I let you win or you let me win, what kind of competition would that be? But after the game, we’re friends. Is it so wrong for me to have a good relationship with Fu Ming?”

“Alright, alright,” I said, shaking my head in resignation. “Anyway, you can’t argue with you. The special car to Zhongnanhai has arrived. If we’re going, we should leave quickly.” Spotting a long, red Hongqi limousine approaching on the street, I knew it was our ride and quickly headed toward it.

“Of course we’re going,” Chu Qitong said excitedly, trailing after me. She whispered, “Xiao Qiang, the president is someone we’ve only seen on TV before. Do you think the real person is different from what we see on the screen? What if the president has a bad temper and I offend him? Hey, answer me! Do you think I should take a separate photo with the president? Hey, Xiao Qiang! Hey…”

Faced with Chu Qitong’s incessant chatter—more bothersome than a sparrow—I adopted my strategy: keep silent, ignore her, and make a swift exit.