Chapter Four: The Storm Intensifies

Beneath the glow of the night, by his desk, Zhao Ziqiang set down his pen and gazed at his thesis with unmistakable satisfaction. His eyes shone with irrepressible confidence. “Not bad. This thesis is already near perfect. It’s ready to be submitted.”

After this brief soliloquy, Zhao Ziqiang’s thoughts drifted to Yang Hui. He wondered whether Yang Hui’s thesis was ready. This was their final showdown; after this, there might never be another chance to compete together. He hoped Yang Hui would truly present a sensational piece—then they would see who could secure the coveted spot for graduate study. At that thought, a gleam flashed in Zhao Ziqiang’s eyes.

In the elite dormitory, the four roommates were all bent over their desks under the lamp’s glow, as if oblivious to the passage of night.

“Ah! Finally finished! It’s all settled—no issues at all,” Liu Changqing declared, the first to finish his thesis, clearly pleased with his work.

Soon after, Tang Changhong and Yang Wei also completed their papers. The three of them turned their attention to Yang Hui…

“Oh, so you all finished before me. But my situation’s a bit special—the thesis is due tomorrow. I’ve just wrapped mine up as well. I wonder what the professors will make of it,” Yang Hui said, putting down his pen. He picked up his thesis, glanced over it again, flicked it twice with his fingers, and set it down, content.

The three watched as Yang Hui tidied his things. Yang Wei commented, “We’re all set to submit tomorrow, but Xiao Hui, you’re under a lot of pressure—your thesis is supposed to cause a sensation.”

“Xiao Hui, I have faith in your abilities. You’re bound to deliver something extraordinary. Get a good night’s rest,” Tang Changhong reassured him.

“I’m completely confident in my thesis. You all needn’t worry—it’s all in black and white now. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a done deal.”

What a carefree fellow, so confident in his own work. But how could someone as exceptional as Yang Hui not believe in himself?

“Let’s all wash up and get some sleep. We’ll need to be up early tomorrow.”

...

The next day, outside the office, “Yang Hui, you’re here. I hope you truly make a stir and prove the worth of your thesis,” Zhao Ziqiang said, emerging from inside.

With head held high, Yang Hui entered the office and saw his supervisor, engrossed in a pile of theses.

“Professor Wang, this is my graduation thesis.”

Professor Wang looked up. “Ah, Yang Hui, you’re here. I’ve always had high hopes for you all; you’re capable of achieving success in the future. Hand me your thesis. I’ve heard talk—apparently you told your classmates you were going to write something earthshaking. I’m curious to see this grand work. Go have a seat over there.”

...

After reading through the thesis, Professor Wang’s face darkened with anger, disdain, and a measure of disappointment. “Well, your thesis certainly is sensational. You’re an engineer. Why aren’t you focusing on technical research? What are you up to with all this nonsense? Is this any of your business? Let’s not even mention you’re neglecting your main field—this is practically opposing central directives. Who knows how much backlash your thesis could spark. Take it back; I think you’d better reconsider. Didn’t you write about leading-edge strakes before? Use that for your defense.”

Though Professor Wang’s words were brief, the meaning was unmistakable—unyielding, with the authority cultivated by four years as a mentor. For most students, such a rebuke would be enough to cow them. But Yang Hui was different. Having been reborn and established success in his career, he’d weathered storms far fiercer than this; the authority of decades as a counselor no longer held any dread for him.

“No, Professor Wang, I don’t see it that way. As a technical person, of course, our focus should be on technology. But without a robust system as a foundation, even the best technology has no soil in which to thrive. Even if we achieve temporary technological leadership, it won’t last. I stand by this thesis. I can’t knowingly ignore a problem, bury my head in the sand like an ostrich, and pretend nothing is wrong.”

At that moment, Yang Hui’s face was flushed and his neck taut with emotion—he looked nothing like a student discussing a thesis with his mentor.

Seeing his student so resolute, Professor Wang was taken aback. When had Yang Hui become so forceful, even daring to contradict his teacher?

“Nonsense. What systemic problem? Just look at what you’ve written—are you blind to the achievements of the Republic’s aviation industry over the past decades?”

Now, Professor Wang no longer questioned whether the thesis should have been written, but challenged its content. Yang Hui sensed hope—if only he could refute Professor Wang’s arguments.

“It’s not the same. I’m not ignoring our past achievements. What I’m saying is that the old systems are no longer suited to the new demands of research.”

“New demands? I’d like to hear what these are. Go on.”

Now that Yang Hui had raised the matter of new systems for new circumstances, Professor Wang was willing to listen—perhaps to find grounds for further criticism. Unbeknownst to him, his stance was already softening.

“Professor Wang, the new situation is that our country’s research environment has entered a new stage. We’ve moved from replicating foreign designs based on available data to independent innovation and development. In R&D, issues such as varying development cycles for different aviation products, among others, have arisen—things are very different from before.”

