Rebirth 08: Equipment God

Chapter 218 An Invitation from Beijing

Zhai Da ultimately did not go to Wu Qiang's house in the middle of the night, nor did he let Wu Qiang's wife come to Shenzhou Zundi.

Wu Qiang's words on the phone were unclear again, because he was afraid that if the "what if" happened, it would make everyone feel awkward.

So we arranged to meet the next day, Saturday morning, at the school cafeteria.

This place is definitely safe.

Around 11 o'clock, Zhai Da arrived at the cafeteria alone. Wan Chunrong, whom he had met once before, was already there. This typical mature beauty from the North was wearing a black trench coat and tall boots. She waved to Zhai Da when she saw him.

There was also a little girl next to her, about eleven or twelve years old, probably her daughter.

Round and plump.
Unfortunately, in the lottery of life, it seems I've drawn the one where my father's genes dominate.

Effects: Life difficulty +5, Determination to study +2, Risk of early romantic relationships -10.

Wan Chunrong said awkwardly, "Wu Qiang is away on a business trip, and there's no one to take care of the child. She'll do her homework next to us in a bit so as not to disturb us."

Zhai Da nodded, and with his right hand, he touched the little girl's ear and produced a boiled egg.

"Brother, please have something to eat!"

The little girl hesitated for a moment when she saw the boiled egg. But since it was still food, she took it and said, "Thank you, brother."

Very well, the boiled eggs that Lu Wei insisted on giving Zhai Da this morning have found a buyer; he really doesn't want to eat them.

After the two settled down in the corner, "Xiao Wuqiang" did his homework at a table across from him, while Zhai Da casually grabbed a few drinks and gave one to the little girl as well.

Wan Chunrong took the small bottle of cola, rubbed it in her hands, and didn't know how to start the conversation.

Perhaps because Zhai Da and Wu Qiang were like brothers, and because Zhai Da possessed a mature demeanor unlike his peers, Wan Chunrong never treated this young man as a child from their first meeting.

But if you treat them as equals, you will feel psychological pressure.

Because it's another troublesome matter.

The conversation began in a way that surprised Zhai Da.

"An overseas assignment?"

"Yes, we're going to northern Beijing."

Zhai Da pointed to himself, somewhat uncertainly saying:

"Me, a freshman? They can send me abroad?"

Wan Chunrong sighed, thinking to herself that she was accumulating more and more favors.
It's hard to even open your mouth.

Zhai Da was not particularly interested. He was very busy at the end of the semester, and besides, Wu Qiang's family undoubtedly owed him more.

How much titanium alloy would it take to settle the debt of favors?

"Why can't we talk about the project details over the phone? We have to meet in person to discuss it."

Wan Chunrong looked around cautiously, and was about to speak when Zhai Da interrupted her again:
"Wait, Sister Wan, what we're saying is that if it's some kind of confidential project, you'd better not mention it."

He didn't want to be accused of leaking secrets for no reason, and he wasn't mentally prepared for that.

Wan Chunrong shook her head: "No, not entirely. At least the existence of the project is not a secret. It is a 'basic science' project, and the country has publicly stated that it is conducting research on it."

"The project is called: Shock Tunnel for Reproducing Hypersonic Flight Conditions."

Zhai Da raised his eyebrows as he listened to Wan Chunrong's detailed explanation.

The team she led was outsourced to the overall project, and it was also the largest source of funding for the team.

Yesterday, they contacted her and said that a key technical expert in Beijing was injured, which has caused a delay in the overall progress.

Then I remembered the "master craftsmen" from Harbin Institute of Technology. It is said that they were technical experts who recognized the level of this place from afar through their "works" and spontaneously recommended it.

Wan Chunrong was in a dilemma when she received the call. There was no such thing as a master craftsman, not even a junior apprentice. Zhai Da was a complete and utter newbie!

I haven't even finished my university English course!
Ultimately, the reason for this information gap is Wan Chunrong's own problem.

The couple acknowledged Zhai Da's favor and were looking for a suitable opportunity to repay it. However, due to their work situation, Wan Chunrong hadn't discussed the details with Jingbei beforehand, such as who made the blades.

Maybe they don't care over there, but doesn't this show that their group is capable?

Sure enough, one lie requires countless lies to cover it up. Now that people from Jingbei are coming to call for help, she's almost speechless.

"They've either sent people to tackle key research projects, or some of the original tasks are left undone. They said it would take four or five days, but at most seven."

Zhai Da frankly admitted, "Wait a minute, I admit that I'm fairly skilled in machinery, processing, and appearance, but I'm not a complete person. If I go there and can't do the work, wouldn't that be a waste of time?"

Wan Chunrong: "We'll probably only know the specifics once we get there. I also emphasized that you only know precision machining. What they mean is that as long as your 'hands are steady,' it'll be fine. I guess the original technicians will provide sufficient guidance." Zhai Da stroked his chin, somewhat unsure of what to do.
It would be a lie to say I'm completely uninterested; it's a hypersonic wind tunnel that I often saw on short videos in my past life.

It feels pretty good to touch it.

It's only been a few days, so why not treat it as a vacation?

It's not shameful to be rejected because your skills aren't up to par; what's shameful is Wan Chunrong.
Wan Chunrong waited quietly for a reply, but gradually calmed down as she thought about the matter more carefully.

It's so abstract!
After a long while, Zhai Da spoke up: "I have two questions. First, is there such a thing as being sent abroad as a freshman like me?"

