Chapter Sixty-Three: Finally Taking Shape

The grades are not looking good, so this marks a temporary end to the work on the model aircraft engine. Soon, the competition in the imperial capital will begin—everyone, look forward to it. That's why today I must shamelessly ask for your votes.

The distinctive hissing sound of the turbojet engine gradually faded, finally stopping altogether. With the completion of this final test, the small model aircraft jet propulsion engine, which took fifty-three days to develop, had successfully passed all its trials.

Thunderous applause echoed without pause—it was a historic moment. Everyone present exerted themselves in their clapping, for only such fervor could express the joy and excitement in their hearts, as well as their hope for the successful finalization of the model aircraft and their anticipation for its eventual sale.

The small turbojet stood before them, and Yang Hui’s design team was the most proud—they had created it. This was their first project since joining the workforce, and their first success. The victory would greatly influence their futures, for the experience had instilled in the entire team a spirit of resilience and rigorous dedication.

Yang Hui was delighted. He longed to expound at length, but the leaders at the scene had not yet spoken—it was not his turn. Among so many leaders, Yang Hui only wished to hear the director speak.

“Director, the project has succeeded; please say a few words to everyone. You’re still the leader of the project team,” Yang Hui said, perfectly timing his request and further enlivening the atmosphere.

The director was highly respected throughout the institute; everyone, men and women alike, admired him. At that moment, they all echoed Yang Hui’s request, urging the director to give a speech.

“Yes, director, please say a few words…”

Seeing the enthusiasm, and recalling how long it had been since the institute had been so lively, the director seized the opportunity to address everyone, to boost morale.

“Very well, on this auspicious day, I’ll say a few words,” he agreed.

Thunderous applause erupted once more.

Witnessing the director’s popularity, Yang Hui felt the profound difference between these builders of the third-line project and the old established aeronautics institute in the northeast: here, everyone was unified, all respected their leaders, and the leaders were willing to risk everything for the future of their people and the institute. How could such a research institute not thrive?

“Today is indeed a good day—double joy for our institute. Why do I say this? The first joy: our institute’s very first independently developed turbojet engine has been successfully finalized. That is certainly cause for celebration. The second joy is even more significant. Why? Because our institute has successors. As you know, there’s been a talent gap for over a decade. This time, we brought in six new forces—they took on the heavy task and completed the engine development. I can proudly say: they are excellent warriors on the scientific front, capable of fighting and winning.”

Director Bai finished his speech and began to applaud, showing his congratulations. The applause was joined by everyone below, including the six members of the design team.

The enthusiastic applause gave the design team immense affirmation. The members felt their achievements were recognized, their talents acknowledged. What they had designed was no toy, but an aircraft engine respected by peers and veterans alike.

“Everyone knows our institute is poor; there’s no way to reward the design team and other scientific personnel who participated in the design and testing. But as we have few people and ample room for growth, the institute will certainly give them the greatest opportunities for development in the future.”

Hearing the director’s promise, Yang Hui felt this was best. At present, he had little need for money; what he most needed was power—the ability to expand his authority and lay a solid foundation for his grand ambitions.

“Come, Yang Hui, represent your design team and say a few words on behalf of the six young people,” the director said, stepping down and ushering Yang Hui to the stage.

This was an opportunity not to be missed. After a brief show of humility, Yang Hui walked up the steps. With no microphones available, he raised his voice.

“First, our design team must thank the institute for its trust and support. This is what we young people most desire and need. Next, I want to speak about the responsibility of our generation.”

At such a moment, it was inadvisable to make exceptions, to say something like, “I have nothing much to say,” or “I won't waste words…” Such thoughts might be kept to oneself, but to say them at a public meeting would be laughable. The rules of the game, the format of the speech, had to be observed.

“I want to say that coming to the base is to fulfill the ambitions and ideals of the youth. Our generation has much to accomplish here, and much to achieve. The development of the base will certainly have a bright future—this is the need of the country and the military, and our goal. I believe that the people of Base 011 will achieve even greater glory in this new era.”

Though brief and somewhat official, such words were what was needed at the time. No one would be truly swayed by a few phrases; what mattered was development, the vision of a bright future. Yang Hui spoke to that desire, discussing progress—so long as everyone remembered him, his future actions would prove his words.

Amid applause, Yang Hui stepped down. The institute’s party secretary ascended to formally announce the finalization of the small turbojet’s design.

“You’ve all been waiting a long time. Now, I officially announce: the supporting turbojet engine for model aircraft, developed by Section Two of Base 011, has been successfully completed.”

With the secretary’s powerful proclamation, the remaining three functional turbojets were started, their roaring voices filling the hall in celebration of this historic moment.

…

During the post-test paperwork and tidying, Director Bai approached Yang Hui to speak privately.

“Yang Hui, are you certain Chief Engineer Wu can help us obtain an export license?”

Seeing the director still unsure of his news, Yang Hui walked to his desk, pulled out the letter written by Elder Wu, and handed it to Director Bai.

“This is it, Director. Take a look—Elder Wu wrote this to me.”

Director Bai took the letter and examined it closely, finally finding the section where Elder Wu expressed his intention to pursue foreign trade. Instantly, he felt reassured.

“Good. Yang Hui, now that you’re free, pack your things. In a few days, come with me to the imperial capital. We’ll go see Chief Engineer Wu.”

There was no room for negotiation in these words. But it was exactly what Yang Hui wanted—otherwise, why would he show the director the entire letter? The true purpose was not just to inform him of Elder Wu’s foreign trade intentions, but to display his relationship with Elder Wu. To be called a ‘worthy nephew’—how could that be insignificant? Only thus could Yang Hui ensure the director valued his role and brought him to the capital.

Yang Hui had long anticipated this. Challenging the monopoly of Aviation Industry Corporation would inevitably be a fierce struggle; he couldn’t afford not to go. Though it might make enemies, he had no fear. Was the road ahead ever free of obstacles? Impossible. Aviation Industry Corporation was merely the starter; the real challenge would be competing against the giants of international aviation manufacturing.

He happily replied to the director, “Alright, I’ll go prepare right now.”

After reading Yang Hui’s letter and noting the mention of a book, Director Bai’s interest was piqued. For someone leading a front-line research institute, such a book would be invaluable. So, shamelessly, he asked to borrow it.

“By the way, could you lend me the book Chief Engineer Wu sent you? He is a senior to all of us; his book must be very useful.”

Unexpectedly, the director wasn’t about to leave empty-handed. Yang Hui gladly found the book and handed it over. It wasn’t classified material; once published, the whole system would have it—he was merely getting a preview. Yet Yang Hui did not realize that lending the book would set in motion the butterfly’s wings, and history would begin to change once more.

Leaving Yang Hui’s office with the book, Director Bai grew increasingly optimistic about Yang Hui’s future. Clearly, Yang Hui had some background; even the letter revealed much. Surely, this young man would bring more surprises.

As for a deep background—what did it matter? So long as he got things done and was useful to the institute, Director Bai would be glad if his background were even deeper.

…

“Alright, Yueyue, I’m leaving now. Don’t see me off; we’ll return when the work is done.” Yang Hui reassured Yueyue, who insisted on seeing him off, promising to come back soon.

“Alright, remember to give my regards to Grandpa and the others. Tell them I’m doing well here, and Chief Engineer Yu is very supportive.” Those who live far from home never wish to worry their families, and Yang Yue was no exception—she only spoke of the good.

“Beep…”

“Go back. I’ll be back soon.”