Chapter Seven: Conversation and Farewell

"Alright then, you may go. I won’t try to persuade you any further, but you must be prepared. As you said, the entire aviation industry is facing tough times. Work diligently, and above all, don’t bring shame to Northwestern Polytechnical University," Director Wang instructed.

"Thank you for your understanding and guidance. I’ll take my leave now," Yang Hui replied, turning away...

As soon as he turned, Yang Hui quickly departed. Watching him go, Director Wang felt a surge of emotion—youth, indeed. I hope you truly achieve something worthwhile. Among this year’s best, you are certainly one.

"Let’s continue, there are other students waiting for their defense," the department head prompted. Then, on Yang Hui’s file, he wrote:

"A highly capable individual with a solid foundation and keen insight; possesses a visionary outlook. Some theoretical notions are detached from the national context; requires practical experience."

"Yang Hui, wait a moment, I have some questions I’d like to discuss with you," Old Wu suddenly stood up and quickly followed after him, leaving the rest of the auditorium exchanging puzzled glances.

"Yang Hui, wait, I need to speak with you," Old Wu, in his sixties, hurried out of the auditorium, showing none of the sluggishness of age, attracting curious looks from nearby students.

Yang Hui stopped and turned around, watching Old Wu’s brisk approach with mixed feelings. The older generation certainly acts with impressive decisiveness.

"Ah, youth is quick on its feet—I can’t keep up at my age. Anyway, I wanted to continue our conversation. It seems you still have thoughts you haven’t shared," Old Wu said.

Seeing the renowned Chief Engineer Wu seek him out for further discussion, Yang Hui naturally had to stop and talk, especially since they shared a mentor-mentee relationship.

"Alright, let’s sit over there," he suggested, and they walked to a nearby pavilion.

As soon as Wu sat down, he spoke, "I see you have many opinions on the engine business; I’d like to hear them. I’ve always felt that domestically we are indeed a bit off track regarding engines."

Yang Hui looked into Wu’s earnest eyes and said, "What I most wanted to say today is exactly about the issue you just mentioned—the Spey project. When I heard you bring it up, I felt deeply saddened. It’s not just regret over losing a reliable engine after the project was halted. In truth, the greatest loss is that we missed an opportunity to engage with and learn from the Western engine manufacturing industry."

He looked up at the pavilion roof and sighed heavily, "Ah…"

"That’s true, but there was nothing we could do. We also wanted to continue, but who knows what those above were thinking? Perhaps they had their own considerations," Old Wu consoled Yang Hui.

Could a father of aviation engines truly feel nothing for the engines he had overseen? Yet at this stage, there was little left to say; after all, with age comes control over one’s emotions.

"Old Wu, I earnestly beg you not to abandon the Spey project. It holds tremendous significance! If continuing the whole project isn’t possible, at least arrange for the subprojects to be localized, to thoroughly master them—that alone would be worthwhile! Especially some advanced manufacturing techniques; these can greatly boost our entire aviation industry."

Yang Hui suddenly looked at Old Wu. He didn’t wish to place such a burden on a man in his sixties, but the circumstances compelled him.

"You know that engine development cycles are long, but if we can master subsystems early, the overall R&D timeline will be greatly shortened. So, it is vital to keep those key, time-consuming subprojects going. Preliminary research is a widely recognized method abroad," Yang Hui pressed again.

"You’re absolutely right, and I see that these subprojects wouldn’t require much funding. Let me tell you, I’m about to move to the Science and Technology Committee of the Ministry of Aviation Industry, to spend my later years there. I will do my best to secure funding for these projects, but in the future, the concrete research will depend on you young people," Old Wu said with anticipation.

"Alright, I must go. Do your best—what you’ve asked, I’ll strive to make it happen!" Old Wu stood up and walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, Yang Hui renewed his resolve—to achieve his goals, help the aviation industry soar, and build a Chinese heart for the nation’s aircraft. He also wanted to see the founding father of the Republic’s aviation industry hold his head high.

"Yang Hui, why didn’t you continue on to graduate school? Are you admitting defeat? I don’t want a victory like this," Zhao Zhiqiang confronted him again.

"Whether I go to graduate school or not has nothing to do with our rivalry. I told you I’d write a sensational thesis. You can ask the thesis review committee how it turned out—I said I wouldn’t lose to you, I just want a bigger stage! This place no longer suits me," Yang Hui replied lightly, walking away.

