Chapter Twenty-Nine: Not Only a Dormitory, But Also a Calling

“Yang Hui, well, what do you think? Bet you didn't expect this, did you? Things moved so fast—you’ve just arrived and already landed a position as an official.” After the meeting, Director Bai called Yang Hui to his office alone to discuss how to implement the plan. As soon as they sat down, Director Bai congratulated Yang Hui on his new post.

Indeed, Yang Hui hadn’t anticipated becoming a minor leader so quickly. Even though it was a deputy position, did that really matter? Would a director really need to run over to this little team every day? No matter how important the project was, that wasn’t realistic—a research institute of this size couldn’t function without its director. So, being deputy team leader was quite a different matter here.

“I really didn’t expect it. I thought that even if my project was promising, at the very least, I’d have to wait for it to succeed before any rewards were handed out. I never imagined I’d be given a position right away.”

“Well, young people, that’s how things are here. If you have talent, you’re put to use immediately. We have a big gap in manpower, after all, which means more opportunities as well,” Director Bai said, offering Yang Hui encouragement with a depth of meaning.

Now was the moment to declare his resolve. “Please rest assured, Director. I will see this project through, fatten the institute’s coffers, and succeed at all costs—failure is not an option.”

“Good. The institute is counting on your team. If you have any problems, come straight to me. After all, I’m still listed as team leader. Of course, if it’s a matter of money, forget it—the institute has already allocated every penny it can spare to support you. You have a total of twenty thousand for the engine. I’m planning to commission Institute One to help design the airframe, and the ground radio control system will have to be sourced from one of the base’s factories. Naturally, there’ll be some compensation for their effort.”

With that, the director blocked any further requests for additional funds, leaving Yang Hui no room to object. He immediately changed the subject.

“Your accommodation has been arranged. A dormitory has been set aside, and the six of you new graduates will all be in the same building. That should make it easier for you to work together. I believe you’re assigned to single dorm 304.”

Hearing that the housing issue was resolved, Yang Hui couldn’t help feeling a surge of excitement. At last, he wouldn’t have to endure the odd looks from the guesthouse matron; every time, her gaze made his skin crawl.

“Oh, that’s wonderful. It really solves a big headache for us—thank you for the institute’s consideration.” The news came so quickly that Yang Hui couldn’t help but suspect it was tied to his project; only something noteworthy would get attention from higher-ups and result in such prompt arrangements. In the end, it all came down to ability.

“Well then, that’s settled. This afternoon, I’ll call the team together for a kick-off meeting, and that will mark the official formation of the group. Make sure you arrive early.”

Glancing at the time, Yang Hui realized the morning had passed and everything had been arranged. Director Bai stood to leave for lunch.

“All right, that’s enough for now. Time for lunch—eat well, you’ll need the energy to move your things this afternoon.”

“Understood, Director. I’ll get going, see you later.”

With that, Yang Hui left, elated.

After lunch, he returned to the guesthouse, cheerful as he packed up his things. He gathered his two unopened suitcases, organized his belongings, and left for the dormitory. All the way there, the sunlight seemed dazzling, the flowers especially vivid—everything felt wonderful. No wonder they say joy brings a lightness to the spirit.

Step by step, Yang Hui arrived at the dormitory building. As usual, the dorm supervisor stopped him, asking questions. After producing his credentials and registering, he received the key to room 304 and headed upstairs.

Carrying two large bags, he entered his new domain, fished out the key, opened the door, and set his things down. He collapsed onto the wooden bunk bed, catching his breath before beginning to unpack. Only then did he take a careful look at the room.

The best news was that he didn’t find a second bed—meaning he’d have the room to himself. For a single dorm, that was the ideal arrangement. As for other amenities, there was no point in wishing for too much; whatever was there would do. He allowed himself a secret grin; if something was lacking, so be it—this was normal.

A wooden bed, a wooden desk, a wooden chair and stool, a washbasin stand, and four walls—overall, not a bad setup. He unpacked happily, made the bed, and noticed the floor was spotless. Clearly, the previous occupant had given it a thorough cleaning before leaving, probably only a few days ago.

Gazing around at the place where he’d spend so much time, Yang Hui lay back on the bed in satisfaction and, without realizing it, fell asleep. His first nap in the new dorm was careless—he didn’t even take off his shoes or clothes.

