Chapter 23: Setting Sail

"Can we really build this?" Xiao Yong asked, rubbing his chin in excitement. He knew that no one could look at such an advanced piece of equipment without feeling a surge of ambition.

Yin Zhen had truly brought him a magnificent treasure. That marriage application he wrote had turned out to be the most valuable document of his life!

"Director Xiao, our preliminary calculations are precise and accurate. The theory is sound and perfectly aligns with our current defense needs!"

"Most importantly, the design logic behind Jingzhu’s blueprints is tailored to our existing national conditions, fitting perfectly with our 'two boats, one torpedo' development philosophy. With such advanced performance, the cost will not exceed that of importing similar technology from abroad. This will be a brand-new breakthrough in our independent torpedo development!"

"For the past few years, we have been pushing for self-reliance in research and development. Many of the materials were already prepared, but we lacked the technology. Now, with these blueprints, we can definitely build torpedoes that rank among the most advanced in the world!" Perhaps even surpassing many of them.

"Then let's build it!" Tighten our belts and get it done! As for the funding, we’ll squeeze it out somehow. If it comes down to it, I’ll go beg the higher-ups. We must build it!

Once this is created, they will hold absolute authority over the South China Sea. Then, he’d like to see who dares to stick their neck out again—he’d give them a taste of true power, and the experience would surely be spectacular!

He wanted to see who would dare to wander into their waters after that.

"The waves behind push the waves ahead. Jingzhu, you’ve done well. You’ve truly embodied the fine traditions of our school—daring to think and daring to innovate. We teachers feel ashamed!" Old Meng looked at Jiang Jingzhu with eyes full of admiration. If the youth are strong, the country is strong. With a successor like her, the future is bright!

From the design philosophy and the derivation process of this torpedo, one could see that the girl possessed vast knowledge and exceptional talent. In many aspects, she had already surpassed them; they had lived all these years in vain.

"It is only thanks to the teachers' selfless and diligent guidance!"

"We must fully grasp these theories and technologies to reach production as soon as possible. We will need your guidance, Jingzhu! The one who masters the subject is the teacher; we must learn from you!" As a student who married at such a young age and traveled so far to follow her husband to this island, it was easy to guess that Jingzhu must have faced some difficulties.

Old Meng felt pity for his student; he didn't want her to be trapped in domestic life and bury her extraordinary talent. He couldn't help but invite her: "Jingzhu, would you be willing to work at the institute? The environment here is simple, but it is quiet, and you can focus on your research."

They knew her character and background well; there were absolutely no issues there!

Though they operated under the banner of climate research, that was merely a front. In reality, they were working on their own projects in this sanctuary protected by Old Xiao.

"When someone has talent, they should be praised loudly. Comrade Jingzhu, don't be too modest. If you are willing to join the institute, the benefits and treatment will be top-tier. We’ll skip the internship; you’ll start directly as an engineer! Your contribution this time will surely be rewarded as well! I, Old Xiao, welcome capable people more than anyone—Old Meng and Old Du can vouch for that."

Special talents require special treatment!

Oh my, he felt embarrassed just thinking about it. Before this, he had actually wanted her to come see him, and he had only intended to consider whether to offer her a chance at the institute.

With such a great talent, he would be willing to act like Liu Bei and visit her three times at her cottage to invite her.

Xiao Yong glanced at Yin Zhen, who was standing at attention. This lad better take good care of his wife; if he could keep such a talent here, he would credit the boy with a major achievement!

To have such good fortune! My, my, it was truly an eye-opener!

"Thank you. I am honored to work with you all and contribute to our national defense!" Jiang Jingzhu nodded firmly. The benefits were secondary; she was simply happy to finally have a safe and formal opportunity to engage in scientific research.

"Good, good, good! Welcome to the institute, Jingzhu. Tomorrow, we will organize our core team to begin technical verification and tackle the challenges. We need to master this as quickly as possible and establish standard manufacturing processes!" This beast was meant for mass production, so every step of the process had to be thoroughly vetted.

Neither of them felt the burden; they were filled with passion and excitement. This was a historic breakthrough for their independent research!

To be lucky enough to participate in it, they would give their all, even if it cost them their lives.

"The research matters are in your hands. If you need support, just submit a request. I will cooperate fully!" Xiao Yong was both excited and distressed—the budget was truly tight!

He was suffering, yet happy. Just thinking about the prospect of taking down the enemy's vessels in the future made his eyes light up with anticipation. It was just so hard when the military equipment couldn't keep up!

"Yin Zhen, ensure the security work is done right!" The institute was closest to him; capable people should take on more responsibility. He’d give him more to do! If he didn't work hard to improve himself, how could he be worthy of such an outstanding wife?

Such an advanced treasure could not be lost; it must not be sniffed out by those "skunks."

"Jingzhu, you’ve been tired for so many days. Go back and rest. Old Du and I will study this further. Don't worry about us!" The handwriting on the blueprints was still fresh; she must have been exhausted.

He and Old Du were in the middle of a high; neither had the heart to sleep, and there was no need to keep the girl up with them.

"Right, right. Yin Zhen, take Comrade Jingzhu home to rest!" Such a brilliant mind was their precious treasure; it had to be protected!

Progress should not be rushed. After focusing intensely for half a month, Jiang Jingzhu was indeed tired and complied with the arrangements to return home.

Under the warm glow of the dim light, Jiang Jingzhu wiped her hair, enjoying the rare leisure of not having to think at such a high intensity. Yin Zhen returned, deftly mixed the water, helped her wash her hair, and cleaned up. Once she was refreshed and relaxed, she felt a sudden laziness wash over her.

This was the first time since their wedding that they were spending such a quiet moment together.

Previously, she had been caught in a storm of information within her consciousness. The increasingly capable brain fascinated her; the deeper she explored, the more functions she discovered.

She no longer needed paper and pen to draft; she could clearly construct physical diagrams under the star-filled sky of her mind. Just as she had once built books, she had now upgraded—it was like a simulated laboratory, as if guided by the divine. The feeling was simply marvelous!

For her research, this was truly a god-like advantage.

Out of habit, Jiang Jingzhu still recorded her derivations on paper. She would eventually have to present them, and effective derivation was the best way to verify and assist understanding.

When her focus was too intense, her reactions to the outside world would slow down.

Eating and resting had become almost mechanical.

"Being able to complete this research so smoothly is thanks to Comrade Yin Zhen's strong support. Half of the merit goes to you!" She gave Yin Zhen a thumbs-up, her eyes curving into crescents as she thanked him sincerely.

Thank you, Yin Zhen, for your understanding and full support. Her scientific dream had set sail smoothly! Her partner was even better than she had expected!

"Comrade Jingzhu, you are too polite. This is my duty—to serve the people!" Yin Zhen bowed slightly, playing along with the lighthearted remark.

The old woman had warned him that a couple shouldn't be too rigid in their interactions; he felt he was finally starting to understand.