Chapter 21: Assistance

The pen moved as if guided by a spirit. Once Jiang Jingzhu began her work, she became completely immersed. She was determined to produce results at the fastest possible speed, hoping to grasp any opportunity to engage with scientific research and become a participant.

The situation was tense, with numerous problems urgently needing solutions.

Yin Zhen returned much later than expected. The outside world had long since fallen silent. Only when he stepped into his home did he see a lamp still lit for him; the feeling was truly wonderful.

"Zhuzhu, why haven't you rested yet?" Upon entering, Yin Zhen couldn't help but ask softly as he saw Jiang Jingzhu leaning over her desk, calculating rapidly.

"I am just reaching the critical data. I still need some time; you should rest first!" Jiang Jingzhu glanced up to see it was Yin Zhen, then lowered her head again to continue her deductions.

"I have figured out a major problem. I will be very busy these next few days, so please don't think I am neglecting you!" While her drawing hand never stopped, she split a sliver of her focus to explain in advance.

Multitasking was a new ability she had recently developed.

"Is this... a torpedo?" With his keen vision, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of the three-view diagram under her pen. Due to his professional sensitivity, he recognized what the precise composition was at a glance. Yin Zhen’s movements faltered, and he immediately averted his gaze.

"Yes, an improved torpedo. I solved the key problems today; it will take a few days to deduce the complete structure." Yin Zhen was not an outsider, and his professional background made him the most trustworthy person. Jiang Jingzhu did not shy away from him. "Once I finish everything, you can evaluate it and help me find a suitable person to entrust it to, to see if it can be put to use!"

It would certainly be put to use; this was her trust in her current capabilities. Modesty was her nature, but she did not speak in absolutes.

"Good! Make a list of what we lack in the house, Zhuzhu. Give me a few days to finish my work, and we will find time to stock up!" Having been away from the regiment for twenty days, he needed to organize his work and prepare for upcoming patrols.

Although he had never experienced it before, Yin Zhen understood that settling down was not easy, and he never intended to be a hands-off husband. Just as he promised, he would take full responsibility for the housework and would not push it onto Jiang Jingzhu.

"I need some components, materials, and tools. Can you help me find them?" Once the design was finished, she wanted to make a rough model for a more intuitive demonstration, which required Yin Zhen’s assistance.

"List them for me!" Yin Zhen did not hesitate and agreed immediately. Publicly or privately, he would absolutely support his wife's research and do his best to assist her.

***

The next day, as the bugle for reveille sounded, Jiang Jingzhu rose with Yin Zhen and tidied up. After waving goodbye to him as he headed out, she returned to the square table.

"After morning drill, I will bring you breakfast. I will be at the base for lunch, so I will bring it to you myself. If I am heading out to sea, I will have Little Li deliver it to the house and leave it on the windowsill. Make sure you eat on time!" Yin Zhen instructed before closing the door.

Security was the most fundamental instinct. Even though he trusted Li Damin, he would not let a second person see Jiang Jingzhu’s research before it had been formally evaluated.

"Thank you. Give me about a week!" The filtering control module was complete, and the engine improvements would not take too much time.

She did not intend to reach the absolute limit in one step; rather, she was creating an advancement that integrated with the current reality. Domestic industrial production did not allow her to go any deeper at the moment. To get the fastest and most effective equipment, some compromises were necessary. Fortunately, even if it didn't reach the ultimate limit, the performance of this torpedo would still be far superior to current ones. How many years of a gap it could bridge would depend on the final draft.

Her expectation was to at least catch up to the famous Soviet 65-type.

"Help me order a set of tables, chairs, and cabinets from the nearby commune!" Before starting work, Yin Zhen left instructions. He had clearly listed the general style and the required dimensions. "Just make sure they are sturdy and durable!"

High-end industrial materials were not suitable right now. Simple designs could be made well by the local commune carpenters, and they could be put to use quickly. He planned to turn the west side of the house into a bedroom, and the east side, which was brighter, into a study with a large bookshelf and a desk for Zhuzhu. It pained him to see her making do with the dining table in the central room for her research every day.

"Did Yin’s family member really arrive?" In the neighboring Su household, Zhang Jing grabbed her husband to whisper a question. They were the closest neighbors, after all.

"Although I work at the nearby supply and marketing cooperative, I spend a lot of time at home!" From morning till night, she hadn't seen much movement indicating anyone living next door.

"Why are you asking about this? Perhaps Yin’s wife is tired from her long journey and is resting at home?" Su Mingzhong frowned. "Comrade Zhang Jing, prying into others' privacy and gossiping behind their backs is not the correct ideological style..." As a political commissar, correcting people's thinking was his job.

"Can’t a person be curious? Stop bringing your work habits home and lecturing our mother and child as if we've done something wrong. I’m just trying to prepare for the harmony between our two families!" If the neighbors were easy to get along with, they could have a pleasant relationship. She was just worried about what kind of people they might be.

"I have seen her myself; the younger sister-in-law is a very easygoing person. I will ask Old Yin about the situation in the next couple of days, so please don't spread rumors!"

"Old Yin and I have a great relationship; don't go ruining it for me!" Although life was life and work was work, and they were well-trained enough to distinguish between the two, as partners, if their families didn't get along, it would still be a big problem.

Since Jiang Jingzhu was rarely seen leaving the house, the ripple of curiosity caused by her arrival eventually settled like a stone falling into a pond, fading into silence. After all, everyone was busy with their three meals a day; no one could spend their time peeking through others' doors to watch how they lived.

"Well, well, does the kid still remember who I am? You finally managed to dig me out of the back of your mind?" Xiao Yong’s thick eyebrows arched high as he managed a rare, teasing smile.

He knew that since Yin had just returned, he must be swamped, but as an elder, seeing the junior he valued finally settle down, he took the opportunity to poke at the kid who always had his head in the clouds. Had he been so lost in newlywed bliss that he’d ignored his elder’s advice to find a partner?

"Old Xiao, find me two capable and absolutely reliable experts nearby to evaluate something!" Yin Zhen’s tone was filled with immense pride—his wife was truly amazing!

"What kind of good stuff have you gotten your hands on, kid?" Xiao Yong turned serious; this boy never spoke empty words.

"40 kilometers, 40 knots!" The phone could not guarantee security, so Yin Zhen only reported the minimum paper data he had just seen. These figures were rare internationally, let alone domestically.

He knew all the known guns, naval equipment, and aircraft-mounted gear of various countries like the back of his hand.

"I will bring people over immediately. Get it properly secured!" Whether it was a torpedo or a missile, these figures were something the country didn't even dare to dream of right now. It could not be allowed to go missing; even if the actual data was only half of that, it would still be their absolute sharpest weapon!

Even if it were raining knives, he would rush over immediately. He could lose his own life, but something with these specifications had to be kept safe!