Wan Chunrong truthfully replied, "Of course there is no precedent for this, but it's not that the process is impossible; it's just that no one requires freshmen to participate in key national projects. It's a huge plus, helping with graduate school applications, resumes, and job hunting."

It was only then that she realized that none of these things seemed particularly important to Zhai Da.
In terms of graduate school admission, he's already secured one; in terms of resume, Zhai Da is a future academician candidate; and in terms of job prospects, he's a bestselling author.
So they could only add a few superficial benefits: "It can broaden your horizons and help you learn new knowledge."

Even I feel uneasy saying it.

Zhai Da remained noncommittal and continued, "My second question is, although you didn't seem to say it was 'secret,' it is still a key national project. Will it affect me personally in any way? For example, will I be prohibited from leaving the country?"

Wan Chunrong quickly waved her hand: "No, no, absolutely not. This is basic science, not weapons research. Student Zhai may not have much experience with it. In reality, most major projects are led by the state, but it's not like the situation in movies where they're being monitored."

"Think about it, countless researchers go abroad for exchanges every year. Are we going to exclude all of them? Including me, I'm going to Germany for a conference in March."

Zhai Da thought that made sense, especially in this day and age.
If you don't go abroad, you're just a nobody, not even recognized in China!
Wan Chunrong said, "Let's think of it this way: think of this project team as a 'big company.' The company will require 'employees' to abide by professional ethics and not to leak information. If they do, there will be legal disputes. But if you don't actively break this taboo, it won't have any impact at all."

"As for the kind of 'investigation of ancestors for three generations before doing anything' that you imagine, I'm afraid only a few 'large-scale military equipment research and development' projects are like that, and even ordinary military projects are not that strict."

Wan Chunrong then explained in more detail.

In summary: Zhai Da will make a "throwing knife" and do some work for a few days.

At most a week, to broaden one's horizons and enhance one's resume. If Zhai Da doesn't care about these superficial things...
Wan Chunrong and her husband Wu Qiang owe him a favor, but it's unclear whether that counts as a "benefit".

Zhai Da tapped his fingers lightly on the cafeteria table, producing a steady, continuous sound.

"Little Wuqiang" was peeling an egg on the side.

She'll eat anything when she's hungry.
Zhai Da asked the last question:
“If I go, your little ‘lie’ will definitely be exposed. It’s actually more convenient for you if I don’t go, so why do you have to try to persuade me?”

He didn't understand the logic behind this.
Wan Chunrong sighed, her gaze unconsciously drifting to the ceiling: "When we work on projects related to the country, we can't just think about ourselves and how much funding we have; we have to consider whether the project can succeed."

"This project has great potential. Since Qian Xuesen first proposed the idea of ​​a shock tunnel in 58, fifty years have passed, and only now has the technology and industrial level supported its actual construction."

Zhai Da interrupted, "Wait, the idea of ​​a shock tunnel was proposed in 58? Qian Xuesen?"

You didn't say it backwards, did you? Doesn't it sound more reasonable to say it was 85?

Wan Chunrong laughed and said, "That's right, aren't you surprised? Actually, this project wasn't viewed very favorably from a higher perspective. Even some leaders thought that if Americans couldn't do it, why should the Chinese be able to?"

"I'm not that noble. But my little scheme is to pursue some personal gain without affecting 'official business.' When 'official business' encounters problems, it's best to put aside 'personal gain' for the time being. In any case, getting this project done is the most important thing."

"Having participated in the 'world's first hypersonic wind tunnel' and having participated in a failed project, wouldn't the former be more advantageous to me?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Zhai Da eventually agreed to go and take a look.
However, it can only be at a specific time, which is around December 10th.

He was scheduled to attend Xinglang's "Internet Gala" on December 19th, and two days prior, he would participate in Xinglang's related activities and interviews. His original plan was to arrive in northern Beijing on the 17th.

Now, if we allow seven more days for the wind tunnel, we'll arrive on the 10th.

If the timing couldn't be coordinated, he could only politely decline. It was impossible for him to make two trips to Beijing during the busy end of the semester, or leave a gap in between to wait there.

Wan Chunrong said she would give feedback, and she would also confirm the school's procedures, so this part was not considered as Zhai Da taking leave.

It counts as "scientific research practice." It seems that there are also bonus points in the school system, but most first-year students don't get involved in this.

All meals and accommodation are included, along with round-trip airfare. There is a subsidy of 200 yuan per day, provided by Wan Chunrong's project team.

Although none of these things matter to Zhai Da, he will still receive all the treatment he is entitled to.

Correspondingly, with only ten days left before leaving school, Zhai Da will face increasing pressure for the final exams. He needs to prepare in advance, and he can start reviewing some subjects now.

In addition, he bought a book called "Mastering Car Modification" and would flip through it from time to time to prepare for his "Panamera".

While most car modification projects are illegal, the books that teach these modifications are not.
It can only be said that the publishing industry is still too lenient.

By the way, the extra schedule also prevented Lu Wei, who originally wanted to go to northern Beijing with Zhai Da, from making the trip.

Three days is fine, but ten days is too long, especially since it's just pure companionship without any specific plans. They probably don't allow family members to come to the shockwave tunnel either; going there would just mean being locked up in a hotel.
This undoubtedly left Lu Wei very disappointed.
But it made someone in northern Beijing's heart soar.

Turning three days into ten days is like turning a bicycle into a motorcycle!
(End of this chapter)