Chapter Thirty-Three: Lunar Gold Metal

"Mr. Zhang, this is the core of our reactor."

Gazing at the oval structure before him, Zhang Mingyang couldn't help but recall the machine at Jade Mountain Laboratory—how could it look exactly the same?

"Mr. Zhang, our No. 1 reactor here was developed in reference to the one at your university, with further improvements made."

Zhang Mingyang circled the reactor. "No wonder it looks so familiar."

Engineer Wang continued, "Back in '39, we came across your institute's research report. After analyzing it alongside our existing equipment, we made several improvements to our No. 1 unit."

"The improved model is smaller in size but far more efficient. The current reactor core is five meters high, ten meters wide, and weighs only sixty-seven tons—a quarter of its predecessor's weight."

As he examined the unit, Zhang Mingyang suddenly remembered an important detail. "Engineer Wang, since your unit has been running for over twenty years, you must have solved the issue with the core’s inner lining?"

Wang had anticipated this question. He led Zhang Mingyang to another room.

Opening the door, they found the floor covered with square metal blocks.

"This is the material we use for our inner lining—‘Moon Gold.’"

"Moon Gold?" Zhang Mingyang had never heard of it.

Wang smiled. "Of course you haven't. 'Moon Gold' comes from the Dida Valley on the Moon. It was only discovered twenty-five years ago."

"The Moon?" Lin Guangming exclaimed—is this lunar metal?

Wang picked up a piece about the size of a tabletop and handed it to Zhang Mingyang.

"So light!" Zhang Mingyang tossed it in his hand; it couldn’t have weighed even ten pounds.

"You think humanity explores space to seek our origins? In truth, it’s all about finding super-metals and new energy sources."

"This metal has a melting point of seventy thousand degrees Celsius and can withstand any radiation. It is stronger than chromium and its melting point surpasses tungsten. It’s the finest resource we’ve found on the Moon, so we named it ‘Moon Gold,’ the gold of the lunar surface."

"Oh, and your ship ‘Oceanus’ uses this metal extensively, too."

Holding the metal, Zhang Mingyang suddenly remembered a line from "Resource Game": "Human exploration always aims to arm itself."

They left the room and entered the control center.

"Mr. Zhang, this is the main control center for the entire power station. From here, all four units are monitored. Everything is managed by intelligent systems, ensuring the station's safety."

"We’ve learned from the safety incidents at other nuclear plants worldwide and have implemented a range of protective measures."

"As for power supply, we have several fail-safes. Besides the primary power source for the base, we also have hydroelectric generators, solar generators, and mobile power units to guard against any electrical failures."

"And for potential nuclear incidents, you may rest assured—each reactor’s outer shell contains a strong magnetic field, just like the inner lining, providing double protection and ensuring operators can shut down the reactor safely within the critical time window."

After the reactor tour, Wang guided Zhang Mingyang through the operational procedures, and soon it was midday.

"Mr. Zhang, it’s getting late. Let’s have lunch first."

Wang brought him to the cafeteria. They entered a private dining room, where Wang took the initiative to order, hoping Zhang Mingyang would try the lake-bred carp.

"Engineer Wang, you’ve worked here for nearly thirty years—have you never left the station?"

Pouring tea, Wang replied, "Never. I earned my doctorate at twenty-seven and came here right after. I’m nearly sixty now and have worked at this plant ever since."

"Have you ever heard of Wang Huairen?"

At the mention of Wang Huairen, Wang's eyes gleamed with admiration. "Anyone who’s worked here more than twenty years knows his name."

"A remarkable man—a genius! Our station used to operate fission reactors, just like the other two stations. Then, after your institute was founded, Wang Huairen himself designed a fusion reactor for us. I was barely in my thirties, and he was even younger. But when we saw his designs, none of us could believe someone so young could be so brilliant."

Hearing Wang’s praise, Zhang Mingyang grew ever more curious. "Engineer Wang, what does Wang Huairen look like?"

"He’s a big man—a chubby fellow. Haven’t you seen his portrait at your institute?"

"We have his portrait?" Zhang Mingyang tried to recall seeing one.

"You should check your director’s office; it's bound to be there."

"You said Wang Huairen was a big man?"

Wang laid out the dishes. "Yes, not very tall, maybe about one-seventy-five, but very approachable and kind. I remember chatting with him—he was always humble and never put on airs."

Listening to Wang’s description, Zhang Mingyang resolved that one day, he would visit the director’s office and see Wang Huairen’s portrait for himself.

"Let’s eat—the food’s all here."

After lunch, Wang excused himself for a while due to some business, leaving Zhang Mingyang to rest in the reception room.

Through the glass, Zhang Mingyang gazed out at the power station, recording the reactor’s overall design and performance parameters on his communicator. He made detailed notes on the plant’s safety systems for future reference.

He had just finished when Wang returned.

"Mr. Zhang, we’re about to conduct a safety drill at the station. Would you like to observe?"

"Of course," replied Zhang Mingyang. He had come precisely to familiarize himself with the power station’s operations, and a safety drill was essential to understand.

Under Wang’s guidance, they headed to the sub-control room for Unit Three.

"I hereby announce the start of the safety drill for Unit Three." At the command, staff on the monitors sprang into action, each handling their assigned tasks.

The entire afternoon, Zhang Mingyang watched the drill, then took part in a simulated reactor operation. With his expertise, he quickly mastered the daily operational routines of the station.

At six o’clock, Wang said, "Mr. Zhang, it’s late. Why not stay the night? Our dormitories are much more comfortable than your institute’s."

Zhang Mingyang smiled and politely declined, saying he had work to return to the next day.

Seeing he could not persuade him, Wang reminded the helicopter pilot to be very careful and to make sure Mr. Zhang returned safely to the institute.

Just before he left, a tall, thin young man hurried over and pulled a letter from his pocket.

"What’s this?" Zhang Mingyang looked at the envelope in confusion.

"Mr. Zhang, could you do me a favor? Do you know Bai Muqing from the logistics department?"

"Bamboo Pole?"

Zhang Mingyang nodded, indicating he did indeed know him.