"Yang Hui, I know your thesis is insightful, but our rivalry isn’t over. Aviation isn’t just in school—so long as you remain in the industry, we’ll always be competitors," Zhao Zhiqiang shouted, fists clenched, pointing at Yang Hui, his unwillingness obvious to all.

"I will, see you in the field," Yang Hui answered simply, suddenly realizing Zhao Zhiqiang might not understand what the field truly means yet. He smiled faintly. This guy really is interesting—after all these years of rivalry.

He walked through the campus, recalling his last life’s experiences at his alma mater and the camaraderie of his classmates, feeling a sudden pang of reluctance to part.

Opening the dormitory door, he found the other three already there. Judging by their expressions, their theses had gone well, but their moods were subdued—the time for farewell had come; four years of university had passed in a flash.

With everything at school wrapped up, it was time to say goodbye. "Changqing, where do you plan to work?" Yang Hui asked.

After some thought, Liu Changqing replied, "Wherever I can work with planes, it’ll be fine. I’m from Shenyang, so I’ll probably be assigned back there—could be either the 601 or 626 Institute. What about you two?"

"I actually hope to go to one of the third-line institutes. It depends on the assignment," Yang Hui replied. He was to go to an aircraft or engine research institute, with a personal preference for the southwest third-line, where internal strife was less severe.

Hearing their plans, Tang Changhong shared his, "I’m from Shaanxi, so I want to stay in Xi’an. The 603 Institute here is great, and since the school arranges placements, I’ll stay local."

"So you’re all talking about your futures and jobs, while I’m the only one left behind at school. Alright, you all go your ways!" Yang Wei lamented, a little forlorn.

...

Tang Changhong entered the dormitory, excited. "My job posting came through—just as I expected, it’s the 603 Institute. No problems there."

"Mine’s out too—601 Institute, no surprises," Liu Changqing said calmly.

"I’m assigned to the Flight Test Center, but I’m not really keen on the job. I’ll head back to Beijing first, and once I settle in, I’ll be in touch with everyone."

"Alright, with our parting near, let’s not go home sober tonight," Yang Wei suddenly suggested.

"Let’s go. Who knows when we’ll meet again after saying goodbye—though Dawei and I will stay in Xi’an," Tang Changhong added.

As dusk fell, the four walked into a restaurant. With food and wine on the table, Yang Hui raised his glass first, "Four years ago, we came from all corners of the country for the same goal and dream. Today, we part ways for that very dream, heading in different directions. To our shared ideal—cheers!"

"Well said. We came here after succeeding in the college entrance exam, all for our ideals. We’re now closer than ever. Though I must wait a few more years, that’s alright. We are among the leading students of our year—we must take up the work of our predecessors, support the wings of our fighter jets, and defend the vast skies of our homeland. That is our mission and duty," Yang Wei, who had never drunk in college, spoke passionately after his first glass.

"We’ve weathered storms together for these years, all for our dreams. Let’s hope we can persevere. It may seem a monotonous field, but that’s all the more reason to persist," someone added.

"Yes, life is short. We must strive and toil—to contribute our share to the nation’s defense! We must not give up halfway and waste what we’ve learned."

...

They enjoyed their meal and the wine to the fullest. In the days to come, each would recall that these words became the driving force that helped them persevere through hardship at work. Yet what they didn’t know was that, even in another lifetime, they’d persisted just as tenaciously, becoming heroes worthy of song—pillars of the nation and the people.

...

These four, always early risers in college, slept until noon. Upon waking, they had to face a new beginning, each going their separate way.

That afternoon, Yang Hui and Liu Changqing packed their belongings for departure. The walk to the train station was oppressive; no one spoke. At last, with the train’s whistle as it pulled in:

"Xiao Hui, Changqing, do your best and safe travels," Yang Wei and Tang Changhong said in unison. All four smiled.

"Don’t worry, I’ll make a name for myself in Shenyang—won’t let our dorm down," Liu Changqing replied.

"I may not be at the Flight Test Center, but I’m not leaving aviation. Don’t worry, I’ll settle into a good job soon. Wherever I am, I’ll do my best," Yang Hui promised as well.

"Goodbye," the two of them walked slowly towards the platform.

...