He woke up at just the right time. After washing his face, it was nearly time for work, so he locked the door and left.

He didn’t go to the combustion chamber office, but headed straight to the small conference room the director had mentioned. When he arrived, there were already two people inside, both about his age—likely fellow graduates who had arrived with him.

Yang Hui greeted them first. “Hello, you two. Here for the meeting as well?”

The two seemed to be having an animated conversation, but seeing someone new, they greeted him cheerfully. “Yes, both of us are. You too?” The taller, thinner man responded first.

Yang Hui walked over and extended his hand. “Yang Hui, from the Imperial Capital.”

The tall, thin one shook his hand firmly, smiling. “Xie Lianfa, a local from Guiyang.”

The other young man reached out in turn. “Hello, Long Derong, from Southern Dian.”

“Nice to meet you both.”

Introductions complete, the three sat together and began chatting.

“So, Brother Xie, where did we leave off?” Long Derong continued the conversation, though it was clear he’d forgotten the thread.

Xie Lianfa picked up where they’d left off. “We were just talking about Pratt & Whitney in the US. Now, that’s a legendary company. I’ve heard that the engines for America’s new-generation fighter jets are made by them, with a thrust-to-weight ratio of eight and maximum thrust of twelve tons. Absolutely insane—those engines are beasts.”

He gestured enthusiastically as he spoke, his expressions and motions exaggerated, fully conveying his excitement.

Long Derong suddenly remembered something and slapped his thigh. “I know Pratt & Whitney! They’re one of the two giants of American aero engines. I think I read about that engine in a magazine—it’s called the F100 or something.”

“Exactly!” Xie Lianfa clapped his hands hard.

“Yes, it’s called the F100. That magazine is ‘Aviation Archives,’ isn’t it? My father is actually one of its editors.”

No wonder the guy could talk so authoritatively—he had an inside source. Coming from a family of writers, he naturally had a way with words, easily captivating an audience.

More people arrived, and as was customary, everyone introduced themselves. Among the newcomers was Pan Wen, from Hunan; Liu Wang, from Mountain City; and Zhong Jianshe, the most unique of the group, a second-generation base native who had returned after university. His parents had devoted their youth to the base, and now their child had returned to continue that legacy.

The new graduates quickly found common ground and lively conversation filled the room.

Soon, Director Bai arrived. Seeing that everyone was present, he began the meeting.

He first distributed a set of documents. Yang Hui immediately recognized them as his own work, but clearly, multiple copies had been made, so there was no need to pass them around.

Once everyone had had a chance to look them over, Director Bai spoke. “You’ve all seen the materials. I’ve called you here to officially form a new project team to handle this research. The core members will be you new arrivals. If you have any thoughts or concerns, speak freely.”

A brief silence followed. Though they’d anticipated this after reading the materials, hearing it from leadership was another matter. Pan Wen, the Hunan native, was the first to speak. “Director, we’re fine with tackling this simple project, but we won’t be stuck making toys forever, will we?”

The others nodded in agreement. After all, they had worked hard to acquire their skills and wanted to contribute to national defense. Staying on such a project forever would be a waste. Only Zhong Jianshe seemed to appreciate the significance of the assignment, his expression saying as much—having grown up here, he knew the base’s situation.

“Don’t worry about that,” Director Bai replied with a smile. “The institute has a plan. Assigning you to this project is mainly to develop your research and development skills. After this, you’ll be reassigned—rest assured, you’ll have important roles in the future and won’t be stuck on this project for good.” He knew that in a few years, these young people would be the backbone of the institute, and it was vital to set their minds at ease.

“Good, that’s all we needed to hear. We’ll do our best on this project,” Pan Wen said, finally letting go of his concerns. As long as they weren’t stuck doing this forever, there was no harm in cutting their teeth on it for now.

The previously talkative and lively Xie Lianfa hesitated before asking, “Director, will this project really earn research funding for the institute? It seems like a tough sell.”

“We’ve considered and analyzed this thoroughly. As long as we succeed, there should be a market for it—don’t worry,” Director Bai reassured him.

“Alright, then I have no further questions.”

Seeing that no one else had anything to ask, Director Bai moved on to announce the next item on the agenda.