Chapter Twenty-Five: Determination

"We will. I have always believed in that!" They had always been an indomitable people! Jiang Jingzhu removed her collar badges and pinned them solemnly onto her matching navy-grey collar, then attached her identification card to her pocket.

Others might have had a head start, but they were still gathering their strength; they would certainly catch up and forge ahead!

In the future, they would be the first to build a sixth-generation fighter jet!

In the future, their aircraft carriers and warships would emerge in the seas as if being churned out like dumplings!

Once, she had lamented this poignant history!

Now, she would become a part of building that new future!

"Yes, yes, we firmly believe that while the road is tortuous, the future is bright. No matter what, being able to enjoy a peaceful and prosperous age today is already a great blessing!"

"Take a look, Jingzhu, is anything missing? Time was short, so the setup is incomplete!"

"It's wonderful, it's already perfect. These books are the most precious wealth! All technology can be derived from theory!" The two cabinets were packed with various books—from basic textbooks on science and mathematics to dynamics, structural engineering... there was no shortage of thick, handwritten manuscripts and translations.

This was exactly what researchers like them loved most.

"The development of human technology is based on the progress of fundamental theory. All technological advancements stem from the elevation of these foundations! Future technology will advance alongside the progress of basic theory!

Before Einstein’s theory of special relativity was born, and before he provided the mass-energy equivalence formula (E=mc^2), no one could have imagined that such immense energy was hidden within an atomic nucleus, so small that it is invisible to the naked eye!"

"We must strive for the world's advanced levels ourselves. We will become the world's advanced! We shall define what is advanced!" Her tone was firm, without a hint of hesitation. She had witnessed such an era of prosperity!

"Well said! If there is no technical guidance, we will derive it ourselves. As pioneers, we should have that kind of courage! Our school started by teaching, learning, and researching simultaneously!" Elder Du clapped in admiration. "With successor talent like Jingzhu, we should celebrate today with a toast—even if it's just water!"

If the students were this resolute, how could they, as mentors, ever waver?

The road is tortuous, the future is bright; everything they did, even if it meant merely eliminating a wrong direction, was meaningful!

"Hahaha... Jingzhu, you’ve touched the very heart of your teacher, Elder Du. When he left school, he didn't bring anything else, but these books—he couldn't bear to let them go, even if he had to carry them on his shoulders!"

"Oh, Old Meng, you say that about me, but aren't you the same? Who was the one who valued books more than his own life?" Elder Du laughed and pointed at him; they were cut from the same cloth—no need for one to criticize the other!

In those years, it wasn't easy for them to access information. To bring advanced technical concepts back to the country, they translated them themselves, memorized them by heart... He still remembered the surging blood and the passionate, beating heart of those days.

Now, seeing Jingzhu—a top-tier talent cultivated domestically—they knew it was all worth it!

Let's maintain some dignity as mentors!

It didn't matter if they were surpassed by their students in knowledge; that was a sign of progress. But couldn't they at least show a little poise?

Tsk, tsk... so particular!

Recalling the rugged years of their youth, the two men burst into hearty laughter once more. Whether it was the sudden joy of achieving a breakthrough in autonomous research or the pride that it was their own student who had created it, the two felt a rare, heartfelt sense of relief and joy!

"Come, Jingzhu, let me introduce you to our new partners!" Elder Meng gestured for her to follow. "Don't let our lack of fame fool you; our scale is quite decent.

This institute is directly under the Naval Research Department. The outside name is just a cover; our current codename is 501. We focus on warship design, building our own medium and large-scale vessels. Our second focus is naval aircraft design—the Navy must have its own fighters.

At the same time, we also work on targeted development of firearms and military armaments!

However, this is a grand goal! For now, everyone must contribute and gain experience in fundamental roles. For example, Old Du occasionally needs to fix aircraft malfunctions, and for me, if a ship has a problem, we roll up our sleeves and get to work. Whatever the post, isn't shedding light and heat a contribution?

We are the ones they turn to when they encounter difficult problems, but the actual work is done by those young soldiers! Such practical operation has actually helped Old Du and me bridge theory with reality, accumulating quite a lot of experience and ideas."

Along the way, Elder Meng gave Jiang Jingzhu a brief introduction to the institute's situation.

"Everyone in the institute works in military industry. Personnel matters are simple; salaries are handled directly by the military logistics department. We have our own dormitories, cafeteria, test zones, office areas, and most importantly, we have our own library!"

Although the most highly classified materials were certainly not kept there, the basic theories, the advanced theories currently available, and publicly accessible research data were all laid out and updated in real-time. This would likely make Jingzhu even happier!

Just now, the child had been delighted by those two cabinets of books in Old Du's office. Compared to a library, that was nothing! Only some of Old Du’s manuscripts and notes held real value!

They were located deep within the base, an area where ordinary soldiers didn't venture. The exterior was plain and unremarkable, meant to avoid attracting attention; even the plaque outside said "Meteorological Research," but the reality was quite different.

While they were talking, the three arrived at the door of the conference room. Inside, several researchers with distinct academic air were already seated in two rows. Some were racing against time to calculate something, some were lost in thought, others were reviewing briefings... each was different, but none were wasting time.

A middle-aged woman sitting to the right took a sip of hot water, looked up at the newcomers, adjusted her glasses, and said with a gentle smile: "Elder Meng, Elder Du, do we have a newcomer? Is this meeting to introduce us to some fresh blood?"

Just in time, they were short-handed! If they were to put out a recruitment notice, they would be flooded with applicants—they were certainly in high demand! But they clearly couldn't advertise. They were truly in need of reliable people who could actually do the work!

At the sound of her voice, everyone in the room turned their attention to the three entering.

"She’s at such a youthful age!" Whose child was this, and why send her here? This wasn't exactly a cushy place! Seeing the girl's fresh, young face, she couldn't be very old! Expecting a capable expert, the group couldn't help but feel a wave of disappointment.

After all, it wasn't entirely about judging by appearances, but in scientific research, growth truly required time!

"She also has achievements as brilliant as a flower!" Elder Du closed the door himself, and Elder Meng led Jiang Jingzhu directly to the head of the table. "Jingzhu, you deserve this seat!"

"Let me introduce to everyone: Comrade Jiang Jingzhu, the most outstanding student in the history of our Ning Institute!"

Perhaps there would be other excellent students in the future, but for now, Jingzhu, who had independently completed the design of a world-class torpedo, was worthy of this title of the best in their history!