Upon reflection, Professor Wang realized Yang Hui had a point. Now that ties with the old superiors were severed, everything depended on self-reliance—indeed, times had changed.

While Professor Wang pondered, Yang Hui pressed his advantage. “We, as members of the Communist Party, must seek truth from facts, adapt with the times, and always pursue progress. Our research systems must also evolve; we can’t cling to outdated ways.”

At last, these words swayed Professor Wang a little.

“Your argument has some merit, but this isn’t your main field. Why bother with this? Just submit your technical thesis.”

Seeing Professor Wang still wavering, Yang Hui tried a compromise.

“How about this, Professor Wang: I’ll let you review my thesis on the large leading-edge strakes. If it holds up technically, then I won’t use it for my defense—instead, I’ll stick with the current thesis.”

Yes, that was Yang Hui’s spirit—if you want proof of my technical skills, I’ll give it to you. But I stand by my convictions, come what may.

So, Yang Hui was set in his ways. As a teacher, Professor Wang decided to indulge him this once.

“Bring me your thesis on leading-edge strakes. Let me take a look.”

“Team Leader, could you take a look at this thesis? I can’t fully understand it, but it seems quite technical,” said the youngest member of the committee, who was nonetheless extremely talented.

“It’s very good indeed. Looks to be a high-quality thesis—worthy of publication in the Journal of Aeronautics,” the team leader remarked, drawing the attention of the other committee members.

“Excellent. Very insightful—all backed by data. Seems to be a student who’s truly dedicated to the technical side.”

“Well, what more can we say? This research is already at the level of us old hands. I can’t make heads or tails of the leading-edge strakes myself—only those who specialize in this field could fully grasp it.”

What more needed to be said? With such praise from the committee, the quality was evident—Yang Hui would surely graduate with honors.

“Professor Wang, I…”

“Say no more. I’ll allow you to use the thesis you prefer for your defense. I’ll submit it to the committee and explain to the judges.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

Looking at this young, vigorous, opinionated, and steadfast student, Professor Wang suddenly felt this might be his most outstanding student yet—though, with a temperament like that, the future was bound to be turbulent.

“So be it. I’ll support you. I’ll invite the engine department professors to attend as well—they’ve noticed the student who’s often sat in on their lectures. After all, they are your teachers too.”

Shaking his head as he reread Yang Hui’s two theses, Professor Wang was at a loss. How had he ended up teaching such an extraordinary, unconventional student?

Yang Hui left the office—thesis submitted, the fuse lit, and a sensation on the horizon. But so what? That was his calling; he was destined to lead an extraordinary life. With this thought, he quickened his pace.

Outside, he found his three roommates waiting, and together they left.

Click. “And you are?” An elderly gentleman with white hair opened the door, seeing a middle-aged man he thought he’d seen before.

“Hello, are you Chief Engineer Wu? I’m a teacher from the aeronautics department. One of my students attended a few of your lectures—his thesis is focused on aircraft engines, which isn’t our specialty. Could you take a look? It’s quite an original piece.” Professor Wang had the good fortune to run into Chief Engineer Wu, who was not a regular lecturer but occasionally gave talks.

Master Wu glanced at his watch, then considered a moment. “Alright, let me see what it’s about.”

...

“Ah, this thesis is quite perceptive. It may not be particularly academic, but its substance is remarkable. This is really written by a youngster from the Technical University who’s only attended a few of my talks?”

Wu could hardly believe it—a young student from the University of Science and Technology had produced such a work. In the aviation and aerospace sector, students from this university were renowned for their technical prowess, but rarely for management acumen. Yet here was someone remarkable, and apparently an occasional guest at his lectures—though Wu could not remember Yang Hui.

As Chief Engineer Wu’s main responsibility was the localization of the Spey engine, he seldom lectured—just as a guest. It was surprising to hear that a student had attended several of his sessions. Fate, perhaps.

“He’s one of our top students this year. We have high hopes for him. This thesis, though, seems off track—almost unorthodox. We’re not even sure which degree certificate to award him. His technical knowledge is superb—his leading-edge strake paper could be published in the Journal of Aeronautics. But this thesis of his definitely doesn’t meet the standard requirements.” Professor Wang made his intentions clear, hoping to invite Wu to the defense.

“Well… alright. I’d like to hear what this young man has to say and see what he’s thinking. As a teacher, you may find his thesis heretical, but as a chief engine designer, I find it highly commendable.” Wu thought of the current state of the Spey project and sighed—it would be good to hear a young person’s perspective on the aviation industry.

“That’s wonderful, Chief Wu. The defense is at two o’clock in the afternoon, two days from now. Please do come.” With that, Professor Wang left, satisfied.

Yang Hui—that was the young man’s name. Wu smiled as he strolled out of the campus.

...

Yang Wei hurried out of the auditorium towards Yang Hui, his voice brimming with excitement. “Xiao Hui, the thesis committee gave my paper high praise. This afternoon it’s your turn. I don’t know exactly what you wrote, but I believe in you—looking forward to your sensational thesis.”